| |
Subject |
Author |
Date Posted |
Forum
|
 |
RE: KZ backs it's Warranty
Count me as an advocate for K-Z! Though I've never had to take my 5ver in for warranty work (that says volumes!!!) I've called with a few questions. Very prompt and dedicated to service. If I buy another RV, it will be from K-Z.
TTR
|
TreeTopRanch
|
07/23/08 10:48am |
Fifth-Wheels
|
 |
5ver takes down bank awning
Check this out. I have video too...working on getting that in here!
This should make your worst day with the camper look pretty good!
OUCH!
TTR
|
TreeTopRanch
|
07/11/08 10:52am |
Fifth-Wheels
|
|
RE: collapsed awning on 2008 laredo
Sorry to hear about the damage. That is always a bummer.
That is the major disappointment regarding the electric awnings. Mine is manual and I can tilt that thing to where I can sit out underneath it in heavy rain and it doesn't present a problem. Wind will still create a problem...
You guys will think I'm nuts but I put down my awning every night. It only takes about 2 minutes. This allows me to sleep at night when that surprise storm rolls in. I do not want to be out rolling that thing up in the middle of the night as it storms. Easy insurance against damage.
TTR
|
TreeTopRanch
|
06/24/08 11:33am |
Fifth-Wheels
|
|
RE: Park Review - Petit Jean SP, Arkansas (pics included)
Skip N Barb Team,
We took I30 East to 430 North (just outside of Little Rock). Then, we picked up I40 West to highway 9. I just took the address of the campgropund (you can find it on their web site) and plugged it into google maps.
It took us right at 7 hours to make the trip. That includes getting stuck in traffic in Dallas and a 20 to 30 minute pit stop in Texarkana. They have a Flying J just on the other side of Texarkana with RV fill-up lanes.
TTR.
|
TreeTopRanch
|
06/24/08 11:19am |
Campgrounds, Resorts and Attractions
|
|
RE: Park Review - Petit Jean SP, Arkansas (pics included)
Dry_Fly asked if a motorhome can access all of the facilities without a dinghy.
No, there are several areas that are far enough away form the camp ground that require driving that do not provide adequate parking for a MH. The main overlook of the falls does have parking for large vehicles bit that is about it.
TTR
|
TreeTopRanch
|
06/24/08 11:14am |
Campgrounds, Resorts and Attractions
|
|
Park Review - Petit Jean SP, Arkansas (pics included)
This topic has been moved to another forum.
You can read it here: 21566538
|
TreeTopRanch
|
06/22/08 09:07am |
Fifth-Wheels
|
|
Park Review - Petit Jean SP, Arkansas (pics included)
Hey 5'ver gang,
We just got back from Petit Jean. WOW! Please click on the following link for my review including pics.
Petit Jean SP
|
TreeTopRanch
|
06/22/08 09:07am |
Campgrounds, Resorts and Attractions
|
|
Park Review - Petit Jean SP, Arkansas (pics included)
We just returned from Petit Jean State Park in Arkansas. This park had come highly recommended by several RV.NET regulars. My expectations were exceeded greatly. We will visit again.
Trip Metrics:
Miles traveled: 1005 (includes driving around at park)
MPG: 11.2
Avg Price per gallon (diesel): $4.66
Days at Park: 5
The park is spread out with plenty of room between sites. All facilities worked with no interruption. The park was easy to get into and out of. The only word of caution goes to the 1 mile long hill that you must climb to get into the park. It is steep with a couple of sharp turns. By the time we got to the top of the hill, my truck had kicked on fans that I didn't even know it had. I was unable (maybe unwilling) to exceed 25 MPH climbing the hill.
The hiking and scenery at this park was simply incredible. We hiked the Cedar Creek trail, Cedar Falls trail (twice), Rock House Cave trail (starting from the frontier cabin), and Bear Cave trail (starting from Mather Lodge). The trails were more strenuous than I had anticipated but the challenge was welcomed.
We were so blessed with the weather. We arrived on Sunday (Father's Day) and it was a bit warm however by Monday a cool front had come in and made it very pleasant for the remainder of our stay (Friday). We had low 70's for our morning hikes with the peak temp hitting lower to mid-80's. The evening cooled down nicely making a fire welcoming.
Be sure that you have everything you need (minus small items for around the campsite) because you be required to drive 42 miles (round trip) to the nearest major store. We needed to upgrade our daughter's shoes (her sneakers were not cutting it on the trails) so we had to make a trip into "town".
This park is simply a wonderful treasure. We are now thinking that a fall trip would be warranted.
OK...for the pics:
This pic was taken from Cedar Creek trail. What a great hike.
http://inlinethumb06.webshots.com/42757/2421960400103667028S600x600Q85.jpg
This pic was taken of Cedar Falls.
http://inlinethumb11.webshots.com/40266/2575689270103667028S600x600Q85.jpg
This pic was taken of Lake Bailey at sunset. We walk about 100 yards from our campsite to take this photo.
http://inlinethumb42.webshots.com/14313/2034206000103667028S600x600Q85.jpg
This pic was taken along Cedar Falls trail:
http://inlinethumb61.webshots.com/28988/2430293270103667028S600x600Q85.jpg
This pic was taken of our camp site (site 23) the last day. We got a small sprinkle that morning.
http://inlinethumb26.webshots.com/20249/2573399090103667028S600x600Q85.jpg
|
TreeTopRanch
|
06/22/08 08:08am |
Campgrounds, Resorts and Attractions
|
|
RE: Durango 5th wheels by KZ
Like Joezilla, I'm here to provide further evidence of K-Z's quality product. Our trailer has been wonderful and oh so comfortable.
