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RE: Colorado Springs to Taos New Mexico
Planning a trip next summer to Colorado Springs than on to Taos, New Mexico.Will be towing a 40' 5th wheel.What would be best route to take
If you're not pressed for time and want to do some sightseeing along the way, you could take US 24 west out of Colorado Springs to the junction with US 285 and then continue south over Poncha Pass (a very easy pass) and on into the San Luis Valley. Just south of Villa Grove take CO 17 south to Alamosa and pick up US 285 again in Alamosa. Stay on US 285 into New Mexico and at Tres Piedras take US 64 into Taos.
Alternatively, you could take CO 115 south out of Colorado Springs to US 50 in Penrose and head west on US 50 to Salida, where you pick up US 285 and then follow the routes above on US 285 south.
Just do what he says. Thomm is the Sacagawea of route finding in Colorado!
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Thunder Mountain
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11/27/21 06:10pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: RV Park Wi-Fi Issues
The problem is there are too many pigs at the trough. Unless a RV park will invest the capital to bring in fiber even if it is available, there just isn't enough bandwidth for everybody surfing the net, checking email and most of all streaming video. I've been in park right next to the wifi and had excellent signal strength with lousy download speed.
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Thunder Mountain
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11/18/21 05:38pm |
Technology Corner
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RE: Indian Reservations
Over the last 30 or more years I've spent many, many days on various reservations mainly the Navajo and Hopi. Lots of good advise here especially observing rules and traffic laws.
I would add a few more suggestions. First and foremost is RESPECT! Don't ask questions especially about their religion or culture. You will be told what you need to know not what you want to know. Slow down and don't be in such a hurry. You might find yourself invited to a ceremonial dance or family gathering. Don't talk too much. Just listen. Be especially respectful of the elders.
A word of warning that should be adhered to. Do not drive after dark on the reservation unless absolutely necessary. There are too many horses, cows, dogs, pedestrians and impaired drivers.
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Thunder Mountain
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11/12/21 02:07pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: Montana 43 between Salmon and Butte?
Thanks for the info. Got what I hoped for and expected from this forum.
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Thunder Mountain
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11/05/21 07:53pm |
Roads and Routes
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Montana 43 between Salmon and Butte?
Working on our summer trip. Mapping software is taking us over Montana State 43 between Salmon, ID and Butte, MT. Road show on my paper atlas so I think it is probably ok. Montana DOT shows improvement projects to be completed this fall. Want first hand experience. We're veteran road warriors driving 41' Journey with toad.
Thanks in advance.
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Thunder Mountain
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11/05/21 07:53am |
Roads and Routes
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RE: Plug and play wiring harness for Jeep
You could use the Mopar 82216358AA wire harness made by the manufacturer.
You could, but at $450-500? There are much cheaper options.
CoolTech $175 delivered.
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Thunder Mountain
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10/27/21 03:04pm |
Dinghy Towing
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RE: Plug and play wiring harness for Jeep
Thanks Thunder Mountain and you bring up a good point, the install on the new JL is what scared me away, plus the JK version was out of stock as I recall. Now I wish I'd waited vs using the magnetic lights I used for my 1st trip.
Is some respects the new JL kit was easier in than the JK kit since you didn't have to route the wires through the frame to the back taillights. On the JL you have to pull the passenger door sill and assorted pieces. Then you have to find the four correct wires in the factory bundle (there must be at least 30-40 color coded wires), snip those four wires and connect the CoolTech harness. You test it through the process to make sure you found the correct wires. My only problem was my lack of attention that let me connect the umbilical plug wrong.
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Thunder Mountain
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10/26/21 02:30pm |
Dinghy Towing
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RE: Plug and play wiring harness for Jeep
I setup my Jeep this summer, but will be adding the CoolTech JK Tow Harness Kit as I think it's the easiest to install without any wire cutting or diodes to deal with.
What he said. I've installed three CoolTech harnesses. The latest was on my 2018 Rubicon. It was more involved since it has the new LED lighting. The 2013 was very easy. Good instructions. Just follow them.
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Thunder Mountain
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10/26/21 12:56pm |
Dinghy Towing
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RE: Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge
I predict this thread isn't going to go well. Please prove me wrong.
I hope so too. It is such a beautiful, wild place... That is why I keep going back.
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Thunder Mountain
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10/24/21 06:48pm |
RV Parks, Campgrounds and Attractions
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RE: Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge
While snowbirding over the years we have spent a lot of time doing the back roads in the Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge around Sasabe. We have talked with the staff at the Refuge several times. They said they felt reasonably safe.
The area is heavily patrolled and we were eyeballed numerous times while near the boarder. There is a big problem with illegal boarder crossings. It is one of the few places where I always carry a firearm.
All that said... You can get your 26' in many places to camp. The main roads are paved although last time I was there they could use some maintenance. It is a beautiful place to visit. I'm just not sure I would boondock there. I'm not paranoid just cautious.
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Thunder Mountain
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10/24/21 07:41am |
RV Parks, Campgrounds and Attractions
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RE: Question about gray water...?
As a somewhat experienced boondocker I can offer a few suggestions. First, you have to manage your gray water before it goes into the tank. We catch the shower water while waiting it to get hot to water the dogs. The excess goes to water the landscape since it is not technically gray water. We catch kitchen sink water while waiting for it to get hot to make coffee or fill canteens for hiking or ATVing. We catch the kitchen sink water while waiting on it to get hot. Lots of happy plants. You are not dumping gray water if you follow these suggestions. You can stretch your gray water tank for several day using this method.
