Rving Forums

Ute' injured in auto accident

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:24:08 -0600

Ute Czetli was involved in an auto accident this week and is recovering after surgical repair of a broken clavicle, and waiting for a decision on whether to have surgery for fractures in her pelvis. She is thankful for pain medication and for the good wishes she has received. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and hope you will heal without further surgery. Take care and no racing in that walker! Get well soon, and sending gentle hugs your way. Davena and Henry

Problems with Winegard or DirecTV DVR or both?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:12:08 -0600

I am fairly certain that we have a problem with our Winegard SK-3005. Out of the blue we started getting a "Searching for Signal (771)" error message on one of the DVRs. I got up on the roof and figured out which two leads went to each DVR and switched them and immediately the problem went to the other DVR. I have been on the phone with Winegard and they acknowledge a problem and I have one more thing to check to help determine if a new unit, or new lnbf cable, or something else is needed but it is raining today and planned for tomorrow so it may be next week before I get up on the roof.

In the meantime we have noticed on the first DVR mentioned above that the program playback is bad. We watched a program live last night and no skips or pixelation, nothing wrong. We then watched that same program playback and it was skipping all the time. Can a satellite malfunction affect the DVR programming?

Any suggestions you might have would be welcome!!

Check those connections!

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:31:57 -0600

A few days ago we were preparing to leave an overnight boondocking location. When I hooked up the truck to the trailer the brake controller showed that we were not connected. All the trailer lights worked but no brakes. Sure enough, during my pull test it became apparent that they were not working.

I checked out the problem and soon discovered what had happened. My trailer has three axles, and the connection to the electric brakes at each axle had a broken wire! The manufacturer had used crimp connections but had not sealed them to prevent moisture or corrosive salt air from attacking the wires. What this implies is that I have probably had only one axle working for quite some time. I do check the wiring each year or so, and it has been about that long since the last check. Sometime during that time I assume I lost one, then two, and finally last week the third axle's brakes.

With the braking power of my truck I never noticed that the trailer braking had diminished. Of course, if I had ever been required to make a panic stop the story might have been different. The moral is that checking brake connections on all axles on a more frequent basis than once a year is worthwhile. I think I will be doing it much more often now, even though I have now made a much better weatherproof connection than the factory originally made.

King-Dome AIR Automatic Stationary Satellite & Off-Air Antenna

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:26:27 -0600

We just bought a used RV with a Tracvision KVH programmed to Direct TV. We have been Dish subscribers for years. We cannot reprogram the KVH to our current Dish ViP 722 DVR. We have a Dish Turbo HD satellite with tripod which we are currently using with our 722.

Our options seem to be:

1. Downgrade to Dish 211 receiver and add external harddrive for DVR capabilities, then have KVH reprogrammed for Dish satellites. Cost approx $225
2. Get out of Dish contract and start Direct with a receiver that works for the KVH. Unsure of cost and DVR/HD capabilities.
3. Save our pennies for a while and buy new King-Dome AIR Automatic Stationary Satellite & Off-Air Antenna which will work with our current Dish ViP 722. Current CW price (not on sale) $1200 w/o installation

Any thoughts?

propane running low

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:54:53 -0600

Hi all, next issue about being parked for a period of time. Our propane is getting low and no companies (I can find) will come to the MH to fill the onboard 80lb tank. So how do I hook up a portable cylinder? There is a regulator that has a cover over it that the hose connections come into. Also there isn't a lot of extra hose to connect to. Any suggestions? Yes I can drive to a fill station but it would be a big hassle. So I am trying to figure out what is the least hassle.

thanks in advance

Introducing BigBit & LilBit

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:57:49 -0600

We have recently joined what we've been told is the "Dark Side" We have purchased a '06 Volvo 670, 13 Spd, 465 HP, BigBit, to pull our '07 35' Excel TKE. We will have a Smart car, LilBit, loaded on the custom bed of BigBit. Currently the bed is being constructed by Herrin Welding of Kilgore, Tx.

Here's a picture showing the current state of the bed build and one of LilBit

http://www.rvnetwork.com/index.php?act=attach&type=post&id=900
BigBit

http://www.rvnetwork.com/index.php?act=attach&type=post&id=901
LilBit

We are very excited and Roseann is more than ready to start driving BigBit to our winter locations.

Furnace Duct Replacement in our Class A

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:48:26 -0600

HI we purchased a 2001 fleetwood flair only to discover that the duct work under the sofa is not there so where do we buy new flexible duct work for our furnace? It looks to me like dryer vent tubing for a house but I dont know.
Can anyone suggest where to buy this at and the size?

thank you
Ron and Kathy

iRV2 has been hacked

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:44:53 -0600

Just went over to the Alpine Owners Forum on iRV2 and saw a notice that they took down the site as it has been hacked. Seems no site is immune.

Barb

Solar cables on rubber roof

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:42:55 -0600

I am getting ready to secure my solar cables from the panels to the combiner box. I was wondering which Dicor sealer to use, the leveling compound or the non-leveling. I was thinking of putting a small puddle on the roof in a few spots, placing the cables and letting that sit for a day and then place a dab on top of the cables at the places where I secured them in the Dicor. I can probably use either compound but was wondering what others have done.

Thanks, Kevin

Georgia Veterans State Park, Cordele, Ga

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:58:58 -0600

Will be going thru Georgia the last weekend in November on our way to Florida for the winter. We have stayed in Americus GA at the Brickyard Plantation RV Park before but thought we might try something different this time. We have never stayed in a Georgia State Park before but have heard good things about them. This will just be for over night but was wondering if anyone here has stayed at Georgia Veterans State Park, Cordele, Ga

We would prefer not to make reservations, what are our chances in the area this time of year?
Any info appreciated,
thank you.

Singles?

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:21:16 -0600

Hi all

I am in the UK and have to say full time RV-ing around the US would be a wonderful thing to do - although as a non-US citizen I guess I could only stay three months at a time, unless I could find a wife while I was over there!

Anyway, most of the posts I have seen are from couples.

Just curious, are the many single travelers in the RV community?

I sure there must be, although I haven't noticed any yet.

Richie

FLEETWOOD Auction

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:05:15 -0600

Just saw in todays paper and checked website

http://www.cmaauctions.com/auctions/268_Fleetwood.shtml

The California Fleetwood Plants are closing and moving to Decatur Indiana.

Half the auction was today,
Other half on December 9

And another one's gone and another one's gone, another one bites the dust.

Former owner of a 1978 Pace Arrow 31'
Current owner of a 1997 Bounder 34'

Look, Dear...No Glasses!

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:41:21 -0600

A friend just showed me this tip, and it's an 'eye saver' for sure.

If the print is too small, just hold the control button, and use the wheel of your mouse to increase/decrease the size of the print.

Way cool, don't you think?

Dyno price in Ontario?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:16:59 -0600

Does anyone know what the cost of a Dyno test in Ontario would run? Found a truck I'm interested in at Sheehans in Burlington. Also John- if you're reading this that toyhauler project looks great!

Low signal strength

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:12:31 -0600

Hail storm knocked out the lnbf a while back, which I replaced with a unit from a local dealer's box o' junque. It was the only one we could find in the warehouse, the real installers were all...awol or something. Didn't really give it any thought until I started moving around again, and in none of my set-ups could I get very good numbers. Called Dish, they sent me a new radio. Nope, didn't solve the issue.

I've gone around and either replaced the ends or the various patch cords - still no real improvement. I even ran a known-good chunk of RG6 directly from the antenna to the DVR; again no improvement.

It isn't critical, we have TV, but the indicated signal should be significantly higher. E.g. in AJ we typically get over 120, last set-up was in the high 60s range.

Anything else I should try before hollering to Dish?

GPS

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:01:38 -0600

So my buddy insists I have to have one of these, and gives me a basic GPS unit. Nice little dots on the screen tell me where I am when I cause those dots to be made.

Why do I want this thing?

Thanks.

Water heater check valve

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:58:58 -0600

What function does this perform? What's my risk to not replace it first thing tomorrow morning?

Thanks.

4x4 pickup Toad

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:56:09 -0600

Hello folks,

I have need of a 4x4 truck when out and about and I am wondering which small trucks some folks have been towing four-down? I reference REMCO towing lists and Motorhome Magazine but the listed choices for years, makes and models are limited. I also find it difficult to believe that many Toyota pickups are listed as "No" to towing. I would bet that there are quite a few 1990's model Toyota 4x4 pickups out there being towed.

Right now my wife and I are checking Mazda B series 4x4 trucks and Ford 4x4 Rangers around the years of 1995 to 2000 or so, something not overly expensive that would fit our budget and that Remco lists as "towable". We have thought about the fine Jeep models (we like the CJ and Wrangler types) but we need the bed of the truck for hauling our dogs when camped and our gear when traveling.

I also like the Toyota T 100 models (manufactured only 1993 to 1998 I believe) because of the light weight and the long bed version available but I haven't been able to dig up any useful information on towing the T 100's 4 down.

I haven't come across a Ford Ranger model yet with a "neutral" setting on the transfer case knob such as our Dodge pickup has but I did notice a Nissan Frontier with a traditional stick for operation the transfer case with all the ranges including neutral.

We would prefer a 4x4 truck equipped with a automatic transmission for our Toad but we can get by with a stick shift if need be. I will teach my wife how to drive a stick shift if that is the route we are channeled into.

(My wife just informed me that Motorhome Magazine lists the 2001 Nissan frontier 4x4 pickup as towable 4 down with the manuel transfer case in the neutral position with speed limited to 60mph and distance towed at 500 miles, not bad parameters.)

Motorhome Magazine also has older lists available for trucks at $3.95 per back issue (one years models each) which sure seems fair to me but with not having the vehicle yet makes it undesirable to purchase every years chart that is available.

What small 4x4 pickups are you towing?

Recommendations for Gulf Coast

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:53:32 -0600

Hello,
We are traveling to the Gulf Coast of Mississippi and Alabama and are looking for recommendations for places to stay along the coast. Thanks.

Budget work

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:25:22 -0600

I am starting to work on my budget for full timing and need to know about how many kilowatt hours y'all use per month? I have the price per hour just need some kind of idea how many hours I might use in a month. I will live in Texas around Fort Worth for the next few years getting ready to have fun traveling. Thanks to all in advance.

Update by a Verizon provider....future plans.

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:14:54 -0600

I just came from the local independent Verizon dealer. My phone was not working so while waiting I used it to ask him some questions about phone service and internet access.

First, he said that phones with external antenna jacks will probably not be available through Verizon in the near future. He had two Motorola W755 phones left that had an external jack. I picked up one of them.

I did ask what police and other services in rural areas will be doing now that external antenna's are history. He said that they are all going to external amplifiers and those will still be available. He did recommend the Wilson set-up even though he does not sell it. He did imply that Verizon did not want him selling any external antenna stuff.

On the Internet. I got a offer from Verizon for a free aircard, mifi, or netbook with a new two year contract. His recommendation was to buy tethering for the current phone if I did not have a pressing need for multiple computer internet access. He said that Verizon should have 4G service in town by next year and it is worth waiting for. Once 4G service is up and running he would get a air card at that time.

On Google Phones. His comment was that Google phone operating system is free and is a direct connect to their servers. Those devices will be really fast. Also since the operating system is free to companies the price of phones will drop. Actually, he implied that the PDA's will drop to the price of todays phones.
He expected that to start happening this spring.

Anyway, those were his thoughts. Remember it is worth what you paid for it!!

Charleston DP MH - Pros-Cons?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:37:41 -0600

Thinking of getting back in to MH Will probably use for 4-5 months over the winter to stay warm. Anybody have any opinions? thanks,

Portable generator surging---help!

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:33:06 -0600

[sizh="5"][/size]
[size="6"][/size]
hello all I tried to make the fonts big--oh well. We have an off-brand portable generator
that we've only used a few times---got it going last nite to hook to our oldie popup
and within a few min. it was speeding up and all of a sudden the tv did pop pop and
smoke was coming out from it---now the fridge isn't working either. How do we
stop the surging. No one here in scottsville, KY, where we are boondocking nearby
will touch an off-brand one at all. Yikes! Anyone else ever have this problem? Annie

One vs. Another

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:24:32 -0600

Hi all,
Yup, it is me again.
Like a bad penny, I keep turning up!

Ok, we gave up on the Fleetwood in Texas as we learned and don't like that most Fleetwoods don't have pass through basement storage.
The Tiffin, there is something that keeps scratching at me...that something isn't right there. So my DH says that I have always been right with what he calls my 8th sense, so we are going to pass on that one too.

We are currently looking at a Monaco Windsor and a Gulf Stream Friendship.

I have found a decent amount of stuff to read about Monaco's but don't seem to find much on Gulf Stream.... not even on the Brand owners board, other than the fact that Gulf Stream does not do work/repairs at their factory.

Any feedback from you all would be greatly appreciated as to your feelings about these two mfg.

Thanks in advance everyone...you guys and gals are great people!

Electrical-Volvo

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:23:37 -0600

We're drawing up our circuit for the tail lights and marker lights for the box.
The power supply for all the LEDS and a pair of Hoppy's will all be in the port side luggage box with the inverter.
I have not checked the Hoppy's but I will assume they draw a small amount of power all of the time, the LED power supply will of course. We will supply power to all of these things via a relay(s) activated by the ignition/accessory switch so that there is otherwise no power loss.
We decided on not doing it via a manual switch as the chance (likelihood) of forgetting to turn it on would be quite dangerous for traffic behind us.
Does anyone know of a convenient place in a VNL-770 to find a circuit or tap for IGN/ACC on we can lead back to the port side luggage box?

Bargin Hunting Done For You?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:07:57 -0600

I came across this website about a year ago and found it most helpful: Zing Sale

What does it do? Finds out when stuff you want goes on sale. I was looking for a bike rack for my car I went to Zing Sale website and found the one I was looking for. I added to my to my alerts and got e-mails when it went on sale.

With the holidays around the corner this may help you find the best deals. I have not received any SPAM only the requested e-mail alerts when a product I am looking for goes on sale.

New small Tiffin diesel pusher...

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:17:38 -0600

Breeze may be the name. Included are pictures but they seem to be reformatted in a way that makes it a little hard to see true perspective. It will not have the Sprinter V-6 engine but rather a V-8 Navistar (International Harvester.) Tiffin builds its own chassis, it is not a UFO. If interested here is the url: http://www.rvcruzer.com/breeze.php

Map software updates/add-ins

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:44:14 -0600

I had the link to a motorhome owners website at one time that had mapping software add-ins such as truckstops, walmarts, etc on that site. I have lost the link and cannot remember what owners club website it was.

Can anyone help me out with the link?

Oil filled water pressure regulator guage

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:12:26 -0600

I finally sent off for a good water regulator and it arrived in the mail this afternoon. It was like Christmas. Hey, what can I say, after so many years, Dec 25 doesn't have quite as much excitement, it gets filtered out into other days.

Anyway, just like Christmas, I was a little concerned by something I noticed, something about the new toy, something about the guage.

Oh, it was a stout looking regulator, and heavy! But when I looked at the guage, it was obvious it was not "oil filled", it was about half "oil filled". Hmmm.

I didn't see any sign that the oil leaked out anywhere in the packaging. And I do see a little rubber plug on the top of the guage, which of course, I had to open just to see what was inside. No surprise, there really was oil in there, but again, not anywhere near "filled".

It appears to be a clear oil, but rather stiff. Could it be mineral oil?

There was no mention of the oil in any of the papers included in the box. And I can't think of anything that would be harmed by using the guage without it being "full". (???)

I sent an email to Rick at thewaterfilterstore.com but haven't heard from him yet.

Whatcha think? Anything to worry about? Something I should take care of (fill)? Something to ignore? When under pressure, would the oil get squished out if it were actually full?

I'm not upset in the slightest, just wondering.

Thanks for the thoughts. If / when I hear from Rick at the water filter store, I"ll let you know what he's got to say.

Brian

Solar panel advice requested

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:31:21 -0600

Harbor Freight has this 80W solar panel for $499.99. Since I know about as little as possible about solar panels, I would really like your advice. I plan to install solar panels on my RV garage/ workshop, with 12V lighting and battery charging/maintenance capabilities for the RV, my '32 Chevy, etc. From reading here I suspect 4, T 105's would be an adequate battery bank?

CUMMINS N14 COLD WEATHER TIPS

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:59:16 -0600

Hey guys,

Anyone have an ohm reading for the oil pan heaters on the N14+? I'm missing the plug on mine and want to rewire it and make sure it's not shorted. Can someone elaborate at what temps I should plug it in around and even if it drops into the 30's or 20's, will it help start better and can I leave it plugged in all night long?

Also, I thought of using a stabilizer like Diesel Fuel Supplement+Cetane Boost (at Wal-Mart), and will this work to keep bacteria down or do I need to use the biocide Diesel Kleen even if I drive it every week or two?

Just some PM thoughts to keep future trouble at bay, thanks!

Ken.

UNLOCKING A CELL PHONE

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:51:00 -0600

Looking for info from those that may have had a similar problem: We're out of country for a few months and took along our Samsung T-Mobile cell phone as this model was capable of installing another countries Simm card.
I unlocked the phone before we left the states and tried out an old Vodofone Simms card from a few years ago. I didn't expect it to work stateside. However, it doesn't work in New Zealand either! We attempted to purchase a new Simms card from Vodafone in a local mall, however the test card the salesgirl used could not find a signal. And that's the problem! The phone has been unlocked and re-checked but unable to find a network. Unfortunately, the sales girl couldn't guarantee a new ( non- refundable) card with new phone number would work, and I can't find a thing on line to help.
Short of purchasing a new cell phone, does anyone have a solution.

