lappir

I called and spoke with Nicci who was glad to hear the HDT folks are sharing. 

The quote came back quickly and initially I thought it was very good until she said the NADA would only value my Trailer at $50K at max. I'd never be able to replace it for that amount. 

Spacecraft I think will send a letter of value that I will share, but who knows what that will do to the "Reasonable" quote. 

Now the waiting game till late May when I'll get my next annual bill. 

Rod

2 hours ago, GlennWest said:

Having had mine for some years now, I believe a 18k in living room and a 9k in bedroom would have been a better setup. Both mine are 12k and bedroom unit barely runs  and living room unit works. I went a year initially with just one in the living room and it worked well as long as we didn't run the clothes dryer. dryer would heat up bedroom in the summer months. But we stayed mostly in the south due to my work.I was initially hung up on staying 120v.  Don't see how relocating to basement area would benefit you. 

The Possum Belly (as Spacecraft calls it, basement to me.) Is open from in front of the axle to the front jacks. Not insulated on the sides or floor and that's where the water tank lives and most of the plumbing. So far I've gotten by with a "Milk House Heater" where the pump and most of the exposed plumbing is with only two freeze ups that thankfully caused no damage. If I put a large battery bank there I will need to be sure it doesn't get cold enough to cause an issue. Last fall I reconnected a thermostat to the Gas Furnace and used it during the coldest days to keep the area warm. Had no protection from the North winds where I parked. I did have my second freeze up even with that, but I didn't put the heat tape on the exposed pipes like I have before and that may have been the issue. Keeping the basement warm in the winter will help with the living area floors. I will try to insulate at least the doors and hopefully the floor. I could do skirting, but putting it up and then taking it down it doesn't last very long and is a pain. 

Rod

11 hours ago, Cotreker said:

I remember Steve’s rig wish I had more pictures. Thanks

Yea, I looked on my limited access and didn't find anything. I will keep looking though. 

Rod

I think the mounting arm is the failure point and if you remove it from the install I would think you would be fine. Do take the mounting bolts out of the bracket and ensure they are "Machine" thread and not a "Wood Screw" type. Apply a bit of Locktite and monitor it. You could put a 25lb weight on it and take it for a spin to see if anything loosens up while on the road. 

Depending on what season you plan to use it most would be my biggest location concern. You want it above you if you plan on mostly hot weather use and below you if it's mostly cold weather. I guess in the middle if you want to use for both but, make sure you can tolerate if it's "Blowing" directly on someone who is trying to sleep in front of the outlet. Noise from the ODU is also a potential issue I didn't take into consideration when having the upgrade HVAC install several years ago. The ODU still is TOO NOISY at times and soon I'll have to turn the IDU in the living area off because even with the temperature set to my comfort level in that area if the kitchen wants more cooling it transfers that desire to my desk. So far I haven't figured out how to keep the super cold chill from going down my neck. 

Rod

2 hours ago, folivier said:

But I don't see all of the updates on FB groups unless I go to that specific group. So if I just look at my news feed I'll miss a lot. And finding any specific content on a FB group is difficult.

And if you really don't use FB you see nothing. I check this site daily to review the "Unread Content" it's simple to go through follow up on new things and ignore the few things I have little interest in. "Mark site Read" until the next visit. 

Rod

1 hour ago, Jaydrvr said:

I don't see where that's a mini split. It's just an under bunk air conditioner.. Just like I have in my garage. Not to say it won't work, it just won't have the advantages of a mini split. I could be wrong.... Jay

It just says "Heat Pump" and from the looks of the photo, that's all it is.  Way too expensive also. 

1 hour ago, GlennWest said:

Uses too much power for a mini split. EER too low also.

Agree. 

The LG unit I have works very well so far. I think most of the ones installed by Spacecraft and maybe even New Horizions have worked well too. I wouldn't go for the Cassettes that mount on the roof. The low flow unit mounted at the far end (Garage) of my home will keep me warm and cool without the 9000btu unit I have in the "Living area". In fact I often times have to turn it off since it's right beside my desk and will give me a chill sometimes with the air blowing directly on me. Am going it inquire about relocating it to the "Basement" with the Solar lithium battery conversion for full time off grid attempt I hope to do one day. 

Rod

Yeah, I found that out after posting but didn't come back to edit. 

I did get a response from my other email and if anyone has David Dixon's email address ( I do but not sure why I cannot locate it.) You could send him an email. 

I did send one to the HDT email address I have,  but no response to it yet.

Did get a big surprise from the email and if anyone else is in on it, PM me I'd like to send a gift. 

