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RE: Bear bell for dog?
Thanks all for the kind words and advice!!! I know it was a stupid stupid thing to do. I usually have her leashed while out like that mainly because of rattlesnakes. Or if we get to a ledge too tall or steep for her I can reach down and pick her up. I even had the darn leash in my pocket!!!
But the sage brush made it near impossible to use. I think I may also invest in a baby carrier!!!
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~DJ~
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05/13/13 03:47pm |
RV Pet Stop
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RE: Golf cart fell off the ramps while loading
Yeah, the video guy is going to have to do something else to unload that thing getting it past the wheel wells. The winch may drag it in but not out!!
I have been loading quads in my truck for many years. I see your problem as the strap angle, going from each ramp to the center of your truck to the hitch.
The strap needs to have a straight pull to do its job otherwise you may as well not use them. I hook my straps from the center of the ramp to directly ahead to the bottom of the bumper. I have ladder style ramps so do not need traction material but yours may need it.
I would scrap the winch idea. Real PITA to install and will be a 2 man job to load/unload. One to steer going up and one to power it out against the winch until the cart started down the ramp. Or a lot of running back and forth for one guy!!!
Another idea. One guy in our quad club drilled holes through the end of his ramps and matching holes in his tailgate. (Not clear thru)
He drops the gate, sets up the ramps, drops in the 4 pins (which are the correct size bolts). No muss, no fuss.
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~DJ~
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05/13/13 08:06am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Safest way to jack up the TT?
You certainly can jack up the side of your trailer. How else would you change a flat? But, depending on the terrain, may be risky not attached to a tow vehicle.
Another thread
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~DJ~
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05/13/13 07:36am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Truck camper meet-up at Overland Expo, Flagstaff, May
Thanks!!!
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~DJ~
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05/13/13 07:17am |
Truck Campers
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Bear bell for dog?
I went camping last week with my Boston. We were on a hike about 2 miles from the camper in a SW Idaho desert near Zeno Falls. The area is covered with waist high sage brush.
She is very good and always sticks close to me. But I went out on a very narrow ledge to try to take a pic of the Falls. I left her standing at the top of a rock slide about 300 ft away.
When I returned she was gone. I could not find her anywhere. I hollered and searched and hollered and searched. I virtually ran back up the canyon and back to the camper to see if she went there.
Nope, not there. I returned to the Falls. I was frantic. It's been 2 hours now and I still can't find her. This area is lousy with rattlesnakes, birds of prey and coyotes. Then I catch a glimpse of her about 100 yds down into the canyon. I called to her but my voice echoed off the opposite canyon wall and she headed in that direction.
After I got to where I last seen her it took another hour to find her again. She was almost in heat stroke. Very warm day and there was no way she could get to the creek for a drink, steep canyon walls.
I got water down her and poured on her and she laid in the shade of a bush until rested up.
Anyway, I had finally found her within 50 yards of when I first lost her. I shopped around town for a GPS dog tracker, all way too big for an 18# dog. A friend suggested a bear bell. I'm pretty sure I could have located her fairly fast had she been wearing one.
But my main concern here is that could it also attract predators? Maybe faster then I could have found her?
Here is the terrain I was in.
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo194/deejis-photos/IM002528_zps304e2df6.jpg
http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo194/deejis-photos/IM002531_zps94e3466d.jpg
I went up and down that canyon 4 times searching for her. I still feel like I have climbed a million stairs!!! But I am more thankful to have her home safe and sound.
I would appreciate any thoughts on the bell.
Thanks......DJ
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~DJ~
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05/12/13 07:44pm |
RV Pet Stop
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RE: Truck camper meet-up at Overland Expo, Flagstaff, May
Anyone know if there is an RV dump nearby? I will need to dump my tiny tanks before I set up!!
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~DJ~
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05/12/13 09:32am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Best performing compressor fridge?
It appears to me that Dometic products with Danfoss are leading the pack. I have also heard very good reviews of Truck Fridge but I don't know if it has the Danfoss system. They are also less expensive.
I have the Engel 45 but I don't want to go that route again. Takes up floor space and you have to stand on your head to get something that is always on the bottom so you have to take everything out!!!
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~DJ~
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05/12/13 07:49am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Changed the Faucet
Sweet!!!!
That is one of the things I like about RV's. Upgrades and mods are fun to do (usually!!) and gives you a sense of accomplishment!! :C
Whenever I can't get my hand into something I cal my wife over. But I have to keep reminding her "righty tighty, lefty loosey!!! :B
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~DJ~
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05/11/13 05:44am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Thinking about a Truck Fridge.
I love my ARB Fridge, which can be turned down on the temp and set to freeze mode.
http://www.northridge4x4.com/shop/catalogsearch/result/?q=fridge
Northridge 4x4 is in Bremerton, WA
The ARB will run on AC or DC
That is much like my Engel. I would really rather go with a "built in" to save floor space and to have a separate freezer. That is what I missed most about the Engel. No ice cubes!!!
