RE: Where to park near The Varsity downtown Atlanta
Anybody try to stop off at The Varsity in downtown Atlanta? It looks like it is right off the I75 exit at Spring Street, and from Spring Street right back to to I75. Is there a place to pull off, or is there room in the parking lot for a truck and 32' TT? Call me crazy but I'm sure the kids would love the atmosphere vs. going to a suburb location...
Very conjested area, and the Varsity parking lot is tight and two levels, so not any good options for a Trailer.
Also, several of the side streets are one way, so getting turned around a trick.
The downtown one is definitely the "Cultural" experience, compared to some of their other locations.
Foodwise ---uhh will definitely help clean out the system (little to a lot greasey), a Atlanat landmark.
Would be tough with a big trailer, may be some pay parking lots, several blocks away.
Later,
Markiemark
RE: Inside Cover for Shower Skylight
Just curious, anyone using foam in their skylight to block the heat have any problems with heat build up between the foam and the glass in the skylight?
Joe
Mine is press right up to the glass/plastic/top, with a reflective silver heat shield, so I have not noticed any heat or condesation issues.
Markiemark
RE: Inside Cover for Shower Skylight
I used foam, cut close to the size a little larger, that press into the skylight, stays put.
Puchased some Foil Silver heat shield, cut a piece of that to sit on top of foam.
Got the foam from a shipping department(work), and the heat shield material from Walmart.
Makes a big difference with keeping the heat out & down! Cheap and easy to install and take out if necessary.
Markiemark
Check those Tires ~~
Inspect your tires, both front and back.
Friend of mine's, less than 1.5 year old Toy Hauler Fiver.
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k55/Markiemark32/Tire.jpg width=640
Inside section of tire, fortunate it did not blow out.
Kumho Power Star Tire.
Later,
Markiemark
RE: Denali package
We went to a RV show earlier this year to get a feel for whats out there and at the time I was not prepared to buy a TT but was being pushed into it(not to our liking)by a dealer and then they didn't give us a print out of what that TT was being sold to me for. I am not the type of person that spontaneous buys anything - I like to look at it and think about it. (Yes sometimes I miss out - can't tell you how many times I 'missed out' on a car cuz I dragged my feet.) The salesman wasn't happy as he wanted that sale that day. I approached him later to ask him a few more questions - he became unavailable.
I am trying to remember all the fees they were throwing onto the price.
Remember, I am buying used. I am currently corresponding with a salesperson on a TT. I wanted the 'rock bottom' price (their words not mine) and she asked if I was trading one in, if I wanted delivery, accessories ect ect. I did not want to give her the upper hand or for her to tack more money onto the price, so my reply was 'as it sits'.
Besides the price/tax/title what other fees should I prepare myself for? I will not have any delivery charge because we have a tow vehicle. (I found that delivery can be anywhere from 1.25 mile to 1.80 mile) Is it necessary for them to 'prep' it?
All input is appreciated.
All good questions might want to start another thread to get better input and coverage:
Common threads I have seen in RV Sales (although some/many claim not to pay & bargin not to pay these fees) ---
Transportation Fees added on after price of trailer (claim the conusumers has to pay the transporation fee to the dealer, not included in the price of the rv). Although a used trailer, was probaly traded in, so I don't see where there could be a transportaion fee.
Adminstartion fees
Prep Fees (some dealer charge, should be part of the sale).
Prep is for their service go over the complete systems of the trailer, confirming all works or any issues. Also they should perform a PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection) going over all systems with the new owner, explaining and showing all works. PDI's should not be a charge.
Markiemark
RE: Denali package
Thank you Markiemark. I realize I was rather hasty and vague in my post. I ended up finding it on NADA. I just had to scroll further down and pick from the entire list. Sorry everyone - rookie move. :)
I am however, looking at different websites, compare photos/condition/prices. I understand that what you see online might not look like that in person. I have a few TTs that we are going to look at this weekend - I can't wait.
No rookie moves, good to inquire here, a wealth of knowledge.
Also as you are doing, finding as much info as possible and understanding the way RV dealers price RV's and what options are out there will help in you getting a good deal.
RE: Denali package
It's a Dutchmen. The model number for that year is not popping up either. I even tried the year before and after. There is no such model that the dealer is advertising.
Thor-Dutchmen makes a trailer line named Denali.
There could be a Trailer with a "Denali Package" (potentially marketing a four seasons like trailer).
I don't see a model number or year reference?:?
To the original poster, need manufactuer, year and model.
NADA may give some ball-park.
Depending on year, you may find through several online RV sites that has the model to get give you some pricing estimates.
Yes, dealers sort of set MSRP's, but some do advertise close to true selling points vs. the inflated MSRP price.
