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lappir

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Everything posted by lappir

  1. I didn't camp in Yellowstone many years ago when I took a motorcycle trip to the west. We did tent camp at many places and never thought about not being able to in the park. It does make sense though. I will say it's not only Bears you need to be careful with with any tent or van or soft sided enclosure. Back in 1987 or 1988 while in Nursing School I had to travel 90 miles for a Clinical location. Most would find a cheap motel to stay at but I decided to camp in my parents 4 person tent. I brought food, a small grill and cooler and thought I was all set. The first week was great it was cool enough to sleep and there wasn't any rain. The weeks got worse as I stayed each week for 4 nights before heading back home to work the weekends. The first thing that happened was it got hot and stayed hot all night. A small group of people were camping in their Van a few spots from where I had my tent set up. I wasn't sleeping well and suddenly heard screaming. A Raccoon had entered the van in search for food and scared the young lady half to death. It was hot so they had left the van sliding door open. They departed pretty quickly that night. I didn't see them back. The next thing was my cooler. It had a pretty good latch on it and the Ice lasted longer if I didn't keep it in my trailer( actually it was my Dad's motorcycle and trailer.) Well I hear something out side the tent and when I turned on my flash light I could see probably the same Raccoon with it's head in my cooler. It had figured out the latch and was unwrapping and eating the cheese I had brought for sandwiches. It sure left a mess of cheese wrappers. The cooler went back into the trailer and I just bought more ice. Finally, and I should have known better, I had a loaf of bread in the tent with me. It was a good night for sleeping except every time I seemed to drift off I'd be awakened by a scratching noise. I finally pretended to sleep and caught sight of the Raccoon trying to paw it's way to my loaf of bread. Apparently it saved some of the cheese and wanted to make a sandwich. I have tent camped a little bit since but am so glad my current home is mobile and has walls that are pretty much impermeable. Rod
  2. You are correct. The spider is the Can Am. I knew that but apparently my fingers didn't respond to what I thought. Anyway The Slingshot is the only Motorized three wheeled vehicle I have driven on the road. Did ride one of the early Honda three wheeler's once and that was enough. Of course like everyone I did enjoy my tricycle in my youth. Rod
  3. I didn't delete the groups. I have friends in the groups who agreed to take them over. I did remove myself as the Admin though and in 30 days I will check with one of my friends to make sure they cannot find me on FB. If they can then I will go to the source. Thanks so much for you comment. Rod
  4. Thanks again all. I finally am packed up and getting ready to head to my next job. April 24th to June 8th would have been a hell of a vacation if I had planned for it and all. I know many others had more time off and may still be off work and I won't go into my thoughts on that right now. I will evaluate things as I go forward. Should have not taken the test drive, because yesterday when I warmed the truck up a bit before hooking up it sure felt old. I'm sure that feeling will go away once I actually get on the road with the trailer behind. It runs so much nicer with a bit of a load. I will start studying for the CDL, I know I don't need one to drive my current rig, but if I have it hopefully I will never need it. Anyone have words of wisdom regarding? Rod
  5. I have hauled my Yamaha FJR and my BMW R1200RT across the back of my truck. My prior Goldwing would have been too long with what ever lift or ramp system. The Can Am's I have seen actually stacked on the back of a truck. Not sure if I can mention where the photos are on here, but send me a pm and I'm sure I can there. Rod
  6. It all depends on your level of experience as a rider, especially with the three you choices you have listed. The Honda will be the most trouble free, most likely followed by the Can Am, but maybe the Harley. The Can Am is a much different vehicle as compared to the other two. Have you considered a Polaris Spyder, side by side seating three wheel? They are quite fun. Rod
  7. Oh, yes. I've wanted to drive over the road for a long time. Nursing paid much better and was most likely better in the long run for my health, but my younger siblings and my Dad spent years on the road. I'm sort of doing it with my Travel Nursing gig, but not really. I know I can handle the rigs, but don't want to touch the freight. My Dad did Trailer Transit as his last company when I got my younger brothers W900 after he decided he didn't want to be an Owner Operator any more. He was multi log book guy and the electronics that were coming I think put him in a bad position. I don't think he was ever dangerous, but he didn't either. I'm glad the took away the ability for most to push the envelope and believe we are safer on the road for the most part. Except for the guy I saw a couple weeks ago drive through the grass right after a rain because he/she apparently couldn't back out of the spot they couldn't back into. It was fairly new sod that will never look the same again. So yes, I do plan to work the truck. I'd consider hiring a driver to keep the truck rolling as much as possible too. It doesn't pay for itself sitting. I'm sure it would be a trial and error and most likely a lot of error to find the right person to spend that much time with though. Especially someone who has been single for as long at I have. It would be strictly my truck though and not any way shape or form a "partnership" that would be too much like marriage and I ain't never doing that again. Hope that answers the question with out too much info. Rod
