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RE: 5th Wheel Cover before snowbirding
^At the risk of upsetting someone again or still, I’ll again suggest the plastic tarp on top.
Still requires you to keep up with it or deal with the mess of multiple snows like you mentioned above. But everything slides off easier. Even if you get some melted/re-frozen chucks, they don’t stick to the tarp and slide right off.
You could also just layout a few runs of sno melt cord up there. But I could see that only being partially effective and potentially creating ice dams and/or big ole icicles tugging on the roof material and gutters and anything else they freeze to.
Grit , it just keeps getting better , keep up the good ideas . :B
Don't tell Dave that I said this...seems often times trolling/troublemaking is initiated by RAM owners.
Anonymous
Jerry , Gotta have a little fun , now which Ram owner are you referring to . :B
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cummins2014
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09/26/23 11:40am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: 5th Wheel Cover before snowbirding
^At the risk of upsetting someone again or still, I’ll again suggest the plastic tarp on top.
Still requires you to keep up with it or deal with the mess of multiple snows like you mentioned above. But everything slides off easier. Even if you get some melted/re-frozen chucks, they don’t stick to the tarp and slide right off.
You could also just layout a few runs of sno melt cord up there. But I could see that only being partially effective and potentially creating ice dams and/or big ole icicles tugging on the roof material and gutters and anything else they freeze to.
Grit , it just keeps getting better , keep up the good ideas . :B
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cummins2014
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09/26/23 10:55am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Tips on how to hook up at an extreme angle?
FWIW, the B&W Companions can be hooked up at pretty extreme angles, if needed. Just sayin'...
Lyle
Avowed B&W Fanboi :-)
Another great suggestion if you like conventional hitches . Those auto slides from what I have seen are more trouble than they are worth .
B&W does not make an auto slide. B&W owner is friends with PulRite owner and has not designed and made an auto slide because of their relationship.
I was just referring to auto slides in general . I know B&W only makes a manual slider . It just appears these sliders manual or auto can be troublesome. I never liked my manual slider . As said the simplicity of the steel Andersen makes it a trouble free hitch .
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cummins2014
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09/25/23 04:51pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Tips on how to hook up at an extreme angle?
FWIW, the B&W Companions can be hooked up at pretty extreme angles, if needed. Just sayin'...
Lyle
Avowed B&W Fanboi :-)
Another great suggestion if you like conventional hitches . Those auto slides from what I have seen are more trouble than they are worth .
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cummins2014
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09/25/23 03:45pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: 5th Wheel Cover before snowbirding
Just to clarify, I have no problems leaving the snow on the roof if we are not traveling for the winter,... Its only if I am going to move it in winter.
If it were only a few dusting I wouldn't mind clearing it a few times before leaving. But the next town over jokes they are little Alaska.
From mid Oct to Dec 1st we can get several good snow falls 6" plus. One year it was enough that I had trouble setting up the ladder in all the snow besides the camper.
In the past we get some daytime warm ups, not warm enough to totally melt all the snow but enough to melt it down and turn it in to 2" of crusty like snow. Odd but the ground will be totally melted off. I assume because its still holding heat.
One year I made the mistake of letting it sit there until just before leaving I won't do that again.
I was hoping someone would have a trick to solve this but I guess I will just keep climbing a ladder and clean it after every storm.
Hopefully Mother Nature is Kind this year.
Thanks for all the input.
I faced the same dilemma a few times going to Arizona in the winter ,no real easy solutions , some think it is , it's not . IMO unless a covered storage ,just stay ahead of it . Plastic tarps ,or any cover is really not the solution IMO . I am not a young man in my 50's anymore , so I just stay in the middle ,and sweep it off both sides . As far as my 8/12 roof I can still handle cleaning rain gutters in the rain , but it it isn't 10/12 . :B
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cummins2014
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09/25/23 03:38pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: 5th Wheel Cover before snowbirding
The cover will just complicate the matter , getting the snow off the cover would probably be harder to do than the roof itself , plus the fact you most likely will ruin the cover . I’ve had the same issue here in Utah , I get right up there , and sweep it off with a heavy push broom . IMO just stay ahead of it .
Thanks for the info. I have always done it from the sides on a ladder, How slippery is the rubber in winter?
The rubber isn’t any more slippery, but the snow and ice is the same as anywhere else you :)might walk on it….
I’ll presume you’ve never covered it before. A frozen rv cover will not come off easily especially with a buildup of snow and some freeze thaw/ice on it.