A used Trailer will come down to condition of the unit, more than finding something online, which I am unaware of a quick way to find pricing information.
Good luck,
Markiemark
RE: Camper Storage questions about steel carports?
You may like google instead
ripoffreport carolina carports
Lots of bad press out there. Did you personally have issues with Carolina Carports?
Was my understanding, Carolina Carports is the only supplier of the raw materials. Marketing & sales done through many misc. people in communites, Installation is done through local contractors.
That business model itself, lends to hit or miss, Qaulity and service controls. I did find the sales people to hit or miss, finally finding one that would help getting correct info needed to purchase.
I also had a good installation experience and for the $ invested, thought it well worth the investment to help protect my Travel Trailer.
Kind of like the press CW gets here, majority of the INTERNET feedback is the bad press. People don't go out of their way to broadcast when things go smoothly.
Markiemark
RE: 2013 Kodiak AC
We have the small Kodiak:
First double check the vents are circulating cold air to far points (my system you have to close the vents at the unit itself which forces more cold air thru the ducts). There are instances where ducts are block off and need fixing.
Second those fancy sunlilghts we had to block off (too much of heat source during hot times), also block door window and pull shades. have to keep light out or these trailers basically become a hot-box.
Third we did get some basic fans to help circulate the air through-out the trailer.
Your Kodiak is a larger/longer one, did it have the 13.5k AC unit vs. larger 15K (might need larger unit). 13.5k is standard, 15k is an upgrade option (sometimes a dealer may have the upgraded unit).
Markiemark
Markiemark: good points, thanks. I believe we have the 13.5k, I'll have to check to make sure. I wondered if that was part of the problem... because it's such a long trailer with 3 separate rooms plus the bathroom. I'll have to check the ducts. It does seem like one of the vents in the main room isn't putting out air as well as everywhere else.
How did you block off the skylight? I can see why that would be a good idea!
I cut a piece of flexible foam (packaging foam from my workplace) that presses up in that area, with that silver heat shield stuff above it (easily available at Walmarts, hardware stores, etc..).
RV dealers (CW) sell some foam that is the right size to put up in skylights and a roll-out shade can be installed, I just did not like the way the roll-out shade I checked looked & attached.
The foam trick, easy fix and easy to pull out and throw in drawer or cabinet when not in use. Although it has become permanent, helps with sleeping in!
One of our ducts had some sort of baffle, styrofoam in in, maybe from quick installation.
I'm guessing, but the bigger trailer with multiple rooms, REALLY needs the larger AC unit (which is not standard per say).
Markiemark
RE: 2013 Kodiak AC
With 80 degree outside temps or higher you need to keep the door closed...kids are either in or out once. All awnings out for shade, window blinds down to block the sun and reflect heat, in addition to the A/C use a couple of portable fans to help circulate the air throughout the RV.
Once we convinced the kids to stay outside instead of going in and out our RV got so cold we had to change into long pants.
If we know the temps are going to be above 70 we start the A/C in the morning so the RV stays as cold as possible throughout the day.
We like it cold... our friends always say we could store meat in our RV and House.
Agree with the above.
We have the small Kodiak:
First double check the vents are circulating cold air to far points (my system you have to close the vents at the unit itself which forces more cold air thru the ducts). There are instances where ducts are block off and need fixing.
Second those fancy sunlilghts we had to block off (too much of heat source during hot times), also block door window and pull shades. have to keep light out or these trailers basically become a hot-box.
Third we did get some basic fans to help circulate the air through-out the trailer.
Your Kodiak is a larger/longer one, did it have the 13.5k AC unit vs. larger 15K (might need larger unit). 13.5k is standard, 15k is an upgrade option (sometimes a dealer may have the upgraded unit).
Markiemark
RE: Roof Warranties
Many to most warranty claims need to go through a certified Dealer first who help explain and diagnose what the issue is (warranty vs. non-warranty)........
Do you have a good dealer that may work with you?
Be warned many instances, once out of that "One Year" warranty, companies fight tooth & nail not to cover.
If I have read and heard right roof 10-12 warranties are on the material defects only. Not seals, roof constuctiion, desgin, etc....
I did have warranty issues (within 1st year) with a Thor/Dutchmen/Kodiak product. First my dealer had to get it approved, I also kept a log and dialog to Warranty@dutchmen.com, to be over-anal. The mfg first had to have it verified by dealer before any info given on coverage.
Good luck.
Markiemark
RE: Camper Storage questions about steel carports?
We have the RV carport, here is thread when I prepping for ours, with some pics of several ones & suggetions from many:
RV Carport Prep
Little cheaper way to go, I believe for most.
