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Replacing An RV Toilet? Read This First!

Posted by Sep 24, 2025 RV living, Tips, Uncategorized , , , , , , , , , Leave a Comment
Replacing An RV Toilet? Read This First!
New RV toilet in RV
Replacing my RV toilet didn’t go as planned.

Upgrading My RV Toilet

RVs aren’t built to last forever. With that said, everything in any RV will eventually break, even when they’ve been properly maintained. This isn’t unlike a house, but with so many plastic (and OSB strand board) components, things just don’t last as long in an RV. WIth that said, when my RV toilet broke last week, I did what many other RVers do: I consulted the experts on Youtube. I perused videos of how to replace an RV toilet.

Youtube Videos are deceptive

The videos looked easy. Unbolt and pop the old RV toilet out. Then pop the new one in and bolt it down. I’ve replaced a few household toilets before so I didn’t even consider hiring an RV technician for this “easy” job. After all, what could possibly go wrong?

Measure Twice, Cut Once

I researched the part and found that I couldn’t get a direct replacement for the toilet, but the best fit would be a Dometic 321. I ordered the toilet from Hitchweb.com, and after being redirected a few times, it arrived 7 days later. I’ve always wanted to install a bidet, and now was a good time. So I ordered a Clean Camper RV Bidet. This RV specific bidet installs under the toilet seat. The connections are simple to do. However, in the limited space of an RV bathroom, doing the install on a new toilet would make everything easier. Then I’d just take the broken toilet out, an pop the new one in. Easy peasy. Or so I thought.

The World Of RV Repairs Is Not What It Seems

Before the install, I emptied and flushed the black tank. As an extra measure I added about a quarter cup of biodegradable dish soap down the old toilet and flushed the tank again. I turned the water supply off and put down a towel to catch any water drips before I disconnected the water intake hose. I Now it was time to put my Nalgene gloves on and unbolt the toilet from the floor.

Surprises In Store

I took took the outer housing off and found 4 bolts instead of the two bolt configuration on the Dometic toilet. Big deal, I thought. I can just move the mounting bolts to a different position on the toilet flange. Worst case, you just replace the flange. However, that’s not how it works in an RV at all. Especially in a 2008 Fleetwood Southwind.

There was no way to move the bolts around on the toilet flange, and the flange itself was about 2 feet long and curved around to be part of the plumbiing system. What to do? Now was a good time to call an RV technician.

For A Few Dollars More…

I called Courtenay RV Specialists and found out that they sold an adapter that would allow the 2 bolt toilet to be installed on the 4 bolt flange. After several trips back and forth, and about $200, I was able to get one that wound up working. Including the bidet, this RV toilet was now going to cost more than $1200. Yikes. But a toilet is necessary equipment, so I went ahead with the repair.

The toilet wound up installed. However, unlike the YouTube videos there were moments of sheer horror involved as things seemed to fly down the crapper. There’s no doubt that where there’s a will there’s a way when it comes to RV repairs, but if you’re replacing a toilet in an older RV, here are some key-takeaways from my experience.

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Key Takeaways For Replacing A RV Toilet

  1. Lower your expectations for this upgrade (haha)
  2. Measure your old toilet
  3. Find the correct replacement toilet
  4. Ceramic toilets are much heavier than plastic toilets. If you have a travel trailer, consider the additional weight before you upgrade your toilet.
  5. Don’t panic if the bolt pattern is different on your new toilet. You can get an adapter for your old toilet flange.
  6. Use tape to hold the toilet flange adapter in place while you drill pilot holes. Then remove the tape before installing it.

Well, it all worked out in the end, and I must say, I’m flushed with pride at the results.

Bluetti AC70: The Ultimate Portable Power Station for Boondocking

Posted by Jul 27, 2025 camping gear reviews, RV living, Tips , , , , , , , , , Leave a Comment
Bluetti AC70: The Ultimate Portable Power Station for Boondocking
A smiling person gives a thumbs-up next to a Bluetti AC70 Portable Power Station, showcasing its digital display.
The author showcases the Bluetti AC70 Portable Power Station, highlighting its convenience for boondocking enthusiasts.

