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RE: Trailer Hitch - fine for leaving it on back of truck?
I leave my little 2" one in all the time. Never know when I'm going to need it. Only problem is my husband walking into it! (I've learned to "swing wide"!) Last time he whacked it, I was busting a gut laughing (the kids were, too), and a woman walking down the aisle in the parking lot was cracking up, too!
If someone else walks into it, I have to wonder why they were so close to the back of my truck in the first place.
I figure it's also good if someone decides to rear-end me . . . just one more thing to help stop damage to the truck! :)
Julie
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Mrs. Mik
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08/19/10 06:14pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Sleeping in a minivan at Wal-Mart and police harassment?
mileena quote: "what's more, I get free wi-fi and printer in the lobby/living room area, as well as free breakfast and dinners at some hotels. and they all have restrooms too. some even have free showers. I only stay a day or two and they never know any better. It's like traveling America on $50 a day (just for gas)."
JMHO, but breakfast, dinners & showers are not free! They are paid for by the paying guests & I'd consider that stealing.
Agree 100% with Fulltiming!
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Mrs. Mik
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08/19/10 10:36am |
Public Lands, Boondocking and Dry Camping
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RE: Cedar Creek 36 RE Touring Edition
Enjoy! We love our Cedar Creek!
Julie
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Mrs. Mik
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08/18/10 08:54pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Joined The Text Crowd
Could one of you texters give me a good reason for the childfree members of RV.net to spend the money to add texting?
Aside from the "child" issues I've mentioned earlier, texting to a friend is handy for many of the same reasons. Some of us work for companies that are anal about phone calls (even if we work in an office), and some of us work in retail, where it's "unseemly" to talk on a cell phone, but a quick text goes unnoticed.
It may be something as innocuous as "pick up a gallon of milk on the way home tonight" or it could be something closing in on panic like "where are my keys?"
I am one who HATES voice mails. My cell phone is my MAIN number, and has caller ID. If I see you called, I'll call you back. PLEASE don't leave me a voice mail telling me to call you! If you must leave a message, I'd much rather you send me a text to call you back.
Also, a text is much less annoying in an elevator, in a restaurant, in a public bathroom (we've all heard stories of folks chatting on their phones in a public bathroom), in a movie theatre (assuming the backlight isn't bothering anyone), or while standing in line at the grocery store, etc. Many times, my text will be something to the effect of "will call you when I'm done _____________" (fill in the blank with whatever you are currently doing).
Hope that helps!
Julie
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Mrs. Mik
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08/18/10 07:59pm |
Around the Campfire
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RE: Egg Recall-Check b4 you put on the BBQ this morning!
I just checked and all mine came from chickens. :W How can you be SURE??? Did you see them lay those eggs?
Actually, yes, on occasion! The other day, a chicken was walking across the top of my truck cap (which is stored on the deck for the summer) and as I was looking at it, it appeared that it was about to poop, so I hollered at it and waved it off the cap . . . chicken started to run away and out popped an egg! :B :B :B
Julie
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Mrs. Mik
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08/18/10 04:40pm |
Around the Campfire
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RE: traveling with refrigerator
I also run the fridge on propane while driving... just don't get caught! In some states there are hefty fines for driving with your LP tanks open. Again I do it and so do most. Just a risk I'll have to take to keep my food from spoiling.
Happy Camping!
Sean
I'm another one who wants confirmation on what states fine you for driving with propane on. Thanks!
Julie
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Mrs. Mik
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08/17/10 08:48pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: traveling with refrigerator
Part of the reason we have a camper and not a tent, is because it has a refrigerator. The refrigerator is designed to be used while driving.
I've posted this before and I'll continue to post it whenever I see threads like this one.
Get your glasses on and sit back to take a long read about propane safety on the road. Course if you'd rather not know the truth, don't bother reading.
I "borrowed" the following answer from the IRV2 website, written by RV Roadie. This is by far the most thorough and comprehensive answer to the question of whether or not to run with the propane on. It's quite long, but well worth the read!
Thanks RV Roadie!
