| |
Subject |
Author |
Date Posted |
Forum
|
 |
RE: Charging antimony-free VRLA batteries without float
As a practical matter, my Deka AGM batteries are 5 years old, and they have been on charge 24/7 when we are not on the road. My converter is a Xantrex that puts out a float of 13.6 volts. The batteries seem to be performing fine.
|
Clattertruck
|
05/10/13 03:43pm |
Tech Issues
|
|
RE: Nash 25C or Lance 2185 Travel Trailer?
Woodglue,
Just an FYI, formaldehyde has no odor.
Mary Kay
Please be corrected:
A gas at room temperature formaldehyde is colorless and has a characteristic pungent, irritating odor. In view of its widespread use, toxicity and volatility, exposure to formaldehyde is a significant consideration for human health.
|
Clattertruck
|
05/05/13 04:19pm |
Travel Trailers
|
|
RE: hog wild - a trip report
Good report. I agree that it is so disgusting to find wonderful places victimized by trash spreaders.
|
Clattertruck
|
04/21/13 06:59pm |
Truck Campers
|
|
RE: MPG
A few years ago the Caterpillar Company had an excellent document on Coach / RV performance..
Factors affecting performance / fuel mileage
Driver
Route selection
Vehicle speed
Weight
Frontal area and coefficient of drag
Grade
Climate / ambient conditions
Fuel
GVW or GCW
Idle time
Tires
For example, they say the difference between the best and worst drivers can be as much as 20%.
Vehicle speed above 55mph becomes a huge factor. The horsepower needed to overcome Air Resistance increases as a cubic function of vehicle speed.
|
Clattertruck
|
02/27/13 05:54am |
Travel Trailers
|
|
RE: Towing Lance 1685 with a Toyota 4Runner?
Thanks everyone for the input. Before ordering the trailer I will do some test towing with a friends rig, I may trade the 4Runner for something more capable.
Ron
|
Clattertruck
|
02/03/13 06:51am |
Travel Trailers
|
|
Towing Lance 1685 with a Toyota 4Runner?
I'm looking into this combination knowing that it will be way down from the performance of my F450 6.4 ltr. However, is it doable if I keep the trailer weight under 5000 lbs.?
The Lance is 3405 lbs dry with a GVWR of 5400 lbs.
The 2011 Trail Model has a V6 rated at 270 hp and 278 lb-ft. The WB is 109.8 inches. towing capacity 5000 lbs.
I would use a WD hitch, and add trans cooling etc.
Ron
|
Clattertruck
|
02/01/13 09:31am |
Travel Trailers
|
|
RE: Truck Camper a truck or RV
We took the Marine Hwy several years ago from Valdez to Belingham. Our truck camper was about 25 ft. The fee was $2600. I hope you realize that you cannot stay in the camper. You will need a stateroom or sleep in a chair. The trip was about 5 or 6 days.
|
Clattertruck
|
01/26/13 03:23pm |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
|
|
RE: Truck Camping - Silverton/Ouray, CO....Questions
We like Ouray because my wife has an altitude problem. When I go on the high trails she can stay in town and enjoy the hot pool. It is about 7500 to 7800 ft in town.
|
Clattertruck
|
01/18/13 01:26pm |
Truck Campers
|
|
RE: "Desert pinstripes" from branches -- what to do?
Ignore the stripes. I have had them on most of my vehicles, and that allows me to go into parking lots without worry.
|
Clattertruck
|
12/24/12 11:18am |
Truck Campers
|
|
RE: Whazoo's Thanksgiving at the Cosmic Ashtray/Golden Cathedral
You twist my desert loving heart when you do an adventure out there. As usual, a fine report with great photos. I envy you and Mrs. Whazoo being able to hike. Starting Dec. 31st I'll be having both knees replaced (at different times). By June I hope to be able to get more than 50 feet from the truck.
Ron
|
Clattertruck
|
12/13/12 08:37am |
Truck Campers
|
|
RE: Ever had a rear tire go flat on your SRW while loaded?
