RE: HP Computer is a lemon - What would you do?
My custom ordered HP laptop had a broken mouse button right out of the box when new. Returned it for repair, and 5 weeks later they sent it back with the button still broken. They have the worst customer service I ever experienced. Maybe if I could speak the language of the customer service people I would have had better luck.
I gave up getting it fixed and bought an external mouse. I'll never buy another HP.
RE: Tucson Dealer won't honor E-Bay Auction- Advice
Go to ebay. At the top of the screen click on "community". Then click on "discussion boards". Look underneath "category specific discussion boards" for "ebay motors".
Post your story on there, with item number.
It's a really active board frequented by many car dealers and the like. They'll get a kick out of the story, and probably give you some good advice.
RE: Tucson Dealer won't honor E-Bay Auction- Advice
Ebay lawsuit down under
Here's a link for a similar case in Australia regarding a fighter jet listed on ebay. Seller got a side offer for nearly $100k more, but the courts made him sell it to the ebay bidder.
Objects Are Closer Than They Appear
Anyone have a problem with your passenger side mirror? The ones that say "objects are closer than they appear" or something like that. They've been around for years, and on a car I've really never paid them much notice. Don't use them much on a car.
On my van, I can't see out the back well, so I rely on the passenger mirror a great deal. I can't tell how far anything is! Thought I would get used to it, but it hasn't happened.
I suppose the intention of those mirrors is to reduce blind spots. The disadvantage of judging distance far outweighs any blind spot advantage in my opinion. We have little convex mirrors attached that do a fine job of viewing blind spots. I don't want some "funhouse mirror" distorting my view in situations where the blind spot isn't in question.
Does your class B have one of those distorted mirrors on the passenger side? Does it bother you? As my pass mirror has a dented housing, I'm looking for another. I think I'm going replace it with a driver's side mirror, so they'll both be the same.
RE: CARFAX Vehicle History
Be aware it can take a few months for an incident to show up on a Carfax. I know two people that bought cars with a clean carfax, only to turn dirty after they made the purchase.
RE: Do You Consider Your 'B' Masculine Or Feminine?
Not really what you're asking...but just to set the record straight.
All domestic full-size vans are boys. They are born that way and no matter how many girly things you put in/on them, they are still boys. Some are tougher than others, but all domestic full size vans are boys!
Mini-vans are all girls. No matter how tough you make them look, they are still girls. Some might be considered tomboys...but girls none the less. Not many mini-van B's out there, but if you have one, just peek up it's skirt. No full frame? It's a girl.
Sprinters on the other hand are more ambiguous. Definitely boys...but kind of a euro metrosexual type boy. Even the ones hauling freight, tryin' to look all masculine, just don't have it.
Of course all these B's are free to excercise their own judgement, experimenting with whatever gender they may prefer. Lots of 1/2 tons, or underpowered full-size vans, seem to stuggle with their identity. Saw an old Ford E-350 once with flowers painted all over it. Sure enough...6cyl, 3 on the tree.
Don't get me started on the gender of pick-up trucks. It's far more complex. Someone mention Dr. Phil...?
RE: Barking and Growling in Campsite
When I was a kid, we had a barking dog. Barked all the time at anything. When he barked, we went outside and injected Tobasco sauce in his mouth with a syringe (no needle of course). Then we'd leave him with his bucket of water. We did this every time he barked, and after a few days he was done. Worked for our dog.
On the other hand, Rvndave's idea is 100% guaranteed to work.
RE: Wal-Mart parking lot
We recently stayed at about 20 different Wal-Marts around the country. No problems at any. Often we were the only overnighters there. We only stayed at 24hr Wal-Marts, and felt totally safe at every one. Many had retaurants or entertainment within the same complex. Nice to be able to go have dinner and drinks out, then step into the rv for the night. I'd rather pay to stay at a Wal-Mart than at most of the campgrounds we saw on our journey.
RE: Leave in Gear at Stops -or Neutral
I "think" I heard a radio commercial the other day about a new Ford where the transmission automatically shifts into neutral when stopped, and shifts back when you're ready to go. They said it was to save fuel. I only heard it once...or maybe it was a dream.
RE: ''Dealer Hanky Panky''
In our state, the dealer verifies ownership, payoff amount, and has the customer sign a release of interest. Done deal the same day.
