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2014 RV-Dreams Spring Educational Rally
River Plantation RV Resort
Sevierville, Tennessee
April 29 - May 4, 2014
2014 RV-Dreams Spring Rally Information
Welcome to the information page for our tenth RV-Dreams Educational Rally. Read on for details!
For Spring 2014, we are pleased to announce that we are once again partnering with the River Plantation RV Resort. We had our 2011 Spring Rally at this wonderful location just outside Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains.
An RV-Dreams Rally is primarily educational with social activities and fun mixed in. It includes several seminars from Linda & I based on our eight-plus years of experience as full-timers, our own research, interviews with other full-timers, and the wealth of information from our Forum. Below you will find a preliminary itinerary.
In addition to seminars, we will have open rig walk-throughs, a welcome dinner, a potluck, a pizza night, a final night catered dinner with dancing & entertainment, a farewell breakfast, and lots more!
Registration Is Now CLOSED
Rally Details
The Place
Come join us at the River Plantation RV Resort in southeastern Tennessee. The park is 30 miles from Knoxville and only 10 miles south of I-40.
We are partnering with them to provide our website visitors, Journal readers, and Forum members - our RV-Dreams Family - with a great location to come together for fellowship and a lot of RVer education.
River Plantation RV Resort offers:
Full hook-ups with 30/50 amp service
Big Rig Friendly interior roads and sites
Free Wi-Fi
Cable TV
Laundry Facilities
Propane
On-site Cabins for those without RVs
Our seminars and nightly events will be held at the large on-site Conference Center.
The Area
Sevierville is where "Smoky Mountain Fun Begins!!" The town is 30 miles from Knoxville and 90 miles from Ashville, NC only ten miles south of I-40. We should have great weather with highs around 70 and lows around 50.
For those that come prior to the Rally or stay a few days afterward, there are tons of activities for every type of interest. Check out the Sevierville Tourism Website for more information.
Tentative Itinerary
As we get closer, we may move the seminar schedule around a bit. Also, we typically have various impromptu events that we schedule right before the Rally or even during the first couple of days.
Tuesday
2:00 - 5:00 Welcome, Check-in, and Social Time
6:00 - 7:00 Catered Welcome Dinner
7:00 - 8:00 Rally Overview & Introductions
8:00 - 9:00 Icebreaker
Wednesday
8:30 - 9:30 No Right Way To Full-time - Evaluating The Options
In this seminar we emphasize there is no “right way” to full-time. We explore many of the different ways people live the full-timing lifestyle and provide some insight into what might work best for you.
9:45 - 10:30 Emotional Aspects of the Full-timing Decision
This seminar is a discussion of what to expect from your heart as you announce your plans to full-time, prepare to full-time, transition to full-timimg, and even after you hit the road. Very few seminars deal with this issue, but everyone goes through some surprising, but normal, feelings in the process.
10:45 - 12:00 What Does It Cost To Full-time?
The cost of full-timing is so important, but it is not easy to find real information on the subject. We'll show you some real numbers and how you can adjust those numbers for your planned lifestyle.
Lunch on your own
1:30 - 2:30 Working On The Road
We pack a lot of information into this seminar. Why work on the road? What are your options for working on the road? What types of jobs might you find? How do you find jobs? How do paid jobs compare to volunteer jobs? What are the tax implications of workamping?
2:45 - 4:00 Selecting A Home Base & Insurance Considerations
All U.S. full-timers have to be a resident of some state. This seminar provides some guidelines on what to consider when making that very important choice. And since the selection of a home base affects insurance rates, we discuss the various types of insurance RVers typically have and how to keep premiums low.
6:00 - 7:00 Pizza For Everyone!
7:30 - 9:00 RV Accessories Show & Tell
Thursday
8:30 - 9:30 Buying An RV - Pros, Cons & Must Haves
In this seminar we discuss the pros and cons of the types of RVs in a full-timing lifestyle. In addition, we suggest features to look for that we consider "must haves" in any full-timing rig.
9:45 - 11:15 RV Weight & Tire Safety
This seminar will provide the RV owner with the knowledge required to assure that their RV is operated within all safety limitations. The information is designed to assist owners in managing their existing RV weights as well as purchasing the correct RV to match their personal needs.
Also, major emphasis of this seminar is maintenance and care of tires for optimum safety and durability. Participants receive information to assure that they are well informed consumers when purchasing tires. Tire pressure and proper inflation are covered in depth
NOTE: We will be offering RV weighing on departure dates after the Rally. Click HERE for more information on the safety benefits.
11:30 - 12:30 Understanding RV Warranties & Getting The Most Out Of Your Extended Service Contract
In this seminar, we explain the differences between manufacturer warranties, extended warranties, and extended service contracts. In addition, we provide advice on what to look for in an extended service contract, what extended service contracts typically cover, and how to get the most out of an extended service contract.
Lunch on your own
1:30 - 2:30 RVing Basics I - Driving, Towing, Hitching/Unhitching
In this seminar, we discuss basic tips and techniques to take away some of the anxiety of driving or towing an RV. We cover basic driving safety, mountain driving, backing up, towing cautions, and teamwork to make hitching/unhitching a breeze.
2:45 - 4:00 RVing Basics II - Hooking Up Utilities, Dumping Tanks, RV Systems Overview, Safety, & Checklists
This seminar is for the less experienced RVer although we're pretty sure everyone will learn something new. Performing certain tasks and having a basic understanding of your RV can prevent some problems and help you troubleshoot issues later on.
6:00 - 7:15 Potluck Dinner
7:30 - 9:00 Road Tested OR RV-Dreams Family Feud
These "game show" take-offs have been adapted to RVing, and which ever one we choose promises to make you laugh. :)
Friday
8:30 - 9:30 Basic RV Maintenance I - Engine/Chassis, Tires & Wheels, Axles, Brakes, & Exterior
This seminar provides a very basic overview for the RV owner to help keep the RV in good working order for maximum safety and to prevent the need for major, costly repairs later.
