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RE: RV navigation (Device or app)
Note all of those using google maps or one of the generic apps. that mention having a problem with a bridge, small curvy road or dirt road. etc..
That is the exact reason not to use those apps and get a dedicated device.
Yes in each case they survived, but there as certainly angst an aggravation that could have been avoided with better guidance. Google maps is not going to send you off a cliff, but it will as noted lead you to a low clearance or other road that is not RV friendly.
For the record never trust any GPS or app 100% when driving a large RV. Especially if you are towing. Turning around is often not a simple option.
There are better choices than google maps and the generic apps.
I use a dedicated RV GPS. For the most part it works and keeps me on bigger roads. A gain not 100% foolproof but close . Much better than generic apps that are not even trying to find RV friendly routes.
As mentioned those relying on google maps are experiencing issues as noted above.
If you want a more reliable method get a RV dedicated device, if you want to gamble a bit use generic apps.
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Lantley
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12/02/20 04:56am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Traveling with ebikes
I have 2 rather large Ebikes.
I carry them inside the fiver fully assembled.
Getting them in and out was initially a challenge but I have developed a routine that makes getting them in and out tolerable.
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Lantley
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12/01/20 07:01pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Dump Station Observations
While I agree nothing will change. The takeaway from the original post is" Have you act together and be ready to dump. Have all your hoses, fittings, gloves and whatnot already out and be ready to go. Get this stuff out while your waiting.
Too many get up to the pipe and act like its there first time.
It's OK if it is your first time, but if you have done it before "Act like you know!
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Lantley
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12/01/20 06:46am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Blackstone 22" griddle for $99 at Walmart!!
Not quite as good of a deal as the $99.00 model . But this model is smaller , portable, and better for RV use.
No Stand or hood but it comes with a bag.
$129.00 not a bad price.
Another 22" Blackstone Griddle on sale at Wal Mart
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Lantley
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11/29/20 08:10pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: DEF Math
two ways
1) my truck gives an initial warning at 30% which even worst case is at least 1,000 miles. Then it continues to count down and give warnings. If I'm dumb enough to ignore the gauge for 1,000 miles I get what I deserve.
2) DEF usage is about 1 gallon of DEF for 100 gallons of diesel. pretty easy to keep track of in my head.
3) If I'm traveling, before I leave I can have a pretty good idea based on last fill how many miles I can go before the 30% warning comes on. If I think I will be close, easy enough to put a 2.5gallon jug in the bed.
You need to keep that LML. #1 I've never seen a warning of more than 300 miles. And the mileage given isn't right, it's short 20-25%. And #2 the L5P sucks DEF. The one time I kept track of the fuel for a whole tank of DEF worked out to about 1 gal DEF to 45 gal diesel. That's twice the rate of the LML.
Exactly my L5P give some inaccurate warning mileage and threatens to go into limp mode! Good Grief! Sort of unbelievable that GM thought this was OK:h
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Lantley
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11/28/20 07:45pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Blackstone 22" griddle for $99 at Walmart!!
I have a 17" Blackstone and a Weber-Q. Each have their use. Both fit together, along with my dorm size fridge in an outside compartment.
Love the Blackstone for breakfast, philly cheese steak subs etc.
Love the Weber Q for steaks, burgers etc...
Have not tried the Blackstone for steaks and burgers but have been meaning to.
I don't find the single burner a big issue. Not any different than cooking on an electric griddle where everything is the same temp as well. I don't seem to have issues with the corners/edges being significantly colder than anywhere else. Least not enough to notice.
Im one who loves the 17" Blackstone, but from the sounds of this thread, Im in the minority.
Mike
I've had my 17" Blackstone for about 2 years.For the most part I was happy with it. It was just when the temps. were cold/cool the Blackstone struggled to heat up.
If I were in GA or somewhere warmer than MD. I imagine I would have fewer issues.
Keep in mind MD is certainly not the coldest place in the country.
However on a cool morning, the Blackstone would struggle to get hot enough to cook bacon. A cool breeze made the situation even worse.
This lack of heat scenario may have only happened 2-3 times a year, but when it happens your stuck with a griddle full of Luke warm bacon.