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~DJ~
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05/11/13 05:38am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Thinking about a Truck Fridge.
... I read your post as one from a Mod.
Had I made my post as a Moderator, I would have signed it as:
Wayne
Moderator
My question was as I stated. Nothing more.
And since it made you angry is when I decided to close it. Life is too short to get mad at stuff like this Wayne!!! ;)
Your assumption is not true. For my part, I see/saw nothing to be "angry" about. As a moderator, I have several actions I could have taken, if I were "angry". You ask that the Thread be closed, why? Just because I did not understand and I ask a question?
As you posted, life is too short to get mad at stuff like this.
Wayne
LOL I guess we will have to start reading the same dictionary!! When some one says they are miffed I understand that as being PO'd!!
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~DJ~
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05/11/13 05:33am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Thinking about a Truck Fridge.
I know we are supposed to stop talking about gas fridges in this thread, but I want to point out one more thing that might be the big problem people are having with them.
They are not efficient like compressor fridges. In fact, they are probably 1/4 to 1/5 as efficient. This means you REALLY need to make sure the ducting and airflow is there so the parts that are trying to cool the mixture are able to do so. A compressor fridge you can practically shove into a closed closet and it will work, but an absorption fridge needs significant airflow over all of those fins. If a bird has built a nest in them or if the rv manufacturer thought it would be cute to have a 1 inch opening for ventilation, you are going to have cooling problems.
A 12V computer fan, drawing about 50mA would work wonders for improving the airflow over those fins. You could wire up a simple 8 bit microcontroller and thermister to have the fan come on when the ambient temperature around the fins is greater than 90 degrees or so.
Ok, last time I comment in this thread about gas fridges...back to the best compressor fridge for the OP.
I agree and understand this problem. It is even worse in a pop up where the heat can not go u through the roof but has to be vectored out of a side vent. The factory did put a fan in there to help suck out the heat. Thanks.
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~DJ~
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05/11/13 05:31am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Thinking about a Truck Fridge.
I would have your propane frig serviced.
Our 19 year old Dometic RM2201 propane frig will FREEZE the beer on a 100 degree day if I turn the thermostat too far.
+1 Jfet comments. LP is the way to go.
I've dumped a small fortune into these darn things. Wanna sell yours? :B
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~DJ~
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05/10/13 03:29pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Thinking about a Truck Fridge.
Sorry, I should have spelled it out better. What I was looking for was others who may have replaced the propane with 12 volt and hopefully have experience with the performance of a Truck Fridge.
I had no intention of this turning into a propane is better thread. Please close this thread and I will do my research elsewhere.
I made my posts as a member, not moderator. No reason to close the thread because I did not understand your point, that is why I ask. The first paragraph above is very clear, thanks.
To me, I don't think the thread turned into a propane is better thread. The thread did include much discussion on gas Fridge, but that was encouraged by the last sentence of your OP.
Hopefully, with your clarification of what you were looking for, there will be no more post on gas Fridges.
Wayne
I read your post as one from a Mod. And since it made you angry is when I decided to close it. Life is too short to get mad at stuff like this Wayne!!! ;)
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~DJ~
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05/10/13 03:28pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Thinking about a Truck Fridge.
DJ, are you saying your Engel starting making the dreaded vibrational noises AND it stopped cooling?
My Engel has gotten a bit noisy at times but it still cools like the first day I got it. The vibrations are unpredictable; sometimes it does, sometimes it doesnt. I am beginning to wonder if the compressor mounting has come loose or something.
I live on the road in August and September out west. Last summer I went with BOTH my propane fridge AND the Engel. I have a Lance 1030 and that big counter space between the dinette and the propane fridge is ABSOLUTELY PERFECT FOR MY ENGEL/NORCOLD 45! Lance has both a 110 and 12v outlet right at the back.
This was really the way to go for me. I kept ALL my drinks in the Engel and all my food in the absorption fridge. My absorp still works pretty well; I can usually get about 50-55 degrees below ambient temps. If it's 100 degrees out, I'm moving to some place higher. But I just dont open the absorp fridge much and that helps a great deal in hot temps.
I only have a single 31 AGM. But I do have a 140 watt solar panel that more than keeps up with it. My charge controller says I am occasionally putting out as much as 7 amps in good, full sun which is not uncommon in the summer in the West.
I never bought a single bag of ice last summer. That was nice not having to deal with ice.
Before I had solar, I took a fishing trip where I filled the Engel with fish fillets I had caught. These were room temp fillets and I used it as a freezer. After three days of probably running constantly, the Engel had run down BOTH of the starting batteries in my F350, diesel. These were very capable 27 group Interstates. This was when I wasnt using the camper. So, the electrical options for fridges will have to be coupled with SOME good charging source OR you will have to keep moving on the road to keep you batt(s) charged. I dont like moving that much, so I went solar.
I guess one could figure out a way to increase battery capacity. That isnt easy in the TC world.
