Smitty77_7

If you can find a well cared for unit, and not afraid of age, I'd also add: -National's Dolphin to your list - 36' coaches were available on Workhorse with 8.1 5 & I believe 6spd Allisons. Or the Ford F53 with the 5spd transmission. They were, and if properly cared for, are, good solid coaches. -Also, Newmar had the Mountain Aire available in Gas Class A's too. Probably one of the top quality and appointed gas coaches of the mid 2000 era. -Finally. Often overlooked, are two other smaller volume makers: 1) Tipple E - Made some very nice coaches, I believe mostly on F53 chassis; 2) Rexhall - Also made some unique, very livable layout gas Class A's. Both Workhorse and F53. === And if you want something a bit unique, the Workhorse UFO Chassis, with the 8.1 with Allison 5spd, rear engine coaches - are mostly loved by their owners. Monaco's Holiday Rambler and Rexhall - would be the two I'd focus on if those grab our attention. The 37' Rexhall UFO based unit, had two large T-Rex Superslides (And Bill Rex, designed one of the best slides in the industry, and one piece fiberglass roofs too, also Steel Framed all around the cockpit for added safety.), was soooo big - you could square-dance inside of it. More room then many 40-42' DP's... Happy hunting to you, Smitty

Thk's Zulu (I saw you had responded, then got sidetracked...)! Like how you distinguished between 'availability' vs 'stream ability'. I believe I mentioned that I do use external MIMO antenna for ATT, and also at time will use Maximum Signal Cellular AMP. We do our best to remain available via Email and Text with family members. So between our gear, we focus on that. Being able to surf, is our secondary priority. But admit, that a very close third priority - is 'stream ability'. Our current 'entertainment' approach, is still ~65% DirecTV (And shows we record.), but that has dropped form last year ~75%. We find we are shifting to 'streaming' more frequently. My opinion, is that over the next few years as 5G, and low orbiting satellite delivery systems, rollout - 'streaming' will grow to an even higher percentage... I do still look at Park WiFi, but due to our multiple Cellular Data Sources - very seldom use 'conventional park WiFi'. (As with your results, in many locations, I've found that I have 'stream ability' signals from both Verizon and ATT - so I can balance the usage between carriers.) And I think that is the key difference over the last few years - the difference between useable and stream able signals from both ATT and Verizon, has really narrowed. Really appreciate your time and effort, and sharing of results, Smitty 9/16 Edit: Classic timing:)! We're at Evergreen COOP, and testing Verizon, at this corner of the RV park, we were seeing RSRP's of 107-110m SNR of GT 18.2. Turned on our Maximum Signal Cellular Booster. My Verizon S8 phone is about 7-8' away from the inside repeater antenna. RSRP's 92-98, SNR 10.8 - 12.7 range. A good example where external antenna, amp, and inside repeater antenna's can make a difference. (By the way, I turned the Cellular Amp due to calls being broken up. We're using the ATT Nighthawk, via Mobile Mobile Mark rooftop MIMO antenna - to tether to the GOac for the inside the coach WiFi usage. Three times faster then even the amplified Verizon:)!)

I enjoyed reading your data, and have a follow up questions (And if I missed (Or more probably forgot!) reading this info - sorry!): -Was ATT via Mobley, and no exterior Antenna? (Doc's comments make me think this...) -Verizon, same question. Exterior antennas involved? -If exterior antenna was involved for ATT and Verizon, was it MIMO antenna? -Wifi. Was this directly Park to computer Speednet (Or other.) testing of Download Speeds? Or do you hav external antenna's to capture Park Wifi? -Do any of the the Cellular Data feeds to ATT and Verizon include a Celluar Amp? ===== And note, in general, I've found very similar situations. With the states we've traveled the last 2 years or so, I find that the bulk of our Data feeds have come from either ATT and or Verizon. Verizon for us, is via a Hotspot over a Samsung S8 phone. Upon occasions, the phone needs the Maximum Signal Amp to provide usable Data Speeds. The ATT is fed into a dedicated Mobley SIM in a Nighthawk (The last 6 or so months.), or Netgear 815S earlier, for Data Feeds. Both devices were connected to a Rooftop Mobile Marke MIMO antenna. The few times we've needed to depend on WiFi, I've found the WiFiRanger has maximized pulling in WiFi for Data usage. Usually just via the GOac, but a few times using the EliteAC POE Ubiquity Antenna booster. Whenever either ATT or Verizon is available, that is what we use. ==== Really appreciate you taking the time to track and summarize what you've seen. I think for 2019, I'll try to keep the same kind of basic records, and share them too:)! Best to you, and all, Smitty Note: I've set up a reminder for in about two weeks, to come back and research your earlier posts, to see if you outlined equipment and or how you get the 'data feed'. So if you've covered the above questions on your data approaches, just say so, and I'll find them while digging a bit deeper:)!