Tunnel Heights

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:22:46 -0600

My husband and I have just completed 13 months on the West Coast from the Mexican Border to the Arctic Circle. We are now planning our trip on the East Coast incl. Canada and wondered if anyone has heard of any software (preferably) or books/maps which clearly show bridge height. I am using Microsoft Streets and Trips for route planning and know there is no way to display bridge clearances on it. Is there anything else out there????

Synthetic Oil

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:20:31 -0600

I will need to change the oil in my International 4700 soon and I would appreciate your thoughts on using synthetic oil vs. Rotella. I plan on doing some heavy hauling, 18K 5'r next spring/summer out west and want to use a good oil product. Is the synthetic really worth the extra cost and what type of oil change interval will I get using it? Thanks!

MOTOSAT Won't rise

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:01:33 -0600

I haven't used my Motosat for 6-7 months. I reactivated my service and I want to use it. It will not rise, I do not here any sound of thi trying. The laghts on the nomad box light up then go out.

Any suggestions?

Cookie

Auxillary fuel tank.. (-:}

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:17:34 -0600

Before our trip to Arkansas a few weeks ago I decided to spring for an ATTA 45 gal. auxillary tank/tool box. Next to the hitch I think that's one of the best additions I've made to the truck. It was very nice being able to tow the 5th wheel from Houston to Caddo lake then on up to Arkansas and still we had 3/4 of the trucks main tank full.

After getting there we drove around for a few days and found some cheap fuel and filled up with 3/4 of a tank left. It's really nice having about 1000 miles range towing the trailer and 1500 miles empty. Almost better than the range was the way the truck rides with a full aux. tank. Extra weight makes a huge difference in the ride. Only regret is that I didn't buy the tank when I first got the truck!

Winterizing a water system that has been modified.

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:56:18 -0600

I've just received a manual via email from Fleetwood for my 1983 Tioga and am now trying to verify all the modifications made by previous owners.

I'd like to winterize the plumbing asap as I am in Central NY and we're already having freezing here. I've searched various forums and Google and realized that I'd much rather buy a water heater bypass kit than waste 6-7 gal of antifreeze.

So, here's my dilemma: The plumbing has been modified with pvc piping. I'm not sure exactly where I would bypass the water heater or if it's even a possibility. I haven't wrenched on anything yet since I haven't even purchased a kit yet.

Any advice?

SEIU: Investigates Boy Scout VOLUNTEER Trail Project

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:38:58 -0600

The other day I heard this news story about a Boy Scout donating 200 hours to clear a park trail in pursuit of an Eagle Scout badge and thought how sad:

"Kevin Anderson, 17, worked more than 200 hours on weekends to clear a 1,000-foot walking and biking path at Kimmets Lock Park in east Allentown, putting him in the crosshairs of the local Service Employees International Union, reported the Allentown Morning Call. Local SEIU chief Nick Balzano told the Allentown City Council the union might file a grievance against the city for allowing Anderson to work on the project. "We'll be looking into the Cub Scout or Boy Scout who did the trails," he told the council, the Morning Call reported. Balzano later told the newspaper he isn't targeting Boy Scouts but argued no one but a union member should be allowed to pick up a hoe or shovel, plant a flower or clear a path for the city".
The complete article here click here

Then I read this article today:
New Hampshire seeks adopt-a-park help for upkeep chores
Greg Gerber posted on November 16, 2009 08:34
New Hampshire's park system, the only self-funded system in the country, is looking to hand over some care and control of as many as half its 71 parks because the system can't afford their upkeep. The complete article here: NH Seeks Adopt a Park Volunteers

Each state is different but if complaints are going to be filed against Boy Scouts for volunteering?
I wonder how New Hampshire is going to get this project to work?
What effect will this have on the National Park System?
No more volunteers, work campers etc will they have to be unionized?

converting to digital tv

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:01:30 -0600

This has probably been addressed before, but this is a first for me. I have a 2000 Winnebage that has analog tv's front and back. The new digital tv's don't conform to the space alloted for the old ones. Where do I put the converter box in the system so we can receive local channels on the antenna. I have been told putting it between the antenna in and distribution box will not work? Thanks in advance for all help received.

Toyhauler Pics Updated

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:50:42 -0600

For some reason the interior shots didn't get uploaded but there are several mechanical and construction shots on page 7 & 8 of my webshots toyhauler album.

Wyoming and domicile

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:12:44 -0600

Hi all,
I have been lurking around this forum since December of last year and became a member earlier this year. I have commented on some topics that I felt I had info & knowledge to talk about and have left many alone because you all give such good information (meant in all sincerity).

I have read quite a bit about full timers becoming domiciling in Texas and South Dakota and many even in Florida. Now I know Washington and Nevada do not have state income taxes but have other taxes that are quite high, but why hasn't anybody mentioned domiciling in Wyoming? Any comments and insights into this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again for all of the great info put out there by all of you.

Chris

wintering near Mission tx

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:45:43 -0600

Am considering Mission Tx area for dec. thru feb anyone have any suggestions? We are on a budget so looking for reasonable rates and don't need anything fancy. Be our first winter out so need all advice we can get. Thanks in advance for any advice. Will be coming out of upstate ny. We have a class A 38' if that helps.
Thanks again!
Dusty & Verna

Dish Alignment Made Easy

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:06:47 -0600

Probably everyone knew this but me but just in case....

Today I set up the StarChoice dish in the RV park down here in Mexico. I had a bit of a problem finding the signal when a neighbour dropped by with a brilliant solution. You find someone with a working signal, place a piece of paper on the dish and trace where the shadow of the feed horn lies on the dish. You then take this paper to your dish and tape it in the same position. You then turn, raise and lower your dish until the shadow of your feed horn matches the tracing. You will now be very close to the correct orientation. Magic! It only works of course when the sun is shining and somewhere in front of the dish and if the dish is the same size but what a labour saver - not to mention the frustration.

Draining washer/dryer

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:26:35 -0600

I have a washer/dryer combo in my 5r, and this is the first time I've had to winterize the system. I really hate to run RV antifreeze in the wash machine. I've opened the valves, turned on the washer on warm, and pulled the low point drains on the RV, allowing the pipes to drain out. I've also drained the "filter/trap" on the washer. Is there still water in the washer somewhere that will freeze and cause problems?? Advice would be appreciated from those with experience. I've winterized RV systems before, just not a washer.

underside of 5r

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:18:29 -0600

Have any of you dealt with the "liner" under the stepped up hitch area of your 5r? Mine has a fiberglass type sheet covering a "insulation" sheet that basically looks like fancy cardboard. This material is getting wet and is moldy. Smells terrible inside the 5r after a rain. The water comes down the sides and gets in along the trim at the bottom edge. I've tried to caulk this area, it just splits the caulk off right away (apparently there is enough warp/twist going on in the trailer frame to make it hard to keep the seam sealed.) I'm tempted to tear off this whole area and replace it with something that won't mold (and add drain holes!). I'd also like to find a corner trim that doesn't route the water underneath if it isn't sealed on the side. Any suggestions??

Bad Receiver

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:01:53 -0600

I have a DVR R22-100 purchased last Spring at Best Buy. It appears that the hard drive is dying as I have difficulty using fast forward and the picture sometimes freezes. I do a reset and it will work for a few hours but the next day things act up again.

Any hope that Directv will replace the unit free of cost if I call them?

John

Problem with Firefox

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:06:05 -0600

This problem just started the other day.When I go to my home town newspaper site, as I navigate it will crash and give error message about crashing. If I go to the same site with IE8 I have no problem. It only happens on this particular site. Any ideas ? Please understand I am not computer talk savvy so plain English appreciated.For now I just use IE 8 for this site but prefer Firefox over all.

Air Card & McAfee Problem

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:45:08 -0600

I have a sprint usb card and mcaffe security software. I keep getting an error 'The detection signature file is between 8 and 29 days old'. I use to have Hughes satellite and had no problems. I had this same problem in August but it went away. Thinking back on it, I was using wifi at a campground that might have let the software work. It 'updates' all the time. Then the same message pops up afterwards.

Is it a setting with the usb card that I need to change? Any help would be appreciated.

World Equestrian Games, Lexington, KY 2010

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:27:39 -0600

Would like to know if any members will be visiting, volunteering, working at the FEI World Eq. Games in 2010? Would like to start an interest group to exchange info. on where to go, camp, ride share, pet day-care, etc...
Thanks,
Andrews4
Abilene, Texas

God Bless all our military!

Finding Truck Values

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:47:16 -0600

I have a 2001 Ford F550. I am TRYING to locate information getting what truck is currently worth. Most of the sites, Kelly Blue Book...etc., are for smaller trucks. I am not able to find info for a F550. Any suggestions?

$6,500 tax credit for homebuyers may be a good move

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:04:33 -0600

I was not aware of this until I read this article in the Sunday Seattle Times November 15, 2009.

Nation's Housing

$6,500 tax credit for homebuyers may be a good move
Though it's been getting second billing to the original $8,000 credit for first-time purchasers � extended by Congress through June 30 � the $6,500 credit for current homeowners just might have your name on it.

By Kenneth R. Harney

Syndicated columnist

WASHINGTON � Take a close, hard look at the new $6,500 federal tax credit for so-called "move-up" homebuyers that passed the Senate and House recently.

Though it's been getting second billing to the original $8,000 credit for first-time purchasers � extended by Congress through June 30 � the $6,500 credit for current homeowners just might have your name on it.

How does it work? When will it be available?

First things first: The new credit is available now. It took effect the day President Obama signed the legislation creating it � Nov. 6.

This means that if you fit the key criteria � you've owned and resided in your current home for a consecutive five out of the past eight years, and your adjusted household income doesn't exceed $125,000 if you file taxes singly, $225,000 if you are married filing jointly � you can claim the credit as soon as you close on a qualifying house.

That could be next week, next month, or next spring. There is no "move up" requirement in the new credit. In fact, homeowners who plan to downsize into a smaller dwelling may prove to be significant users of the credit, along with people who are relocating because of employment changes.

If you fit the criteria and are considering buying another house some time in the coming year, you might want to speed up the process and sign a contract by next April 30 and close by the June 30 expiration date. Think of it this way: If the government is willing to give you $6,500 to act a little faster than you had originally planned, hey, why not?

Some other key features of the $6,500 credit you ought to know about:

� Whatever you intend to purchase, the house cannot cost more than $800,000.

� The replacement house must become your main home. There is no requirement in the legislation that you sell your current home. You could rent it out, turn it into a second home, or list it for sale later in 2010 when prices might be higher. If you plan to retain it, however, make sure you move into the new house on the day you close so that there is no question it was your principal residence at that time.

� Like the first-time buyer credit, the $6,500 version permits a broad range of dwelling types for your purchase. These include newly constructed or existing single-family homes, condominiums, manufactured or mobile homes, and boats that function as your principal residence. You cannot claim the credit if you are buying a second home or an investment property.

� The IRS is required by Congress to scrutinize claims for credits � both for the $6,500 and the $8,000 � far more closely in the coming months than it did earlier in 2009. This is because federal investigators have documented significant instances of fraud � supposed "homebuyers" who were actually minors as young as 4, and bogus "sales" that were totally fabricated. Investigators also found numerous cases of technical violations, such as purchase transactions among immediate family members, which are prohibited.

The revised rules require taxpayers to submit copies of their settlement statements (HUD-1 forms), along with their requests for credits using IRS Form 5405. Congress' new rules also prohibit individuals under the age of 18 or who are counted as dependents on another taxpayer's filings from claiming the credit.

� Homebuyers in 2009 � those who go to closing after Nov. 6 but no later than Dec. 31 � can claim the $6,500 credit on their 2009 federal tax returns, or amend their 2008 returns. Similarly, eligible purchasers in 2010 will be able to file for the credit on their 2009 returns or 2010 returns. Talk to your tax adviser regarding timing decisions, which may be affected by your household income applicable to a given year.

� If you aren't sure if you can make the deadlines established for the new credit � a binding contract by next April 30 and a settlement by June 30 � do not assume that Congress will provide another extension. All the political and budgetary signs point the other way, and some of the primary authors of the credit insist that this is it � no more extensions next year. Take them at their word.

For an excellent consumer resource with FAQs on both the $6,500 and the $8,000 extended credits, go to www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com, which is sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders.

Kenneth R. Harney: kenharney@earthlink.net

I hope many of you can take advantage of this as I can not at this time.

Evan

$6500 Tax Credit good on RV purchase

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:38:03 -0600

Many of you may not be aware the the new tax credit so called "move-up" that passed the Senate and is already availbe, I was not until I read the article in the Seattle Times on Sunday November 15th, 2009

Nation's Housing

$6,500 tax credit for homebuyers may be a good move
Though it's been getting second billing to the original $8,000 credit for first-time purchasers � extended by Congress through June 30 � the $6,500 credit for current homeowners just might have your name on it.

By Kenneth R. Harney

Syndicated columnist

WASHINGTON � Take a close, hard look at the new $6,500 federal tax credit for so-called "move-up" homebuyers that passed the Senate and House recently.

Though it's been getting second billing to the original $8,000 credit for first-time purchasers � extended by Congress through June 30 � the $6,500 credit for current homeowners just might have your name on it.

How does it work? When will it be available?

First things first: The new credit is available now. It took effect the day President Obama signed the legislation creating it � Nov. 6.

This means that if you fit the key criteria � you've owned and resided in your current home for a consecutive five out of the past eight years, and your adjusted household income doesn't exceed $125,000 if you file taxes singly, $225,000 if you are married filing jointly � you can claim the credit as soon as you close on a qualifying house.

That could be next week, next month, or next spring. There is no "move up" requirement in the new credit. In fact, homeowners who plan to downsize into a smaller dwelling may prove to be significant users of the credit, along with people who are relocating because of employment changes.

If you fit the criteria and are considering buying another house some time in the coming year, you might want to speed up the process and sign a contract by next April 30 and close by the June 30 expiration date. Think of it this way: If the government is willing to give you $6,500 to act a little faster than you had originally planned, hey, why not?

Some other key features of the $6,500 credit you ought to know about:

� Whatever you intend to purchase, the house cannot cost more than $800,000.

� The replacement house must become your main home. There is no requirement in the legislation that you sell your current home. You could rent it out, turn it into a second home, or list it for sale later in 2010 when prices might be higher. If you plan to retain it, however, make sure you move into the new house on the day you close so that there is no question it was your principal residence at that time.

� Like the first-time buyer credit, the $6,500 version permits a broad range of dwelling types for your purchase. These include newly constructed or existing single-family homes, condominiums, manufactured or mobile homes, and boats that function as your principal residence. You cannot claim the credit if you are buying a second home or an investment property.

� The IRS is required by Congress to scrutinize claims for credits � both for the $6,500 and the $8,000 � far more closely in the coming months than it did earlier in 2009. This is because federal investigators have documented significant instances of fraud � supposed "homebuyers" who were actually minors as young as 4, and bogus "sales" that were totally fabricated. Investigators also found numerous cases of technical violations, such as purchase transactions among immediate family members, which are prohibited.

The revised rules require taxpayers to submit copies of their settlement statements (HUD-1 forms), along with their requests for credits using IRS Form 5405. Congress' new rules also prohibit individuals under the age of 18 or who are counted as dependents on another taxpayer's filings from claiming the credit.

� Homebuyers in 2009 � those who go to closing after Nov. 6 but no later than Dec. 31 � can claim the $6,500 credit on their 2009 federal tax returns, or amend their 2008 returns. Similarly, eligible purchasers in 2010 will be able to file for the credit on their 2009 returns or 2010 returns. Talk to your tax adviser regarding timing decisions, which may be affected by your household income applicable to a given year.

� If you aren't sure if you can make the deadlines established for the new credit � a binding contract by next April 30 and a settlement by June 30 � do not assume that Congress will provide another extension. All the political and budgetary signs point the other way, and some of the primary authors of the credit insist that this is it � no more extensions next year. Take them at their word.

For an excellent consumer resource with FAQs on both the $6,500 and the $8,000 extended credits, go to www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com, which is sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders.

Kenneth R. Harney: kenharney@earthlink.net

I hope many of you can take advantage ot this, I'm not able to at this time,

Evan

Fuel additive / veg oil

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:02:36 -0600

Since last summer we traveled about 9000 miles. We have a 2000 Volvo 610 with a N-14. About two years ago when we left florida our fuel milage was about 7 to 7.5 no matter how I drove. This was with Walmart diesel.
We carry a jeep on the Volvo at about 45 degree angle. The about half the bumper sticks up above the top of the truck [wind resistance]. With out the jeep we gain about .75 MPG more. This is just an estimate.
I have benn running veggie oil as a fuel additive for about 4 years. About 1 percent ratio.
Our truck has instantanius readout so I can see what is happening when it is happening.
If I use LSD which is still availible if you look for it in most parts of the country. We get about 1 mpg more with just using LSD.
We spent the summer in montana and the yellowstone area this summer. Sinclair fuel there was ULSD but still gave fairly good fuel milage.
Last spring I started using waste veggie oil filtered.
I just happened to pick 8 percent ratio for a test. 8 Gallons veggie oil to 100 gallons fuel oil.
With ULSD and 8 percent mix of veggie oil I get about 12 percent increase in fuel milage.
With LSD and 8 percent mix I get about 19 percent better fuel milage.
If the truck is in a good pull going up a hill with the boost gauge at 15, ULSD will run at 2.8mpg. With LSD it will run at 3.2 or better. The part with 8 percent mix was not completed yet[did not think to look at it and record the results. I will test will the proper mix asoon as possible and post it].
The truck really is alot louder in the cab when running ULSD. When it has LSD and veggie oil it really makes a difference in the noise level in the cab.
This just what we have seen in our travels for the summer. We are near Bushnell Fl. for the winter and I am going to be doing more testing on spacific milage runs this winter so that I will have more detailes later this winter. I do use a pump to collect waste oil and do some simple tests before I will filter it and use it.
We went to Sams Club and the price of new veggie oil is about 5 bucks agallon. with some simple calculations even buying new veg oil may prove cost efective.

