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Subject |
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Date Posted |
Forum
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RE: Adding a Passenger Airbag Disable Switch to an F250
Might be some useful information on this FORD TRUCK FORUM
FORD TRUCK FORUM
Roy Ken
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RoyB
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02/28/15 06:20pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Newbie Lurker - TC Arctic Fox for Year round Living
Having aot of room for all my stuff was always a bad thing for us getting a truck camper. I have always thought the Truck Camper was for me over the years however.
I definitely would have to tow a Jeep to run around around in after getting setup somewhere...
Since I would be towing the JEEP then I would would not be able to tow a small utility trailer for all my other stuff...
For us I would almost have to go with a flat bed truck with the TC mounted just behind the truck cab. Then I could fill in all this space with cabinets and doors much like these google photos perhaps...
Flat bed trailer
http://www.starling-travel.com/wp-content/uploads/Truck-Camper-on-a-Flatbed-from-Starling-Travel.jpg height=400
Flat bed truck
http://www.hackneys.com/mitsu/mitsu-13.jpg height=400
Perhaps after going through all of this it would be easier to just get a suitable TT setup...
Downsizing all my camping junk and two way radio junk is not an option...
Roy ken
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RoyB
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02/28/15 05:31pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: What a day! Bad accident on the way to get TT
Since I have previously lived many years in the Wichita Falls TX area I seem to enjoy listening to their INTERNET POLICE RADIO here in Virginia. They installed a raised loop to get around the small town a few years back.
It sure has been a black ice nightmare for them of recent weeks. No one can maneuver up and down the steep access ramps...
Most of us can make it through the snow and all but ICE is a totally different animal... No one can survive the slow out of control spins...
Glad all is safe...
Roy Ken
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RoyB
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02/28/15 04:57pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Aiming directv dish
on my older manual Directv TRIPOD dish I just keep tabs on the signal strength on the setup page. If it is around 60%-80% good I am good to go...
Most of the time it runs around 90%-100%
I guess if you are dealing with HIGH DEF Digital TV it is more critical perhaps... I see alot of HOME HDTV setups tilted to side sometimes.
Roy Ken
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RoyB
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02/28/15 04:45pm |
Technology Corner
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RE: Simple 110V-12V car battery charger?
I have been carrying one of these 10/6/2 smart mode battery charger now for years. This is a very small footprint multimode charger and fits under my truck rear seat storage.
http://di1-2.shoppingshadow.com/images/pi/f4/04/9a/44103207-260x260-0-0_Black+Decker+Black+Decker+VEC1087CBD+10+Amp+6+Amp+.jpg height=300
VEC1087CBD
I do have problem sometimes using this as it will not stay out of ALARM MODE if the battery has really been discharged some. I have to charge at it lowest rate some before going to the higher mart mode charging mode...
Since my 2KW Honda Generator always sits secured in my covered tail gate area of my truck bed this is much better using to bring a slightly discharged battery rather then hitting it with a jumper cable with 100's of DC amps available. I get to run my generator then as well as it needs started sometimes too...
http://i.imgur.com/S2dJg.jpg height=300
You know what we retired guys do taking the wife to the grocery store and end up sitting in the parking lot playing with the Ham Radio waiting on Momabear running down the Truck start battery...
Roy Ken
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RoyB
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02/28/15 02:48pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: I remember when----???? (camping version).
We ere avid tent camper from back in the 60s and 70s when living in the Tempe AZ area.
Every chance we got we load up our Jeep trailer and head for the Arizona Highlands... Much like these google images..
http://www.expeditionportal.com/adventures/past/2005/Jerome/JeromeandSmileyRock/images/DSCF6452.jpg height=300
http://i.imgur.com/zmhojgd.jpg height=300
Not much changed since then as we still tent camp alot here in the high country of Virginia... we also OFF-ROAD camp alot as well with OFF-ROAD Camper setup..
It is all in what you like to do...
http://i.imgur.com/35voHeR.jpg height=400
http://i.imgur.com/YZMuX.jpg height=300
we can camp off our batteries for a good 12-14 days and do just about the same style of camping we do at electric sites.
Roy ken
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RoyB
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02/28/15 09:09am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Suburban Water Heater Issue
Does your gas stove top also work - In cold weather the propane tank regulator reacts to cold weather and doesn't work good sometimes.
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RoyB
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02/28/15 07:34am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Easyest route from Johnson City, TN to Gatlinburg, TN
Going to TWIN CREEKS from I40 on 321 at NEWPORT would be best bet... Be sure to watch out for the sharp LEFT TURN just as you clear COSBY where 321/73 heads on towards Gatlinburg. If you miss the turn it might be some difficulty getting turned around. The road East of the sharp turn I think gets very narrow just a short distance from there at the COSBY CAMP GROUND in the NATL PARK entrance.
We go to GATLINBURG many time from Northern Neck VA and I81 to EAST I40 and pick up 321 At Newport is always our way in.
