RE: Baseplate
You can call around to some local body shops...they should be somewhat familiar with the install. Of course, the RV shop will probably have done a lot more of them, which may make a difference to you. It really depends on just how much of a difference there is in the price.
I don't know if the RV Service Shop will really be upset that you didn't get the base-plate from their Parts Store. Work is money, and Money is King!!:B Unless they are really crazy busy, I'm sure they will be more than happy to do the install....for the right price!!
RE: Interior 12v lights not working
It sorta sounds as if your Inverter/converter is faulty. The lights are 12VDC, so being hooked up to shore power shouldn't make a difference....other than that it's charging your batteries and the converter is providing the 12VDC.
I'm guessing that you've got bad batteries....maybe a dead cell or two, and they won't charge up properly, so you lose the lights after a fairly short time. A good battery should keep those lights on all night.
The 110VAC stuff (Microwave, A/C, and any outlets) will work with the shore power, and you may get some 110VAC from the outlets if your Inverter is working properly, and the batteries are fully charged.
Hope that helps some....but you may want to have the systems checked out by someone who knows RV electric a bit better.
Happy Camping:)
RE: What is roadside service
If your insurance covers these things, then you don't need the other programs. Not all insurance will cover the smaller things like a flat tire. And changing a tire on a large MH is not something for the faint of heart!
What you may want to check, is what you are paying for the Roadside Assistance on your Insurance? You may find that it's cheaper with one of the other plans? Then again, you may not!
Happy Camping:)
RE: A/C in tent trailer
Sigman is correct, the best thing you can do, is find some shade.
Depending on the size of your P'Up, you may want to see about getting one of those portable awning things, and park the trailer under it. You may even be able to make special fitting for the sides, that will hold the poles, in case there isn't enough height.
Even a smaller tarp or umbrella that will keep the A/C unit in the shade will help some....and you may want to even spray it with the water hose from time to time, to help cool it down.
Happy Camping:)
RE: advice, where can I fill up water tank while on the road?
Well, to answer your question....most gas stations will have a water supply. As will almost all campgrounds (even when they don't have full Hook-ups)...unless you are planning to camp at a Wilderness Site without any water.
One of the advantages of filling your tank before you leave.......you know what your water tastes like! Not all water tastes the same, or smells the same, and that may be an issue.
Traveling with a full tank probably won't change much of the mileage....it's gonna be bad no matter what:) Are you really excited because your mileage went from 7.25 to 7.3 mpg? Depending on just how you drive, you can probably make up the difference just by slowing down 5 mph.:B
Have a great trip.
RE: Any other campgrounds like Jellystone?
I'm not sure if RVParkReviews will search for kid activities, but there are plenty of them out there.
I'd suggest starting another post, asking about parks in an area you'd like to visit....such as Myrtle Beach. I know that there are several CGs there that would fit the bill.
But, you can ask for a specific area, and I'm sure you'll get some great suggestions:)
Happy Camping:)
Keep in mind, a lake, pool, or just a bunch of other kids, may be enough for your youngster.
RE: We got locked IN our camper!!
When you get home take those same screws out and apply a little loctite to them and screw them back in. That should keep them from working loose again.
If you don't have any loctite, you can coat the threads with some nailpolish:)
But, as others have mentioned, you should learn where the emergency exit is.
And, don't be afraid to take something apart....especially, if you are basically trapped inside.
I know that the emergency window isn't for everyone, due to age or conditions, but if there was a serious emergency, just know that you could get out, should help to reduce the panic.....I don't know if I'd be in any rush to climb out our rear window, but I'm fortunate, I can get out through the cab in the MH too:)
RE: Towing with a Van
I wqs going to mention that there is someone on here, who converted his van to a duelly....and there he is, right above me!
The duelly will give better stability, but I'm sure that the 3/4 and 1 ton versions with SRW will do fine for what you want.
Keep in mind, if you are carrying 8 folks with you, you need to take their weight into account, in addition to the trailer, so it may make more sense to go for the 1-Ton!
The V-10 is a proven engine, with plenty of power.
RE: Lest we not forget our War Dog Hero's Today also ~Lucca GSD~
Wow, not I feel bad, because I wasn't thinking of our 4-legged Vets out there. I have had (though I don't know if I could find it now) a book about the Dogs of War, with lots of pictures of the dogs that were used during WW-II & Korean War (oh, "conflict":?). It was very interesting, and I know that they had an even greater impact on Viet Nam and the Middle East.
I'm very glad to hear that the Military is finally getting their act together, and bring this brave dogs home....what a shame to just abandon them, when they have done so much for so many.
Thanks!
RE: Decent RV Park near NYC?
Trouble is, there aren't many CGs in the NYC area, as you noted.
The one in Jersey City is probably the most popular, though it sure isn't much of a Campground...more of a Parking Lot with hook-ups. Still, if you are going to see NYC, it's the best place to stay, as it's so close, and has easy access to public transportation.
There may be other places up near Newburg/West Point in NY, where you could take the train down to the City, but since you would probably be spending the entire day in the city, why waste the time traveling on the train.
I understand that there is also Dry Camping at Floyd Bennett Field over in Brooklyn, which you can catch a bus & train into Manhattan, but if it was me, I'd be in Jersey City...worth the extra money.
Check www.rvparkreviews.com for access to what is in the area....or at least, what has been reviewed by other campers.
RE: Memorial Day dissapointment
Sorry to say, but today is seen as a holiday, instead of a day of remembrance.:(
People look at it as another day off of work!
