trailertraveler

4 hours ago, kb0zke said:

The target Airstream is an early 2000's 34' with a gross weight of 9800 pounds and about 1000 pounds on the tongue. The target truck will be 2013-15 diesel crew cab. We'll probably have about 1000 pounds of stuff in the bed of the truck, including the cover.

I have towed a 9880# and now 9680# with a 2500 and now 3500 pickup. I would count on closer to 1200# for tongue weight. If you add a second battery and larger propane tanks than the OEM ones, that will add weight. If you put a solid cap rather than a tonneau cover over the bed, it will likely add about 200#. A good premium sway control  and weight distribution hitch will weigh over 100#. A Hensley or Propride will be closer to 200#. If you add any cargo management system to the bed like sliding trays, that will add weight. With a 34' trailer, I would go with the longest wheelbase tow vehicle I could find. A SRW 3500 will likely be about the same price as a 2500. At least it was for the Chevys. The 3500 will have 1000# or more payload capacity than the 2500. There may be different options for rear ends in the various models. Engine and transmission are likely the same. I like the 3500 better, because it does not squat as much with the trailer connected and I do not have to crank the weight distribution bars as tight. Other than that and the fact that the 3500 needs DEF where the older 2500 did not, there really isn't much difference. None in performance that I can tell.

Over almost 50 years of RVing, we have switched Emergency Road Service providers a number of times to take advantage of first year discounts. I think it is well known that the providers actually performing the services onsite are basically the same for all the major plans. The difference is in the call center response and the priority that providers may give to a plan based on things like amount of payment and promptness of payment. We have had good service from Good Sam, Allstate, Coachnet, our insurance companies and GMC when the vehicle was under warranty. If you have to join an organization like FMCA or Escapees to get a discount on the ERS plan look at all the other benefits and discounts that membership provides and decide which will be the most beneficial to you. FMCA was not an option for us until their relatively recent policy change to allow trailer trash to join. We joined FMCA primarily for the Medical Emergency Travel Assistance benefit that comes with membership.

6 hours ago, virginiadenham said:

We are newbies with a 2019 Travado. We are looking at a wifi booster and roku to stream Netflix etc. Any advice?

Welcome to the Escapees Forum!!!

3 hours ago, chirakawa said:

If you're counting on campground/RV Park wifi to stream, you'll probably be disappointed.  In ten years of full time RV'ing, I've stayed in maybe two parks which had adequate bandwidth to support streaming reliably.

Good luck.

In the last few years, my success has been better then this, about 30%. There are many factors involved not the least of which is the internet service available to the park and the park infrastructure. High speed connections like fiber optic are not available everywhere. Some park Wifi systems limit the bandwidth available to each user which may prevent smooth streaming especially of HD video. In my experience, apps that let you select lower resolutions like 720dpi or below may work when others may not. How many users there are on a system will also affect the speed and thus the ability to stream. Each time a signal is repeated (including by a wireless booster), the speed will decrease. In parks that have long term sites, there are often Xfinitywifi hotspots that emanate from sites that have high speed internet service. They are generally throttled to 6MBS and require that you are an Xfinity customer. 

I use a Ubiquiti Nanostation as an external Wifi adapter and booster. It can be connected to either a single computer or a router. I try to connect everything that can to the router by ethernet rather than wireless to avoid the speed decrease that comes with each wireless hop. I don't know if any of the Roku devices have an ethernet port. I have a Vizio TV that has an ethernet connection. It is capable of accessing Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Crackle, Vudu, YouTube, Pluto, Xumo and some other services. I can also connect my computer via HDMI and view anything streamed on the computer on the TV.

I also have a cellular data plan. We have stayed in many places where the cellular connection is marginal or will not support streaming. As with Wifi, I always try to limit the number of Wifi hops. I tether the cellular device to the router and connect the computers, TV, etc. to the router by ethernet cable. Sometimes I can stream on the tablet or cell phone but not on any device connect to them by wireless. 

5 hours ago, sandsys said:

...Most Class C's don't have a lot of roof space around what's already up there...

There also may not be a lot of space for extra batteries. Lead Acid batteries are heavy. The size of a compartment may not be a good indicator or how much weight it can hold without being damaged. Be sure the planned battery space can handle the weight. You may need to switch to lithium batteries to take full advantage of a robust solar system.

9 minutes ago, Steve from SoCal said:

Kenopolis lake is nice, some say nicest in Kansas.  https://ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations/Kanopolis

 

There are also COE campgrounds on the lake. If you go there Lindsborg is an interesting little town with a number of things to see and do.