Sometimes we camp at RIVERSEDGE RV PARK in Pigeon Forge and we will take the 411 exit off I40 before you get to NEWPORT and then take TN449 which comes out in Pigeon Forge at the DOLLYWOOD EXIT light which is just a couple of blocks away from RIVERSEDGE RV PARK...
The traffic is real bad in the Sevierville/Pigeopn Forge areas on the weekends that the antique cars drag up and down the main blvd. Others times it is just heavy to bad...
Of course we always love to go visit the SMOKY MTN KNIFE WORKS on TN66 Sevierville Exit off of I40 WEST which is another must see place for you..
Roy Ken
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RoyB
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02/27/15 10:14am |
Roads and Routes
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RE: Plugged new TT into 220v (wired wrong by electrician) HELP?!
2-MTnesters - Thanks for the comment check...
I was listing what we all should be doing and looking for regarding 30AMP and 50AMP RV Wiring... If it confuses the OP then I would be glad to remove the comments...
Roy Ken
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RoyB
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02/27/15 07:08am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Plugged new TT into 220v (wired wrong by electrician) HELP?!
Most legit licensed Electricians are BONDED just for this. Their Insurance should cover everything that has failed from their doings.
Now if your Brother-in-Law was the Electrician doing this on the side then all bets are off for getting any help...
Performing this simple AC VOLTMETER test would have caught the mistake wiring right away...
http://rvtravel.com/uploads/1/50_Amp_240V_metered.JPG height=400
http://www.noshockzone.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/20-30_Amp_120V-metered.jpg height=400
Pictorials from GOOGLE IMAGES
Even though you see 240VAC listed in the 50AMP pictorial keep in mind the 50AMP Trailers normally have two 50AMP 120VAC ZONES and only the very high end trailers would tap into the 240VAC usually for the washer/Dryer combos...
RV 50AMP Distribution
http://www.dmbruss.com/images/FullTimingLifeStyle/Adapters/50ampRVDistribution2.jpg height=300
RV 30AMP Distribution
http://www.dmbruss.com/images/FullTimingLifeStyle/Adapters/30ampRVDistribution.jpg height=300
Drawings by DMBRUSS
Alot of us probably would do just what you did and turn it ON to see if all works ok. In hindsight you probably should have tested the circuit yourself first before plugging into it just like we do before plugging into the 30A and 50A pedestals at the campgrounds...
Since you are looking at thousands of dollars here I most definitely would let the professionals handle everything..
Just my thoughts
Roy Ken
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RoyB
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02/27/15 06:47am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Laptop set-up like Desktop?
The DELL XPS LAPTOPs can use one of these DELL D3100 DOCKING STATIONs that will plug into the DELL LAPTOP USB 3.0 connection.
This will run multiple HD Monitors and other devices.
I'm sure other LAPTOPs can do this as well...
I have been using the DELL M90 WORKSTATION laptops doing this for years using a standard DELL DOCKING station that connects to the laptop from a large bottom connector. You just snap the laptop into the large connection and it locks in place.
I really have not had a DESKTOP computer for years now. It is so neat to always carry everything with you when you move around.
My DELL M90 is a XP-PRO operating system which is out-dated now and I have been sort of in a hold now saving up my monies to get a WIN 8 DELL Workstation laptop. I can also use the XPS docking station that would plug into the USB 3.0 port and do almost the same thing alot cheaper...
I am looking on the DELL OFF-LEASE COMPUTERS sites where you can get a real good deal on a certified high end DELL workstation laptop.
Roy Ken
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RoyB
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02/25/15 04:03pm |
Technology Corner
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RE: A "preferred" cigarette lighter cellular charger???
Mex - I have two of these in my TRUCK setup. One up front and one in the back of the center console. Oh just remembered there is a third on inside the truck center console. Think they all came from WALMART or LOWES... Having the DUAl PORTs at each location is great...
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x104/sidewinderdotcomdotau/USB/usb-mk2_zps3936993b.jpg height=200
I also added a couple of these BLUE SEA permanent mount type sockets in my off-road trailer.
https://dh778tpvmt77t.cloudfront.net/images/products/1016.jpg height=200
I have alot of USB CHARGER connections these days between the Ham Radio, Cellphones, and computers etc...
I would think the permanent mount type like from BLUE SEA would be the most quality unit. Plugging an adapter into a 12VDC socket is only as good as the connection it makes. Some of those 12V cig lighter sockets are not very high quality connections...
If I am going to install a cig lighter connection and plug in my off-road trailer for something I would purchase a matched set from BLUE SEA for best results. This is especially good for max DC AMPs you are requiring to use. Bad connections always results in heat as you are very aware of...
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/7183xeXA%2B7L._SX522_.jpg height=300
Roy Ken
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RoyB
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02/25/15 10:20am |
Technology Corner
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RE: new PC for rig
I was setup pretty good using my OLDER DEL M90 LAPTOP WORKSTATION with a DELL DOCKING station setup. I was running dual 24-inch monitors, ext keyboard and special equipment supporting my HAM RADIO and MARS RADIO comms. I am also very interested in AUTOCAD DRAWINGS and such in the electronic design world.
