Getting Some Rain For New Years

Above, the motorhome in the GOCO Beast Barn yesterday. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It's a good thing that I got the motorhome inside its garage/barn yesterday. Overnight, we received some rain and it has been continuing this morning. It is around 40° outside, too warm for snow.

If I had waited, the motorhome would have to drive over muddy conditions and, possibly, get stuck. I've gotten the Mustang stuck in mud in Barking Spider Acre once. 

According to the National Weather Service for Jamestown, New Mexico:

New Year's Day

Showers, mainly before 11am. High near 48. West wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight

A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. West wind 10 to 15 mph.

Friday

A 40 percent chance of showers, mainly before 11am. Cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 49. West wind 10 to 15 mph.

Tucked Away For The Winter

Above, the motorhome after getting inside its garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that my traveling for the year is over, I put the motorhome inside its garage (the GOCO Beast Barn) for the winter. 

I used it recently for staying in Albuquerque one night as I had an early morning flight to Des Moines the next day as well as for transportation from Albuquerque to home after I flew back via John Wayne Airport. 

Then, I traveled to Lake Havasu for the Christmas holiday. 

I got a lot of use out of the motorhome this year. The longest trip was to Wyoming, Montana and South Dakota in July. 

Most likely, the first trip in 2026 will be the spring clampout with the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus. That'll be around April.

Afternoon Jeep Drive

Above, the cows are (at left) at the Six Mile Canyon Gate. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday afternoon, I took a Jeep drive around the subdivision. I first headed up the hill to Birch loop (where friends the Luciers and the Slapes live). The last time I was driving the loop, a deer ran across the road in front of me. This time, I saw no deers.

Then, I headed down the hill to Six Mile Canyon Road. 

I drove on the road and found it much drier than a day or so ago. I drove to the old corral that "marks" the entrance into Six Mile Canyon. There, were a group of cows milling around and grazing. 

Above, a better view of the cows at the gate. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I stopped and took a few pictures. The cows kept their distance and kept watching me. It is good we have the cows in the national forest. Their grazing keeps fuel for potential fires at a minimum.

Above, the Jeep, the old corral and cows. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday morning, I winterized the motorhome and got it into the GOCO Beast Barn. The hardest part was getting the barn's roll-up door open. I have to push it up with a hoe so that it is open enough for enough clearance for the motorhome. I am seriously considering installing a garage door opener. It is getting harder for me to open the door. Getting old sucks, but it is better than the alternative.

I took the Jeep drive after a few hours resting (and a late lunch/early dinner at Denny's) after the winterizing chore. 

Why Storing Your RV Outside Can Be A Bad Idea

Above, the RV is protected from the harsh winter temperatures and snow in its barn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After buying a house and moving to New Mexico seven years ago, one of my "must-dos" was to have a garage (or barn) built to store my motorhome in. 

The elevation  where I'm at is 7,000 feet. During the winter we get snow and cold temperatures and, during the summer, it does get into the 90s at times. I needed the store my RV in a place that would protect it from the weather extremes.

That it the topic of a new article in RV Travel. The article is "Why Storing Your RV Outside Can Be A Bad Idea".

It begins with:

Every year hundreds of thousands of RV owners all across the country need to store their RVs. Whether it is due to harsh winter conditions or because work and school activities limit the time they can “recreate,” RVers must find the best method to put their unit into hibernation. Trying to find a nice, heated, indoor facility can be difficult and very expensive. So most of them are forced to store their RVs outside, which is not always a good idea and can create some very expensive issues.

To read more, go here. 

RV Storage: Everything You Need To Know

Above, the RV is protected from winter snows in its garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I bought my new motorhome back in 2015, I parked it in my apartment complex's double parking space. I was able to back it in and park my car in front of it. This was in Los Angeles where the climate was not harsh for it.

Then, I moved to New Mexico and bought a home on two acres at 7,000 feet above sea level. This, I knew ahead of time, would be subjecting my motorhome to harsh conditions. This includes hot summers, thinner air due to the elevation and snow/freezing conditions. After moving, I ordered a metal garage for the RV. It was built before the winter snows arrived.