At first I saw it as a isolated episode. But after a few episode I realized the 17" model had a weakness.
Eventually I had enough and decided to upgrade to the dual burner 22" model.
I love the concept of the flat griddle Blackstone. If you never cook in cold temps. The 17" is fine. Just understand there are times when the 17" fails to get hot.
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Lantley
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11/26/20 09:18pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: DEF Math
What we learned in the class 8 world is high EGT's (power demand) result in increased NOx emission which = increased DEF use. In a working class 8 truck that was around 1-2% DEF vs fuel.
If I owned a DEF using pickup I would measure in some DEF fills at the pumps vs fuel used and soon have a rate vs fuel use vs work we are doing today factor to know when to fill the DEF tank.
a shopping plaza or China parts store to buy DEF in a cardboard box down aisle 300.
In my case my DEF use is erratic because my truck is my daily driver. I'm not towing all the time.
Tying to calculate/predict my DEF use based on my driving habits is futile.
Just need a gauge!
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Lantley
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11/26/20 08:13am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: DEF Math
They have it at Costco? Thanks for the heads up on that!
Lantley how do you know if you're out of DEF without a gauge?
You guess! Actually there is an idiot light that comes on and says" Low on DEF 100 miles to go until forced limp mode"
Except the mileage given is not accurate. It may come on 2 minutes later and say 50 miles to limp mode.
I learned to carry a box of DEF in the RV because I never know when I may run out!
I had to get off 95 in the very congested Fredricksville, VA area once to chase down a jug of DEF for fear I would go into limp mode. I'm still pissed about it.
A 2019 with no gauge is ridiculous. For that matter any year with no DEF gauge is a crime!
There is a DEF gauge on your 19 if you are not aware. It is on your DIC, just scroll through and check it and it will show up. It is like a RV gauge in the sense that it shows percentages below 30%. The 20's have a legit gauge that reads like a fuel gauge, much better than previous for sure.
I don't want warnings and lights. I want a gauge.
As far as scrolling down. I can scroll down and see.
DEF level OK! message.no percentages That's a far cry from a gauge.
Now if something can be reprogrammed I'm interested.
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Lantley
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11/25/20 08:58pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: DEF Math
They have it at Costco? Thanks for the heads up on that!
Lantley how do you know if you're out of DEF without a gauge?
You guess! Actually there is an idiot light that comes on and says" Low on DEF 100 miles to go until forced limp mode"
Except the mileage given is not accurate. It may come on 2 minutes later and say 50 miles to limp mode.
I learned to carry a box of DEF in the RV because I never know when I may run out!
I had to get off 95 in the very congested Fredricksville, VA area once to chase down a jug of DEF for fear I would go into limp mode. I'm still pissed about it.
A 2019 with no gauge is ridiculous. For that matter any year with no DEF gauge is a crime!
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Lantley
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11/25/20 11:35am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: DEF Math
You Ram/Dodge guys are fortunate enough to have a decent place to fill your DEF and maybe even gauges!
The fill for my Chevy is under the hood and there is no gauge.
I try to fill at the pump just because its much easier than filling from the box under the hood
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Lantley
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11/25/20 10:25am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Blackstone 22" griddle for $99 at Walmart!!
Nope, no way is a flat top burger the equal of a charcoal grilled burger. Gas grill is a different story. And flat top steak vs charcoal grilled steak? Don't make me laugh.
Oh, and a well-cooked steak is supposed to be raw in the middle. Any other way is just roast beef. :)
I carry a "Weber Q" and a 22"Blackstone. They both have their purpose.
The Blackstone wins the breakfast battle, but there is a lot of room to debate when it comes to steaks and burgers.
Fajitas, steak subs, fish tacos, grilled veggies are all Blackstone only items.
A gridle plate on top of a grill is a far cry from a true Blackstone experience.
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Lantley
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11/25/20 10:11am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Blackstone 22" griddle for $99 at Walmart!!
I have the 17 inch blackstone. It's fine, but it only has 1 burner.There is a guy online who works for blackstone and makes cooking videos. He makes it clear that he is only making the videos out of the love for cooking. Its not to sell blackstone griddles.