Safe Travels Vern

coming to join you in2010

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:23:36 -0600

Well we have downsized the house here and intend to join you all in july 2010 ,can't wait. You have all been so helpfull and I hope your help is available for this one. We intend to buy an RV from ppl but I have heard that I will need an address for the title, I hope to do this in polk county using our club but am unsure of the procedure. Do I need to register first then buy the Rv or the other way rould?. I would appreciate any advice on how to go about this Dave

Charging phone from computer?

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:01:40 -0600

We're getting for an overseas trip and I'm trying to reduce the weight of our luggage. We'll take a netbook for email. I'd love to leave the cell phone charger at home and charge the phone via connection to the netbook with a USB/Micro USB cable. Will it work? Or does the USB/Micro USB cable only transfer data when used with the netbook?

As usual, any help would be appreciated!

Roger

making a 2nd bedroom

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:56:42 -0600

Hello all! Just found the site, and seems like alot of useful info in it, but cant find anything answering a question we've been having. Have a 98 Hitchhiker 5er w living area in the back that need to turn into a small bedroom for infant son. Have taken out couch and table and put chairs in slideout w babybed in back. Question what can I put up as a wall that is lightweight and can be sound quieted? Any suggestions would be helpful

7.3 ford diesel

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:37:46 -0600

am thinking about buying a 2000 f250 with a 7.3 diesel and auto tran. any comments on this truck? i keep going back and forth between a tt or a 5er and how big should i go. comments please. thanks

Outlaw

Panama Beach RV Parks

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:29:30 -0600

I'm taking a new job in Panama Beach, FL and need to find a nice RV park to live in. It doesn't have to be resort quality. Safe, clean, full hook-ups, services, and close to the beach would be ideal. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated! Tx/JJ

Rampage Lift Install

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:03:24 -0600

I've received the Rampage motorcycle lift I bought from JRoger, and getting prepared to install it on my Volvo 610. There are no printed installation instructions with it (just operating instructions) and the only online instructions I can find are for pickup truck bed application. I'm sure I'll eventually figure it out, but thought I'd ask the group if those who have previously installed one of these Rampage lifts across the rear deck of an HDT could give a recap of the critical installation steps. No problems with the electrical, I'm a retired Electrical Engineer and Licensed Journeyman Electrician. Its the mechanical attachment process thats not clear to me. I'm also unsure how far back I need to position it, so that the Harley handlebars don't hit the rear edge of the upper/side fairings. I want to keep it as far forward as possible to maintain maximum space between the Harley & the Teton in sharp turns. But It looks like if I put the Rampage frame as far forward as possible, the Harley handlebars may hit the rear edge of those fairings. No way to test without installing it and I sure dont want to have to move this thing after installation.

thanks,

Jim

Cyfre CA819

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:12:37 -0600

I would like an honest opinion on this product. I bought one 06-15-2008, it has already bit the dust (Sept). I know that it only has a one year warranty but you would think that it would work for a little longer than that.

Has anyone experienced this same problem???
Do any of you think that Wilson has a better result???

Would appreciate any comments on the subject.

Art Redmond

Looking for the grey water pull handle

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:20:33 -0600

We just bought our first RV this week (getting it registered tomorrow!) and I'm still trying to figure out where everything is located on it. There is the black water hook up marked "Body Waste" with a pull handle a few inches behind the tube, but I couldn't find another pull handle for the grey water to flush the hose. I crawled underneath and found two spigots close to the rear bumper (slightly behind the black water tank hook up).The previous owner dumped all the tanks in preparation for winter, so this is more for my education as a new owner rather than being in a bad situation with full tanks.

This is a 1983 Fleetwood Tioga 23RB. I don't have any owner's manual, but do plan on calling Fleetwood tomorrow to see if they have something they can mail to me.

Thanks.

Rapid Roof 111

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:46:26 -0600

Someone posted about coating your skylight with Rapid Roof 111. I have done a search to no avail..Where does one buy this product..

Portable washing machine

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:28:31 -0600

Heh...feels weird calling it a machine - but it's a handy little gadget! Anyone have experience with it? http://www.laundry-alternative.com/washing.htm We don't want to spend time and money at laundromats and I can't justify installing a machine in a small rig...so Geo found this and announced we are getting it.

Kari

Dometic toliet leak

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:52:52 -0600

We bought our home used. I've had it about 4 months and now my toilet won't hold water. Should I fix it or just buy a better unit? Also we haven't noticed any odors.

Electronic Dependancy - Buget Help

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:30:49 -0600

Ok. I am hooked on electronics. Cable TV, Cell phones, Internet. I expect I will need to make some adjustments to continue this addiction when on the road. So how do you manage it all?

I am approximating monthly costs here, after purchasing all the hardware: TV (Direct or Dish) @ $60 month? Cellular (Verizon or AT&T) @ $100 for a two phone (wife and I) plan per month. Internet (Verizon) @ $60 month.

So am I off the mark here; approximately $220 month expense to maintain my electronic 'addiction' on the road?

I have no experience with satellite TV. I have no experience with cellular internet. And I currently have a Verizon cell phone, but I like the AT&T I-Phone. So as I make changes, how do I enjoy the experience but keep the budget in check?

How do you get this done? Thanks!

bushnell FL forever bond tape

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:04:31 -0600

I spoke to a guy at Excel in Kansas the other day, (we have an Excel) and he mentioned that there is a product sealing the front seam called Forever Bonding Tape. Since we are nowhere near Kansas, is there a place near Bushnell, FL, where I could have some new bonding tape installed? Could any RV repair place do that, do you think?

Thanks,

Barry Kessler

bumping noise in water lines

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 07:42:56 -0600

i have a 2000 travel supreme 5th wheel. When i turn the hot or cold water on i hear a bump and then the water comes out. is there a check valve or a mixing valve in the lines somewhere and if there is i can't find it. need help

Campground Volunteer Host Positions

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 23:22:21 -0600

I thought this might be of interest to some...

Campground Volunteer Host Positions
http://forestcamping.com/dow/host/host.htm

Overnight parking in Florence, Oregon

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:26:02 -0600

We just noticed a sign today in Dunes Shopping Center in Florence, Oregon, at the junction of Hwy. 101 and Hwy 126 (to Eugene) that overnight camping is welcomed between the hours of 7:00 P.M. and 9:00 A.M. in this parking lot. We just moved here and really like it and thought this was a nice gesture to invite overnight parking.

Hey Pipe, ya need a yard ornament ?

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:39:39 -0600

~

wait for it . . . after 2 minutes and 41 seconds it gets good

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RobaJKGMMiE

~

Splendide W/D

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:11:16 -0600

Ours plugs into a regular 110V wall receptacle behind the W/D.

Once the plug vibrated loose causing (I suspect) a low voltage situation, which caused an electronic control board to fail.
The repair cost was approaching the cost of a new unit.

I am now wondering how yours is wired... does it plug in, or is it hard wired to the power source??

The plug doesn't seem like the best idea for an RV bouncing down the road. I think I would like to do a hard wire if others are that way. The plug and outlet are in the W/D compartment where it isn't easy for a occasional visual check.

TIA for your response,

Vern

how to soften up leather seat

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:55:48 -0600

I have a car with leather seats and the seating part up front is kind of hard. Is there a product out there to soften them up ?

Aux Dash Switches

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:43:07 -0600

My Volvo 770 has two AUX switches on the dash just above the radio and below the air vent. Both have indicator lights on them that light up when switched on but apparently don't control anything. I want to use one to turn on two 55w worklights I'm installing behind the cab to light up the bed. The lights will run to a power center that has pos & neg 12v and is fused. I'm looking for help in getting to the switches in the dash, what has to be removed and how? Is there a way to pop out the switch without dismantling the dash? If I can get to the switch I will run two wires from it to the power center to provide the on off function and pick up the power for the lights from the power center.
Thanks in advance for the help.
Mike

Aqua Hot Water System

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:05:40 -0600

I have been looking at late model diesel pushers for a while now and I'm confident that sooner or later I'm going to find a perfect match for my needs. The coaches I look at that have aqua hot are considerably more expensive than those without. My question is this. Is aqua hot a worthwhile option to pay considerably more money for? As always, I appreciate the help I get in this forum.

Orlanda Parks

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:05:14 -0600

I am looking to travel to the Orlando area in December for a couple of weeks, do you have any recommendations on parks to stay at. I would like to stay were they have full hookups and not pay and arm and a leg. We are new to this RVing thing and trying to figure out where we should stay because everything looks good on the internet but not so good when you get there. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks
P & C Livin the Dream

Signal Acquiring Problem - where to get it fixed?

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 07:41:15 -0600

I have been on the phone with Winegard and DirecTV and up and down the ladder to the roof troubleshooting a 'failure to acquire signal' problem with my Winegard SK-3005 (the HD DirecTV model). The bedroom TV works fine on both tuners so I am fairly certain it is not the Winegard and Winegard even told me after all the troubleshooting that they were convinced it was a cable problem and not the DirecTV receiver.

We are in Branson right now planning on leaving on Monday and there does not seem to be a wealth of repair possibilities here. We are heading for a week or two stopover in Livingston TX and then a month in Rockport TX. Are there good Mobile RV Repair shops in any of these areas that you would recommend that would be worth waiting for us to be in that area? We can use it in single tuner mode we could wait based on getting this fixed right. I am hoping some Escapees know a good technician in either Livingston or Rockport.

Pickup Size?

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 07:04:07 -0600

I am wondering about buying a new pickup to tow our 5th wheel. We have a 1/2 ton that is just within the weight limits but the 5.3 litre engine seems to really strain on hills, etc. I see the new Ford and GM 1/2 tons have excellent weight allowances for towing,, but still have 5.3 to 5.4 litre engines. I have seen some 1/2 tons with 6.0 litre engines as well but am not sure what to think about 1/2 ton. Is there a reason I should be looking for a 3/4 ton vs 1/2 ton if towing allowance is ok? I guess my main concern is power, so if I can find a 1/2 ton with a larger engine, maybe that would be ok vs a large 3/4 ton with the same power? 3/4 tons just seem like such large trucks to drive around? Any thoughts/suggestions would be appreciated. My trailer has a dry weight of about 7500 pounds. thanks

Brian

Travel to Big Bend National Park, Texas in November 2009

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:53:55 -0600

We are planning out first trip to west Texas and the Big Bend Park this month. Our plan is to travel I 10 to Ft Stockton, then down to Alpine on Rt 67, and finally to Terlingua o Rt 118. We are planning to stay at a park named Big Bend Adventures (sp?)
Can anyonne comment on the quality of the roads once we leave Ft Stockton?
I am particularly concerned about steep downhill grades and high peaks.
We are traveling in a 44 ft motorhome with a Jeep toad.

Thanks

State Route 24 Morehead City to Fayettville, NC

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:44:36 -0600

Our travel plans have changed and we are not gooig to Charleston after all. Has anybody been across State Route 24 between Morehead City and Fayettville, North Carolina? What kind of route is it for a 40 foot diesel pusher?

camping & fishing in florida or the southeast

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:20:45 -0600

friends we need your help. our son has a longer thanksgiving break this year from high school and we would like to go camping and fishing in the southeast (georgia, the carolinas) or florida. ideally we would love to learn of a campground where our flats boat is right behind our site or at least one where we can keep it in the water nearby during our stay.

just wondering if you all have any favortie places you would share with us.

thanks,
mrs. punchyusmc

Black Algae/Fuel Tank Problem/Treatment--FYI

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:13:45 -0600

In the last 3 months our shop has had 2 motorhomes and one OTR tractor towed in due to stopped up fuel filters. Black algae that came off the fuel tank walls of both MH's. The algae came off in black sheets. I watched the process that the shop had to go thur to get the MH's back on the road. Take the tanks off and clean them. What a costly job with down time.

I am posting this so we can all remember to treat our diesel fuel with a good algaecide. I run a diesel fuel treatment but not sure it fights algae. With some of our rigs seeing limited duty and running old diesel til we fill up we must treat. Look into your fuel tanks...if you can. I can see all around in my tanks. Treating your rig now is a lot less than a tow bill and $125.00 hour shop labor rates. JMO trucksaledave

Heating with portable heater

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:07:53 -0600

We have a small propane heater 4000btu Mr Heater and want to use it during our winter trip tp the gulf coast. We have not used it in the RV yet and are wondering how they will work and if anyone else uses one.

Infrared Thermometer Gun

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:59:14 -0600

Looking for an Infrared thermo gun for measuring temps of RV wheels (hubs) and also heat exchangers on boat.

Can anyone using such give tips on use and/or recommendations on types of devices to look for. Are there typical baseline temps or do they vary per vehicle?

Thanks in advance.
Ron...........
On edit: Class A motorhome is point of interest.

Nationwide Bank

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:04:33 -0600

If anyone is having trouble with locating nationwide banking check out this site. It has over 2,000 credit unions accross the states you could do eveything from checking to loans and so on.

www.cuservicecenter.com

Has anyone ever used this

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:40:38 -0600

http://www.ultimatervcamping.com/rv_campgr...CFU1M5QodJzjAqg

If this dosen't work please be patient. I have been reading here for quite a while but this is the first attempt at posting.

Mike

Towing a '09 Jeep

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:40:08 -0600

We have a 4 wheel drive 09 Jeep Liberity, and the owners manual says to tow the Jeep with an RV we need to disconnect the negative terminal from the battery after putting the transfer case in neutral. I would like to know why, and is there a way around this since disconnecting the battery would require resetting the clock and the radio button settings after every tow. This would be a real pain, not including the necessity to open and close the hood to disconnect and reconnect the battery everytime you travel. Did we make a mistake with the '09 Jeep as a Towed.

Verizon MIFI question

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:00:32 -0600

If a Verizon MIFI card is left on, and computers are left on and connected does the plan count minutes or only downloaded bytes?

Tire wear question

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:31:50 -0600

I have a 06 M-2 with about 32000 miles on it and there seems to be a strange tire wear on the front's, on both edges of each tire you can see where it is about 1/8 lower then the rest of the tire. I am running about 90 lb's air pressure. I have never seen tire wear like this any ides would be appreciated.

suggestions for the Brownsville TX area

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:20:46 -0600

We are spending about 6 weeks in Brownsville/and South Padre area for the first time. Looking for suggestions about hiking trails, good restaurants, live music venues, and any other items that people experienced that we could consider while here. We're not that interested in "fine dining restaurants" (read expensive) but particularly like to find local area restaurants or holes in the wall which people have found good local dishes. Any thoughts will be appreciated.

Savanna, GA

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:07:31 -0600

We are going to be in Savanna, GA the last week of Dec. with our 5th wheel and HDT 63'.
Any one know of a good cg? Anyone used Hardeeville RV resort?
Thanks,
Robb

pontiac vibe as a toad

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:10:31 -0600

I am looking for a toad to pull all 4 down. I like the pontiac vibe with manual transmission. Does anyone out there pull on , and if so how does it do. Thanks

Refrigerator question

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:43:16 -0600

I just started using the electric mode on my refrigerator, always used gas up till now. Anyway, dumb question maybe, but do I need to turn it off and back on again when I unplug from shore power or can I just always leave it in the "electric" position? It doesn't have an "auto" feature.

Ducted Heating

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:33:32 -0600

A coach we are considering has ducted heat under a love seat that has vents in it.

Is this a good thing?

Where I am concerned is, if we should want to do away with the loveseat, what or how do we rework the heating?

Road Tar Removal

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:02:24 -0600

Twice in my summer travels I have found myself in road construction where tar is being used. The first occasion we had to follow a pilot car. I went very slowly on the tar surface - but - those behind me decided to pass me anyway. When the construction ended I pulled over to survey the damage.. The side of the fiver and under the hitch looked like I had just finished coating it.

Over the next number of days I tried all sorts of concotion and products to remove the mess. Some would work on a small section - but when you have to do 38 feet they err flounders. These products resulted in me spending hours in the hot sun with very little to show for my efforts. At each subequent campground as people were on their evening walk arounds everyone would stop and express how glad it was me and not theme with the problem.

One helpful sole did offer a solution. Peanut Butter!!

This past summer we experienced a different and far worse form of Road Tar. On one particular road they crew was filling in cracks and small holes with a special machine that sprayed tar and a gravel mixture. Everytime I went across a newly repaired patch some of the fresh filler was applied to our unit.

To say the least it was a mess.

So, in the fall I got out my peanut butter to solve the problem. The helpful RV'er had told me to spread peanut butter over the tar. The oil in the tar is softened by the oil in the peanut butter. As you spread it you can eat some off your hands. I found that it worked best just to dig my hand - in a medical glove, all around. Also I was able to work more PB into the worst areas.

I spread the PB all over the affected area, wait 24 hours and scraped the PB off with my window squeegy. Followed by a very soapy brush was and pressure spray. Voila. Tar is all gone. What surprises me is how little work PB requires vs the other products. They all seemed to just run down the side. PB realllly sticks.

At first I had tought that the PB would attract all sorts of animals and bugs. I must admit that is is kind of scary that they were not interested in the free meal spread so nicely for them to access. If the bugs won't eat it should I?

I found that with this years episode that I had to wait longer as the sand and gravel slowed down the penetration or it was colder outside.

This shows the tar.

Applying PB

Fully Applied

Hope this helps anyone that has suffered from or will experience Road Tar

Cheers,

Robert

Another ABS thread . .