I later added a gravel floor.

So far, it has protected my motorhome just fine, especially when I added a 30-amp outlet to run holding tank heaters.

RV Travel posted an article on everything you need to know about storing an RV.

It begins with:

Proper RV storage keeps your camper secure, dry, and ready for the next adventure. With so many options—from uncovered storage to fully enclosed, climate-protected garages—the right choice depends on your budget, where you live, and how often you want to access your RV.

In today’s video, Jason Epperson of RV Miles shares a practical guide to storing an RV to help you decide where and how to store your RV for peace of mind all year long.

 To read more, go here.

RV Summer Storage

Above, the RV garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I live in the Southwest at about 7,000 feet in elevation, my first priority when I made the move there was to erect an RV storage garage.

This I had done during the fall months of 2018. I had to wait a few months for it to be made and delivered after ordering it in the spring.

The garage, dubbed the GOCO Beast Barn, is a steel storage shed with a roll-up and side door that only took a day to construct on one of my acres of land. It offers protection against the snows of winter and the sun during the summer.

I added a 30 amp outlet inside the garage the following year.

Above, the motorhome in its garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Do It Yourself RV posted an article on RV storage during the summer. 

It starts with:

RV summer storage, huh? Hmm. It seems rather counterintuitive to store a recreational vehicle during a season typically associated with travel and outdoor adventures. However, there are plenty of financial, lifestyle, and practical reasons for doing so. Besides, it can get pretty hot in some places.

Whether it’s the unbearably swampy temperatures (or dry ones for those in the Southwest), pet and equipment concerns, health risks, off-season savings, or the snowbird lifestyle, parking the RV for the summer isn’t quite as uncommon as some think.

Summer storage brings its own challenges, such as sun damage, mold, pests, mechanical issues, and more. RV summer storage may not be as labor intensive as good winterization, but proper preparation is necessary nonetheless.

To read the full article, go here.

RV Snow Removal 101

Above, the motorhome during the first winter in New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It snows where I live in New Mexico. Before moving to New Mexico almost seven years ago, I didn't have to worry about winter snows as I lived in the San Fernando Valley in California.

The first winter in New Mexico, my motorhome was outside parked in my driveway. Snow during that winter wasn't too bad and it didn't accumulate on its roof. But, sooner or later, a heavy snow storm may hit and I needed to protect my RV. So I had a RV barn built, the GOCO Beast Barn. It was ready to use during the second winter. 

Above, the RV barn during the second winter in New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Others may not be so fortunate to have a shelter for their RV to protect its roof from winter snows. Do It Yourself RV has posted an article on how to defend your RV's roof from winter snows.

It begins with:

Winter is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start thinking about how you will care for your RV through the cold months. Winterizing your rig is an important first step, but it isn’t the only thing you’ll need to do to make sure the winter weather doesn’t cause any damage to your trailer or motorhome. You’ll also have to stay on top of RV snow removal.

While some snow on top of your RV roof is probably fine, too much weight from snow and ice can cause damage to the structure of your roof, and once it’s built up, it’s much more difficult to remove. On top of that, as the snow and ice melt, the water that gathers on the roof is likely to find its way into nooks and crannies, causing water damage. 

The good news is you can prevent these problems by going through the RV snow removal process throughout the winter season to prevent build-up. 

To read more, go here. 

Snow Showers Coming This Weekend

Above, the GOCO Beast Barn after a 2019 snow. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday morning, we had a cold rainstorm come through Jamestown and Gallup.

It ended while we were having our Tuesday morning coffee gathering down at Denny's. That allowed me to head into Gallup for some grocery shopping.

Before grocery shopping, I stopped at Tractor Supply to pick up some RV anti-freeze for the pipes and holding tanks. What I found there was the anti-freeze was on sale. The sale was two gallons for $6.00. So I bought two. 

It is a good thing that I did so since we have been getting nightly sub-freezing temperatures. 

