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Subject |
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Date Posted |
Forum
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RE: Can't imagine a world without internal combustion engines
Not yet. Intel is working on it, but their chips aren't made by TSMC yet.
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atreis
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12/26/21 12:28pm |
Around the Campfire
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RE: Can't imagine a world without internal combustion engines
Not really surprising. Most CPUs (Intel in PCs and servers, Qualcomm in smartphones, and A-series processors in Apple and some other products), and GPUs (graphical chips from NVidia and AMD) are mostly made in the US.
TSMC in Taiwan makes all of that and almost none of the most advanced chips are made in the US.
Not true. Intel microprocessors are made in the US.
https://www.intel.com/content/dam/www/public/us/en/documents/fact-sheets/standards-global-manufacturing-facts.pdf
TSMC makes NVidia, AMD, and Qualcomm chips. While most of their fabs are in Taiwan, they do also have a fab in the US.
https://www.tsmc.com/english/aboutTSMC/TSMC_Fabs
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atreis
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12/22/21 06:33pm |
Around the Campfire
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RE: Can't imagine a world without internal combustion engines
https://www.uschina.org/sites/default/files/202104/goods2.png
US-China Business Council
The crops, oil, and gas didn’t surprise me; the semiconductors and components did based upon all the press about being reliant upon China for chips giving the impression they don’t need us.
Not really surprising. Most CPUs (Intel in PCs and servers, Qualcomm in smartphones, and A-series processors in Apple and some other products), and GPUs (graphical chips from NVidia and AMD) are mostly made in the US. In terms of dollar value, those are high value items. Most memory chips are made in Korea and Taiwan. The OTHER chips in PCs and phones for things like sound (Netherlands), cameras (mostly Japan), displays (China, Korea, Japan), touchscreen sensors, etc. are made in other countries. There are also smaller chips (bus controllers, power regulators, etc.) or discrete components (resisters, capacitors, etc. - on a system board - those little blocks with just two connections), most of which come from China. To make a single phone or computer requires chips from, literally, all over the world to be brought together into an integrated system. Those integrated systems are usually assembled in SE Asia (Taiwan, Korea, China). They might say "Made in China" (or whatever country) on them, but they contain parts from all over the world.
Cars specifically: They use components from all over the world, same as other computers. The primary difference is that the most critical computers in cars tend to use older technology components. The process of hardening that technology for use in a car (handling extreme temperatures, dirt, grime, dust, vibration, etc. is the process of "hardening") takes time, and so the components used tend to be a couple generations out of date. The fabs that make those older, hardened, parts are less profitable than the fabs that make the latest high end chips for consumer electronics. If resources are limited, the fab owners prefer to send those resources to the more profitable consumer electronics lines.
As for a world without IC engines on ground vehicles... It would be quieter, which would be nice, and I'm certainly not opposed. However, it's not likely to happen in my lifetime. Maybe it will happen(*)(**) in my kids' lifetime. They're in high school and college.
(*) Note "ground vehicles" above. Jet engines are IC engines too! A very significant leap would need to be made to make commercial air travel on battery power possible.
(**) Also excluding hobbyists. There are, after all, still lots of engines around that require leaded fuel. They're in classic cars owned and operated by enthusiasts. There are additives used in gas to replace the lead. I've no doubt that these, and whatever cars from the current crop of ICE-powered cars become classic, will continue to exist and operate in small numbers far into the future.
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atreis
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11/18/21 07:03pm |
Around the Campfire
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RE: Scary GMC commercial
There's a point in life when one has to put down the keys... I'm (hopefully) quite far from that point, still being solidly middle-aged with kids in high school, but would really like to be able to maintain independence a little longer once I do reach that point, and see self-driving cars as a means to that. I hope they get there.
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atreis
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11/08/21 03:59pm |
Around the Campfire
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RE: Scary GMC commercial
Super Cruise only works on completely digitized roads. Most of the digitized roads are Interstates and some state limited-access highways. (It doesn't have to worry about pedestrians.)
https://supercruise-map-viewer.cp.gm.com/
I think it's a step towards fully self-driving (where one doesn't have to pay attention). These things take time.
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atreis
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11/07/21 04:00pm |
Around the Campfire
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RE: Quality Hybrid Manufacturers
Palomino has hybrids. Like Roo and Shamrock, they're also a Forest River company.
https://palominorv.com/travel-trailers/solaire-expandable
KZ Sportsmen Classic is the only one that's not Forest River that I could find.
https://www.kz-rv.com/products/sportsmen-classic-travel-trailers/floorplans.html
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atreis
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11/03/21 05:15pm |
Hybrid Travel Trailers
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RE: which way?
Flat: Easiest and fastest to hookup and unhook, but the selection of cars that can be towed four down isn't big. Some modifications to the car are required, and one should also invest in a brake system. There's not much to stow away while parked.
Dolly: Loading and strapping takes 15 minutes once you do it a couple times, but does require some kneeling. (Get one of those foam knee pads.) Pretty much any FWD car can be dolly towed without modification. Get a dolly with brakes. While parked, one has to put the dolly somewhere, but they're small and can be wheeled by hand, so this really isn't difficult.