  8. Thanks. I will miss many of my friends and lots of the photos of their children growing up. I will find a way to reconnect, but not through Facebook. It's become something I no longer recommend. I used to badger (in a good way I hope) people until they checked it out. Some stayed and some left. I used it to invite people to reunions and gatherings, to pages and groups. I used it to express my opinions and unfortunately mostly used it to waste time. I hope you will continue to enjoy the contact with old friends and the beneficial groups. Rod
  9. lappir

    I'm back.

    Thanks for the replies. I thought the old Facebook was better. I know better now. I think the last time I was really on the forum was when I found my latest truck box. Rod
  10. I spent a month of unemployment and am not ready to retire. If it's anything like the last month, I'm not sure I will ever be ready. I was surprised during a "Healthcare Crisis" that as a RN I was unable to find work. I'm not the only one in the Healthcare field either. Just read something about a Pediatrician being "laid off". Imagine that. At least I didn't have any educational debt's. During my time off, I had a lot of time to think. I live by myself and have for years. I'm fine with solitude for the most part. Having someone to share with has it's benefits for sure, but my experience didn't prove they were worth the physical, mental and real dollar costs. Probably why I don't think I can retire. Maybe I should have thought of it sooner or maybe things just seem to happen when they happen. I was thinking about purchasing a newer model Volvo (since mine will be 20 next year) and using said truck for a few years to pay for it's self. I would be able to get a much newer or maybe new truck and be reasonably set for the remainder of my life. (Depending on how long I last.)Pretty sure the remainder of my "Traveling life", for sure. I'm at the age where official retirement age was pushed back a few years for the "Social Security" anyway. I'm in decent shape for what I subjected my body to in my younger years and had relatives live into their 80's and 90's despite some of the same bad habit's (Smoking). My biggest concern is how the health care system has changed for the worse during my career. Sure there have been major technical advances, better medications, better understandings and lots of good. The bad and what I think is one of the most important parts of health care is the personal touch between the patient and the caregiver. Some are able to still do it, but lots of things are making it harder and harder to do. The For Profit Health Care industry for one. How it was developed right under out noses is something I hope can be determined and never allowed to happen again. It may have started with the people who could afford to do what ever they wanted to their bodies and then others saw some of the results. It somehow became a thing and people would actually borrow money to have unspeakable things done and not for the sake of a truly better or more healthy life, but for the look, the vanity, and keeping up with friends and neighbors. (actually trying to better them). So if you don't remember from a few years ago, I can start typing and then just go off hither and yon. So sorry. Then next sentence will be a question in a new paragraph. How many retired Truck Drivers are still reading. Most likely not many. They stopped up there with the Healthcare stuff. Or maybe the unemployment. I am wondering if anyone feels my truck paying for it's self for a while is actually possible in the current 2020's. Not the 2000's or the 2010's but going forward. I know few of us can predict the future and even if we try, we are most likely 50/50 on the outcome. About as good as flipping the coin. I made the mistake of driving a 2020 Volvo VNL760 and looking at the VNL780 with the IShift. Wow compared to my 2001 which I thought was super quiet. The new trucks don't even seem like they are running. And the shifting of the IShift was seamless. I only tried to stomp on the clutch once. Mine is the 3 pedal AutoShift and when I was getting close to the building when I was parking it after the drive I tried to find the clutch and then pushed a bit harder on the brake than necessary. I'm sure you get used to that. I do the same when I get in my car with the automatic for a couple stops. OTT and TMI again. I'm done for now. Thanks for reading. Rod
  11. Nothing specific other than what I wrote in my post. I was not asked to leave nor had I received any threats or anything like that. I did break up with a friend, and felt the need to block a few who were pushing my buttons, maybe that had an effect. I was also unemployed for the past month and spending way too much time there. Hopefully it won't happen here too. Thanks for your question. Rod
  12. lappir

    I'm back.