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Thunder Mountain
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10/21/21 07:18pm |
General RVing Issues
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iPad for Gaia maps?
Thinking of switching to a Gaia maps on an iPad for primary use in the RV. I am tired of the clumsy nav system that came from the factory. I'll also use it for ATVing and Jeeping.
iPhone is not an option since maps app only works where there is a signal. I know that an iPhone can run Gaia maps but the screen is too small.
I've done some research already. I know the iPad has to be cellular enabled with the internal GPS to use where there is no cell signal. Don't want to spend big bucks on an iPad just for Gaia maps. Also don't want a huge screen since I'll use it in the UTV.
An older/refurb iPad is ok since it will only be used for Gaia maps. Suggestions?
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Thunder Mountain
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10/06/21 06:47am |
Technology Corner
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RE: interstate 40 from New York to Las Vegas
I can only speak of recent experience on the stretch between Flagstaff and Amarillo. Expect numerous construction zones and lane closures. The road is in pretty bad condition especially the right lane.
Often you will see more 18 wheelers than cars. The big rig drivers are for the most part professionals trying to make a living. The problem with them arises on the steep hills when they slow down and stack up. A faster driving big rig or RV slowly passing others will cause some real slowdowns. You often have to drive with your eyes focused a half mile ahead so you don't get pinned in the right lane.
The most dangerous thing on the road are the cars driven by impatient jack rabbits weaving in and out of traffic and the idiots that don't know how to use a turn signal. Make sure you are driving rested and alert.
Good luck and be safe!
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Thunder Mountain
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09/30/21 07:17am |
Roads and Routes
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RE: Splendide wdc7100xc Washer/Dryer
Call Westland Sales. 800-356-0766.
What he said!
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Thunder Mountain
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09/28/21 01:49pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Which old motorhome to buy
Have you ever driven an old school bus? Back 35 years ago I drove one for the local school district. Sometimes I did multi hour activity bus trips. Believe me when I say school buses are not built for ride comfort instead they are built for durability and safety. Do yourself a favor and buy an older class A.
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Thunder Mountain
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09/28/21 01:46pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Figuring Mileages
I use map quest on the computer, maps app on the iphone and my nav. If I'm going somewhere I've never been before, I use Google Earth to scope out fuel stops etc. Then there is always the paper map.
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Thunder Mountain
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09/27/21 06:54am |
Roads and Routes
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RE: Navigation options
It's actually a simple answer... Up to date paper map, cell phone app and a GPS. Sometimes you will still find yourself cussing all three. I usually try to also preview my route/destinations using Google Earth and print a copy if it looks sketchy.
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Thunder Mountain
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09/19/21 07:29pm |
Technology Corner
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RE: Fuel mileage
If you worry about your mpg with any RV you should have done your research before your bought it. Now, that I flamed you. MPG really sucks with gassers towing anything or not. Our 2016 Journey DP averages about 8 mpg dragging anything or not behind it. Slow down especially with headwinds. You have to find your unit's sweet spot. It might not be fast enough for your schedule but it does help the mpg. In our 2016 Winnebago Journey the spot is about 68 mph. In the mountains all bets are off. Sometimes I'm happy to see 7 mpg on a tank.
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Thunder Mountain
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09/19/21 07:20pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Used Tow Bar Values
We just purchased a Blue Ox Alpha II with safety cables, 8" Blue Ox hitch lift, and 7 to 4 pin cable for $500 on Craigs List. It came with original purchase receipts. It was obviously very lightly used as advertised. So, we were in it for a bit over 40% of original cost. Also bought a Brake Buddy II unused in the box for $500. Again that is under 50% of the original price.
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Thunder Mountain
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09/15/21 05:45pm |
Dinghy Towing
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RE: Snow Birding
We snowbirded in AZ for five winters before moving to Wickenburg last year. We reversed our lifestyle so we could stay put in the winter and travel north in the summer.
You didn't tell us what your interests or activity level was so I'll just give you what we did for five winters staying anywhere from a week to a month in various places.
Lazy Days KOA in Tucson is over the top nice. Lots of amenities. Lousy part of town but safe and gated. Tucson has Mexican restaurants on every corner. Museums of every description. Titan Missal Museum, Saguaro Desert Museum, Pima Air and Space. Copper Mine tour, Tumacacori National Historic ParK, Wisdom's Cafe, San Xavier del bac (Sistine Chapel of the west) on the Papago Reservation.
Apache Junction has too many RV parks to list. Gold Canyon is over the top for social geezers and just a nice park. Lost Dutchman State Park is over the top if you like to hike. Most AJ is just a big ugly busy suburb of Phoenix.
Yuma is a great place. We stayed at the Palms which is another snowbird heaven with full amenities. If you have Jeep or ATV there is at least a 1,000 miles of trails in the area. Go across the boarder for cheap teeth cleaning, drugs and glasses. Don't miss the museum at the Proving Grounds and watching the parachute jumpers at the jump school.
McDowell Mountain Regional Park in Fountain Hills is one of the nicest places we have stayed especially if you have a mountain bike or like to hike.
We settled in Wickenburg because we are avid UTV drivers. The first year we drove over 1,500 miles in four weeks. A Jeep will get you many places as well. Several RV parks but pretty limited. We stayed at Desert Cyprus. If you like to boonedock it is over the top. Huge winter snowbird population and the cowboy team roping capital of Arizona.
If you following any of our suggested tracks you should make your reservations now if you can. If you wait until later many places will already be full for prime winter time.
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Thunder Mountain
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09/09/21 06:07pm |
Snowbirds
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