Finding a reliable source of power has always been a challenge when we’re boondocking. For the uninitiated, boondocking means camping off grid, with absolutely no hookups. This includes not being connected to shore power, water, or sewer. I love boondocking because it’s usually free (although boondocking at a provincial or state campground isn’t) . But before I digress too far: My boondocking life changed when I got a portable power station.

Bluetti AC70 Portable Power Station with a digital display and multiple charging ports.
The Bluetti AC70 Portable Power Station, a compact and powerful solution for RV boondocking.

Now, my RV is equipped with cigarette lighter style twelve volt connections throughout, so I never felt the need to look into getting a portable power station. My system of plugging chargers for electronics was, for the most part working, although I couldn’t do things like run small appliances without running Daisy Mae’s built in Onan generator. However, one day, Bluetti reached out and asked me to try out the Bluetti AC70. This little power station has been a game changer for boondocking in my RV.

Small But Mighty

This little power station is small and compact enough to store anywhere in most cabinets in the RV, and lightweight enough to be easily portable. But small size doesn’t mean it low power. AC70 offers 1000 Watts and 768Watt hours of power.

The AC70 charges via120V in under an hour, but I can also charge it through a 12 Volt plug while I’m driving. I could also use a solar panel to power it, but I haven’t done that yet (more on that later). It has 2 AC outlets, 2 USB and 2 USB-C charging ports, and a 12 Volt, cigarette lighter style charging port.

Versatile Power Solution

This gives it a lot of versatility to run almost small appliances and charge and electronic devices from laptops to phones. By the way, I’ve found most of my electronics charge a lot faster through the Bluetti power station than through an AC wall outlet. Here’s some of the things I’ve used the Bluetti to run or charge:

There are larger power stations out there, but the AC70 is the perfect size for RV life, overlanding, or car camping. It’s small size and big power make it a great addition for a grab-and-go emergency kit too.

Features:

  • 1000 Watts
  • 2000 Watts lifting power
  • 768 Watt hours
  • 45 minute charging time on AC
  • 2 hours charging time on 500 W solar
  • LiFePO4 (relatively environmentally friendly)
  • 3000 charging cycles
  • Bluetti App lets you control charging from a phone
  • High viz LED display that tells you everything you need to know
  • 5 year warranty
  • Accessories: AC Charging Cable, Car Charging Cable, Solar Charging Cable

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 2.36“ ｘ8.18“ ｘ10.07“ / 314mm ｘ208mm ｘ255.8mm
  • Weight: About 22.4 lbs / 10.2kg
  • Charging temperature: 32°F – 104°F / 0°C – 40°C
  • Storage temperature: -4°F~104°F / -20°C – 40°C
  • Safety certifications: UL Standard, CEC, DOE, FCC, CA Prop 65

This Versatile Portable Power Station Lets You Have It All When You’re Boondocking

The Bluetti AC70 Portable Power Station is the power solution I didn’t know I needed. It lets me run or charge every electrical appliance I need without ever plugging into shore power. That’s pretty neat and it’s revolutionizing the way I RV.

Find Out Everything You Need To Know About Choosing A Power Station

If you’re shopping for a portable power station, you’ll want to click here to check out my best tips getting the right one for your particular needs in RV Life.

Click here to check out essential camping gear reviews

Good Morning! from Coastal Black Winery In Black Creek, BC

Posted by Jul 7, 2025 Destinations, News, RV living, Uncategorized , Leave a Comment
Good Morning! from Coastal Black Winery In Black Creek, BC
Coastal Black Winery, Black Creek, BC

I’m not normally what a farmer would call an early riser. However, travel days that involve ferry travel frequently involve being woken from a perfectly sound slumber in the first

I’m not normally what a farmer would call an early riser. However, my travel days that involve ferry travel frequently involve being woken from a perfectly good sleep before the light of dawn. 

Coastal Black Winery

That’s because Daisy Mae is a long, overheight vehicle, so ferry fares at most times of the day are well over $350. That said, I shop for super saver fares to get fares as low as $145.  The only pain point here is that these fares are only for salings before 7:45.  Today this meant waking up at 3:30 am.  At that hour, I was surrounded by the ethereal morning beauty of the Coastal Black Winery farm.  