Rod

https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2FNationalhdtrally.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0mJDUkxHId0eaZ0N818G1l-YM2V2Y24gyK3CCSk7Hdq8m3YfNLjv5gFBw_aem_Ac012TNCHsO58iCboyrrK8gT86-OVcrvM39JkM4A9ILazG4TipvHkMStbN_p3S2_7lLiDHZ5Pq3estPH7EagAygA&h=AT3gFfFiFYWz7PnIjbgqWOl8MbdH_6fnqJPuaj6LdEHsu7ZQwVYdjn9nZ8gk3bWyrn3qTWgEPiNGh4i_3eJIMr6SBbSWIp9ZzqJW9mTrNU1KQZM9jWX4bV8IbP36fbef_wKnfj2yUWNyidoQWk2Y&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT0yG_PBpIU6Z83y0MR3C3q5QRYBcaBEAILQufnvEA5Ttq-w5NOZrCi25rGklSCXQRMRYSHRuwfZCbmAyZxLLRAqFCrTylMi5Ns-55ReI6a9CnXcx7iVU30Bma9AKWha0CutdKwMZpaDRMQmwVIjajvGUd-TgLYH2lfRa-1tlJiaCDbj1ceIFybzlU4-t2s

FB Page?

On 4/30/2024 at 5:40 PM, Cotreker said:

Moving onto my next project which is to build a ramp system for loading a 2-Door Jeep onto the deck of my Volvo.  Pretty much starting off with a clean deck with the TSLB installed.  Who can share ideas, plans, material list.  I can weld the materials together and then bolt to my frame rails and to existing parts of my truck.  Buy or build Jeep ramps?  How long?  Will cut off my storage box in order to make more room for the Jeep 13' length.  Planning to have Jeep 50" away from King Pin or as needed.  Have seen Jack M. ramp system really nice and can not do so I my truck, most likely will store ramps next to the Jeep.  Let the ideas begin and pictures of your Jeep systems are most welcomed.  Will need a welding magnet to mount my camera on; where to purchase?

Do you remember seeing Steve's rig at the HDT Rally? He has a older 2 door jeep on a bit of a ramp, as others here have also done. I missed seeing him winch it up after the rally, but saw him tie some things down after it was up there. Here is a link to his FB group, you might see photos there. 

Rod

https://www.facebook.com/groups/163040000390459/user/1083517645/

So you have been paying a company for a while who wouldn't do what you expected you paid for. Why run that risk again? Mobile mechanics or towing companies are available when you need them and you know they will at least do what you pay them to do at the time. JMHO

Rod

15 hours ago, Av8r3400 said:

Spent the last hour trying to pay for my registration...

Had to re-enter the entire worksheet and it finally worked.

 

That's sad to hear. Wonder what's happening this year? Anyone on the Facebook page put a comment there? I don't think Steve visits here very often and haven't seen him post in a long time. His counter shows 5 posts. 

Rod

ps. Sent an email to some folks that may be able to help. I'll report back if I get an answer. rl

2 hours ago, Kirk W said:

I wish that I knew an answer! 

Kirk, 

I think you gave the answer in the rest of your comment. I don't do Facebook like I used to and don't want to get back to that addiction, so I'm not the answer. Apparently you do participate on Facebook too. How often do you remind them of the rvnetwork.com? 

The HDT Rally was a big activity stimulator when I first started here and it's mostly gone to Facebook. Every year I try to remind the promoter, organizer or head honcho that some of us don't do Facebook, but come to the Rally still. I get "oh yeah, I keep forgetting about the forum". 

Rod

5 hours ago, Kirk W said:

While that was once true, have you never heard of the Xscapers Group, which is for the still working Escapee member? That is currently the fastest growing part of the Escapees RV club. When Escapees was created in 1978, most of the membership was still working and 60% of them were under the age of 50. When we first attended an Escapade about 20 years ago there were a few children there and by 2010 when Travis Carr joined the business there were almost none. But today the Xscapers are the most rapidly growing segment of the club and Escapade now has Kids Scapade specifically for children and each year since it's inception is had gotten bigger. There continue to be many retired or retiring folks joining the club but the average age of the membership is declining. That is probably a very good thing for the future of the club, even if it does leave some of us out of the mainstream today. 

But do they participate on this forum? That's the big question about how long the forum will continue to exist. I have visited a Forum for VehiCross owners that used to be very active. There is nothing on it now except for a ad for something useless on repeat. It's the only new thing and I've tried asking questions and posting but there have been few if any responses. I don't even check it any more. 