Claims he has seasoned 100 blackstones in his time. I watched his video seasoning a 17" and it struggled to get hot in the corners. He gave the tip to literally pick the griddle up and rotate it 180 degrees. Not sure how that changes anything considering their H shaped flame pattern. Isnt the flame pattern symmetrical?
Whatever the case that video convinced me to avoid the 17". Three days ago i could have easily spent $130 for a 17" off amazon. So glad i didnt. The 2 burner 22" is where is at for us campers is my opinion.
Exactly! I have the 17" and it sucks! Even though it has 2 burners it only has 1 control knob. And yes he corners don't get hot. My buddy has the 22" and it is a completely different cooking experience. Individual heat zones, more complete cooking area, and his came with the legs and lid. Eventually I will get the 22". The 17" isn't even a good cheap model. I would tell everyone to avoid it!
I wouldn't say a 17" sucks on a average warm day it gets plenty hot enough,but on a cold morning or cool windy day it can struggle.
Being from the windy city I can see where you feel it sucks.
But even though I sold my 17" model it worked well for the most part.
Granted the 22" does work better but for $70-$90 the 17" is a decent buy.
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Lantley
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11/25/20 10:06am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Blackstone 22" griddle for $99 at Walmart!!
https://i.imgur.com/CtKkRgel.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/kasfL4Il.jpg
There are nice storage bags. for the Blackstone grills. I keep my grill in a storage bag. I think it helps keep critters and mice away vs. having a open grill stored in the RV.
There is really no bag made to fit an unassembled adventure model. THe fact that the adventure model would not store in a bag was another deal breaker for me.
Sure once again you could fab something or come up with a hack of some sort.
Or for 50.00 more you could skip the adventure model and buy the portable model that doesn't require figuring it out.
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Lantley
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11/25/20 05:20am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Blackstone 22" griddle for $99 at Walmart!!
My biggest complaint with the 17" model is that if it's cold and a little windy outside the griddle struggles to get hot and stay hot.
For most this may not be an issue but if your trying to make breakfast outside on a cool/cold morning it is annoying. Trying to cook bacon on a luke warm grill is frustrating.
Once you realize the grill is not getting hot enough, there is really no turning back if you have a griddle full of 1/2 cooked bacon!
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Lantley
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11/25/20 05:14am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Blackstone 22" griddle for $99 at Walmart!!
I also purchased the 22" adventure ready model. It's great for home use but because the stand does not collapse or fold I do not think it makes a good RV grill.
The grill is fine and if you made some sort of stand for it, including casters to cover the metal feet, it could be adapted for RV use. But as is, it is not set up for RV use.
At $99.00 I saw the Adventure Ready 22" griddle as too good to be true and a deal too good to pass up.
I wanted it for the RV to replace my 17" Blackstone griddle.
In the end, it is still a good deal but not as RV friendly as I had hoped.
I did score a deal on a freestanding 22" model and purchased a hood separately.
That combo cost me $150.00. However the freestanding model comes with adjustable feet for leveling and fits on the stand I was previously using with my 17" model.
I sold my 17" model to my buddy and bought the 22" freestanding and I thought I was set.
I then saw the $99.00 adventure ready model and figured that was even a better deal. At that point I still had the chance to return my freestanding 22" Blackstone for a refund.
I purchased the 99.00 special off a pallet, no display available. Had a display model been available I may not have purchased it! Just a small rant, because I purchased site unseen which is always a mistake!
Later discovered the stand would not fold and the griddle had non adjustable steel pegs for feet that clipped/locked into the ridged stand.
The 99.00 Adventure Ready special was really not what I expected and is not really RV friendly. However I ended up keeping the $99.00 special. I will use it at home on the deck. The $99.00 special is still a good buy, just not as RV friendly as I hoped.
I also kept my $150.00 freestanding model for RV use. So now I have 2 new 22" Blackstone griddles vs. just one for the RV.
AT the end of the day I ended up with a nice bargain priced griddle but I certainly did not save any money on the 99.00 model....now that I have 2 griddles.
No good deed goes unpunished....LOL..