We are also doing aot of photos.
I was never able to upgrade my older WINDOWS XP-plus operating system to WIN 7 or WIN 8 so have sort of gone on hold now saving up to purchase a WIN 8 DELL Workstation series LAPTOP using the DELL DOCKING STATION concept.
Having the LAPTOP was the best solution for us as we can just grab the LAPTOP from the house and plug-it into the RV setup and continue on.
We lived out of mulitple portable USB HARD DRIVES however for storage of things...
The big downside for us was getting high speed internet connections when we needed it. Our solution was the VERIZON MIFI units but it does not support anything like you are asking for...
I notice HUGHES SATELLITE is now advertising high speed MOBILE internet using satellite. My past experience doing this in my working years was not good. Maybe HUGHES is on to something now -
HUGESNET
good luck...
Roy Ken
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RoyB
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02/25/15 09:43am |
Technology Corner
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RE: Axle Ratio and tow rating
We selected the middle ratio for us...
The 4:10 give you most towing weights and least fuel mileage
The 3:73 gives the best of both worlds for towing weights and fuel mileage
The 3:55 gives least towing weights and best fuel mileage.
Those were the options I have on my 2010 FORD TRUCK. I notice the lowest 3:55 is not offered on the newer trucks now.
Roy Ken
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RoyB
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02/24/15 02:00pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Parasitic loads - GM trucks & SUV's
Once the start batteries get discharged the first time they just are not the same anymore for holding a charge especially in cold weather.
I am fighting the same thing on my 2010 truck with it's original battery. If I don't drive it much the battery will turn on the interior lights ok and move the seat forward when you put in the ignition key but not enough juice to turn it over.
I do a five minute trickle charge and it fire right up and hold the charge all day long running my errands.
I am going to add one of those Solar 5-watt charger that sits on the dash. This is always in the sun all day long so should keep my battery up pretty good when sitting... I will just plug this into one of always HOT cig lighter sockets
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61ys5-6xXSL._SX425_.jpg height=300
I notice AMAZON has one for $49 - just be sure they have the reverse diode feature to keep from running down your battery hen not in the high sun...
Replacing my battery with the OEM ford version is a couple hundred dollar it appears...
Roy Ken
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RoyB
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02/24/15 11:25am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Oh crap!
It would probably be easier to clean up if you was in Australia. They always claim the poop pyramid forms the other direction DOWN UNDER... hehe
When I first started reading this I thought it as going to be a going down the highway situation leaving a trail haha...
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RoyB
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02/24/15 09:12am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Bringing a generator with to a FHU campground?
My 2KW Generator lives in the tail gate corner of my locked and covered truck bed. It goes where I go. There has been many times I got to use my generator to jump start dead batteries and help someone.
I guess this brings up a question I have about what a camp ground would do if they lost 120VAC power for long periods of time. I have never been at campground that lost power for long length of time yet. Most everywhere we go here on the East side of the US all seem to have generator run time restrictions in place. I have not found any public place that allowed the generator to run after 8PM at night.
I am assuming the campground would allow anyone to use their generator if they lost commercial power??? Maybe they just don't enforce the NO generator rules...
Of course with our robust OFF-ROAD setup it wouldn't bother us at all. Now way would I miss NCIS on the HDTV hehe...
Roy Ken
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RoyB
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02/24/15 08:42am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Wire Size to Connect 2 12V Batteries?
My thinking is 4AWG cable being so much available and does not coat all that much I use this gauge for all my two up to four battery wiring projects. All of my wiring uses the appropriate sized ring terminals. I always use equal lengths when wiring is used together for like connections.
I buy 25-foot spools of Marine Grade ANCOR cable purchased from EBAY STOREs for around $50 and cut my own DC cables. I also use a 8-ton hand crimper and adhesive heat shrink ends when using the ANCOR BRAND Ring Terminals. All of my 12VDC connection use the battery component stubs just about everywhere.
I also use BLUE SEA HD Switches, Terminals, Fuse Blocks, etc for all my 12VDC projects.
This allows me to make changes when needed and not have to do the wiring all over again...
Roy Ken
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RoyB
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02/24/15 08:14am |
Tech Issues
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RE: bat wing upgrade?
Actually there is no such as a HD ANTENNA. The DIGITAL TV just uses higher frequencies which is why you need to add the UHF DIPOLES add-on to the BATWING antenna...
All of the HD signal decoding requirements is done at the HD TV receiver side of things - not the antenna.
Roy Ken
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RoyB
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02/23/15 07:46pm |
Technology Corner
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RE: Freightliner & Truck Camper
Bunch of more photos on this site...
I bet you could rig something up to work... The only drawback is the overall height - what is that 13'6" ???
http://www.powersrv.com/Portals/6/PropertyAgent/554/Images/292404.jpg height=400
SPORTCHASSIS FREIGHTLINER
Roy Ken
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RoyB
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02/23/15 06:42pm |
Truck Campers
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