Rod

2 hours ago, Momchu said:

This is the 2nd time I had my Girard RV tankless water heater blow out a hole in the copper elbow area. I contacted Girard to get the replacement the first time it happened but this time I’m thinking about repairing it instead of paying $700 to replace it. What do any of you fellow RVer’s recommend for fixing it? Copper elbow or some kind of patch? And do you think JB WELD could possibly work over a patch? Any idea’s would be greatly appreciated!! 
thanks, Mary S

My Uncle many many years ago said he had aggressive water that attacked his copper piping after he replumb a house I grew up in. Had to go to some sort of plastic for it to last. Have no idea what it was when I lived there till I was maybe 10. 

I'd not use JB Weld or a patch. If you can "un-sweat" the solder joint and then put another elbow in it's place, that would be the best, but first find out what's causing the Blowout. Is something rubbing on the outside to cause a weak spot? Photos may help the more handy members of this forum. 

Rod

2 hours ago, Dutch_12078 said:

When we decided to go fulltiming in 2010, we sold our mountaintop home and 400 acre forest property, but we kept our lakeside summer cottage on a 2 acre wooded lot. Over the years we've completely remodeled the cottage into a year round home with a full hookup RV site alongside to be both our base and our "hang up the keys" home. We didn't rent it out, instead letting family members use the property for vacations in exchange for helping with maintaining and improving the place. Now that our health has taken us off the fulltime road, we're going to be enjoying the best of both worlds we hope, by still making limited RV trips and having a home near our family to come back to.

That was a great plan. I don't have that type of "Family" members. Congratulations. 

Rod

39 minutes ago, Gwytolla said:

Ham sandwiches are love. I also really love them with cheese.
Additionally, I always keep a couple of packets of dehydrated food handy, mostly fruits and vegetables, just in case.

At my current location I have a vendor at the local Farmers Market who dehydrates "Whole Eggs" and they are amazing. I have a couple small packs that I hope to try out soon on an overnight motorcycle/hammock trip. 

Rod

9 minutes ago, Gwytolla said:

I have this one place I got about a few years ago. But since I only visit it 3-4 times a year, it's gradually deteriorating. It would take quite a bit of effort and money to get everything back in shape. A few times, neighbors mentioned someone was interested in buying it, so I'm thinking maybe I'll just sell it altogether.

If I purchase something it will be mostly "Wild Land" requiring little upkeep. If there is a building or home on the property it would be rented out with the "Renter" responsible for keeping up the property for a very reasonable rental rate. The "City, County or State" would have to allow me to park my 'Home On Wheels' and live on the property as often and for how ever long I would decide. So far that's what's blocking me in my current area and the properties I have had interest in. 

Not sure if the interest I had over this past winter will come back again when I finish my Summer travels or not.

Rod

6 hours ago, sandsys said:

I, however, lucked out. I bought a five-year Certificate of Deposit just before the rates dropped. The bank I bought it from was not happy with me since they had to pay that 20% for all five years.

That was a good one. Congrats. 

Rod

2 hours ago, Lou Schneider said:

The Pandemic may have influenced the latest poll.  Many fulltimers found themselves with nowhere to stay when the government shut down recreational facilities nationwide including most campgrounds. My lot in the Pahrump co-op saved me from a similar fate when "two weeks to slow the surge" stretched into several months of a total shutdown.  Having a place where I could go and ride out the closures was priceless.

I got super lucky with the shut down, sort of. The unlucky part that while being an RN I had not worked outside of an OR for many years and had no desire to do such. The cessation of "ALL ELECTIVE" procedures put me out of a job for 24 hours right away, but then I was allowed to work for a month as a "Unit Clerk". The hospital assumed things would be ending in a month and wanted to keep me and they did have to pay the "Company" for an unknown amount of time so I worked for a bit. 

The lucky part was the location where I was staying. I'd just reserved the spot and while they said they had no intention of "Shutting Down", by the time I arrived to set up everything was closed in the area except for a small Grocery store (thankfully). The Manager also answered my phone call and told me to go ahead and set up where ever I wanted to and she/he would be around to take the money for the site. No one came for over 3 weeks but soon enough the Service station/Convenience Store reopened and I was allowed to stay until I secured another assignment. At that time I had no thoughts about "Owning Property" as a "Backup".

Kirk is correct in my initial thought process when I posted the question and poll. I didn't have any idea of how it would turn out, but am happy that it has had the life it has had so far. I too was part of the generation of 14-16-18 and maybe even 20% interest rates of the 70's and 80's. It was not fun, but I survived. My Son has been wanting to upgrade his home for many years now. His first purchase I'm sure is fully paid off, but not sure how much equity he can get out of it and he is not in the mood to pay anyone over 5% interest for anything. I admire his resolve and he does upgrade his pickup and motorcycle whenever the mood comes to him and I'm sure for cash. He started working for Vermeer MFG straight out of High School and has been there ever since. Get's loads of vacation time and still enjoys the work or so it seems. 