I called the Oregon DOT and confirmed that when fueling, all open flames and sources like the engine, must be turned off. However, they stated that there have been no incidents where running with the propane on, have contributed to igniting an RV fire. They also confirmed that they see no problem with running on Oregon roads with propane appliances running, as long as they are turned off before refueling with any type of fuel. This was confirmed by the state fire marshal.
In Oregon, there is no rule against having your propane on while traveling in their state. This is directly from Oregon NFPA Code and was confirmed with the Oregon DOT today, and through the Oregon Fire Marshall's office.
The source for the information is the Oregon DOT and you can call them toll free at 1-888-ASK-ODOT to confirm for yourselves.
Here is a reprint from the email I received from the Oregon DOT supervisor:
"All ignition sources must be extinguished while fueling the vehicle, however
there is no prohibition against having a lit reefer while in transit."
Which is what we have been proposing here the whole time. The facts. Whatever your choice, extinguish all open sources of ignition before fueling, especially at islands with gasoline.
The above is a synopsis of information from authoritative sources, which are listed below.
My summaries of the data are these:
1. Running with the propane valves on could increase the risk of the propane igniting during a travel accident, but that risk is slight, and in the "catastrophic" scenarios listed, almost equal for valves off as valves on. If a rollover or severe collision occurred, not only could the gas lines rupture, but the tank and the lines at the tank could also, not to mention the heat from a fire. Conclusion: Running with the propane on is OK, from the experts. Risk increase slight, and doing it or not is a personal choice.
2. That the reefer and other appliances are indeed open flames and could ignite the gasoline vapors. And, since it is against the law to have any open flame, they must be turned off before refueling. The law does not state that there are exceptions for people that disagree, or know that gasoline vapors are heavier than air. As in all cases, some will disregard, and maybe even get caught, perhaps even be the one case we finally hear about. That decision is the same as drinking and driving. If caught, not much room to complain. Turn em off when refueling.
3. That most people are unaware of the real hazards for ignition of gasoline vapors, which are more than likely to have been responsible for any ignitions they have heard about or seen. These include hot brakes, catalytic converters, hot trannys and exhaust systems, that have not even been mentioned here, except briefly and accurately.
4. Since the original question was about a way to run the reefer from another source for safety, and since most folks will not discard a perfectly good reefer and spend $1500.00 or more for a three-way reefer, can it be done? Well, not from the inverter, but for all those that want the ultimate in safety, and not worry about shutting down the propane, in researching this answer I did find one possible solution. It is a switch that shuts down all propane when you switch off the ignition, and can be activated manually as well. Might be good or junk, I don't know, as I haven't tried one, nor can call them today, but just as a possible good compromise, worth looking into if only for an interesting compromise device for under 100 bucks.
If my conclusions are not what you wanted to hear, please read the below sources, and perhaps some of them will become clearer. For those that want to have no safety risks, driving multiple tons of rig down the road is also a bigger risk than not. However, for those interested in real fire and refueling safety, the below may add a few items to your refueling and travel checklists.
Article on other fire safety hazards you might not have considered
http://www.rvaa.com/articles/safe_fuel_pump.php3
Recommendation for turning off all propane appliances before fueling, did you know you need to fully open the propane valves for the excess flow valve of your tank/s to be operable?
http://www.rvaa.com/articles/propane2.php3
More fire safety for RVs and diesel Vs gasoline vapor points
http://www.wbcci.org/html/body_maintenance_tips.html
Maybe a 94 dollar solution?
http://www.lslproducts.com/FOPage.html
Gasoline vapor flash point and concentrations
http://www.chemistry.ohio-state.edu/ehs/handbook/flammabl/firetech.htm
Gasoline heavier than air and pools in low spots as well as running along the ground to ignition sources. Diesel fuel needs above 100 degrees to even produce vapor.
http://www.eig.com/ssus/ssu9706.html
©Derek Gore / RV Roadie 1998-2002
OK here is the last half with all the hard info, we'll see if it all goes:
Propane 101
So why all the tales of accidents and propane lines spewing? Actually it was true at one time, but times have changed along with the equipment.