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:06:27 -0600

I recently had my 2005 780 singled, and, of course, have an ABS fault light on the dash, and had error messages for the missing two sensors and two modulator valves. My truck came with a 6S/6M Meritor system without ESC and has a frame mounted ECU. After a lot of researching, it seemed that my best solution was to bite the bullet and purchase the needed Wabco controller (Via Volvo) and eat the expensive charge.

Then I happened to find this auction, well it really isn't an auction as it is just a "but it now" item on ebay. Search Ebay for item 370278816099, or search for wabco S4461062010.

After talking a few times with the Wabco help desk, they confirmed that this is the part I needed as long as I didn't have ESC, and I had a frame mounted ECU.

Wabco wouldn't recommend that I do this myself, "tampering with safety features", Blah Blah Blah . . .

I do not have the ability to jury rig in place the extra sensors and modulators here in my winter home at Retama, but 400 bucks won't hurt as badly as 1000-1200 Volvo was quoting.

But I will report back in this thread how it works out for me, as I did not get a clear answer from Volvo if I will still need further program changes in the truck ECU after swapping out the ABS ECU.

I Need A Knowledged Volunteer

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:14:02 -0600

Ok, this seems to be getting more serious.
I think owners are getting a bit anxious now that the summer is over, they want to sell their rigs.

I am getting lots of responses to inquiries we have put in.

I DESPERATELY NEED a volunteer or two that I can email or PM the info these people are sending me and get feedback from you.

DH and I know very little about Motor Homes, we have done alot of research but alot is still garbled to us, plus it seems like they have given us all the info we need but we don't really know.

Someone(s) please help us.

Rand McNally Is Shipping A GPS For HDTs

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:47:15 -0600

This just recently started shipping and has some warts (e.g. spontaneous rebooting) but looks very promising. It has a louder speaker than the new Garmin trucker's GPS and a speaker jack. It proportedly does a better job of routing based on things like height retrictions than PC Miller. And like ALK's Co-Pilot, has an actively supported feedback mechanism that incorporates driver feedback. Price via Amazon is just under $500.

It includes some features which will only be of interest to commercial drivers, but I note that it has cross-references to the Rand McNally Trucker's Atlas. Hopefully, this indicates that all of the information in the Atlas will eventually migrate to the GPS unit.

Here's a press release:
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/ra...d,1038955.shtml

Here's a very active public thread on it starting with the beta release through current opinions about the shipping product:
http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingi...-tnd-500-a.html

Dan

increasing air preassure

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:44:43 -0600

To all familiar with the class 6 - 8 trucks, can the air preassure be increased from the pump on the motor. We have the load range "H" tires on our fiver which require 125 PSI. The tank that supplies air to the hose is only good for 110 or so, Is it possible to bump this up. Truck that I have is in Sig, Thanks, Bruce

Electric Toilets

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:26:50 -0600

We wish to mount our toilet in a place that is going to be about 12 feet from the black water holding tank. We were looking at different models of marine electric macerating heads like this:
http://tinyurl.com/ybn4hee
Basically the bowl empties directly into a macerating pump, the bowl is fead fresh water under pressure. Good fresh watr practice puts a check valve then a vented loop in the feed line to be certain there is no chance of fresh water backflow, siphon or other contamination through movement or lack of line pressure. The discharge line could be PVC or flexible ($$$) "Sani-line" which prevents bio odors in the line. I'm inclined to go with the PVC if it can have a nice uninterupted downhill run. The bathroom will be a compact wet one where it is both a toilet room and a shower enclosure, you can sit or stand for a shower and the advantage is the whole bathroom gets cleaned with every shower . I do not expect it to be used for a shower that often as we like the space and lots of hot water provided by the campgrounds we visit.
Does anyone else have experience with this kind of installation, specific models etc?
This is commonly done in yachts. Mine had a small sump under the shower that pumped the grey water overboard, the toilet had a diverter valve that either caused the blackwater discharge to go to the holding tank or overboard. The holding tank was about 16 feet away.
I did have a sign on the wall stating
"Do not put anything in the toilet you have not eaten first!"
Also all ballast/passengers/crew were notified as we were leaving the harbor that if the toilet became inoperable they would have to hang their butts over the rail and we would not return to the harbor until the guilty party fessed up, they would be overhauling the toilet on the dock upon our return ... never had a toilet malfunction after that.

Clueless or Classless

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:36:47 -0600

What is this "Class of" ? Class of what, is it a school, course or what ?

CDL WRITTEN TEST

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:21:50 -0600

Been dragging my feet for a long time on getting my CDL. Got the doctor stuff done almost a year ago, as well as mailed in the funds way back.
Decided I better get off the pot, as I am moving soon, so went down and did the written test last last Monday. (WI will honor the temp test from WV) and I intend on doing some farm hauling next spring and fall to pick up a few extra bucks.
Man, that CDL booklet has a lot of info crammed into it.....Read it for about 45 min. every night for a week or so, and was amazed at the detail they went into.
Passed it fine, and the lady at the DMV was surprised that I took all three tests at the same time. (I just did the basic combo CDL...weight, air brakes, and trailer hauling) She said most don't do that...sounded weird to me, but whatever........
Now the comment that will probably annoy several truckers on here...so an apology ahead of time. NOT MEANT AS ANY DISRESPECT TO ANYONE HERE......

After seeing some of the CDL drivers on the road, as well as knowing several personally, I am amazed that they could pass that written test....
I assume that a good chunk of them went to the two week drivers school to get their CDL.

Nothing at all like a normal car drivers license test...
OH well, KUDOS to all of you here that have a CDL, and don't badmouth me too much.
Cheers,
Bob

Storage slider

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:58:06 -0600

Ladies and gentlemen,

Discussion last evening between worker and DW resulted in "You should sleep on this idea."
So. yesterday afternoon while trying to organize the mess in the middle compartment, thought would a sliding tray work for storage?
Did the internet thing found Slim Slider, expensive, and Joey Bed, not producing product since 8/09. Then found Down Under Solutions. Called and found he had Joey Bed older stock units for sale at a good price.
I did sleep on the problem. However, no resolution this AM.
Pro/Cons/Thoughts of this storage solution, a two way full extension slide. Versus shelving and partitioning the bay. We are talking of a space approximately 54" long, 96" wide and minimum 24" high.

Bill

GPS

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:36:36 -0600

Found this GPS this morning. May be a reasonable solution if you can run a laptop while on the road.

Clickity Thing

Tupelo, Mississippi

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:10:21 -0600

We will be in Tupelo, MS for a week. Have never been there before. I downloaded the Natchez Trace Visitors Guide to plan the week. There is so much to see and do.

For those of you that have been in the area before what would you recommend if you only had a limited time in the area (Tupelo, MS). We are traveling west to east so will stay in a park in Tupelo and take day trips with the car.

Thank you.

Toilet

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:52:44 -0600

Installing a new "thetford toilet" and was wondering-do they have wax rings to use on the flange or does the rubber one that comes with the new one work ok?
Thanks ahead of time

The Detroit Series 60

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:28:45 -0600

Seems like the 770's I have been able to see in person have the Detroit. One owner said he wouldn't have any other engine. Most at the HDT Rally seemed to have the Red Cummins. Comment's appreciated.

Rod

NADA HELP PLEASE

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:16:23 -0600

While waiting for the people from the Fleetwood to finish sending me info and more pictures.

A guy that I had sent an inquiry to about his
2004 Tiffin Phaeton that he has for sale contacted me. This one is a bit harder, he is in Rochester, NY. ( My birth state)

So I went on NADA but I can't find Tiffin and I can't find Phaeton, can someone point me in the right direction please?

Maybe Kirk with chime in, he seems to refer to NADA alot and knows his way around well or anyone else!!

just under the wire

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:47:01 -0600

Hi everyone, our house finally sold and will close Dec. 11, they wanted Dec 7, we changed the date, didn't want any big battles started(pun). Just making the 2009 year for the fulltimer group. we plan on staying two weeks in Branson for christmas, then heading to Fl. have a class in clearwater, then probably the panhandle or Alabama, not sure. so far its been a real whirlwind and probably will be untill we head out.
gary

who is a good insurance co

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:11:30 -0600

looks like we will be fulltiming dec. 11(house closes)
our mh is insured by progressive, but our car isnt. progressive wants top dollar for the car and doesnt give disc. for second vehicle.
my question is who are you insured by and are you satisfied with them. we will be getting our mailing address from S.D. sending the paper work for that this week. trying to get everything done in a very short timeframe
gary

Good news story

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:23:09 -0600

I know this has nothing to do with RVing but I though it may offset some of the constant bad news we get in the media these days about wars.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/11/12/2740514.htm

Anyone ever rv'd in Europe

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:25:47 -0600

We are interested in buying a camper van or rv in europe and traveling in Europe for 6 to 9 months. Has anyone ever done this? Have been doing some research and would like any info anyone can give us on this subject.

Sam and Carolyn

New Eva-Dry RV Dehumidifier Working GREAT!

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:38:18 -0600

Hello, we are full-timers in the Seattle area. We are a professional working couple living in our 2003 - 33U Itasca Suncruiser....Great Coach. We love our Suncruiser!

We have experienced considerable condensation in the winter months even after taking standard precautions such as opening a vent and being careful with the shower and steam from cooking.

We purchased our first dehumidifier last year which was a very small Eva-Dry 100 which holds about two pints of liquid before needing to be drained. Very adequate in terms of container quantity.
This unit is preset for humidity.

We decided to try the new larger model that came out this year(Eva Dry 2200)and it is working great.

The two of them have helped reduce the humidity so that I don't even wipe down the shower any more. I just leave the shower door open when we are done in the morning and it is taken care of quickly by the Eva-Dry with the heater running.

Of course all the other advice applies from other threads that relate to managing condensation.

Please feel free to email me if you have any questions.

We have used a variety of dehumidifiers in our boats over the years and this one is perfectly suited to our coach.

Keith

--- link removed by moderator ---

which hydraulic fluid in reservoir

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:10:55 -0600

I know this won't be as technical as some would prefer but nonetheless here is my question. My husband put hydraulic jack fluid in the reservoir which serves the hydraulic jacks and slide outs. He is now worried that he has screwed up by doing so. Should he have added only the Hydraulic & Jack Oil? Should he drain out what he put in and replace it with something else?

Non contract mobile broardband.

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:27:39 -0600

Just thought I would pass on some info that I have received.
As many of you may know we are Australian, (non residents), as a result we could never get anyone to give us an aircard for internet due to the SNN requirement. This applies to all us 'non residents' happily RVing around the USA.

If you read http://3gstore.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=318 you will see that the 3Gstore is offering an answer at last.
It should also suit anyone who wishes to turn on and off their service.

Thanks to 3Gstore for coming to the party. We are returning home for Christmas but as soon as we get back the 3Gstore will be one of the first to get my business.

US 82 from Alamogordo to Artesia

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:08:44 -0600

Anyone been on this route lately? Our atlas doesn't have it marked as a truck route, but it looks like it should be OK anyway.

joe

Charleston, South Carloina suggestions

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:06:35 -0600

We want to spend a couple of days in Charleston, SC. Any suggestions on reasonably priced campgrounds that will accomodate a 40 foot two slide motorhome?

Boondocking at Quartsite

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:56:48 -0600

We are planning on going to Quartsite in January for the Happy Hour as well as the other RV festivities. It has been 13 years since we have been there. We would like to boondock with other Escapees, but don't know how or where to find them. Is there a central area where most of them park in January?

Thanks,
Janet and Paul
Monterey

How do you transfer Title?

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:11:30 -0600

Our journey did not last as long as we expected. Health problems have us grounded, and we are selling our motorhome. We have a buyer who has cash, but we need to pay off the loan. We are in Indiana, and the lender (Bank of the West) is in California. We are prepared to wire the money to Bank of the West and "release" them to send the title to the buyers. The buyers feel that the local bank should provide some kind of service to transfer the title, but they don't.

Has anyone been in this position? I know there is an online escrow service, but I was hoping to avoid paying their fee, plus, I felt that would drag out the transaction. I would appreciate some words of experience on this. Thanks in advance.

Ginger

Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:10:42 -0600

Stephanie Martinez, the volunteer coordinator at Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge has asked me to let you know that the refuge is looking for some good volunteers...couples or singles. The refuge is in a rebuilding mode after the devastation of hurricane Ike and hoping to get their school programs going again in the spring. Volunteers are needed to present the education programs, help with maintenance, and man the Visitor's Information Station.

Anahuac is located in Texas just north of the Bolivar Penninsula. If you like birdwatching, this is the place to be.

You can contact Stephanie at 409-267-6746, or email her: stephanie_martinez@fws.gov

class of 2009

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:19:59 -0600

We are here in Quartzite have been for a week or so now and are looking forward to meeting up with fellow escapees. Can anyone tell me where and when the skp meets are this year as i went to Taco Mio today and they dont know and havnt heard from anyone this year yet. thanks Peter & Fran

hot water heater

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:06:41 -0600

When we are outside and the gas hot water heater comes on, it usually goes what seems to be "full force," for awhile, and then the sound becomes greatly reduced, as if the flame is burning much lower. This lower sound continues for awhile and perhaps gets a little louder at time, and finally shots off completely. It seems to me that it should go "full force" until the water temperature is right, and then shut off. Do you think my gas hot water heater is working correctly?

Combo washer/dryer question

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:07:02 -0600

We've used the Purex 3-in-1 laundry sheets in conventional washers and dryers, and they've worked well. It seems that they would be perfect for use in washer/dryer combo machines. However, if they have sufficient detergent and softener for use in standard size conventional machines, is there too much for use in the small combo machines?

Thanks for any feedback on your own experience!

truck and towing questions

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:03:19 -0600

As my wife and I contemplate our next RV, we have gone back and forth from fifth wheel to motorhome to travel trailer and now (at least for the moment) back to fifth wheel. But that brings up the question of towing and how much truck.

I know that many on this and other forums who tow advise an HDT, but do any of them actually have a pickup-style bed? My wife (the boss) insists on a pickup bed for carrying things when we are not towing. Also, units like that already set up for towing a fifth wheel seem much harder to find used (which is how we would be buying if we went that route).

So far, the heaviest trucks we've seen locally are the Ford F-350s DRW with Turbo Diesel. An RV salesman and a car dealer both advised against the dually for towing a fifth wheel. The RV salesman said you didn't need it unless you were towing a larger fifth wheel while the car salesman said it wasn't enough truck. Both agreed that the dual wheels did not provide an advantage over single wheels unless carrying a heavy camper.

I'm not sure who's right, but my question is this: What is the longest or heaviest fifth wheel you would be comfortable pulling in either an F-350 or F-450? How about hitch weight? The truck would have to be a Crew Cab, as there would be three of us traveling plus our beagle. I've seen tow ratings for both trucks, but I know those can be reduced if you're carrying much extra weight. Most of the trailers we've been looking at are in the 32-33 foot Cougar class, about 13,000 pounds fully loaded.

We've been trying to get more focused in our search, but it seems the more information we find, the more confused we get.

Thanks in advance for the help.

Walt

Portable Laptop Desk

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:25:54 -0600

I am looking for sometype of portable laptop desk and started by Googling "breakfast tray" and found this video: bed desk

The video window was pretty small so I thought I would search for it on Youtube and found these two:

Bed Desk Sample 1

Bed Desk Sample 2

I will probably just stick with the breakfast tray idea but thought the concept of the bed desk combo is a neat idea for RV's.

Any suggestions or ideas you have implemented in your RV.

Thanks.

researching a hdt

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:41:53 -0600

has anyone used Truck Remarketing Services to check out a hdt before looking at it themselves?

Upgrading from PCMCIA to USB wireless modem

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:39:27 -0600

I'm eligible for an upgrade on my old Verizon Kyocera 650 PCMCIA Aircard and figure I would be better off getting a USB wireless modem device. I'm looking at the
Verizon USB760 (free after rebate) or the UM175 ($29.99 after rebate) USB modems, both of which accept external antennas. Reviews on the Verizon website have not been sterling - complaints of over-heating , slow response, and/or signal dropping. Are these complaints to be expected or are there other Verizon USB modems I should be considering? (The new global USB1000 @ $139 seems to be overkill.)

If I upgrade the modem, I'll probably also upgrade my old KR1 router that I use for our home and RV network. I'm looking at Cradlepoint's CTR500 "G" router and the MBR1000 (or 1200) "N" mobile routers. I believe the "N" level routers are backward compatible, so I don't think there would be a problem using it directly into my older Toshiba Qosmio laptop. Correct???

Our usage: home (desktop PC Ethernet direct connect and one laptop connected via home wi-fi) and RV motorhome national travel 7-9 months per year with 2-3 laptops). We have not used a supplemental antenna or signal booster, but would want the capability to add them in the future.

Your comments and/or recommendations are welcomed.

- Judy

Veterans Salute in Branson, MO?

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:12:09 -0600

Just wondering if others here were aware that Branson, MO has an annual salute to veterans with a big parade and discounts at many shows, free coffee and such many places as well as assorted other events? We just happened to pick this week to come and what a wonderful surprise! No stroke of brilliance on my part, just dumb luck.

Blanchard Louisiana is looking like the new place to hang our hats

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:35:27 -0600

If all goes as planned, we will be moving our caravan of vehicles up the road from Barksdale in a few weeks. We have a meeting with the local school serving the area tommorow morning. Might work out to be just in time for Christmas, but we're not rushing things. We are definitely happy with the township of Blanchard, a true one light town just outside of Shreveport with just enough to make more than a map dot. Talked to the neighbors of a few homes we're considering today and left with good feeling towards all of them.

http://nwla.mlxchange.com/5.0.08.4151/Tool...qA9O1FcAA%3D%3D

Christina and I walked into this place and only had to look at each other to know we were only going to be arguing on the price. The back building has a 900 sq ft shop on the lower floor with a granny pad on top. We'll likely rent the apartment above it out to a young troop needing some sanity from base, but having a second floor wood shop was my immediate thoughts with it. Just need to convince the mrs of that one. Did I mention there is already RV amenities on the lot?...

