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RE: Traveling thru Vt on St Rt 9 Bennington to Concord NH
Not a bad trip - unless you get behind someone in his 35mph 1985 Subaru out to do the weekly shopping - it is somewhat hilly - well dam' hilly and winding going East out of Bennington. We made the trip last summer pulling a 35 foot, 12K 5er with a V10 Ford pickup and had no problems ---- except for that @#$% Sube.
You can always travel on I90 through Mass. then pick up either I91 or I93
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Irelands child
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03/07/13 06:44pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: Black tank ... leave it for the winter?
Sounds like you have a plan.
Even though I dump at the last CG of the year, I still end up doing many trips to the house toilet with a 5 gallon bucket about 3/4s full. Regardless of the fact the trailer has a flusher built in, whatever is left,and there is always some left in the tank, maybe a gallon or so, once I leave the CG it still sloshes around. I then at home and with the unit level, will hook up the tank flusher and do a good cleanout. I usually use my poo pyramid breaker wand through the toilet as well. Amazing how much still comes out and how long this takes. I just don't like to leave that smelly stuff in the tank for 4-5 months
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Irelands child
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11/04/12 04:28pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Another way to get the hitch in & out.....
I look at the other 'positive responses' with my usual head shake!!
Great idea and should serve you well. I assume that it disassembles for handling and storage.
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Irelands child
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10/21/12 06:43am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Replacing vent cover in bathroom
Hi -
Those vent covers will all break eventually. There are only a very few brands these days, but knowing which you have might save a couple of trips to that 12 foot high roof. About all you need to know is the dimension, usually standard at 14", but the hinge type along, if possible the brand name. About the worst pitfall is that climb to the roof, the next is that guy who is parked next to you with the same make, model and year 5er that says he has an ABC cover - and then you find you don't.
This is the PPL website with the hinge types
http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-vents/31-4164.htm
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Irelands child
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10/21/12 06:39am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Tipping service underwriter and/or mechanic?
Warranty work - never!!!
Do you know that there are usually two flat rate schedules in dealer shops? It makes no sense whatsoever to me but... for the same job, the times for warranty work are less than for customer paid work.
My feeling is, he is under even more pressure to do a quick and dirty job on a warranty repair. If he took extra time to do a good job under warranty, he is more deserving of a tip.
I'm well aware of that after working for a very short time in a stealership. I'm also well aware that this warranty work guy has a level of carte blanche to do the shotgun approach with the OEM manufacturer's parts in order to get that job done fast. If his diagnostic tool says that code 123 is to blame, he can replace everything in that train of parts. He is also working on a virtually new vehicle, clean plus he usually wont have to fix someone elses mistakes.
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Irelands child
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10/19/12 06:16am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Tipping service underwriter and/or mechanic?
Warranty work - never!!! A local mechanic that does an honest repair job, on time and estimate, didn't do a 'shotgun' approach with parts, I might slip him a few bucks. I turned wrenches full then part time for many years in an independent garage and the total of the few bucks I got for an extra effort probably wouldn't buy a case of cheap beer today. I wont tip a clerk at a donut, fast food or Starbucks shop either - they really didn't do a thing for me but take an order, ring up the sale and slide a bag at me - and, maybe, if they have been taught minimal customer service, mumble thanks.
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Irelands child
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10/18/12 09:04pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Purchasing a Used 5th with the Manufature Out of Business
If it suits you, purchase the trailer!!!
My 5er mfr as have two the last three gone out of business(Real-Lite, Sunline and now, Titanium). While I have had some component replacements, the internet with an hour or so of time has found the item. Also, a local dealer has also been of great assistance with a couple odd ball parts. What I would have a problem finding and possibly the only pieces would be a unique for my 5er, fiberglass nose and tail cap. If you like that unit, buy it. As far as a negotiating point - unless new, probably not of much help though always worth a try.
