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Forum
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RE: Winter Camping
Haven't camped in winter in a Class A, but have spent some weeks on the Alaska Highway in winter in a Class C. Temps to -40.
Our little Class C was a "3-season" RV, which really just meant the water tank and plumbing were inside the RV. Black/grey tanks exposed outside and only single pane windows.
Our biggest issue in those temps were keeping the propane effective and also ensuring there was a place to plug in the truck's block heater overnight. It was also challenging filling up the fresh water tank in Whitehorse when the temperature was -30 outside. But we did it. Other challenge was getting the propane tank filled when it was frozen shut. Having methyl hydrate pumped into the propane tank purged the moisture from the tank, but the fill valve still would freeze on occasion.
We used all the RV's systems. Let things freeze in the tanks as waste was deposited, and dumped after we got home and things had thawed. Fresh water was all interior, so no issues there. A hand-warmer and fleece scarf really helped the water pump when it got slushy. We also cut styrofoam insulation to snug fit in the windows and vents to preserve warmth. Lots of carpets/mats on the floor to preserve heat loss there too. We each had a dog to sleep with too!
Liard Hot Springs in northern BC
http://suethomas.ca/images/2001Dec/20011200_004_Liard1.jpg width=600
Kluane Lake in Yukon
http://suethomas.ca/images/1998Dec/Dec1998_037_Kluane.jpg width=400
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sue.t
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11/29/09 01:35pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Hauling a canoe and 5ver
We didn't like the front bumper racks made by Thule and Yakima as they're wobbly. DH especially didn't like that the factory fog lamps would need to be removed permanently on his F-250 so the rack could be mounted. So, he designed his own, which bolts to the same holes in the truck's frame that the bumper mounts onto. Have done thousands of miles of gravel road with this setup, with good results. Also haul two kayaks with the setup, although use a roof rack because the kayaks are shorter.
http://suethomas.ca/images/CanoeRack0003.JPG width=600
http://suethomas.ca/images/Misc/20090520_KayakRack_016.jpg width=600
More than happy to share more photos and also a crude sketch if you PM your email address.
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sue.t
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11/29/09 01:02pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Digital Thermostat or Electric Heater???
When we're camping, the programmable digital thermostat is worth its weight in gold. We're usually drycamping in spring or fall, so appreciate being able to program the thermostat to stay off overnight and then heat up the fifth wheel before we get out of bed. Then its programmed to stay off for most of the day when we're usually out and about doing things.
When the heat is needed all day, the digital thermostat seems to do a better job than the old thermostat. Ours is also mounted on a cupboard wall rather than an exterior wall, so it isn't affected by the chilly outside wall temps.
When we do happen to stay someplace with electric hookup, I sure appreciate the little electric ceramic heater. Does a great job and saves our battery and propane.
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sue.t
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11/25/09 10:04am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Worst case scenario...a cautionary tale
When we were shopping for our second fifth wheel, there were a couple at different dealers that caught our interest. First one involved an all day road trip to go see. Dealer told us there was a "soft" spot near the dinette.
That soft spot turned out to be a totally rotten rear corner, from roof to floor. My thumb easily pressed through one of the walls, and the floor under the cabinets, fridge and dinette bench was barely there. Dealer seemed genuinely surprised and had only recently taken the unit on trade for a new RV. Dealer offered to fix the entire area without any increase in cost to us, but we were very uncomfy taking a unit with that much damage. If that was what we saw, what else would there be?
Another unit at another dealer was rotten underneath in the basement area. Again, the dealer seemed to not know about it. The rot wasn't as extensive, and dealer let us explore to determine how bad it was. After pulling off the rotten wall panels, it was apparent the rot was just in that area but would still require a lot of work. Even with the offered discount, we walked away.
I think some dealers just don't want to know. What they don't know, they don't have to disclose. And after shopping for 2 years for the right second-hand unit, we learned many, many RVs have rot in them. We just don't know about it.