If you're worried about flats, consider this:
3) The front tire of a dually is usually smaller and rated for less than a SRW front tire.
4) A dually tire that is low on pressure is not as obvious and could take out the good one if it overheats and blows.
Duallys have the same size tires front and rear about 99 percent of the time. I have never seen otherwise. I have had an inside blow out, which did not damage to the outside tire. That's not to say it could not happen.
|
Clattertruck
|
12/09/12 06:40pm |
Truck Campers
|
|
RE: Tire chains DRW ....winter camping..need help
Drive up on a board under the inside wheel and then chain up the outside wheel. Many years ago I tried full dual chains, and what a mess. That's a job invented by the devil.
|
Clattertruck
|
11/29/12 06:52am |
Truck Campers
|
|
RE: Honda 2000i Generator, how long do they last
One of the keys to starting is to turn the fuel on and wait 3 or 4 minutes then pull. Usually one or two pulls will start it. It seem the carb fuel tops off slowly.
|
Clattertruck
|
11/24/12 01:04pm |
Tech Issues
|
|
RE: Honda 2000i Generator, how long do they last
I have used various Hondas commercialy since the early 1980s had have never had a problem. I have a couple of 2000i gennies that have been perfect for 8 years.
|
Clattertruck
|
11/24/12 05:03am |
Tech Issues
|
|
RE: Whazoo and Dadwolf's Excellent Adventure
Whazoo said "Mr. Clattertruck, If I remember correctly they found the bones of Everett Ruess over on Comb Ridge about the time we camped there a few years ago. Poor guy".
The latest on the story is in a new book by David Roberts FINDING EVERETT RUESS published in 2011. The bones that were found were not Ruess's (DNA etc.). The mystery goes on.
Ron
|
Clattertruck
|
11/16/12 07:52am |
Truck Campers
|
|
RE: Whazoo and Dadwolf's Excellent Adventure
What a compelling adventure! I hurts my old bones to see the difficulty of slot canyon exploration. Even in my younger times, I would not follow you guys. I expected you would come upon the bones of Everett Ruess who was the young poet who disappeared into the canyons in the 1930s. Those donkey balls may have belonged to his burro.
Great story and photos,
Ron
|
Clattertruck
|
11/16/12 05:08am |
Truck Campers
|
|
RE: Little Grand Canyon and Wedge Overlooks of Utah
I guess going in January would be out of the question.... what do you think.... thought I might go across the country from NY on 70 and take that is on the way to Q, Az..
The altitude on top is about 6000 ft. (1910m). Should there be snow, the roads are not plowed in the winter. Be careful.
|
Clattertruck
|
11/15/12 06:55pm |
Truck Campers
|
|
Little Grand Canyon and Wedge Overlooks of Utah
The Little Grand Canyon and Wedge Overlooks of Utah
The San Rafael Swell, approximately 75 miles by 40 miles, consists of a giant dome-shaped anticline of sandstone, shale, and limestone that was pushed 60-40 million years ago. Toward the north side, The San Rafael River has sculpted a beautiful a 1200 ft. deep canyon. My wife and I wanted to find the Wedge area, which I had read about. We had been to the north side of the Swell before, but we had not explored it much.
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u164/Clattertruck/2012%20Wedge%20and%20Little%20Grand%20Canyon/001A-DSC1472CE640.jpg
In September we camped at the Green River KOA, which we always use when staying in Green River . This was the first of two fall trips to the Swell. The air was heavy with smoky haze from forest fires in the north and west.
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u164/Clattertruck/2012%20Wedge%20and%20Little%20Grand%20Canyon/001-DSC1953CE640.jpg
In the morning we went west on I-70. Soon you hit the San Rafael Reef, which is the face of the Swell. When I-70 was constructed, crews moved 3.5 million cubic yards of rock. The work continued from 1970 to 1980 when it was the last section of I-70 to be constructed.
