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RE: How best to get to Durango Colorado
Wolf Creek pass is not difficult, the road is wide with pull offs. Just gear down & go slow, don't ride your brakes. Been on many worse than wolf creek.
X2
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RWDIII
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05/21/13 01:24pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: From Kingman, Az to Las Vegas over Hoover Dam ??
Look at Hoover Dam on Google maps, satellite view. You'll see the new bypass bridge is part of Hwy 93. I'll be going across it for the first time in July. Last time I went across the dam, they were in the middle of building the bridge. It was an awesome site to see the half-way built bridge from the dam.
Pic of bridge from damhttp://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o655/rwdIII/DE1CA4CC-A2CB-4E9E-97DB-506E135ACC88-661-0000046890E48EBB.jpg height=480 width=360
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RWDIII
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05/20/13 05:52pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: Off-road capable RVs
To the OP, if you are interested in a TT, a smaller single axle with a flip kit would be a place to start. There is a member profdant135 or something like that who tows a modified single axle fun finder behind a Toyota 4x4 and has managed to get to some very out of the way places.
This is a pic of my rig at the Racetrack in Death Valley over 50 miles in 4wd round trip
A bit off topic ... but I'm curious. Could our small (24 foot) Class C E450 motorhome make it to the Racetrack in DV??
FWIW, I've traveled offroad in/out for about 50 miles of heavy washboard with our MH in the OR outback. And I've went about a mile on a 4X4 roadbed in DV (consisting of 3" to 4" size rocks) in DV with our MH and it's rear duals and 10-ply tires all around.
Why is 4X4 needed for the trip to the Racetrack ... is it more a matter of tough tires and careful negotiating around some large rocks ... or is the additional traction from 4X4 actually needed due to sand, steep slopes, etc..? Or, is what's mostly needed is the additional ground clearance that some 4X4 RVs have?
I wonder if anyone has ever went to (and returned from!) the Racetrack with an E350 or E450 Class C motorhome?
I apologize for the questions - but just curious, since you've been there. :h
In general, the road is high clearance 2WD and not particularly difficult. We used to go out there in our old VW bus, and some years ago my brother and I went out there in my 2WD open diff Ford Ranger with no issues. It is not so much a traction issue as it is a rough road with some ruts, rocks, and short hills / whoops and narrower sections. Without knowing your specific RV, if your RV is not extra wide, has good ground clearance with good approach and departure angles as well as good breakover angles (shorter wheelbase), and you are competant at driving and manuvering you might be able to do it. Most class Cs I know of do not have what I would call good approach, departure or breakover angles. If you do go, make sure tires and spare is good, have an extra can of fix-a-flat, an air compressor, and can change a tire by yourself. Drive gingerly and avoid the rocks as much as possible, and if a section looks questionable, don't. A tow out will be exceedingly expensive.
Actual road conditions can vary significantly depending on recent weather and if the road has been serviced. Check actual conditions at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, or Scotty's Castle before setting out. Plan on it being an all day trip.
The weekend I was there,Veterans Day,the road was a little rougher than usual with some washouts.
the Ranger said it was not exactly 4wd,but rough.I was by myself and
a little overwight so was carefull.
plus no cell phone,out in the middle of nowhere.
If I was with another vehicle,I would try it with a posi rear,but dont know if MH has posi or a locker
Semper Fi and Happy trails
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RWDIII
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05/15/13 03:10pm |
Public Lands, Boondocking and Dry Camping
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RE: Off-road capable RVs
Can anyone provide suggestions for a TT or 5er that can easily go off-road. I intend to dry camp up on a mountain ridge that requires a lengthy dirt road with some pretty sizeable rocks, and uneven terrain. Higher ground clearance is definitely a plus.
In "Trailer Life" magazine I read about the Northwood Snow River Rugged Lite,built in OR. It say's it has "...Lippert Equa-Flex suspension with off-road clearance..."
Anybody have experience with this brand? Just how much additional clearance do they mean by "off-road clearance?"
Thanks,
D
If you plan on off road or bad road the TC with 4wd is the way to go
This is a pic of my rig at the Racetrack in Death Valley over 50 miles in 4wd round trip
http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o655/rwdIII/camping/86E15424-3D21-4EE3-87AB-B3FAFAB4793D-1563-00000696AC7BC9D0.jpg height=480 width=360
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RWDIII
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05/13/13 10:36am |
Public Lands, Boondocking and Dry Camping
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RE: What do you do with the tailgate?
