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Date Posted |
Forum
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RE: Three Basic Newbie Questions
Thanks everybody for the great advice!
Gary
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GBlack
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06/09/08 09:39am |
Fifth-Wheels
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Three Basic Newbie Questions
Hi Folks: We just got back from our second ever RV trip in our 5th wheel. I was wondering about three basic things:
1) After we return the 5er to the storage lot after each trip, is it necessary to extend the rear stabilizer jacks? Or do they only need to be used whenever people are going to be staying inside?
2) Do you drain your hot water heater after every trip, or just once while winterizing at the end of each year?
3) Although I know to empty my black tank before emptying my grey tanks, do you FLUSH your black tank before or after you empty your grey tanks (or does it even matter?) Seems this choice may have a slight effect on how clean the sewer hose is when finished.
Thanks!
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GBlack
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06/09/08 12:32am |
Fifth-Wheels
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5th Wheel Covers
Hi: I just bought my first RV (new 5th wheel). The storage facility where I keep it offers covered storage for $110/month or uncovered storage for $55/month. I'm debating between these options and have two questions:
1) For UNCOVERED storage, RV covers seem to be recommended (to keep direct sunlight from beating roof, caulking). Do any such covers exist that don't require use of a step ladder to install? I don't want to be crawling all over the roof to install/remove the cover, or lugging a ladder back/forth.
2) For COVERED storage, I assume covers aren't needed. But do folks still use TIRE covers (since the sun can shine in at angle during certain times of the day)?
Thanks!
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GBlack
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05/31/08 11:45pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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Pets in Hotels/Motels
We're debating whether to sell our 5th wheel. Although it's practically brand new, we've concluded that we probably won't use it as much as we thought. And with the high cost of diesel making it more practical to take the family car on longer trips, it's hard to justify keeping $75,000 of RV/tow vehicle sitting around.
We have a toy poodle that we want to take with us on longer trips in the family car. She's too spoiled to stay in any kennel (at home or while traveling), and I couldn't do that to her anyway. Since we'll need to stay in hotels, how do you folks who occassionally stay in hotels deal with housing pets on the road? I know some hotels allow them, but they won't allow them unattended. If we know the dog won't bark, damage anything or potty while we're away for 2 hours, is it OK to post a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the hotel room door to prevent housekeeping from entering? I'm just trying to understand how folks deal with this. I know an RV Forum is not the best place to ask about hotels, but I know no other such forums.
Thanks!
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GBlack
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05/30/08 05:29pm |
RV Pet Stop
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RE: What Food is Safe to Keep in RV During Storage?
Thanks for the replies thus far. To clarify, I'm not referring to long-term storage (such as over the winter). I'm referring to those (roughly) 2-week storage periods between each use.
Gary
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GBlack
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05/13/08 10:07am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: What Food is Safe to Keep in RV During Storage?
Thanks Fordsooperdootydieselsmoker!!! Great explanation! Guess I won't be able to keep those canned soups/foods in there for the entire year.
Gary
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GBlack
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05/13/08 12:11am |
General RVing Issues
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What Food is Safe to Keep in RV During Storage?
Newbie Question: We'll be part-time RVers and keeping the 5er incovered storage lot when not in use. What types of food/condiments are safe to keep in the trailer while in storage? Of course, since we won't be running the refrigerator, we cannot keep perishable foods or foods that will melt (such as candy). But what about things like canned food (soup, veggies), cereal, pasta/Hamburger Helper mix, salt/pepper, sealed juices, etc.? Will they survive the warm tempertures in storage? Of course, we'll keep any opened, non-perishable products in a RubberMaid box to deter rodents.
ON EDIT: I'm not necessarily asking which foods can survive for years, but rather for one season. I'm more concerned with the effects of high temperature during the summer while in storage. We will clean out/discard any foods remaining at the end of the year.
Thank you!
Gary
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GBlack
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05/12/08 11:21pm |
General RVing Issues
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Accessory Questions for My First RV
I'm picking up my first ever RV (5th wheel) next Wednesday. I asked the dealer to install a couple minor options, namely a set of bubble levels, a simple battery cutoff switch and a few other small things.
They quoted me $30 to install a $8 pair of bubble levels and $65 to install a $25 battery cutoff switch like this. Is this reasonable? I'm not very handy and don't mind paying a fair price for installation, but I just want to make sure those prices are fair. I think even I could install bubble levels if only I could find a perfectly level place to do it (do they just stick on?).
A few more questions:
1) Do the small bubble levels ((like this) work as well as the larger bubble levels (like this) ? Or should I be looking at something different? I don't mind spending a bit more to get something that will make the leveling process much easier.
2) How do battery cutoff switches (similar to those in above link) install? Do they simply bolt to the battery cable, or do I need to strip back insulation, wire it in, etc.? If the latter, I probably don't have the correct tools to do it myself anyway.
Thanks!
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GBlack
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05/08/08 11:08pm |
Beginning RVing
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RE: Fairbanks Weather, Greenup Webcam, and more
Thanks! I like the winter Soltace, etc. pics.
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GBlack
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05/04/08 06:22pm |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: electrical ground
Anybody care to provide a link to such a tester? I'm looking for something that is plug-in. I know about the Surge Guard and Progressive Industries models that do much more than simple checking.
Thanks!