Prior to 1977 the majority of connections between the regulators and the propane containers (pigtail) in RVs were made of copper tubing, and were wound in a coil to take up excess tubing creating the "pigtail" coil appearance, from which they got their name. Copper, being malleable, when strained to breaking will many times reduce the inside diameter of copper tubing, either from stretching, or bending. This can restrict the flow to the point that excess flow check valves, which reduces the pressure in the propane line in case of a break or leak in the line, might not detect excess gas flow. Thus full pressure flow could occur.
In 1977 the code was changed mandating that the connections, or pigtails, between the propane container and the regulator be made of rubber and then thermoplastic tubing, which would not change diameter in a mechanical "accident," and would activate the excess flow valves reliably when torn apart.
It is important at this point to clarify terms. A tank is not a cylinder and vice versa. A propane cylinder, is a removable container like used in 5th wheels, TTs, and BBQs. It is not permanently mounted. A Tank refers to a permanently mounted propane container, like in a motorhome. My fiver uses a cylinder; your motorhome uses a tank.
Here is the very important distinction. A tank has a permanent connection to the Motorhome's propane system, and has an extra fitting for it to be connected to at fill stations. The connection between the tank and the MH's propane system is never disconnected, except by a professional technician in most cases.
With removable cylinders, the owner, a non-professional disconnects the cylinders, whenever a fill is needed. Thus the new valve design, and extra safety features, to prevent accidents by the end user while removed, during filling, and during removal and reinstallation of the pigtail from/to the cylinder.
The MH tank is an ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) design and does not require the new OPD (Overfill Protection Device) valves because it already has a check valve and overfill protection, albeit a different design than cylinders.
The trailer cylinders are DOT (Dept. Of Transportation) and have additional safeguards in the OPD and the pigtails because, as said earlier, they are disconnected completely on a regular basis by the user. These are in the 4-40 pound capacities. (Usually 30 pounds on fivers, and 20-pound cylinders on some TTs.)
Several changes have been mandated for DOT cylinders since the pigtail mandate. In 1998 it was mandated that hand screw on Acme nuts be used on the pigtails in place of the older POL (Named after the company that designed them, the Prest-O-Lite Company) connectors. The Acme nut is the part that screws into the cylinder, and takes the place of the older brass POL connectors that screwed into the cylinder valve with a reverse thread requiring a wrench to tighten and seal. The Acme nut is the new Green one that screws onto the OPD's outside thread, uses a normal right hand twist to tighten, and which also tightens to seal by hand only, not requiring a wrench. This is significant because two safety features are built into the Acme nut itself. First, Acme nuts contain a thermal bushing, which will melt in a fire, and prevent the escape of gasses from the tank. When it melts, it allows the new OPD spring activated shut off valve, which will only allow the flow of gas if a fitting is attached, to pop out and completely shut the flow down. They also have an improved excess flow check valve, compared to the valve in the old POL fitting-more on that later. The new Acme nut also adds an O-ring to further help prevent leaks at the connection.
With the advent of the requirement for all 4 to 40 pound DOT cylinders to change over to OPD valves in 2001, the safety features, in addition to the spring loaded shut off valve, have been further enhanced by insuring that the cylinders cannot be filled over 80% of capacity. This allows for vapor expansion, without building up excessive pressures from overfilling, and venting by way of the pressure relief valve. The old overfill device was a tube that connected to a bleeder valve that was observed during filling for liquid emission which indicated 80%. But if the person filling it did not shut off the propane it could overfill anyway. They used a scale for weight to fill also. Now DOT cylinders have an automatic stop fill valve built into the OPD valve.
The ASME Tanks for MHs did not require a change in valve on the tank because they already had sufficient check valves for excess flow, should there be a leak or sudden break in a line. And for more than 17 years, ASME tanks have used automatic stop fill valves to limit filling to 80%. Why so long before DOT cylinders? Because you can't remove them to verify the fill by weight! More importantly, since the connection between the tank and the MHs system is not broken, there is no need for the spring-loaded valve that the DOT cylinders had added with the new OPD valve. That valve prevents the gas from coming out of the cylinder unless there is a tight connection made from the POL or Acme nut depressing the valve. In other words, you can turn on the valve of the DOT cylinder, and no gas would come out unless there was a connector depressing the inside valve. Not necessary for MH connections that are never removed. Thus they were exempted from the OPD changeover rules.
