RE: Propane detector acting odd
Our old "aromatic" cat will set the detector off when she uses her litter box. It is located four feet away and around a corner. Also have a friend who's dog would set the detector off when he farted. Is very funny to watch him jump when the alarm goes off.
Another good reason to have adequate ventilation in an RV.
RE: Screen porch attached to TT question
I'm not not at all sure about the need to attach your porch. Does your local code require you to attach the porch to the trailer? If not, the porch could just sit next to your trailer and there would be no need to drill holes. There are ways to make them free standing. OR, how about attaching the porch to your awning brackets? Again, no holes. Best bet would be to contact a professional carpenter. Look for one who has a reputation for coming up with creative ways to solve problems. Look at some of their previous work.
RE: Travel trailer tire pressure
Just for reference, I pull a Komfort GVWR 10,500, weighs 9,800 fully loaded, with a Dodge 2500 diesel. The tire pressure I carry is the max marked on the trailer tires. I like the stiffness of the tires at max pressure because it helps limit tire side-to-side roll when I meet other rigs, and when they pass me since I tend to drive 50-60 mph. I will be the first to admit I am old enough to remember bias ply tires rated at 10 ply and I liked the stiffness they provided. Since bias ply is nearly impossible to find, radials at max pressure is the closest I can get to similar control. I also carry max pressure on my tow vehicle tires.
RE: Looking for 55+ Park Model community in the Northwest
Thanks for the replys.
pilgrim's progress regarding directories...
I too have wondered if there are any directroies listing speciality parks. Perhaps Woodalls or Trailer Life has a sub-directory for the 55+ crowd... I would think many RVers are looking for a guiet place to land when we reach the age to let a little grass grow around our wheels.
hobo regarding Lake Chelan
I actually have been in the Lake Chelan area during a winter some time ago and it can be very cold. Might be an option if my arthritus can tolerate it.
cruiser regarding 55+ Rv park with long time rent/park models at/ near Newport OR
Is the park you are remembering Seal Rocks RV Cove? If it is, this looks like a possibility. In looking over the Chamber information, I see a 1000 Trails park listed. I've wondered about 1000 Trails, however my impression is that they cater to a mixed age, more mobile, crowd. Might be worth checking. Does anyone here know?
Ultralife regarding Latitude 49
Looks really nice on the web. I am currently within a long days drive from this one and will plan a trip to visit.
I tend to lean more toward milder variations between summer and winter climates. Any parks on the East side of the Cascade Ranges will generally have colder winters, and while not wholly the dicising point, it will be a factor in making my final decision.
Please keep the information on your experiences coming. I greatly appreciate it all.
Looking for 55+ Park Model community in the Northwest
DW and I are anticipating the day when we will want to purchase a Park Model and purchase/lease/rent a lot in a 55+ Park Model community to call home. After fulltiming for several years, we know a Park Model is just the right size for us when we are unable to travel like we do now. So, since we do plan ahead, and I like to invest early, we are looking.
In searching this forum and the internet in general I found communities like this mostly in the Southwest states. (Arizona or New Mexico). We want to find a location in the greater Pacific Northwest. WA, OR, ID, MT, Northern NV. (really like the coast of WA and OR)Kinda cold in WY or CO but would consider them. There are some pretty areas in Northern CA, but the taxes and politics are nuts.
So, here is our list of desired park features.
-Somewhere in the states listed above
-prefer purchase or long term lease (rent only in very special places)
-55+
-newer Park Model units
-paved access roads
-patios
-small storage shed
-landscaping
-Clubhouse
-Pool
-Laundry
-stores within 20 miles
Here is our list of "don't wants"
-Gravel or paved lots crammed together
-a bunch of old worn out rigs
We did find Lost Lake in the Tacoma WA area, but would like more to choose from. Any leads would be appreciated. Thanks
RE: RV BUYING SERVICE WAS A COMPLETE FAILURE...
For a different perspective on the validity of NADA valuations take a look at this blog from RV Industry News, particularily the response from Lenny Sims and Mike Riley. As a guide for us to use to help establish baseline prices for RVs it is a great tool, just as it is for automobiles. With this knowledge we can approach dealers on our own with knowledge and confidence.