Thank you for displaying your flag. We have ours out in front of the house every day...with a solar powered spot light on it!
We've got a Nephew in the Air Force, so maybe it means a bit more to us....but it shouldn't, or rather, it should mean a lot to EVERYONE!!
RE: Use Astro Turf????????????
I think I'd work on retraining the dog. Walk him on a leash when you take him outside, and correct him every time he begins to dig.
Give him a treat when he doesn't dig (it may also help distract him after he goes), and eventually, the cycle will be broken:)
The problem with astro-turf, is that you'll need to hose it down, and if the dog has a loose stool, it may be pretty nasty!
Good luck with whatever you decide:)
RE: Residential Fridge - battery power
Keep in mind too, that the cost of the conversion you want, with a couple of extra batteries and an upgraded inverter, as well as the fridge, may not cost much more than the cost of a replacement Norcold...so it may be worth it to you to do it.:)
If and when our fridge craps out again, we'll be making the conversion too! Most of the time, we're plugged in, and only boondock, on the trip itself, so we can deal with cutting off the fridge for a few hours at a time, if we notice a battery drain.
If you dry camp a lot, you may want to rethink it.
Good Luck:)
RE: Residential Fridge - battery power
As Tex says, there is a lot of information missing.
Lots of people have done it, and we did it too, though temporarily, when our Norcold was out of service. We bought a small dorm fridge, and it worked fine, plugged into our system. But also like Tex, we have a larger battery bank, and solar panels to help during the day. Heck, I can actually run the A/C for a short time....an energy efficient fridge should be nothing.
Once you get your numbers for the Inverter and batteries, you can calculate what the system will handle. Then, look for a fridge that will work within those parameters....though you may find that you will need to add additional batteries and upgrade our Inverter.
As far as the fridge's draw from the inverter hurting the batteries, I don't think that would be an issue, though you may find that the inverter trips off, if there is to much load, or it may be so close to the capacity, that the batteries just drain too fast to make the conversion worthwhile/
Good Luck:)
RE: Tracfone?
How do you live without a phone? :h
It's not really going to matter which phone you have, though I think the Verizon may have a better signal/coverage in Montana than the disposable....so that may be a good reason for her to take the regular phone.
I think you can also get yourself a phone, for $10/month, added to your plan with the other phone (unless it's a non-contract phone)...though you would have a contract for 2 years ($240)...but, you may find that it's useful more than just this trip.
RE: Walmart overnighting with a 5th wheel
I agree with Randu, and besides, the the air temp coming from the vent isn't so hot , as to be a fire hazard. If nothing else, you may find that the bedroom is warmer than you like, because the Thermostat is in the front area, which isn't getting all that heat, but eventually, it will settle down.
Happy Camping:)
RE: Nothing to see here, just keep moving on.
What I find interesting is that the photo/signature is in all three spots. Usually, if you reply a second time (at least on one page), that doesn't happen:H
Oh, and I guess I'll just keep moving on:B
RE: Big Dog - Small Trailer
1.) I understand the concern about leaving them....but they should be OK in the TT, provided that they don't bark all the time. Usually leaving the TV on, will create enough noise, that they are distracted, and will often just sleep.
If the park doesn't allow the dogs to be left when you are gone, you may (and I will say that it's probably rare) be able to have someone in the next campground watch them for you.
You may also be able to find a local kennel, and board them for the day, if you are going someplace that won't allow you to have them with you.
2.) Best thing to do about the breeds allowed, is to contact the CG you plan to visit. You can check their website (they will often post this information), or check with one of the "Pet Friendly" sites that lists various CGs that may allow you to stay with a Rottie.
3.) I don't know if you will have to worry about someone stealing a Rottie....but who the heck knows?? This is when you want to become a good neighbor, because it's your neighbor, who will look out for you. Does it happen...sure, but I'd consider that it's a very low percentage of the number of dog owners who are out camping...so I wouldn't let it stop me from going. The same things were happening when you traveled in your "C"....though now days, we just hear about them more, because of the internet and news agencies.
Happy Camping:)
RE: New to forum, and info questions.
I agree with Ty and Gladys....stay close to home, until you feel comfortable. You may even want to have DW fallow in the family car, just in case you have to make a run home for something.
Our first trip out, we left DW's suitcase sitting on our bed at home:) Fortunately, we only went for an overnight trip, so we survived....
You'll be amazed about the littlest things that you forget about....a can opener? Cigarette Lighter (get one of the long handled ones)...etc.
As for the RV itself, learn the ins and outs of the appliances. You should probably be able to contact the mfgr's website, and maybe get a PFD of the manual, if they have it...and you don't.
If you've been reading this forum, you know about tires....how old are they on your MH? They may look new, but you need to check the age on them, and consider replacement when they get about 8 years old. Also, make sure you keep them pressurized to the proper numbers. Getting the RV weighed is a great idea, as it will allow you to get a better calculation as to what the pressures should be, based on the weight on each tire/axle.
Keep reading this forum, keep asking questions....and get out and use your RV!
That's what it's all about....
Happy Camping:)
RE: Different steep driveway question
Brian,
Oh, and have him dig and not fill because any fill will settle.
Matt
You realize that concrete is poured over gravel fill every day with no issues?
I think the point was to say that it's better to dig than to fill, but yes, a properly constructed concrete pad would be fine.
I was told, when we had a pool installed, that you don't (if possible) put any load bearing on fill, unless it's had plenty of time to settle, or had been compacted properly.