Good Luck,
TTR
|
TreeTopRanch
|
05/14/08 11:47am |
Fifth-Wheels
|
|
RE: Ready to buy, am I missing something on bargining ???
Yes, that is 29% off...or 71% of MSRP.
I'm fairly confident of the MSRP or at least the different dealers I got quotes from were all working from the same bank of numbers.
If you are still interested in working with Marshall's Travelland (knowing that 79% OFF is NOT POSSIBLE) in Buda, send me a PM and I'll pass on any info I can. They were excellent to work with. I would buy from them again without hesitation.
TTR
|
TreeTopRanch
|
05/11/08 07:34pm |
Fifth-Wheels
|
|
RE: Gas mileage with your rig alone, and with your fiver?
Towing: 9-11
Unloaded City: 15-16
Unloaded HW: 19-20
See Sig for equipment.
TTR
|
TreeTopRanch
|
05/02/08 11:35am |
Fifth-Wheels
|
|
RE: Ready to buy, am I missing something on bargining ???
I did a ton of research, found the exact unit I wanted...and then emailed dealers in TX, OK, and LA for their best price on what I wanted.
The K-Z dealer in Buda, TX (southeast of Austin) had the best deal. After a few rounds of negotiations, I was able to get my 5'ver for 71% of MSRP. This price included a Reese Signature Series 18K hitch (non-slide) installed, 7-pin wiring relocated to my bed, a 50 Amp surge protector, and $75 for goodies needed (water pressure regulator, water lines, etc.). They had the unit I wanted in stock. I was there the next Friday to pick it up.
Interesting...I was emailed a quote from another dealer that included a price sheet for their actual cost (it was hidden in the spreadsheet - used for their calculations). At least for K-Z, I know what the dealer pays for them. Even with the deal I got, they still made 10%.
TTR
|
TreeTopRanch
|
04/30/08 11:39am |
Fifth-Wheels
|
|
RE: Teton vs. Escalade
I don't have the Escalade but I do have the little sister (Montego Bay). Quality has been great. We love the unit. I had a question about something and called K-Z. In less than a minute, I was on the phone with the product line manager for Montego Bay. Very professional and very committed to customer satisfaction. WOW.
I bought from K-Z because of the floorplan, finish-out and customer service after the sale.
I can't help you with the Teton but I wanted to providd some testimony regarding K-Z.
Good luck!
TTR
|
TreeTopRanch
|
04/18/08 11:25am |
Fifth-Wheels
|
|
RE: Diesel Vs Gas -Ford milage- - UPDATED
My truck: 2007 F350 DRW 4X4 6.0 PSD
Mileage:
Around Town Unloaded: 15
Highway unloaded: 18-19
Loaded (typically highway): 9-11
Driving Habits:
Around Town: 60-65
Highway: 65-70
Loaded: No more than 65
I drive the truck pretty easy (I want it to last a very long time). I use the tow/haul mode whenever I have the trailer connected. I use cruise control whenever I can.
I registered my first 9 MPG trip coming home from Tyler State Park a couple weeks ago. The wind was terrible...worst I've driven in with the trailer. I was actually surprised the mileage was that good considering the wind.
Should you go with a diesel? As you can see from the arguments made there is much to consider. It is easy to get spinning in circles with all of the topics brought up. I will add my point that I've never heard a diesel owner complain that they wish they bought a gas truck because they didn't have enough power.
When I bought my truck I was coming from an underpowered vehicle so the frustration of that was still very fresh. I never allowed myself to even think about getting a gas truck. I was buying a big, heavy trailer and wanted the best equipment for the job. In my mind, that meant a diesel.
One other note to think about...I have a friend who pulls a 35' 5ver with a gas truck. He gets about 5 or 6 MPG's towing. He has stated on more than one occasion the most frustrating part of owning his gas truck is the range. He has to fill up very often and when pulling a 5ver that can be very aggravating and challenging. He also said it is very frustrating when he is traveling in a group.
If you can afford it, the diesel would not be a bad choice.
Diesel prices will go up and they will go down just as gas will. I myself would not let that drive my decision. Decisions based on the constants will have more longevity.
Best of luck,
TTR
|
TreeTopRanch
|
03/17/08 11:34am |
Tow Vehicles
|
|
RE: Trucks hauling 16,000 lbs FW
Our trailer gross is 16K. We are around 13.5K to 14K when traveling. Our 07 F350 dually pulls it just fine. It is within the weight limits of the truck. I too am getting around 19 (highway) unloaded and between 9 and 11 loaded up.
