| |
Subject |
Author |
Date Posted |
Forum
|
 |
RE: Window Condensation
As others mentioned this is a normal reaction to cold, warm and humidity. If it isn't raining outside you can open a vent and run the fan for a while. If it is raining or you are in a humid climate we found you will bring in more moisture than you are trying to expel. Running the propane furnace will dry out the air too so you might run it for a while.
A lot of condensation should be wiped up because some of it could run down the wall. Also be sure your window weep holes are clean and clear so that water will drain to the outside it gets into the window tracks.
Cooking, showers and people breathing add moisture so if the conditions is not remedied by venting and running the furnace and you'll be in these damp conditions long I'd consider purchasing a dehumidifier.
|
sowego
|
05/22/13 12:15pm |
General RVing Issues
|
|
RE: Off pavement in a Class A?
We live 4 miles off the main highway on a country maintained road not a rustic path...
You can do dirt roads but...
Be aware even if the road is graveled in dry conditions there can be extreme dust which doesn't go down well with air filters. Also be sure to keep all vents and windows closed. We hooked on the car and towed it out...never again, it filled up the engine area with dust and coated the car so well we couldn't tell what color it was. In uncertain conditions I'd not advise towing on a dirt road!
We like to head out on a day after a very light rain so the dust is settled a bit more. But too much rain and mud will be a condition a heavy RV will not like too well...had a semi go axle deep on our road and had to be pulled out by a CAT 4 miles...it weren't pretty, left ruts so deep even the ATV wouldn't go over them!
Snow, well a little snow on top of frozen ground is ok, too much on soft ground, not so good.
In winter we always tried to leave when the ground was frozen so any moisture would not create ruts.
And with gravel...the rocks can chip paint.
Best advice...we drive our most dirt, just a smattering of gravel, road very very very slowly (almost at an idle) to keep down the dust and reduce rock damage. Therefore it will take a long time to travel just a few miles.
Some country roads will have trees overhead that are not trimmed to allow safe passage so...sometimes we may to weave down the road to avoid low limbs and holes, ruts or dips in the road.
If we end up in really questionable terrain we unhook the car and drive ahead to check out the situation &/or follow with the MH both drivers chatting on the CB as to what to expect.
It works for us and since we have no choice-- we just handle it. Many folks we talk to won't even consider a dirt road. It's your choice.
|
sowego
|
05/22/13 12:01pm |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Pets in the coach
I'm guessing the reason you won't want him on the dash is damage from claws, slobbering, etc. The 1st thing I did was make a heavy quilted dash cover for just that reason. At the time we had a dog and two cats, all of whom liked to be on the dash to "watch for us to return"! Custom covers are available but a cover made of something easily washable is highly desirable and suggested. As a quick fix put down a long rubber rug gripper and a blanket or beach towels on top of that.
The next best option to to put the dog in a large crate or kennel while you are away.
|
sowego
|
05/22/13 11:39am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Claiming a first come campsite
I have to agree that the rules are the rules and we should all do our best to follow them. I'd pick my site and park my rig.
|
sowego
|
05/22/13 07:21am |
General RVing Issues
|
|
RE: Traveling in Tornado prone areas
I fully agree about weather alerts for counties not cities. Using an AP on a computer is ok but if an alert goes off suddenly you need it may be handy to have a hard copy map with county names.
After the tornado alert we experienced in Kansas one year we found it's a good idea to get out a local map to find out exactly where you are when parked. It is especially useful to have the non-driver keep a map in their lap to track the storm. It is an interesting way to also be aware of your surroundings.
Just be proactive, have your back-up plan and enjoy your trip.
|
sowego
|
05/22/13 07:16am |
General RVing Issues
|
|
RE: Traveling in Tornado prone areas
Keeping a weather radio on 24/7 and watching the weather radar/warning often if storms are predicted is about the best you can do. You can try changing your route but most of the time the areas with chances of bad storms is so large it will be hard to avoid. It will just have to be a judgment call day by day.
Some rest areas seem to have a sturdy shelter and some campgrounds do too but you can never know for sure. Do some research on the Weather Channel and any other source to know what to look for and what to do in case of an approaching storm.
Try not to get too worried, enough to cancel your trip.