Not to mention how to deal with it once it’s off and wet/frozen.
Since you said covered storage isn’t an option, Either sweep the fresh snow off it a few times potentially like you said you already do, or put a plastic tarp over the roof. And find something else to worry about besides a little snow blowing/melting off the roof when you leave town.
Grit , apparently in your short life you haven’t dealt much with snow being on the roof of an Rv . Get up there there sometime and deal with a bit of snow especially if left on there for awhile in the cold . You youngsters everything is simple . I’d invite you over , I’ll cover with a tarp , and let you deal with 6-12 inches of new snow , and you can pull the tarp off . I believe that was one of your great suggestions.
I believe it was my suggestion. But if have to tell you to pull most of the snow off first, I can see why you’re having trouble keeping up.
You’re right though. Not much snow in Alaska them couple winters I didn’t have a shop to store the camper in.
Hence my suggestion about the tarp. Snow sticks to a soft cover, doesn’t to a tarp. And yes walking on snow on a greased cookie sheet (plastic tarp) is pretty much a non starter. But it sure slides off easily when you’re standing next to the camper on a step ladder with a push broom. I mean, like, I think…I watched a couple YouTube videos….
If only I knew how to deal with snow….Maybe when I grow up and get more than 20 something years in the upper Midwest, a good decade plus in the Rockies, same in the Cascades and a couple years on the N Slope of AK and Anchorage I’ll figure it out….
Generally unlucky enough to be movin dirt or pouring concrete during the winter since it don’t snow much in those places, lol.
I did spend a couple years in Phoenix though….probably why my lack of experience is showing….
I quote your words " Either sweep the fresh snow off it a few times potentially like you said you already do, My suggestion on my first post on this matter . Rest of your quote " or put a plastic
tarp over the roof .
Now as you said I am having trouble keeping up , but all wanted is to invite you over with the plastic tarp or whatever you want to cover the roof with ,and it snowed a foot last night ,and I need to leave for Arizona this morning , and I got a foot of snow on top of that plastic tarp you suggested , or just some advice what to do .
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cummins2014
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09/25/23 03:18pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Tips on how to hook up at an extreme angle?
"the steel Andersen"
The ONLY Andersen "I" would ever consider.
Well when you tire of towing that monster fifth wheel, and go smaller , then you can go the steel Andersen . :B I have towed many miles with a conventional hitch, and much prefer the simplicity of the Andersen , obviously it doesn't fit the need for everyone , but it fits most .
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cummins2014
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09/25/23 08:40am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: 5th Wheel Cover before snowbirding
I would rather walk on a snow covered RV roof, than snow covered tarp/cover on RV roof...
I DO NOT cover and never have... IF I will be going out soon, I make sure I go up with a bower and remove what I can.. ONLY if it is gonna melt-re freeze ect.... that **** is a pain to get off.
If I am not going anywhere soon, I let father sun take care of it
I agree ,don't give that stuff a chance to melt a bit ,and freeze underneath if you need to use the fifth wheel. I just stay ahead of it, if I have plans to go .
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cummins2014
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09/25/23 08:16am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: 5th Wheel Cover before snowbirding
The cover will just complicate the matter , getting the snow off the cover would probably be harder to do than the roof itself , plus the fact you most likely will ruin the cover . I’ve had the same issue here in Utah , I get right up there , and sweep it off with a heavy push broom . IMO just stay ahead of it .
Thanks for the info. I have always done it from the sides on a ladder, How slippery is the rubber in winter?
As you can imagine , it’s a bit slippery if you’ve ever washed the roof you know . I’ve done it , and I definitely stay in the middle , and sweep off to both sides . IMO if no other alternative, and that to me would be covered storage . I’d be up there after every snowfall until I left , and not give it a chance to melt slightly, and get a layer of ice underneath.
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cummins2014
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09/24/23 01:37pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: 5th Wheel Cover before snowbirding
The cover will just complicate the matter , getting the snow off the cover would probably be harder to do than the roof itself , plus the fact you most likely will ruin the cover . I’ve had the same issue here in Utah , I get right up there , and sweep it off with a heavy push broom . IMO just stay ahead of it .
Thanks for the info. I have always done it from the sides on a ladder, How slippery is the rubber in winter?
The rubber isn’t any more slippery, but the snow and ice is the same as anywhere else you :)might walk on it….
I’ll presume you’ve never covered it before. A frozen rv cover will not come off easily especially with a buildup of snow and some freeze thaw/ice on it.