That's not all, we're to get snow showers starting Sunday night and that will continue to Monday night. Just hope the weather is pleasant enough on Tuesday's Election Day.

I'll have to get the snow shovel out of the garage.

Here's the forecast from the National Weather Service:

Sunday

Scattered rain showers before noon, then rain likely, possibly mixed with snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 47. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday Night

Rain and snow showers likely, becoming all snow after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Monday

Scattered snow showers before 11am, then scattered rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Monday Night

Isolated snow showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 24. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

A Little Problem With The Garage Door

When I got home last Friday from the Iowa trip, after unpacking, I went to get the Jeep out of the garage so I could go down to the post office at the Flying J to get my mail.

Above, the garage door after hitting it and getting it fully opened. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After starting up the Jeep, I started backing. Looking with the rear-view and side-view mirrors, it was clear for me to back out of the garage, or so I thought. Then, suddenly, bang! The top of the Jeep, where one of the roll bars is located, hit the roll-up garage door. I thought I opened it completely, but about 18" of it was still down. That's what I hit. 

The Jeep hit the bottom door crossbar and bent the bottom panel. It knocked the door off one of its tracks. I did manage to fully open the door thanks to a handy crowbar. After getting the Jeep out, I went to the post office and got my mail. There was no damage to the Jeep (thank God).

I decided to keep the Jeep out of the garage and parked the motorhome up near the door so nobody could get in (not counting critters). I then called some garage door repairers and arranged to have one look it over. He came over today and said the door was repairable. He also managed to get the door all the way closed. He will be back to do the repairs in a few days.

When I first called him, he asked me how long have I lived there. I told him over six and a half years. He replied, "And this is the first time you hit the door after six years?!" Apparently, this is a common occurrence. A friend, who shall remain nameless, backed into his garage door twice. 

I then put the motorhome into the GOCO Beast Barn so that it would be protected from the cold night we're expecting tomorrow night. The temperature is expected to go down into the 20s.

Since the garage door is now securely closed, I can go to Gallup for some grocery shopping tomorrow.

Oh, well. Shit happens! 

UPDATE (10/30/24):

The door was fixed this morning for under $100. Whew!

RV Winterizing Misconceptions

Above, although I store my RV in this RV garage, I still have to winterize. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I live near 7,000 feet in elevation and we do get freezing temperatures, I have to winterize my motorhome just before the onset of winter. 

There are some misconceptions and effective ways on winterizing RVs and Do It Yourself RV spells them out in a new article.

They begin with:

Winterizing your RV might seem straightforward, but there are some common traps that even seasoned RVers can fall into. Let’s cut through the myths and make sure your rig is ready for the cold without any nasty surprises. Whether you’re new to RVing or just looking to fine-tune your winter prep, here are the biggest misconceptions—and what really works to keep your RV safe and sound through winter.

To read more, go here. 

Post-Travel Cleaning Today

Above, the motorhome at the Monument Valley KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today's the day for some post-travel work.

I've already started the laundry and will start cleaning the motorhome (The Beast) and doing some minor repair to a drawer. Once that's all done, it will be put into the GOCO Beast Barn until the Lost Dutchman chapter's clampout in October. 

Overall, the RV performed just fine during the trip.  

RV Electricity: How To Install A 30-Amp Home Outlet

Above, making a trench from the electrical box to the RV garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Four years ago, I had the RV garage (called the GOCO Beast Barn) built for my motorhome. A year later, I added 30-amp electricity to it. But I didn't do these things myself, I got a steel shed company to build the garage and an electrical company to install the outlet. 

A trench for the electrical line had to be made from the electrical box to the RV garage. 

Above, the electrical line to the RV garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RV Travel has posted an article on the topic of installing a 30-amp RV outlet at home.

It begins with:

I received this inquiry (in the Comments section of RVtravel.com) from Cory. He’s wondering about installing a 30-amp RV outlet on a residential 150-amp service panel.