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u164/Clattertruck/2012%20Wedge%20and%20Little%20Grand%20Canyon/002-Wedge001f640.jpg
We took the Jeep Liberty and headed west to Exit 131 where we turned north on the Cottonwood road. you are on the right road if it parallels I-70 going east for a ways until it swings north to the Buckhorn Draw. The exit is about 30 miles from Green River.
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u164/Clattertruck/2012%20Wedge%20and%20Little%20Grand%20Canyon/003-DSC1518CE640.jpg
The tableland is spotted with formations of varied color, which is typical of the sand rock country of southern Utah. We always welcome the desert hues.
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u164/Clattertruck/2012%20Wedge%20and%20Little%20Grand%20Canyon/004-DSC1523CE640.jpg
With the sun to our backs the haze was not too difficult to fix photographically.
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u164/Clattertruck/2012%20Wedge%20and%20Little%20Grand%20Canyon/008-DSC1556CE640.jpg
The road comes to the San Rafael River where the historic Swinging Bridge crosses it. The 160ft. bridge was finished in 1937 by the civilian Conservation Corps. It is no longer used but you can walk on it. A new bridge is a few feet to the east.
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u164/Clattertruck/2012%20Wedge%20and%20Little%20Grand%20Canyon/010-DSC1550cCE640.jpg
The San Rafael River was starkly low, only a small trickle..
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u164/Clattertruck/2012%20Wedge%20and%20Little%20Grand%20Canyon/013-DSC1589c640.jpg
When we found the overlooks, the smoke ruined the views. This is the Wedge Overlook
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u164/Clattertruck/2012%20Wedge%20and%20Little%20Grand%20Canyon/014-DSC1615c640.jpg
Not far away, the Little Grand Canyon Overlook was suffering the same haze seemed to have excellent potential.
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u164/Clattertruck/_DSC1659CEv640Sept.jpg
Later, I beat the scene into a froth using Photoshop and savaged it somewhat.. I vowed to come back in clear air.
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u164/Clattertruck/2012%20Wedge%20and%20Little%20Grand%20Canyon/015-DSC1627c640.jpg
Margot sat at a picnic bench ad worked on some yarn.
We waited a while for the light to change to no avail.
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u164/Clattertruck/2012%20Wedge%20and%20Little%20Grand%20Canyon/016-DSC1628640.jpg
Margot instructed me to stay away from the canyon lip. I have to have my stick with me or I might dodder off into oblivion.
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u164/Clattertruck/2012%20Wedge%20and%20Little%20Grand%20Canyon/017-DSC1595camping-srea640.jpg
There are camp sites along the canyon rim. We were surprised at how good the road is. The motor home made it just fine.
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u164/Clattertruck/2012%20Wedge%20and%20Little%20Grand%20Canyon/018-DSC1607CE640.jpg
There was a truck camper nestled in the juniper trees (often called cedar).
We went back to Green River KOA, and in the morning we traveled as far south as Blanding trying for better atmospherics. No luck, so we went home to Colorado.
October 12 brought a return to the Swell with my friend Steve who is a compatriot photographer. He is a youngster in his sixties. Steve is an expert on making big panoramas up to 8 ft. long.
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u164/Clattertruck/2012%20Wedge%20and%20Little%20Grand%20Canyon/020-DSC1928c640.jpg
Steve working east of Green River when the storms blanketed the area. I posted my storm photos under "Desert Storms".
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u164/Clattertruck/2012%20Wedge%20and%20Little%20Grand%20Canyon/005-DSC1986CE640.jpg
Back to the Buckhorn Draw road. Because of the heavy rains the previous day the road had some slight damage.
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u164/Clattertruck/2012%20Wedge%20and%20Little%20Grand%20Canyon/006-DSC1995CEV640.jpg
Bristling rocks guide the way to he Buckhorn Draw.
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u164/Clattertruck/2012%20Wedge%20and%20Little%20Grand%20Canyon/007-DSC2005CE640.jpg
Bottleneck Peak stands ready as a guard for the approach to the Buckhorn Narrows.
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u164/Clattertruck/2012%20Wedge%20and%20Little%20Grand%20Canyon/009-DSC2017CE640.jpg
The San Rafael Bridge looking from north to south.