The first house we looked at in this neighborhood is about 1/2 a block away, still with no offers on it, so we have hope of a reality check on the price working to our favor. Not being in a flood zone is a MAJOR pro for this area for us.

TYPICAL of a Newbee to Be....Need Help! GOT MORE INFO

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:05:05 -0600

Hi All,
Well, as most of you might remember, we aren't supposed to do this till Mid 2010.
We have a possible Motorhome that if all goes the right way, we will be buying, but like everything, it takes time.

They are from Weatherford TX and we are from Henderson, NV so it will take some to work this all out completely.

It is a 2004 Fleetwood Excursion with 12,115 miles on it.
We are awaiting more indepth info on it and more pictures.

Here are my questions to you all. Of course, if in great to excellent shape.
What would you say it is worth. (I know you are going to ask for things like engine size and generator, etc..it is coming) Just trying to get ball park here.

BIGGER QUESTIONS
Being I can't go see it YET. And we are not at the stage of me hiring an inspector yet.
What important questions would we be wanting to ask them?
Or are there certain things I would want to be asking them that should be included that I will like dropdead want or need to be included? One of the things I guess I should be looking for but still having a hard time understanding is the electric part. Inverters, converters, what you can and can't use, when and when not. Still real confusing to me but I am working on learning it and told hubby he REALLY has to learn it.
Are there any particular things I should be asking them to take pictures of?
AND anything else you can think of.

Thank you all that can help
Judi
(excited and nervous at the same time)
This reminds me of when I bought my first used sticks and bricks.... I asked everyone in the world what I should ask, look for and drop dead should want or need to be included.

Fresh water vs city water

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:44:28 -0600

When hooked up to city water, does this bypass the holding water tank? Or does it all flow through the holding tank? 1987 Class A Travel-Master
Thanks
Dan

For you T2 owners

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:43:11 -0600

Just a heads up for the T2 owners.

I was having trouble with my hood pin alignment when I closed the hood.

I was going to realign the hood hinges to get it to line up and found out that all the glue joints for the hinge boxes were broken loose from the back of the bumper.

I went to the local Kenworth dealer to price a new bumper ($1200) or have it fixed ($980).
But the interesting part is the body shop foreman�s comment when I started to explain the problem.

Yea their all doing that.

So bottom line you may want to check yours.

Here is a link to the pictures I took of the condition of the hinge mounting boxes.

Link

Towing speed limitations

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:21:30 -0600

We tow a Suzuki 4 wheels down. The owners manual states we should not exceed 55mph. What if anything are the effects of exceeding that speed limitation.

HDT as Daily Driver; pros and cons

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:09:30 -0600

I'm convinced after doing lots of research that an HDT makes a lot of sense for towing my 5th wheel. It's not a monster (16,500 lbs) but every one ton I've checked out for specs leaves me nervous. They all come out OK on GVWR but are light (over weight) on GCWR and I don't want a truck that is pushing the envelope every time it's pulling.

One thing I haven't been able to decide upon is the use of the HDT as a daily driver. For the sake of simplicity and cost I'd like to use it for a daily driver but I don't know that it will be accepted everywhere as a bobtailed monster. I'm not talking about concerns over maneuverability or where to park it. I know that it won't be that much bigger than a 1 ton dually and I don't think my plans include taking into tight places anyway.

My biggest concern is the ability to take it into places like national or state parks without the trailer. Are there places or circumstances where the big HDT is just not welcome even it it could fit? I want to park the 5er in a 'home base' and then be able to use the truck to explore the surrounding areas and I don't want to find out that HDTs are not welcome.

Any thoughts?

Free Entry to National Parks tomorrow

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:02:12 -0600

The National Park Service is waiving entrance fees tomorrow (November 11th) in honor of Veteran's Day at select parks.

For more information, click the two links below:

Here

or

Here

Hoppy won't work with my rig?

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:11:57 -0600

What does it take to wire a 5 to 4 wire trailer light converter on a Freightliner M-2. I've tried two 5 to 4 wire converters now (thinking the first was bad). Power goes in but doesn't come out. I'm thinking it must be something to do with the trailer light relays on the coach but don't know where to go from here? It's a 2005 M2 business class with a Dynaquest Motorhome built on it.

Any advice or link to a writeup would be great!

Thanks, Bill

Finally!

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:55:32 -0600

Finally. Starting on Oct. 18th, we became full-timers! We ended up renting our house since we couldn't wait any longer to sell it. And we both will be retired by Dec. 31st. What a long road it has been, but each day in the fiver just confirms our decision. We love it!
Bill and Val

For You Smart Car Haulers

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:23:49 -0600

Wanna tool around in this one?????
THE Smartcar

Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:28:25 -0600

We plan to drive the entire length of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive next late Spring. Our trailer is about 13 feet tall. Are there any "low bridges" anywhere on this drive that could cause us trouble?

Charles

MDT on E-bay

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:52:36 -0600

I see this MDT listed on E-bay and not know much about this type of truck I was wondering if this is an appropriate truck for pulling a 5er that weighs in the 18K range. This one is close enough for me to go take a look. What questions should I ask and what additional information should I be looking for. I don't have a 5er yet but am looking to get one within the next year which we will fulltime in. Thank for any help.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...RK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

Belt Drive Tandems?

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:47:56 -0600

Check out this 1956 Diamond T with belt drive tandems!

Wind and awnings

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:34:17 -0600

As a newbie to having an awning, I'd like to ask how high the wind gets before you retract your awning. I am in a rented Class C right now and I'm paranoid about damage to the awning.

Single Serving Coffee pot using the pods?

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:19:05 -0600

I like a cup of coffee in the morning, sometimes will have several if I am in the mood. I have a themos type coffee maker currently and it works so-so...the coffee is never really hot. I also have a coffee press which I have used but again, good coffee but not so hot like I like it...DH tells me to heat it in the microwave but that changes the taste, at least to me it does. I have a small expresso maker that I use to make an occassional Americano, Latte or Copaccino. Too many coffee machines and I am trying to decide if I should get rid of the thermos coffee maker and look into the single serve type machines. Any one use one, and if so, any pros/cons? Are the pods of coffee expensive? It was suggested to me that I get rid of all but the expresso maker and use that to make an Americano every morning which is a really good cup of coffee...(expresso shots, hot water and cream).

I really need to decide soon...we are having a flea market sale here at the Winter Texan park and would like to get rid of all my excess kitchen stuff then...

dennise

Closer to buying, but more and more questions...

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:15:51 -0600

Hi everyone!
I've been perusing Craigslist and various other classifieds these past few months looking for the perfect MH for my fiance and me.

A little backstory: we're planning on a long (a year) honeymoon in the MH after our wedding in July '10. We started off thinking that a Toyota might do it for us, but after a lot of wonderful advice on this forum we're looking for a 23'- 25' class C MH. We both like the idea of the rear bedroom nook layout with a small bathroom over the full rear bedroom layout.

Our budget is around 5K, so we know that we're looking for something mid 80s year wise. Also, we'd like to spend less than that so I can have spending money for any extra repairs needed. (Which there obviously will be due to age.)

Yesterday, I ran across this ad: 1985 Tioga Class C RV

Seems to be what we're looking for. Nice layout with bed nook, dinette area, and L shaped kitchen (I have no idea what the proper name is). It has a generator, rebuilt engine w/ 2000 miles on it, and a lot of new additions to it. (I have begun an email conversation with the current owner for more information)

So, here are my questions:

1. The current owner switched out the dual power fridge for an electric only model (110V). We don't plan on boondocking too much, but this seems like it may be a hinderance. Although, we are planning on being on the road for a year and living in my sister-n-laws driveway for the following year, would solar be an option to keep the fridge running or is there another option out there without having to purchase a new fridge?

2. I can't tell from the photos in the listing and the current owner hasn't gotten back to me yet, but we are looking for an RV with a towing package already installed. We just need to tow a small uhaul from NY to Seattle, WA where we'll drop our things into storage and start off on our honeymoon from the PNW. If this MH doesn't have a hitch, is that something that can be installed?

3. I've been writing down a list of questions for the viewing, but am always open to the experience of everyone on this forum. I'm going to make sure I have the current owner run everything on the MH so we know everything is in working order. Besides this and checking for any signs of water damage/ roof leaks is there anything else I should ask the current owner or keep an eye out for?

Thanks for much in advance. Y'all are the best!
Ant

usb air card and router

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:20:58 -0600

I just updated to the usb air card and a cradlepoint 350 router. Is it ok to leave the usb stick in the router when we are not on our computers? The stick gets a bit warm at times and I was just wondering. I always took the old air card out of the computer when I wasn't using it. thanks for the info.

Red Rock Canyon Campground-Las Vegas

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:15:32 -0600

Has anyone ever stayed at the Red Rock Canyon Campground outside of Las Vegas, NV? I know they have 5 "RV" sites. Would you recommend it? We have a 30' fifth wheel. Thanks!

A Lesson In Kinetic Energy

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:21:21 -0600

A girl friend of ours was riding shotgun in a Pete last week. Her boyfriend was showing her how they harvest soy beans and then they were driving the max gross load somewhere. It was near evening rush hour and they are following a similarly loaded semi at about 55 mph. Some @(%^#(& bi....ch decides she has to go from the left lane all the way over to the right to catch her exit..let me guess she was probably on her cell?
The first truck clips her back bumper and she spins, the first truck jacknifes, the second truck with our friend in it piles into the first truck with there brakes locked, nowhere to go in that traffic.
The cab of the Pete is separated from the chassis and looks like a wad of tin foil, the paramedics cut them out through the back of the cab, surprised anyone was alive. Somehow her boyfriend was only cuts and bruises, her left leg has several compound fractures. She has a few more surgeries to go before they are done with her. There were angels looking out for these two and also for everyone else around them on the road, though the girl that caused it is a waste of air space.
Play nice out there!

Pull test

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:44:17 -0600

I am amazed on how many times I read about sor hear about ome pickup owner who dropped their trailer on the bed rails. Has anyone ever done dropped their trailer off the hitch and the back of their HDT? Since most of us don't have bed rails.

Maybe it's the hitch they are using? I don't know much about hitches other then the one we have. Trailer Saver. We got it because when we were truck hunting, at that time everyone said it was the best. Also when it locks into place really don't have to do a pull test, although I want to.

So is it the hitch or not doing the pull test or what? That these guys have so many problems.

How Large Is the "Footprint"

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:25:50 -0600

How large is the "Footprint" of the satellite for receiving Dish or Direct local channels ? If I take a receiver form the house how far can it go before it looses the locals ? Second half of that - will it re-acquire the locals automatically when you come back in the "area" (whatever that is)?

ANYONE HEARD FROM PIPEFITTER ?

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:42:30 -0600

Anyone heard from Pipefitter recently??
Have not seen any of his posts, and as I am soon moving back to WI, and only a few hours from him, I want to remind him that he owes me a cup of coffee.....
Ahhhh, and I just got some fresh moonsine this week, which I MAY share with him....OHHHHHyooooo, good stuff.
Cheers,
Bob

RV Remodeler in Sarasota Florida?

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:37:16 -0600

I want to replace my fiver sofa with a rear window seat. I have been thinking about it for awhile, saw a picture in an RV Newsletter a while back and just saw a fiver (similar model to ours) that had one built. We will be in Florida for the winter and were thinking of trying to find someone there to do the construction.

Any one you could recommend?

Thank you.

Bugs / Insects - Your Experience

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:09:09 -0600

By this time next year we hope to be leaving Virginia to become Texans!

After that we plan to spend a few years as eastern U.S. travelers, and then off to the western U.S.

QUESTION: In your travels, have you found any place in the U.S. where bugs are a very minor problem.

What critter is most problematic? Ants? Mosquitos? Others?

We, like many, hope to be where it is warm. What environment is worst? Sun or shade? Wet or dry?

And in the end, what are your best control practices.

Thanks for sharing your experience

5th Wheel overhang skirt

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:01:36 -0600

Not being a fan of drilling holes in my rig, this is a difficult decision. So I guess I'm writing to have you guys tell me what I already believe is the case, DON'T DO IT.

Contemplating putting a skirt on the front of the 5er. This has it's advantages for protecting the motorcycle from the wet Pac NW. I have a cover for the bike, but when you ride home in the rain, and then put a cover on the bike, you are really doing more damage than good. And then if it's raining, it may stay that way for days or weeks, so the bike, even though under the overhang, stays wet. With a skirt the bike could be protected from the rain and still provide air flow around the bike so as not to rust everything from the 100% humidity you create with a cover on a wet bike, read "sauna sock"......

So what say you guys that have drilled holes in your rig for a skirt? Any leaks? Fiberglass spiderweb cracks? How about the skirts that use velcro? Velcro work over time? Does heat cause the adhesive on the velcro to release?

Bright ideas outside the skirt idea....?

Thanks

Unified Tow Brake

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:33:11 -0600

I am planning to use a tow vehicle for my class A motor home and was wondering if anyone has had any experience with a Unified Tow Brake? Are these better than an auxilary braking system (Brake Buddy) or basically the same? Anyones experience or suggestions are appreciated.

Metal building for travel trailer.

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:31:47 -0600

I am needing some pointers and input on designing a metal building for a shop and to put a travel trailer or fifth wheel in. I will be living in the trailer full time and would like to either have it inside or next to the building under a leanto off the main bldg. What do I need to consider for hook ups and for ventilation in the building for the trailer heaters etc? How big do the doors need to be? Should I go with one or two roll up doors?
Has anyone done this?
Thanks
Don

Fifth wheel slide supports

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:54:57 -0600

I have a 38ft Montana fiver with 4 slides, I have noticed several rver's using an adjustable device under each slide rail, they say this keeps the slide rails from drooping down, after being extended for long periods of time. Is this something I should look into, since mine will be extended out for several months while workkamping. Thanks, this is my first post.

how do you add pics to your add

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:31:11 -0600

Why is this site so hard to read. and do things on here ?. I mean any other sites have simple things to do like( add pics), We have two different user names and passwords to get around on here. I have so many user names and passwords to keep track of now, that I have to have a small book just to keep track of them. Anyway, how do you add pics to an add to sell your rig. This should be a simple thing to do, but I can't see where.

What weight do trailers need to have electric brakes?

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:17:48 -0600

Right now I have a small trailer that weighs about 800 pounds. I am towing it with a Subaru Forester 4 cylinder car. I want to buy a 13 or 16 foot Scamp. They weigh about 1200 to 1750 pounds. Do I need electric brakes to tow these?

NO power to microwave plug

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:16:01 -0600

Can anyone help me. I unplugged my microwave while in storage for one week. I plugged it back in and found out I have no power to for the micro wave, I checked the plugfor juice and there is none, i checked all the breakers under the frig and all fused and all all ok. . I checked circuit breaker on the inverter, the gfi plug in the bathrook and still ok. I have power everwhere except the microwwave plug . I am really puzzled. I have an 05 allegro bus and have read both the micro manual and bus manual. Any help?

Thanks

Ray & Carol

washer and drier

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:24:05 -0600

hi all, am new to the forum. do not have a rig yet but will hopefully have by march or april. just as soon as we sell our manf. home. we are from Bothell, WA.

my ? for the day is: how many of you have a washer and drier in your rigs? what are the ups and downs? thanks

Outlaw

Just starting out with a seasonal campground site....

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:00:43 -0600

Hello all. I am a newly widowed young lady and I am planning on retiring in April 2010..I have a 35 ft travel trailer on a seasonal site at a year-round campground where I plan to spend the next spring and summer and then hope to move on to bigger and better things. It seems most of you folks have motorhomes and travel all over, I don't know for sure if that is in the works for me. But, I am faced with a common dilemma....I live in New Jersey, and when I move out of my apartment into the trailer, I just can't figure out what to do about my driver's license and registration. The campground is actually open all year, there are a few folks who stick it out and live there all twelve months of the year, and I could do that or just stay with my kids when it was just too cold and lonely, but legally the campground owners tell me that no one is supposed to be actually "living" there permanently. They don't care if I'm there, but I can't use it as a permanent adress as far as Motor Vehicle goes. If I change my address to show that perhaps I "live" with one of my children, then we are faced with letting the auto insurance companies know that there are additional "licensed Drivers" in the household, which will really complicate things. New Jersey is the pits in this regard. You can't get by without proof of residence. I don't care so much about the Health Insurance angle, I have resigned myself to paying for an expensive policy. And, to complicate things. my son will probably be staying there with me and he is faced with the same problem. I guess we are just not "allowed" to call home where "home" actually is! i have investigated the Texas/South Dakota thing, but that does require at least an overnight stay for my son and I to actually get driver's licenses. I am really depressed over this, I am trying to follow my heart and I am not one to do things illegally, but I feel as if I have to lie about my situation in order to have a car and a driver's license!

Montezuma tool boxes

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:28:09 -0600

http://www.montezumamfg.com/photo_port.php...ray_open%29.jpg

I am looking for a small roadbox for our pickup. I came across these several years back, but have never stepped up to actually get one. For a road box or even for keeping the limited space a HDT/RV setup has organized, I think they would be a good solution. I hate any drawer based box since they seem to bind up after a few good bumps in the road and never seem to be as organized as I would like by the time I fill them up with a decent amount of tools.