Not to mention how to deal with it once it’s off and wet/frozen.
Since you said covered storage isn’t an option, Either sweep the fresh snow off it a few times potentially like you said you already do, or put a plastic tarp over the roof. And find something else to worry about besides a little snow blowing/melting off the roof when you leave town.
Grit , apparently in your short life you haven’t dealt much with snow being on the roof of an Rv . Get up there there sometime and deal with a bit of snow especially if left on there for awhile in the cold . You youngsters everything is simple . I’d invite you over , I’ll cover with a tarp , and let you deal with 6-12 inches of new snow , and you can pull the tarp off . I believe that was one of your great suggestions.
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cummins2014
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09/24/23 01:21pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Tips on how to hook up at an extreme angle?
We have a 2014 3100RL Montana with Mor/ride RPB72-1116 king pin with a Demco Autoslide 18K 5th wheel hitch.
Last campsite we had to unhook at an 25 to 35 degree angle – the first time for us. When we tried to re-hook we had difficulty connecting the hitch. Any suggestions or tips on how to hook up at an extreme angle?
I have no help other than what a good friend of mine did . He tired of the hassle with his Superglide auto hitch needing to be nearly straight on to hitch ,and unhitch . He finally dumped it ,and went with the same hitch I have now , the steel Andersen .
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cummins2014
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09/23/23 10:10am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Tips on how to hook up at an extreme angle?
After reading all the comments, I sure am happy we have a 8' bed on our dually.
EXACTLY!!!
#NOCOMPROMISE
No compromise here ,I can hitch up any angle I want with the Andersen . Plus the fact I have no worries about hitting the cab with my Ram truck ,having the shortest bed at 6'-4" .I can't go to 90 degrees , but I wouldn't if I could .
I have had many long bed trucks , and will never own another .
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cummins2014
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09/23/23 08:55am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Radiator style radiant heaters
They work well for us , plus the electric fireplace if you have one .
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cummins2014
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09/22/23 06:18pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: 5th Wheel Cover before snowbirding
The cover will just complicate the matter , getting the snow off the cover would probably be harder to do than the roof itself , plus the fact you most likely will ruin the cover . I’ve had the same issue here in Utah , I get right up there , and sweep it off with a heavy push broom . IMO just stay ahead of it .
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cummins2014
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09/22/23 06:13pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: hitch questions (update)
Here is a possible low cost solution. Install rails and use your Patriot hitch. Buy a BedRug bed mat for around $200 and cut out openings for the rails. The mat is thick and will raise your bed to about the top of the rails. Things like lumber and large items slide right over the rails when pushed in. You get the added advantage of having a soft floor to crawl around on. I would also get the additional tailgate mat; a soft seat when you need one.
This is not a good solution if you want a clean bed to haul gravel, bark, or other loose items that need to be shoveled out. I have rails and a BedRug in my truck and I love it. It is 18 years old and still looks great, however I run a tonneau cover and my truck is pretty much a dedicated tow rig. When I need gravel, I have it delivered..
Thats a nice solution ,never been a fan of using the bed for hauling things like gravel ,sand etc . I don't believe I have ever used the bed for such a purpose . I have always had a utility trailer or access to one .
I have the adapter that fits the puck system , and either a conventional hitch ,and now the steel Andersen which fit the standard bed rail system or the adapter . At the time 2014 there were no hitches that fit the puck system directly , so like the OP wanting to use my existing hitch the adapter was actually the only choice , or bedrails which wouldn't have made sense having the puck system .
Having had standard bed rails , or the adapter in the bed of my truck I have no problem with either . If I was wanting to use the hitch the OP has I'd go bedrails . In all the years I have had either the adapter or bedrails they have never been an issue . .
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cummins2014
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09/20/23 08:05am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Carbon ceramic pads question
Make sure it has AMZ/OIL in it top to bottom.
https://i.imgur.com/NpsIRJjl.jpg
Where's that API label 12V? Yeah... Another long story!
Not worth the cost.
How about my friends 13 RAM went 23 0r 24k and Blackstone said to go 1 or 2 k longer next time. He is at 28k now and I will show report when I get it if anyone is interested.
Not interested in the report ,but do have to wonder what is the point of pushing oil to that many miles , even going thru the hassle of getting an oil sample , getting it sent in , waiting for results etc etc .I know this subject has been beat to death , but it escapes me what is the reasoning. Only thing I could possibly think of is the health of the motor thru testing , IF something is suspected . Why not just 15K like Ram recommends , or reasonable amount of time like I do ?
