RE: Anyone using a bedsaver with a (PullRite) SuperGlide?
Just a word of caution. I would recommend you get all the necessary measurements of your hitch, and call up the manufacturer directly to get the proper model needed.
I ordered mine though an "authorized dealer", who's web info was vague. Ended up with the wrong one at first try.
RE: Hitch Hoist
What is the eye bolt connection to the fifth wheel hitch that the hoist is connected to?
I've seen folks weld up some real nice heavy duty eyebolt and steel plate jobbers, but I just went to the local hardware store and put something together, as my hitch isn't as heavy as some others.
A 1/2" x 6" eyebolt, with 2 nuts, lock washer, and flat washers. Two 1/2 NPT pipe flanges with two 1/2" x 1/4" NPT reducer bushings.
I had to grind a couple of flat edges on the pipe flanges, for the piece to fit properly in the hitch jaws. Can't remember, but I may have had to drill out the centers of the pipe reducers for the eyebolt to fit though them.
http://imageshack.us/a/img46/253/p1020620v.jpg
RE: Video Servers
I ended up getting the KDLink unit, and a Seagate 4TB USB hard drive. Using MakeMKV as the ripping software. Have decided to keep with ripping DVDs, and not Blurays, to save hard drive space. We will be watching on a TV no more than 40"-42", so the pic quality should be sufficient. The KDLink has 4 USB inputs, so I could go up to a total of 16TBs. Sticking with DVDs, doubt I will need more than what I have now. Thanks for all the input!
RE: Video Servers
Think I'm going to try one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/Arrival-KDLINKS-HD700-Extreme-Built-In/dp/B008CBQSKU/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
Since I already have some extra external hard drives laying around.
Video Servers
Does anyone here use a video server, such as the WDTV Live Hub, to store movies for watching on their RV, leaving the original disc at home. I have a smallish DVD and Bluray collection (under 100 disc). Sounds like a great app for the RV.
RE: Opinion on 5th wheel louverd tailgates
I use a Custom Flow, a couple of comments that I have found. My old Ford tailgate had the built in "man-step", which I loved. But the v-gate is actually easier, I just leave the gate up and step through the V.
Also the v-gate is much lighter than the stock gate, making it easier to install/remove. Good thing if you are hauling something that you think might damage the louvers, just remove it. I built a plywood box insert that I can place in front of the Custom Flow (inside the bed), for loads like trips to the city landfill.
RE: RV antifreeze in a small fountain?
Also got another idea from another board to use wet rated heat tape, I could wrap it up the pot, make it look like a candy cane. :)
RE: RV antifreeze in a small fountain?
I read of the vodka trick, that's for real. The cover idea is also a good one, the fountain is only about 2-1/2 to 3' high. I could build it out of wood frame and foam sides.
RE: RV antifreeze in a small fountain?
Yes, that's what I have been doing. In the summer it's on a time clock, but I recently overid that for constant operation. Just want some extra insurance, when a cold snap passes through.
RV antifreeze in a small fountain?
Does the pink antifreeze lose it's color after a while? When I open the RV up in the spring, and flush out the lines, I haven't really noticed. Recently I had to dump my black tank, which I knew had only antifreeze in it, and the liquid was "clearish".
Reason I ask is I have a small fountain in the yard that is a pain to drain and winterize.
http://imageshack.us/a/img4/8544/p1020309w.jpg
The stones need to be moved to access and pull out the sump pump in the reservoir underneath. It would be real easy to just throw in a couple of gallons of RV antifreeze, but I don't want to stain the fountain to the point where it looks bad. It really doesn't get that cold round here, 20s in the nights at the most usually. Doable?
RE: Open range
Biggest complaint on the ORF is the A/C systems, mainly in the summer time. So get your parents to go with as much A/C as possible, and hope the duct system is up to par, installed properly. Make sure they do a thorough PDI, as, even though OR's service is top notch, their initial quality control, not so much.
Best to spent some time reading the owner's forum, to know what you're getting. BTW, love my Open Range, felt it was a great purchasing decision (that said, I need to add a second A/C by next summer :R).
RE: Hitch Hoist
Another option, one that I use now, is a "come along" winch. Easy to set up but slooooow:
http://imageshack.us/a/img59/7906/p1010940k.jpg
And yes you need a dolly, I diyed this one:
http://imageshack.us/a/img838/9522/p1010925y.jpg
RE: Custom Flow 5th Wheel Tailgate on 11' F350
Thanks Guys. I googled "hitch step" and yes, there's lots of options/products out there to choose from. Some look very similar to my OEM chrome running boards.
I will try to find the "Polar Bear" one, sounds like what I need. Thinking that it should have a bit of an offset down from the receiver, to get the proper height from the ground. I would also leave mine on permanently, and it would actually be better than the Ford man-step, which you have to pull out once the tailgate is dropped.
RE: Custom Flow 5th Wheel Tailgate on 11' F350
Sorry if I didn't word it right, but yes, that's what I meant. Still going with the V-gate, though, will have to come up with another "man-step" substitution. Maybe something that fits in the receiver.
Custom Flow 5th Wheel Tailgate on 11' F350
I have a question to the folks who have this V-gate. When it is in the down position, does the "V" clear the truck's lower bumper level (where the TT folks would place their ball hitch), enough so that stepping on that portion of the bumper is how one climbs in and out of the bed, without placing weight on the CustomFlow? Or is it easier just to straddle in and out, around the tailgate when it is up?
I thinking about going with one of these, which means I won't have my factory gate with the "man-step". Thanks, John.
RE: Anyone know anything about Open Range Mesa Ridge?
We looked at a Mesa Ridge TT before we got out Roamer 5th wheel. I could of sworn one salesman told me at that time, the MR only came with a 1 year warranty, but who knows.:h
I do remember that particular model we looked at didn't have the 4-point level system that our Roamer does, just scissor jacks. Maybe OR has upped the game on the MRs since. I would look at that as a positive.
The one pet peeve I have with Open Range in general, is their insistence of slapping decals all over the windows, depending on the model. It was one of the issues that led us to the Roamer we have. Looking at pics on the net of the Mesa Ridge in question, it may be an issue for you.
BTW, if you register into the OR owner's forum, you will be able to access more info.
Window Graphics
RE: Rear cameras for the backup impaired
You know, I do that, but I think the problem is I oversteer. The 5er is only 30' long, and the truck is a crew cab/long bed, 22' (?) feet long. So once I get the RV turning, it over turns before I can correct. Anyway that's how I see what's happening, may be wrong.
Hands-down, this is my issue - I definitely oversteer. I bet my truck looks like windshield wipers compared to my camper. Back and forth at extremes I go!
This past trip, I made a very big conscience effort to make smaller turns and then unwind the steering wheel a bit to follow the trailer a bit. It worked beautiful for 2 parkings!
Reading the posts on your Youtube thread made me feel a lot better!
RE: Rear cameras for the backup impaired
Try this put your hand on the BOTTOM of the steering wheel.
Move that hand in the direction you want the trailer to go.
IMHO a backup camera on a fiver would only be more confusing.
Backup camera on your TV probably wouldn't show much more than the front cap of the fiver I would think?
You know, I do that, but I think the problem is I oversteer. The 5er is only 30' long, and the truck is a crew cab/long bed, 22' (?) feet long. So once I get the RV turning, it over turns before I can correct. Anyway that's how I see what's happening, may be wrong. I remember using that method with the TT, and could make it turn on a dime and come back exactly where I would want it (that was with a 30' TT and a shorter super cab/short bed truck).
The camera(s) would be on the back of the 5th wheel.