I also run my tires for 6-7 years, depending upon where we are when the DOT is coming up on my choice of changeover. We replaced our Michelin XZE*'s at a few months shy of 7 years of age. No checking or cracking. It's fine for people to not use 303, or use tire covers, or to not use tire covers... It's also fine to have owner's run with ties to age 10. And heck, I've been helping a friend hunt for a used RV. Have ran into two different owners, of lower milage DP's, that have OEM tires. One was a 2003, and the other a 2004... Now those people, IMO, are pushing the odds. And in a blowout situation, it's not always just the person that vehicle that is at risk. So personally, i disagree with running tires of insane age... Me? Again, my choice, I keep my PSI where they belong (Per four corner weights.), I use 303, and I replace at 6-7 years of age. I also run Centramtics on all positions, and still pay to have each wheel balanced too. That is my choice to do:)! Best to all, Smitty

I wash with soap and water. Let dry, and then use 303 for my tires. It takes me 10-15 mins to apply, and buying it by the gallon makes it IMO, cheap to add the UV protectant... Best to all, Smitty

I admit I go in phases of doing well in contributing to all (Well not Yelp - Legalized extortion IMO, so boycott until they change their business practices.) of the mentioned sites. Then I'll get sidetracked, and let a few months go by where I just don't take the time to contribute. I know I should do so, and just before I posted, I asked the DW if she'd help me remember, and even take over the updates on a few of the sites - so hope to be more consistent in the future:)! Best to all, be safe, have fun, Smitty

A contrary opinion on generators... I'd rather have a generator with 750 hours +, over a generator with under 100 hours. Moisture can build up in the windings - so most owners 'Exercise' their generator under medium to heavy load, for 45-60 mins, periodically... The rest of the input I agree with:)! Best of luck to you, Smitty

While sometimes the actual length matters. More often, the maneuverability of a larger Class A, is as important as say 40' vs 45':)! And much depends on planned usage. If going from RV Park to RV Park, 45' is as easy as 40' when planning. If popping into State or Federal Parks, especially older National and State parks - 40' by itself takes some advance planning. 45' is not the end of the world for usage. But the reality is it will not fit into some locations, and or, have much fewer options in some locations. So much, depends on usage... And for sure, no right or wrong - just choices... It's legal to do what you want, and what meets your needs:)! Best to all, Smitty

We have a similar set up as we have, and yes to good info and help from RVWATERFILTERSTORE (We also got tire of Home Depot white Water Drinking Hoses kinking and needing to be replaced regularly. So 6 years ago, bought two different length of hoses from RVWATEFITLERSTORE too - good hoses, and good fittings.) We use the Ceramic filter for our under the kitchen counter feed to the drinking water faucet spout. We change this out every two years. https://www.rvwaterfilterstore.com/A1404.htm For those who might camp in places with a higher need of water protection, adding a UV light into the mix would add another level of protection. (We've been planning on adding the smaller Acuva UV 12V system under out counter, for drinking water - just has not worked into the budget yet!). Our Whole House filter is the F1Pb cartridge from Pentair. All water going into the coach for showers, lavatory sink, kitchen sink, and feeding our Drinking Water extra filter, route thru this. Changed yearly. (Unless we we feel a need to do so earlier, based upon unusual circumstances. We've done so a few times in the last 8 years.) https://www.rvwaterfilterstore.com/A1209.htm As we got into RV'ing, we first would stop and by the 2 or 2 1/2 gallons jugs of water for drinking and coffee. And use the Blue Camco hose filters. Researching more as we went along, and knowing that some of our fellow Escapees have had problems over the years from unsafe water - we stepped up the game. No, we do not consider our current system full proof, but we feel it provides reasonable protection from potential bad water, in the places we visit. And a comment about the good advice from the RVWATERFILTERSTORE. I was reviewing my system, when the gent (Can't recall if it was David or Rick now:)!) made the following comment 'So, you never get water in your mouth when showering? And do you use your Drinking Filtered Water for rinsing your toothbrush too?'... Before then, I was just using a sediment filter to keep the crud from coming in, as our whole house filter. Water safety is easy to do, once you establish a process. A thanks from many years ago, to Zulu, who on a similar post went thru his approach to filtration... It was one of the key posts that had us pick up our game!! Best to all, Smitty