9:45 - 10:45 Basic RV Maintenance II - Batteries, Appliances, & Generators
Batteries are the heart & soul of an RV, and proper maintenance helps prevent a myriad of problems that can be traced to battery issues. In addition, we discuss how to keep appliances and generators running as they should.
11:00 - 12:00 Basic RV Maintenance III - Plumbing System, Propane System, & Safety Considerations
In this seminar, we discuss simple maintenance of water heaters, fresh water systems, holding tanks, valves, and more. Also, we talk about annual tests of the propane system as well as ways to make sure the built-in safety features of your RV will function properly in an emergency.
The rest of the day is a "FREE DAY"
We may have some impromptu group activities you can take part in, or you can join your new friends for a get-together or local touring, or you can just relax. It's all up to you.
Saturday
8:30 - 9:30 Internet On The Road
Technology is changing fast. Get the latest information on how to best access the internet on the road keeping in mind costs of equipment, recurring internet access charges, methods of connecting, and how that all fits with your internet needs.
9:45 - 10:45 Boondocking/Solar
In this seminar, we lay out the basics of boondocking. We talk about what you might need for extended boondocking and discuss solar/battery set-ups. We also discuss holding tank management and other aspects of parking without hook-ups.
11:00 - 12:00 Choosing Campgrounds/RV Parks
This seminar includes tips on finding campgrounds and RV parks that fit your RVing lifestyle.
Lunch on your own
1:00 - 5:00 Open Rig Walk-throughs (Voluntary)
This is one of the most popular events at our Rallies. Several attendees graciously open their rigs for inspection and there is an opportunity to tour "lived in" RVs. See what RVers do to modify their rigs for their lifestyle, see how storage space is used, and feel free to ask questions.
6:00 - 7:00 Catered Dinner
7:00 - 10:00 PARTY!! We'll conclude the Rally with dancing, games, and more fun. (Theme to be determined)
Sunday
8:30 - 9:30 Full Farewell Breakfast
Time for hugs & handshakes and a few final words from your hosts
Though much of the content is geared toward the education of full-timers and future full-timers, everyone is welcome and we guarantee even the most part-time RVer will learn something and have a great time. :)
Rally Pricing* (Does not include accommodation costs):
$280 for 2 people
$140 for 1 person
$340 for a family of 3
$400 for a family of 4
Prior Rally Attendee Discount: All attendees of the 2014 RV-Dreams Spring Educational Rally that have attended any of our seven previous full educational rallies receive the following pricing:
$210 for 2 people
$105 for 1 person
$270 for a family of 3
$330 for a family of 4
* - There are no partial deposits. The entire Rally amount is due at time of registration. Registration must be completed by April 15, 2014. If you cancel, $70 per person is NON-REFUNDABLE. The remainder of the registration is refundable for cancellations prior to April 15, 2014.
The Rally registration fee includes all 16 seminars, four catered meals, entertainment, and use of the Conference Center for registration, seminars, and meals.
RV Sites
Reservation Information
The Rally registration DOES NOT include RV sites or other accommodations. We have set aside 60 RV sites and all of the on-site cabins at River Plantation RV Resort, but you must make your own reservations.
Note that reservations will not be confirmed by the RV park until you have registered and made your Rally payment. We will provide names of registrants to River Plantation so they may confirm that those making reservations are properly registered for the 2014 Spring Rally.
Once you have registered for the Rally, you can give River Plantation a call at 800-758-5267 or 865-429-5267 to make your reservation. Be sure to tell them that you are with the RV-Dreams Rally. :)
Rally Rate For RV Sites
All sites have 50/30 Amp electric with full hook-ups, cable, and Wi-Fi.
All sites, are $30.50 per night plus tax ($000 total).
River Plantation Resort has graciously agreed to give the Rally rate to all of our attendees for up to one week before the rally dates and one week after the rally dates (assuming of course the site is available for all the nights you want before or after the Rally).
One night's deposit ($0000) is required. The deposit is non-refundable (extreme hardship exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis, but there would still be a $10.00 administrative fee).
Cabins
We have set aside all 8 cabins at River Plantation:
Double Queens - 5
Kings - 4
Wheelchair Accessible - 1
Click on this link for more detailed descriptions: Elephant Butte Inn Rooms.
Rates are $69.95 per night plus tax ($78.74 total). Be sure to inquire about the deposit and cancellation policy at time of reservation.
Additional Costs
Rally T-Shirts (Optional) - $15 Each
We will be ordering Rally T-shirts based on your selections during the registration process. Those that pre-order T-shirts will be able to pick them up and pay for them at registration on March 19. Please do NOT pre-pay for the shirts with your registration. Note: We will order a few extra shirts, but the only way to guarantee you get one is to pre-order as we usually run out of extras.
Here are sample T-shirt designs from the last two rallies.
 
RV Weighing (Optional) - $60
We will do RV Weighing sign-ups after our RV Weight & Tire Safety Seminar. Though we highly recommend this service, it is completely up to you. If you choose to be weighed, we are under contract with the RV Safety & Education Foundation to charge $60, part of which supports the work of the non-profit foundation.
Final Thoughts
About two weeks prior to the Rally, we will send an email letter to all registered attendees providing details about what to expect.
An RV-Dreams Rally includes a great mixture of experienced full-timers, new full-timers, savvy RVers, wannabe full-timers, and folks just exploring their options. The time before and after the Rally and the other times spent with other attendees can be as fun and informative as the scheduled activities. Life long friends are made at these Rallies and that's one of the reasons why we have return guests every time. :)
Registration Is Closed
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