Even the inlaws' Class C had a rotten upper bunk after they had owned it 10 years due to a window leak ... that one took us two weeks of labour and $1,000 in materials to fix. I've decided every RV has some rot in it ... it's just a matter of how much, how long its been there and where it is.
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sue.t
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11/25/09 08:01am |
Beginning RVing
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RE: How do You carry a kayak?
On my picture above, the long kayak is 17'3" and the short kayak is 14'5".
The longer one actually fits better on the racks ... the short one is almost too short and needs more foam under its keel to get it to sit upright.
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sue.t
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11/24/09 10:31pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: My Buddy Is Sick :(
I truly don't want to put fear in your heart ... BUT ... when our 9 year old Kuvasz had similar symptoms I tried aspirin for a few days. He had been limping a bit, favouring one side, being careful getting up and down, seemed out of breath sometimes, and not too keen on his food.
The aspirin seemed to help a bit but the poor fellow still limped a bit and favoured a side. And he wasn't sleeping well at night ... he seemed too warm and panted a fair bit.
Took him to the vet after a few days to get it checked. Poking, prodding and manipulating didn't reveal anything, so the decision was made to do some x-rays of the hips to check for arthritis. The hips were clean, but the vet noticed something odd on the lower edge of one of the x-rays so took some more of that area.
Later that day we were told our big fellow had a bone tumour in the right femur. The mass wasn't large yet, and we were fortunate the vet noticed it on the hip x-rays and took the initiative to check further. The cancer hadn't spread, but was enough to make our fellow feel out of sorts.
If a dog seems to not feel well, please take it seriously. I surely hope your dog doesn't have anything as serious, but I also wanted to be sure you are aware that it could be more than arthritis or a viral infection.
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sue.t
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11/24/09 02:10pm |
RV Pet Stop
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RE: How do You carry a kayak?
http://suethomas.ca/images/Misc/20090520_KayakRack_016.jpg
For more pics, see this recent thread: http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/23414087.cfm
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sue.t
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11/24/09 07:43am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Be Warned - Newb questions...
If you omit 4x4 like I did (you'll never find a 2WD in BC, I would not think), you free up another 385 lbs of according to a knowledgeable poster here.
I didn't notice that the OP was located on the Lower Mainland or would have also recommended 4x4 and diesel, even though there are many 2WDs in BC.
One Easter we headed to the local provincial park and it snowed overnight (on south Vancouver Island!!). Four-wheel sure came in handy to pull the fifth wheel out of the campground, which wasn't plowed. Another time we were enjoying Nakusp Hot Springs while it snowed on the mountain passes. We made it home while others did not. We've also used the 4x4 on some of the backroads, as we enjoy camping in BC's many recreational sites. You may not use 4x4 a lot, but when you need it, you'll sure appreciate it.
Unless you're planning to just head south on Hwy 99 and I-5, you're going to driving hills with good long grades. A diesel will do the job easier than a gasser. First time up the Coquihalla towing with our gasser convinced us the next truck would be a diesel. Even the Fraser Canyon is twisty enough that the extra torque of a diesel is nice to accelerate up the hills.
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sue.t
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11/23/09 04:00pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Be Warned - Newb questions...
We have a shortbox supercab F-250 with a manual slider hitch. Have never used the slider, other than to "test" it. And we get into some tight spots, including turning around on a 2-lane gravel road in the middle of nowhere without adjusting the hitch. DH also puts his trials bike in the box, along the cab's rear window.
The shortbox was preferred because we like the supercab (not crew cab) space for the dogs but also wanted to keep the truck to a reasonable length so it was easier to maneuver in parking lots and tight spaces.
Note with our 25' fifth wheel, and with the kayaks/canoe on top, with firewood, dogs & humans in truck, the GVWR of our F-250 is exceeded by a couple hundred pounds. Even so, we feel the truck and fifth wheel are a good match. But if we were to purchase a longer/heavier fiver, we'd also be upgrading to a heftier truck.
