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Date Posted |
Forum
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RE: Slide out while hitched
We do it often with our rig.
In an emergency I would PREFER to be hitched up. Your choice.
X-2
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DustyWV
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06/12/13 03:26am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: icky texas coast
How many fish you catch n Az?
Just as many as I caught in TX.
LOL.
Of course, fresh TX wild gulf shrimp is worth the trip alone. Oysters in Port Lavaca ain't half bad either.
I am a Winter Texan and spent last winter (Nov - April) in Rio Hondo and its hard to beat wild gulf shrimp and fresh caught Speckled Sea Trout. The 28 mph SE breeze was nice also.
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DustyWV
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06/04/13 03:26am |
Snowbirds
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RE: Camera - what lenses
The answers are really determined by your price range and how much weight you want to carry. You can easily spend thousands and DSLR body and high quality long lenses. The other option and probably what I would go for, is a reasonable body from Canon or Nikon (both have bodies in the $500-$1000) that is comfortable for you and get something like the Tamron 18-270mm lens. That will make for a reasonably compact walking around camera that will allow you to do reasonable zooms. Of course, with the extreme zooms like this, you are sacrificing some quality and speed. If you wanted more reach, you could go with a Sigma 50-500mm, but also more money.
In contrast, if you really want to reach out and take the best possible wildlife pictures, you can always go with a Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Lens or a Cannon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Autofocus Lens. Of course, one of these lenses would set you back 11K or 13K respectively.
I personally use an older Canon DSLR and an older version of the Tamron lens except in the 18-200mm range. The 18-270mm wasn't out at the time. I previously had some big lenses that were very high quality, but found that I got to where I left them home most of the time because I simply didn't want to carry them around when I was just hiking. Like I said, it is all a tradeoff. I went with one of the super zooms because I only wanted to carry one lens and it has worked reasonably well. Admittedly, I do miss the speed of nicer lenses at times, but overall, I've been very happy with the switch.
X2 on the above.
I spend the past winter in south Texas near Brownsville and South Padre Island with all of the migrating bird routes.
My equip: Canon D60 Refurbished (Canon discounted price with a 90 day
warranty).
150 - 500 MM Sigma lens with stabilization.
Several other lenses that could have been replaced with a 50 - 500 MM.
Downsize is the weight of these on a everyday camera. My personal choice for a good utility lens 28 - 200 shorty does it all and when you need hang the long lens on it.
You need stabilization on the long lens.
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DustyWV
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05/26/13 06:04am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Firestone Airbags 2013 Silverado
I have had the Firestone bags on my truck for three years. I use it to help with the load of the trailer, I have hauled 2.5 tons of stone in the back with them, and lower the pressure and they ride just fine. I just bought the pump kit for them and it is sitting on the kitchen island now. I wanted it for a time like now when I tow to a camp site then want to lower the pressure to drive around but need it back up when it is time to go.
My brother went the same route towing his fifth wheel. He bought the Firestone Air Bags with the level ride and on board compressor. What a difference in the ride and general attitude of the vehicle, so harshness at all driving empty or loaded.
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DustyWV
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05/20/13 04:30am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Looking to buy my first duramax.
I am looking at a 03 crewcab GMC duramax loaded. It has 270,000 miles and it just had 8 new injectors put in. Runs and looks great!! few cosmetic issues but I can get truck for 11,500. I feel this is a good price. Any thoughts ???? it is 4x4
The only problem I have with this vehicle is that it is nearing the end of its service life based on the mileage. Look around as there are units out there with less than 150,000 for $25000 or less.
The main thing is that you need to take your time and be patient. Go on the web and do a search. The Duramax is a splendid platform, but very expense to repair when things go wrong. The Duramax does hold its value very well and I was able to purchase a 08 extended cab 4x2 LT 1 LMM with 91,000 mls. The vehicle needed a new set of batteries which the selling dealer and I split 50%.
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DustyWV
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05/16/13 08:57am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Left stranded night before Thanksgiving...
wes robinson, what is a PM?
Private message.
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DustyWV
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05/16/13 08:39am |
Good Sam Roadside Assistance
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RE: Left stranded night before Thanksgiving...
2 points...
First- I just received Good Sam's current issue, where Marcus, (the CEO, I believe) asked for feedback on the Road Club on this forum. So I took the opportunity. Some of you people need a better hobby!
Second- The point of this post is, I was stuck on the EVE OF A MAJOR HOLIDAY, 70 MILES FROM MY HOME, WITH FAMILY AND DOGS... Could the rules have been 'bent' to not leave me in a strange, small town for at least 36 hours at an unknown car dealer?