And the answer is…

Yes, you certainly can install a 30-amp RV outlet at home. That is, as long as you keep a few things in mind while discussing this installation with your electrician. Now, I’m not going to tell you that you can do this yourself if it’s your first electrical hookup project. And I am going to ask you to follow all local codes – that are different in each state and county. The safest way to do this to hire a licensed residential electrician, and get them to read this first.

Above, the outlet inside the RV garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

The Beast Put Away

Above, The Beast in its garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This morning, I had some business to take care of in Gallup. I figured I'd best get it done before the temperature gets too high.

After that was all done, I headed back home to put gas in the Mustang (it is $3.25 at the Flying J and $3.44 in Gallup). Obviously, I went to the Flying J.

I noticed that storm clouds are starting to move into the area. Before the rains start to make a muddy mess out of Barking Spider Acre, I'd best put the motorhome inside the GOCO Beast Barn. I just finished doing this.

Now it can rain all it wants and I can kick back and relax. 

More Rain Coming

Above, tire tracks around the GOCO Beast Barn from the motorhome. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The past week and weekend saw New Mexico get lots of monsoon rain. This was helpful in putting out wildfires that raged in some areas of the state.

Some areas got too much rain and suffered with flooding. The hills over Grants had some waterfalls form.

In Jamestown (were I live), we got around an inch of rain (maybe more). The ground is currently saturated.

When I drove the motorhome in Barking Spider Acre to put it into the garage, I noticed the ground being soft and muddy. At times, I thought it would get stuck. Luckily it didn't. 

We're to get more rain this week. 

According to the National Weather Service:

 Today

Scattered showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. Light and variable wind becoming west 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Tonight

Scattered showers and thunderstorms before 9pm, then isolated showers between 9pm and midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Tuesday

Isolated showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tuesday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable after midnight.

Wednesday

Showers and thunderstorms likely after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Light and variable wind becoming northwest 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Wednesday Night

Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 61. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Thursday

Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Thursday Night

A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59.

Friday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 58.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.

Saturday Night

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60.

DIYRV: Complete Guide To RV Decal Care and Maintenance

Above, the exterior of the motorhome is protected inside the GOCO Beast Barn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I had my RV garage built (called the COCO Beast Barn), my motorhome was three years old. The exterior and decals were still in pretty good shape.

For the past five years, I keep the motorhome protected against the elements inside the garage. The exterior still looks good, as do the decals.

Do It Yourself RV has posted a complete guide to RV decal care and maintenance.

It begins with:

RV decals straddle the fence between two worlds. On the one hand, decals are the panache and pop of the camper, conveying style and sleek creativity. On the other hand, they’re the most underappreciated part of the entire RV. After all, who decides to go with the Forest River Alpha Wolf 30RDB-L because it’s got that snazzy exterior look?

One thing is for sure, however, when RV decals go bad, it becomes a “beauty is only skin deep” issue in a hurry. Peeling, cracking, or blistering decals will ruin the appeal of an RV and morph it into a head-turner for all the wrong reasons. Unfortunately, preventative maintenance rarely includes RV decals, with most RVers focusing on plumbing, electrical, and structural damage prevention.

The next time you run through your maintenance routine, incorporate the exterior of your RV as well. The decals don’t need a ton of love and attention, but they do need some. If you notice that your RV is losing some of its visual pop, bookmark this page so you have a comprehensive decal repair, enhancement, and protection guide to check in with.

To read more, go here. 

Getting Ready

Above, after getting The Beast out of the GOCO Beast Barn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With a 40° temperature and rain outside, I got The Beast out of the GOCO Beast Barn to prepare it for the trip to Lake Havasu for Christmas weekend.

The original plan was to leave Friday, but there will likely be snowstorms through Flagstaff and I don't trust the other drivers, particularly truckers, through that area. So I will be heading out tomorrow instead.

I was debating on whether or not to bring Sierra, but decided to bring her along.

Warmer Week Ahead

Above, the GOCO Beast Barn yesterday after getting the motorhome back inside. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The weather in Jamestown, New Mexico this week will be a little warmer, according to the National Weather Service.