Time will tell if buying the $99.00 model for home use was a smart move, I did enjoy making breakfast on the deck with the griddle...I also made fajitas for dinner. Hopefully I will enjoy having the Blackstone available as an option.
For the record I never went out to the RV (which is stored at home) and bought the 17" griddle up to the deck. Prior to buying the 99.00 model the my Blackstone Griddle was used exclusively on the RV with no intention of using it at home
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Lantley
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11/24/20 09:22pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Propane tank locks for my TT
What about older rigs that still have POL fittings where a wrench is needed? Do you really think a firefighter is going to spend the time needed to remove the tanks in this case?
Yes they are going to try and remove the tanks if it is safely possible to do so.
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Lantley
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11/23/20 04:41pm |
Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)
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RE: Should I get a new Tow Vehicle or a Bigger Gas Tank?
I'm in the new truck camp. But I would say get the best deal you can find.
How much is the new truck actually going to cost vs. larger tank.
Is it 5K for new truck vs. 2300 for a new tank.
Go kick some tires and find where the real numbers lie.
The final decision maybe a no brainer.
$? for a new truck vs. 2,300 for a new tank?
Shop all the truck brands you like, let the deal make the decision
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Lantley
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11/21/20 11:41am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Gone through 5 water pumps in 2015 cedar creek
Do you live in a cold climate? Are you winterizing the pump?
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Lantley
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11/21/20 09:14am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Harbor Freight Predator 3500 Generator On Sale!
I can have lights stove, fridge, freezers, hot water, internet internet and heat. All essentials. No cords no huge genset.That is one amazing 4300w generator, assuming this stuff is all electric.
This stuff all requires electric however we have natural gas appliances. The stove, water heater and furnace are gas but they do require electric to operate. 4300watts is enough to keep me in business when we have power outages.
If we need A/C we can always retreat to the RV which has a built in Onan.
X2!
I could have gone with a 4Kw 240/120V gen myself since my heat is natural gas furnace and a wood burning furnace connected with the gas furnace. Have gas water heater and gas stove/oven (although the oven needs 120V for the gas safety valve).
All of my lights in the entire home at the time were Florescent making a light power draw there.. I have changed out most now to LEDs at about 1/3 the power draw..
Computers, router, TVs and such take minimal draw, perhaps 300W when all are on..
Have fridge and deep freezer, those really don't use a lot of power other than startup surge..
Deep well pump for water is 240V and my 4Kw gen is 120V only which I use for camping so I needed another gen to power the water well..
Since I needed a different gen, to make life easy in the dead of winter, I chose a bigger gen with electric start.. My DW has difficult time pull starting most small engines at times, even a push mower can be a challenge so electric start was a major item on the wish list.. So, HF at the time only had electric start in the 8700 watt size, I think they make have a 6,500W one now..
Typically, you really only want to pick the SMALLEST gen as possible to power only the critical loads.. The 8,700W gen is powered by a 13 HP engine and is a lot thirstier than my smaller 4Kw gen which uses a 6.5 HP engine.. So choosing oversized gen for the critical loads will just waste a lot of fuel if you are not careful.
Fuel choice can also affect gen size selection, natural gas/propane (these have less energy content)and you must upsize compared to gasoline or Diesel gens.
Far, far cheaper to conserve energy when on generator power, commercial power is always cheaper than trying to make your own and basically all you need is to keep things like a fridge, lights, light heating and cooking and perhaps some electronic entertainment going. For that you most certainly do not need a 12Kw-20Kw gen for the whole house.
Amen
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Lantley
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11/20/20 08:56pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Harbor Freight Predator 3500 Generator On Sale!
I can have lights stove, fridge, freezers, hot water, internet internet and heat. All essentials. No cords no huge genset.That is one amazing 4300w generator, assuming this stuff is all electric.
This stuff all requires electric however we have natural gas appliances. The stove, water heater and furnace are gas but they do require electric to operate. 4300watts is enough to keep me in business when we have power outages.
If we need A/C we can always retreat to the RV which has a built in Onan.
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Lantley
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11/20/20 06:35pm |
Tech Issues
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