I spent 45 years in the auto service business working retail and also fleet manager of a five star resort. I had three responses 1. I can make that happen. 2. This is not going to happen and why. 3. What can I do to resolve/or assist my customer.
1. Tow to the closest qualified repair facility. 2. #2 is covered in the warranty/service agreement. 3. Recommend a vehicle rental agency so my customer can be underway, if this fails assist in finding them housing.
Holidays are a difficult time to break down or have any type of service issues as often times the service facilities are shut down for the holidays. There are no winners in a problem like this, just bruised feeling, cancelled disrupted plans and shorter tempers.
I agree that the providers representative could have shown some empathy with these folks and offered recommendations and became the hero of the hour. Then again he had to work the holidays and was a little disgruntled also.:(
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DustyWV
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05/15/13 06:47am |
Good Sam Roadside Assistance
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RE: 2006 Chevy Duramax/Allison Question?
I have a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Duramax and just completed a 1760 mile drive from Rio Hondo, TX (Winter Texan)here to my home in WV. I averaged for the trip (vehicle completed loaded, mostly bulk) 18.4 MPG. My driving speed was the speed limit plus 4 or 5 mph GPS. The fuel mileage remained the same from the 45 mph hi-ways up to the 80 mph roadways. The LMM series is where they loaded the vehicle with the DPF and converter, every time the DPF regenerates it drops my mileage by 2 mpg for the tank so the mpg suffers during short trip driving. The vehicle has 98K on the odometer and I may address the regeneration issues in the future.
Keep that pre-emission Duramax until it rots off of the frame. IMHO
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DustyWV
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05/14/13 05:08am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Questions on Duramax purchase
Local used car dealer has a 2008 Chevy 2500 crew cab with the Duramax/Allison. I drove it yesterday - what a beast. Seriously considering it as a slight upgrade over my 4.6L F150 (sarcasm). Here's the kicker - it has 180k on it. He want $19,000 for it. Lt package with solid options. . No fiver or gooseneck hitch. All stock. New Goodyear LT315s on it. Was from a older guy who I don't think ever towed with it. Solid shape overall.
Would the mileage scare you off? Other than service records, blowback, smoke on cold startup, what should I be looking for? Haven't asked about injectors yet. Are there carfax or some type of reports to check service done. I have VIN
As you can tell, I have no experience with diesels except for tractors at work. Any info would be great.
The Duramax is holding its value well, the only concern I would have is the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) as their life cycle is apx 200K.
The price is not outrageous I recently bought a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LT1 for $23,000. Check the Car-fax and dealer service history and if possible talk to the owner. Should any of the above be negative - walk away unless seller can resolve the issue.
For the price I would negotiate and drive it away.........JMHO
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DustyWV
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05/09/13 05:20am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: To old to pull that big rig.
When are we to old, I'll be 73 in a few months. I retired as a Training Engineer from a major transportation company at the age of 68. I rode in the right seat with a lot of 25 to 50 year old drivers that I never felt completely safe with. These drivers never exhibited any flagrant safety violations, just little things that raised flags with me.
When are we to old:
When we do not realize our limitations, I no longer plan on driving 600+ miles a day. I feel comfortable and ALERT driving 350 to 450 miles per day. I stop every 2 - 3 hours to walk my pet and myself. I try to hit major cities in the off traffic hours and this will vary with the geographic location. I no longer need to keep a time schedule, if I'm a day later no big deal and no frustration on my part.
Safety items to keep you safe.
We know from experience to maintain a safe following distance and that is utterly impossible in our congested metropolitan areas. What is the solution in metro areas? Drive the second lane on 3 lane or more road ways, this keeps us out of the exit and on ramp lanes. In doing so, you have an out if things get out of hand and gives you the option of two other lanes to escape to.
Keep you head moving scanning ahead to note traffic hazards and changing conditions, check your mirrors both left and right for vehicles in or approaching your blind spots. Scan a gauge at the conclusion of your out side scan to note vehicle condition. Start the entire process all over again. (Keeping our head moving prevents us from entering a snooze mode and gives us a much better picture of what is going on around us).
When you lose your safe following distance, don't become frustrated or angry just slow up for a few seconds and continue in your lane.
Driving practices: Drive five MPH faster or slower than traffic when safe or legal to do so will help to keep you out of harms way. The problem will either be in front or to the rear of you. Square off your low speed turns as this will prevent encroachment into oncoming traffic lanes when possible.
Last of ALL arriving to your destination safely is the most important part of the journey.