I would think twice abhout getting a SRW truck with that much trailer. I passed a guy coming home from our last trip a little over a week ago in high winds who was driving a SRW with a big sail (trailer) tied to the back. The wind and trailer was pushing him around quite a bit. He was keeping it around 50 MPH. I was getting pushed around a little also but not near the amount he was.
Something to think about...
TTR
|
TreeTopRanch
|
03/12/08 09:06pm |
Fifth-Wheels
|
|
RE: 5th wheel payments
We have been planning this endeavor (purchasing an RV) for a couple years. We were going to wait a little longer (1 yr) so I didn't have to borrow for the camper but then something happened....
A friend who lived a very healthy lifestyle was relaxing in his recliner on a Saturday afternoon and BAM!...he had a massive heart attack that took his life. No notice, no chance to make up for lost time...simply gone with the blink of an eye.
In all of my calculations for our future purchase, the one number I left out was time. How much do I have left with my wife? children? the great outdoors?
We took on a very small amount of debt so we could pull the trigger sooner rather than later...setting off a number of sequences in our lives that has been very rewarding.
I've learned that a melting marshmallow from a SMOR could be used as an industrial adhesive. I've learned that my wife loves to plan our trips with a hand-written list that has more detail than a legal contract. I've learned that my daughter is as good a fisher-person as I am (we are still at ZERO!). I've learned that mornings sitting outside in a pine forest with a good cup of coffee and the sounds of birds singing is about as close to God as I'm going to get while still paying taxes. I've learned that our family has trouble sleeping the night before we leave for a trip...because we are all too excited. I've learned that I love camping as much as I did when I was a child.
The investment (depreciating in monetary means but appreciating in experiences and memories) has enriched our lives. We were camping just a week and a half ago...took my daughter and her little friend out fishing early in the morning. We are floating around on a little rent-a-boat and they both started talking about how much fun they were having and how relaxed they felt. They said that it didn't matter if they caught a fish or not...that just simply being there was enough! This from a couple of 10 year olds. They get it already!
I've gone on a rant only to say this...when calculating your purchase of an RV or whatever your "thing" is, take into consideration the one thing we often take for granted...time, precious time.
Happy travels,
TTR
|
TreeTopRanch
|
03/12/08 08:43pm |
Fifth-Wheels
|
|
RE: Spent day cleaning - see pics
I should have shared with you when I first submitted pictures of my clean rig that I have a barometric problem. It has reached a point that I may be able to take this "talent" on the road to regions of the country that need a little moisture... This "disease" has resulted in an unhealthy perception of people who produce and/or communicate weather forcasts.
Whenever I wash my truck, it rains. If I wash my truck and my wife's car, it storms (ligthening, hail, etc...). Well, as you know I washed my truck and my camper...
Yep, you guessed it...it SNOWED! Can't believe we got snow in Texas in March. Well, the good news is I have solved that whole global warming problem. You got a hot spot...let me know. A little suds, and sun and we can get you snow by the weekend.
Oh, that's right...I just read that we are having the coldest winter on the planet in several decades...another opporunity missed. Hey, maybe I can get paid NOT to wash it.
Anyway...to my fellow Texans, sorry about that! My bad... :S
I wonder what would happen if I washed my truck, my wife's car, and the camper? Any ideas?
TTR
|
TreeTopRanch
|
03/05/08 12:00pm |
Fifth-Wheels
|
|
RE: Spent day cleaning - see pics
I use Full Timer's Choice RV Wash & Wax by Camco. I have also purchased a bottle of Protect All but have not yet applied it.
When I washed it last time I used the Camco product I mentioned above. I was very pleased with how easy the bugs came off yesterday. I was able to get the front cap sparkling clean with the extendable brush...no need to get the sponge out.
TTR
|
TreeTopRanch
|
02/24/08 06:48pm |
Fifth-Wheels
|
|
RE: Spent day cleaning - see pics
Technically, ours never gets put away for winter. However, in August it isn't used that much unless we are headed north!
I'm one of those weird guys who actually enjoys spending the afternoon cleaning and giving everything a good look-over.
I have a pressure washer (using the softest nozzle) and an extendable brush. With the correct equipment, it isn't that hard (no bending over or climbing ladders...). Correct equipment includes a wash/wax formula so I don't have to dry the camper.
I forgot to mention that we will be headed to Tyler SP next weekend (temp should be in the upper 60's for you northern folk) :B. We will be meeting Bearnkat (RV.Net regular) for the first time there. They are doing some dutch oven cooking I'm just chomping at the bit to get my hands on...
TTR
|
TreeTopRanch
|
02/24/08 12:59pm |
Fifth-Wheels
|
|
Spent day cleaning - see pics
We've had such wonderful weather I had to bring the camper to the house and do some cleaning...here is my payoff after a few hours of work...
http://aycu40.webshots.com/image/45879/2000880726223756407_rs.jpg
http://aycu04.webshots.com/image/47043/2000805522141610959_rs.jpg
http://aycu01.webshots.com/image/43080/2000807406275021584_rs.jpg
http://aycu05.webshots.com/image/44924/2000820030281799609_rs.jpg
|
TreeTopRanch
|
02/24/08 12:43pm |
Fifth-Wheels
|