I tow a Prius on a dolly. It works very well and loading/unloading is pretty easy.
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atreis
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10/31/21 06:23am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: smaller MH with 2+ separate comfy sleeping areas?
considering downsizing. currently have a 2007 30' TT with the Queen bedroom and 2 sets bunks. These days it's usually just 2 adults and a 9 year old, the teenagers aren't so keen. But I've got used to space lol. Plus our 7.3 Excursion tow vehicle is getting old :)
Would like a smaller MH
Not sure what "smaller" means in this case, but you should be able to get something in the 24-28' range ...
but that can tow our old Boston Wailer boat. Also able to carry 3 or more bicycles.
Boston Wailers aren't very heavy, so this part is easy. Nearly all Class C RVs can tow 4500-5000 lbs.
Also want a separate full or queen bedroom area, plus another twin or full bed that can have a nice mattress (so not a couch pull out etc). The area above the cab is usually pretty small and awkward right???
Depends on what you're looking at, but in most traditional Class C RVs the cabover is larger than a queen. About the same width, and longer. They're very sizable. There are some smaller units on MB chassis that make the cabover smaller.
Plus another bed suitable for a growing 9 year old..
Which MH's have this, good use of space? Best bang for the buck!? Thanks!!
My unit has 4 sleeping areas and is 28' (model name does not equal length). Queen bed in the back, dinette, jackknife sofa, and cabover. It works VERY well for my family of 5 - 3 teenagers (two in college). Just about any unit you look at is going to have similar options... Shorter than mine, and you'll likely lose one of those sleeping areas, such as the sofa, but would still have 3 sleeping areas.
There are LOTS of options from MANY manufacturers... Winnegabo Minnie Winnie, Thor Four Winds/Chateau (what I have), Coachmen, and many more. Just look around some, but starting with those will give you an idea of what floorplans offer.
Things to watch out for:
1. The number of belted seating areas for travel. Some units don't have a lot of belts. In particular, seating areas that are mounted on a slide are often very limited on belts.
2. The LENGTH of the sofa and/or dinette bed, relative to the height (and potential height) of the kids. In some units, the dinette and sofa beds are very short.
3. Whether or not you're okay with having a sleeping area that can't be used if the slide is in (such as the rear queen in mine).
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atreis
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10/24/21 06:25am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Newsom signs bill to ban the sell of gas powered generators
And even better, all these wonder machines will be produced in third world countries like China that are actually ramping up coal fueled electrical generation to meet the increased demand from the manufacturing industry. China is building 47 new coal fired power plants currently and estimates are they will construct up to several hundred more. Nothing happens in a vacuum. (multiple sources including Time.com and CNBC).
As far as I know, there is nothing in the bill mandating that new equipment of any sort be manufactured in third world countries.
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atreis
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10/13/21 10:28am |
Around the Campfire
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RE: Newsom signs bill to ban the sell of gas powered generators
43018.11. (a) (1) By July 1, 2022, the state board shall, consistent with federal law, adopt cost-effective and technologically feasible regulations to prohibit engine exhaust and evaporative emissions from new small off-road engines, as defined by the state board. Those regulations shall apply to engines produced on or after January 1, 2024, or as soon as the state board determines is feasible, whichever is later.
(2) In determining technological feasibility pursuant to paragraph (1), the state board shall consider all of the following:
(A) Emissions from small off-road engines in the state.
(B) Expected timelines for zero-emission small off-road equipment development.
(C) Increased demand for electricity from added charging requirements for more zero-emission small off-road equipment.
(D) Use cases of both commercial and residential lawn and garden users.
(E) Expected availability of zero-emission generators and emergency response equipment.
(b) Consistent with the regulations adopted pursuant to this section and relevant state law, the state board shall identify, and, to the extent feasible, make available, funding for commercial rebates or similar incentive funding as part of any updates to existing, applicable funding program guidelines for districts to implement to support the transition to zero-emission small off-road equipment operations.
Bold emphasis mine. The earliest this will be effective is 2024. And there are built in exemptions for emergency response equipment. In addition, it is all based on whether zero-emission options are available. What this type of legislation does is 1) encourage companies to develop zero emission options and 2) convert the low hanging fruit (ie, more people will buy electric lawn movers and leaf blowers instead of "dirty" ones.
It does not say "gas powered" - the regulation is based on the actual emissions. According to the bill, these small off road engines produce more emissions in one hour than a non-electric/hybrid vehicle produces over 1,100 miles of drive time (or 1.47 hours driving at 75 mph). If manufacturers reduce those emissions in their products significantly, then that can extend the timeline.
It's amazing how many folks get their panties in a twist over something they've never bothered to actually read.
Thank you for posting the actual text. Hopefully more states will do this and provide even more incentive for development of zero-emission options.
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atreis
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10/10/21 06:30pm |
Around the Campfire
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RE: Does such a Class A exist?