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Irelands child
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10/18/12 05:38am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Hooking up a portable generator to 5th wheel.
My 3000 watt/3600 surge inverter generator will run everything but not all at the same time. If the a/c is already on and and the compressor kicks in, there is a moment then the generator will pick it up. Have that happen while the microwave is on - breaker trip time. Then add in a standard flat screen TV @3-500 watts, a lap top or two @75-100 each, some lights @60-100 each and maybe a coffee maker @1000 to 1200 watts - breaker, breaker trip time again.
Here's a GENERAL list along with the formula to check what watts/amps you will be pulling: http://www.donrowe.com/inverters/usage_chart.html
Then there is the usually woeful and minimally (no additional capacity sized wiring on the average RV to consider.
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Irelands child
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10/17/12 12:05pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: 5th wheel hitch or gooseneck?
Here's a thread from a day or so ago. http://forums.goodsamclub.com/Index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/26457567.cfm
As far as the truck - yep, good truck with good cojones capable of pulling most trailers. But be aware of the weight restrictions for an F250 plus rear axle ratios.
Another 'be aware'. These B&W hitches with a goose neck adapter add a 2-3 foot lever arm to the trailer frame with the potential for frame failure unless the manufacturer of that trailer says it's fine to use - most wont
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Irelands child
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10/16/12 05:14pm |
Towing
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RE: Fresh Cab for eliminating mice...
I enjoyed reading the 27 or so AMAZON one star ratings for Fresh Cab - some folks still have a sense of humor
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Irelands child
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10/16/12 02:31pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Max tire pressure
Most of the tire companies have a chart that will show you what the decrease in pressure will do to the weight carrying ability of a commercial truck/trailer tire. I generally use the Firestone version though all are about the same: http://www.trucktires.com/firestone/us_eng/load/load_pdf/F_loadTables.pdf
I'm using 245/75Rx16 tires on my 5er and reducing the air pressure to 65 from the sidewall rating of 80 psig goes from 3042 pounds to 2765 pounds or darn close to 300 pounds per tire - and something to really consider on my 12,000 trailer even with ~2000 pounds of that trailer weight on the truck
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Irelands child
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10/16/12 02:15pm |
Towing
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RE: 5th wheel hitch information
A couple of suggestions. Looks like your side plates have the sloped side to the front and they are not full forward. The way you are setup you are not adding any weight or may be removing weight from your front axle. With my sloped sides to the rear and full forward out of 4,500# pin weight only 100# is going to the front axle.
Industry standard is 2" ahead of center line of rear axle
Another suggestion is to get two small padlocks to secure the pins on each side that hold the hitch together and also use a pdlock on the handle to keep idiots at bay!
Thanks for the pictures!
To anyone that does not know much about the B&W just look at the 1" thick wrap around steel jaws.
Appreciate the comments.
I've probably done 20,000 miles with different 'setups' with the Companion and where it's set now gives the best combination of ride, handling, bed rail and back of cab clearance with a normally empty rear end high, short bed F350. It's actually directly over the axle right now which seems about perfect for this truck.
I do have padlocks on the three place you noted though the king pin padlock wasn't there at the time of the photo, but probably in the glove box.
Now, as far as chucking/clunking from the hitch as so many other folks complain with their 'lesser' hitches - only heard it happened a couple times over the years and then only after a very hard stop when it will then return to normal
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Irelands child
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10/15/12 01:37pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Why Antifreeze if no water?
I do not blow out the lines, but that's my preference. I drain every tank, bypass the HW heater then use a 'kit' mounted before the water pump and suck up the pink antifreeze, turning each faucet on, furthest to closest to the pump plus the toilet. When the flow fluid color is the same as the jug fluid color I'm done. What pink I run through the lines, I then dump into the drain traps. Usually I use about a gallon, but this year 50% more for some reason. So far, in 40 plus years, never a problem, especially with the newer units with plastic or PEX lines. I did blow out a '70s 5er I had but it had copper lines and no tubing flexibility in a freeze.
