RE: RV Fuel Issues & Prices - Post 'Em Here!
Recent 400 mile round trip, Seattle area (Buckley WA) to Moses Lake and back with our travel trailer. Only got 7mpg towing our trailer with our 454 Suburban. I think it was uphill both ways and we had headwinds going and coming home. Gas is $3.89 and Diesel $4.09 a gallon around here.
Even though it cost us $250 in fuel, our four day mini vacation was money well spent with friends, new scenery and a break from our busy lives. Hans
RE: DIY Spring Extender - Rev 1 - Half-a-Puck, PICS
http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp6355%3B%3Enu%3D3268%3E6%3C%3A%3E%3A74%3EWSNRCG%3D37%3C%3B546%3B8332%3Anu0mrj width=640
Yes, I too have been doing that same idea with my set up. I do run the bolt all the way through. I'm using a piece of Nylon, four actually, two per spring. I don't have air bags, and to slip them in place I just jack up the truck by the hitch receiver until the springs hang way down, then slip a pry-bar in-between the over load and spring pack to get the extra clearance needed for the bolts to slip through the factory holes. When I set my truck back down I have almost four more inches of height, until I load the camper, then everything comes level again. I love the way it rides without airbags, very smooth, no hopping over bumps. And it's good enough for me even when I pulling my sailboat or my four horse trailer. You've taken it another level by machining them round, very nice. Hans
http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp635%3C9%3Enu%3D3268%3E6%3C%3A%3E%3A74%3EWSNRCG%3D384387%3B6%3C%3B32%3Anu0mrj width=640
RE: RV Fuel Issues & Prices - Post 'Em Here!
Back before I was born, my Dad used to rent housing to Army Air Corp airmen and used to get 100 plus octane gas sometimes from them (rationing was in affect) and said it made his car run really hot. These were much different cars and probably doesn't apply to today's vehicles.
I'm fairly certain that is backwards, the higher the octane rating the cooler the fuel burns. More Octane does not equate to more power.
If you have a digital thermometer you can actually see how much cooler your engine runs with higher octane fuel.
And internal combustion engines runs most efficiently as close to boiling as they can be controlled, so most vehicles run just fine on regular unleaded. Hans
RE: Post your MPG in Diesels.
Beautiful setup Chris-n-Katy! Hope you extended those mirrors on that Ford before you drove off.
My brother in-law just borrowed our 10' truck camper on his 2012 Dodge (Diesel 3500 Crew cab 4WD SRW 8'bed) for a 5000 mile trip. He normally gets 14mpg empty and reported an overall average with the camper at 11mpg and he was towing a small utility trailer with two Harley Davidson road bikes.
Recently towed my travel trailer with our old 6.5 GM Diesel (something I don't normally do), the trailer weighs just over 10,300lb loaded and we got 11mpg. That's compared to my Suburban which I normally use to tow, and the 454 Vortec gets about 7.5mpg usually.
Hans
RE: California Fire
it's called 'lens compression' and foreshortens the image
Thank You Monkey44, I lacked the correct terminology, but I do have a basic understanding of the physics involved in that shot. All the best, Hans
RE: California Fire
I tried to read each comment in this thread and the one thing I didn't see anyone mention was that the photo was a long shot with a telephoto lens and I'd like to believe that there is actually a lot more distance between the fireman and those two burning RV's. Anyone familiar with the use of a telephoto lens's will know that distance can be deceiving when viewed through a compressed shot.
And any property loss usually means the owner is out a fair amount of their investment even with the best of insurance.
My two cents, Hans
RE: Any GM exclusive mechanics? 6.5 Diesel ?
How do you know it has no codes? Did you check or just because it has no CEL?
It could be 2 things:
#1 Accelerator Position Sensor or TPS. (most likely the problem)
#2 The pedal itself.
I would check both with a VOM. Bet it's #1 but I have been wrong before. :B
In fact after reading your post again I will bet you a dinner it's the TPS. And that is 4x'x as cheap as the pedal. :)
Let us know what you find out.
I don't know what CEL stands for, but I do have a code reader. Recently with the service throttle light on it has not thrown any codes, but last year a couple times I did get the "check engine light" on and it did indicate throttle position sensor when I looked up the codes online. After clearing them I'd secretly hoped the truck had healed itself and I went on some long trips with my camper without a problem.
But recently I've been asking my truck to work hard, more than it probably should, hauling my big cab-over camper and pulling a four horse trailer at the same time. Then last weekend towing my (over 10,000lb) travel trailer. Seems it only happens when it's working very hard, because my empty commutes to and from work never causes anything to go wrong.
Where is the Throttle Position Sensor? On the injector pump? I haven't a clue. Thanks everyone for your replies, and I did locate a brand new pedal assembly for $320 at Accurate Diesel on line if I have to go that route. Hope to replace the TPS switch first though. Hans
Any GM exclusive mechanics? 6.5 Diesel ?
