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RE: Lake Anna State Park, VA
I failed to mention ......before you ever get to Dickinson's store, you will see another sign for a turn to Lake Anna State Park. Do not turn left until you get to Dickinson's Store. That other route is very narrow with multiple turns and you sure don't want to be lost in the dark! The directions from Dickinson's store are also the ones that the park uses to guide their guests safely. It's the best way for you to enter.
Thanks for the heads up. It appears there are no low clearances from Frederick , MD to Cullpeper. I do see a low clearance on 150 thru Orange,VA
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Lantley
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05/20/13 09:24pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: %#$&# salesman
Whoa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Haven't heard the other side of the story. The buyer was perhaps given the appropriate advice but decided to ignore.
Good point. We all know from following the various threads. That no one ever exceeds the manufactures towing parameters:@
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Lantley
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05/20/13 04:47pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: 2002 F350 Lariat with 7.3L Diesel
When I want truck advice, I go to a truck forum:
www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum31
When I want RV advice, I come to an RV forum.
I'm not sayin........, I'm just sayin'.
Good advice to a point. There is a lot of knowledge on the truck forums how ever often those discussions are for those looking for more power and speed. Truck forums are not geared towards towing but more towards racing.
There is a lot of DIY info on those forums as well,nevertheless it does not hurt to discuss RV towing characteristics of a truck with those that tow RV's.
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Lantley
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05/20/13 04:37pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Bed tonneau covers
As other have mentioned. My pin box will contact the track of the rolling cover in a tight unlevel turn turn.
Like tuning left as you exit my driveway.:S
The fatal damage did not occur at once. I tried to adjust and compensate during the turn. Eventually the occasional dings ruined the track and damaged the rolling cover to the point of no return.
I eventually switched to a back flip G2 cover. The back flip mounts differently and does not reduce the size of the bed as much. I prefer the design of the rolling covers like the Retrax which is why I tried to keep using it, but in the end the Retrax simply was not compatible with my pin box.
Thanks Lantley. I have a Retrax and an extended pin box. I haven't noticed a whole lot of contact, but do know that it occurs occasionally.
Guess it's another thing to watch...
It really depends on the entire combo and the terrain. A 1/2" can make all the difference. I've read a couple of threads where the combo and tonneau cover seemed to be well matched until one day that extra sharp turn was made or a sharp turn was made onto a sloping road.
I am aware that uphill left turns of more than 90ยบ can be an issue. I avoid those turns if possible, however I have one of those turns leaving my driveway if I choose to go left. After the issues with the Retrax I now always exit my driveway to the right and avoid the sloping left turn.
If you haven't had any issues you are probably OK, but it is one more thing to watch for.
Unfortunately I don't think there is a one size fits all answer as to which cover will work. Pin box,truck,tire size,hitch and terrain make it hard to determine what tonneau cover is 100% fool proof.
Many covers maybe 98% acceptable, however Murphy's Law thrives on that 2% error rate that will only occur under just the right circumstances.
Like when you are cutting the wheel as tight as possible to clear a tree, in order to make it into a sloping camp site!
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Lantley
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05/20/13 04:28pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Warranty work refused
Dealers are willing to endure this for units they sold however for units they did not sell, that have local owners many dealers do not feel obliged to play the warranty game. It is a loosing proposition for them
Why does it make any difference if it's a unit they sold? They already have the money from that purchase.
Answer: They hope to get repeat business or referrals from the buyer in the future.
So why wouldn't they consider an owner who didn't happen to buy from them any less likely to buy from them next time, especially if they can make them happy with service in the meantime? Not to mention any of this "future" buyer's family & friends. It sounds like this dealer doesn't need the business.
I 'll break it down for you. I am an independent contractor. I am not going to do warranty work for a project I did not complete and hope I get paid.
In my business all contractors may buy our material from Home Depot however we are not affiliated.
The RV biz is the same,two dealers may sell Lance campers, however the dealers are not affiliated.
Now if it is a project that I completed, then I we see to it that that my customer is satisfied in hopes I get more work from said customer. If it is a project another contractor completed I hope that contractor keeps his customer satisfied but in the end it is really not my concern.