I haven't seen anything from JustCallMeJohn for a week or so. Was also wondering.
RE: Painting interior of fifth wheel
People are so reluctant to use oil based paint due to special cleanup and odors. However, a top quality oil based paint is much durable, less prone to peeling, and less prone to discoloration. Oil based is the best choice by far.
RE: NEW HANDS FREE LAW - CALIF 7/1/08
I believe this has more to do with attorneys than politicians. Several years back I remember a newspaper article that described an accident, citation was inattentive driving, caused by a driver reading the newspaper. The defence attorney got the culprit off because there was no law specifically prohibiting reading while driving. Common sense tells me that reading, looking at maps, talking on the cell, using GPS, etc all are to be done while stopped if you are alone, or done by my DW who is the world's geatest copilot. Stupid laws are usually put in place due to some stupid person doing something stupid. My favorite saying, You can't fix stupid.
RE: RV BUYING SERVICE WAS A COMPLETE FAILURE...
I smell a con. Not sure what it is yet. But, a con nevertheless.
Base line pricing new rigs is relatively easy if you look at previous years resale values on KBB or NADA. Say you are looking at a 2008 make and model XXX. Just look at 2007 and 2006 resale values for same size, options, and condition, whatever the percentage difference between 2006 and 2007, calculate twice that percentage between 2007 and 2008 to come up with a ballpark for new pricing. There are lots of variables, like delivery charges to the dealer, dealer labor costs, dealer overhead, etc. Don't be surprised if first year depreciation is 30-40%. This will give you only a ballpark idea of where you might start negotiating. Anyone can do it without an "AGENT" "working" for us.
Sorry if I am a cynic.
RE: Tell us your favorite BBQ grill for the RV
After loving my Olympian (this one)nearly to death, I am in the market for something a little bigger, less prone to a rusting burner grate, and better temperature control. I am wondering if anyone has the Napoleon (this one) and can tell me if you like it; why/why not. Thanks
RE: Odd electrical problem
Turn off the power to that circuit
Check with voltmeter to be sure it's off
Remove the receptacles and look for loose wires.
And, in the attic, a wire connection may have come loose.
It's an OPEN CIRCUIT problem.Excuse my ignorance, but wiring is not my thing. To turn off the power to that circuit, do I turn the breaker to the off position? How do I use the voltmeter to be sure it is off? Why would a wire in the attic be an issue? There are lots of wires up there and I wouldn't have a clue how to check for a loose connection. What is an "open circuit"? Thanks!At many points in our lives we all will be presented with challanges where it is necessary to call in professional reinforcements. Due to the questions you are asking, I recommend you call an electrician.
RE: Seattle Considering Banning Bonfires
Just wondering where the 'camp' fires are banned. We live in Auburn and have camped all over WA. state and haven't run into this problem.
KatzThe point is that the day may come when CG "campfires" will be banned too. What starts on the West Coast somehow slowly finds its way across the country and before the rest of us know it, what had been traditional and acceptable is suddenly forbidden.I'm sorry to report that it has already started... King County, in which Seattle is located, banned campfires a couple of years ago. Typically, fines start at $2,000 with a max fine of $13,000. There is also a $300 fine for campground owners if they fail to report a camper. Exceptions are given to State and Federal Campgrounds. Just say thanks to the "Greenies" :(The ban is not all over Washington. Check out the King County Fire District Regulations on line for more information. The regulations get more restrictive during the summer and winter. I first ran into the ban at the KOA in Kent. And then other private campgrounds in King County. Is Auburn in King or Pierce County?
RE: Seattle Considering Banning Bonfires
The point is that the day may come when CG "campfires" will be banned too. What starts on the West Coast somehow slowly finds its way across the country and before the rest of us know it, what had been traditional and acceptable is suddenly forbidden.I'm sorry to report that it has already started... King County, in which Seattle is located, banned campfires a couple of years ago. Typically, fines start at $2,000 with a max fine of $13,000. There is also a $300 fine for campground owners if they fail to report a camper. Exceptions are given to State and Federal Campgrounds. Just say thanks to the "Greenies" :(
RE: Propane Smell in Hot Weather
I would think that over filling is a remote possibility and not the most likely culprit to the odors you are detecting. Your propane tanks on your two year old trailer are fitted with OPD valves unless someone switched them out on you. OPD valves restrict filling to no more than 75-80% and in temps of 90 degrees the covered tanks should not come close to venting. The likelyhood of a mechanical failure with the tank is remote. Any properly certified propane tech will tell you this. By the way, I am certified in four states.