Yes, I'm still driving my old 96 Silverado with 6.5 Diesel.
Mechanically it's very sound and reliable. Several years ago I replaced the PMD (Fuel Solenoid Driver)with an after market unit that was advertised to cure the problems so many 6.5 owners had with their injection pumps. My PMD is located away from the engine in the front bumper and working great.
Recently I've been getting a yellow flashing light on the dash that says "Service Throttle Soon". It's not the check engine light. When the light comes on I loose cruise control and sometimes (not always) the engine de-powers itself. Cycling the key three times cures it and it runs fine until the next episode, which can be two minutes or two hundred miles.
This truck is the first year GM was drive by wire for the injector pump. I'm wondering if the control unit attached to gas pedal is going bad? I've been told this component is around $500.00 these days.
I'm not getting any codes, and the truck runs great pulling hard even though it's only 190 horsepower. Diesel's have come a long way haven't they. Thanks for your input, Hans
RE: RV Paid Off
http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp734%3A7%3Enu%3D3268%3E6%3C%3A%3E%3A74%3EWSNRCG%3D38%3A75%3A38%3C532%3Anu0mrj width=640
Last five years the Vanguard fund mentioned took a hit just like everything else did in the stock market. Yes it's a good fund and roaring back as can be seen by the above screen print I captured.
Sorry this thread got high-jacked so to speak, I know it was meant to be a happy post. And I hope those that own their rigs outright are happy as well as those making payments.
The sad thing is when people get too busy to use them as much as they hoped when they bought them. I drive by a couple outside RV storage yards and some of those RV's haven't moved in years. Again, all the best to the OP and hope you have a wonderful camping season. Hans
RE: Dash Video Cameras
I'm a truck driver by trade and have to this date 2 million miles safe driving without any accidents. But I recently bought a new dash cam and I love it. (Dual Camera Dash Cam) It records automatically when I turn my key on and shuts down when I turn the key off. Never have to remember to turn it on. Loops the video unless a wreck activates the G force meter inside it or manually press a button to save the files of the last 5 minutes in a separate file.
It's very small, no one even see's it on my windshield. Since my Peterbilt doesn't have a rear window for the second camera it comes with I have my second camera recording whats going on in the cab with a clear view of my GPS unit, which is also my blue tooth for all my phone needs. So even though my Dash Cam doesn't have GPS capability, I'm capturing that information with the second camera.
I was recently "called in" to my company for holding up traffic on a two lane road, and accused of talking on my cell phone. I proudly played back the video for my boss showing I was driving at the posted speed limit and singing while driving (I think that's legal in Washington State) not talking on a cell phone. I also had footage of the person who called me in, since he passed me on the right hand shoulder, slammed on his brakes, sped away and then later waited on the side of the road to get my truck number and call me in. My video showed it all.
YouTube video of my dash cam.
I know there are lots of cameras out there, many are better than mine I'm sure. But for the cost I'm happy with mine, and it was the video on YouTube that made the sale for me. So far it's working well. If I ever get a good RV related video I'll post the footage on this forum. So far all I've recorded is people who aren't very nice, and don't even get me started on how many people are driving and holding their phones doing everything but paying attention to their driving.
All the best, Hans
RE: RV Paid Off
Congratulations on the RV Mortgage burning! Yes it is a good feeling.
Funny how different people use different terms for loans. I had to Google "HELOC" to even know what that was. For me personally I hope I never have to use equity from my home/farm.
Right now or really in the last five years I haven't seen any simple "Interest bearing accounts" that have a higher return of interest than the cost of a loan through the same institution. It never works that way. No bank would be in business if it did work that way.
My investments are saved, but I don't think of them as savings, because it's just not as simple as making a withdrawal like from a saving account at a bank or Credit Union. Most withdrawals from long term savings/investments have tax implications for those not of retirement age. And for that reason it is smart not to touch that money.
I manage my own investments and have made impressive gains in the last two years, but it's all on paper and as good as it's been it only takes a few days like last Friday in the stock market to plunge again.
Take that payment money and enjoy a wonderful RV Season. We are rolling almost every other week this spring with our trailer and our truck camper, both paid for as well. All the best, Hans
RE: Torsion Axle Alignment?
Thanks for the comments. I really miss "American Frame and Alignment" in Kent WA, those guys were pro's. They had the lasers and equipment that bent the axle back into shape on the trailer without even removing it. Now no one in the area does that anymore, a person just has to buy and expensive new axle.
I've always liked Torsion axles myself because they are so quiet and relatively few moving parts. I have the same axles on my horse/stock trailer and equipment trailer.
