RE: Hand Guns
Oh! And don't forget to explore the virtues of pepper spray and mace. With some products offering a 20' range they are a great alternative to provide you a chance to disorient and get away...
RE: Hand Guns
After four years of full timing (we're in our 8th now), I sold the handgun. Thirty years on active duty taught me that proficiency was mandatory when owning a weapon; 4 years of retirement taught me that I no longer cared to work on keeping proficient. I've never been in a situation in which I've felt threatened, and among all the full timers I've met volunteering these years, I've never heard of anyone being in a situation that required a weapon. You make the choice - have a weapon and have the responsibility of keeping proficient both physically and mentally, or don't and refuse to worry about it. You can "what if?" to death or relax and enjoy your travels.
I am with this gent. We definitely are not full timers but we often hike with our dogs and sometimes need protection. We both have licenses to cover the carry laws across most states we can reach from our DFW based residence...but we have no desire (or need) to carry day to day. I am at the range at least once a month with DW slightly less. Sometimes I feel better when I carry - usually hiking, I have never felt comfortable carrying in public. it just puts me on 'high alet'.
Please consider carefully and get the proper training.
Take care!
Tom
Cameo Brakes
Was thinking the 5th wheel (37cksls/2011) just wasn't stopping like it should - lots of 'push' on my f350. Got under there this weekend to find the brake wires completely shredded. The manufacturer ran the wires directly on top of the axles were a nice little bounce would pinch them between the spring mounts and the frame...no effing brakes at all!
I did a quick patch by splicing the wires back together to see if stopping got any better - still sux. I'm now thinking I need to pull the drums and run some kind of test to see if the brakes are getting power at all.
I also have seen reports (on RV boards) about some drums being filled with grease due to a bad rubber washer being used by the manufacturer.
Before I tackle this thing I gotta troubleshoot. Could it be....
1) no power to drums due to bad wiring from truck?
2) other problem in on trailer wiring? gauge to small, etc. (seen this example on RV boards too)
3) crappy brake controller (Tonkesha Prodigy) not sending enough power to brakes? (maybe should go to MaxBrake)
4) my rig dips on the back-end due to heavy pin weight - could this lack of leveling be causing some problem with the brake controller? (maybe should load level?)
5) time to go to a good shop?
What do you guys think?
Thanks
Tom
RE: Tires for TV
Are the wheels rated for G tires?????
Great question - they are the stock wheel on the 2004 f350. I'll have to check.
Thanks for the thought!
Tom
Tires for TV
Hello All,
I'm quickly approaching the need to purchase tires for my f350 4x4 dually. I tow a Cameo 37ft rig that weighs in at about 16k. Do you guys have any recommendations for tires? I am running 235/85/r16's today in load range E. I seldom go off road, but would like a tire that could handle a bit of snow/mud if necessary without producing a bunch of road noise, or be too fat for the dually configuration. Should I consider going up to a G rated tire? I did that on my Cameo not long ago and have been very happy with the improved stability.
Any thoughts or experiences would be appreciated.
Thank you!
Tom
Propane freeze up
Hello All! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas.
The DW and I left DFW and headed to Hot Springs for the holiday. We enjoyed a wonderful few days until the snow and following power outages. Sadly our campground was on a grid that had no power.
There are lots of things to check out later, like why our deep cycle battery ran out of juice after about 6 hours of supporting the furnace, water pump and a light or two.
Given the need for power, we decided to fire up the 5500 Onan LP Genny in our 2011 Cameo. Unfortunately there wasn't enough juice in the battery to start the Onan so I began to research alternatives. I could have jumped it from my truck but had no cables. I fired up the trusty Ford (my opinion), backed it up, connected the rig's umbilical, waited a bit, and the Genny fired right up...woohoo!
We ran on generator power from 6am, to 6pm. Before the local office closed, I decided to check the tanks, expecting that we would go through the night on the generator. Sadly, the two 40lb cans were covered in ice (+/- 30 outside).
I tried turning off the tanks one at a time until I found out that my primary source was too frozen to run the generator. No power and a 20 degree night on the way.
One row of the campground had power, so I was able to string a few extension cords together to get power to the Cameo (gotta love the graciousness of fellow RVers).
The tanks put out enough propane to run the furnace, stove, but why not the Onan?
I have been searching and found other posts /answers referring to drawing off too much propane too fast, and the science behind that -- but how I make sure I have a reliable propane system when I need it?
I am not in a position to swap to a gasoline generator or other fuel sources, and I can't believe there isn't a better solution here.
