As a full-time RVer for the last four years, I find it amazing how much technology has made such a lifestyle easier. I thought it might be a good idea to review what I have been using as a full-timer to assist any of you considering making the leap.

The first item to mention is the cellphone. This item has made it much easier and safer on the RVer. The ability to stay in contact with friends and family is important, but it's also great to have in case of emergency while driving or at an RV park. If you are moving from spot to spot throughout the year, as I do, then you should select a major cellular carrier that has good national coverage.

Next up would have to be the Internet. I have found that many RV parks do offer Wi-Fi, but generally the coverage is slow or basically nonexistent at the sites. To make sure I have Internet capability at all times, I have a smartphone and a tablet with a data plan.

I use the Internet to check email, research RV parks, conduct online banking, order prescriptions and to surf the Web. My phone or tablet then doubles as a Wi-Fi hotspot when a park does not offer the service.

You should check with your bank about online banking so that you can pay bills directly online and deposit checks with a picture from your smartphone. If you are taking medication, I would recommend using a pharmacy that is a national chain. This allows you to access your account online and order refills to be picked up where ever you may be.

Next up would be a mail-forwarding service. You set up with these companies so that they receive your mail and then forward it to you at predetermined intervals to an address you provide. I chose South Dakota as they have relaxed rules for RVers to establish residency, and a mail-forwarding service address qualifies.

Many companies offer a service in which they will scan in your mail and email it to you immediately upon receipt. I have found that the longer we have been on the road, the less paper mail we have. Just about everything is now handled via email.

The final item would be satellite TV. I confess I am a TV addict, and I enjoy many TV shows that are on a variety of channels. Having a digital video recorder (DVR) is a must, and to have this in an RV you really need to have satellite service.

I went with the automatic HD dish that sets up with the push of a button, and it is connected to two DVRs so I can feed my addiction. There are many options for satellite service from roof-mounted dishes to portable setups. The major satellite providers offer RV accounts, which then allow you to get distant network service (DNS) to receive the major network channels no matter where you are.

How did the full-timers do it before technology?