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sue.t
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11/23/09 11:30am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: ok ok....once more...busted.....
Gary, are you implying that I would refer to you as a stud? And Buddy as a flake?
Or is it Buddy who is the stud and you the flake?
:B
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sue.t
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11/23/09 07:41am |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: 5ers and canoes
Canoe leg
Not had an issue seeing traffic lights with either the canoe or the kayaks on top.
Sure appreciate the sun shade ... keeps the truck much cooler for us and the dogs. Keeps rain off the windshield too.
Only real issue has been I like to take pictures as we drive down the road ... that passenger side vertical bar keeps getting in the way so I keep hanging further out the window!
Small issue is we take the ferry to get off and on this island ... sometimes we get charged an extra foot or two for the bit that hangs over the front bumper.
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sue.t
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11/22/09 06:01pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Our pack is expanding, sort of......
Mark, amazingly that abundant white coat wass very low maintenance. People always asked us how much work it took to keep it looking so fine, and the short answer was, NONE.
The only baths Chaos had was when he enjoyed a rollabout in some wildlife feces. The fur remained naturally white.
His coat did not collect the sticky little burrs we have in this area. We hike through a lot of brush and brambles and it was never a problem for him.
The fur on his paws did collect snowballs though, so he wore dog booties in the winter. Whether the snow was wet or dry stuff, the snowballs between his pads were problematic. The booties solved the problem though. He loved the snow. Especially enjoyed burying himself in it.
He loved water and mud puddles. The mud would naturally dispel after the moisture dried off.
Never needed brushing. Chaos had a "straight coat" rather than the natural curly coat of most Kuvaszok and it didn't get knotted or mat either. Longest fur was about 8".
I did trim the fur on the end of his tail so it wouldn't drag, and the last year of his life I trimmed all his fur as he was sick with cancer and the illness seemed to make him warmer. He panted a lot more than usual. Cutting his fur short seemed to help him stay cooler.
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sue.t
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11/22/09 01:50pm |
RV Pet Stop
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RE: 5ers and canoes
The top does detach from the bottom. For daily driving, DH leaves the bottom attached. Just takes a few bolts each side and a few minutes to put back together. It is fondly referred to as the "cow catcher".
http://suethomas.ca/images/TruckRack_09.jpg
http://suethomas.ca/images/TruckRack_07.jpg
http://suethomas.ca/images/TruckRack_08.jpg
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sue.t
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11/21/09 03:18pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: 5ers and canoes
DH made our canoe racks. He didn't like the aftermarket racks (Yakima makes a front bumper "goalpost") for the F-250 because the factory fog lamps have to be removed. Also the manufactured front bumper racks are wobbly and usually require some extra tie down straps, but still wobble. He didn't like that.
His custom front rack bolts onto the the existing mount for the front bumper, so no modification to the truck was required. Also note this setup works with a shortbox truck, which we have.
http://suethomas.ca/images/CanoeRack0003.JPG width=600
http://suethomas.ca/images/CanoeRack0004.JPG width=600
Because the kayaks are shorter, a Yakima roof rack replaces the "headache rack".
http://suethomas.ca/images/Misc/20090520_KayakRack_016.jpg width=600
We've done a thousands of miles of gravel road with the setup with no issues.
More than happy to share more details of the front rack, including a sketch with dimensions. Send me a PM with your email address and you'll get a pdf in return.
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sue.t
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11/21/09 11:12am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Contrast Ratio -Huge Disparity - Does it Really Matter?
My 22" widescreen monitor, with resolution of 1680 x 1050 (1,764,000 total pixels), is comfy with two windows open. My second monitor, which is a 20" regular monitor, is configured at 1600 x 1200 (1,920,000 total pixels), and it also works well with two windows. But because it has 1200 pixels on the vertical, it "fits" more on the screen heightwise (while being just 80 pixels less on the horizontal).