Now if someone comes to me willing to pay for me to correct an issue or problem that maybe the responsibility of another contractor I am for hire. But I'm not just going to warranty a project I had nothing to do with simply because the materials came from Home Depot!.
What most consumers simply don't understand is there is no dealer warranty network. Nada. None. Dealers have the right to accept and refuse any warranty work they want without fear of repercussion from the manufacture. Many dealers simply take responsibility for there own sales and refer all other warranty issues back to the selling dealer
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Lantley
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05/20/13 04:00pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Bed tonneau covers
I eventually ruined a Retrax cover before eventually going with a Bak Flip G2 cover that fits my set up much better.
How did you ruin your Retrax?
As other have mentioned. My pin box will contact the track of the rolling cover in a tight unlevel turn turn.
Like tuning left as you exit my driveway.:S
The fatal damage did not occur at once. I tried to adjust and compensate during the turn. Eventually the occasional dings ruined the track and damaged the rolling cover to the point of no return.
I eventually switched to a back flip G2 cover. The back flip mounts differently and does not reduce the size of the bed as much. I prefer the design of the rolling covers like the Retrax which is why I tried to keep using it, but in the end the Retrax simply was not compatible with my pin box.
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Lantley
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05/20/13 12:34pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Using Nexus or Galaxy 7 as Dash GPS
...
A Tablet will have to be carried to the vehicle...or....no GPS would be available. ...
This is one of the key reasons that I prefer my phone, I ALWAYS have it with me. With my dedicated Garmin GPS, I never kept it in the vehicle since I always feared that it would get stolen so I kept it in the house and only put it in the vehicle when I was going on a trip. There have been quite a few times when I was out & about and wished I had my GPS with me but my phone is always in my pocket ready to go whenever I need it.
I have seen projects where guys built their Nexus 7 into the dash so it essentially becomes an in dash navigation device. That's nice but means you have to dedicate the N7 to that vehicle.
I have a dedicated GPS but I also use my Nexus 7 as a GPS with the Co Pilot app. I also have Co pilot on my Android phone as well.
Using your phone as a GPS is convenient but it is also inconvenient if you get a call or need to use the phone while in GPS mode.
Yes I know talking and driving is bad . But you don't even have to talk if the phone rings at a critical point while in GPS mode you can miss a turn. Using the phone as a GPS is not foolproof and has itys pros and cons.
I don't use my Nexus as a GPS everyday, But when embarking on a long trip, or towing the RV the Nexus 7 makes a nice GPS. The larger screen is a nice option.
I can also play audio books through the Nexus and play it through my truck speaker via blue tooth. Using the Nexus allows my phone to be free for use as a phone while still taking advantage of Smartphone features and apps.
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Lantley
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05/20/13 05:38am |
Technology Corner
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RE: 2002 F350 Lariat with 7.3L Diesel
A 7.3 PSD is a great truck. However as others have mentioned the transmissions are the weak link. The OEM 4 speed tranny does not compare to the modern 6 speed transmissions. The 7.3 also lacks an exhaust break which has become standard equipment on today's trucks.
The 7.3 is still a decent truck however simply due to age and a lack of modern basic features I would no longer consider it the best diesel going. The payload capacity of the 7.3 is also lacking vs. the newer trucks.
In the end the 7.3 is a legendary power plant that is still very capable, while it does not match up to the ability of the newer trucks it still shines in the bang for the buck category.
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Lantley
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05/20/13 04:30am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Quad Bunkhouse TT w/ No Slide
The more research we put into this, the harder it is. We want something with quad bunks and something that is built tough (Northwood, Outdoor RV, etc.). Problem is, aside from the Outdoor 31kqbs, they don't have anything with 4 bunks.
Are most people not camping with their kids anymore? Are most people using the table/couch for sleeping? We don't care so much about foofoo features, more functional. Nash has a 23 or 25 with 2 bunks in the rear. If it only had 4, I would buy it today! Northwood doesn't do custom orders, do they?
People are camping with there kids, however they are using bunk house models with slides.
While I respect your opinion on slides I think your ideas are somewhat out of date. Initially 10-15 years ago or more when slides where first introduce they may have been problematic.