50 minutes ago, sandsys said:

While that used to be true, Technomadia has found a better source of data and updated the app appropriately. The old data only promised to be correct within 1 mile. A mile can be too far off when looking for a boondocking spot.

Linda

I think you are mistaken. The source of their data is the USGS. From their own website: 

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The original version of US Public Lands was based on the National Atlas of the United States of America, but this public domain data set was shortly thereafter discontinued and was no longer being updated. The new app has migrated to instead rely on the completely new Protected Area Database (PAD-US 2.0) of the U.S. Geological Survey for the public domain raw map data that we’ve been able to convert to create this interactive overlayable mapping & navigation tool.

The link I provided was to the Protected Area Database (PAD-US 2.0) of the U.S. Geological Survey. The app does have some added features such as linking to Google maps and putting your location on your screen.
Their website includes this statement: 

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So while the original data set could be counted on to be no more accurate than 1-square mile of resolution, the data in the new release will vary in resolution across the nation (often much higher, but not always).

But even with the more detailed maps: always remember, there may be private unmapped inholdings within any public lands - so always pay attention to local signage, indications, and information. Do not solely rely on this app for determining if you are on public or private land.

 

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There are a number of Corps of Engineers projects with campgrounds in Kansas. Some of the campgrounds are managed by the Kansas State Parks and even have some full hookup sites. If you are a Wizard of Oz fan, in Liberal there is Dorothy's House. Also the Mid-America Air Museum. Kinsley is Mid-America USA. Ellinwood has the Wolf Hotel and Underground City. In Hutchinson is the Cosmosphere and Salt Mine. In Wamego there is the Oz Museum and the Beecher Bible and Rifle Church. Near Fort Larned is near Larned and Great Bend. Also in the Great Bend area are the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge.

2 hours ago, sandsys said:

Technomadia's app Public Lands will help you locate ones you can then research further.

Linda Sand

If my memory is correct, this app is based on the USGS maps/information that our tax $ paid for and can be accessed for free Here. If you zoom in on the area that you are interested in and click on the colored area. It will tell you the name of the area and the agency that controls it.

23 minutes ago, Twotoes said:

Freecamping.net

No such website. I think you are likely referring to Free campsites website which I linked to in post number 2.

1 hour ago, gr8white said:

Thanks, I looked at state lands but the problem is they rarely post their prices.  In PA for example, they charge 55.00 per nite in some places.  I wish they posted prices but it just seems that its alot of work to find out what kind of camping is available and pricing when trying to plan to go to state land ahead of time. 

I thought you were looking for free camping like on BLM land? State Parks in the East very rarely allow camping outside of designated areas. Other state lands may not be managed by the same agency as the State Parks.

Here is the site for PA State Forests. Here is a link to the Kansas State Fishing Lakes. You have to check which ones allow camping. Here is a link to Kansas State Wildlife Management Areas. Again you have to check which ones allow camping. Here is a link to Texas Wildlife Management Areas that allow camping.

If you are looking for public campgrounds in addition to boondocking sites, take a look at the Ultimate Public Campgrounds Website. The Corps of Engineers and Tennessee Valley Authority also have campgrounds on many of their properties. Georgia Power operates some campgrounds. Search the regions for the locations.

Many National Forests and National Grasslands allow camping away from developed areas. You have to consult the Travel or Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) or contact the individual Forest to find out where you can vehicle camp and how far off the designated roadway you are permitted to park your RV.  Some states have state forests where you can camp in other than designated sites. Some states allow camping on wildlife management areas and/or state fishing lakes. You may or may not have to purchase a fishing or hunting license so check the rules carefully.  Free campsites is a good place to start.

14 hours ago, richfaa said:

Those that are full timers or high end users and have not seen or stayed in a CG like Fl-Joe describes is a mystery to me.

Folks base their perceptions on their experience. The disparity of opinions expressed on this forum  regarding the number of working folks living in RVs has been going on for several years. Here is a post from a thread from 2014:

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Posted December 30, 2014

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It might be interesting to hear reports of what was observed by folks here as they traveled over the past 6 months to a year?