Now to the new style excess flow check valve on the Acme nut that connects to the DOT cylinder's OPD valve. It is really a simple device. Inside the Acme nut, there is a ball bearing check valve that almost shuts off momentarily when full pressure is released by opening the cylinder valve. You should hear a click at that point. It doesn't shut down completely, as that would negate its ability to detect leaks and excess flow from a leak or major line break, and no gas could flow. It closes just enough to allow a bypass of gas that is very slight, about 10 cubic feet or less per hour (cf/hour) flow, as opposed to the max flow of 200 cf/hour. The bypass gas goes into the propane system, and if there are no leaks or broken pipes, it backs up and builds pressure in the gas lines in the RV. When it equalizes on both sides of the valve, the valve opens to allow full pressure up to about a max of 200 cf/hour at 100 psi. Then if you were standing there, you would hear a second click. Using all of your propane appliances should not exceed 100cf/hour. If there is a leak or a broken pipe, the pressure can't build up and the excess flow valve doesn't open up all the way thus limiting the gas output to about 10 cf/hour, or less. It is important to note that propane, like gasoline vapor, has narrow ignition requirements as far as air fuel mixture is concerned. So if you lit the leak (Don't try this at home!) it would show a flame at the leak in the air, but the concentration is too high in the line for it to ignite. In other words the fire can't run up the line to the cylinder or tank to ignite it. Want to see it in action? Watch your gas range work. Why doesn't the flame travel up the tube it comes out of to the burner? Same thing.
In fact, it is pretty difficult to actually blow up a propane tank or cylinder. What does occur when the pressure relief valve blows, which occurs at 312 psi in ASME tanks, and 375psi in DOT cylinders, is that the gas is vented and makes a lot of noise. I have had one overfilled tank vent and it really got my attention! But there was no flame or problem, as it dissipated outside very quickly. Should there be a fire or source of ignition when it vents, it won't explode either, instead it makes a torch. It does not ignite inside the gas line and run up it to the tank or cylinder and "explode." The only exception to that, is if it is punctured and ignited simultaneously, and then the same external ignition occurs only more rapidly. Or, if a leak is allowed to build up inside an enclosed space like our RVs, and then is ignited, there is one heck of a fire. But oxygen must be present in the right mixture within the ignition range, which is fairly narrow. The important thing is that with the garlic odorant (Ethyl Mercaptin) that is added, you would smell it in most cases of a small leak or break, with time to take appropriate action. It can be smelled by the human nose and your detectors at about 1/5th of the lower limit of combustibility or about 1/2 % propane to air. (Propane combusts at 2.15% gas to air to 9.6% gas to air - not above and not below.) Since most RVs have propane detectors near the floor now, they would alert long before the levels reach dangerous concentrations, if they are in good working order.
An interesting side note is that there are two types of pigtail connector designs to attach to a DOT Cylinder. Appropriately called Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 is the Acme nut on the pigtail and the OPD valve on the cylinder. Type 2 is a quick-disconnect (QD,) which requires the type 2 OPD Valve that matches it on the DOT cylinder. What makes the Type 2 different from a plain quick disconnect, aside from needing the valve that matches on the cylinder, is that the Type 2 QD has all the safety items built into the pigtail end as the Type 1. This includes the excess flow check valve, and the thermal bushing.
For some reason, unknown to the industry, when the new code was formulated, RVs were left out of approval for the Type 2 valve and pigtail design for a quick disconnect at the cylinder. It is important to note that this part of the code limits only the main connection from cylinder to pigtail to regulator to a Type 1 in RVs. It is acceptable to use a plain propane approved QD for a tap in the line after the regulator in an RV, for example to run a line to a BBQ grill or Catalytic heater.
In summary, while some people have experienced propane leaks and breaks in the lines, there are safety devices that you never see, and most folks are unaware of, that stop or limit the flow in a mechanical leak, fire, or breakage. With today's built in safety systems, propane detectors, and the final back up, our own noses, it is much safer to use and live with propane than ever before. Should you have a sudden low-pressure condition in your RV appliances, it may be that the excess flow check valve has kicked in and is telling you that you have a leak or break in the line because it would not equalize. Of course to test that, all you have to do is turn the propane off at the cylinder or tank, wait a few minutes and turn it back on to full. If it then equalizes and runs OK, it just had a piece of trash or contaminant that temporarily hung up the excess flow check valve. That click you hear is the check valve operating when you first open the cylinder valve all the way. It is possible to turn it on so slowly that you won't hear it, but in most cases you will with the new equipment.