I'm a former Boy Scout Camp Councilor, from age 14 I worked the summers for four years on the Aquatic Staff. Really a great experience, even when my boss had to fire me! (I learned at a young age, you can do the right thing, and still have to pay the consequences for it. Always get a chuckle from having to say I was 'Fired from the Boy Scouts!'. It was a true life lesson, that took a few years for me to fully understand... I think he popular word for the understanding part, has recently been 'Process'...). This few thousand acres camp in the Southern California mountains, and we'd hav between 1500-2000 kids each week over the summer. The camp has three places for between 3-5 RV's at each place to camp. Water, at each of the three locations has a septic available for dumping. Even now in my 60's, I maintain a relationship with the park. Each only 5 live on site caretakers over these decades - with a good hand off from each caretaker to the next. A few us Camp Councilors from the early 70's, show up each year to help do maintenance on the camp. Some can only stay for a few days, but most of us all stay for a full week. (Paint, build new structures, etc.) And we still do campfires on the first night, and embarrass our kids an some with great grandkids - doing some of the old stories and skits. That is my Secret Campground, a special part of my life, and glad to be able to still give back some, and enjoy the beautiful area. Smitty

If you think the RV in question is the one you really want. Point blank tell the seller, that if it can not be inspected - you'll move on. Suspect something is being hidden... Or possibly, it's been for sale for a period time, and they're tired of showing it to inspectors, who then find items:)! And I agree with the bring your Fiver down with you, and find and work a deal locally. Priced right, usually higher then trade in value, your Fiver will move fast enough for you... Happy hunting, and delayed welcome! Smitty

If you like the Olympic Peninsula, we enjoy renting a site up at Evergreen Co Op for a month. We try to time it for the yearly Wooden Boat Festival, 9/6-9/8 this year. Our daughter will make her second visit, we'll pick her up at Sea-Tac for a few days visit so she can attend her second festival with us. The Elk's in Forks has a nice open area too, just watch out for the Vampire's and Werwolf's (Or in the immortal words of Marty Feldman 'There wolf...'.) (Or was that 'What hump?') Travel safe, have fun, Smitty

Those are some great speeds. Does the park have the regular request for no streaming? We've been at Newport, OR's Pacific Shores Motor Resort for about 6 weeks. Just took our CRV and made a dash back down to San Diego for 7-8 days fro our friends 40th anniversary bash. We head back North again Monday... And will be back in the park on the 4th for a mini block party... Had been great weather along the coast before we left. I did get a chuckle when I made a comment to our neighbor about the wind - he said 'This ain't wind, it's a breeze.'. And yet Small Craft Warning, and the weather station at the park registered sustained winds in the mid 30's, with gusts to the high 40's.... (Oddly, it seemed just a bit more then a breeze to us!). Now we know why some of our neighbors not yet back into the park, have their picnic tables upside down and strapped to the concrete. Two years ago, a full timer in the park said they had gusts over 110MPH, and yep - some picnic tables had changed sites by the the end of that storm.). Enjoy your on going travels on 101. We hit Tillamook Elk's in about two-three weeks for a visit. Travel safe, Smitty