I cant imagine being limited to a single 4 cu ft fridge for EVERYTHING. Not with as long as I spend on the road and in remote areas.
No sir!!! My Engel still works like new. Just way too noisy. I replaced the fan but did not help. It was my only cooler for my 88 Northstar after I ripped out the gas fridge. One Group 31 battery held it for 48 hours without recharge.
I have a store room next to my bedroom so I put it in there for an extra freezer. It got shut off the next day. Kept waking me from the next room. Maybe the garage will get it!!!
I think a 4.4 is pretty good sized for a small pop up TC. ,
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~DJ~
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05/10/13 03:25pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Thinking about a Truck Fridge.
I found a 4.4 cu ft model real close to the dimensions of my gas fridge.
The specs say 24 watts per hour. That is 2 amps per hour? If so that is right in the ball park with my Engel 45 which used 2.5/hour.
My Engel picked up a bad vibration after 2 seasons. :M Won't go that route again. $$$$$
Really tired of these gas fridges that can't cut hot weather. 60 degree beer in 100 degree weather BLOWS!!!
Respectfully, what is the point of your OP?
Was it a statement, or open for discussion?
You followed it with this post.
I'm so happy for you propane guys that have had good luck. I am going by MY past experience with a 1988 Northstar, 1992 Caribou, 2004 S&S and a 2007 SunLite, all with propane and none of them were safe to keep food!!!! (needs UNDER 45 degrees).
All campers I bought used except for the S&S. And it spent so much time in the shop trying to get the fridge to work I just gave up on it.
Then I bought my Engel. I had 34 degree beer no matter how level I was or the triple digit temps.
Hardcore off road campers (Four Wheel Camper) are now offering 12 volt fridges.
I just got back from the desert and I tell you what did work good. I had bought a 12 volt Igloo cooler from Costco. It is a less expensive unit without a thermostat. Runs constantly. I filled it with beer and plugged it into my truck. After a few hours when I reached my campsite I had ice cold beer!!! I unplugged it at bed time so it would not run the battery dead. But for what it is, worked good!!!
I have no problem with your experience, we each have our own. I am a bit miffed as to what was the point of your OP.
Wayne
Sorry, I should have spelled it out better. What I was looking for was others who may have replaced the propane with 12 volt and hopefully have experience with the performance of a Truck Fridge.
I had no intention of this turning into a propane is better thread. Please close this thread and I will do my research elsewhere.
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~DJ~
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05/10/13 07:11am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Thinking about a Truck Fridge.
I'm so happy for you propane guys that have had good luck. I am going by MY past experience with a 1988 Northstar, 1992 Caribou, 2004 S&S and a 2007 SunLite, all with propane and none of them were safe to keep food!!!! (needs UNDER 45 degrees).
All campers I bought used except for the S&S. And it spent so much time in the shop trying to get the fridge to work I just gave up on it.
Then I bought my Engel. I had 34 degree beer no matter how level I was or the triple digit temps.
Hardcore off road campers (Four Wheel Camper) are now offering 12 volt fridges.
I just got back from the desert and I tell you what did work good. I had bought a 12 volt Igloo cooler from Costco. It is a less expensive unit without a thermostat. Runs constantly. I filled it with beer and plugged it into my truck. After a few hours when I reached my campsite I had ice cold beer!!! I unplugged it at bed time so it would not run the battery dead. But for what it is, worked good!!!
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~DJ~
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05/09/13 03:15pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: I got a chuckle out of this...
Trollesh post ?
I didn't think so. Just some good natured "take a poke at" fun. :B
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~DJ~
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05/07/13 03:59pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Thinking about a Truck Fridge.
What do you mean by gas fridges? The engel 45 is electric, correct? Or do you mean you would rather have a thermoelectric fridge?
Sorry I was not very clear on that. My Engel was 12/110 and worked super before the vibration. Still works good just very annoying.
What I meant by gas fridge is the stock propane junkers they put in campers from the factory!!!
I am looking at the Truck Fridge TF 130 12/24 volt.
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~DJ~
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05/07/13 03:44pm |
Truck Campers
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Thinking about a Truck Fridge.
I found a 4.4 cu ft model real close to the dimensions of my gas fridge.
The specs say 24 watts per hour. That is 2 amps per hour? If so that is right in the ball park with my Engel 45 which used 2.5/hour.
My Engel picked up a bad vibration after 2 seasons. :M Won't go that route again. $$$$$
Really tired of these gas fridges that can't cut hot weather. 60 degree beer in 100 degree weather BLOWS!!!
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~DJ~
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05/07/13 01:51pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: I got a chuckle out of this...
Chevys do have more fru frus than Ford. Like the heated tailgate so your hands don't get cold when you have to push!!!!
90% of all Chevys are still on the road. There was the 10% that actually made it home!!!
:B:B:B
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~DJ~
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05/07/13 07:20am |
Tow Vehicles
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