Dealer can immediately put the trade-in up for sale, as he has 45 days to furnish the title after he sells the rig.
Sounds fishy to me too.
RE: Another truck was stolen
"Sorry, but our ancestors broke the then law of the land, stole from and murdered the natives in the process"
Oh, I get it. We're supposed to let the illegals do the same to us, to make up for our ancestors. That should be a fine direction for our nation.
Sorry to hear about the truck...whomever may have stolen it.
RE: Workamping for Gay Couple?
"I mentioned originally, that I dont broadcast that I am gay, and if I hadnt mentioned it here none of you would've ever known"
Yeah...you join the forum today, and your first post is about being gay. What-ever.
RE: Workamping for Gay Couple?
People fear homosexuals for a variety of reasons, whether justified or not. If you go around making a point to let everyone know you're homosexuals, to see if they object...you'll probably have some trouble.
On the other hand if you don't mention your sexuality, just as I wouldn't mention mine, you'll probably get along easier.
It should be two guys looking for workcamping, rather than two gays. Your sexuality is only an issue, if you make it one.
RE: Post Your 'B' Sightings Here
Here's a couple I got pics of on our recent voyage. The first was a Ford 4x4 with pop top in Salt Lake City.
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w149/ADS2C/trip061-1.jpg
This one was in Fort Bridger. Talked to the lady who said she bought hers from a doctor from India. Something seemed to ring a bell with that story...but couldn't place it. She really liked her B, but her Starcool system wasn't working. Said she gets 16mpg.
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w149/ADS2C/trip151-1.jpg
RE: Can one get a key for this door lock?
Should be inexpensive if you can remove the lock cylinder and carry it in to a locksmith. Most I've paid is $20.
RE: 33 days in a B! Leaving in a couple weeks
Here's a pic and description of the shower set-up. We intended to shower in the back, but since we removed the sofa we decided to just do it up front where it's roomier. The silver can is the shower sprayer. You unscrew the top/pump and fill with 3 gallons of water. Though it says not to use inside, we just stuck it on our stovetop. It has a little stick-on thermometer. Takes a good 10min to reach 100 degrees. You screw the pump back in and after 10 pumps you're ready to go.
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w149/ADS2C/66019-1.jpg
The can is made by Zodi and had a screw out shower head that was hard to turn. We spliced in a dish sprayer for a kitchen sink. You have to hold it to spray, but for a Navy type shower it worked great. Both of us actually showered each day off 1 tank. 3 gallons, 2 showers. We were totally surprised how little water it took and we both felt just as clean as at home. When we left on the trip we both thought we'd have to take "real" showers at least once a week. Not. Even when we were at my Aunt's house in KY, and had total access to their shower, we preferred the van. It was just fun showering in our own little self contained space.
To hang the curtains (took 2 and overlapped the ends) we used a hula hoop. The hoop is suspended by 2 spring loaded curtain rods that fit well resting against the upper window frames. As we're not that tall, we just left the curtain rods in place the whole trip. In the morning we'd pull the shower base and curtain off the o/h bunk, and hang the hoop with 4 velcro strips, onto the curtain rods. When collapsed the curtain/tub is only about 6 inches tall. It was real easy to set-up/take down. The tub base is called "Dirty Dog", and it's made to wash pets, and is collapsible. Diyvanner gave me the idea for the base. I think he has the 30 inch dia., but I got the 24". The one I ordered was supposed to be 18" tall, but was only 12' or so. I guess they don't make the 18 anymore. The base seems durable and didn't spring any leaks so far. After showering I bunched up the bottom of the curtains and flipped them up into the hula hoop to keep water from dripping while I dumped the base into the sink. You can let it hang into the tub for a while if you want, or just wipe it out with a towel and collapse it back down.
Of all the little things we added/changed regarding the B, the shower is the one thing we were most impressed with. The total cost was about $160 (got a discount on the sprayer). We contemplated a water heater, an actual fiberglass stall, etc..., but this was quick, cheap, and easy. Our total time between setting up and hitting the road was about 45 mins., including drying our hair and most of dw's make-up. While the water was heating we'd brush our teeth, get clothes out, etc... We did have to repump the tank once while the other was in the shower. Overall a great system that doesn't take up much space.
If anyone wants any other pictures of anything, just let me know.