I am planning for 2 (metric and standard) of these to go against the front of my bed with my spare tires on an angled rack behind them to slow down thieves.

I'll likely build a sliding rack to allow them to pull to the tail gate as needed for access.

Making a Switch

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:53:09 -0600

Looking to switch to BluDot, so with that in mind I'll have to get from HERE....

To HERE.......

(Thanks Henry for the picture, hope you don't charge me much more than a right arm and left leg for the rights )

Assuming I can get the fittings out of the valve in the first picture without wrecking it, is there a good way to test the valve function? I know I have air at the air chuck but what about the service side check? Can I just apply brakes and listen for the air or will the fact that nothing is hooked up cause a problem?

Dave

Need help interpreting a dyno sheet please

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:40:29 -0600

So Dan the newbie thinks he may have found a truck to buy. It's a 2005 Volvo 780 with 560k miles, a Cummins ISX450 that has been reflashed to 500HP (yesterday), and Freedomline. After soaking up all 160 pages of the HDT forum topics, I knew the dyno had to come first. But, it came back and had a lot more numbers on it than I thought it would!

Could you guys help me interpret the report available here in PDF form please? The HP numbers look good, I think, but the Blow-by seems just outside the 12" limit. I'd love to know what impact this might have on me if I buy the truck, or if there's a good "fix" for the blow-by that I should ask the dealer to do (ugh, maybe a complete rebuild -- that would scuttle it).

Anyway, thanks for all your help!

Dan Freedman

HDT Passenger Swivel Seat

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:05:58 -0600

OK, I'm rebuilding the "appliance stack" behind the passenger seat. There is no wardrobe there. I have some nice seats (thanks to Jim . I'd like to figure out how to swivel the passenger seat, if it can be done. I realize I may have to customize some stuff. Anyone do this or know how to do it. I'd like to avoid reinventing the wheel.

If welding needs doing I'm capable of doing "homeowner" stuff....otherwise it is a visit to Pipe Or Bill....

Pennsylvania moving ahead with toll plan

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:34:46 -0600

Mark, please move this post if it belongs elsewhere.

The Newspaper . com has a new report about further actions by PA's Governer to push through a toll road application

Rt 80 toll road on again

Our 'Oldest' Member of the Darkside?

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:06:17 -0600

Introduce you to an amazing RV'er and HDT owner. 'John', from Alamogordo, NM retired from the Navy in 1963 -- he entered service in 1942, Navy Submarine Service, drove a truck for awhile and has been RV'ing for many years. Wife of 55 years passed away and he's still on the road with his dog. This 'puppy' probably weighs about 65 lbs. He has a folding ramp for his pooch to enter the 5th wheel and Volvo. Built the bed himself and, while not the fanciest truck bed, it serves the purpose. John is turning 85 in a couple of months!

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k_L9cCz_rK0/SvHYTmt9...00/DSC01192.JPG

Best books for Alaska travel?

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:52:11 -0600

Sue & I hope to hear from folks who have made the trip to the Last Frontier. What books or travel guides would you recommend?
Here's links to the three we are considering:
Guide to the Alaska Highway by Ron Dalby

Adventure Guide to the Alaska Highway by Ed Readicker-Henderson

Traveler's Guide to Alaska Camping:Alaska & Yukon Camping with RV or tent

Many thanks.
Mark & Sue

RV site near Houston, TX

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:39:18 -0600

Has anyone used an RV park near Houston that they liked? We will be visiting our daughter for thanksgiving and need to find a place. She lives on the Northwest side near the I-10, I-610 intersect.

Thanks for the help.

Serpentine Belts

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:22:30 -0600

http://www.gatesprograms.com/beltwear

Found the link on my Ford Forum and remember talking to some at the rally about the serpentine belts on the trucks. Ordered mine today but won't be home to check it out till Thanksgiving. Will take it with me when I go check out some trucks though. Dealers cost to replace belt less then mine.

Rod

Tankless water heater

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:45:26 -0600

HI All

We are wondering if any of you use a tankless water heater got your RV. We will be in ours full time and thought it would be a great thing to have.

If you have one or have experience with one please let us know.

M & C

2006 Volvo 630 on Ebay

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:25:43 -0600

Sounds like Doug checked it out and its not worth the effort !!

JMHO David

Do have any luck with Space Bags?

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:59:33 -0600

Hi,
I have gotten some Space Bags a couple of years ago as a gift. Have tried one of them at the time. The one way valve let the air out again and the plastic zipper didn't stay closed.
Now I have tried another one with the same results.
I don't know if this problem has been taken care of with the newer Space Bags. I still see them advertised sometimes. I think that the concept is great.
What is your experience with them?
I have searched for this subject and not found anything about it. It has probably been discussed a long time ago... Thanks for any thoughts on this subject.

Oven burner goes out after approx. 1 hour

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:09:23 -0600

Our Suburban oven works great. However, today the burner went out while we had a turkey in the oven. It also happened yesterday, when we were baking.

It's easy to light, stays lit for approximately an hour, then goes out. No propane smell, so I assume the gas valve is closing. Thermocouple?

There is plenty of Propane in the tanks.

Roadmaster All Terrain Tow Bar

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:33:41 -0600

Has anyone had experience with Roadmaster's All Terrain tow bar? I'm sure it probably releases its auto lock easily under all conditions, but does it prevent the binding of the disconnect pins when not straight and level? I have one of their regular tow bars and even after getting the auto lock released, the pins are sometimes impossible to remove by hand. Does the all terrain solve this problem?

Thanks.

Hobo

EVDO and Cell reception

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:32:48 -0600

My wife and I travel pulling a travel trailer and she spends a lot of time on the computer with the EVDO card. Also, we both have cell phones. The goal is to get good strong reception for all three pieces of equipment while we are traveling.

I met a fella at the Rally last weekend that RVs in a slide in Bigfoot camper. He uses a SIGNALBOOST Trucker Kit, code 811210T. SIGNALBOOST Trucker Kit. Contains the Wilson SIGNALBOOST dual-band 800/1900 Cellular/PCS Amplifier and the Wilson Mirror Mount Trucker Antenna. $199.95

He replaced the phone antenna with a Wilson 301127 Low Profile Cellular Antenna and mounted it to a wall inside his RV. It looks to me like this set up is a cell repeater for inside a vehicle so ANY cell item can receive a strong signal. He likes to camp way off in the Arizona desert so he can star gaze.

I read where Jack Mayer prefers the Cyfre amps and I listen to Jack.

Any ideas and feed back would be greatly appreciated.

Roadmaster Tow Bar

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:30:09 -0600

Fulltiming as a single woman

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 11:46:04 -0600

Hi,

I am new to this and discovering a wealth of information from everyone. I did have a question and hope you all can help. I am looking at going fulltime. One of the things that I noticed is that all of the fulltimers are couples. Can a single woman fulltime? I am not a total idiot when it comes to mechanics and don't mind getting dirty changing a tire or replacing a engine belt so I can take care of myself there. But I was wondering about the social aspects and if I would be accepted.

Trying to determinethe difference

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:05:45 -0600

I know it has been discussed here in the past but I cannot find it. My CTR350 works flawlessly in the motorhome and I love it. I'm helping my son set up a wireless system in a house and we are wondering what the benefits would be if we used a CTR500. His house is in a rural location in Indiana and the Verizon signal is usually one bar but sometimes less (changing atmospheric conditions I suspect). If the Wilson 301202 antenna does not do the trick then I'm sure the Wilson amp would also help.

Or is there another wireless router that is more suitable for land-based systems? Thanks.

Water hose

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:16:28 -0600

Over the summer there was a post on this forum about where to get good water hose. We are now in Fl. for the winter and the DW is tired of bad tasting water. I have searched but cannot find the post on it so I need some help as to where to find it. Thanks Vern

Question about Living/Retiring Overseas with an RV situation

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:08:22 -0600

Anyone have any sites or info on retiring/living overseas via the RV lifestyle?

Been hunting around and obviously you always hear about so and so country you can live cheaper than the States, but the biggest hurdle is getting citenzship+cost of moving.

One place off the top of my head that is geographically close is Mexico. And based on the conversion factor alone (13:1 for the dollar), a measly $1k in the savings can be $13k down south. I am a bit naive to all this so please, teach me up. :}

EDIT:

Also been looking into Panama(Pensionario program is interesting), Malta, Belize and the Phillipines(3rd largeest English speaking country), to name a few.

Insurance Question

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:27:38 -0600

My wife and I ended up getting a 1996 Kit Companion 28ET Road Ranger for $3k from a dealer/repair shop here in Portland, OR.

Now, as for insurance, we plan on moving into a local RV Park(already have it setup) for longterm stationary stay, and I talked to RV America(recced from the dealer) and got some qoutes. I guess they are an agent of sorts, and work with Foremost, American Modern etc.

My question is this:

THe agent qouted us $160/year for basically a modifed manufactured home insurance option(since the RV is stationary) through American Modern.

Feed back on American Modern?

They also qouted me $220/year from Foremost, which I had heard good things about, yet the agent mentioned they don't offer Flood/Earthquake insurance for one, and it's a tad more expensive obviously.

So American Modern or Foremost?

And should I go through the RV America agent? They quality?

My father reccomemend I go through my car insurance company of USAA, and USSA told me to contact Foremost and they woudl underwrite it. Guess I got some digging to do...

Traveling with Horses

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:04:44 -0600

Are there any full- Timers that travel with their Horses?
We are thinking about the full-time lifestyle and taking the horses for Trail riding across the US.
I was wondering how many others do this.
We plan on living in the 42' motor home and pulling our 4 horse trailer with our pickup and camper to the riding areas. Are there area's that have rv/horse facilities combined? How do I go about locating them. We are members of the Back Country Horsemen so finding riding areas is not out of the question; It's more where to stay...
Thanks

Question Regarding Toads

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:33:31 -0600

Here's one for the FT-ers... Lisa & I are looking at the logistics of going full time; currently we both work FT and have 2 vehicles while we live in the old sticks and bricks (aka money pit!) house. When we hit the road someday in a larger class A MH than we have now, we will probably need 2 vehicles as we continue working.

Do you find that parks allow 2 Toads with your RV or are they restrictive? Or how about a motorcycle plus a toad? We're just exploring the options as we pre-plan changing our future living situation. Thanks in advance for your feedback...

Health Insurance for FTrs

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:25:21 -0600

Living in CA and going FT. Have Kaiser health insurance which isn't available in most other states. If we change our home state to SD or TX will we have a problem still coming to CA for health visits. We cannot change our insurance at this time.

Veterans Day Outback Steakhouse offer

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:41:20 -0600

I didn't catch all the details, but they offer Veterans a blooming onion and a drink free. Kinda pales to Golden Corral and Applebees offers, but they appear to be trying.

RVers and ATVing

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:53:59 -0600

Hello, I was just wondering if there are very many rvers that ATV also, like we do. We went for a great ride today and I got to thinking if there were other RVers that like to ride atvs , I have never seen any post about it but I am sure I have missed a lot on here since I am on and off at times. Does Escapees have a BOF group for ATVers? We are in New Mexico. Lots of trails around here. Thanks Janice Cox

Hopefully someone will benefit from my bad judgement

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:36:00 -0600

I would like to tell this story, in hopes of saving someones life someday.
First of all I'll start with.. I'm 48 years old. have always had perfect health. Though I'm not perfect,I generally take pretty good care of myself . Just had a medical less then a month ago with a clean bill of health.
The plan was to head to Rockport TX and leave the truck and RV down there for the rest of the winter. I work in the oilfield and have been working in Texas off and on since June. Even though I usually fly back and forth, we were hoping to get a week here and there throughout the winter to use the RV and get some motorcycle riding in between work assignments.
On the way down one night we stayed in Winchester VA. Got up in the morning feeling great like I always do and rigged out the RV to get ready and hit the road and continue south.
I walked up to the CG office which was only about 200 yards away and started feeling a little short of breath. Didn't really give it alot of thought. I had forgot to take the garbage with me so I went back to the RV and grabbed the garbage to throw in the dumpster up by the office. Now I'm starting to feel a bit of tightness in my chest and feel a bit nauseous. I'm thinking that maybe I ate a bad egg at breakfast. Little upchuck...get it out of my system and carry on is what I'm thinking.
I go lay down for about 1/2 hour and get up, not feeling 100% but feeling abit better, so we hit the road.
We get about 1/2 hr down the road and I just don't feel right, so I pull into a truckstop and go lay down for another hour. Get up, feeling a little better and get on the road again.
After about 1/2 hr of driving we see a sign for a CG and decide to pull in get rested up and let this pass.
I rested for 4 days. Each day feeling a bit better until I was feeling 100%. By this time we decided to head back north because even though I was in denial, I was starting to think that it might be a heart issue.
Got home 4 days later. For the most part felt great all the way home.
Went to the Dr first thing next morning...they run an EKG...diagonosis I had had a heart attack. Off to the hospital I go.....
Turns out one arterie was totally blocked. They put in a stint yesterday and sent me home this morning. However, because of my delay in getting to a Dr. there was significant damage done to my heart and I will have to be extra careful from here on in. The Dr's say I am VERY VERY LUCKY especially making the bad decision to drive home and not going to emergency when this all took place.
Please everyone, learn the symptoms of a heart attack and please don't ignore them if they become present. It could mean the difference between life and death.
Here's a toast to good luck over good management.

Mike

To boondock or not to boondock

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:17:13 -0600

How do I know if we should outfit our rig for boondocking? My husband and I have lived in the MH for 5 months. We spent 3 months in the driveway of the house, then a month visiting relatives across Texas, one month touring New Mexico. We are interested in boondocking but have actually done very little of it. We have not had much luck finding places to boondock that are near the attractions we want to see. I'm not sure if we are not good at finding boondocking places or if its because boondocking is generally in the boondocks. We are interested in spending time living on the Pacific coast in S California and travelling along the coast north to OR. We want to see the major National Parks like Grand Canyon and Yellowstone. We will be living in the FL keys next year sometime. We are debating heading to AZ for solar panels and additional batteries but I hate to spend all that $ on upgrades if we won't use them. Thoughts?

Western trip

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:45:43 -0600

Hi everyone-

It seems like I never run out of things to ask you all!

We are planning a trip from Florida out west last next spring through the summer. I'm a planner so I'm trying to put together a route. We plan on driving through the middle of the country to Yellowstone, Idaho falls. Then we want to go south to El Paso, TX then take th sourthern route home. We have a fifth wheel with a Dodge 2500 diesel pulling it. Are there any routes we should avoid? We had a few scarey moments on our northern trip (narrow roads, steep mountains).

Thanks as always!

Dish network & national feeds in HD

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:37:05 -0600

I left Dish network when I upgraded to HD televisions in the camper. At the time I switched Dish network's national feeds were provided by All American Direct and were not in HD. I'm considering switching back to Dish, but wanted to check the status of the national feeds in HD. Are they available nationwide in HD? All American Direct tells me they are, as long as I use the Chicago and LA feeds, but I've learned that statements by Dish or its representatives need to be verified. . .

Roger

walmart cellphone

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:41:22 -0600

Has anyone tried one of those new Walmart cellphones? No contract and you get 1000 minutes a month for $30.00 or unlimited minutes for $45,00.

Brake Controller Help

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:40:18 -0600

I'm having trouble finding where to tie in the brake switch wire for an electric controller. I tapped into one of the wires going to the switch on the brake pedal but it disabled the prodigy controller with a P.L. code. The controller works fine manually without the brake switch wire connected.

My rig is an 05 Dynamax Motorhome built on a Freightliner M2 chassis with hydraulic brakes.

Any help with this will be much appreciated.

RV Parking N. Scottsdale, AZ.

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:32:55 -0600

Hello Everyone, Not quite sure where to place this posting. I am looking for a place to park my 35' Allegro Bay Motor Home.
I am open to all options. If you have horse property or a place you want looked after, etc. I need an affordable
spot located near NE Scottsdale, AZ. Carefree or Cave Creek would be fine also. I need to deal with a house I own
in Bellasera that needs some work. Thus, I would like to be nearby by for an easy commute from the RV.
Even 20 amp electric would work. Don't need to have water and sewer. I can shower, etc. at the house, but would
like to spend the evenings in the RV, rather than in a empty house.

Please contact:

Keith Baker
info@bacor.com

With any suggestions, etc.

Thank you.

Decorating at Christmas

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:38:55 -0600

We have heard that there is a company out there that manufactures Christmas decorations that offers decorating courses to the general public.
Has anyone else ever heard of this & if so, what is the name & location of this company.
Thanks for your help.
Bill & Marg
Fulltiming Class of 2013

MPG results from ECM recal

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:32:47 -0600

Earlier this year I had Cummins recalibrate the ECM to up hp and torque 12% (400 to 450hp and 1450 to 1650 ftlb). The performance difference was immediately noticable, but I wondered what would happen to the mpg. Cummins said it wouldn't likely change because the engine would not be working as hard - I don't understand their logic. Some of you asked for feedback, so here it is.

I looked at the fuel purchases and miles for the same periods and routes last year versus this year. The route was from western MT to Colorado Springs on I-90/25 and then across I-70/64 to eastern NC, normally cruising at 65mph. The mpg dropped from mid 8s to around 8 (about 6%). That makes sense to me because now I can just set the cruise control and maintain speed on almost any hill. Before, I had to occasionally down shift because I didn't have the torque to pull a long steep grade in OD. I notice less mpg change on the flat roads than in the mountains. It takes fuel to develop the power, so more power has to mean more fuel - unless you have some magic wand.

The good part is that I got 12% power increase for 6% fuel increase.