Still learning about truck camping before purchase and was wondering what you guys do with your truck tailgates when the camper is loaded. Also, if you unload your camper while at a site do you just drive around without it and do you have any concerns about the sides of the truck flexing or giving without the stability the tail gate provides when in place? Please forgive me for possible stupid questions.
http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o655/rwdIII/EDF976B9-C277-45B2-9A9D-B536A88BE8CE-844-0000044AC14ED02C_zps533c20e0.jpg height=480 width=360
As you can tell from the picture,when the camper is on there is nothing to prevent flexing notice the spaces.My tailgate lives in the garage all the time.Its a non issue
Happy camping:)
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RWDIII
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05/13/13 09:21am |
Truck Campers
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Fast trip to RMNP
Made a fast trip to the west side of RMNP yesterday.This summer my son and I planned a camping trip to Timber lake campground and a hike up the Colorado River trail to Lulu city(ghost town) and the headwaters of the Colorado river.However his orders were changed and he has to report to Norfolk in 2 weeks.We decided to take a day trip,no trailer, to see the area.
As we headed west on I70 we saw the buffalo heard just west of of lookout mt.About 30 animals with several calves.Stopped for breakfast and coffee in Idaho Springs,which is a neat old mining town.
turned off on hiway 40 and headed north.Crossed the divide at Berthoud pass,near 12000ft,and headed to Grandby.Was surprised the lake was really down,maybe at 40%.Stopped at the Kawauneeche visiter center that was nearly empty.Went up to Timberlake campground.Lots of snow and 1 hardy camper in a tent.The road was closed at trailridge road and the sign said it will be open May 24.Returning to lakewood we hit snow flurries at the divide.There was very little traffic as we were there after the ski season and before the summer season.Timberlake campground is for vehicles less than 25 ft and his been hit hard by the beatle kill off
http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o655/rwdIII/null_zps28533267.jpg height=480 width=360
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RWDIII
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05/12/13 10:07am |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Guts, Glory and ...
Somebody will get a great deal on a low milage silver Power Wagon demo.
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RWDIII
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05/09/13 10:27am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Let's See Your Camping Flags!
http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o655/rwdIII/0836B6B5-1B7A-4F13-A9B2-46379A4D0159-1563-00000696B0D3CB79.jpg height=480 width=360
I fly the Ariz flag when I camp,especially when I am at Death Valley or Anza Borrego in the PRC.
in the desert when the winds come up I lower it,as it does get noisy at night:)
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RWDIII
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05/08/13 01:37pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: RV'ing old west trails
I am also retired military and like the old trails
Two of my favorites are the Butterfield stage route of 1858 and the old Mojave road in the Calif desert.
there have been several good write ups on the Mojave road.
when I drive it I can ajmost see the camels that were used here in 1858.The good part is that you can drive it in a 4wd for 120 miles and visit a few of the old Forts.
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RWDIII
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05/06/13 04:24pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Harbor Frt Cordless Drill or Impact
Bought a cheap HF 1/2 drill for the jacks. Went back a few months later to get a second battery and they still sold the drill but no batteries. It barely would run the jacks up and down so, I gave it away and got a Ryobi, 18v on sale with two batteries and a nice carrying case. It is also two speed so, has a low speed higher torque setting.
Seems like whenever I buy something cheap, I end up having to buy the right one anyway and have wasted money on the cheap one.
x2
http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o655/rwdIII/6C8D1AB9-C379-4747-BC3D-091EA14F3A5C-513-000001B20A2D853D_zps798b3ba3.jpg height=480 width=360
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RWDIII
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05/04/13 10:20am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Gonna miss my HD2500 GMC I think
I notice all the mention of 8 and 10 ply tires.
Is the industry reverting back to that terminology?
To my knowledge there is no such thing as an actual 8 or 10 ply tire on a pickup.
The 10 ply is "E" rated. Ply rating is old terminology.
That is what the op should look for it will firm up the ride.
Hey give us old guys a break
Its what we grew up with
Its 305 cubes but we have to translate to 5 litres
used to be 6 ply,now its LT c rating
Used to be 1200-16 now its 305-75-16
used to be 10-40 for trucks now its 5-20:h
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RWDIII
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04/29/13 08:49am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Tucson to Show Low, AZ
Take the route you know
That's what 2nd gear is for.