The Sun Blinking Away Darkness

The sun was just beginning to blink away the last of the darkness. This is when all the colours of the world are muted, diluted in varying tones of bluish grey with the black silhouettes of trees stretching toward the skyline.  Vague hints of colour stretched out beyond evergreens that marked perfect rows of a huge market garden.  These rows would soon produce a wealth of beans, onions, carrots and fresh corn. There is no doubt that this is a truly magical time of day.  Every time I get up that early, I resolve to do it more often. Sometimes I actually do.

Some people are early risers

3:30 AM is a normal waking hour for a dairy farmer.  That said, Coastal Black Winery was once the site of one of a handful of Black Creek dairy farms.  As I waited for coffee to percolate on the stove, I heard the putting of a farm vehicle coming through the opalescence of the coming day.  I looked outside to see my bearded host on a side-by-side. Alongside this ran a stunning black and tan german shepherd who seemed happy to run alongside.  I greeted the dog and the farmer equally. He’d come by on his way to morning chores to wish me a good morning and give me directions to get out of the gated property.  

This level of friendliness is typical for any of the Harvest Hosts locations I’ve stayed at. I  highly recommend getting a membership to the Harvest Hosts & Boondockers Welcome if you travel a lot in an RV. A $200 annual membership gets you unlimited free stays at thousands of host locations wherever you happen to be. 

Is It Worth Going To Mexico for Dental Care?

Posted by Jun 7, 2025 Uncategorized , , , , , Leave a Comment

I Travelled To Los Algodones To Find Out!

I am in Los Algodones, Mexico. Otherwise known as “Molar City”because there are more than 250 dentists here with back to back offices throughout town.

Any storefronts that aren’t dental offices are optometrists, pharmacies or botox clinics.

Los Algodones Is a Mecca for Dental tourists from all over North America

One very high sign proclaimed “Stem Cell”.

Watch Out For The Sidewalks!

With all the money flowing into this town, you’d think the streets would be paved in gold fillings. However, walking down the insanely wacky sidewalks here could cripple you. I’m talking about sudden drop offs that are immediately followed by steep ascents. That said, there are good sections of sidewalks.

Los Algodones Has Hundreds Of Street Vendors

These sections are divided into impromptu street vendor stalls. The boundaries of each stall are marked on 3 sides by colourful mexican blankets, But these boundaries don’t keep vendors in their stalls, as you navigate through the maze of striped and patterned blankets. They sit waiting to pounce, trading their trinkets for US dollars with dental tourists. As I make my way a vendor yells emphatically “I give you best deal, please take look”! When I answer “No gracias” it seems to encourage him, and he follows me until another vendor takes over trying to win my pesos.

Dental Work in Mexico Can Save You A lot Of Money

Faced with horrendous dental bills at home, I decided to try a much touted Los Algodones dentist to get the urgent work I needed done. The trip, including dental work, accommodations and transportation would be less than half of my dental bill at home, so it seemed well worth the trip.

Is It Worth It?

But is it worth traveling from Canada to Los Algodones fordental work? I decided to vlog my experience from start to finish so you could decide for yourself. Here’s the first of a 6 part series of video vlog updates I did. #dentalcare#dentist#travel#dentalclinic#dentaltourism#LosAlgodones#molarcity#mexico#FrugalLiving#rvlifestyle

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Is The Velotric Fold 1 Plus Folding E-Bike A Good Fit For RV Life?

Posted by Apr 18, 2025 camping gear reviews , , , , Leave a Comment
Is The Velotric Fold 1 Plus Folding E-Bike A Good Fit For RV Life?

Product Review: The Velotric Fold 1 Plus Folding E-Bike For RV Life

Are you looking for an easy to ride e-bike that’s a perfect fit for RV life?  If so, you’ll definitely want to read this review.  Because California based e-bike company Velotric just added the game changing Fold 1 Plus folding e-bike to its affordably priced lineup of fully decked out bikes. Not only that, but the Fold 1 Plus’s space saving, ergonomic design allows it to take up less space than other folding e-bikes. And It does this without sacrificing ride quality. 

