RE: Why Do You Post Here?????
This thought came to me after trying to answer a question about......
Inane??? Totally, I had no answer.
I think we are a community of folks who choose to be a little outside center. That is not a left or right question, but we don't march to the major drummer. We see things with a little better focus, and a more discerning eye. We have a lot of different views of the world, but we all seem,usually to accept the different point of view. And yet some of us hold dearly to the "I have to be the best, or I have to impress the others" model.
Simply put, we are here for a lot of reason, most of which is validation. If having the biggest and best rig, twists your knickers, or you got your water heater to work..... They are both points of view.
I drive a small C with me and Kasey on board, and frankly he cares more about you "too small camp ground issues" than I do. I am here to help and to learn from others who have already gone down the wrong path and found a better way.
There are those here who take great delight in making others feel small or insignificant, and they really piss me off.
If you have something positive to share, lets hear it. If you are a negative Ned, speak to the back of my hand, I have no time.
Nine years ago, I had the pleasure of founding an exceptional group that was dedicated to professional growth in a specialized industry. It worked well for several years. How many out there want something good here????????
What do you do in real life communication with idiots standing before you? Do you try and change them or move on? Don't think of RV.net as a community, think of it as a resource. If the owner wanted more of a community, he would change the rules and enforce via his moderators. In real life, we gravitate towards those who think as we do. Here, IMO, there are quite a few uneducated folks raised with iffy morals unleashed without the barriers of in-person feedback. The direction of RV.net is solidly as the owner wants it.....but I think you already knew that.
RE: Bought it for the camper but can't live without it.
Same here. I use the Q200, attached to my slide-out table on the 5W. My 5W is just off my deck. If it's raining, I put the 5W awning out (electric). I have an expensive and big gas BBQ too on the deck. I still use it, but use the Q200 more.
RE: First accident with new truck/5er
I just check to make sue it is locked and do a pull test don't need any more useless weight or more space taken up inbed. Others may feel the need.
As part of departure checklist, I do a visual of the hitch arm wrapping around pin. The Superglide arms swings in and latches (check). Then, I leave chocked with 5W legs up a few inches and put truck in gear for pull (check). Last thing I do as I'm leaving is engage trailer brakes manually at a low speed to not only check them, but to put a little stress on the connection (check). I'd rather it hit the bed at 5 mph than 70 mph. That guy will never make that mistake again and I hate that it had to happen.
RE: A new journey for us. Here we go.
I say do whatever you want. You're grown. We all have to live with the results of our decisions. I hope you find it's the best decision you've ever made.
RE: Fridge running while driving?
For long trips I would run it, but check at every stop. I'm just paranoid though. Short trips under 4 hours, no need.
RE: Need for more dog parks..
Just a note to some -- we always use a leash with our dog --- but --- just because a dog comes towards your dog does not mean anything. Most dogs are doing what nature intended -- they want to sniff and get to know each other. Caution is one thing, but always being afraid another dog will attack yours is not normal. Dogs do benefit from being around other dogs and interacting with other dogs. Just sayin -- some people forget they are dogs, and do things that is natural to them.
No, it is normal to be cautious in today's times. There are many, many dog on dog attacks each day, without placing them in a fenced area,off leash.
I grew up some in the country with dogs running wild, grew up some in the city with dogs fenced, grew up some in the city having to walk dogs because we didn't have a fence, and showed competitively earning titles in confirmation and obedience--American Champion, Canadian Champion, Certificates of Obedience/Herding. I mention only for background.
Dogs are not "just dogs". Like us, they are all over the place in personality/actions and YOU are liable for your animal. If you intend to bring your dog into a public platform at any point (always IMO), dogs should be socialized from the moment you get them as a puppy in all kinds of environments including other dogs and other types of animals within reason ON A LEASH. This should be coupled with training so you and your dog enrich your relationship and communication skills. Socialization and training is done leashed for your control. AKC has a local chapter near you that'll help with both and it's the right thing to do.
Remember that most dogs follow some form of a pack-type mentality. They are either Alpha, Beta, or further down. Alpha dogs tend to run to confront and dominate. Beta and below differ to various degrees. When dogs meet, there is almost always a need to establish their place in that relationship. When you train your dog, you'll learn to recognize when they are happy, nervous, aggressive, apprehensive, etc.
So, unless you are purposely training your dog in guard training or other "keep away from human" types of training--which none of you should be--it's always best to socialize your dog thoroughly and train them at least to the "Canine Good Citizen" level. You can google that title. It was my first title with my dog and it was fun to see just what they can do besides curl up in your lap or at your feet.
