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Forum
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RE: Here is something to chew on.......
Why is it that the auto industry gets all the "Buy American" rhetoric? Other industries have been quietly moved 100% off shore and nobody gave a rip. I know a lot of American auto workers that bought foriegn made electronics and clothing back in the '70s and didn't care because the American workers in those industries weren't union members.
It's because they are one of the only durable goods manuffacturers left standing. We cared when it happened to big steel. We cared when it happened to Machine Tools, Rail cars, appliances, electronics, etc. And it's happening to aircraft, construction equipment, agriculture equipment, shipbuilding. And we do care. We all care. It's just that now we are good at manufacturing hamburgers, potato chips, frozen foods, and RV's. I care about that too. But what about the durable goods manufacturing? We cannot survive with only service economy.
Oh...We care alright. But those in power don't know how to deal with it.
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Vulcaneer
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05/23/13 01:00pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: RV Parks w/older RV restrictions
For those that get so indignant about the 10 year rule, you should take a ride through Del-aire Camping Resort...Tolland, CT. You might change your tune. They cater to "seasonals", and "full timers", and "work campers". Very reasonable rates.
In reality, it caters to homeless people that are doing the best they can in very old broken down trailers, that are not very safe. Trash all over the place. Junk cars, trucks, appliances around on many different sites. The "resort" is an absolute wreck. Awful dirt and very rough muddy roads, buildings that are falling down and should be condemned. Just an awful place.
We had no idea. We were in the area, and thought we would take a ride through for future reference. OMG...what a horror. I cannot imagine ever staying there. It does serve a purpose for those that need it. There is a whole sub culture out there. Here is one of many like it.
Maybe I am a snob. But I like a park that has set some reasonable standards, and holds to them. I didn't bust my hump, to live in squaller. This is not my kind of resort.
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Vulcaneer
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05/22/13 06:20pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Here is something to chew on.......
My brother always buys American vehicles, and is proud to tell everyone. Trouble is he always buys used vehicles. Never buys new. Does't even buy from a dealer. Always private party.
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Vulcaneer
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05/22/13 02:27pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Made in America?
Here is what does it for me. Where do the profits go? And where are the headquarters of the parent company. Pretty simple really. There is a difference between an American manufacturer, and a North American manufacturer. Follow the money.
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Vulcaneer
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05/22/13 01:13pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Got stuck.....
being a 2wd was at a disadvantage, also, being a non limited slip was also a disadvantage. tread quickly filled with mud and that was about it.
Had I had good tires, locker, I would have probably been fine.
Without the Limited slip or locker, you don't have a 2wd. You have a 1wd. And 1WD is pretty much useless off pavement.
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Vulcaneer
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05/21/13 07:11pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Sewer solution - worth it?
Add up all you need with the slinky. The hose (pretty much an annual purchase) and connections, the elevator thing...or two...the back flush connection..the PVC storage tube. You don't want to store the tube in anything steel.
Add to that the frustration of cleaning and rinsing.
Then compare that to the cost of the Sewer Solution. And add in the extra extension hose, and additional 20 foot water hose for it. That is all you need for it. It includes a back flush feature. No elevators needed. The hoses will last many years. Have owned mine for 9 years. Same drain hoses as originally supplied.
Then you can determine for yourself if the SS is worth it.
That is what I did. And bought the SS. Glad I did too.
The SS takes a bit longer. But if you camp with full hook ups, the extra time is not an issue. It will pump uphill up to 3 feet in elevation, if needed.
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Vulcaneer
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05/21/13 12:22pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Got stuck.....
Sounds like the 4X2 strategy worked perfectly. You know..."I don't need no stinkin 4X4, cause I got friends that have em...if I ever get stuck. And if I can't get them to help, I'll just call a tow truck."
Nothing wrong with that...if it works for ya.
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Vulcaneer
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05/21/13 09:15am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Pull Test ?
Yes, It takes a few inchesb for my brakes to actuate. So, I make sure I pull farther than that. What usually happens is my trailer wheels skid a furough for about a foot.
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Vulcaneer
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05/21/13 09:03am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Alignment
Alignments can be done on trailers. Camber, square to pin, parallel, toe-in/out. Can't do it at your standard auto dealer. Needs a large truck/trailer shop with alignment machine, and chain mounts and jacks.
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Vulcaneer
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05/20/13 12:24pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Use of Cinder Blocks
Cinder blocks have a habit of disintegrating without warning. I prefer wood or plastic.
THIS^^^^....But mostly, because when something goes wrong in hitching, being on big blocks can cause damage, when the legs fall off them. Also, when doing a pull test, if you do NOT extend the legs to the ground, you could drop the fiver on your truck bed. Because all you need to do is pull it forward about 8 inches and you're off the end of the block. if you have 6" of bed rail clearance, and you are propped up on a 10" block, what happens when it drops off the block? If the hitch lets go, the only thing from stopping the fiver from hitting the ground is your truck bed side rails.