Last February, an RV park in New Bern, NC had 27 working fulltimers (primarily construction workers from a local project) and 5 fulltime workampers. Most of the guests at the park we stayed at near Pennsacola, FL in March were workers employed on a pipeline, road repaving and plant shutdown although our neighbor was an independent insurance adjuster that worked disasters. The RV park we stayed at in Vicksburg, MS at the end of March had about 25 long term working folks in the backin sites along the whole outside perimeter of the park. We have been to a park in Dixon, TN several times and it is always nearly full of working folks as it was last April. They have some pull throughs that are generally available for overnight or short term stays. In April, most of the 24 long full hookup sites at the County Fairgrounds in Clarksdale, MS were taken by working folks. In October, the park we stayed at for one night in Liberal, KS had about half their 39 sites occupied long term by working folks that left early in the morning. We usually stay once a year at a mobile home park in Great Bend, KS where most of those staying in RVs are working the harvest for the farm coops. At the end of October, at a park in Lynnville, IN, we were one of two transients and there were 11 long term stays that left for work every morning.

In contrast, we spent part of August and all of September in New Mexico staying in Forest Service, BLM, state park and COE campgrounds. Other than the hosts, there were no long term stays. I have no idea how many fulltimers there were other than the one or two hosts in each campground.

 

In my experience, many of the same parks that participate in the 50% discount programs also have long term and permanent residents to help keep them in business.

A similar disparity in opinions/experience occurs in discussions of the need for reservations.

1 hour ago, 2gypsies said:

Let's not forget that we are on the Escapees forum.  If you don't know the background Escapees was founded by Kay and Joe Peterson about 50 years ago.  They were in their 40's with two children.  Joe was a freelance electrician and Kay a licensed nurse.  They were 'workers' who lived in RV parks and traveled from park to park.  Good people live in RV parks.  Don't knock them!

This is true. However, the demographic of the Escapees' membership changed. It is my understanding that Escapees removed their Tra-Park in Pecos, TX from the list of Rainbow Parks because of complaints about the park which included the predominance of oilfield workers staying there long term.

We have stayed at many RV parks/campgrounds that had large numbers of working folks and always felt welcome. 

The Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania and the waterfalls at Ricketts Glen State Park are worth seeing in my opinion.

2 hours ago, Camping Gal 78 said:

...I am looking for a good, safe boondocking site for one or two nights at Newport State Park in Ellison Bay, WI...

If by boondocking, you mean Free, checkout the Free Campsites website.

3 hours ago, Bigthinkers said:

...produce in Florida is just appalling. All the prime produce gets shipped to other states for greater profits...

It is not just Florida and not only produce. A few years ago in central Kansas, we were talking to the owner/chef of a local BBQ/steak restaurant. He told us that it was getting harder and harder to get the best grades and prime cuts even though there seemed to cattle everywhere you looked.

If you travel to many of the more remote areas with National Parks, National Forests and BLM lands; in my experience you are not going to find a lot of farmer's markets. In fact you may have to travel considerable distance to find any market at all.

5 hours ago, Bigthinkers said:

Of course.   

I'm interested in hearing how it worked out, in general. Are you more active than you used to be because the lifestyle encourages that? Or do you find you still sit around reading or watching TV as you did in a permanent home, but maybe with a better view?

Not looking for a hard-and-fast rule, just whether or not people do tend to BE more active, or if they've noticed an improvement (overall) in their health because of the lifestyle.

When I worked, I had to pass an annual physical fitness test and my employer had a program to promote physical fitness. That all ended with retirement. On the other hand, I do a lot more hiking. I have gained weight and added a couple of prescription medications, but that may be as much a factor of age as anything else as I retired 15 years ago.

Dear Wife has changed her home routine little other than we do go places of interest much more frequently while traveling.

I do think we have both benefitted from a reduction in stress after retirement. I suffered from fairly frequent migraines when working. I have not had a migraine in the 15 years since retirement. 

In my opinion, what you live in has less to do with improving one's health than other factors such as stress and amount of physical exercise and mental stimulation. While retirement can be stressful to some, it can reduce stress for others. If you will still be working the same amount, just from an RV, then I doubt your health will change much without a concerted effort to do so. If you have allergies or sensitivity to common air pollutants, or altitude; travel to some locations may affect those health issues. If you will be worried about your finances on the road, that stress might adversely affect your heath. Everyone is different. It is hard to predict how each will react to change.

20 minutes ago, RV Hooligans said:

Anyone have a rack for front mounting on pickup truck for traditional bikes?

I had a 2" front receiver put on my Chevy 2500. It would accept a wide variety of accessories including bike racks, winch plate, cargo platform and ball mount. Some folks worry about decreasing the air flow to the radiator and trans cooler by putting bikes on the front. I think this is more of a concern if you cover the bikes than if it is just the bike frame and tires. You do need to make sure that anything on the front does not interfere with the headlights just as anything on the rear should not interfere with the visibility of the tail lights.