If you plan to run your fridge on the road, and still have the old design pigtails and valves on your DOT cylinders, you might want to consider changing over for maximum safety. (Yes, in some states like Louisiana, you can still fill non-OPD DOT cylinders.) Now that you know how the check valves work, you know that it is very important to keep the inside of the cylinder valve clean, to avoid getting grit and road grime from fouling them and possibly getting into the excess flow check valve when reconnecting. Looking at the valves that are exposed when transporting your DOT cylinders for refilling, it is very important to use the plastic plugs for the old style valves, and the caps supplied with the OPD valves on the cylinders when transporting them to and from the refueling station, to keep contaminants out of your safety devices. Also keep them upright at all times. This keeps them from possibly leaking liquid propane. I use an old plastic milk crate for transporting that keeps them upright and stable enough not to fall over with reasonable driving. The 20, 30, and 40-pound cylinders all fit in them snugly. For the taller tanks, an additional strap or bungee cord might be necessary.
None of these precautions or items will make it safe to have an open flame (propane appliance running) while refueling with any fuel, especially around gasoline vapors. Also remember that it is not necessary to turn off the propane before fueling, assuming your system is in good shape with no leaks, but to turn the propane appliances off electrically, by using the on/off switches inside. With the electronic igniters used today, should one go into auto ignite mode, either by design or malfunction, that could ignite gasoline fumes as well as the flame. If it makes you feel more secure to shut the propane valves off as well, that is fine. Just remember that the excess flow check valve insures no leaks, if the fridge was operating properly at the time of shut off.
I have not even gone into all of the propane and ignition safety devices that cut off the gas supply at the appliance for under and over pressures, and failure of ignition etc. Every one of them has those built in as well.
Also remember that all propane appliances generate CO, or Carbon monoxide. That is why they vent their combustion products to the outside, and draw their air for combustion from the outside. They must be sealed from the inside compartment or we would all have CO inside. Should there be a leak outside on the road, the outside vents would probably keep it from reaching any concentrations that would ignite. And the gas should not be able to get inside. If there is a leak inside, it should not be able to be ignited by the appliance flame outside. Any leak is dangerous and should be dealt with immediately by turning off the propane at the source and shutting down any electrical devices that might create a spark.
Understanding all of the above should make it plain why I said the risk in running a reefer on the road is not one of catastrophic danger. And why I say that there is only a slight increase in risk, which is negligible from a fire standpoint based on propane ignitions causing less than 1/10th of one percent of all fires. The chance of a fire from your engine leaking fuel, or an electrical fire, are magnitudes greater. But we start our engines and use our electrical systems.
Again, running the reefer on the road does not include while refueling. Choosing not to run your propane while in transit is a personal preference made with all the facts in hand. Not running it while in transit does add some extra measure of safety. Which is rational, and may make for peace of mind for many folks. But running it or not is not the big risk, or lack thereof, many make it out to be. Whatever decision makes your travel and comfort levels best, is the right one for you. Can mechanical devices fail? Of course! Which ones fail most often has been covered.
I would like to thank the kind folks at Marshall Gas Controls for spending so much of their valuable time with me to provide the history, facts, and figures used in this article. And for finally getting this RVr to understand how that excess flow valve and thermal bushing work.
©Derek Gore / RV Roadie 1998-2003
Like I said, it's quite long, but if you're REALLY interested in propane safety and whether or not to travel with the propane on, the above is the most comprehensive research you will find on the subject.
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Mrs. Mik
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08/17/10 08:46pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Is there life left in this anode?
http://www.rvingoutpost.com/library/AnodeRodPic.jpg
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Mrs. Mik
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08/16/10 01:42pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Joined The Text Crowd
That's why I got it! During the school year, it gives me a good way to communicate with them during the day. I know, bad mom, but if it involves something about getting home (whether or not to take the bus), then they need to know that ASAP and texting them is the most efficient way to do that.