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GBlack
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05/04/08 06:15pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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Benchmaster (Recliner) Customer Service (or Lack Thereof)
I'm looking for euro chairs to replace the recliners that I opted out of in my 5th wheel (currently on order). I ran across an internet dealer that seems to have good prices on Benchmaster euro chairs. Although I don't know anything about the quality of Benchmaster recliners, they (the factory, not internet dealer who seems good) have lousy customer service. Check this out:
1) Since the factory website doesn't have a list of authorized dealers, I emailed them to ask for the names of dealers in my area so I could see a recliner in person before I order.
2) I got a reply email saying "Did you reply?"
3) Duh! So I called them to ask in person. When I told the lady I am considering buying from an internet dealer, she refused to give me the name of a local dealer. I replied that I MAY buy (depending on price) from a local dealer IF ONLY I COULD FIND ONE. She still refused (said she didn't want to anger local dealers if I may buy from an internet dealer, although I just told her that I may not).
4) Then I said "Most companies have a list of dealers on their website". She said "We're too small of a company to maintain such a list". I then said (not TOO sarcastically) "Well, then you may stay as a small company". She then hung up on me.
Now I feel better! Has anybody had any experience with this company, either from a quality or customer service standpoint? I searched this forum and only found one thread (from 1-2 weeks ago) with the word "Benchmaster" in it. They look to offer nice recliners at a good price, but let me tell you about their customer service....:D
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GBlack
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04/21/08 02:31pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Camping chairs of comfort?
I wanted folding, inexpensive chairs that I wouldn't "sink into". I like to sit upright. The best deals I found were RVWholesalers.com They even beat Tweetys. Plus you get free shipping on orders above $125
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GBlack
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04/21/08 10:26am |
RV Lifestyle
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Covering 5er Tires While in Covered Storage?
5er will arrive in 3 weeks. Will probably keep in covered storage (roof overhead, closed on backside, open on front/sides).
1. Is there any need to buy tire covers in this case? I guess the sun rays could still shine on tires at certain times of day.
2. I read the main culprit is not UV rays, but rather ozone. Will tire covers prevent ozone damage?
3. Do tire covers need to be a certain material? I am wondering if just throwing plastic sheet (or moving blankets) over them would accomplish the same objective.
Thanks!
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GBlack
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04/19/08 11:29am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Earthquake!
The epicenter was 64 miles from my me. I've slept thru small earthquakes before and never felt them. This was the first one that I actually felt. Strange feeling!
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GBlack
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04/18/08 10:23am |
Around the Campfire
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Pan & Scan on New LCD TV's?
Our first RV is on order with 26" LCD TV and Samsung DVD player. While ordering some DVDs to keep us occupied when without cable, I noticed one DVD set in particular (set of Taxi episodes from ~ 1980) comes in "Pan & Scan" format with 1.33:1 aspect ratio. Here
After reading, I believe this has something to do with cropping off widescreen images to fit a regular TV set with 4:3 (same as 1.33:1) aspect ratio. My question: How will this "Pan & Scan" DVD appear on my TV? I don't want to lose (crop off) a major part of the picture.
Thanks!
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GBlack
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04/15/08 09:45pm |
Technology Corner
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Furniture Slides for Heavy Recliners
We have a 5er on order with upgraded leather/vinyl recliners. I heard they are heavy and difficult to move. Since we'll need to move them forward (to recline) and backward (to close slideout) frequently, I am wondering what you folks have done to make this easier? I hear "furniture slides/glides" exist. Whatever we do, we want a permanent installation for convenience.
Thanks!
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GBlack
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04/14/08 07:18pm |
General RVing Issues
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Changing From Recliners to Sofa in Rear Living Area
To avoid wrestling around with bulky recliners in rear living area of my 5er (on order), I am considering putting a sofa there instead. But it must be no deeper than 32 inches (since slideouts will need to close directly in front of that area). Does anybody know where such a "shallow" sofa is sold (preferably leather/vinyl with cupholders).
Thanks!
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GBlack
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04/13/08 11:15pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: surge guard
Here's the link from Surge Guard stating that using the 50amp model on 30amp supply is not recommended, but will still function correctly. here
Not sure of the reason for their concern. Then again, I'm no electrical expert.
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GBlack
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04/13/08 03:05pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: question about food storage....
Regarding potential insects/vermin...
Is it OK to keep non-perishables in a sealed plastic container? Or will insects/vermin still find their way into there? I'm referring about simple things like packs of salt, sugar, hot cocoa, etc. that are probably not heat sensitive. I don't mind unpacking/re-packing perishables and things that are heat sensitive (candy, etc.), but would prefer not to do that for EVERYTHING. We will be part-time weekend campers (once every 2 weeks or so).
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GBlack
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04/08/08 07:07am |
Beginning RVing
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RE: MPG - Why is my foot better than Cruise Control?
I'm just speculating here...
I have an 08 F350. Used cruise control for the first time last week. Set the cruise to ~62 mpg on open highway. Later on, after having to brake, I hit the "Resume" button and the truck momentarily shot up to over 3000 rpm before "rpm-ing" back down to reach the previously set speed. I'm not sure if that's one reason why fuel mileage is affected by cruise control, but revving up the engine that high to re-gain 62 mpg doesn't seem to be too good for mileage.
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GBlack
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04/05/08 10:53pm |
Tech Issues
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