RE: 33 days in a B! Leaving in a couple weeks
We returned Sunday from our 33 day trip around the US. All went well besides poor handling of the B in the wind. We traveled 9700+ miles, sleeping in the B every night and showering in it every morning. We totally lived in the B, and were surprisingly comfortable. Some of the places we visited were Ft. Bridger, Bourbon Street, Bahia Honda, Key West, Savannah, Daytona Beach, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Fredricksburg, Wash. DC, Philadelphia, NYC, Gettysburg,...and so many more, it's hard to recount them all.
Most nights were spent at Wal-Marts, rest areas, and once at a Cabelas. At Daytona we stayed at a parking lot across from the beach for $5. When we parked we asked the attendant how long we could stay, he said we could stay all night if we wanted...so we did. Initially we tried parking on the beach for the day, but after gettting stuck 3 times, we headed for the exit. Fortunately we were able to rock ourselves out each time, much to the surprise of the onlookers who thought we'd need a tow.
We weren't disturbed by anyone at our stays, and found most people we ran into very friendly. We were pleasantly surprised that on a Monday night Bourbon Street was a big party. It must really be a hoot on Fri/Sat nights. Key West was a fun party spot as well. Lots of cool acts at Mallory Square. Parked a few slots from the beach @$4/hr. The sign said "no motorhomes", but we slid right in. When we left about 1:30 a.m., the attendant had shut down. Guess they made enough and went home. I kinda liked their "pay as you leave" set-up! Air/Space museum in DC was totally awesome! Fredricksburg and Gettysburg were really cool as well. Saw too many great places to mention.
Once we needed the assistance of Good Sam. Pulled over during some wind/rain, during the day, to rest for a few minutes. Woke up 3 1/2 hrs. later, and the van wouldn't start. Forgot I had left the lights on. Took about an hour, then a diesel Jeep Liberty showed up to jump us. Asked the driver about the Liberty mpg. 25. I expected him to say 30+. Still a cool little rig. Great communication from Good Sam.
We ran the fridge on propane everywhere permitted, and only had to re-fill once. Supposed to be a 7 lb. tank, but only holds about 4. One time while driving on a windy day, there was a sudden smell of propane inside. We pulled over, evacuated, and shut off the propane. A couple hours later we turned it back on...and it's still on. Don't know what that was all about. Got as high as 17mpg, but only averaged 13.8mpg. Was hoping for 14+. The Honda 2000i started 1st pull every time, and though we didn't have to run the air much, it did come in handy to run the blow-dryer every morning. Yeah...we brought a blow dryer. Only used 2 tanks of gas in the Honda.
On the way home we spent two nights at a biker rally in Moses Lake. We're not bikers, but really had fun. There were lots of trikes, including plenty of primitive homemade ones. They were my favorites. A couple had little cages built in for their furry friends. Our friend had invited us to park inside with the vendors. We felt kinda funny parking there, so we lent him a hand...eating his inventory :)
We didn't cook as much as we anticipated. In fact we didn't cook one thing. Bought a few snacks and either ate at restaurants or just bought a quick fast food meal. Best dinner was at Earl's bbq in Ok City. Almost re-routed on the way home just to go back. Best breakfast was the Buffalo Cafe in Twin Falls Id. Iron Skillet buffets were really good too. An interesting lunch was had in Stapleton Nebraska, at a little Place called Sarah's...I think that's the name. A tiny town on Hwy 83, pretty much in the middle of nowhere. Got a couple burgers and observed the old farmers and other locals swapping stories after their buffet lunch of pulled pork, fried potatoes, and various salads. We missed their buffet by a few minutes. Worst meal by far was at a USA Steak Buffet in W. Virginia.
We really got used to living in the tight quarters and slept well most every night. Before the trip we thought we may sell the B when we got back, but have decided it's a keeper. Just too much fun! We could have easily made the trip in a car getting twice the mileage, but it wouldn't have been the same experience at all, and the motels would have added at least $2k to the trip, more than blowing the fuel savings. Our last trip around the country was by mini-van and motel. It was a blast too, but I think the trip in the B will be much more memorable. Doing Motels, we tended to stay at their facilities more, rather than lurk around outside.
Well...thanks again for all the great advice we've gotten on this forum. Guess I'll have to change my handle now. After all we went through, we're no longer firstimers. Look forward to planning our next trip. Probably a little shorter and closer to home.
