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Author |
Date Posted |
Forum
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RE: Expired Passport

Check the official pages: http://travel.state.gov/passport/renew/renew_833.html
This is what you need to know if you already have a valid passport.
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Alfred622
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05/21/13 06:21pm |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: app or site

I get a ton of use out of www.rvparkreviews.com. They have a radius search feature (not sure it goes up to 400 miles though) that lists reviewed camping. I've found many great spots this way and it makes travel planning much easier. It is my go-to spot when doing initial travel planning. It is not perfect - there are many great campgrounds that have not been reviewed in their database yet... but it is pretty good.
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Alfred622
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05/12/13 03:34pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: DC/DC Power Supply On EBAY

Neat gadget....but what would you do with it in an RV?
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Alfred622
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05/07/13 07:47pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Found out difference in Roadside Assistance providers

I've had CoachNet for 8 years. About 3 years in, I needed their help with the RV when I blew a hydraulic line and needed to be towed 80 miles. They were fantastic. Rapid service, excellent telephone-assistance, good followup, and a "free" tow to a factory service center. Then two weeks ago, my CRV slid off the road in an ice storm and I needed to call for a truck to change my tire. Again, they were fantastic. Excellent service both times. I have little desire to switch since they have been good for me twice.
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Alfred622
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05/04/13 07:28pm |
General RVing Issues
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Buck Creek or John Bryant State Parks near Dayton OH?

Is anyone familiar with either Buck Creek State Park or John Bryant State Park not far from Dayton, OH? We need a place to camp for about 12 days while delivering kids to college. We have a 30' Class A and can boondock but would appreciate electric since we will be there in mid-August.
Looking for a campsite with a bit of space, some shade might be nice, and walking/hiking trails would be a big plus. We will have a toad so day trips in the car are a definite possibility. Prefer a bit of peace & quiet, no need for swimming pools/game-rooms.
Is anyone familiar with either? Both have many electric sites available - any preferred? I have read reviews on both at www.RVParkReviews.com and both sound quite reasonable.
Any advice, experience, or campsite photos would be MOST appreciated!
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Alfred622
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05/04/13 03:10pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Who Installed your baseplate

I have my RV serviced at a truck repair shop (they do a lot of RVs also). They did the Blue Ox baseplate install on the CRV and then also installed the ReadyBrute braking cable and the stop light diodes and wiring harness. They did a great job - it was about $200 for their labor which, for me, was well worth it as I just didn't have the time to devote to doing it.
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Alfred622
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05/03/13 07:50pm |
Dinghy Towing
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RE: Pros/Cons of an RV GPS System

I've been a Garmin user for years and they seem to offer a pretty good product. But they don't really have a product just for RVs. They have two trucker GPSs which allow specification of height/weight but then you get extra features that are not needed/wanted for an RV use.
I have an "automobile" Garmin in the RV and have been quite pleased with it. However, I run the 4-lane interstates where I have no worry about height and weight restrictions.
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Alfred622
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05/03/13 07:45pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: sources for antenna mast

My local Menards store had 5' lengths of antenna pipe, the kind that nests inside of each other. I have 6 lengths so I can get up to about 30'. A the top I have a cellular antenna that is connected to a Wilson amplifier. I use heavy duty bungee to secure the pole to my ladder (top and bottom). I have also put the pole by the front of the MH secured to an outside rear view mirror.
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Alfred622
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04/28/13 07:02pm |
Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)
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RE: Question regarding Internet Only specials

This likely a product being discontinued by CW and while they are sold-out on-line, individual stores may still have stock. That is my guess, anyway.
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Alfred622
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04/20/13 09:53am |
Camping World Accessories
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RE: Why truckers don't like RVers

I've got a question after reading this thread. After getting gas, if I can't pay right at the pump, I never move the car before I go inside to pay. I always worry that the attendant will think I'm doing a drive-off.
What is proper etiquette if you want to clear the pump before going in to pay? Do you use the intercom to tell the office what you're doing? Maybe this is a diesel only issue and diesel pumps have a special "i'll pay after I move my truck" button.
This "gasser" would appreciate any education that would be kindly offered!!!
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Alfred622
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04/20/13 08:37am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Sales?? How??

Go Dogs and BuckBarker are giving you sound advice - in my opinion at least. When asked if I have a trade-in, I reply that I'm planning on selling it myself. Then find the right RV. Leave the dealer, consult on-line price guides to get a rough invoice, look on the web to see prices elsewhere, then return to the dealer to negotiate a price for the RV you want. (I like to buy local when possible. I'm even willing to pay a "bit" more for local.) Next, agree on the purchase price and then introduce "I'd like to consider trading in my current vehicle...how would this reduce the purchase of the RV?" Ignore the next 15 sentences you hear, just look concerned, and say "Well, I like the RV but I think I'll look around a bit"... head for the door. If they call you back for negotiation, fine. If not, give them your card/email and say "contact me in the next day if you can re-evaluate your offer."... and leave. View it as an intellectual transaction and remove your emotions. I've had decent results with this.
Oh, I agree, financing is arranged with your Credit Union in advance. Or, get a letter of credit from a bank. Either way, you'll pay less effective interest than a loan from the dealership.
How do others do it?
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Alfred622
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04/20/13 08:18am |
RV Lifestyle
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RE: A warning about your Sleep Number Bed

There was a story a few years back on these forums about this elderly couple, who loved their Sleep Number bed, and their explosive surprise as they drove up into the Rocky Mountains for the first time. Apparently the bed made a most alarming loud sound as it popped in their bedroom.
Needless to say, they did not sleep well that night.
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Alfred622
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04/18/13 06:21pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Ready Brake question

I've had Ready Brake on my CRV for several years. Never had any problems with it.
The wire from the brake pedal to the front of the car stays installed year round. Never had any problems from snow or ice.
Hook up is fast and easy. Performance has been excellent. No adjustments or work needed after initial installation complete. No problems during use.
It has worked for me in the mountains, twisty roads, down steep inclines, and remains fast and easy to hook up even after years of use. Only preventive maintenance is to wash it off when I wash the RV.
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Alfred622
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04/18/13 12:57pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Coach Net get a A Plus on there service.