A leashed dog following the campground roads to a location to do their business (secluded) shouldn't be much of an issue IMO and we should be tolerant of good, responsible owners and beautiful dogs. Keeping a dog from doing their business at a place not meant for them is easy if an owner knows and treats his dog properly. If fed on schedule, an owner will know when the dog needs walking. An owner can keep their dog at the heel position until they've reached the place to go and are released from the heel position. An owner should walk their dog several times a day. No, not just once or even twice. Nor should you "wait for them to tell you" as your goto for when they need to potty. They will almost always hold it until they can't anymore.
NEVER take your dog off leash in a public platform. You are responsible and have just lost total control. Often dogs are wonderful and then can turn on a dime if their "prey drive" is activated. A cat/other animal running, ducks quacking, or a child screaming often will invoke the prey drive in some dogs. Do you know how many "he's never done that before" excuses I've heard?
My last thoughts and opinion on this is that people who own dogs should understand that going to a public venue with a dog can and will likely create various degrees of stress from other campers. You are in a public place. It is not your place to do what you want. Keep your dog close and happy. You'll find people more tolerable if you do. And, as far as dog parks, I wouldn't partake unless I was told I had to. It would amount to less control and a dirtier environment for my animal. Enjoy your dogs folks, but be responsible for all our sakes.
RE: Now I dont know what to do!!
U, your hubby, or another family member tow it down for her one year and let her give it a go. She'll tell you what she wants to do after.
Cameo Window Trough Leak
Hello folks. Read another post on water in the trough of their window and it brought back a similar memory of having water in mine. Paper toweled it dry and watched it for some time and all good. Was new to the RV at that time and let it go for some reason.
However, this latest post by someone else spurred me to check it again 'caused it rained heavily yesterday and knew I never got to the source issue of the water. Went out a minute ago and sure enough, got some water in the trough. Did some research, both google and here, and cannot find a weep hole in my window anywhere for it to drain. I don't see any soft spots or water damage anywhere, yet anyway. My 5W is an 09 Cameo with frameless windows made by Hehr I believe. Checked inside and out for a weep hole...nothing.
Anyone got any ideas or knowledge on these types of windows or can relate a story/fix? Thanks all.
Brent
RE: Long Line for gas
"I was over to Costco this afternoon all the pumps have a line of 7 or 8 cars lined up.
Life is to short to spend it in a gas line to save a nichel a gal on gas.
I went down the street no waiting.
Agreed. Lines irk me and I avoid them most of the time.
RE: Finally bought land ! Now what?
Thanks for the suggestions, a well, septic, cabin, I was thinking maybe in ten years.
For now I want to focus on a weekend get away.
What is the best type, or brand of camper to leave up there year round? I live in MN so the winters can be cold.
Are air streams good for winter ?
I wouldn't put a trailer there and leave it. How cheap do you really want to go? Drag small travel trailer and live from tanks/batteries and a quiet generator. Or, prep for the future and do some improvements that you can use now. Were it me at your age, I would invest in having a pond dug. I just had a 1/2 acre pond dug. Awesome! Adds value, adds water-site view, adds drinking capability with filter, and stocking it gives you a little something to enjoy too--fishing. I would then get a really nice large tent, battery to power things, and a quiet generator. You can bring compact chairs, table, electric heater, and other amenities. Use a 10' X 10' pop-up room for hang-out area. It's only for the weekends anyway. Build you a fire and man-o-man, the good life on cheap. Add to it slowly later...electric, well, structure, etc. I wouldn't get trailer/MH until you are actually ready to travel. Just my 2 cents for whatever it's worth.
RE: Another Newb:-D
Hi all,
Here's some numbers I found.
Gvw truck 10, 000 lbs
Max loaded trailer weight 15, 200
Gcvwr 23500
Trailer weight 11,025
Hitch weight 2, 015
Gvwr 14,015
Does this make any scence?
Ron
Welcome and congrats! The issue of weight and the F250/2500 is like Dems and Repubs. Folks are divided deeply and passionately. Search the site if you want examples type in "weight police" to bring up the typical opinions.