Course, I've had to get unlimited, because I have my own friends who I text now, too!
Julie
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Mrs. Mik
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08/16/10 07:54am |
Around the Campfire
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RE: A rant about shipping cost
I don't have a disagreement with you about companies making a profit at all. What I have a problem is with companies making a profit deceptively. To follow your logic of adding handling charges to cover the shipping labor and shipping material costs then you should add into the shipping and handling charges the cost of accounting, the tax CPA, the heating and lights, taxes, etc. Where does it end? To run an ethical business your sale price is supposed to cover all these costs plus profit. Shipping charges should be what the shipping comapnies actually cost you. That is ethical. Anything else is unethical IMHO. Offering deceptively low prices and then trying to make it up with excessive shipping and handling charges is unethical and funbdamentally dishonest. If repeat ciustomers is a desired objective of your business, treating customers this way will not achieve the objective.
Please answer me this:
If I take the time to drive to your store to purchase something, why should I have to bear the burden of paying more, because the store raised prices to cover boxes, packing materials and extra employees to cover the cost of shipping something to someone who was too lazy or lived too far away to drive there or didn't have the time to do the same and instead ordered it on-line to have shipped to their door?
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Mrs. Mik
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08/15/10 07:59pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: A rant about shipping cost
They shipped it via UPS at about twice the real UPS rate and shipped it in a box specifically for USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate that they had received from the USPS free which is strictly forbidden. That is abusive, illegal and dishonest.
Then you should have reported that company to the USPS -- taken the box to the post office, etc. I think that may be a federal crime and they can get in BIG trouble!
I did report it to the USPS including pictures with a copy of the order invoice. Never heard back from the USPS. So much for follow up.
But I think you are out of line by thinking that the retailer has to pay for all these expenses so therefore he needs to charge all these extra expenses to the purchaser. I absolutely don't agree with that. The way a normal business is run is the materials, and labor to do the required shipping is considered overhead and part of the overall cost of goods and the markup on the product needs to cover overhead plus desired profit. To hide these normal overhead expenses in extra charges to the customer is IMHO unethical and misrepresenting what shipping charges are really about. If the retailer stated that they were going to add a certain % to every order or a certain flat rate charge to every order so the customer could make a decsion about whether he wanted tp pay that or not is ethical.But hiding these extr chages under the guise of "shipping and handling" charges is deceptive. I won't do business with those who charge these extra charges without stating up front what they are. It is usually obvious they are not running an ethical business.
Many companies have a brick & mortar store, together with their internet business. I don't think the customer who took the time to actually drive to the store to come in and purchase something should have to pay extra because you want to sit at home in your jammies and order on-line and not have to pay for your convenience.
Many folks don't have time to go from store to store, or live in a rural area where those stores are not available, or have to drive 30 or more miles to get to that store to get that particular item they want. I'm one of those people. I joke that I live in the "middle of nowhere", but in reality, I kind of do live in the middle of nowhere. I'm at least 25 miles from the nearest Walmart, and do not have a lot of specialty stores available in the area I live. I'm also, like most folks, very busy. While I run my own business and do a lot of internet business, I also order on-line. I just don't always have the time during the day to get to the store to get what I need. It's convenient for me to be able to sit at my computer and place my order on-line and pay $7-$15 or so for shipping. My time is worth at least that.
There is nothing unethical in a business making a profit -- that's why folks go into business for themselves in the first place -- to actually earn a living -- which means making a profit. If you don't like their prices, let your fingers do the walking, or spend $3.00 in gas driving to another store to find that item for 50 cents or $1.00 less. It's really that simple.
Julie
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Mrs. Mik
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08/15/10 07:38pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Do I Really Need a Spare Tire?
Many years ago, before I was allowed to drive, my father showed me how to change a tire, and then he made ME do it while he watched! He was not about to let me drive anywhere (even though we lived in Milwaukee), without knowing how to change a tire. He even gave me a big "cross" iron (whatever it's called) to keep with my vehicle, because the one they give you to take off the lug nuts is a piece of crap. I've been driving for almost 30 years, and that same tire iron is in my current truck. Have I used it? YOU BET!!!! I've changed more tires than I can count!
