RE: Running the a/c while driving a travel trailer (TT)
I do this with my generators on a rack on the back of the camper. My camper can get to over 100 degrees on the road without the AC on. It is nice to be able to take the dogs out of the AC of the car to the AC of the camper, and not have to wait for the camper to cool down.
RE: Does you Pooch watch TV
Chloe also enjoys the "messin with sasquach" commercials by jack link beef jerky....something about bigfoot gets her attention.
RE: satellite question
I've got an older reciever that you can type the zip code in and it will tell you where to aim.
Personally, I've never needed it. I do what I mentioned above and have never been in a place where I couldn't get a signal...and I've been places where I didn't even know the zip code!
RE: satellite question
I couldn't get my dish to work with a reciever from the house. Called DTV and was told I needed to subscribe for a 'distant network package'. Got it and things worked fine. I picked up a west and east coast feed for all the major networks as a part of the package. It's nice, since I get a few extra games here and there that are not on my locals. Makes it worth the $$.
Also, you can find a signal meter built in on the reciever. I looked under 'system seteup' then found 'signal' and it beeps with signal strength. I put a 2 way radio in front of the tv, and clip the other on my belt. I go aim the dish until I can hear the TV beeping loud and fast, then I know I'm set.
RE: How to keep you dog from barking at CG's?
Keeping the dogs from barking at a campground is an easy fix, if you are open minded enough to see this. Dogs that bark are bored, under disciplined, or both. In order to fix this, you must first get used to the idea that your dog’s behavior is a direct result of what you’ve taught it as acceptable. If you think it is unacceptable for your dog to bark, and your dog barks anyway, its not the dog’s fault…its yours…either your way of communicating is ineffective, or your dog doesn’t respect you as a leader. By accepting your responsibility, you are making the first steps towards correcting it.
Also, let go of any excuses you may have. Just because your dog is a certain breed, or came from certain circumstances, it doesn’t predispose your dog to bad behavior. There is no “barking gene” that some dogs have and others don’t. It doesn’t matter if the dog is big or small, young or old, pure bred or a mutt…all dogs have the same primal needs. If you think disciplining your dog is ‘mean’, consider the other options mentioned here (shock collars, water guns, etc), and tell me why you think it’s ‘mean’. One more thing…discipline is not punishment. Know the difference!
Two things every dog needs as top priorities in their lives are EXERCISE and DISCIPLINE. That is more important that affection. I am not saying that affection isn’t important, its just not the most important thing. Too much affection, and not enough exercise and discipline equates to a dog that barks, acts nervous, is aggressive, or in general exhibits ‘unwanted’ behavior.
The best news is, you can accomplish both with the same activity…THE WALK. Walking a dog does not mean putting it on a flexi-leash and letting it pull every inch of leash out. It doesn’t mean letting the dog stop and sniff at every bush and trash can on the path. It doesn’t mean letting the dog walk on the left, then the right, then the left….A walk consists of a dog walking beside or behind you, where you control the pace, you control the ‘breaks’ (to smell, eliminate, etc), and you control the duration. It takes practice, but in the end, the dog will learn discipline and recognize you as a leader. So, back at camp, when you snap your fingers to get your dog’s attention, they will give you their full attention. Additionally, you dog will have burnt enough energy that it will want to rest when it’s at camp…not bark.
I get up, eat a small breakfast to tie me over until everyone else is up, and the dogs and I go on a journey. I lead the way, they follow with diligence. They come back relieved of bodily functions, they get their bellies full of food, and then they rest. By then the rest of the crew is up and ready to eat, and once we finish breakfast and get ready to start the day, the dogs are ready to go inside and sleep while we are out. We keep the same routine at home as well.
PS I am not Cesar Milan, but I have tried his techniques (one of which is detailed above) and I can tell you IT WORKS!!
RE: Does you Pooch watch TV
My Aussie Chloe watches TV a lot. She likes violent things...gun fire, car crashes, etc. She is fond of Miami Vice and most Death Wish movies (Death Wish 3 in particular). And yes, I am serious.
RE: hooking to tt
Practice & patience are the key. Like many of you, I am so used to going it alone, people that offer 'help' generally mess me up. The trouble was, I took my time and got out to look a few times and people take that as a sign of me needing help.
When I got the Hensley, I got a tounge twister and a back up camera. I do it with ease now.
RE: Travel Trailer Towing with 2005 Expedition
I've towed a 27' with an expy before. I tried several options on sway control before I found one that worked. I have since traded up to the Excursion b/c I needed more power, and I found a great deal on one that wasnt worn out.
