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Date Posted |
Forum
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RE: Advice from South Western Snow Birders
Arizona is split into two elevation areas. Basically, north and south. The northern portion gets real winter weather and includes the Grand Canyon.
Its good advice to stay in Williams, AZ and take the train up to the south rim is good. I think that you will really enjoy it. The Grand Canyon is not to be missed.
Another good visit is Kartchner Caverns near Tucson, AZ.
It's good during rain, heat or cold because it's always the same temperature. And it is a pristine preserved cave.
March is the most beautiful month in the areas around Phoenix. Very green and many things in bloom.
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bighatnohorse
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07/19/19 07:35am |
Snowbirds
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RE: Looking for Ceiling/Under cabinet mount speakers for Amerigo
Found the Bose Bluetooth pairing instructions here: https://www.bose.com/en_us/support/article/pairing-multiple-speakers-together.html
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bighatnohorse
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07/16/19 06:18pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Looking for Ceiling/Under cabinet mount speakers for Amerigo
If you get several from the same manufacturer you can link them and create a great experience.
There's something I didn't know. Can you elaborate on that? That could be truly awesome!
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bighatnohorse
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07/16/19 07:27am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Looking for Ceiling/Under cabinet mount speakers for Amerigo
Speaker technology seems to have advanced since the old days. You might want to visit stores such as Best Buy or Costco to peruse new tech. Some of the newer small system are quite impressive - probably more than ample for a small space such as a camper.
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bighatnohorse
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07/15/19 07:45am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Solar Charging
Checked the charging voltage again on the batteries after charging all day it is still at 14.4v.
So, disconnected both batteries and will check their voltages in the morning.
Something is wrong with the charger or how the charger is programmed. The charge voltage should have dropped to a float charge by afternoon.
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bighatnohorse
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07/11/19 09:01pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Solar Charging
My solar controller starts out at a high rate of charge in the morning, about 14.6 as I recall, and then after about two hours, it drops to a float charge.
Yours may be acting the same and it should be quite normal. Check the voltage after a few hours of charging. It should have dropped to a float charge by then.
I installed my own solar system - the instructions did not call for an interrupt switch between the panels and the charge controller - but I installed an on/off switch between the panels and controller anyway. I also installed a large fuse between the panels and controller.
Those are things that you could add yourself if so inclined.
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bighatnohorse
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07/11/19 06:49pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Mayan Temples Trip - Safe?
The biggest dangers will be the Mexican speed bumps (everywhere) and the Mexican "left turn signal" quirk that Americans and Canadians are not used to.
Thank you for your insights. What pray tell is the "left turn signal" quirk? :D
Example:
You're on a two lane road and there's a huge farm truck loaded with cane just creeping along just ahead. The truck turns on it's left turn blinker. . .means it's safe to pass.
If the truck turns on the left blinker (or possibly the emergency flashers) and driver sticks his arm out the window, chance are that he intends to turn left.
If you're driving your truck camper and plan to turn left, stick your arm out the window, turn on the left blinker and/or the emergency flashers and slow down.
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bighatnohorse
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07/10/19 02:17pm |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: Mayan Temples Trip - Safe?
The biggest dangers will be the Mexican speed bumps (everywhere) and the Mexican "left turn signal" quirk that Americans and Canadians are not used to.
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bighatnohorse
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07/10/19 08:12am |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: Does my full-time TC plan seem reasonable?
Best advice is check out the county building fees and permit costs before buying in any county.
Some are so restrictive and full of the fees they cost more than the entire framing package, including the roof structure. I've seen it.
Next is to get a travel trailer and bring that to the property while building. They are cheaper and bigger inside for what you need. This leaves the truck free for chasing materials and products you'll need.
Good advice.
"Developing property" which is what you propose, can be daunting, depending on what county you choose.
And believe me - you will be considered a "developer" in the worst sense of the word - if you choose the wrong property. Choosing a camper will pale in comparison.
Don't let your day dream turn into a nightmare.
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bighatnohorse
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07/10/19 08:04am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Dead battery so quickly?
A battery hydrometer tester is in order (they're cheap) and it will quickly tell you if you have a bad battery.
Do that first.
If the battery is good, then apply a full charge - make sure to allow plenty of time to reach a full charge.
Then start testing.
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bighatnohorse
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07/09/19 07:48am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Lance versus Arctic Fox, fridge in wall slide?
A note about full wall slides - they are heavy and tend to tilt the truck when extended. The tilt places extra strain on the camper frame.
That same full wall slide weight is retracted on the inside of the camper when going down the road (think bumps, railroad crossings, bridge overpasses).
It's just like driving with the slide out, only not as dangerous.
I would expect to see a slight crack at the lower front corner of the frame opening after a few years of travel.
Full wall slides are made to sell "big spacious" campers. I don't think the proper engineering is in them yet.
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bighatnohorse
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07/07/19 09:52pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Reliability of new 2015 6.7 powerstroke or Cummins Diesel
Your best bet for acquiring that information would be to visit the Dodge/Ram forums.
There you'll find the real problems.
As for the Ford, first year (2011) saw some problems which were largely corrected by the end of 2012.
Both trucks are outstanding. If buying used, I'd start with 2015 or later.