A word of advice - DO NOT get that anti freeze in the fresh water or HW tanks. It take literally forever to clear out and while safe, tastes .... nasty!!!
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Irelands child
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10/15/12 06:04am |
Beginning RVing
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RE: 5th wheel hitch information
This is a B%W Companion hitch:
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i84/Irelandschild/Other%20stuff/BWHitch-1.jpg
This is the 5er ~ 11-12,000 pounds, 34'2" long and ready to travel and well within the hitches capacity;
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i84/Irelandschild/Other%20stuff/Firsttrip.jpg
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Irelands child
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10/15/12 05:49am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: 5th wheel hitch information
I too have a B&W hitch and cannot say enough good things about it. Just be aware that the tow and pin weight ratings for it while great, will not be enough hitch for some of the larger 5th wheel trailers ( GTW: 18,000 LB, VTW: 4,500 LB. )
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Irelands child
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10/14/12 11:38am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Heartland Big Country 3250TS rotten slide floors
On previous trailers I've repaired/replaced sections of floor, though usually near the door. The 5er I have now had a minor delam/rot near a storage hatch. On removal, found that the manufacturer used a foam seal on all penetrations (hatches/doors/windows). So far I have done most of the right side and every 'hole' has shown signs of some leakage. I'm using butyl caulk tape. This is the electric hatch and just had the foam replaced a week ago:
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i84/Irelandschild/Other%20stuff/Leakyhatch.jpg
This was in a non wood backed fiberglass area so no delam here - just a leak.
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Irelands child
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10/13/12 05:32am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Best cover for northern climates & snow
The ADCO covers work well for one to 3-4 years before they become quite "brittle". They also tear quite easily so you do need to use care installing and removing them. Mine is going to be used for the 4th time but will be 'used up' by spring. And yes, before getting shouted down many folks get more years of use, and others don't have them last a year before shredding for some reason.
Here's a custom cover maker I've recently heard good things of and for next year, will be checking out: http://www.calmarkcovers.com/
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Irelands child
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10/13/12 05:19am |
Hybrid Travel Trailers
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RE: 12 Volt DC vs 110 AC lights.....
They probably did it 'because they could'. I know, sounds like wise @#$ answer, but I've raised some of the same questions with some of our Titanium's features and that's about the only reason I could come up with. I would like to have some 110VAC lights over our couch and the back so I could have some decent lighting for reading as the 12VDC lights are poor. At least you have the correct voltage - I've been trying to figure a way to run some wiring to supplement the 12VDC and with the exception of an exposed raceway, can't - yet!! Then who designs these RVs of ours? Do they have any idea of what is really needed? My DW says most need a woman's touch!!
(Sorry about the soap box stuff)
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Irelands child
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10/12/12 07:00am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: DIY Spray wand for RV Black Water Tank
I've found that using the camper plumbing for tank cleaning that it supplies neither the volume nor the pressure needed to break up those poo pyramids. The SeaLand toilet vacuum breaker originally had a sprayer on it for toilet cleaning. It was one step better then useless even with the restrictive spray handle removed, so when it failed, their conventional vacuum breaker was the replacement. With the shower head removed, that too only has that volume of that ~1/4" hose rather then a standard household hose of 5/8 or 3/4 inch. Do the math - pi × r2 with pi = 3.14. 1/4" will then equal .05 square inch where 3/4" equals .44 square inch. Not a lot of cross sectional area for a lot of water to pass.
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Irelands child
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10/11/12 07:02am |
Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)
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RE: DIY Spray wand for RV Black Water Tank
Even with the permanent flusher in my black tank, I still find that a good clean out with the homemade wand helps break up that poo pyramid that seems to build regardless of how faithful I am with single ply TP and a flush down every time the tank is dumped
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Irelands child
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10/10/12 12:39pm |
Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)
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