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Subject |
Author |
Date Posted |
Forum
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RE: Does it matter?
Just so you'll know, twin I-beam Ford suspensions of certain years are particularly disposed to wandering. They require an aftermarket offset bushing in the upper kingpin to get more than the factory caster (non-adjustable). Some have reduced/controlled, but have not cured the problem, by installing a steering stabilizer.
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DougE
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10/08/21 03:31pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Does it matter?
Camber is more important to get even tire wear across the tread. Caster is what keeps the wheels on shopping carts tracking straight ahead. (They have no camber.)
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DougE
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10/08/21 08:08am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Does it matter?
Sway bar doesn't impact alignment and may help sway issue slightly. Guess you replaced idler arm (steering arm?) due to wear? Have your alignment shop set the caster close to the maximum spec.
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DougE
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10/07/21 06:40am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Texas FM170 Lajitas to Presidio
It does have one fairly sharp curve and one steep slope but you should have no problem with your rig.
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DougE
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09/28/21 03:06pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: RV roof vent cover
When they are new, give them a coat of white plastic spray paint to protect them from UV damage.
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DougE
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08/17/21 07:21am |
Tech Issues
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RE: New truck pricing
The up side of the current situation is that the price of used vehicles has gone up about 10% since the first of the year. If you can find something on the lot that suits you, great, but if you order you're in for a long wait. I ordered a Toyota Tacoma on January 4th and received it 2 days ago. (This is July 24th).
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DougE
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07/24/21 06:57am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: RV navigation systemsl
I've never been happy with the navigation package in my GMC Canyon. I find the Google Maps on my phone to be much better. The GMC upgrade I probably needed to get every 2 years cost $125 as well (may be more now), something not required using Google. So happy to find that the Google Maps app can be mirrored to the display in the Toyota Tacoma I have on order. (Just don't know if there is an RV version available).
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DougE
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07/21/21 08:06am |
Technology Corner
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RE: I hate roundabouts -- but maybe I am wrong
Roundabouts are much more efficient than a 4-way stop. The issue is that some drivers are unable to deal with traffic conditions as a "dynamic" situation where they must merge into an adequate "slot" while the traffic is in motion. Some can only cope with traffic as a "static" situation and can't merge into a moving "slot".
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DougE
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06/17/21 01:35pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: TX-146 to Avoid Houston
It's been a long time since I traveled in that area, but what about dropping off I10 at Winnie, going down Hwy 124 to High Island and then along the coast (and the Bolivar ferry), into Galveston? Certainly more scenic. Comments from locals?
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DougE
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06/08/21 08:22am |
Roads and Routes
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RE: Patch small hole in aluminum siding
Get a fiberglass repair kit from the local auto supply. It goes on quite transparent and will be barely noticible.
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DougE
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05/31/21 05:59am |
Truck Campers
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RE: ? DIY Utility Trailer Deck "Paint" ?-
Behr DeckOver. (and you can get it tinted to any color).
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DougE
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05/20/21 07:08am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: 1993 Damon Intruder/P30 454 Overheating
This has been an issue for decades. Since you don't hear the fan clutch pulling in:
Use only a factory fan clutch. Set it in the vertical position for 24 hours before installing.
Check your radiator with a Harbor Freight infrared heat gun to see if the temperature differences across the radiator core make sense.
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DougE
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05/09/21 01:30pm |
Tech Issues
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Texas Sprinter Repair
FYI. A shop for these vans is difficult to find. Mercedes dealers don't want to work on anything older than 2009 and most small shops are only comfortable with domestic products. However, if you're in South Central Texas I found a shop with mechanics that used to work for the Mercedes dealer in Boerne. They are Motion Fleet Services in Selma on I35 (located in the back of the Ewald Kubota Dealer property - go in their gate).
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DougE
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04/28/21 09:37am |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: 3/4 ton diesel vs. gas
Yes, a diesel is a superior tow vehicle but more complex and expensive to repair. If you travel extensively and especially if you do a fair amount of mountain towing the diesel is for you. If you just make a couple of trips a year and aren't battling your way through mountainous terrain that often then a gasoline engine is just fine.
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DougE
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04/28/21 03:39am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Caster Question (Alignment) Again
If your truck has twin I-beam suspension the caster is not adjustable and the lack of caster in the stock version often leads to the apparent front end lightness you reference. If you will google "ford I beam caster adjustment" you will find a number of references to a caster/camber bushing that can allow more caster to be dialed in to the front suspension. It may be a little difficult to find an alignment shop that will do an adjustment to non-stock settings though.
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DougE
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04/27/21 06:36am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Toad on Trailer vs 4 Down
The clearance on those steering wheel locks is pretty minimal. I somewhat doubt that a rope would be rigid enough to matter unless the lock broke. Maybe just for peace of mind?
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DougE
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04/25/21 03:54pm |
Dinghy Towing
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RE: Toad on Trailer vs 4 Down
Any real world experience for rearward dolly towing?
Caster on an S15 is about 3*. If you raise the rear 12" with a 108" wheelbase, that's a 6* rise and changes the caster to -3*. If you tow backwards then the caster is back at the original 3* positive. So no issue?
Is the steering column lock sufficient to hold the wheels in the straight ahead configuration?
By the way, I appreciate all the comments as its giving me additional things to consider.
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DougE
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04/25/21 08:15am |
Dinghy Towing
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RE: Toad on Trailer vs 4 Down
Per my signature I currently have a Class B Sprinter. (Sold the motorcycle thus going to a S15 toad). I may sell the Sprinter and just fix up a van for camping. I generally expect cargo vans to be good for 500#/5000# but will ensure whatever my tow vehicle is, is capable. (I've traveled in every class but a 5th wheel for ~60 years.)
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DougE
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04/24/21 03:25pm |
Dinghy Towing
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RE: El Paso, TX
I worked in El Paso for about 2 years. Don't quite know what you can find to do for 3 days. Military town due to Fort Bliss. Juarez across the border is too dangerous. In southeastern New Mexico you can do Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe National Park.
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DougE
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04/24/21 03:15pm |
RV Parks, Campgrounds and Attractions
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RE: Toad on Trailer vs 4 Down
Those are some quick responses. Thanks.
I ran a Class A for a number of years with a Suzuki Sidekick toad. Nice rig but the Sidekick was pretty snug inside and I had to exercise the transmission every 200 miles to keep it lubed. Most of my life I've had way too many vehicles and I'm trying to keep it simpler these days so don't really want to add another vehicle.
The S15 will have a step bumper so can be used to spot a trailer after it's unloaded. But, yes, dealing with the trailer is another consideration.
Both Lwiddis and corvettekent are using their tow vehicles for general transportation whereas I favor having a second means of transportation.
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DougE
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04/24/21 09:27am |
Dinghy Towing
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