We have attended the weather spotter training offered by NOAA, very interesting and informative. Learn what you should and should not do.
|
sowego
|
05/21/13 09:54pm |
General RVing Issues
|
|
RE: "Pocket Hose" reviewed on Consumer Reports
We saw a whole bunch of them at Wally World last week...they looked like a piece of junk to me and many others must have too because they weren't selling!
|
sowego
|
05/21/13 09:43pm |
General RVing Issues
|
|
RE: Newbie driver
If you are unsure enough to ask then I would suggest a school or experienced tutor before getting behind the wheel.
It's not like driving a car...you will need to pay far more attention to details since the rig takes up a lot more of the road so there is less room for error. Don't let that statement scare you too much. It most certainly is doable for almost everyone! But that means you also need to be concerned enough to learn and you already seem to realize that.
One other important note...if you are 1/2 of a couple who will be traveling together, I believe both of you should attend the school and drive.
Relax, take your time and have fun!
|
sowego
|
05/21/13 09:37pm |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Windshield curtain question (real dumb).. LOL
We also have a windshield curtain and even with the tie strap wrapped around and snapped it can be drawn into the window...The easiest & quickest fix we wrap a large rubber band around the curtain bundle near the bottom. It may still get pulled towards the open window screen but should not be in the way. A more permanent fix is to install a second strap lower to the bottom edge of the curtain in the same manner the middle strap is installed.
|
sowego
|
05/21/13 09:25pm |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Replacement Dual Pane Window for 2004 Tiffin Phaeton
I agree with others, you show you are from Alabama...give Tiffin a call and see what can be done.
|
sowego
|
05/21/13 09:21pm |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: need new deep cycle batteries for class a
We just bought our 4 marine deep cycle batteries...
Alas, those are NOT as good as a real deep cycle, Wal-mart has a Trolling battery, if you can find it, that one is a real deep cycle I'm told, never found one so can't be sure. But Marine/Deep cycle is like 80/20 Starting/Deep cycle. or worse, you want 0/100
egads! Live and learn. Well, I suppose we can't take them back...we'll check out that info...thanks for the heads up!
|
sowego
|
05/20/13 06:06pm |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Traveling West
I think it depends entirely on if you are a destination traveler or a journey trekker! 3 weeks is a fair amount of time to see the sights at those destinations but won't allow much more than a stop over or two enroute to and from.
If I were you I'd either either make a fast trip out or back on I-80 or I-90 then slow down and "2 lane it" to or from...your choice.
Our fast route trip would be to go I-90 and be there. There are a few places to stop along that are interesting.
The more fun route is to get on hwy 20 west. It's wide open, no traffic (in Nebraska & Wyoming), scenic with small towns that nearly all have small RV parks. Don't miss the panhandle of Nebraska on the slow route...you'll be surprised our landscape isn't what some consider typical "Nebraska". (along I-80 you don't see our vast variety) You can buzz north into the Black Hills via a quiet scenic route or head into Wyoming still on hwy 20 and onward to Yellowstone on a variety of routes. We love the road north from Lusk, WY to Devil's Tower.
Experiment and mix it up...it will be a awesome trip.
|
sowego
|
05/20/13 09:41am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Rest Areas Safe?
As other posters have said..some rest areas do not allow overnight stays, some do, some have 24hr security on duty, some are safe enough during the day but not at night, some never safe, some great, or any combo you can think of!
You really can never know for sure unless you have recent experience with individual rest areas. There are horror stories about drug deals, prostitution, bad truckers, theft, muggings, rape, etc.
We have stayed at one that had 24hr guard on duty that actually had a section devoted just to RV and did not allow trucks in that area so it was much quieter.
We will only stay overnight at one that allows it that has the 24hr guard on duty. All other stops are brief/no more than a couple of hours then we hit the road.
The same caution should go for all parking lots especially Wal*mart--24hr security guard that allows parking--always speak to the store manager to let they know you are there, ask permission and thank them for allowing you to stay.