I was tight on area, would of liked to go wider and longer, was limited to the leveliness of my property.
You need a level area.
I found in my area SOUTHEAST (Atlanta area), there are middle-man sales companies on many corners of communities. They all work for ONE (maybe two) manufactuers, who schedule the material to be shipped in and installed by local contractors. Pricing was pretty Standard and controlled, just some middle man had better informational support than others. Basically did not find any killer deals (also when you see $900 for a carport, prices go up quick as you add length & height to accomodate a RV). Lots of add-ons, to the advertised prices.
Our 26 x 12 one, ran around $2,400. (higher guage, taller, side panels, one end-cap, tie downs) INSTALLED price. Prices may flucuate wih metal pricing & area.
We added side panels, which keeps most of the unit out of direct sun-light.
Installation is quick and easy for the crew (took less than 3 hours).
Postives:
Great having the sun & water kept off (helping slow maintanence with seals, roof, wall issues). Open air'ed so some complaints of Covers causing condensation not an issue. When parked at home in the carport, out of the main weather elements that do cause more maintanence. Less expensive than a complete building.
I did find that limiting to a small one has slowed down my urge to upgrade to a bigger travel trailer, which is a good budgeting trick!
We are super pleased with ours and love having the protection. If you plan on having a RV for a while, have the space and budget, I say go for it!
Markiemark
RE: rental trailer 2
Posts are not allowed in which a local, state, or federal consumer action board and/or legal counsel is/have been involved. This includes posts related to future, ongoing or past lawsuits.
One of the forum rules.....~~~~~above:R
Good Luck, not sure if past recounts from others can be used, if not recorded, documented.
Seems like CW & Heartland may have gotten stories re-alligned.
Good luck, keep us posted, if they let you!
Markiemark
RE: Biggest issue about keeping TT at home
I don't even ask anymore and my neighbor brings my mail in and paper when my TT is gone.
One time my wife yelled at me because I had pulled the TT out to front street to finish loading, while a construction crew was wrapping up work next door, worried some "not-so-nice" individuals would pick up that we were travling and would be gone. Okay not yelled, questioned this.
Fortunately most of my neighboors are good people and keep an eye out for unusual activity, they also know we are gone a lot!!!
I have to remind my wife, what home-owners insurance is for, to not worry so much.
This issue, sure does not even get close to benefits of having th RV right at home!!!!
Flip side, my TT store at a storage yard, I constantly went to check for issues there, which out way home issue by a large margin!
Get out there and enjoy the adventures!
Markiemark
RE: TT Prices
I have found looking at RVTRADER.com and looking at models across the country, will give you a good base of MSRP and then dealers some show the close to "actual" selling price vs. MSRP, gives you a target of what a selling price "should be" or "can be achieved" .
RVTrader
Unfortunatley, RV prices is game, and delaers will feel out how much the customer has done their homework, and bargining is part of the transaction.
Also, once you get a quoted price, get ready for the Admin Fees and Transportation fees, many/most dealers will addd on. Some customers claim not to pay those fees.
Good Luck,
Markiemark
RE: New Member from Pensacola, FL
Welcome aboard and let the adventures begin!
We have the little Kodiak, 200QB and been enjoying the heck out of it.
We have dry camped (boondocked), a weekend. Tricks, depend on the weather, and your actiivities. Meaning, you learn to conserve water, and units already set to run off battery & gas with the basics, lights, refridge, water pump, heat......what you don't have is Microwave, TV, and AC (which may or may not be issue). We purchased, battery powered fans to keep air circulating, worked off the battery & gas (propane).
Believe many upgrade to a dual battery setup with solar recharging systems, if long period time spent without hook-ups. Don't believe and really don't know, if there are reasonable solor power systems, to power the higher power things in a RV (A/C, Microwave, TV's). Do some searching, there have been posts on Solor options.
I had the opportunity to go the dual Honda generators route (at a discount) and now use them when at locations without hook-ups (when appropriate). Hard to beat that setup to run a unit!
Make sure to use the trailer as much as possible in the first year, to identify and work out any issues, while you have a Mfg Warranty! Learn as much as possile about your unit, and get out there have fun!
Wealth of knowledge here on this site!
Later,
Markiemark
RE: TT Mystique
What is it about a TT that seems to have that certain something, that unusual appeal?
We are in the market for an Upgrade, and I've been on the hunt for a 5er, however seeing some of your rigs here, i couldn't stop admiring the TT.
Something about them strikes me as cool. It's not necessity, but something has me hooked on what they represent.
The dirtiness of being part of Trailer Trash, Living the Trailer Life!
I believe is the unusual appeal you are feeling:W
Markiemark
