RE: Mistake in the NorthWest
In response to the suggestion re: Wenatchee, anyplace east of the Cascades in WA or OR is likely to be cold and snowy in December.
That is when we arrange with the snow removal guys, leave here and head south.
Good luck and stay safe.
RE: What is the average life span of a trailer battery ?
I just replaced the two seven year old house batteries and the eight year old starting battery. They were all working OK, but I figured they didn't owe me anything and I was on borrowed time.
I would rather do it now at home, then have a failure on the road.
Heading south nest week if the weather does not throw us a curve.
RE: Fuel starting question
It is possible that the fuel pump, which is in the fuel tank, is allowing the fuel pressure to drop while the rig is sitting. This could be a sign of a potential fuel pump failure. On the other hand some rigs run for years with these exact same symptoms.
Try turning on the ignition, with out trying to start, for several seconds, then turning the ignition off and on again, waiting another several seconds before attempting to start the engine. This should allow the pump to re-establish the pressure necessary to start the engine.
The fact that the pump will only run for a limited amount of time is the reason for the on-off-on thing. Also the fact that the location of the fuel tank is most likely in the rear of the chassis, it may take more than two cycles to re-establish the pressure to the injection system.
I have experience these symptoms on another rig with a GM engine and fuel supply system.
Good luck !
RE: Brake Buddy
I have used BB for years with out any issues. I must have the "non-digital" version, as it keeps it's settings, and is years old.
It does run off the battery and will deplete the battery if towing for extended periods (several days). That issue needs to be addressed. I ran a charge line from the MH to the toad. The jump starter would also be a solution.
RE: Stockton CA to San Diego CA ? Help...
We travel to Escondido, just north of San Diego every year. We try to avoid LA all together. Usually take I-5 to lost Hills, sr46 through Wasco to 99. 99 south to 58. 58 east to US395. 395 south to I-15, and I-15 south to the San Diego area.
This route will avoid the Grapevine and most of the LA heavy traffic. We usually stay at the Orange Grove RV Park, just east of Bakersfield (free oranges), leave early and get to Escondido before noon.
Good luck, and stay safe.
RE: Kwikee Electric Steps Issue
If your steps have a magnetic switch on the door frame which "tells" the step motor that the door is closed or open, that switch might be sticking. Try tapping it with a screwdriver handle. This has happened to me occasionally.
It could also be a weak ground issue.
Good luck !
RE: mail
We are not full-timers, but are on the road for 4+ month each winter.
At home we get our mail delivered to a box at the local UPS Store. The UPS address is our 12 month mailing address. When we are on the road, they forward our mail on a weekly basis. This works well for us.
The only charge is the fee we pay annually for our PMB and the actual cost of the postage for forwarding.
I provide a schedule of where we will be when and when to forward mail. I think that one could also phone them when you wanted mail forwarded.
RE: Does the DW drive?
My DW can drive the rig, has driven the rig, but I do all the driving.
DW is fully capable should the need arise.
DW would rather knit and watch the mile markers go by.
Do what ever makes everyone happy.
RE: Good Route from vancouver BC to Phoenix,AZ
Here are a couple of options which we have used, both good roads. I would assume that you would be starting at the border. You didn't mention what time of year you would be traveling. Both of the following routes would have the possibility of cold temperatures and snow, so a careful weather watch would be advisable.
I-5/405S, I-90E, I-82S, I-84SE, US93S, US6 to SR318S, US93/I-15 to Las Vegas,
US93 to Phoenix.
I-5/405S, I-90E, I-82S, SR22 to Toppenish, US97S to Klameth Falls, SR39/139. Sr299E to Alturas, US395S to Reno, I-80E, Alt50 to Fallon, US95 to Las Vegas, US93SE to Phoenix.
You could avoid the Seattle/Bellevue mess by taking US2 east from Evertt and picking up US97 just west of Wenatchee, I-90 just west of Ellensburg.
You need to carry chains during the snow season.
During the snow season, if the weather looks threatening, I take I-5 south to Stockton, Either I-5 or US99 to Bakersfield, SR58 to Barstow, I-40 E to Arizona SR95, (US95 in CA is not as good a road.) I-10E to Phoenix.
Lots of options. Stay safe.
RE: Kelowna, Canada to Tucson
'tuna's route is a very good suggestion. I would just add, for clarification, US97 south to East Wenatchee then SR28 to Quincey and SR281 to George. Head east from George on I-90 to SR17.
Fast forward to Ely, NV. Take US 6 to SR318, which will bring you back to US93 and save about 50 miles.
Stay safe.
RE: Best Route Port Angeles to Yuma, AZ
As has already been posted, the Siskiyous are never a problem for long. the DOTs do a great job of keeping them open. We usually stop in the Eugene area so that we hit the mountains in the middle of the day.
We enjoy stopping at the Rolling Hills Casino, just south of Corning, CA. We also stop at the Orange Grove just east of Bakersfield, on Hwy 58.
I would suggest that you take SR58 east to Barstow, I-40 east to SR95 in Arizona, NOT US95 in California. SR95 south to Quartzite, then US95 south to Yuma. This will avoid the LA traffic mess.
Gas is much cheaper in AZ than in CA. Needles, CA is exceptionally high priced.
Stay safe and allow extra time for bad weather and you should be just fine.
RE: Hydraulic parking brake release
I don't believe that web-sire is by oldusedbear. He can be contacted at oldusedbear11@charter.net
That website appears to have good info, however.
RE: 90 miles=35 Degree temp drop-Why we love RV s
Dennis,
I don't know where you are currently, but if you want warm and sunny, come to north central Washington. It was 103° in downtown Wenatchee yesterday afternoon. That's not official temp, just what my car thought the outside temp was. it is usually pretty close to correct.
RE: Route : January trip from Bakersfield CA to Portland OR
I have traveled the I-5 route, both north and south, during the "Snow Season" many times and have only been held up once. I do keep a sharp eye on the weather for the day that I would be crossing the area. The DOTs do a wonderful job of keeping the Siskiyous open.
http://www.tripcheck.com is the Oregon DOT web-site and provides great real time weather and camera shots.
I would try to hit the area from Redding through Ashland about noon or later in the afternoon when the temperatures would likely be warmer.
I-5 is definitely the rout of choice. The temperatures east of the Sierras would likely be a greater problem.
RE: Best Route, Denver to Seattle?
As a "local" who has lived on both sides of the Cascades, I would much rather cross Snoqualmie Pass, than drive I-5 from Portland to Seattle. That is possibly the worst and most congested stretch of highway in our state.
That being said, the drive along the Columbia River, west toward Portland is very scenic and beautiful.
The grades on Snoqualmie are nothing to be concerned about. RVs and big rigs cross there all the time.
I agree with Ron8877. Which ever route you take, Welcome to Washington. Bring lots of money. Fuel is more expensive than almost anywhere in the USA.
RE: Recommendations panhard/trac bar f53
Being in Everett, I would suggest that you talk to the folks at Bear Alignment Service, on Marine View Dr. (425) 259-0763. They worked on the suspension on my rig several years ago, when I lived over on the west side, and did an exceptional job.