For widescreen, I wouldn't go less than 22" because you lose some in the height of the screen. 24" is nicer.
If deskspace is a concern, then consider a regular 20" monitor ... you can get more real estate (more height).
TV viewing is fine on either. Photo editing I prefer on the smaller 20", simply because it's contrast resolution is lower. The 22" is too bright and unless I turn the brightness WAY down, what I see on the screen is not what will print. And, yes, I calibrate both monitors using Spyder Pro to ensure accurate photo printing.
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sue.t
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11/21/09 11:03am |
Technology Corner
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RE: Our pack is expanding, sort of......
CONGRATS!
Our second dog was a Kuvasz, cousin to the Maremma. Niether are common dogs to own. GPs are much more common!
Several sheep farms in the area have maremmas and kuvasz, so our vet was familiar. He commented that the ones that were working dogs were more difficult to treat because to be an effective working dog they're not well-socialized with humans ... they're socialized with the sheep.
Chaos, our Kuvasz, was a guardian of his pack (the humans). He was loyal and dedicated, without a doubt. Active and robust too! Very fast and alert. DH really wants to get another!
Here's a picture of Chaos taking some relaxation on the beach in Parksville, on Vancouver Island. Very regal dogs ...
(BTW ... that's all fur; he was a very lean dog underneath that stuff!)
http://suethomas.ca/images/Family/Chaos_2004_03_27.jpg
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sue.t
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11/21/09 10:38am |
RV Pet Stop
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RE: Alaska 2010
I'd recommend going north on the Alaska Highway, which will have more facilities open that early. Then use the Cassiar Highway on your southbound trip, if the snow hasn't flown yet. Both highways are good driving.
Driving south in September is a great time. Scenery is awesome and wildlife activity is high.
We've camped our way north and south on the Alaska Highway in December, sometimes boondocking because we couldn't find an open spot along the route. Sometimes we simply asked at a lodge if we could overnight in their parking lot and paid a small fee to plug into their electric (usually provided for block heaters of overnight guests).
One lodge I asked (near Pink Mountain) was closed, but it was New Years Eve and most were closed. The kind folk inside let us plug in for free and then invited us in for a moose roast dinner with them and their friends! That was a memorable New Years!
In BC, numerous campgrounds are open year-round. Start your research now and email the ones you think might be open to confirm.
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sue.t
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11/21/09 10:29am |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: Alaska campgrounds availability in general
Yup, stay on the top half of your tank. This year we drove from Watson Lake to Liard Hot Springs for a couple of days of soaking. Didn't fill up along the way because we just knew we'd be able to get diesel at the lodge at Liard. ONLY ... gulp ... for the first time in all our years of driving the Alaska Hwy, the lodge was closed. No fill-up, so no backroads exploring on our days off at the hot springs!
Plan was to return to Watson Lake and head south on the Cassiar, which we did. Made it to Coal River Lodge. Didn't take a full tank though as he was gouging folks by charging $1.296/litre of diesel. Got enough to do the 90 miles to Watson Lake where diesel was $1.029/litre.
We've never made campground reservations. Even for Whitehorse, phoning ahead the morning you plan to arrive is fine if you think it might be busy. In a pinch, the Walmart on the edge of downtown Whitehorse allows RV parking.
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sue.t
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11/18/09 09:07pm |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: A visit to Algonquin Park in Northern Ontario
ummmm ... nope. Don't think so.
I've been submersed in the local lake when the water temp was 37F. Not by choice though. The only good thing about that one was I got so hypothermic after a few minutes that I didn't realize just how cold I was!
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sue.t
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11/17/09 12:41pm |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: A visit to Algonquin Park in Northern Ontario
Oh gee ... on YouTube I just saw Rick Mercer's report on the Polar Bear Dip in Oakville, Ontario ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMCAo7k7wPo
:B
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sue.t
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11/17/09 11:07am |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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