masterdrago

I dislike small tools that use small batteries. They seem to always let us down when needed and no easy replacement nearby.  I got this tough one for my needs.

https://www.amazon.com/Milton-Industries-S-976-United-Service/dp/B000CONUJM/

Look for the Milton version thru a search. Heavy duty tool.

On 11/15/2020 at 6:51 AM, Chalkie said:

It seems windy must have been thinking "Let's give Linda what she really wants". When I opened Windy this morning it asked me if I wanted to try out their new trip planning feature. Click on three bars top left, then choose distance and planning. Next, select the waypoints you want and then at the bottom choose the mode of transportation.

Which version of Windy are you using? PC? Phone? Pro? Premium?

If you do spend time in the Big Bend area, make sure to drive the beautiful road (170) out towards Presidio. And make sure to make the trip back as it gets close to sunset (the golden hour). The colors and views are very much worth the drive.

Probably does not relate to RV campgrounds but Governor Abbott in Texas says he gets calls everyday from CEOs of corporations in California asking questions about moving to Texas. I say, come on but don't turn Texas into a California. I for one would very much like to go spend time there because the short times I've spent there only whet my appetite for more. Such a beautiful state.

I was able to read but not sign in until now. Just gave up earlier this morning. Okay now....

On 1/28/2020 at 11:17 AM, somewhereinusa said:

 

 

Many years ago, with a load of specialty vehicles at night in PA mountains, cell phone was a bag phone, I picked up a tail. I could tell there were more than one in the car. I couldn't shake it. It didn't matter how slow I went they wouldn't go around on a four lane interstate. I couldn't get a signal on the phone and didn't want to get off to look for police because I didn't know the area. I had just bought fuel so I figured if nothing else I could run them out of gas.  Most truckstops were closed that time of night. , I wasn't about to stop. They followed for over 200 miles before finally dropping off.

I can think of no good reason why someone in a car or light truck would follow a semi for very long, especially since most places cars travel faster.

Not necessarily. I was making my way from west Texas back in the late 90s on I-10 after midnight and got into a convoy of truckers heading the same way. I was in a '94 Ford pickup with a 300 cu in straight 6. B4 I knew it, near Comfort, Texas we were doing 80-85 and I found myself between a pair of cattle haulers. Needless to say, I was getting pummeled by cow s*** and there was no place to go since I did not have the ponies to get out of the train😯

I found it helped on our insurance cost was to lower the agreed value as the 5r aged. Ours went from $1,200/yr to $1,400/yr and now to $1,100/yr by managing the value.

Thanks folks. Nice vid, Kirk. I'll do some in-depth testing using that info. The guy at the Interstate (expensive) Battery Center near me said that if I've been only charging with alternator, then to put them on a low amp desulfanator charger for a day or so. Said they were too low voltage to load test (13.3vdc on converter, 12.2 when no load and off charger). The general din I'm hearing is 3-7 years on wet cell and 4-10 on AGM but testing in the ways heard here is in order. And Kirk, I remember when we sold garden tractor batteries at Sears along with the container of acid. And since we dry camp very little, will most likely avoid the expense of Trojan or pair of the 6 volt config.

A friend of mine has a Forest River Cardinal about the same age as yours and when he runs either a/c, air will come out all the discharge grills. More air when both run. Same on our 2yo Montana. Hope that helps.

Is there a way to monitor the battery standing voltage to determine at what age to replace a pair of 12 volt wet cell batteries? Is the age a good guide for both AGM and old style wet cell? My current pair are no name brand "Marine/Deep Cycle" that came with the 5r. Just really don't want to be out off shore power and find they cannot run in the hydraulic pump.

I had similar issues when I set up my Dish 1000.2 w/DPP and a pair of Wally receivers in my 5r on my home account. I finally discovered that setting the markers for the Skew and Altitude were not where I thought they were. The precision with which it has to be pointed is extremely touchy. I even went to the trouble to modify my tripod.  A good compass helps but the phone app Dish Pointer works well if you are away from metal that can interfere. It was a huge battle getting over the learning curve. The Dish tech guys were very patient and helpful.

I thought the elevation pointer was the center of the bolt, but it is not.

The skew pointer was a little V-cut so was more obvious.

Another thing that helps is to reboot the receiver after you think the dish is pointed correctly. In my case with two receivers, I had to use dual messenger coax from the DPP to the two inputs in my convenience center to feed the two receivers.

We had our 5th wheel weighed by the Selmans in December of 2016 two months after purchasing. All looked good. We have added and rearranged stuff and want to have it done again. Looking at the schedule at https://rvsafety.com/schedule  they have no Texas locations. Anyone know where I can get a 4 tire weight done? We are going to do a Fredericksburg trip in December so might find something useful from our home in Willis out to our destination. I can have the full 5r weighed at the Love's truck stop 4 miles down the road. I don't think they do a 4 wheel weight, just a total which I'm not concerned about. Thanks for any suggestions.

Wow! Lots of good info here. When we picked up our 5r from Holiday World, my sweetheart insisted on a service contract. what they offered us was a $5500 First Extended + a tire warranty for $795 + Roadside Assist from Coach Net $645. I had heard good things about Coach Net so gave them a call and an email. Got quotes for half the $$$ for their complete package. Then in a phone conversation with them found out that they had some sort of agreement with Holiday World. They could not write the agreement with me. Went back to the dealer to transfer the whole enchilada to Coach Net - told they could not do it. So I got a full refund for tire and ESC and next October when my warranty expires will contact Coach Net again. Again, most say their products and service are great.