 This bike could be the best thing on two wheels for anyone looking for a relatively lightweight e-bike, that’s a whole lot of fun to ride. So much so that the company bills it as “Built for getting wild”.  But fun and space efficiency aren’t all this well built e-bike has to offer. That’s because it comes with a package of features that make it one of the best e-bikes on the market today, hands down.

   

The Fold 1 Plus Is UL and ISO Safety Certified

When Velotric reached out to ask me to review the Fold 1 Plus for them, I was excited to try it out. I’ve been a fan of e-bikes for a while now, and the opportunity to try a new one out had me tickled.  Especially for a quality brand like Velotric.  That said, the company has become well known for its commitment to producing high-quality, budget-friendly ebikes.  They also are committed to ensuring their Velotric bikes are among the safest on the market.
 In the case of the Fold 1 Plus, this means going through rigorous testing to meet both UL (UL 2271 & UL 2849) and ISO certification requirements. 

UL and ISO certification is an assurance that your bike won’t unexpectedly fail when you’re riding. It ensures the bike won’t give you a nasty shock, or suddenly catch fire. This certification on both the bike and the battery should be essential for all e-bikes, but so far, they’re not. As a matter of fact,  it’s a level of safety that few e-bike manufacturers offer.  Velotric has gone the extra mile by designing and building  bikes that meet or exceed UL’s and ISO demanding standards.

Safety Features Of The Fold 1 Plus At A Glance

  • UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certification (UL 2271 & UL 2849) 
  • ISO 4210 Standard Certification (International Standards Organization) 
  • UL Bike is waterproof (certified IPX Level 6)
  • Battery is waterproof (certified IPX Level 7)
  • Turn signals with beepers that remind you to turn them off.
  • A brake light to alert drivers or other cyclists behind you that you’re slowing down or stopping
  • A 3 way tail light.
  • A headlight that’s bright enough for night riding
  • Reflectors on front, back and on folding pedals
  • 180 mm Tektro hydraulic disc brakes for powerful stopping power
  • Apple FindMy ™ integration allows you to see exactly where your bike is at any given time using any Apple device 

The Fold 1 Plus Is Comfortable And Safe For Extended RIdes

With a stepover clearance of  about 15 inches (390 mm), the Fold 1 Plus is easier to get on and off than most other e-bikes. This could be especially beneficial for seniors or anyone else with mobility issues.  

Once you’re on this bike, it gets even better.  The Fold 1 Plus is designed to fit anyone from 4’9” to 6’5 comfortably.  It does this by offering both an adjustable seatpost and a stem that can be easily set to just where you need it.  The seat itself is that perfect mix of plush and firm that lets you ride for hours without so much as a hint of saddle-soreness. 

 I took the Fold 1 Plus out for a 3 hour test ride without any discomfort at all. However,  a perfect frame fit and a comfy seat weren’t the only things keeping the ride as smooth and pretty much effortless.  That said, the Fold 1 Plus has been endowed with a 60 mm hydraulic shock fork that lets the bike flow over both road surface irregularities and small obstacles (like rooty sections)on trails like they aren’t even there.

I live in an area that’s ubiquitous with mountainous terrain.  The Fold 1 Plus had enough power to go up the hills at 15 miles per hour, but I didn’t really push it.  After 3 hours of riding on various terrain in its 3 riding modes, the battery dipped to just shy of ⅔, making it more efficient than other e-bikes I have ridden. 

Comfort Features At A Glance

  • Low step through (15”) height 
  • Adjustable seat post
  • Comfortable seat
  • Adjustable stem height
  • 60 m hydraulic shock fork
  • 3 inch tires
  • Paddle grips
  • Easy to reach controls and setting
  • Easy to see colour display screen with adjustable light levels

Pros and Cons of the Velotric Fold 1 Plus For Camping Or RV Life

The Velotric Fold 1 Plus is a meticulously well-made e-bike. Velotric seems to have thought of everything to optimize rider experience. That said, each one of my test rides  left me smiling and wanting more. Even in slippery conditions, handling was nimble and comparable to a high end mountain bike. I didn’t expect that from an e-bike at all.  I have to say, it was hard to find anything I didn’t like about this bike. 