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bighatnohorse
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07/06/19 06:48am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Questions and Opinions on Rigs
For the Ram 3500, there is an available factory air suspension. It is more expensive than available air bag systems out there. But since it is a factory item it would be covered by warranty. Thoughts on this?
It depends. if their system simply air bags, then no, not worth it.
Both trucks can be optioned with dual alternators. How much use are these for the TC? Can you use them to charge batteries or say run the fridge or AC while running down the road?
With a good solar system, your camper will charge batteries going down the road AND standing still if good sunshine is present.
The truck alternators camper charging ability is limited by the small wire in the camper cable - truck charging will be insufficient to run fridge or AC.
Factory Upfitter modules. Any use? Extra Factory auxiliary switches. Any use?
Yes to upfitter switches. You might want to add a rear view camera to watch that towed Jeep. Or additional lighting projects in the future.
Axle ratios? Can I get by with a 3.73 or is a 4.10 more realistic for the AF1150 with a trailer behind?
3.73 with a diesel engine will do the job for you.
That AF1150 will put the rig at, and mostly probably, over the trucks GVWR - so be aware of that.
Concentrate your resources on upgrades to the sway bar and shocks. Possibly consider after market wheel and tire up-sizing.
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bighatnohorse
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07/03/19 07:46am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Interesting delam issue - revised 6-24, more pics
I thought the fiberglass nose was glued directly to the aluminum frame. It was done that way for the walls for sure. bighatnohorse had posted some pictures from the factory back in '08 (https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/22030250) but they were linked to his old forum server.
Rich, if you still have these photos it may help a bunch:
20081016182818_front_cap_mold.jpg
20081016183131_frontcap_install.jpg
2008102281843_front_cap3.jpg
They were in http://www.eaglecapowners.com/campfire/upload/Admin-Rich.
Okiedok:
https://www.eaglecapowners.com/owners/images-other/20081016182818_front_cap_mold.jpg
https://www.eaglecapowners.com/owners/images-other/20081016183131_frontcap_install.jpg
https://www.eaglecapowners.com/owners/images-other/2008102281843_front_cap3.jpg
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bighatnohorse
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06/27/19 07:23am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Interesting delam issue - revised 6-24, more pics
Why would it have delam'd?
"Heat" is the solvent for adhesive (including epoxy) - assuming that it was glued to begin with.
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bighatnohorse
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06/23/19 08:09am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Dually tire pressure?
Michelin inflation tables
As I said, manufacturer give inflation tables as you can see on Michelin sample I pasted above.
In my case the tables start at 35 psi, what give the tire ca 1800 lb load capacity. My empty dually has about 1/2 of that, but don't think I would drive it with 18 psi in rear.
Even Michelin is not highlighting it, the 35 psi is min they allow.
Thanks for that link. I think that I need to air down the duals when driving empty.
It feels like the proverbial "one ton truck" now.
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bighatnohorse
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06/22/19 08:29am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Truck camper mileage
It totally depends on how FAST OR SLOW it's driven. And wind speed and it's direction. And if towing or not. And fuel type.
So. . .towing with a tailwind going downhill - about 22mpg
Towing going uphill with a headwind - about 8mpg
Even the slightest breeze will make a difference - and the difference will vary depending on travel speed.
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bighatnohorse
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06/19/19 07:41am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Foam Memory Foam Supplier
Upholstery shops have foam suppliers. A good shop will order what you need - or perhaps have a remnant that you can use.
And you want a high ILD foam with a medium density.
Sus it out: https://www.thefoamfactory.com/blog/index.php/the-differences-and-relationship-between-foams-density-weight-and-firmness
A foam with an ILD of about 50 will seem, at first, too firm. However, after sitting for fifteen minutes or more, it is feels still comfortable. And you don't "sink" on it.
Furniture stores don't use a high ILD foam because the lower ILD foams "first feel" is nice and soft. It sells. A high ILD foam would not make a good first impression. (intended)
However, for long term comfort and support, I'd choose a foam with an ILD of 50 (and forget about memory foam and layered sandwich foams. The solution is much simpler.)
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bighatnohorse
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06/17/19 07:57am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Dang Squirrels
From my original reply...
Howzabout a pet store? Just ask any ten-year-old boy.
Take an old, empty pill bottle.
This place had a mice problem. I gave Angel, age 11 a pill bottle and a promise of 50 pesos. Three days later the bottle came back stuffed. Out on the patio I carefully sprinkled some on two-sided tape. A few days later no shredded paper in the cupboard. Snake stuff was hidden behind the stove.
Works like a charm.costs less than poison or glue trap. At home it saved my tomatoes from full size rats.
You have a very lucrative potential business there.
Every year hundreds of vehicles are damaged by mice and squirrels getting in and chewing through wires.
And hundreds (thousands?) more put rope lights under their RVs and leave the hoods open on their trucks.
If that stuff works as you say, your sitting on a small gold mine.
Take a bottle of it to Organ Pipe National Monument near Sonoyta and give it to the RV park hosts for a trial run. I bet you get a lot of demand from there on out.
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bighatnohorse
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06/13/19 07:28am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Wireless Mouse Jitters Resolution
The latest Windows 10 upgrade patch will do pretty much the same thing on a lot of computers. :)
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bighatnohorse
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06/10/19 08:47pm |
Technology Corner
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