    Seeing familiar names and replies. It's good to be home. Rod
  13. I had the curly plastic ones when I first got my Spacecraft. Had to buy at the local Truck stop in Concordia. First mistake. They lasted a couple years. I had Glad Hands on both ends and took the hoses off and stored them in my garage (climate controlled) between moves. Even with maybe 10 total trips and being outside in the elements only during those trips. I was hooking up at the HDT Rally in Hutch and one of the hoses snapped in my hand. Thankfully another member was close by and had yet loaded his jeep and he took me to the local truck stop where I bought two sets of curly hoses. Second Mistake. I now have the hoses on a spring. Much more heavy duty and while I can still take them off and bring them inside I have only done it once. If I am staying in a place where I can't protect them from the afternoon sun I will probably remove them, but so far I've been good. I do always put the "Protectors" on the open glad hands as soon as I remove a hose. Do not want a nest inside my hose ever. I'm not sure if I yet have the best position on the truck. I've changed it a lot. I cannot change it on my trailer, but it's in a typical position for ease of use. Drivers side front corner. A middle position would allow for shorter hoses and electric line, but then the hook up would require climbing on the truck. Billions of over the road miles with commercial operations have put the connections though the mill already so I'm not going to try and change. It would be wonderful for a no touch connection incorporated with the commercial place though. In case someone does want to reinvent the wheel. Rod
  14. knb53, you have made the most important and in my opinion useful step, but posting here with the rvnetwork. I was an active member for many years, before Facebook came into my life and then it seemed to keep me distracted and when I logged in to day I had to reset my password. I am in the process of deleting my Facebook account and will choose to come back to the Forums. They are specific to my needs and desires and offer not "targeted" advertisements only meant to distract you and put an image in your mind that you subconsciously see when you are shopping in real life. Ask your questions, evaluate the answers you get hear and see what happens. Purchasing an RV for pleasure is like purchasing a Boat. There are two great days. The day you buy it and the day you sell it. All the rest of the days can be either really fun or really bad. It's sad we won't know how the day was until after we've been through it. There are usually a lot of Wants or Doesn't that look great? moments. It really boils down to what you "NEED". What you cannot do with out and what you are willing to trade as a want to get what you need. It's all about trade offs. Good luck with your search. We Must Do Better I Will Do Better, Will You? Rod
  15. Hello again all, I have been gone for a while. Facebook looked like a good place to "have everything", but recent events have shown me how wrong I was. I had fallen for the bigger is better, everything in one place is the best you will ever get. Progress!!!!!! NOT. I'm sure if my Grandparents, and even my Dad who is also gone would here me or read some of the things would give me the "I told you so" look or comment and it would be well deserved. Not that I had any ability to influence them as they did me, but just the thought that sometimes progress is a dual edged sword. Not only does it cut things to make our lives easier, but also cuts things that were really good as it concentrated only on the forward motion, forever scaring something that was pretty and pristine. A few weeks ago, May 23, 2020 to be exact, I woke up just after midnight and felt I had had enough. Got out of bed booted up the computer and found a way to permanently disable my account. It's not an easy task. I was happy and slept much better for the remainder of the night than the few hours before. Then, after having the good night sleep I realized I was being selfish. I hadn't thought of others with my early morning action, thankfully I had 30 days to reconsider. I'm not saying I am extremely popular, but I had formed a few private pages and groups during my time in the Facebook. I didn't want people who had enjoyed the comments, information and such from those pages or groups to suddenly lose them so I contacted some of my Facebook friends in hopes they would take over the "Admins" status of the page/group they were members of. Thankfully most agreed and I now feel comfortable in finalizing my removal from Facebook. As I went through the groups assigning new Admins and removing my name I was met with the information that I could "Never be a Primary Admin, ever again even if I chose to come back to Facebook." I'm good with that. So, if you are still reading you will realize I do need an outlet. I always enjoyed logging onto the rvnetwork when I was first considering an RV and again when I discovered the HDT and a few other things. It is more difficult to follow each group here, but I certainly believe it's totally worth it. I do have a slight concern regarding the red triangle and the "Not secure" info on the site, but that happens with a local news outlet I also follow where some of my family lives. Thanks for reading and comment a hello if you also tried but then have left Facebook. Rod