Pros

  • Ergonomic, elegant geometry
  • 4 fun colours
  • Adjustable stem and seat post means it fits almost everyone
  • Low (15 inch) step-through makes getting on and off intuitive
  • Easy to manage settings while you ride
  • Torque sensor gives power when you need it
  • Wide tires make it stable on both roads and muddy trails
  • Powerful motor easily glides up hills
  • 15 ride settings make it easy to adjust to any riding conditions
  • Comfortable
  • Takes up very little space in the RV, or other vehicle
  • No bike rack needed
  • Waterproof
  • LED Turn signals and brake light eliminate need for cumbersome hand signals
  • Bright functional headlight is useful for night riding
  • Easy to fold for storage
  • Storage in a 40 gallon tote keeps things tidy.
  •  High gloss paint finish is  scratch resistant  
  •  Relatively lightweight 
  • Adjustable speed limiters and removable throttle  make it legal wherever you travel
  • Locking battery can be removed for charging, or left in place.
  • Lost Bike Mode with Apple FindMy™ Integration
  • Bright, easy to navigate colour display
  • No key is needed to start the bike

Cons

  • Lack of a keyed start could make this bike more attractive to bike thieves.
  • 63 lbs is heavy to lift for some people.

Great Features At A Budget Friendly Price

That said, the Fold 1 Plus’s low MSRP of $1499 puts it on the lower end of the e-bike price scale. But you get a whole lot of bike for your buck here. You might expect that the budget-friendly price would be reflected in component quality and/or overall ride experience.

However, the truth is quite the opposite.  The Fold 1 Plus has an array of  components and features that make riding it super fun. While it’s great for quick trips to the camp store, it’s more than ready for extended sightseeing rides too.

Final Thoughts On The Fold 1 Plus

Elegant geometry, incredible features, versatility, and a comfort package that’s second to none help the Velotric Fold 1 Plus to redefine the standard when it comes to folding e-bikes. 

Velotric has really thought of everything here and created a folding e-bike that’s a real treat to ride. On top of that, they found a way to make it take up significantly less space when folded than other all terrain e-bikes. It all adds up to a bike that’s so much fun to ride, you’ll be looking for excuses to go riding.  

See More Camping Gear Reviews

10 Compelling Reasons To Travel Full Time In An RV

Posted by Mar 11, 2025 RV living , , , Leave a Comment
10 Compelling Reasons To Travel Full Time In An RV
Full time RV life offers the opportunity to live by a lake or wherever you want
IMAGE: Shutterstock

10 Reasons Full Time RV Life Is Better

It’s been more than 7 years since I downsized my life to fit into the small footprint of an RV.  And since that time, the allure of travelling full time has become an obsession for me.  But I’m not the only one.  RV life has become more popular than ever, especially after the Covid epidemic popularized remote work.  Not only that, but one of the biggest demographic groups diving into the lifestyle are solo women over the age of 50. 

It’s a practical and environmentally sustainable lifestyle. And it’s one that that offers the ability to travel wherever you decide to go, whenever you want.  That’s a freedom that’s all too rare when you’re tied to a traditional home. If you’ve been on the fence about whether to make the leap into this amazing lifestyle, here are 9 compelling reasons to go full-time in an RV. 

1.  Living Full Time In An RV  Reduces Your Environmental Impact

One of my major reasons for moving into my RV was this:  Living full time in an RV can have a much lower impact on the environment than living in a traditional home.  To start with, unlike most homes, my RV didn’t require wild lands to be cleared or logged. Maintenance of my RV requires a lot fewer natural resources as well. For example, when it’s time to change out the roof, I’ll be changing out about 320 square feet of rubber roofing, instead of 1600′ on a typical house. 