However the current generation of slides are no longer problematic. One of the reasons you are having a hard time is that the trends and demands are for more sides not less. TT are up to 3 slides on lots of units and fivers are up to 5. Opposing slides in living rooms and bedrooms are very popular
I agree that each penetration adds the potential for a leak. However that does not have to translate into a no slide,no window RV.
4 kids and 2 adults in a no slide RV get cramped in a hurry. You would could have a difficult time just passing each other. Slides have become basic features and are not fluff and foo foo.
Good luck with your search. I don't know enough to say it does not exist however as you are finding there aren't many no slide bunkhouse floor plans available
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Lantley
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05/19/13 06:37pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Bike Rack Questions-- Again
Rear mounted bike racks can be done however they are problematic due to the excess bouncing that occurs (school bus effect)and the simple fact you can't see the bikes while traveling.
For those reasons I prefer an Arvika pin box bike rack. There is no bounce at the front end of the RV and bikes are always in view.
Arvika racks are made for 5'er and TT's.
I have been using an Arvika rack for about 7 years. I used the rack on my TT for a few years and the adapted it to my 5'er.
Arvika bike rack images
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Lantley
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05/19/13 06:20pm |
Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)
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RE: dual pane windows & weight
I opted not to get dual panes. There is no financial incentive to conserve heat/AC like in a stix & Brix because electric generally included in site fee.
Many proclaim how the dual panes block sound and the interior is much quieter, which maybe true however I have yet to have any noise issues. I'm not looking for absolute peace and quiet while camping. I can't justify the cost of the upgrade just based on sound reduction.
Lastly and maybe most importantly I am a weekend warrior and just don't camp enough to warrant the cost of dual panes, especially when there is no savings for reduced energy use.
I don't think the weight of the windows themselves is a factor at all. The additional weight is neglgible will not matter one way or another.
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Lantley
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05/19/13 05:51pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Whose fault is it!!! Follow up to "You forgot to do what".
So, who's fault is it Camping World or Thor's.
the only way to know is to get them to show you the build sheet they faxed/emailed to the manufacture .... that said, at this point I wouldn't really care and agree with those who recommend you immediately exit the area and start over with an outfit who cares
Jim
This is kind of silly. I was shown and had to sign the build sheet before my unit was ordered.
Did the OP not have to sign off on any official paperwork showing exactly what was being ordered?
Was the entire order placed word of mouth with a hand shake and no paperwork?
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Lantley
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05/19/13 08:16am |
Camping World RV Sales
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RE: Pets are NOT to be left unattended... what??
Like no alcohol policies the rule is definitely left open ended to allow CG owners to any easy way to expel campers with a dog that won't stop barking and is disturbing others.
The Barking does not have meet anyone definition of loud. Nor does the CG have to prove that the dog was disturbing anyone.
If the dog is left unattended in or outside of the RV than the CG has a rule/reason to expel the culprit if necessary.
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Lantley
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05/18/13 02:30pm |
Beginning RVing
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RE: 8,500 lbs plus dry weight
jwstewar I checked out your picture and honestly it doesn't look OK to me but I knew it wouldn't. TT and truck appear nose high. Ground appears sloping but combo is not. But that may be just my take due to the angle of the picture.
AS to how well the combo tows it gets very subjective.
What you consider OK, I probably would call inadequate. What you refer to as working it is probably unacceptable to me. I want to tow wherever I want, without regard to terrain or grades. I tow frequently and prefer not to be fatigued or concerned about the capabilities of my rig. More importantly I want the tow to be relaxing. I don't want to "work it".
I have towed lots of things before where I've had to work it, which was to use your words is OK, however I do not want to tow in that manner in my spare time for recreation. My goal is to go somewhere neat with the family and relax. I prefer a combo that is capable of allowing me to relax and not work it.
Staying within all the towing parameters allows the driver to relax. As a combo strays away from the parameters,more work is required of the driver and the relaxation factor decreases.