  16. Hope to be able to make it this year. Rod For more than just a few hours.
  17. How many use a source to find the best price of fuel on your planned route? Many years ago someone posted about Truck Master and I used it to try and plan my fuel stops, but most times missed them by not planning my route correctly in the GPS (ie waypoints). Next weekend I hope to do better. I also found a button to allow unattended locations and the best price along my route includes one of these places in Memphis, Tenn. Anyone used "Capital Fuels"? They have 8 locations in and around Tennessee. The Google Map photo doesn't look all that great, but I will check it out anyway. Rod
  18. My first Travel Nurse assignment was in 1989. I have traveled for the majority of my career. The best company is the one you feel you can trust, but it's like buying a used car, except you usually don't get to see the face of the person trying to sell you on what you want to buy. Seek the advise of your professional tax adviser before banking on any additional tax free money. The tax laws are ever changing and are certainly not CLEAR in their interpretation. My thought is the only people who benefit from the low taxable pay rate and high "non-taxed" payments are the companies that promote them. They are not required to pay their share of the income taxes that are taken out of your paycheck. I am not a Tax Professional though. I will continue to travel until I am no longer able to work. Many places have asked me to stay on staff, but none have made me the offer I cannot refuse and doubt that they ever will, it would take a lot. Feel free to private message me with specific questions. Rod
  19. Thanks, lots of info there and most I may not understand. I'm going to allow my Mcafee to expire and then uninstall using their uninstall. I know I had windows defender before, but am not sure I have it now. Will look into malware bytes. Thank you again. Rod
  20. Looks like this hasn't seen much in the past 3 years. Am looking for advice more current. What's the best one for 2018? Thanks, Rod
  21. The reason I will not buy a new one. Really liked it but the annual cost made it a luxury I could not afford. Rod
  22. Thanks for the videos. Anyone notice the first blue KW was actually a day cab and the box behind had just a small pass through? Looked like a sleeper, but really must be the computer area. Rod
  23. Traveled from Oskaloosa, Iowa by motorcycle to near the Kansas City Airport to load up and start the trip to Tallahassee, Florida. Left Friday morning about 0730 and arrived Tallahassee at 1830 Saturday evening. A short stop at Spacecraft for a last look around for a while, fill up with fuel and then a non stop to Sikeston, Mo. for food. Spent the night in the parking lot with another pickup and 5th wheel that ran their generator all night. Left at 0530 with one stop for fuel. I have to remember to cross Jackson Mississippi off my list of cities to travel through it's not as bad as Hannibal. Mo. but almost.
  24. Looked up Poli Glow, watched the youtube videos and decided to order some. Placed the order direct from their site on Sept 18 and have it today. Not sure when it arrived at my selected destination, but am glad it was there and saves me from a 600 mile trip to come back to get it if it wasn't here. I procrastinated in getting it ordered. Now I just hope my motorcycle parts have arrived or I may have to do the 600 mile ride anyway. Ordered the kit and an extra bottle of the Poli Glow. Hopefully I can keep on top of it and will only have to use the concentrated cleaner once. Do plan to have the trailer washed at a truck wash the day before starting. That should save some time. Wish me luck, or better yet stop by and grab a mit. Two came in the box. Rod
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