What do you guys think?
Btw, this happened to me the last time I was in the cold (45 degrees) and running the Onan. Something must be wrong.
Thank you in advance!
Tom
Post moved from TT Forum to Tech Issues Forum
Moderator - TT Forum
Help with leak and damage
Hello Folks!
When pulling our 2011 Cameo out of storage a couple of weeks back, I clipped one of the storage unit poles with the tail end of the rig (drat!). I'll post a picture soon, but thankfully the damage was minor.
The impact with the pole was more of a scrape than anything. I sheared off a lower running light, left some scratches on the side of the end cap, crushed about 12" or so of the rain gutter and snapped off the drip spout...yuck.
I was headed off for a weekend, so I made sure there were no real holes and proceeded with the weekend.
During our trip, we noticed a leak from the handle on the TV antenna. There is simply no way (at least to me) that these events can be related as the antenna is in the center line of the coach and about 3 feet away from the damage zone. During the rain, very heavy at times, we would get a slow drip from the inside of the handle. The interior coach roof was not wet, just the handle - as if the water is running down inside the mechanism somehow. I got on the roof in the rain to be sure there was no scrapes from branches, etc. near the antenna and it looks clean.
Questions:
1) should I fix the damage to the drip rail, spout, etc. myself and not worry about it, or should I claim it on insurance and let the pros handle it?
2) have you ever heard of an antenna leaking like that? I don't know if I should replace the antenna or not. We have only used it once since we bought the rig new.
Thanks so much for your help!
Tom (the knucklehead who sometimes gets in too bit of a hurry for his own good)
Seattle area in an RV
The DW and I are considering a corporate relocation to the Seattle area. We have a 2011 Cameo that currently sits neatly under cover in storage here in the DFW area along with the 1-ton. Here we use our rig about once or twice a month, but would love to get out more. As we are considering the move, we are finding that we may want to live a bit away from the city where there is more room - and we may even be able to keep our rig at our home.
We would love to explore the northwest on the weekends and holidays, etc. so we need some some advice.
How does one appropriately store an RV when it is parked outside in a cooler, wet climate, but used every other weekend or so? Is it too risky? What about mold prevention, inside and out? Should we bag the outdoor idea and go for covered storage no matter what?
All ideas are welcome!
Thanks so much!
Tom
RE: Campgrounds near Seattle?
Do you have a more exact location of where your work would be located? You don't really want to commute any further than you have to.
Since I have lived here for 23 years now I can say the rain is more annoying than it's bad. We can get weeks of constant cloud cover with off and on rain showers every day making it feel gloomy. Too bad you're not here now enjoying what's left of a really great summer with a record NO rain streak going on.
I can easily work from the rig as long as I have my internet connection (my own) and my cell phone - so locale is only important for two reasons 1) to get to business client meetings (anywhere near Seattle) and 2) proximity to the airport (also covering Colorado, Oregon, Western Canada, etc.).
I am not opposed to commuting an hour or so for either of these needs.
You guys are always so helpful! Thank you for the input!
Tom
Campgrounds near Seattle?
The DW and I are considering a move to Seattle from the DFW area. We currently own a home and may not be ready to completely cut the ties yet. We're both professional and still working (48 & 49). The opportunity in Seattle is a good one, plus it gives us a great chance to explore the Pacific NW.
If we go forward, we would likely live in our 2011 Cameo 37ft 5'er with two labs and a big ole cat. Crazy I know - but maybe a fun adventure.
If you have been in the Seattle area, where did you stay? How long did you stay? How did you keep your rig dry? How bad was the rain, really?
All comments are welcome!
Thanks so much for your continued support.
Tom
RE: Where are you workkamping this summer?
Rockledge Park on beautiful Grapevine Lake as independent contractors for the City of Grapevine, TX. They are great to work for with a great work schedule to boot. Really know how to treat their geezers.
See you there in a few weeks!
RE: What were the bad years for Ford diesels?
Thanks for the info and perspective. Always good to see folks standing up for what they believe - good show!
What they believe or what is fact?
Sorry folks, but IMO the 6.0 liter power stroke by Ford is an outstanding platform.
Here is what Ford's Director of Diesel Engineering has to say about your "outstanding platform."