Staying within the parameters allows you to relax on a good day. It also gives you more margin for error on a bad day,when the wind is blowing,the rain is pouring, or the traffic in front of you suddenly stops. Bad day scenarios are the real reason I choose to tow with a capable combo that is with in its parameters vs. one that is not or one that is OK.
But in the end what I think really doesn't matter. It's your rig and your combo. If you are content and satisfied with how it performs than that's all that matters.
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Lantley
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05/18/13 06:25am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: 8,500 lbs plus dry weight
We have a Jayco 32BHDS. It weighs 7984 as shipped from the factory. I'm towing it with the '99 1500 Silverado in my signature. Looking to upgrade. But probably not for another year or so. Haven't weighed it loaded, but I know with 5 of us and all of our toys (5 bikes, 2 grills, full of water, extra 35 gallons of water, etc), I know we are heavy and over our weight limits. The truck actually does OK and sits level. If you were to just "look" at it, you would have no clue it is over weight.
I think I could tell by looking. But I have an idea of the weights and tow ratings involved. I also believe once you upgrade and tow your TT with a more capable truck. You will realize that your current set up doesn't really perform as well as you thought. My comments are not meant to bash your set up, but to point out that many feel they are fine until they eventually use the correct vehicle and learn from the driver's seat they were just getting by. This idea applies to vehicles of all sizes not just 1/2 tons.
I towed my prior 10K loaded 11k GVW TT with a 7.3 PSD Excursion.
AS mentioned most 3/4 ton vehicles with diesels or big blocks are capable of hauling the larger bunkhouses without issue.
I also towed the same TT w a V-10 X as well. The PSD did a much better job. But the V-10 was capable as well.
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Lantley
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05/17/13 10:25pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Memorial Day weekend, where will you be?
I leave the holiday weekends for the workin' stiffs.
I imagine that's a good idea. If I wasn't one of those working stiffs i'd avoid the holidays as well.
However since I'm a stiff myself I can't pass up the extra camping day the holiday provides.
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Lantley
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05/17/13 06:53am |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: NYC campground recommendations
You might also consider Croton Point Park. It is on the Hudson River north of the city. Rate is about $50 per night for full hookup. You can take the train to the city. About a 30 minute trip.
In fact we will be arriving there today. We plan to be there for a week.
Croton Park is a great place however the train ride to the city is more than 30 minutes. It's more like 75-90 minutes if I recall
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Lantley
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05/17/13 04:35am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Warranty work refused
call me crazy, but they seemed to have " lost a potential customer."
when you traveled 700 miles away to another dealer to buy something you could have bough locally..
Not justifying their decision,but understand it...
Bryan
I have to respectfully disagree. They get paid from Lance to do warranty work on "Lance" campers not just campers they sell. Most dealers are more than happy to do warranty work for this reason and if you are there hanging out while your work is being done you're bound to wonder around their store and buy more stuff.
They do not get paid full rate or even at all if repair is not approved by Lance. All warranty claims are not approved . Approval is not automatic and subject to Lance's discretion.
Furthermore there are parts to be returned paperwork to fill out and up to a 60 day payment window.
Dealers are willing to endure this for units they sold however for units they did not sell, that have local owners many dealers do not feel obliged to play the warranty game. It is a loosing proposition for them
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Lantley
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05/17/13 04:27am |
Truck Campers
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RE: found new tongue-mounted bike rack system
Looks interesting. A nice alternative to the Arvika racks. I would prefer a rack that supported the bikes from underneath vs. a rack that suspends bike by supporting them from above. Nevertheless looks like a nice alternative.
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Lantley
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05/17/13 03:30am |
Hybrid Travel Trailers
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RE: Bed tonneau covers
When I save up all my allowance, I'm getting a Roll N Lock bed cover. Surprised no one has mentioned it . Very high quality and good reviews. Expensive but you get what you pay for.
I have found that it's not a matter of which cover you like but which cover will fit without contacting pin box in tight turns. While I like them the most,the roll up type seem to be the worst for my scenario.
The tracks used to support the rolling covers interfere with the pin box during tight turns. I eventually ruined a Retrax cover before eventually going with a Bak Flip G2 cover that fits my set up much better.
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Lantley
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05/17/13 03:23am |
Fifth-Wheels
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