There are some twin bed options still available, such as these:
https://www.thormotorcoach.com/axis/floor-plans/241/
https://www.thormotorcoach.com/fourwinds/floor-plans/25V
But they don't check the other boxes... One option might be to start with something like this:
https://www.thormotorcoach.com/fourwinds/floor-plans/28A
And do an aftermarket mod...
Or this:
https://www.gulfstreamcoach.com/products/motorhomes/conquestclassc/model/6280le
Which I've seen available as a rental with 4 bunk beds in the back instead of the queen, so could possibly be ordered with twin beds.
I'm not sure that any of those come with two ACs though, so that would be an aftermarket mod.
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atreis
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10/06/21 10:12am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Not much posting
Been here for years but don't post as much as I used to. I got tired of the constant pointless arguments over things which are essentially just personal opinion and preference. On MANY subjects, there are multiple right answers, and the best one for given individuals isn't necessarily the same. I suspect there are others like me who are still around but just don't post that much anymore.
In terms of moderation, I also have observed a fair amount of bias, but perhaps the thread-deletion tactic (as opposed to editing) is meant to better account for that. (Example of biased moderation: Person A expresses moderate political opinion. Person B expresses less moderate opinion in the other direction. Moderator's opinion agrees more with B than A, so edit's A's post but not B's, even though B's is the more extreme.)
I also suspect a lot of people have gone to FB, but I personally can't stand FB and don't use it for anything. I suspect some have gone to YT, but I'm no fan of that either, preferring to read and write.
On the bright side, the overly zealous weight police aren't as active as they once were.
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atreis
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10/03/21 09:54am |
Around the Campfire
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RE: Anyone know?
2021 model year chassis, which they started making in January 2020. There was no 2020 model year chassis. They skipped it and went straight to 2021.
Ford Authority - Why the Ford E series skipped the 2020 model year
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atreis
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09/27/21 05:39pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Do you do this in the US?
Used to see more screened in awnings than today, but I still see them now and then, especially in state parks. I don't know that I've seen an awning added to a screened in awning, but have seen plenty of tarps or other canopies over tables separate from awnings, so it's not that big a stretch.
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atreis
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09/25/21 12:28pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: SUV for pulling hybrid
You have to be willing to live with a smaller trailer, depending on the SUV. Look at the manufacturers tow limits, and add 1000 lbs to the empty weight of the trailer. You'll likely discover that you are limited to a pretty small (~17-21 foot) trailer so need to have a very friendly family.
I towed for years with two minivans (Ford Windstar, Toyota Sienna) and a medium sized SUV (Honda Pilot) with no issues, but was very careful to make sure I stayed within the manufacturers weight limits. I used a tongue scale and also weighed regularly at a CAT scale, to make sure I was okay, and loaded very carefully. Minivans have wonderfully long wheelbases and make for a very stable tow platform, although they have low weight limits. The Pilot's wheelbase wasn't quite as good, but had a higher weight limit and stiffer suspension, but had to be careful to not transfer weight to the front axle above what would be there without the trailer. The rear axle in the Pilot is quite beefy, but the front axle doesn't have a lot of margin.
The point of the above isn't to recommend (or disrecommend) those vehicles, but to point out the considerations that need to be taken into account. What you need to consider would depend on the SUV chosen.
Also, plan on a better than average hitch. I used an Equalizer for about 10 years, and then a Hensley Arrow.
I have a family of 5 lightweight people and two dogs. I'm the heaviest of us, at 150 lbs.
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atreis
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09/19/21 05:56am |
Hybrid Travel Trailers
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RE: What’s the normal CCC for a 30 ft. Class C?
what is the typical range for ~30 ft. Class C?
On the low side, ~1000 lbs. (Assuming this isn't a Sprinter, since you said ~30 feet. Those can be even less.)
Typical would be closer to 1500 lbs.
Mine comes on two platforms, with two different OCCC:
E-350: ~1400 lbs
Chevy 4500: a bit over 3000 lbs
The highest I've seen in a non Super-C was a 27' unit with no slides that was a little under 4000 lbs OCCC.
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atreis
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09/09/21 06:57pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Does the Color of an HD Pickup Make a Difference?
“six million new and used cars between 2017 to 2020”
Doesn’t sound small to me.
But how many of the trucks were beige? It's not the total size of the sample, but the size of the sample of each color for each type of vehicle that matters.
And as someone else pointed out, what's "beige" exactly? Does off-white count? It doesn't to me! That's just a shade of white.
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atreis
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09/03/21 05:13am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Does the Color of an HD Pickup Make a Difference?
Beige ........ Small sample size? White yes, but not beige ...
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atreis
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09/01/21 06:17pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Chevy V8 vs Ford V 10
Chevy 6.6L V8 is fine, and the chassis handles so much better ...
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atreis
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08/25/21 06:27pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: levelers
Bigfoot does an excellent job installing and configuring them.
http://www.thebigfootleveler.com/
They do the install at the factory in White Pigeon Michigan and have electric hookups for overnighting when doing your install.
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atreis
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07/21/21 06:21pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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