Hans
RE: Uncomfortable Pulling Trailer
Alright! Thanks for the update. Time to start exploring now and see all those places you had to truck by when you were making your living on the road. All the best, Hans
Torsion Axle Alignment?
We've enjoyed our Forest River Wildcat Travel Trailer for quite a few years now, and it's been trouble free all those years. After logging a lot miles I've noticed one tire, passenger side (curb side) forward position, the outside corner is wearing away. Sadly the frame and alignment shop I trusted to help me with axle alignment on my other trailers has gone out of business.
Does anyone know if there is any way to change the alignment on a torsion axle? There doesn't appear to be any adjustment, and I'm wondering if anyone else has ever had their torsion axles re-aligned. Camping World said they would look at it, but the service writer couldn't answer a simple question as to how they even check the alignment. Not exactly confidence building, and I hate to waste my time hauling it only to be told "Mr. Gyswyt you need to buy a new axle".
All three other tires are wearing flat across the tread. It's never been curbed that I'm aware of, though it's seen its share of pot holes and rough roads.
http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp54383%3Enu%3D3268%3E6%3C%3A%3E%3A74%3EWSNRCG%3D3897%3B%3B478%3B32%3Anu0mrj width=480
I just took the tire out of service and put the brand new spare in it's position.
http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp73474%3Enu%3D3268%3E6%3C%3A%3E%3A74%3EWSNRCG%3D3897%3B%3B%3A64332%3Anu0mrj width=480
http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp5438%3B%3Enu%3D3268%3E6%3C%3A%3E%3A74%3EWSNRCG%3D3897%3B%3B479232%3Anu0mrj width=480
Pretty simple connection to the trailer, not much chance anything could move around.
http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp73489%3Enu%3D3268%3E6%3C%3A%3E%3A74%3EWSNRCG%3D3897%3B%3B%3A64432%3Anu0mrj width=480
Below, backside looking forward.
http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp73484%3Enu%3D3268%3E6%3C%3A%3E%3A74%3EWSNRCG%3D3897%3B%3B479432%3Anu0mrj width=480
Below, rear tire wearing normal as seen by tread.
http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp543%3A6%3Enu%3D3268%3E6%3C%3A%3E%3A74%3EWSNRCG%3D3897%3B%3B%3A64532%3Anu0mrj width=480
Thanks for your input, Hans
RE: Uncomfortable Pulling Trailer
Most states don't allow double towing with a travel trailer only a fifth wheel and even then it is not legal in all states.
Guide to towing two trailers.
Here’s some good news: in many states it’s legal to tow 2 trailers at the same time.
Triple towing is allowed in the following states:
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Mexico
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
But seriously, most people would not want to tow two trailers, it's too much work, even if it is legal. I was trying to be lighthearted. Hans
RE: Uncomfortable Pulling Trailer
OK, I read the whole thread. Now just weld a hitch receiver on the back of your travel trailer, buy an enclosed motorcycle trailer and hook it up behind your travel trailer. Then keep that CDL with a doubles endorsement you had for 42 years and hit the road........UM, actually that sounds like work to me, never mind. Good luck with all the advice you received, and happy retirement from a fellow teamster (Local 174, Boeing Airplane/Space and Defense) still rolling along till 2016 when I have my 80 and out. Camp for free on my farm if you ever get up to Seattle/Tacoma area, just PM me. Hans
RE: Swaying trailer after being loaded
Sounds like you've got the advice you were looking for. I for one always roll with a full fresh water tank, and all four of my tanks (fresh/gray/black/gray)are forward of my axles so the more liquid I carry the more tongue weigh I have. Lay on the ground and look under your trailer so you know where your tanks are. RV tanks don't have baffles so the liquid load will really slosh around, and can sometimes be felt in the tow rig.
http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp6325%3B%3Enu%3D3268%3E6%3C%3A%3E%3A74%3EWSNRCG%3D33%3A697923232%3Anu0mrj width=480
I too carry bikes on the back of my trailer, and I'm betting the rack and four bikes is 400lbs leveraged way out there. And the most important thing about the bike rack, it's not attached to the bumper, I have a hitch receiver welded to the trailer frame in three places.
My trailer has 1500lbs tongue weight, I know because I stopped at a highway scale house that was closed for commercial use and took the time to unhitch and put the front jack on the scale to read the weight. Brochure says 800lbs, not so when loaded for a weekend.
Friction type anti sway help, but it's best to have a stable rig right from the start. Love my Dual Cam hitch. Let us know how your problem was resolved when you have time. Hans
Oh, one last thing, always....always disconnect your RV batteries before you let anyone weld on your trailer frame. Current flowing backwards through the ground wires of your trailer can destroy anything that has a "mother board" or "computer". I know, it happened to me, and I was the welder!