The most common problems I have seen in 40 years of RVing, is falures of the pigtail hose, or breakage of the fiber spacer washers in the big nut you tighten by hand, or degredation of the O ring in the tank fitting. I have seen hoses split, delaminate, or swell. Yes, even on pigtails less than two years old.
Replacement of the pigtail is not difficult if you are a do-it-yourselfer. Make sure the pipe dope you use is for propane fittings. The O ring in the tank valve is a little tricky but doable. Make sure the new one is the correct size. NEVER use discount store pigtails. (i.e. WalMart) They are inferior quality. I always buy pigtails from the propane distribution center. The staff can compare ratings and describe to you the differences in hose quality. (There was a discussion in another thread about hose quality you might find helpful.)
Remember safety IS FIRST! Good luck.
RE: Why Don't You Wave?
Why would anyone assume I am grouchy, inconsiderate, or any other adjetive laden with negativity if I do not wave back to you? Responsible defensive driving means you are paying attention to your entire driving environment. Not peering into some other rig to see if someone is waving. If your co-pilot would like to wave to my co-pilot that is fine with me. Also, give your cell phone, GPS, computer, etc. to your co-pilot. Just keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel, and stay in your own lane. I will be more than happy to greet you at the next reststop or share a beer with you at the next campground.
RE: Full-time rated TT?
After looking over the RV Consumer Group information, I find it interesting and discouraging that they do not rate quality of construction in their reports.
The RV Consumer Group uses three standards, Reliability, Highway Control, and Value to rate RVs. The way they rate Reliability is pretty subjective since it is heavily weighted on satisfaction surveys. Don't get me wrong; opinion and experiences are valuable, it's just good to remember that it is based on likes and dislikes, environmental conditions, living habits, maintenance habits, etc, etc, and it tends to be subjective. It's not good and it's not bad, just subjective. Highway Control may be less subjective given all the disclaimers and conditions listed by the Group. However, there are NO test results for RVs like there are for cars/trucks. I would like to see crash tests, driving tests, etc. Of the three measurements, the Value rating is probably the most objective measurement the Group uses. However, is it a good measurement for determining if one RV is better than another for a variety of uses? High-end vehicles do not necessarily depreciate slower.
I think what I am looking for are ratings and comparisons based on various aspects of Quality of Construction. Even a comparison of something as simple as, is the plywood used in the cabinets a real wood finish with real wood or is it a photographed layer on the surface of some mahogany paneling? Or it could be something as complex as, a comparison of the quality controls used in manufacuring plants. How about a comparison of frame strengths/ridgedity vs anticipated load weights. Or, how about, some numbers on how many warrantee claims each manufacture paid out? Failure rates and warrantee claims information is available for the automobily industry. What about the RV industry?
The Jayco and Citation certaily look like a higher end unit. Thanks for the leads! They certainly are heavy; which I would expect when better quality materials are used. I've seen pictures of Space Craft units before and would like to see one in person sometime.
As far as use of the term "Full-time rated" being a marketing ploy... Perhaps... What it is called is not important to me. Quality of craftmanship and some sort of comparison between manufacturers is important.
Someone asked how I use my TT... four years of traveling 365 days a year (see my map with colors). Currently taking a break from traveling by staying in one spot in my TT for two years. Will travel again after that. There's lots of country I haven't seen yet. And, lots I would like to see again.
So... If anyone can give me more leads on "high-end" travel tralers I would appreciate it. Thanks
Full-time rated TT?
DW and I are begining to look at a new RV (just looking at the possibility of an upgrade). We are finding lots of highend 5ers rated for full-timing, Kountry Aire, Carrage, Escalade, etc., but we are not finding TTs with this rating. Does anyone have any suggestions?