Even cleaning my RV contributes less chemicals to the environment than cleaning a typical traditional home.  You know exactly how much water you have and how much you use when you live in an RV.  It means you just don’t waste freshwater like you do in a house. Plus, with its smaller footprint, an RV doesn’t require as much electricity or fuel for heating and cooling.  Not only that, but a solar power system incredibly easy to hook up in an RV.

2. RV Life Can Be Very Affordable

Many full time RVers seek out free camping, often at beautiful recreation sites or unserviced campgrounds.  Of course this means your rig needs to be completely self contained, with a generator, solar power system and holding tank capacities to get you through at least a week.  It also means being comfortable and self sufficient in remote places. 

Many other full time RV travellers choose to pay for an RV site or parking spot where they can plug in and have access to services.  RV sites usually cost between $700 and $1200 per month, depending on the time of year and region.  Many of us do this for part of the year, and spent the rest of the year traveling and boondocking along the way.

3. RV maintenance is easier than maintaining a house

You don’t get out of doing home maintenance when you live full time in an RV.  However, the jobs tend to be simpler, and anyone with a minimal level of handiness can easily do them.  Even though there are always going to be times when you need to call a certified RV technician to fix things, the good news is RV techs are usually easy to find. 

4. You’ll enjoy minimalist simplicity

You don’t need much to live in a small space.  You might think that whittling down the unending and superfluous stuff that most of us fill a traditional home with to the bare necessities would leave you wanting.  For me it was incredibly freeing.  Not only that, but with each thing I sold, gave away or took to the dump, I felt just a little more free to do what I wanted.  An RV comes with all the furniture and most of the appliances you need, and the more stuff you put in it, the more weight you have and the more complicated life becomes.  That makes it easy to keep minimalism in mind.  

5. Increased flexibility and spontaneity

Are your new neighbours obnoxious? Do you have a psycho ex who won’t give up stalking you?  Do you just feel a sudden urge to hike in alpine wildflower meadows or enjoy cool ocean breezes in a heatwave?  Being a fulltime RV nomad makes it super easy to roll up the patio rug and get out of Dodge (or wherever you happen to be).

6. Work from anywhere

Thanks to advances in remote work and high-speed internet options, more people are turning their RVs into mobile offices. If you’re a creative freelancer, digital nomad, or remote worker, the RV lifestyle can provide the perfect environment for productivity, all while exploring the country. Working from an RV gives you the flexibility to travel without interrupting your career.

7. Explore new places

Full-time RV living offers a chance to live a life of unique experiences that you just can’t get when you’re stationary. From exploring remote destinations to experiencing local cultures and festivals, RV life opens up a world of exciting opportunities.  Each day is a brand new adventure waiting to unfold.

8. You might find yourself enjoying a healthier lifestyle

Full-time RV living often encourages an active and healthy lifestyle. It beckons you to explore new places. You find more time for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and exploring, keeping you  physically active and mentally engaged.  DIscovering farmer’s markets, and new regional cuisines often means eating a healthier diet too.  Sure you might find yourself diving into a plateful of gravy and cheese curd laden poutine in Quebec, but you’ll walk it off exploring the sights of Quebec City anyway!  

9.  The opportunity to spend more time with loved ones

These days, family and friends are often further apart than ever.  RV travel offers the opportunity to visit family and friends without worrying about who’s looking after the house or the pets while you’re away.   

10. Wake up to a new beautiful view every day

I love waking up surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes.  One of the best parts about a full time RV lifestyle is that it offers the opportunity to wake up to a beautiful view every day.

 

Conclusion: Why Go Full-Time in an RV?

Making the decision to go full-time in an RV is a big step, but it’s not for everyone. Before you make the leap, it’s a good idea to explore exactly how you define the word “home”.  For example, if you love spending weekends mowing the grass, cleaning gutters, or cleaning the house, living full time in an RV is probably not for you. 

However, for those who enjoy minimalism, the freedom to travel, lower housing costs, and opportunity for adventure, RV living can be an appealing lifestyle choice. Whether you’re looking to simplify your life, embrace a minimalist mindset, or enjoy a deeper connection with nature and your loved ones, full-time RV living offers an exciting and rewarding journey. 

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