If not too late. And if you feel it is something you would use. Also add some post holders for adding future patio type covers for shading, and on top of that, you could add solar panels for plugging into while on the site. Does not cost much to add post holders. And then cover them with pots to avoid tripping until you want to use them:)! I've also seen small pads poured at the time as RV pads, for future sheds for storage... The cost of the extra concrete is cheap in the scheme of things, and it's available for if you want to expand and use it in the future:)! Best to you, Smitty

Thanks Linda, I've seen a few hats over the years - and considered it a left over 'spoof' from the Salton Sea having enough water to have a yacht club:)! Appreciated the link... Best, Smitty

My attempt at humor, well - sorry if offended anyone. My DW and I both support multiple animal organizations. I grew up in homes with both dogs and cats, but the DW is allergic to cats, so for 41 years together, we've been dogs only. Rescue dogs are where we find our family members... And as mentioned, we do use steel wool around the entry point when appropriate. Best to all, Smitty Now, tell me more about this Yacht Club at the Q!

I'm a nature lover, thus I protect our coach from critters the nature way. I keep a cat on a leash under the coach, with just enough range to protect the full underbelly of the coach. I've found it's best to feed the cat only a few times a week, as they hunt more intensely when just a little hungry. And, I found over the years, it requires a younger cat to keep up with the coach going down the highway. So I let loose the existing cat at age 3, and replace them. I've found they get quite territorial, and usually are alley cat tough enough to scare most dawgs away from taking dumps in front of the sites. May not work for everyone, but when you're nature lover like I am - well... ======= Steel wool around the sewer line entry to our coach. I don't know if they actually do get recycled, but I place them in parks recycling bins when done (Well, if they become accidentally too dirty - I toss them!). I talked to one gent with a Wandelodge, who has a few those ultrasonic critter detergents - he said he thought they had protected him over the years... Never bothered to fact check this, so passing it on as FYI:)! Best to all, Smitty And Note: My DW would have me on a leash doing guard duty, before she'd ever let me do the kitty cat routine... But one has to wonder if CAT powered DP's have any critter problems:)!)

Great info sharing!! And mirrors much of what we see as we travel largely in the West. We too have Verizon (Hotspot on Samsung S8) and ATT (Mobely, SIM in a Unite Explore until just before this trip, were on now, to the Oregon Coast - now in a Nighthawk.). One thing I'll add to your info, is the that for most of the last year of traveling, including now with the ATT Nighthawk vs Unit Explore - that I've tested with our roof top MIMO Mobilemark Magnetic Antenna, and without - in all but two cases, the combo of MIMO Mobilemark, and either Unite Explore (One time) or Nighthawk (Second time) - has greatly outperformed the Download and Upload Data speeds. Not surprising. I keep playing with unhooking the Nighthawk from the Mobilemark rooftop antenna, as this reverts it to 2X2 MIMO, to see if the internal 4X4 MIMO antenna performs better. One time, in Redding, CA about 5 weeks ago, it was about 15-20% faster on Download's, and even more so on Upload's. And that is with me keeping it inside of the Communication Cabinet, not moving it around the coach to get the best signal 4X4 MIMO possible:)! (I have the device tethered to a WFR GOac, which all of our data usage in the RV is tied into...). I suppose I'm saying, that lots of the time that a rooftop MIMO antenna is going to yield a better signal, and thus the higher speeds... Thanks for posting what you've seen so far:)! Look forward to more info when you get more travel in on this trip!! Best to you, and all, Smitty

Newport, OR - Broke 60 today for the first time in a weeks, could hit 63 along the coast on Tuesday! Pleasant 47-50 over the evenings... What they call a 'slight breeze' here the last few days, winds sustaining 20-23MPH, with gusts into the mid 30's. Go West, go West, go west... (Suppose it's Northwest!)... Best to all, Smitty

"I do not know how you think you changed your DNS location. Or are you talking about the location for your Locals? That is an entirely different issue." Yep, it was the changing over to a specific areas local channels. And I do now remember reading before that some were GF into both E & W feeds... Appreciated the response, best to you, and all, Smitty