Marv

MH accident in Indy

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 07:11:56 -0600

There was a bad accident involving a motorhome and several cars here in Indianapolis last night on I-65. The motorhome rear ended several vehicles that had slowed/stopped in heavy traffic. 3 people had injuries described as "life threatning" and our prayers go out to them for recovery.
The driver of the motorhome was towing a horse trailer and was cited for being over length, speeding, and improper lane usage. Here is a link to the story.

motorhome accident

Just a reminder to us all to be extra careful out there.

Phil

How Do You Increase Cargo Capacity?

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:59:27 -0600

I've been following a blog where the person has a Winnebago View. She had it weighed and discovered that she is pretty overweight. She has been trying to reduce her load but is not having much luck. It occurred to me that I have heard this story many times. Folks try to reduce their actual cargo, but I don't recall anyone ever mechanically increasing the cargo capacity of their rig. I don't know the exact numbers but I think an increase of 1000lbs would solve her problem.

If anyone has suggestions on how to do this, I'll point her to this thread.

Thanks in advance -- Kevin

EVDO or HSPA

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:45:13 -0600

I can choose between hspa and evdo for my usb modem from my supplier, Bell Mobity.

From their web site:
The upload and download speeds seems similar
I will be using it in Canada only and with either one I should get good coverage on 95% MY travelling here.

I'm wondering if there are reason to choose one over the other?

Lazydays files for bankrupcy

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:57:47 -0600

Lazydays made it official. Here us the local press release.

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/nov/06/la...d-d/news-money/

2004 Volvo 630 Price Reduced

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:59:23 -0600

Just posted a price reduction on our 2004 Volvo to $61,900. See details on Escapees "For Sale" forum. We are back in Yuma for the winter. Stop by if in the area.

Replace Duotherm Comfort Digital Thermostat

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:34:37 -0600

The 1997 Teton 5th duotherm comfort digital thermostat is showing its age. it controls on LP gas furnace downstairs and two A/C units (one downstairs and one upstairs) the unit has a number of symptoms but the most telling is that it will not shut off the furnace once set temperature is reached. The board can be removed and cleaned, re-installed with correct operation lasting for months or hours. . . . . the connection wire is a 4 wire telephone jack wire.

I suspect that there is some type of relay box elsewhere - can anyone confirm?

Has anyone done a digital conversion to a Home Depot type of thermostat on this set up? You would not believ how much Dometic wants for the 'upgrade' . . . . .

Thanks!

Shore power...HELP

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:05:45 -0600

After 2yrs. storage my 1999 Alpenlite 5th wheel 29' would not take shore power. I replace the batteries as suggested in the manual and now have 12v power. but it will not accept the shore power. Any ideas????

Thanks in advance,

Timoteo

More Info on Changing Exhaust

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:17:22 -0600

I posted a while back that my exhaust was starting to go bad, so planned on replacing it all, going to duals.
Have most of the parts now, and used a lot of the info suggested here (Thank you very much).
I intend on using 5" pipes approx. 4' apart, with muffler inserts inside them. (As stated previously, I need more room back there)
Now that I am close to buying the inserts, I noticed a small statement on the suppliers web page stating that they were for mechanical engines only.......
Hhhmmmmm.........
Don't want to screw anything up in my engine, so did not order.
I am wondering what you engine experts think about this.
Also the auger inserts don't mention the mechanical engine only bit, or I have not seen it yet anyway.
There is a great exhaust shop in WI where am moving back to in two weeks that makes custom mufflers, etc.
I may just have him make me a pair of inserts, but wanted to check out any ramifications in doing so first...
Any suggestions??
Thanks much,
Bob

Cost To Single

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:01:13 -0600

About how much does it cost to single out a HDT? Just looking for a ballpark number. Thanks.

Chronicles Of A Born Again Gypsy-Part II

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:14:56 -0600

Here I am again almost a year since I first posted here. Much has changed in my life and I am slowly progressing towards my dream of RVing full-time.

To make a long story short....both daughters left the nest last year, I moved to a smaller apartment then bought a 28ft. fifth wheel and will be living in it in a week. Putting most of what I own in storage, selling the rest and soon moving to my new home. I studied every RV for sale for a year, found a great deal on a 2001 Wilderness fifth wheel and bought it. The seller even moved it to an RV park I liked since I don't have a truck to pull it yet.

I've learned a lot about RVs and reading every book I get my hands on. One most important fact I learned early in my search was that RVs age FAST! I had thought I'd buy a large, older fifth wheel or travel trailer since I didn't plan to travel but only live in it a year before buying a newer rig. Older RVs age fast due to vibrations on the road, exposure to the elements and the materials used to construct the RV as well as other factors involved. After viewing aging fifth wheels, motorhomes and travel trailers, I decided not to buy anything older than 2000. Too many things to repair and too much wear and tear for me to handle.

Another fact I learned was there are good deals on RVs out there if you know what you are looking for, where to look and even when to look. After watching sales ads for RVs on almost every RV website out there for over a year, I observed various patterns in RV sales. In the spring and summer, RVs are priced high but when fall hits, the prices plummet and sellers get desperate. Dealers charge outrageous prices for used RVs you can buy for half their prices from private owners. And last but not least, the best day to buy an RV is on a rainy day. I found my 5th wheel during a downpour and was able to inspect it for leaks quite easily. I still monitor RV sales trends for the newer rig I plan to buy in a year.

Although I've learned a lot, I still have a lot to learn. I figured I could spend my money on rent for the next year or invest it in an RV to live in and learn as I go. So, I took the plunge. Can't travel yet but I'm living in an RV and able to be around others who share the same interest in the RV lifestyle in the RV park. It's a cute RV park in a small town in north Texas and the owners are precious.

I love my little fifth wheel and it represents the first "home" I've ever owned. All my life I have wanted to own something I could call my own (other than a car). Though an RV is not exactly what I had in mind, it will do for the time being. And being unemployed due to injuries sustained in a car wreck, I am able to cut my rent in half! If I don't like the RV park I'm in, I can always move to another one - a lot easier than moving from one apartment to another.

I am chronicling my adventures as a "Born Again Gypsy" in a book and in video for others who may yern for another way of life - out of the rat and rent race. Ultimately, I hope to go off the grid and experience all the ways one may become independent of the trappings modern society has programmed us to believe we cannot live without. BTW, my degrees are in psychology (B.A. & M.Ed.) and I have been researching perception manipulation for the last 12 years. Also writing a book based on my research (CC&D, the art of deception, propaganda, etc.).

I remembered all the tips I received when I first posted here a year ago. Back then my dream of RVing seemed so distant and I didn't even know what kind of RV to buy. Now my journey has taken the next step to living in one. Someday I hope to be a traveling RVer like many of you who so kindly offered help to me and others entering the amazing world of RVing.

Amy

Building Red Flyer

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:07:43 -0600

Pictures available at the URL in sig line.

Posted earlier under the thread HD receiver Hitches...

Air line fittings came in today so we could hook up air bags.
I stuck the 2 1/2" hitch we have and stuck it in the lower receiver hole just far enough to catch but sticking out far enough to give me something to stand on and started to add air, at 20 lbs it was up against the upper rubber snubbers and I could jump up and down on it just moving it. The shock was doing agreat job of damping the spring at 10 lbs. Everything seems to be in order. At some point we'll need to hook up the big trailer to it and see how that goes.

Next: We have the two 8" C-Channels cut to length and today welded the perfed angles to them to mirror the ones going down the sides of the chassis for the original air slide 5th.
We obtained more of the angle and added some to the rear of the chassis and matching points on the C-Channel. There will be three additional welded tabs each side going down over the sides of the chassis and through bolted in sheer. The C-Channels will become the base that we build the floor on. The floor joists are 2 x 3 1/4" wall on 16" centers.

Working on a wiring panel to put in the port side cab locker for the tail lights and general running lights. Have to move the inverter as it was mounted flat to floor wasting space.

Registering as RV in SD

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:28:09 -0600

Does anyone know what is required to register a Volvo 660 as a RV in South Dakota? I am just starting to consider a HDT as a toter, and trying to gather some info. Thanks for any help or suggestions.

New SUV?

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:43:19 -0600

New SUV ??? hope you can see this. it really is quite cool. the original page doesn't exist anymore.

2010 HDT National Rally

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:47:33 -0600

I finally was able to get a date for the 2010 HDT Rally. It will be held starting Oct. 10, 2010 with sign in and Pizza Party. The last day will be Oct. 16, 2010 with a Brunch in the morning and departure. It will held at the Kansas State Fairgrounds, Hutchinson, Kansas

See you then.

Larry

HDTs and Hoover Dam

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:39:10 -0600

We traveled from Kingman AZ to Las Vegas today and my original plans were to take US93 north from Kingman. This route would have taken us over Hoover Dam. The AM radio update on dam traffic didn't address non-commercial HDTs, and the recording at the Bureau of Reclamation said 5th wheel campers were OK. Luckily I called the police at the phone number listed and was told that I would not be allowed to cross, as the total length exceeded the limits.

The Bureau of Reclamation website addresses commercial 18-wheelers, but not 'formerly commercial vehicles which started out as 18-wheelers but had an axle dropped' which is the technical definition of what I drive. You can read the BR information here

I'm curious - did I get accurate information or did I just hit an LEO who wasn't interested in a 39' camper? Has anybody on the forum crossed with an HDT? Would it matter if I were registered as a motorhome? (I'm not.)

I'll take the long way back next week; there's no sense playing the 'is the Officer in a good mood today? game'. . .

Roger

Tow Bar Question

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:42:04 -0600

My Blue Ox Aventa legs don't seem to be locking into place. Is there something I should be doing?

Registering a New Rig (and we're not Texans, yet!)

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:25:48 -0600

Here's a head scratcher we could use some help with.

We sold our house and left California to start fulltiming four months ago. (And, we love it!) CA registration was paid up on both vehicles for nearly a year and drivers licenses are good for some time after that. We have a Livingston address right now, but weren't planning to actually be there until the first of the year. That's when we'll register vehicles and register to vote, etc. So, as far as residency goes, we're in some kind of limbo right now.

Here's the problem. We're seriously considering purchasing a new MH in Virginia in the next week or so. That raises the question: Where do we register this vehicle?

California doesn't make sense because we don't live there. Virginia doesn't make sense either. But, we're not officially Texans. So, what to do?

The best thing we can think of right now, if we do this deal, is to get temporary tags in Virginia and high tail it to Texas to register it and the toad. While we're there we'll register to vote, too. And, all would be right with the world, right?

This plan will mess up our Thanksgiving plans. But, we'll catch up with our families by Christmas. And, hey, we'll have a new motorhome!

Any and all advice is welcome!

Thanks,
Mary

Spartan repair facilities

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:57:06 -0600

Where does one go, if we buy a Spartan chassis, for repair?

Electrical Outlet Failure

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:38:39 -0600

We are losing power to our electrical outlets for apparently no reason. This has happened 3 times in the past couple of days. The first time, we replaced one of the two GFCIs in our coach, and power was restored. The second time, we decided to replace the other GFCI, but before we did that, the power was restored. Now it has happened again. Only one of the two incoming lines has been affected each time this has happened (our a/c, refrigerator, washer/dryer remain working normally; only the outlets are without power), and we are getting no error messages on our coach's surge protection system which shows voltage coming in on both lines but no amps being used on the affected line. Resetting the circuit breakers does nothing, and pushing the "test" and "reset" buttons on the GFCIs does nothing; they don't push in or pop out as they should. Any suggestions? Should we replace the second GFCI, or does it seem we have a bigger problem? And if it is the GFCIs, what could be causing their failure? Thanks for any help.

AOR camping membership--Yes or No?

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:13:37 -0600

Hi,

We start fulltiming December 18. I've had 11 months to get everything ready and suddenly find myself running way behind schedule. We plan to have happy travel feet for the first three years, therefore, I feel we need several discount memberships.

I bid and won a Thousand Trails on Ebay. It's a 3 year contract and we are happy to have it. We can cancel it or keep it at the end of our three years. We were not interested in 10 year contracts. We added ROD to it.

We bought into Hart Ranch, Rapid City, SD, using RVParkStore and got a wonderful price with a clause allowing us to return it to Hart Ranch when we no longer want it. We'll be happy with that membership because we are looking for snow

We plan on purchasing Passport America this month and we plan on joining Escapees this month.

We already belong to AARP and Good Sam.

This week I'm working with a lady to buy Coast to Coast Deluxe with RPI Preferred. She is not encouraging me or pushing me into adding AOR. She can add it but is totally leaving it up to me. If I add it now it's much cheaper than adding it later.

Question for ALL of YOU experts (I'm sincere) is....do I need AOR? I don't know one single thing about AOR so I'm depending upon you all to share your advice (good or bad). Don't be shy, tell me what you think.

For our first three years we do not plan on staying anywhere very long (3 days is loooooong to me) other than dropping into Hart Ranch for three weeks and playing in some snow.

I need to make my decision this week. Thanks in advance for any thoughts and advice that any of you share with me.

Fulltimer's Insurance

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:46:35 -0600

I keep reading about Fulltimer's Insurance for liability. Is this the same type of policy as an umbrella policy? If I remember correctly, an umbrella policy is just a personal liability policy that covers the policyholder.

Am I correct?

Thanks,

Mike

LOOKING TO UPGRADE GPS...NEED INFO

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:51:41 -0600

I am looking to upgrade my gps system, and when it comes to electronics I am a total dummy.
I am currently using a four year old Garmin.
I want one that will do truck routes, low clearance, and so on.
Not looking to spend $500 though.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Bob

Light Connection Testing

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:49:15 -0600

Experience is what allows us to recognize a mistake when we make it again. I may be a slow learner, but I can be taught!

When you are testing a circuit, don't rely only on the voltage reading on a VOM to determine that the problem lies elsewhere and then move on.

I've done it before and a couple of nights ago I pulled the same stunt again (to my defense, we only had a VOM available when the light problem occurred). No tail lights on a trailer, we had voltage at the tow vehicle connector but none at the light sockets (and obviously, no lights).

Back at my shop, we rewired the trailer and replaced the lights (it was truly needed) and still no tail lights. Still had voltage at the connector "when unhooked" (there lies the clue). Neither the harness tester nor test light would function (this is at my shop where they were both available).

Final answer, the truck splice (factory) harness connector, had failed to the point that it would still show a voltage but it would not carry ANY current, not even enough to signal a LED. I had a replacement harness (for some strange reason, I had bought a spare at a swap meet) in the garage, it took ten minutes to install and the problem was gone.

I used to have test lights in all of the vehicles but attrition has taken it's toll and I just haven't gotten around to replacing them. I guess they go on my shopping list for the upcoming swap meet.

So anyway, maybe this will help someone else down the road. One important thing though, be VERY CAREFUL using a test light on any computer signal circuit. The load can overload the circuit and cause damage to the computer circuitry, I've seen that mistake made before and for once, I learned and remembered from someone else' error.

Butch

Fitting In

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:42:53 -0600

Greetings all! the house sold and here we are in beautiful Arizona at a adult park in Quartzite. We decided to stay a month and attended the first get together at the clubhouse. We smiled and participated and never really felt like we were going to fit in. No one asked us our name or tried to welcome us. We interacted several times but feel like there is a click how do you fit in without being overly friendly. these folks have known each other for years and seem so nice and down home. We are somewhat younger but this shouldn't be the issue we are over 55. Some advice would be appreciated for those more experienced. We just want to fit in. Thanks for listening!!

Identify Undercarriage part

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:40:14 -0600

Need some help identifing a U-shaped rod that goes from drivers shock to passenger shock.
This rod is not bolted to frame, or shock, just sits in ubolts that HAD rubber bushings that are missing.
Now I hear a rattle when hitting bumps.
Parts store has no idea what it would be on a RV.

Any help would be appreciated
Trucken.

National parks free for everyone Nov. 11

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:52:32 -0600

By Karen Jowers - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Nov 3, 2009 15:49:17 EST

Anyone visiting national parks, refuges and other public recreation areas on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, will pay no entrance fees, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced today.

Those areas include any public recreation lands managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation.

The fee is waived for everyone, but the purpose is to thank and honor service members on Veterans Day, Salazar said. �We invite all of our visitors to enjoy this fee-free day and take time out on this national holiday to remember our service men and women who are currently serving overseas in harm�s way,� Salazar said in a statement.

The Department of Agriculture is also waiving entrance fees at its national forests.

http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/11/mili...ksfree_110309w/

MDT for sale

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:54:48 -0600

Not mine but happened across it on another site......

http://www.glamisdunes.com/invision/index....howtopic=185785

oil leak 3126 CAT Pipe?

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:20:29 -0600

Is this a big dollar repair? I know they paint the thing gold for a reason, but is this just a 20 dollar gasket and a pain to get at it or is it a bigger deal? I pressure washed the engine prior to the Williston round trip, there is not alot of oil on the pan and 0nly 2 quarter sized spots on the floor after 2 weeks, so I'm not going to get too excited about it, 'cuz its way less drippy than my Dads old Screaming Jimmys.

I'm just wondering how big of a job is this, looks like the alternator and AC compressor perhaps the turbo and of course the air cleaner assembly will have to be removed.

Thoughts?

Should I just add a quart or gallon every couple of thousand miles? It didn't appear to show on the dipstick.
-blizz

Military Discount at Verizon

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:50:34 -0600

I recently went wireless for my lap top and new cell phone. I recently discovered that Verizon will NO longer accept your military ID card if retired or active duty. You have to show them you DD 214 if retired or pay stub if active or reserve. I voiced my opinion being retired and serving our country for over 20 years why they cannot accept ID card when it is issued by the US. government . The only response was well thet is the new rule. So I wrote verizon and no response yet. Info only. You get 15 % off your cell phone bill not aircards.