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DustyWV
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05/05/13 07:11am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: 2005 GMC HD2500 tire choice
Michelins are my tire of choice. If you read the reviews for Michelins, Goodyears, Bridgestone and other tires posted on the websites by the people who use them, it seems the Michelins tend to last longer (more miles).
Eventhough they initially cost more the michelins seem to give more miles for your money, so you buy fewer sets of tires
X2
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DustyWV
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04/27/13 04:01am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Teaching wife to tow a trailer
There's no reason anyone can't "learn" to tow. It's not much different from regular driving. Most people already swing over the center line to make a right-hand turn, and swing on to the shoulder to make a left-hand turn anyway.
You just have to get used to the slower acceleration and not being able to use the rearview mirror.
Certain people just have mental hang-ups that they need to get over.
I am a retired training engineer from a major transportation company. I trained several women and the main thing is don't intimidate them with a task that they can easily manage.
The above quote is entirely accurate and most already have the primary skills required. I taught my wife to tow in a parking lot so she would know how the vehicle reacted to the brakes, accelerator and how much space the trailer required in both a right hand and left hand turns. Next on to a nice gentle interstate for some lane experience, all the time getting her trained to use the mirrors. Did I say adjust the mirrors so she can see with them?
It is definitely nice to have a nap in the afternoon to revive yourself:Z while your wife gains more experience on the road.
You really don't know when a second trained driver is a necessity.
I recently went for a training ride with an experienced fifth wheel driver of many years. First critique - use your mirrors OFTEN and square off your 90 degree low speed turns (city and suburban). This will limit lane intrusion.:R
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DustyWV
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03/29/13 05:04am |
Towing
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RE: Trailer Hitches Online Purchase
Hi all,
Anyone know of a good place to purchase a trailer hitch receiver online?
I have had great luck with www.etrailer.com
Me too !!
X-2
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DustyWV
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03/26/13 08:32pm |
Towing
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RE: Should We Get Fantastic Fans?
I have one installed in the bedroom and set to automatically turn on at a specified temp. I simply open a window a slight amount on the opposite end of my TT and have a nice controlled ventilation system. Fantastic fan can be set to exhaust or intake. I have max-vent covers on all roof vents - no rain worries.
Best all around system whether on shore or battery power as it saves on AC when you are paying by the kilowatt hour. The fan speed automatically varies depending on the heat load.
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DustyWV
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03/01/13 03:28am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Speedometer calibration on 2007 2500HD
I did the 245 to 265 swap and GPS speed is apx 3mph faster than the speedometer. Not a major concern unless you push the envelope speeding.
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DustyWV
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02/28/13 02:14pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Texas Again Next Year?? or Try Florida??-- Help!!
Look at WILDERNES RV RESORT in ocala it has it all and is very reasonable like 400-450 a month. It has huge sites and has a crystal clear river running thru the edge of the CG. We loved it.
Yes this it a beautiful spot. I stayed at Ocala Sun RV Resort last winter and liked both locations. I also looked at Williston Crossings RV Resort NW of Ocala, FL. The above mentioned are all nice RV resorts.
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DustyWV
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02/25/13 04:30am |
Snowbirds
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RE: HD Truck Owners- why did you choose a TT?
I had several reasons expressed earlier. My main reason is bad knees and didn't want to deal with steps inside my unit.
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DustyWV
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02/25/13 03:57am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Have you used this water filter?
"Do you think this filter will be good enough to drink from?"
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I don't know. I don't use a filter and I only drink bottled water.
I'm thinking the bottled water is best.
I have used that filter for several years, changing when flow is reduced. I also use the water for drinking purposes etc.
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DustyWV
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02/19/13 06:00pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Mileage expectations
Well I have a 2010 1500 5.3 crew cab z71 and just this last saturday went and picked up our new jayco whitehawk 28 dsbh. I got 17 on the way up driving 75 mph. Filled up before I picked it up and got 7.3 mpg goig between 62-65. Weighs about 5400. Was driving home in a cross wind most of the way home. So I went in traded in my truck for a 13 2500 with a duramax. That should help a little.:B
That may be the best post of the season. The best cure of them all. Enjoy your 2500, you won't regret it.
I also experienced less than 8 mpg with my 2008 Tundra 4.7L towing 7600+ to the RGV in Texas. I encountered the 28 mph SSE wind on I-10. I basically towed 700+ miles at 50 mph or so in fourth gear. I also traded for a 08 HD 2500 duramax.
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DustyWV
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02/13/13 11:16am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Roadside Scales
The only time I stop is when the sign says "All towed vehicles enter". Happened once in FL and the officer looked really bored.
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DustyWV
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02/12/13 06:37am |
General RVing Issues
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