Jinx & Wayne

Call the state archeologist in the state where the ruins are located. New ruins come to light all of the time. Bringing them to the attention of the state archeologist is the first step toward insuring they are protected and inventoried. Here is a list of the contacts for all state archeologist offices. Wayne & Jinx 2017 F-350 diesel, dually 2006 Carriage Carri-Lite 36KSQ

It sure can't hurt. Anything with a heat pump is very tough to come by right now. Supply line is in a knot somewhere. Wayne & Jinx 2017 F-350 diesel, dually 2006 Carriage Carri-Lite 36KSQ

GlennWest, Thanks, I am looking it over. Wayne & Jinx 2017 F-350 diesel, dually 2006 Carriage Carri-Lite 36KSQ

Thanks. I did see the Furrion. Unfortunately that is a "cool-only" unit. The only thing with a heat pump on etrailer was the Atwood Air Command. Wayne & Jinx 2017 F-350 diesel, dually 2006 Carriage Carri-Lite 36KSQ

They find an outside threat, real or otherwise, to provide common ground for cooperation? What, me cynical? Wayne & Jinx 2017 F-350 diesel, dually 2006 Carriage Carri-Lite 36KSQ

Glenn. Thank you. I am glad you are happy with your mini-split. The rooftop unit has worked well for us. I would not be surprised to find that my old 37' Carriage is better insulated than most other RV's so maybe that is why it works. I know how heat pumps work, I had them in my house in Maine. They work well. I just don't need one and don't want to make ad hoc changes to the rig. My experience is that those types of changes will come back to haunt me. The electricity savings of a couple of dollars per month does not offset that desire. I don't ever plan to live in South Texas, Arizona or the like when the heat is on. I've done that - ASU for a semester, Ft. Huachuca and Ft. Bliss all come to mind. Ft. Erwin was even less fun. I've finally gotten Floridated to the point that my inner Maine-er is comfortable here in late spring. Wayne & Jinx 2017 F-350 diesel, dually 2006 Carriage Carri-Lite 36KSQ

We will likely full time for We are full timing for another couple of years and then using the trailer as a summer place after that. I appreciate the advice but I've been happy with the rooftop unit and will stay with that We went the middle road. We bought a quality older unit and lived in it for a year. Then we had it rebuilt. Not as fancy as a custom unit, but it works for us. Wayne & Jinx 2017 F-350 diesel, dually 2006 Carriage Carri-Lite 36KSQ

The answer to your first question is, Yes, this is a cool site. When you look at the guidelines will may see that your method of communication is unlikely to be cool here. Wayne & Jinx 2017 F-350 diesel, dually 2006 Carriage Carri-Lite 36KSQ

My apologies. When I read "carrying capacity" I assumed you were referring to the truck. The RV will handle weight up to its carrying capacity. That does not include occupants. My comment bout the truck still stands although the 3065# doesn't relate to the truck. The F-250 payload numbers are close to that number. The only way to accurately measure pin weight is to weigh the loaded vehicle. That doesn't help you if you are trying to decide which truck you want. Weight of the trailer transferring to the truck does not affect towing capacity - it didn't go away, you are still pulling it and it will still push you when you try to stop. The weight of occupants will not be part of towing weight unless the people are in the trailer - Bad idea. The occupants will be part of the payload. For better estimates from us post the numbers from the door plates. There are many different possibilities depending upon your vehicle configuration and accessories. I still think the truck is iffy or worse. Wayne & Jinx 2017 F-350 diesel, dually 2006 Carriage Carri-Lite 36KSQ

Not all fiver leveling systems are hydraulic. Many, particularly older rigs, have jacks operated by an electric motor. There are no safety pins - they don't fall down. Wayne & Jinx 2017 F-350 diesel, dually 2006 Carriage Carri-Lite 36KSQ

My RV guy says he sees much more warranty work on Dometic as compared to Coleman. Wayne & Jinx 2017 F-350 diesel, dually 2006 Carriage Carri-Lite 36KSQ

I'm not sure what "carrying capacity" means. Look at the pillar inside of the driver's door. There is a sticker that probably reads something like: "The combined weight of cargo and occupants should never exceed ___ kg or ___ lbs." (That what it says on my F350 dually). In your case that is the GVW (10,000#) minus the curb weight (truck plus fuel). If that number is 3065# you are likely under trucked. That 3065# number does not include anything that is in the truck that was not there when it left the factory except fuel. So passengers, dogs, coffee cups, purses, maps, stuff in the bed, etc., all count against it. The hitch weight counts against it. Any aftermarket items (tonneau, aux fuel tank. etc.) count against it. If you have no accessories and 300# of passenger with 20# of stuff (I'm betting there is more) you have 2745# for pin weight and hitch. So if your 2,860# pin number is over even if you ignore the safety margin of 20%. This calculation does not consider the gross axle weight ratings (GAWR). Ford appears to hide that number well but it should be on one of the door stickers. Here is what Ford says about this issue: "Be sure the addition of tongue load or king pin weight does not cause the key towing vehicle weight limits (GVWR and Rear GAWR) to be exceeded. Remember, GVWR and GAWR are found on the vehicle’s Safety Compliance Certification Label. If either of these limits is exceeded, you should go with a larger vehicle or a smaller trailer." From "Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide" p.44 (I added the boldface emphasis.) We did this dance when we bought our 5er. We started with both truck and RV sales people telling us, "Sure a 250 diesel is enough. As you can see below, we have a 350 dually. If I had it to do over it would be a 450 Wayne & Jinx 2017 F-350 diesel, dually 2006 Carriage Carri-Lite 36KSQ