I am borderline and not extreme on either side of the issue. I recommend weighing your 5W and truck together and then truck solo at CAT scales. Weigh it with what you expect to carry and with the fluids at the level you expect to travel under. Cheap insurance IMO. Your trailer will be heavier than sticker almost assuredly. If you get close to GVWR on the 5W, you're likely pushing the tires that your 5W came with--another subject of issue here is cheap trailer tires. I changed my tires within months of getting it. The weakest link on your truck is the RAWR, specifically, the wheels and tires. Consider this carefully. With your setup as presented, and without me researching the setup further, I say you are borderline depending on how heavy you let the 5W get when traveling. I keep my tanks empty with about 10 gallons of fresh for pit stops. But, because I am borderline and slightly over on the truck's GVWR, I beefed up the components--commercial tires/wheels on truck, brakes, rotor, air bags, extra spring, front springs--making truck beefier than a SRW F350 by a lot. I added heavier duty tires on the 5W. I then packed her all up and went to scales and that's how I know I'm slightly over the truck GVWR. Were it not for mama, I would have initially went with a dually....probably. But, here's a kicker too to consider, the engine is the same for dually or 250/350 SRW. At elevation, my truck will get warm climbing good grades. It's never overheated, but had to pull over a few times to cool down. Of course, many other trailers/MH of size were with me. So, I guess what I'm trying to tell you is research thoroughly and make a wise choice that you are comfortable with.
Camp at home a few times and then venture to local campgrounds. You can drive in your car and checkout those campgrounds first so you know what you'll be getting into then when you take 5W, go during non-peak times during day and go really slow if you need to. Best of luck. I am excited for you buddy.
RE: Truly retiring?s
I am 73 years of age and health is failing. i have high bp-cholesterol-triglicerides-Type 2 diabetes and not to motivated. I AM CONSIDERING SELLING THE winnebago and tow dolly and sitting on my porch.Anybody with the same thoughts? Thanx GL
How's your mobility? That's the key. I am 46 and have the 3 things you mention so clarify "failing" as mine is under control with meds. I have seen it too often where folks will quit being active and slowly deteriorate. So, again, how's your ability to move, aches, and pains? If it's good, get off yer duff and keep-a-movin'. 73 aint too old for tons of folks. If you just don't feel like RVing anymore, find another hobby. Yeah, this is meant as a friendly push for your benefit.
RE: Ways to feel more secure while sleeping out on the road
In 2 years we have never felt unsafe. If we did we would move on. We have never had anything happen at any of the campgrounds we have stayed at in that 2 years either. We don't park in rest areas or truck stops - mostly stay in campgrounds.
And, this is the key to life--situational awareness. Don't put yourself in harms way.
RE: Guess they didn't need my money
I read OP was treated a rudely on phone, hoped he would get better at park, didn't, and decided to mess with them a little. I am the same way. OP never intended to stay a month. He could have just played for his short stay as intended. He just wanted to give 'em "what for" as he had already decided to not stay. All good. Great story on customer service; however, for me, he lost some credibility stating the application for a long stay was 12 pages of no info type questions and then argued it. Western took note of it too and called him out. This is a public forum. Still no biggie. Rentals are my business and that app is 8 pages longer than my most detailed contract ever. So, I did get the intent of rudeness, but the one poster when said he stayed there one time and it was nice easily countered the OP because of the exaggeration of the parks rules policy. Live long and prosper.
the OP never mentioned a 12-page application...i did and it happened. western wasn't there...i was. and my point was not the 12-pages it was the gall of the owner to expect personal, professional and financial references, bank account numbers, credit histories, job histories, education history and more in order to stay in the park for as little as one night. had the application been 4 pages, 6 pages or 10 pages it would have resulted in the same ending...we thanked them for allowing us to look at the park and left.
My apologies to the OP. Wasn't him at all. As a matter of fact, I did some research and read quite a few reviews on the rudeness of Elaine and Edie whoever they are and whatever position they hold. Managers? Owners? Anyway, OP, you definitely have credibility to me. My original position on the application still holds water, but for rk911 instead. It's funny, one poster said we need to take reading comprehension and then bobbles the reservation thing right after that showing he didn't comprehend it. Then, I go and not pay attention to the who said what thing. Could be the bourbon last night??? Regardless, wanted OP to know I erred. Have fun folks.
RE: Guess they didn't need my money
I read OP was treated a rudely on phone, hoped he would get better at park, didn't, and decided to mess with them a little. I am the same way. OP never intended to stay a month. He could have just played for his short stay as intended. He just wanted to give 'em "what for" as he had already decided to not stay. All good. Great story on customer service; however, for me, he lost some credibility stating the application for a long stay was 12 pages of no info type questions and then argued it. Western took note of it too and called him out. This is a public forum. Still no biggie. Rentals are my business and that app is 8 pages longer than my most detailed contract ever. So, I did get the intent of rudeness, but the one poster when said he stayed there one time and it was nice easily countered the OP because of the exaggeration of the parks rules policy. Live long and prosper.