Need help with a 4700/DT466 issue

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:58:52 -0600

I've had a few instances now where the motor rpm builds VERY slowly above 1500rpm or so, then all of a sudden it's fine and the rpm builds normally. When it's acting up the motor doesn't run rough or anything, the rpm simply climbs very slowly or hovers around 1500rpm.
Had it happen twice now when the truck had sat for a few hours, and once after stopping for a traffice light. Any ideas of the problem?

Didgital Battery Monitor

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:55:42 -0600

I'm sure we all have the idiot light battery monitor. My question is has anyone found a didgital battery monitor that could be mounted next to the idiot lights and use the existing wiring?

OT: Need a 12V RV type charger

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:38:33 -0600

I've got a gooseneck car hauling trailer that I put HVAC and bathroom in. So it's sort of livable with the proper additions (air mattresses, whatever). One thing I screwed up when I spec'ed it was 12V. It has one small-ish battery. It also has a genset, shore plug, and a small solar panel to charge the battery. The things that run off 12V are some internal lights (it also has 110V lights), ALL the bathroom lights, bathroom fan, water pump, and get this: the HVAC thermostat!

So what did I forget? A method of charging the battery from 110V. The battery and solar panel are both small enough that, yes, it can get run down pretty easily on a dreary weekend. That's highly annoying when you're plugged in to shore power and still can't turn on your HVAC! Obviously I'm resourceful and had a work-around, but you get the idea.

Now, I'm curious what the best product is for what I need. Things that worry me are that the battery is probably charged by the genset when the genset is running. So is it bad to just throw some kind of "normal" 12V charger on there powered by the 110V in the trailer when that may be being generated by the genset sometimes. Seems like that's a weird feedback loop for the genset to be sending 12V to the battery along with it's 110V output to be feeding a charger that's ALSO sending 12V to the battery.

But maybe I'm overthinking it? The solar panel I have is designed for this with a nice little wall mount controller, so I assume it's got it's reverse voltage protection and can just be paralleled to the battery.

Note that I do NOT need any inverter capability in this system. So what should I be looking at? And are there any special wiring concerns?

--Donnie

Have decided but need help

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:54:48 -0600

We have decided to get a 5th wheel toy hauler.

We currently have a 28'TT which we have use to live in while we settled in to our new Duty stations.

Due to me having to move every 2 to 3 years we have decided to live in our new Toy Hauler. Why a TH well we want to use the garage as a multi-purpose room with a mini gym as well as use it to transport our HD. We will be getting a Larger TV than my Current F150. So I understand the need to look at weight and towing capacity of the TV before getting it or the TH. It will be the DW myself and out oldest daughter (only for about 6 Months or so)

There are a few must haves and don't really needs: Must have King Bed. Don't really need fuel station or generator but generator would be nice just in case.

So here is the question:

What would you guys recommend for a full time TH for us? We are concerned with warranty, and quality of the TH.

Thank you all for your assistance.

M & C

Basement Storage Leak

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:51:02 -0600

Folks, I need some suggestions for a water leak problem...

I have a 30ft Rexhall Airex Class A. I have tried in vain to keep rain water from entering my drivers-side forward basement storage unit.

I've sealed up all potential points of entry above it. I've installed weather-strip tape around the door. I make sure the door is closed and locked during storms.

Yet, everytime I open it after a storm, its wet again. I'm out of ideas on what to do? Help, Tx!

Storage in Fort Worth

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:34:59 -0600

Hi Everyone,

It's time for us to return to Australia for Christmas. Kids!!!!! Ya have to love em.

We are looking for storage in the Ft/Worth area, or south of there, for our m/h and toad. (We have storage arranged but I feel we are about to lose it). We would consider another area but we need to be close to a major airport.

We would prefer undercover but it's not critical. It needs to be very secure.
I have shopped around and it seems very hard to get a space. I'm getting a common 6-12 month waiting list with most inquiries.

Any input or suggestions would be appreciated.

Bruce

transmission oil

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:01:22 -0600

What is the "going rate" for changing the automatic transmission oil in a 5.9 Cummin pickup at a dealer? Also, I have been told there are two way of changing this oil. One way only removes about 80 percent of the old oil. Please explain. What do you know about this?

C. S.

Ceiling Fan Noisy? Try this...

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:35:31 -0600

Hello, friends. I thought I�d pass along this helpful hint:

For some time now the ceiling fan in my kitchen/dining area has been getting noisy as it rotates. Thinking that dirt accumulation may have unbalanced the blades I decided to do a thorough job by removing each blade, one at a time. They hadn�t been cleaned in 2 � years! (I�m such a procrastinator ).

Well, I found it wasn�t so much that dirt had caused the imbalance but all 3 screws holding each of the 5 blades had worked loose (photo below). I tightened them all, cleaned the blades and reinstalled them on the fan motor assembly. The fan is whisper quiet now.

The entire job isn�t difficult and can probably be accomplished in about � hour.

NOTE: be careful when removing blades. I�m 6�4� and still had to use a step stool in order to comfortably reach them. Also, try not to drop any screws when removing the blades from the motor. The lock washers will inevitably fly off and they�re hard to locate on the floor or rug.

All 3 screws had worked loose

I removed one lamp fixture to facilitate screw removal

Adding leveling jacks to a class A

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:27:18 -0600

My brother has a 32 foot 2003 Class A, Coachmen Mirada and wants to add leveling jacks.

He's a welder/pipe fitter by trade and plans to do his own installation. Does anyone have
experience/suggestions as to type, brand etc. ?

He has a quote from HWH and Bigfoot .... how about the new electric jacks?

thanks,

Howard

Ordering pet meds?

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:53:11 -0600

We've been fulltiming for 5 years, 4 with a dog and a cat, now with a dog only. The pup is 13 years old, needs a pain killer daily for a variety of ailments. She's been seeing a vet in our old hometown, and we have a written prescription for Deramaxx. While in Alaska this summer, we had to see another vet to get a refill, as a blood test was required. Now we're in California, and the vets here cannot "act as a pharmacy". Our vet in Minnesota is no help, doesn't want to help. It seems that we're always going to end up paying a $50-150 vet bill in addition to the $80 for the drugs every 120 days.

Do other fulltimers have a good solution to this problem?

-Mahlon
SKP 82757
FT in an Alfa SeeYa

Extended Warranties

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:21:49 -0600

Any recommendations as to which extended warranty we should purchase.
We have a 2007 Fleetwood Providence, 39 ft on a Freightliner chassy and a Cat 350 hp engine.

Thanks,
Ken & Linda

Best Dingy to tow

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:16:59 -0600

We need your best advise on which dingy to purchase to tow with all 4 wheels on the ground and no modifications!!

Your comments will be greatly appricated.

Ken & Linda

Does anyone make one

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:56:56 -0600

I know Spacecraft builds an 18 wheeler type trailer with no interior steps,but what about a regular type fifth wheel? Then you could have a full basement and have a AC unite down there instead of on the roof. Would New Horizon build one? I spent 28 years driving an 18 wheeler and that was enough of dragging a 53 footer around the country. I like my one ton dually and 32 foot fiver but a flat floor fifth wheel would be much nicer. My wife has had both knees replaced and I have a bum left leg from polio as a kid in the late 40's. Of coarse using the clutch for 28 years didn't help. I got out of trucking before automatic's got popular. Yes I did most of the shifting without the clutch but the left leg still got a work out.

Slide gasket replacement

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:51:47 -0600

The metal core of the gasket around the top of the living room slide on our DutchStar has rusted out. This caused it to lose grip on the flange and slip out of place both when opening and closing.

1. Is removing and replacing the slide gasket a DIY job? Anyone done this? It looks like the gasket can be accessed by moving the slide partially in or out and working from either the inside or outside of the coach.

2. I've located a couple of possible online sources for replacement gaskets. Anyone have any experience with ordering from either of these two companies?

Clean Seal, Inc.
Uni-Grip Incorporated

3. The metal gasket core rusted due to the failure of what appears to be double-sided tape which was to prevent moisture from seeping inside the gasket. Anyone know if the tape comes with the replacement gasket? If not, anyone know of a source for the tape?

Any other suggestions or advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

Valve stem core leaking

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:59:48 -0600

In preparation for driving my Volvo down the road this morning to pick up my new Sears Elite seat, I was checking my tire air pressures.
When I put the truckers tire guage on one of the outer rear duals, it read ok at 85, but when I removed the guage I could hear and feel a strong steady stream of air coming out the end of the valve. It wasn't leaking when I first removed the cap from this valve, only after I used the guage to get a reading, but now it wont stop leaking. At this rate this tires gonna be flat in about 40 mins. Thankfully its still sitting inside my garage and I've got a compressor and tools here. It seems to me that the core of this valve stem is leaking and needs replaced. I've never run into this situation before on any of my vehicles, so open for other suggestions. I do have a valve stem removal tool and a few valve stem cores that came with a tire repair tool kit for my pickup. I used the stem tool to see if the core was just loose, but it seems to be seated tight. I used the guage a few more times to try exercising the valve core, but it just wont stop leaking. Is the valve core the same for a 32 psi car/light truck tire as it is for one of these 100 psi 22.5" HDT tires? Do I need to wait until this tire is flat before removing that valve core? since this stem points inward, once its flat, can I loosen the nut at the base of the stem and rotate it, to get better vision and access for replacing the core?
any other input appreciated, this is a new one for me

Jim

TRUCK STOP DATA BY STATE

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:07:41 -0600

Hey Jack, check this out....found it on another site.

Fuel Stops... Nation Wide

advice sought

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:54:38 -0600

This question has been asked on numerous occasions, but because our circumstances are different (I think) I hope you won't mind me asking yet again. I apologize in advance for the length of this post.

My wife and I hope to one day full-time, but we aren't sure of the right rig. Although each person is different, I hope to pick your brains for some advice.

When we first considered fulltiming, we leaned toward a fifth wheel, partly because of what seems to be a wider range of floor plans and larger kitchens. Later, we began to lean toward motorhomes, because I like the higher view of the road, we would be able to drive a more fuel efficient vehicle for sightseeing once we got wherever we were going, and because my wife does not like the noise level of the trucks necessary to pull a fifth wheel. On the other hand, she also doesn't like that most motorhomes seem to be very similar when it comes to layout.

If it were just the two of us, we would almost certainly choose a motorhome. Complicating the choice is the very real possibility that our autistic son will be with us. He is high-functioning but lacks some of the necessary skills to live on his own. We think he'll need his own space and perhaps more than would be offered in a bunk bed motorhome model. Our son is 13 now, but will be a young adult when we make the move to full-time.

On the other hand, we don't have a truck, which might eliminate any cost advantage the fifth wheel might have. I will also need to balance towing needs against the size of truck my wife can live with. We are not independently wealthy and, while our budget will increase the longer we wait, we are most certainly looking to buy used.

In this set of circumstances, which way would you go - fifth wheel and truck or motorhome? If we choose a motorhome, either of our cars might serve as a toad, although I think both will require some modification for towing four-down (my preference). We currently have a 2002 Honda Civic and a 2006 Subaru Outback. If we go with a fifth wheel, we could keep the Civic and have the other person drive it to our destination, along the lines of Howard and Linda Payne at RV-Dreams.

One other question for you: My wife leans toward buying something to use for the next few years before we full-time and later get a rig to live in. I'm more inclined to find something that we could live in when we start fulltiming, even if we end up replacing it after we're on the road, especially in light of budget. (I don't specify a dollar amount because it should increase with each passing year. Next year, our budget will likely be $30-35,000. The following year, it might be almost double that.) Which would you do?

We currently have a tent trailer and get out as often as we can, usually in the neighborhood of 30 nights a year or more, so I have no doubt about the lifestyle, only about the right rig for us.

I always enjoy reading the posts on Escapees and look forward to seeing whatever advice you'd care to offer. Thanks for bearing with me.

Walt

Benson, Az. Overnight Spot

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:15:14 -0600

Will be heading to Yuma, Az. this week. One of our overnight stops is around Benson. I see the Walmart does not allow overnight stops. There are overnight stops listed west of Benson around Gas City. Is this the standard desert pull off the road type area? Last year we were further north and stayed overnight near the juction of I-10 and SR 85. heading toward Gila Bend. Lots of pull off spots there. Is Benson the same? Thanks, John

Off HDT Topic, but FEDEX is Unreal....BAD

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:06:41 -0600

Not an HDT topic, but need to blast off somewhere.
I have never had the best luck with FedEx, but this one takes the cake.
I ordered new rubber roofing for my 5er damage at Sturgis SD this year.
It is coming from Indiana.
Kept getting revised delivery dates, and finally hit my MAD button tonight.
I called their 800 number numerous times, and as usual, no human in the area....DUH...........
Kept hitting the zero button, and finally got a live body.
Told him up front not to take it personal, but then let loose.
After a long hold, he came back on and apologized, then assured me it would leave NC tonight and be in Cumberland MD (10) miles from me tomorrow.
Here is the tracking info........
NOTE: I live (70) miles from Hagerstown MD.....shown numerous times on the tracking ticket.
What a bunch of morons.....
How the devil do they expect to make money like this>>>
Geesh...
Rant over,
Cheers,
Bob
(Start at the bottom to track)
All shipment travel activity is displayed in local time for the location
To display the shipment travel activity in local time of the scan, please select "Local Scan Time" time zone option.
No entries found Date/TimeActivityLocationDetailsNov 2, 2009 2:50 PMArrived at FedEx locationCHARLOTTE, NCOct 31, 2009 7:00 AMDeparted FedEx locationHAGERSTOWN, MDOct 31, 2009 5:27 AMArrived at FedEx locationHAGERSTOWN, MDOct 30, 2009 5:43 AMDeparted FedEx locationASHLAND, VAOct 30, 2009 2:13 AMArrived at FedEx locationASHLAND, VAOct 29, 2009 10:21 PMDeparted FedEx locationWINCHESTER, VAOct 29, 2009 3:35 PMArrived at FedEx locationWINCHESTER, VAOct 29, 2009 6:34 AMIn transitWINCHESTER, VAOct 29, 2009 3:16 AMDeparted FedEx locationHAGERSTOWN, MDOct 29, 2009 12:40 AMArrived at FedEx locationHAGERSTOWN, MDOct 28, 2009 2:55 AMDeparted FedEx locationCHICAGO, ILOct 27, 2009 7:55 AMDeparted FedEx locationCHICAGO, ILOct 27, 2009 2:03 AMArrived at FedEx locationCHICAGO, ILOct 27, 2009 12:13 AMLeft FedEx origin facilityMISHAWAKA, INOct 26, 2009 8:36 PMArrived at FedEx locationMISHAWAKA, INOct 26, 2009 12:10 PMPicked upMISHAWAKA, IN

Banks Power equipment

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:35:44 -0600

I ask this question here once before, but could not get an answer that I was confortable with. I will try again. Is there any negative aspects to the Banks Power "stuff," --- not chips, but air intake and output "stuff"? Is there any way it could damage the engine? I am convienced that it DOES increase power. I just want to be sure not to do any damage to the engine. Please help.

Charles Farrell

Dish Now

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:25:54 -0600

I have been using Dish Now for quite awhile and have been very happy with it. It is (was) so good for RVers that don't full time and only want to have Sat. TV once in awhile. Weekend, Week at at time, 2 weeks at a time, so on and so on. Now I called to get more days as I haven't used the Dish Now for a couple of months and I'm told the Dish Now is finished. You have to give a phone number and sign up as if you were using the Sat. in your home. I sure am unhappy, and was just wondering how many more RVers are in the same boat as I am. Thanks for the replys... Eventho, I guess no replies are really necessary. Thanks anyway...

AZ 389 OK for big rigs?

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:28:56 -0600

Our trucker's atlas doesn't have it marked as a truck route, even through UT 59 (which turns into AZ 389) is marked as such.

We're in Hurricane, Utah going to Kanab. I can't use Utah SR-9 through Zion, because we don't fit through the tunnel. If I can't use AZ 389, we're going to have to go way north through Cedar City.

Anyone been on that route recently?

joe

Axle Weights

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:13:03 -0600

I tried to do some research on older posts and started to get cross-eyed.

Last year I had my Class C weighed and just finally found the receipt.

Steer Axle 3700#
Drive Axle 7900#
Gross 11600#

Now I know I have added weight since then and I have a toad as well. I plan to reweigh on my way south.

My GVWR is 14,050 and I think I'll be okay there. Question - how do I know how much for each axle? Is it safe for the drive to be 2x what the steer is?

As always, thanks for your continuing educational classes ;-)

Sioux Falls, SD Anti RV?

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:13:13 -0600

Article about Sioux Falls, SD evicting RVs staying over 30 days:
RV Business.com

RDBE T-Shirts

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:04:58 -0600

Hi Everyone

Gail and I finally made it home from the HDT Rally a couple of days ago. We had a great time and want to thank everyone that came for making it a fun event.

While we were there, several of the ladies asked if Gail could have some more RDBE T-Shirts made. I will be placing an order for the shirts in a couple of weeks. If you want one (or more) please let me know ASAP so I an order the right sizes. They are "Hanes Authentic" 100% cotton shirts. (mens sizes). They are $15 (2 for $27) and that includes shipping.

More RDBE T-Shirt Pictures

Guys, I know many of the wives don't read this forum, so would you please pass this information along so they can get thier order in.

Thanks
Steve & Gail

Water Softener to clean waste tanks

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:46:14 -0600

Hi again,

I read on this site that putting water softener in your waste tanks help them come cleaner. The brand that was recommended was Calgon. I haven't been able to find any in local stores, just online. It seems to be expensive-$10 each. We found Morton water softener salt at Walmart. A large bag was only $5. Is this okay to use? It seemed like it must be a different thing since it was so much cheaper.

Thanks as always!