Well a bit off track there, but since it's my initial post I won't complain to anyone of the HighJack. 

Rod

7 hours ago, Darryl&Rita said:

If you're counting on having equipment worth passing down to future generations, Harbor Freight isn't the place to buy anything with a cord. Pull it apart, focusing on wire connections. A bad solder joint will only get worse with use, before getting bad enough to fail. Check out the trigger switch, if the solder joints all pass inspection. I've had a HF variable speed drill switch fail to all or none mode.

Not planning on passing it down, most likely obsolete by the time I pass. At least I hope so. It's also not corded per se' only the charger has a cord and it's working fine. Haven't torn it apart yet, still thinking about trying an in person return to the store where I bought it. I'll be there in a month. 

Rod

3 minutes ago, justRich said:

It's probably a bad battery - especially if it's Chinese made.  

When I opened my Chinese made rechargeable fan I found the battery puffed up (a lithium polymer battery) and the amp hours much less than claimed on their advertising.  Dead battery.
The manufacturer either lied or their battery supplier cheated them.

The lipo batteries will die if their voltage drops below a certain point.  I suspect that, over time, they self-discharge to the point where they won't take a charge. 

The battery has never been discharged fully and shows a full charge. I haven't taken the volt meter to it yet, but I'm sure it's at max voltage.  Thanks for the reply. 

Rod

Had heard good things about this item, so less than 3 years ago I bought one. Seemed to work as advertised up until a few days ago when I got it out to help with my recent Tool Box project. Charged up the battery at my newly located and hopefully where I will always have my charger (maybe after removing the one for this). Put the battery on and pulled the trigger and it maybe did a half turn before stopping and hasn't move a mm since. I've tried recharging the battery but it shows a full charge. I tried assisting with the move thinking it maybe had a "Dead Spot" but nothing worked. Just got off the phone with the Harbor Freight help and they suggested finding a "Qualified Technician" to investigate further and maybe have parts at their disposal. "Harbor Freight has no replacement parts and since you didn't opt for the "Extended" Warranty replacement is not an option."

So I'm preparing to become a "Qualified Tech" and open the stupid thing up. Anyone operated on one yet? 

Rod

Thanks

The big black box used to live on the Gold Truck where the front axle used to be. With the White truck having both I needed to find a new place for it. Before I left for the HDT Rally I found it would fit in the box with the Motorcycle, so I strapped it down for the trip. Pondering all winter on what to do with it. I mounted a small vice to it and maybe I'd already mounted the Montezuma Tool box to it before leaving Iowa too. Anyway earlier this month I thought of mounting it to the inside of the box at "Workbench height.". 

The box has a couple rails built into the walls for "E" Track and I looked at multiple hardware locations before buying some carriage bolts. First ones too small, but would fit into the groove easily. Went to 1/2 inch and all I had to do was grind off two opposite sides and it would turn into it like a "T" and the 1/2 inch shoulder fit the slot almost perfectly . Cut up a chunk of old implement tire I had and made a 4inch long bumper to hold the bolt in place and provide some vibration dampening (Maybe). So far it feels very secure in it's position, but going down the road on it's first road trip will b the test. 

The last photo with the Craftsman tool box and a scrap of Angle Iron is an idea to mount the Angle under the box for more support. At one point I thought of putting a wooden support, but not sure that would be necessary and would rob me of some storage under the box. 

What have I done wrong or maybe didn't think of? 

Rod

I'm so happy to report Tuna came back on Saturday and just passed her post walk-a-bout in the wild Vet exam. I was told I am a very lucky Cat Person. 

Thanks to my Daughter in reminding me to apply the "Tick and Flea" medication right away to both Cats and I also gave them their first "Heart Worm" meds for the season. 

I'm not on the search for the right "Collar" that will accept some sort of a 'Tracking' device. I am less than happy with the "Microchip". The reader has to be within a few millimeters of the implant to pick it up. Does not help at all with finding a lost animal. Only if they are turned into an Animal Shelter or taken to a responsible Vet Clinic and are scanned.  I don't think "Pet Link" is informed about the scans unless there is a question about ownership of the pet. None of the Vet's have verified the address I have listed for my Pet's because it's always different from what I give them as my personal address. Will never pay for a Microchip implant again. 

Rod