When we got our first TT, I was all over my husband about having a jack that was strong enough to lift the trailer to change a tire. We bought one, but then we got the 5er, and of course, the jack wasn't strong enough to lift it. I insisted we had to have something to use to change the tire! We now have a "trailer aid" that we use and have had to use to change the tire on the 5er.
There's no way on God's green earth that I would EVER travel in ANY vehicle without having a spare available and the means available to change it myself. Not having that is simply asking for trouble.
Julie
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Mrs. Mik
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08/15/10 07:17pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: A rant about shipping cost
They shipped it via UPS at about twice the real UPS rate and shipped it in a box specifically for USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate that they had received from the USPS free which is strictly forbidden. That is abusive, illegal and dishonest.
Then you should have reported that company to the USPS -- taken the box to the post office, etc. I think that may be a federal crime and they can get in BIG trouble!
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Mrs. Mik
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08/15/10 06:39pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: A rant about shipping cost
Keep in mind that there are boxes, packaging and, believe it or not, an actual person who has to process, pack and prepare the shipping label for your order.
Boxes cost money, so do packing materials, and believe it or not, but the person who is processing and packing your order and preparing your shipping label, for some strange reason, thinks they should actually get paid for doing that job!
And don't even think that the "markup" on items bought at wholesale and sold retail come close to covering those costs, because they don't. Trust me on that!
If you want the convenience of sitting behind your computer in your jammies at 5:00 in the morning, or with your cocktail at 5:00 at night, placing an order that will show up at your door, so all you have to do is walk to the mailbox or front porch to pick it up, you're going to have to pay for it!
Everyone complaining about shipping costs answer me this: Can you drive from North Central Wisconsin to California (or anywhere within 100 miles of North Central Wisconsin, where our store is located) for the $7.95 it cost to ship your item to your door?
I didn't think so.
Julie
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Mrs. Mik
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08/15/10 05:57pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: A rant about shipping cost
Went to the Campers World website to order some Swift Laundry detergent drop-in paks. No problem till I got to the checkout page. The price for a pack of 15 packets is $7.77....but wait, there's more.....the shipping is $14.00...that's crazy. Called the Mfgr.....they don't sell to the end user, but I can get it at any Super Walmart...called Walmart, they never heard of the product or company. Guess I'll switch to Tide.......:M.....rant over.Yes, double the cost of the item sounds steep. However, take the next package of it you buy down to the post office or the local UPS office and find out what it will cost to ship it somewhere. Shipping is expensive and shipping cheap, bulky items a foolish endeavor. It just doesn't make financial sense. Laundry detergent is one of those items, heavy, bulky and cheap. Not meant to be shipped to individual addresses. And we wonder why such "great" business ideas like pets.com go broke. Free shipping on dogfood, who came up with that idea and how did they ever think it would work? Though I do miss the sock puppet dog.
Western, I'm betting you've never actually seen Swift Laundry Detergent. This is "packets" of detergent, similar in size and weight as the "packets" of chemicals we can buy for our black tanks. The OP is talking about a product that weighs about 1.4 pounds once it's in a box or envelope ready to ship. He's not talking about a big bulky box of powder or jug of liquid detergent.
Julie
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Mrs. Mik
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08/14/10 10:37pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: What's the worst physical pain you have ever experienced?
Still recuperating from a horrific case of pancreatitis that had me in the hospital for four days. Doctors have no idea why I got it, and it could be related to other surgery I had last month. No one knows for sure. I'm still on Vicodin and had to go for a drug test yesterday for a new job. Made sure to bring the bottle with and have them put in the notes about the pancreatitis and Vicodin. Was very worried that it would affect the test. Got the news that I passed the drug test. Now, if only my pancreas would heal properly and I could stop the pain meds. It's been almost a month, and I'd give just about anything to feel "normal" again and not be in pain!
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Mrs. Mik
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08/14/10 10:24pm |
Around the Campfire
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RE: I Pray for you.