It will be in the 50s for the most part until Saturday, which has a forecast high of 37°. 

I got The Beast into the GOCO Beast Barn yesterday after the Godzilla Minus One trip to Albuquerque. So, no matter what the weather will be, it will be safely protected.

The week is looking like this:

Today

Sunny, with a high near 51. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 24. Southeast wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 56. South wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 29. South wind around 5 mph.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 53. West wind 5 to 15 mph.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 28.

Friday

A 20 percent chance of showers after 11am. Sunny, with a high near 44. Breezy.

Friday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 17.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 37.

Rain and Snow Showers At End of Week?

Above, snow on the ground on November 9, 2020. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

So far, this autumn has been pretty dry. But, all that may change this week.

This week's weather forecast looks interesting.

The temperature will be back up into the 60s for the first part of the week, but the National Weather Service indicates that we may be getting rain and snow showers towards the end of the week. 

The forecast for Jamestown, New Mexico:

 Today

Sunny, with a high near 61. East wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 27. Southeast wind around 10 mph.

Monday

Sunny, with a high near 61. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.

Monday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 30. Southeast wind around 5 mph.

Tuesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. South wind around 5 mph becoming west in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 32.

Wednesday

Partly sunny, with a high near 63.

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37.

Thursday

A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60.

Thursday Night

A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35.

Friday

A chance of rain and snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 58. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday Night

A chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Saturday

A chance of rain and snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 53. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Post-Travel Chores Done

Above, the RV after putting into its garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday was a day to recuperate after the 420-mile drive home from Lake Havasu, Arizona on Tuesday. 

Besides the fatigue, I had neck and shoulder aches. I still managed to finish unpacking the motorhome, do laundry and get the motorhome inside its barn. Before doing so, even though I emptied the holding tanks at Crazy Horse Campgrounds, I added anti-freeze into the water lines so that any traces of water won't freeze up in the traps and tanks. Temperatures have been going down into the 30s and 20s at night.

More photos from Mitch Geriminsky's birthday party last Saturday were uploaded into my back-up computer from my Canon camera. I was having problems uploading them in my main computer over the weekend. The ones that came out the best were sent to the main computer via email. 

Above, one of the photos from Mitch Geriminsky's birthday party
uploaded to my back-up computer. Photo by Dwight Kuntz.

I had a nice pile of mail waiting or me at the post office, including a purchase of American Silver Eagles. 

I feel a bit better today. I have to get some groceries in Gallup and get a haircut.  

Below Freezing Tonight

Above, The Beast in the GOCO Beast Barn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Currently in the Jamestown/Gallup areas of New Mexico, it is about 46° outside. Tomorrow morning will be a different story.

A freeze is coming into the area tonight. The overnight temperature will be in the 20s. THAT is freakin' cold!

From the National Weather Service:

A 'freeze' is considered to have occurred whenever the temperature drops to 32° or lower. A growing season is calculated by taking the number of days between the last freeze in the spring and the first freeze in the fall. However, plants or crops do not necessarily follow this rule. A low temperature of 31 or 32° for a short period of time, say less than two hours, probably will not harm most plants or crops. But if the temperature drops to 28 or 29° for a few hours, most vegetation will be damaged. As a side note, frost can form when a solid surface (like a car or plants) is in contact with the air and the solid surface's temperature drops to 32° or colder. The extent of the frost depends on how much moisture is in the air. If the temperature is above 32° and there is enough moisture in the air, then dew (a liquid) forms instead of frost (a solid).

Since I have to get my eclipse safety glasses out of the motorhome anyway, I will turn on the holding tank heaters and other heating units inside the RV and GOCO Beast Barn. I will also put in some anti-freeze in the lines and tanks as a precaution. There is some water in the lines and tanks and I don't need to get some freezing damage. 

According to the National Weather Service, our nighttime temperature:

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 28. West wind 15 to 20 mph becoming light and variable after midnight.