I am a low mileage guy oil change ,once a year now, along with fuel filters etc . As far as how far someone can go with any good quality oil ,it would probably match whatever AMZ/OIL will go .
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cummins2014
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09/12/23 08:19am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: wiggle room on price
Price shop. In 2007 when we were wanting to buy a 5er, we found the floorplan we wanted at one dealer. But the under carriage had a lot of rust. His price was about $45,000. Forgot now how much below The supposed MSRP that was. But when pointing out the rust he dropped the price to about $41,000 and said he would sandblast the undercarriage and repaint it. I was leery of that and told him I would have to think on it.
More shopping and I found the exact same 5er at a different dealer. He said his price was $43,000 +/-. I said I had looked at the same 5er at a different dealer and his price was $41,000. New dealer said in that case his price is $39,000. Just shows how much they play with numbers. He also threw in some extras and we bought it.
I suspect it was a 2008 Montana ? :) I too bought a new Montana at the same time ,the fall of 2007. I traveled from Utah to Indiana , I ordered a 2008 3400 RL from a dealer south of Elkhart , with several upgrades including the Onan 5500 . It cost me 43,700 . My local dealer would not even come close after giving him a chance , even within a couple thousand considering I had to travel to get it in Indiana . I too shopped all over the US before buying .
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cummins2014
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09/12/23 08:08am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Battery Size (replacing)
Thanks for all the info. I do not know a lot about the different types of batteries. I think Gritdog may be right about cooking off my battery because this is now my third battery in 6 years. I have heard about AGM and then the one called LiFEPO4 but know nothing about them. I will look into them. I have heard a lot about using 6 volt batteries so I will explore that route too. Keep the info coming. I appreciate it.
A pair of 6 volts or a LiFEPO4 are great choices both a bit spendy . The 6 volts would require no change to your charging system , the LiFEPO4 ( Lithium ) would require you changing your charging system on the trailer . IMO a decent size 27 AGM would serve you well, and require no maintenance . Not fond of batteries needing to have water added , just one more thing to worry about that is not necessary .
I run two 6 volts ,and they have held up well, although my next will be a single size 27 AGM maintenance free ,which my 6 volt are not . If you go 6 volt ,go maintenance free . As mentioned no dry camping ,a single size 27 is ideal for your use , and yes go AGM ,just for the added longevity of AGM .
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cummins2014
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08/30/23 02:58pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: How to search for tires?
At the risk of seeming to agree with the NMed, I have purchased many new trailers of all types, 4 being RVs, and none of them came OEM with tires/wheels balanced. If I did replace tires (rarely), before buying another new trailer, I did not have them balanced. My reason...same thought as JIMNLiN back on page two.
I see friends posting here, that are somewhat adamant about balancing trailer wheels. That's OK, I'm not saying you shouldn't! However, for those willing to look back at Jim's reply on page 2 of this thread, I agree with him, concerning actual need.
I am anal about vehicle tire, and especially high performance motorcycle tires being balanced.
Jerry
Jerry , here is how I look at it . I am at the tire shop , I don't take the RV to them just the tires , and wheels to be replaced .Why not just balance them when they mount them ? It's sure not going to hurt anything . They charge for mounting ,and balancing , not sure it's going to be any cheaper just for mounting .
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cummins2014
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08/26/23 07:59am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: How to search for tires?
Did the OP ever respond after the 1st post? Couldn't entirely blame him if he didn't.
FWIW, having driven trailers of one sort or the other since '74....I don't balance the tires on the boat trailer (2 trips per year) or the sno-go trailer (dozens of trips but less than 50 miles each trip), but on the "utility" flatbed (w 16" rims), tires get checked for unusual wear at least once a year and are balanced if any issues show up...without unusual wear, they're balanced every 2 years or so.
FWIW, what the shop says does or doesn't need to be done is just one data point: if my experience or the experience of others whom I trust indicates otherwise, that indication often turns out to be an alternate data point to which I'll give more weight.
I’ve always balanced my travel or fifth wheel trailers , but never my utility trailers , nor have I had any issues not balancing them . They’ve never gotten a great amount of miles, the tires usually age out before anything , although my little 10’ flatbed to haul my inflatable pontoon boat gets a fair amount of mileage behind the fifth wheel, and back and forth to the lakes .
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cummins2014
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08/23/23 05:16pm |
General RVing Issues
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