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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
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TreeTopRanch
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05/11/08 07:34pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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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
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TreeTopRanch
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05/02/08 11:35am |
Fifth-Wheels
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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
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TreeTopRanch
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04/30/08 11:39am |
Fifth-Wheels
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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
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TreeTopRanch
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04/18/08 11:25am |
Fifth-Wheels
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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
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TreeTopRanch
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03/17/08 11:34am |
Tow Vehicles
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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
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TreeTopRanch
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03/12/08 09:06pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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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
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TreeTopRanch
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03/12/08 08:43pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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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
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TreeTopRanch
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03/05/08 12:00pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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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
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TreeTopRanch
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02/24/08 06:48pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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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
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TreeTopRanch
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02/24/08 12:59pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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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
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TreeTopRanch
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02/24/08 12:43pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: air pressure winterizing
My Owners Manual provides instructions for both methods. I use the compressed air method.
Note - My in-bound plumbing (fresh water to all faucets) has two drain valves at the bottom of the camper. I can open these up and open all faucets and the fresh water in the plumbing flows right out. This makes blowing out the lines very quick...
Here is my high-level checklist...
RV Winterization Checklist
Turn off hot water heater
Disconnect water source
Drain hot water heater
Open plumbing drain valves (see note from above)
Open all faucets (increasing drain rate)
Run water pump dry for 5 - 10 seconds
Blow out water lines (2 - 10 minutes)
Refrigerator/Ice Maker
Flip up bar in ice maker
Disconnect hose water line from control module
Disconnect small water line from control module
Drain/blow both lines
Enclose both hose ends in plastic bags
No problems thus far. I do put the pink stuff in all the traps and toilet and I also leave all my faucets open.
If I lived further north I might use the pink stuff. Also note that we use the camper during the winter down here so keeping the winterizing/un-winterizing easy is a big factor.
Thanks,
TTR
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TreeTopRanch
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02/20/08 11:21am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: K-Z Durango LX
I don't own a Durango but I do own a K-Z product. I am extremely pleased with the quality of the product and the commitment that K-Z provides.
Would I do it again...without hesitation. You will find many satisfied K-Z owners on this forum.
Good luck!
TTR
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TreeTopRanch
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02/18/08 06:44pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Petit Jean State Park
I have just confirmed our reservations for Petit Jean (site# 19) in June. It looks like an incredible place to stay. We will be there for a week.
Thanks for all the great ideas.
TTR
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TreeTopRanch
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02/08/08 11:34am |
Campgrounds, Resorts and Attractions
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RE: Carriage Cameo F37RE3
That is a nice RV. When we were shopping we looked REAL hard at the Cameo but the floorplan options didn't include the rear entertainment (RE) center.
Had this been available, the decision would have been REALLY difficult to make.
I like how they put the TV on an actuator. You get the view and the room a RE gives you.
It appears the difference from mine is that they gave up room for a large sofa to have a larger kitchen. I like the extra counter space but I do not know if I would agree to that at the expense of a smaller couch. We have the J-lounger and it is really nice to stretch out on. Plus, we do most of the cooking outside.
As I stated before - they have done a really nice job putting together this new floor plan. Very nice!
TTR
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TreeTopRanch
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01/28/08 11:18am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Anyone Had Recent Cataract Surgery?
This web site may help with gathering information...
http://www.acrysofrestor.com/
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TreeTopRanch
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01/23/08 11:12am |
Around the Campfire
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RE: frozen water line/hose
On our first cold weather (ok - only low 20's) trip I added water to the fresh tank and stored the hose in the basement the first night. The following day I bought some hose insulation (no heat tape) and put that around the hose. The second night (slightly warmer) we had no problems leaving the hose out.
I have concluded that the insulation should be good for the 20's. It is unlikely that we will be camping when it is colder than that, but if it does drop below 20 I will simply fill the fresh tank and store the hose in the basement.
The insulation ran be about $3.00 total (20 ft).
TTR
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TreeTopRanch
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01/23/08 11:01am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Is 39' too big?
We have a 39 ft and live in the DFW area. We prefer state parks (camping) and are limited on where we can go. I will tell you that there are still plenty of parks to visit that can fit a 39ft trailer. You'll find several have pull-thrus and full hookups with 50amp service. The ResearveAmerica website is good about providing vehicle length limits.
When I arrive at the park, I let the Rangers know that I have a big trailer. They have been real nice about giving me a list of their suggested sites that are currently open. I pick/park at the site we want and call them to let them know of our choice.
The following parks are safe bets... (each with 50Amp. Pull-thru, and full hookups)
Bastrop SP
Eisenhower SP
Tyler SP
Davis Mountains SP
Daingerfield SP
Caddo SP
Atlanta SP
I will tell you this...with our trailer, you want for nothing. It is so spacious and comfortable...we love it!
Good luck!
TTR
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TreeTopRanch
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01/09/08 12:06pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: ? ON BEDROOM SLIDEOUT
We experienced heavy rain on our last trip out. We have slide out covers. The only place we can hear it is from the "sun-roof" over the shower. It was never a bother. I only noticed it when I got up in the morning and the rain was still coming down.
TTR
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TreeTopRanch
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12/22/07 06:42am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Snow removal from roof
Another trick to getting that snow off the roof...drive to Texas. I think we will be in the mid 70's tomorrow. That snow you have on the roof should run right off. Just sit in a lawn chair with a cold frosty beverage(from the refer...too warm to leave them outside) and watch the magic. :C You may want to bring some suntan lotion...
:B
TTR
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TreeTopRanch
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12/20/07 08:24pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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