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RWDIII
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04/29/13 08:24am |
Roads and Routes
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RE: Harbor Freight Predator Gen set, any one have one
It might be OK, but I would buy a Champion first. The price difference isn't that much and a lot of people have experience with the Champion.
The Honda's are in a completely different league and price range. They are among my favorite gensets.
Yes get the champion,I have seen them on sales for $300.
I have had 2 of them.They have good service and parts support.
I sold the 3500 and got the 1200/1500 when I downsized to the TC.
A little loud under load but I only use it when boondocking or during Gen hours.
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RWDIII
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04/29/13 08:09am |
Tech Issues
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RE: 10 K Equalizer for Light Weight Trailer?
I greatly appreciate all the responses that I have received to my post! RWDIII, I enjoyed the photo of your Fun Finder and F-150. My F-150 is the same color. Do you have a 5.4 Triton in yours? That Palomino look pretty good perched on your pickup!
Mike
Yes,and with the TC have more range and go down 4wd roads with ease.
next year hope to explore the Mojave road.
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RWDIII
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04/29/13 07:42am |
Towing
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RE: Going to look at new 1500 crew cabs today
Going to pick up our trailer Thursday from the dealer. I went ahead and had him perform its first rubber roof service since purchase. He deserved something, he tried to sell it. Now we're excited to be back out camping this weekend for the first time in 13'. Probably gonna go to Zooland in Asheboro NC since my wife has to work in Charlotte next week. http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c70/stclairm/newf150_zpsea4e5b4c.jpg
Good looking truck,
did you get 5.5 ft bed,or 6.5 bed.I am looking and the 6.5 bed is rare on lots.If I have to order one,might as well get the 8200GVW:@
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RWDIII
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04/28/13 02:05pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: 10 K Equalizer for Light Weight Trailer?
I had a FF 189 Fbr for 6 yrs and about 12500 miles towed before I downsized to a TC.On the old fun finder forum there was concern with HD bars,that if hitched
to tight,the bars, that the frame could be bent.
I would go with 600lb bars.If you reply,state your trucks GVW and payload.I never had a problem with towing with the 7200GVW towpackage with 3.73
Happy trails
Semper FI
Then
http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o655/rwdIII/B62398CA-A8EE-467C-BFC7-3DD5B2E5F790-661-00000468515DB8F4.jpg height=480 width=360
NOW
http://i1336.photobucket.com/albums/o655/rwdIII/5B257E9E-749A-4514-A8D9-1E19C703942A-7012-00002029C56B3EA7.jpg height=480 width=360
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RWDIII
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04/28/13 01:29pm |
Towing
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RE: Pulled the trigger -- AND IT"S HERE!!!
Picked up new truck today and I'm blown away!!! Most amazing vehicle I've ever owned. O.K., so I've only got 50 miles on it, but this thing is amazing. Wife says she's not going to bail me out when I start getting speeding tickets.
Color is darker than it appeared online, but it draws attention. From customers at the dealership coming up to look while the dealer and I were inside doing a once-over to the guy at DMV who commented about seeing it in the parking lot to my hitch installer who called out his employees to look at it in the sunlight.
The seats are unbelievably comfortable and the electronics package is just unbelievable.
The power is awesome. Suffice it to say that 800 ft. lbs. of torque and 4.30 gears equals spinning duels.
Goes in Thursday to get the B&W turnover ball hitch installed to mate with the Companion hitch I already have and then this thing should drag my trailer anywhere I want without even working up a sweat.
Won't tie up bandwidth here with photos, but anyone who wants to look can see photos here:
My New F-450
Randy
I have never ordered a vehicle,can you still get rebates and good prices?
I notice good rebates in Mar and April,did you get them?
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RWDIII
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04/25/13 02:01pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Reverse Snowbirding - any recommendations.
I thought I was the only reverse snowbird.
Every year we look forward to our summers in Colorado
For me the choice was easy,near family
son and family in Denver
daughter and family in Phoenix area
Wish I would have done it 8 years ago when I retired
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RWDIII
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04/25/13 09:25am |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Estes Park
Last year the area around Vail was great for the fall colors
Don't get me wrong RMNP is great,but there are better spots
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RWDIII
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04/21/13 01:33pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: There WERE a few things about the "good old days"...
Anyone remember being sick and the Doctor came to the house with little black bag.Going to school and getting the Polio shot?You parents saying how great it was because they knew someone with Polio or in an Iron Lung.
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RWDIII
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04/21/13 01:25pm |
Around the Campfire
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