AWESOME song! My daughter cracked up the first time she heard it! I still crack up when I listen to it! :B :B :B
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Mrs. Mik
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08/12/10 02:02pm |
Around the Campfire
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RE: New Nigerian Scam? This one is pretty good!
8.1, that one is a bit different. Like I said, I receive quite a few of these every day. This is the first time I've been threatened with arrest if I don't cooperate . . .
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Mrs. Mik
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08/11/10 06:15pm |
Around the Campfire
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RE: Brand Name vs. Generic
I buy a lot of generic items, but some things, I just refuse to compromise on.
I refuse to buy any produce whatsoever at Walmart. It may look good on the shelves, but it goes rotten within two days of being brought home.
I've found the BEST toilet paper is actually a local generic brand called "Home Best"
I refuse to compromise on mayo or salad dressing. It's Heilmann's and Miracle Whip for us.
I will usually buy generic tomato paste, because I use it most in my spaghetti, which is getting its flavor from all the spices that I add. Items like tomato or cream of mushroom soup, I usually buy Campbells, because I don't generally add anything to them.
Frozen veggies & potatoes, yep, I usually buy generic. I also buy the "store" brand of milk, as it's usually 50 cents a gallon cheaper than the "name brand."
Before we moved, when my husband worked at Klement's Sausage here in Milwaukee, he told me that they made the pizzas for Aldi's brand pizzas! They also make a lot of the little meats that are included in the gift boxes from Figi's.
One generic I absolutely LOVE is the Sam's Choice (or Walmart brand) pizza sauce. It's the absolute BEST pizza sauce I've ever had! Since Walmart is at least 25 miles away from me, I stock up every time I go! :)
As for ketchup, well, when my 19 year old son is home, we go through a 40 oz. bottle every week, so I buy the cheapest brand I can. I wouldn't put Heinz products in my cart if you paid me to take them home!
Julie
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Mrs. Mik
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08/11/10 05:35pm |
Around the Campfire
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New Nigerian Scam? This one is pretty good!
WOW! I've been getting at least a dozen of these Nigerian scams every day lately (the economy must really be hitting those Nigerians hard! :B :B :B ) I must admit, this one is pretty good (well, except for the typos and poor use of the English language) . . . threatening someone with arrest is pretty new as far as I know!
FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
J. Edgar Hoover Building
935 Pennsylvania Avenue,
NW Washington, D..C. 20535-0001
Payment Release Instruction From The Federal Bureau Of Investigation
Attention Funds Beneficiary,
This is to inform you that it has come to the notice of the federal bureau of investigation (FBI) that the sum of $10.5 million united states dollars were transferred from the central bank of Nigeria to the bank of America here in the united states, bearing your name as the beneficiary.
We did not believe this at first until we saw the transfer, then we had no other option than to place the funds on hold until you are able to prove to us that you are not a terrorist or a money launderer, by obtaining what is called a diplomatic immunity seal of transfer certificate from the funds originated country.
Note that we have done a proper investigation on this transaction and from our investigation, this funds truly belongs to you and it is not a scam, but we have instructed the bank of America not to release the $10.5 million to you until you prove the legitimacy of the funds you are about to receive.
As a matter of fact, you will be charged for money laundering and terrorism, if you fail to prove to us that you are not a terrorist or a money launderer by obtaining the above mentioned certificate from the funds originated country,and if you are found guilty as charged, you will go to jail.
You have just only 72 hours to prove to us you are not a terrorist, failure to comply with our instruction, you will be arrested and detained until this matter is settled. Meanwhile we have your full contact address which makes it easier for us to arrest you when ever we want to.
We are going to direct you on how to obtain the required document from the funds originated country in our next email to you, and your $10.5 million will be released to you as soon as the required document is obtained.
Therefore you have been advised to get back to us immediately you receive this email or you will be arrested by the FBI, YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.
For more information’s and quick response, reply back to us through this email address: fbi_investigationunit@*******
YOURS FAITFULLY,
Mr. Robert S. Mueller, III
Director Federal Bureau of investigation
If you don't hear from me any more, I guess they've come to arrest me, seeing as they already have my address! LOLOL
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Mrs. Mik
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08/11/10 04:28pm |
Around the Campfire
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