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u164/Clattertruck/2012%20Wedge%20and%20Little%20Grand%20Canyon/011-DSC2024CE640.jpg
Water in the San Rafael River running heavy with the burden of the storms.
The road up the Buckhorn Canyon was very slimy as a result no doubt of road people putting down mag-chloride to keep dust down during the summer tourist season. It makes a mess when mixed with rain.
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u164/Clattertruck/2012%20Wedge%20and%20Little%20Grand%20Canyon/022-DSC2072CEfpwSky640b.jpg
The Little Grand Canyon. The vista reveals the river winding its way through canyons of changing widths, surrounded by multi- layered cliffs, buttes, domes, and spires. In the middle distance is the unseen Buckhorn at the river crossing.
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u164/Clattertruck/2012%20Wedge%20and%20Little%20Grand%20Canyon/023-DSC2080CE640.jpg
The river bottom had fall yellow cottonwoods beaming among the greens along the waterway.
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u164/Clattertruck/2012%20Wedge%20and%20Little%20Grand%20Canyon/024-DSC2095CEVfsky640.jpg
Wedge Overlook. It faces across the San Rafael to a side canyon on the south.
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u164/Clattertruck/2012%20Wedge%20and%20Little%20Grand%20Canyon/025-DSC2059CE640.jpg
Steve sits on the edge while shooting a pano.
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u164/Clattertruck/2012%20Wedge%20and%20Little%20Grand%20Canyon/pan6205-14forWeb.jpg
Wedge pano by Steve.
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u164/Clattertruck/2012%20Wedge%20and%20Little%20Grand%20Canyon/pan6106-12forWeb-1.jpg
Little Grand Canyon pano by Steve.
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u164/Clattertruck/2012%20Wedge%20and%20Little%20Grand%20Canyon/028-DSC2084CE640.jpg
We were amazed to find that we had cell coverage in the middle of nowhere. to the north we where able to see the tower on Cedar Mountain (to the right side).
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u164/Clattertruck/2012%20Wedge%20and%20Little%20Grand%20Canyon/030-DSC2098CE640.jpg
heading back down the Buckhorn there was good light on the fall cottonwoods.
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u164/Clattertruck/2012%20Wedge%20and%20Little%20Grand%20Canyon/031-DSC2110CEfTf640.jpg
An old timer.
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u164/Clattertruck/2012%20Wedge%20and%20Little%20Grand%20Canyon/032-DSC2113CEf640.jpg
Trees at the rock art panel.
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u164/Clattertruck/2011%20San%20Rafael%20Swell/_DSC6242CE640.jpg
Example of the ancient art.
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u164/Clattertruck/2012%20Wedge%20and%20Little%20Grand%20Canyon/033-DSC8661CE.jpg
The epic erosion has done strange things to the dusky red walls. How does this one survive high winds?
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u164/Clattertruck/2012%20Wedge%20and%20Little%20Grand%20Canyon/034-DSC2125CE640.jpg
Buckhorn sand rocks. The color red permeates most of Southern Utah. A geologist could point out the layers such as: Chinle, Wingate, Kayenta, Moenkopi, and Navajo Sandstone.
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u164/Clattertruck/2012%20Wedge%20and%20Little%20Grand%20Canyon/036-DSC2140CEf640.jpg
As I-70 goes east through the Reef there is a fine scenic viewpoint , which looks down on the highway and out to the La Sal mountains near Moab.
Ron
|
Clattertruck
|
11/14/12 11:26am |
Truck Campers
|
|
RE: MONTANA TRUCK CAMPER RALLY JULY 11TH-14TH 2013
May he be blessed with a trouble free rig forever.
|
Clattertruck
|
11/09/12 07:09pm |
Truck Campers
|
|
RE: Trip report-Fall Camping-Our favorite season
Your report inspires me to go to that area. Nice Photos.
|
Clattertruck
|
11/06/12 12:52pm |
Truck Campers
|