So if you need to extend the legs for a pull test, it's just easier to set up with the legs down on a 2X8 anyway. If you need more stability, there are better ways to get stability.
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Vulcaneer
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05/20/13 11:58am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Long Box vs Short Box
Since you are looking for pre-owned, keep in mind that long beds have larger gas tanks than reg beds. Compare size of 36 gallons vs. 26 gallons. If looking for a gasser, they get about 7 MPG towing. So the range could be less than 200 miles.
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Vulcaneer
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05/20/13 05:43am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Can't make any Adjustments on my trailer brakes
Do you have a brake controller installed? Sounds like it is direct connect to the brake switch.
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Vulcaneer
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05/19/13 08:23pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Enjoying camping this weekend and...crash!
Seen it happen at least once a year. Last time was in FL. Guy goes to hitch his 5'r. Backs into the hitch. Trailer rolls back about 4 feet. Front landing gear falls off his cinder blocks. Trailer falls on brand new RAM 3500 truck bed. Crushed the bed rails. Damage to 5'r was unknown, except his landing gear was bent up badly.
Now he doesn't know how to get out of this mess. Several friends standing around with all sorts of advice. Mostly just guessing.
I strolled over and asked one of the friends if he wanted to know what he should do. Because I knew what needed to be done, and had the tools he needed. Was told to mind my own business. "Carl has been towing 5'rs for 35 years...he knows what he's doing. Beside if he needs anything...We got this."
My response..."Great. But if you need my two 12 ton jacks...let me know." Then I walked away...thinking that in his 35 years experience he must have forgot the first rule...chock first and last...And the second rule...never put your elevator legs up on cinder blocks. Probably got the third rule though...keep your insurance paid up.
Last I saw there was a wrecker there, jacking the trailer off the ground. Funny... wrecker guy put chocks under the wheels.
Yep...They got this, alright.
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Vulcaneer
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05/19/13 08:16pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Long Box vs Short Box
Comments please. I need all the help I can get! Thanks.
***Went by, not there. Probably sold.***
You should hope it sold. Not for you. Only look at the V10 with 30 valves. That's a 2005 or later. Previous models are lesser powered. And would struggle with 14K pounds.
The V10 is a gas hog. But a sweet towing gasser. Because they get poor gas mileage, they typically might not have as many miles. But a higher percent of the miles are likely towing miles.
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Vulcaneer
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05/19/13 02:28pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Long Box vs Short Box
Best to stay away from the 06 Ford diesel. Assume no bullet proofing has been done. The 6.0 diesel has the reputation for being the worst pickup truck diesel ever made.
If that truck is a V10 go for it. If a 5.4L,it is a reliable engine, but not a great towing motor for heavy towing.
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Vulcaneer
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05/19/13 08:55am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Full Synthetic or Synthetic Blend
Unless you're doing extended drain intervals skip the synthetic.
This is also my train of thought...for a non turbo engine. Dino is just fine for up to 5,000 mile change schedule. I recommend semi syn if you might go over 5K a little bit. Full syn if going to 7.5K or beyond.
For a turbo engine, use a full synthetic.
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Vulcaneer
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05/19/13 08:42am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Might be forced to buy Diesel
Sure diesel power is nice. But for your application, I would think gas truck might be better for all around use. Those low miles are not good for the diesel. Mine takes at least 10 miles to warm up.
You have very few hills. Save $8,000 up front by not buying the diesel.
I pulled my 14,250 GVWR 5'r with my previous V10...all around the country. Over the rockies, etc. Never a problem. The new 6.2L or 6.0L motors are nearly as strong. They love to rev. And no diesel expense. Your daily driver requirements are NOT good for a diesel. And you trailer selection doesn't NEED a diesel.
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Vulcaneer
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05/19/13 08:33am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: f150 vs.f250
Big difference in ride quality. Some in fuel mileage. Maybe 20% or so.
There is a saying..."You cannot have too much truck." In your case this does not apply. Keep the F150. You be much happier with you trailer.
If you think you might want a larger trailer...maybe over 10K GVWR...then think about a larger truck. Then skip the 250 and go for the 350.
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Vulcaneer
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05/18/13 07:34am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Digital Multimeters- An RVer's Best Friend
Checking intrinsic battery drain. A DMM can be specific. Where a test light only tells you if current exists or not. Also handy to measure brakes voltages, amps at the magnets. Much moreprecise than Analog units.
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Vulcaneer
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05/17/13 06:47pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Fithwheel and tonneau covers issue
This is a common issue with any tonneaus that have bed rail frames, like rollups do. For that reason, I bought the tri-fold style. Has no frame structure. I remove it when towing. And replace when not towing. Takes about 5 minutes. Easy to store in the 5th wheel while in transit.
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Vulcaneer
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05/16/13 06:01pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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