We have driven this route a number of times although not in the past few years. There are grades up to 9%. One section has 10 switchbacks in 9 miles with 15MPH turns. Going from Vernal to Rock Springs is uphill which in my opinion is less stressful than steep downhill grades. If you do not have one, I suggest you get a copy of the Mountain Directory. Some years the road surface on the route from Vernal to Green River is better. Just depends when the last resurfacing was done. Otherwise, to me they are about the same.

On 7/5/2019 at 9:29 AM, Kirk W said:

,We once met a couple (Escapee members) who travel with 3 mcaws.  

One of the noisiest pets we every camped next to was a Cockatoo. The owner worked. If she was late coming home or went out at night it would make noises that could wake the dead. If you think a barking dog is annoying, you should hear a screeching/screaming parrot.

If it is more than a fancy utility trailer and actually a second RV, I wonder how well this would work if you wanted hookups? Most Campgrounds allow one RV per site. Some do not even have the capacity/ability for multiple electric hookups at a single site. With all the comments/complaints about the rising cost of campsites; I wonder how many would want to have to pay for two sites every night.

5 hours ago, solo318 said:

Was the KOA in Cherokee NC in it's current location, or somewhere else? It was really a simple question, yet not a single person posted anything useful to the matter at hand. 

While I have no knowledge of that particular KOA, I can tell you that parks dropout and join the KOA system on a regular basis. They are mostly all franchises so are sold like any private business.

As we travel the country, we have been to a number of former KOAs. The building style is one give away. Some still have the yellow and black signs. Older directories and sometimes even Google Maps may still list them as a KOA. We also encounter existing parks that have joined the KOA system since our last visit. I don't know if KOA has any policy about how close their franchises can be, but if they do, one dropping out of the system would create an opportunity for another nearby park to join.

On 6/24/2019 at 9:23 AM, solo318 said:

Some of my fondest camping memories as a child were in the KOA at Cherokee N.C. We were in Gatlinburg last week and decided to drive over and check it out. This cannot possibly be the same campground. Did the KOA franchise move? Did they do a complete remodel? I was not disappointed by hte current campground, It just isn't what I remember. I even shoed a map to my Dad and he doesn't remember the campground being there either. So now I'm wondering what happened to the old one. Do any of you guys remeber the KOA from the 80s?

Any input would be welcomed. Seems trivial I know, But it's bugging me.

Amazing how a question about one particular KOA campground turns into a lets bash KOA fest.

13 hours ago, kb0zke said:

Some people say KOA stands for "Keep On Adding" as it seems that there is an additional fee for almost everything that we might want, and no deductions for the things we don't want.

The "Keep on Adding" phrase has been around for decades. I think this is a hold over from the pre-internet days. The KOA Directory would list a range of prices for each campground with no real explanation that tent sites with no amenities were the lowest price and each added amenity increased the price for that site and that the price for the site was the price for the site no matter what you chose to use. RVers would pull in thinking that they would get the lowest price for any site they wanted only to find out that there was no electric/water at the tent sites, they would not fit in the tent sites, all the water/electric sites were taken, etc. The catchy slur phrase was born, caught on and has been repeated ever since.

This phrase comes up on just about every discussion about KOA. Many RV Parks have sites at various prices based on various combinations of amenities/services. No hookup (tent) sites, water/electric only, full hookup, backin, pull through, etc. All at  different prices. Even many Passport America Parks charge more for a 50amp site, cable TV, Wifi, etc., if they have more than one type of site. Very few parks charge for only what you use. The price for the site is the price for the site whether you want or plan to use all of the amenities.  If you look at the KOA website, the prices for the various types of sites are clearly shown. They often do have more choices than many RV parks/campgrounds. Now if you just drive in, there is no guarantee that the cheapest type of site will be available, or that your rig will fit in it.

2 hours ago, rollindowntheroad said:

According to the Ford Truck VIN site is says that it is 10,200 min. to 12,400 max.  Using these numbers as an example GCWR 10,200 - 7,000 = 3,200 lb.  At the max 12,400 - 7,000 = 5,400 lbs.  Doesn't seem like a whole lot, when they advertise in their brochure that with this particular truck I should be able to tow a little over 10,000 lbs.

It is not uncommon for the GVWR of a light duty truck + the Max towing rating to exceed the trucks GCWR. If you read the footnotes about max towing rating you will likely find that it is based on a basic vehicle with a 150# driver and less than a full tank of fuel not the GVWR. As I mentioned in a previous post it may also be based on a trailer of a certain frontal area. A driver over 150#, options, cargo and fuel will decrease the available weight before exceeding the GCWR.