That is a pretty long trailer for that short of a wheelbase. Don't skimp on sway control, take it easy in the hills, and best of luck to you.
RE: Foster Dogs
I am inviting my first foster dog into my home this coming Friday. I have 2 of my own already in and ready to teach the new girl the rules of the house.
I worry too about getting attached. However, I know once my first one finds a good home, that opens up a spot in my house for the next one, and that will hopefully keep me from becoming the crazy dog man.
RE: Idea for a sticky...
Rather than a sticky (we are limited in most cases to only three), one could always go to our Forum FAQ and scroll down to #17 - (Electrical, Batteries, Solar, and Generators). There are quite a few posts about the various brands of generators there and I am sure most questions would be answered.
Besides, if we made stickies of all the questions that are asked a lot, there would be nothing to discuss!:( What would we do with all our extra time?:B :B
Barney
Didn't think of that! heck if we had a one stop shop for generators, and another for bike racks, this place would be dead! :)
RE: Idea for a sticky...
I disagree. There are too many stickys up there already. Add a couple more and half the page will be used up by stickys.
There are 3 stickies. Not enough room for a 4th? I'll bet there are at least that many threads about generators on the first few pages.
Oh well, it was just an idea...
RE: Idea for a sticky...
I'll even start! :)
My first experience was with a Troy Bilt from Home Depot. It was inexpensive, heavy and loud. I sold it the first chance I got and shopped for an inverter type generator.
My second experience was with a Yamaha 2400i. I drove to a dealership to see if it would power up my ac....and unfortunately it didn't. I considered installing a hardstart kit on the AC to minimize the draw on startup, but I really wanted a setup that would work without having to shut everything else down or make mods.
My third and final experience was buying 2 Honda 2000's and the crossover kit. The portabilty is great, the ability to use just one when necessary, the quiet noise level, and the gas milage has made it worth the investment.
What have you tried?
Idea for a sticky...
Since there are several threads about generators, and new ones it seems each week, what would it take to start a thread to be stickied that has 2 rules:
1) Post any info you have about first hand generator experience (good or bad)
2) Don't criticize other people's set up.
Mods can keep an eye on it and delete anything that is not suitable, and we could have one thread that a newbie could refer to and see what the pros and cons are of a particular generator.
What do you think?
RE: Generators?
If the only time you need your generator is when you are camping alone or you have the luxury of putting it 60 feet away without fear of it getting stolen or rained on, then an open box contractor type generator will be fine.
However, not all of us are like that. I can identify with the old ladies in the Honda commercial. I take my RV to college football games. I can't tell you how many times I am parked less than 10 feet away from someone with an open box generator (and sometimes even a class A with a 'built in') and have my TV all the way up to try to drown it out. Sometimes placing it far away or asking for some courtesy is not an option.
I went the cheap route before, and like most, I saved my money and got the Honda's. I stayed once at a place that put the hondas on one side and the rest on the other side, and one trip around walking the dog was all I needed to see the difference.
RE: For Heaven's Sakes, Control Your Dogs!
The one thing that pushes my buttons more than barking is a leash-less dog wondering around. A little chi next door to us last year named Pedro was nearly a snack for my boston terrier b/c he came over and snuck up on us...and Pedro's owner had the gall to say our dog was to blame.
RE: See new post: :Best breed for son and daughter-in-law
They should go to their local animal shelter (city or county pound) and some dog will fall in love with them. He/she will be the right one for them.
I second that. Go spend time with the dog. Most shelters have walking places where you can get the dog outside and see how it acts. Try not to read too much into it since the dog has been cooped up a while, it could go nuts, but still be a good dog.
I have been around dogs all my life, mosty mutts but a few pure breds. I believe that you cannot stereotype a breed. There are lazy jack russels and hyper hound dogs. There are agressive pomeranians, and docile rots. A dog can be as unique as a human.
You are thinking on the right track when you look at energy levels. However, not all breeds will have the same energy level.
RE: Ford Excursion-- discussion
When looking at used X's most owners or dealers don't have a clue what gear ratio is in it. Is there codes in the glove box like Chevy's have to tell you what ratio the truck has? If so what are the codes for 3.73, 4.10, 4.30?
Here is a website that should help you out.
Ford Axle Codes
You should be able to find the code by looking on the sticker in the drivers door jam.
RE: Clean Dump.....??
...although i'm a bit anal...
....have to pull up a stool...
Did no one else find these a bit amusing and disgustingly ironic? :B
I laughed at the subject title too. Guess that makes me juvenile?