Fascetti, Ford's Director of Diesel Engineering, attested to the following: Ford has experienced unprecedented repair rates with the 6.0L engines. The 6.0 has had the largest R/1000 (repairs per thousand) rate ever experienced by Ford for an engine in widespread production. In fact, the 6.0L, which represents only 10% of Ford's total engine volume, accounts for approximately 80% of all of Ford's warranty spending on engines. Additionally, warranty spending on the 6.0L accounts for approximately 25% of Ford's overall warranty spending
"Largest rate ever experienced by Ford." Now I ask you; does that sound like an "outstanding platform" to you? Or do you think the Director of Diesel Engineering of Ford does not know what he is talking about? It has to be one or the other. Which is it?
On July 22, 2005, Chris Bolen, Ford's Director of North America Powertrain Manufacturing, wrote, "in my 32 years at Ford I have not experienced such feedback regarding one of our products
Are you calling the head of Ford's North America Powertrain Manufacturing a liar? Uninformed? Let's hear it.
Cheers, drink up! :B
Well I would never call any major corporate spokesperson biased, and certainly not a liar. Nor would I pass judgement on those who are swayed to an opinion by simple words spoken by those on a biased payroll. Only experience can teach. But good job on the Internet research!
Have fun kids!
Xoxo
RE: What were the bad years for Ford diesels?
Sorry folks, but IMO the 6.0 liter power stroke by Ford is an outstanding platform. Sadly, the EPA made Ford engineers add such garbage as an EGR valve which actually restricts air flow, thus combustion and performance. Most every failure in these engines have been linked to thus flaw. Once this valve is removed and the platform properly tuned and enhanced the engine will perform well at 500+ bhp and over 800bfp of torque....mine does (based on dyno tests). Further, the platform will run well into 200k miles with low maintenance. I have also tracked my fuel economy closely and with no load I get 17 pg, and fully loaded (16k) I average 10 mpg. My truck is a 2004 4wd 4door dually.
Check out a few sites on "how to bullet-proof the power stroke". You'll see what I mean.
I am told by my ford tech friends to avoid the 6.4l platform ... So it is either enhance the 6.0 or go for the 6.7l that came out in 2010.
Good Luck!
Where do you start with this mis- information :H
Bottom up
It's a 6.7L which came out in 2011.
I agree the 6.4L is worse than the 6.7 PSD and has more EPA stuff than it's big brother the 6 doh.
Maybe you can post those " Dyno tests" so we can all enjoy :B
Yes the 6.0 with a few thousand dollars in improvements can be made as reliable as the other two stock brands.
And finally the EPA sets standards to conform to. FORD needed to add your EGR. Not all brands needed it to conform to the standards back in 2004.
Outstanding platform.... in your words 200k miles.
Expect more pay less.
Thanks for the info and perspective. Always good to see folks standing up for what they believe - good show!
Fires in Colorado
I understand from a friend in Colorado Springs that Mueller State Park was evacuated today due to the proximity of fire. If you are there - be safe!
We are headed up to Cheyenne in August (from DFW) so hopefully all will be well then.
Keep an eye out!
Tom
RE: What were the bad years for Ford diesels?
Sorry folks, but IMO the 6.0 liter power stroke by Ford is an outstanding platform. Sadly, the EPA made Ford engineers add such garbage as an EGR valve which actually restricts air flow, thus combustion and performance. Most every failure in these engines have been linked to thus flaw. Once this valve is removed and the platform properly tuned and enhanced the engine will perform well at 500+ bhp and over 800bfp of torque....mine does (based on dyno tests). Further, the platform will run well into 200k miles with low maintenance. I have also tracked my fuel economy closely and with no load I get 17 pg, and fully loaded (16k) I average 10 mpg. My truck is a 2004 4wd 4door dually.
Check out a few sites on "how to bullet-proof the power stroke". You'll see what I mean.
I am told by my ford tech friends to avoid the 6.4l platform ... So it is either enhance the 6.0 or go for the 6.7l that came out in 2010.
Good Luck!
RE: Dually Owners- Need some help
Make sure the rime are "Clocked" properly, meaning that you can reach through the slot to reach the inner valve stem.
This is huge! I had one heck of a time checking the pressure until I replaced the tires and had the wheels turned as described. Now I can easily reach the inner stems with an extended tire gauge.
Happy travels!
RE: Stinky Slinky- how to stay clean?
It used to bother me....all the way back in 2008! Then I realized that every rig, every person had the same issue. Suddenly it wasn't so gross... However if someone wants to start a business, I would pay like 10/cleaning! Just sayin.....
RE: Where are all the young(er) TT/RV camping lovers?
I say we have some kind of meet up! I am 48 (but act like I'm 30) and my wife is 48 (and acts like 31). We live in the DFW area. Let's go somewhere!
Have cell phone and wireless internet will travel!
Tom