I've had CN for 8 yrs, only needed it once when a hydraulic brake line blew. I was talking with one of their RV technicians in about 1 minute, he talked me through a few steps to verify the problem (puddle of hydraulic fluid under the RV was a give-away), about 30 min later a HUGE tow truck arrived, the driver knew exactly how to safely tow the RV, disconnected the drive shaft, and hauled us 60 miles to a factory service dealership... who stayed late to get us taken care of. My total bill for the towing.... $0.00. The follow up calls from CN to verify we were taken care of - priceless. I was very satisified also.
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Alfred622
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04/13/13 08:52am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: LED replacements for 921 bulbs

My experience is exactly the same as what RonFisherMan (above) indicated. I ordered an assortment of LED panels from an assortment of vendors (all in china) off eBay. All delivered goods in a couple of weeks. I tested various bulbs in the RV and got DW's approval of one specific panel. Then I ordered a dozen more of that type. Now we can use all the lights we want at night when boondocking without any worry about draining the batteries!
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Alfred622
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04/13/13 08:20am |
Hybrid Travel Trailers
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RE: "How do they do that?"

I loved your post! I wonder the same thing... how does everyone else have it all together? Then I discovered... they have the same adventures as do I! But the really great thing about camping is that the majority of folks you meet in campgrounds are happy to talk and share tips with you.
To your questions:
- Somehow they align the ball perfectly under the coupler the first time
I have my DW guide me in backing up. She stands with one leg on either side of the trailer bar and I just back into her!! That convinced her to trade in our pop-up and get a motorhome. But, now she needs to guide me to hook up the TOAD !!!!
- Their campfires always seem to start with the first match
Secret here is fire-starters & kindling. Spend the time to chop slivers off of the wood you'll burn. Keep 1/2" of airspace round logs. Use your match to start a firestarter (basically a porous material filled with wax). Then layer very thin slivers of wood over it to get them burning... then thicker wood... finally to the logs. Just don't skimp on the kindling (unless you have a propane torch). In a pinch, just tell the wife you want to keep mosquitos away so soak your wood with Tiki-Torch fuel and light that... fire starts right up and the skeeters leave you alone. Also, those mosquito repellent powders that you shake on the grass around your sitting areas - they really work. I won't leave home without it!
-They can weave their trailer back in between 5 trees and still open the awning...on the first try
Experience - and not easy. With a Motorhome it is easier than with a trailer!
- They have camp set up about the time I finally unhitch
Benefit of a motorhome... back into spot... push one button to level... another to activate the slides... plug in utilities and you're camping. Total time, 15 min and that includes time for a short nap!!!
- Their power cords ALWAYS reach the post
Especially if you carry a 50' extension cord with you.
- Their sewer hoses ALWAYS reach the drain
We don't hookup sewer... just dump when we leave the campground. We can go about 5 days before needing to dump.
- They alway have a common sense fix to some problem newbies like me have...usually involves ducktape
Ducktape is marvelous... carry a toolbox with you, electrical tape, and the best tool of all.....your Visa card.
Happy Camping!
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Alfred622
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04/13/13 08:14am |
Beginning RVing
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RE: MiFi and wireless printer

The purpose of the MiFi is to give you access to a high speed cellular data network (the Internet) from a WiFi hotspot it creates around itself. You should not need that to print wirelessly from your laptop to a wifi-enabled printer. Your laptop wireless adapter should be able to discover your printer, and print to it, with or without the MiFi being enabled.
There is one condition where the MiFi might work with your printer. I've been using the Google Cloud Print services (exposed in the Chrome browser). These are way cool. I define printers to the Google Shared Print service in the Cloud - like the laser printer at my stick-house. Then, when I'm on the road I can (within Chrome) print a document, spreadsheet, webpage, illustration, etc to any one of my defined printers...including the one at home that is powered off. Then, later, when I get home and power up the house computer, guess what happens! Yup, all the printouts come out!
You "should" be able to define the WiFi printer in your RV to Google Cloud - then you could print to it from home if you wanted. I've not tried that however so I can't be sure.
Happy Travels!!
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Alfred622
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04/13/13 07:54am |
Technology Corner
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RE: Grand Teton National Park- Park Recommendations

We liked Colter Bay, and the park, that we extended our stay twice..a Very nice place to camp and a great park to visit!
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Alfred622
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04/08/13 05:07pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: My Solar Panel Light

Maybe a better description of your "solar panel light" would help. Is this something standalone... where a battery could have failed?
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Alfred622
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04/07/13 09:55pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Some tips for driving on the Interstates

Fantastic post, I hope this thread is well-read by both newbies and the pros!
One tip maybe to add is to be real friendly with your rear-view mirrors. Know them well enough so you can accurately judge when you are past a vehicle you're passing or when you're far enough out in front so you can pull into their lane. Also, learn how to tell exactly where your sides are. I remember once having to negotiate a 9' wide construction zone in a 8.5' wide MH at 40 mph (well we did it at 20mph and just scraped a tail pipe a little).
It has gotten to the point now where I just won't drive unless we have our route programmed on our Garmin GPS. It tells me about traffic hangups, which lane to be in, keeps me off inappropriate roads, and generally makes driving much more relaxed.
Happy trails everyone!
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Alfred622
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04/06/13 04:19pm |
Beginning RVing
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