Damon is doing great in the Oregon Junction City and Eugene area. As I can tell, he still semi Independent, and yet at the same time, works with Premier in Junction City. Has an office at Premier that he comes into, well, except during Xmas Tree Harvest time!! He's a great complement to Gary and Louie of Premier. And as far as Country Coaches go, the three of them are walking brain trusts. All three, seem to be genuine people - which is hard for salesman:)! (And to be clear, intended as a complement to all three of them. And a dang good staff too.). OP - If you have questions on a Country Coach you still want answered - call and talk with Damon Rapozo... Best to you all, Smitty

Curious how some can get both East & West feed? I keep watching for something on our account on our DNS - nothing so far. Just a few weeks ago, we changed out DNS location, and it was relatively painless this time (The CS Rep new what I was talking about, and had it changed in 5 minutes.) We're West Coast feed, but many times it would be great for us to have East Coast feed:)! Is their some magic set of words to use to establish both feeds? TIA, and best to all, Smitty

We recently replaced the 2000 with the 2100 (And the alphabet combo's that follow the numbers too:)!). We too like the 'in the coach' ability of the Splendid units. We did have room to go with separate units for Washer & Dryer, but the DW voted to keep the cabinet space shelving we'd added where the Dryer would have gone. Thanks you both for your tips, as ours too is vented, both tips apply... Timing is funny on this, as the DW was sharing with me last night, that she's now following a different technique for the Dry cycle. She always stops the washer, without the auto shift to Dry mode. She said she's found one washing pants, or say dress T-Shirts, that if she uses a lower Spin cycle speed, it does not seem to have pressed and the clothes wadded together as high to the drum. And before she starts the Dry cycle, she is using a few of those Dryer Balls, and a Drier Sheet (Bounce I believe.) too - and the pants/shirts come out pretty much wrinkle free. If the pants are a bit damp, she'll hang then from the leg ends, and the added weight of final dry upside down, also seems to help. And a tip the learned on probably this board, is less is best when it comes to clothes where avoiding wrinkling is important. Appreciated the keeping it lint free tips! Travel safe, have fun, Smitty

The MR1100, latest version with Band14. And I don't have an answer to the time out question yet, will towards the end of next week:)! But, we've had the SIM in the Unite Explore for about two years, and no time outs. I did get the PUK1 & PUK2 info, and followed fellow Escapees Technomadia's on configuration updates. (RVMOBILEINTERNET - It's a good tool to add to your resource kit while researching. They have a Members Only content, that is IMO worth the cost of membership. I like to spend a few hours a month monitoring things in this arena, so renew my membership yearly with them. I know some who join them for Exclusive Content, while doing initial setup research:)!). Best to you, Smitty

Other considerations are 5G is coming... So perhaps the lower cost option is the way to go, to bridge over to 5G equipment in the future. And then you'd also still have 3G capability too... I just went thru a similar thought process on our ATT MiFi. Our Unite Explore is fine, and with roof top MIMO antennas, has provided us with some amazing download speeds in places. But also reading RVMOBILEINTERNET, I decided to go ahead now and get the Netgear Nighthawk, and moved my SIM (Mobley SIM) over into it. Still may sell my Unite Explore 815S on Craigslist, but leaning towards keeping it as my back up, and selling it my current ATT backup MIFI. My rational is that I usually am not an early adopter of new gear, and 5G will have lots of new gear and chips coming out ahead. And thus the Nighthawk will probably bridge into 2021 maybe 2022 before I spring for a 5G MiFi. The upgrades being made to cell towers for 5G, will in some areas be able to take advantage of the 4X4 MIMO the Nighthawk has, vs the Unite Explore is 2X2 MIMO. Have just made change over this last week, and we do not hit the road until next week - so it will be a few weeks until I see if I can detect any performance improvements (I care about DL speeds.) with the Nighthawk vs Unite Explore. And I'm sure I'll spend time disconnecting the rooftop MIMO antenna from time to time, and see if the Nighthawks 4X4 outperforms it in some locations too... Your realization about 3G being important too you, does kind of simplify this for you. But suppose you could also pick up a used inexpensive MIFI just for 3G duty also... Lots of options, and no real right or wrong on the approach:)! Best to you, travel safe, have fun, Smitty