My Carrier is 16 years old but its only been full time for three years. The biggest problem is that getting a unit with a heat pump takes months on back order. Every RV place says they don't know when they can get one. Naturally this is happening three weeks before going on the road. It looks like we will have to go with the auxiliary A/C until we get to Maine. My RV guy in Maine tells me there is another brand (not Dometic or Coleman) that is fully compatible with the Carrier mount and controls. He is looking at the issue and getting estimates together now. Decided against a mini-split. I really do not like the mounting options. I have a generator in the generator compartment. I'm not mounting it in front of my back windows The Carrier unit worked fine for our purposes. I will assume a replacement will do the same. Wayne & Jinx 2017 F-350 diesel, dually 2006 Carriage Carri-Lite 36KSQ

The mini splits I've seen run on a platform connected to the trailer hitch of the RV. Are there other mountings? We have a fiver so there is only one end of the rig for mounting a rack to carry Jinx's Pedago trike and my bicycle. That rules out a hitch mount for any other purpose. Wayne & Jinx 2017 F-350 diesel, dually 2006 Carriage Carri-Lite 36KSQ

I am going to get a new AC/heat pump unit. Replacing Carrier RV14112A 13.5k ducted unit with a 15K unit. Looking at Dometic Air Command and Coleman mach 15+. Pros? Cons? other units better? Wayne & Jinx 2017 F-350 diesel, dually 2006 Carriage Carri-Lite 36KSQ

Thank you for the manual and ideas. The issue appears a bearing in the compressor. We've done a cost benefit analysis and decided to replace it. It is 16 years old and Carrier is no longer in the RV A/C business. If this bearing is going we don't want to put more money into the unit. So I'm starting a thread on recommendations. Wayne & Jinx 2017 F-350 diesel, dually 2006 Carriage Carri-Lite 36KSQ

Ah, the life of a RVer. Just awoke to a high pitched whine coming my the Carrier 68RV14112A AC/heat pump. Not sure where to start troubleshooting. Thoughts? Wayne & Jinx 2017 F-350 diesel, dually 2006 Carriage Carri-Lite 36KSQ

I think you are asking whether you can keep your michigan plates as a resident of Indiana. Check out Indiana BMV website. I think you have 60 days to get a new license and re-register/re-title everything. Wayne & Jinx 2017 F-350 diesel, dually 2006 Carriage Carri-Lite 36KSQ

My rig came with a handhold next to the toilet for getting up. You might try adding one. Wayne & Jinx 2017 F-350 diesel, dually 2006 Carriage Carri-Lite 36KSQ

Thanks. She is terrific. We work well together. At least I think so. She may have a different take on the matter. Check with rehab and a medical supply store. I'm pretty sure there is something to deal with the toilet issue. You are not the first. Regarding stairs, it it too late to have a ramp fabricated until you are ready to travel again?

Jinx had lumbar disc surgery Dec 2019. We stayed in the RV through recovery which was about three months for functional recovery and six to ten for full recovery. We have a bigger rig than you do - 37' 5er designed for full time living. The first thing we did was talk with the doctor about just what to expect. Surgeons seem to be particularly bad at this discussion. Our discussion with his nurse worked much better. She gave us an idea of what to expect. Then we talked about it. Her side was "I don't want to be a bother." My side was "I don't want you to get hurt." We reached a compromise. She agreed not to attempt things that might injure her. I agreed to shut up and trust her judgment. I went through the rig doing trial runs of activities to determine where she might have trouble. Narrow places and falling seemed to be the big issues. I added one hand grip and made sure there were no rugs or mats over which she could trip. We moved most of her everyday articles to shelves/ cupboards that were accessible without bending or lifting. Snacks or things she would get were put at the same level in the cupboards and refrigerator. Make sure maintenance is done before surgery. You do not want to be bothered by RV techs or malfunctioning equipment. This includes propane and caulking. If you have duties that neither of you will be able to do, make sure you identify them first and make appropriate arrangements. On a daily basis I made sure the floors were clear. We got through it ok. Her back is great now. Good luck. Wayne & Jinx 2017 F-350 diesel, dually 2006 Carriage Carri-Lite 36KSQ

The breed is pretty gentle but at 55-85 lbs they may be bigger than many parks will allow. Wayne & Jinx 2017 F-350 diesel, dually 2006 Carriage Carri-Lite 36KSQ

If you don't have any luck, the AllStays Camp and RV app has clearances and lots more. Wayne & Jinx 2017 F-350 diesel, dually 2006 Carriage Carri-Lite 36KSQ

Having a better credit score translates to having a better choice of lenders, lower interest rates and the ability to borrow more. Take a look at this website for understanding credit and building credit scores. In my experience credit unions have better interest rates and are more personal. Membership in most is based on some kind of group with a common bond - area of residence (certain states, cities, towns or counties), place or nature of employment (military service, government service, etc), group membership (union membership and others.) I see that you are in Virginia so here is one credit union for which you may qualify. One of the drawbacks to credit unions in the past was size and location - just a few offices in a small geographic area. Not necessarily a good thing for travelers. With the prevalence of mobile apps, however, that is changing. I belong to a credit union in Maine but do all my banking with them on the app or by a call. In my experience credit unions are much more receptive to calls for banking. Wayne & Jinx 2017 F-350 diesel, dually 2006 Carriage Carri-Lite 36KSQ

I've been through three ladders before I found this Gorilla ladder. It is great. Wayne & Jinx 2017 F-350 diesel, dually 2006 Carriage Carri-Lite 36KSQ