Travel safe...
|
sowego
|
05/20/13 09:12am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: need new deep cycle batteries for class a
We just bought our 4 marine deep cycle batteries of the proper class/type at Wal*Mart for a good price. Sam's Club also carries these types of batteries, as do many places...shop around for the warranty and size you need. Some stores will also install them but be sure to draw out or take a photo of the hook-up diagram before you take out the old ones. One Sam's Club would install them and one would not...make sure you find someone that is willing to prep the area well and has experience with multiple battery installation. We did it all ourself this time, took photos be be sure we got the connections right.
|
sowego
|
05/20/13 09:03am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Living in a Covered RV
My thought is--it would be a waste of time and money because so many items on the roof need to be fully open to air: sewer vent pipe, frig vent, AC units, crank up vents, etc. And on the sides you need the frig, water heater and furnace vents all open to the outside. I'd also recommend that most windows be uncovered to allow escape in an emergency and to not make you feel like you are living in a cave. "breathable" won't make any of those roof items work properly, all that does is help the cover dry when it rains.
In a high wind area...even with it tied down pretty securely I'd think it would flap like crazy. I have heard of serious paint damage from this happening.
If the roof leaks...all the openings needed for the roof items to vent properly will delete any leakage worries.
The fix for a leaky roof...have it repaired. No matter how hard you try, there is always an opportunity for water to get in if there is a opening of some kind. You can try parking under a secure solid structure like a carport.
Good luck.
|
sowego
|
05/20/13 08:55am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: New invention could benefit RVers.
It is an interesting read on a topic we all understand quite well...most busses and RVs are indeed not aerodynamic! However a plexiglass shield would not work well or for long...mainly because the product scratches quite easily and may even distort the driver's view of the road.
I love to see young folks state the obvious when it comes to being efficient but he and everyone else needs to convince the RV industry a truely aerodynamic model should be developed.
|
sowego
|
05/14/13 06:22am |
General RVing Issues
|
|
RE: Wichita Kansas and tornados
The issue of heading for a highway overpass was much discussed on page 3...I watched a special report of The Weather Channel a short while ago.
One small group of folks did indeed seek cover under an overpass and survived a tornado that came close (video to prove it). However the storm experts came on and told of other stores, one where a lady left her house, drove several miles to an overpass and was killed because the wind actually pulled her out of the overpass. The techincal explanation---wind speed actually increases under an overpass therefore it is more dangerous than being out in the open.
If we can know a storm will only yield hail that comes straight down with no wind...I guess one could consider the overpass option. But we all know in severe weather we can never know for sure what a storm has in store.
Even though it is not advised I guarantee anytime heavy rain, hail or winds start...folks head straight for overpasses despite the experts advise against it. Human natural instinct is to head for some kind of overhead protection in a storm, the heavier the better in our thinking...That is also why people and cattle are killed by lightning...they head for trees during a sudden rainstorm.
Be careful out there folks. Do some research on shelter during a severe storm.
|
sowego
|
05/13/13 06:28am |
General RVing Issues
|
|
RE: Spring is tiptoing into our life
April was "spring snow like" for us...4 weeks of snow that flowed on into early May. But, finally the grass is greening up, the temps are getting mild and the much needed moisture from April's snow is making us all smile a bit.
And of course spring means work...fences to mend, all the newborn calves to work, and pray rain comes to continue making up for 2 years of exceptional drought.
|
sowego
|
05/08/13 09:43am |
General RVing Issues
|
|
RE: Smoky recliner
Leather may be an especially difficult material to remove smoke smell becaue its porous organic fibers will absorb and hold those stains & odors literally forever!
You can try using a good quality leather cleaning product, then a leather conditioner, let it air out well and maybe you'll find it somewhat better. I doubt you'll ever get the smell out. If it sit in the heat or locked up the a stored RV...the smell may still come out again. In time...you will either get used to it or get rid of it.
If it were me...I'd give it to another smoker and go buy youself a new chair!
I'd not spray it with Febreze because it could damage the material. Febreze works best on cloth fabric not leather.
|
sowego
|
05/08/13 09:27am |
General RVing Issues
|
|
RE: Wichita Kansas and tornados
We've been in a Kansas RV park during a tornado warning...sure there are risks in that region. That RV park actually had a storm bunker! The best advice is to have a weather radio on 24/7, even when driving and always know where the nearest shelter is...have a game plan in case things go bad in a hurry.
|
sowego
|
05/08/13 09:19am |
General RVing Issues
|
