| |
Subject |
Author |
Date Posted |
Forum
|
 |
Altitude and appiances.
On another board there was a comment made about altitude affecting their refrigerator and generator at 6000 ft.
I would not think the refrigerator propane would use enough air volume at that height nor the air be too thin to impact the refrigerator. I also think that at 6000 ft. the impact on the generator would be minimal.
However I could be wrong, I live ay 800 ft. So I wondered if anyone has had issues at higher altitudes?
Perhaps the person was thinking 6000 meters. Now that could be a problem.
|
rbpru
|
06/02/21 01:52pm |
Travel Trailers
|
|
RE: Surge protectors and Joules
I must admit when I see the increased numbers of electronic devices in RV use today, a good energy management system seem appropriate.
Fortunately, my 10 year old TT has none of that. The water heater, fans, 12 volt converter, and the world cheapest OEM TV and Microwave are the only 120 volt systems in use.
Proper voltage to the AC could be an issue. However, my wife does not like it so it is rarely used.
So far my biggest issue was incorrect wiring. It was at a State Park. We chose another spot.
|
rbpru
|
05/02/21 07:44pm |
Travel Trailers
|
|
Surge protectors and Joules
I have been reading about surge protectors and the consensus seems to be the surge protector should have about 1000 Joules minimum and more is better. I have seem some units in excess of 4000 Joules.
I understand how useful a line conditioner can be to prevent over or under voltage, and even my cheap little Camco has detected cross wiring issues.
However, my question is where are you going to get a surge on the line from?
I know lightening strikes will induce an inductive kick on the line but a lighting volt has about 1 billion joules; what percentage of that will reach you RV would seem to be a matter of luck.
|
rbpru
|
05/01/21 09:02pm |
Travel Trailers
|
|
RE: Trailer Tongue Coupler Wear?
I can honestly say that I have gotten curious looks from people when I asked if the grease their trailer ball.
I do, yes it is messy and yes I have gotten grease on my pants and hands. At the start of the season I wipe off the old grease and slather on the new. Works for me.
To answer the OPs question, I would replace the ball. It seems to have serve him well and is ready to be replaced.
|
rbpru
|
04/29/21 01:15pm |
Travel Trailers
|
|
RE: Some questions on using solar.
Old wizard,
I believe you are correct. Unless the wife wants to commit to a solar friendly camping approach or she really wants to boondock, my best short term solution is my "quiet generator".
I cannot really complain, the wife and I spent the better part of 20 years taking the kids and grandkids wilderness canoe camping in MN. A canoe and tent were our RV and we have many great memories.
When the kids and grandkid scattered about the country and I finally retired, we opted for more creature comforts. Still, it is nice to take an occasional boondock trip to answers the call of the wild.
|
rbpru
|
04/22/21 09:42am |
Travel Trailers
|
|
Some questions on using solar.
Most of the time we camp with electricity. But a few times a year we go to music festivals or other events that are non-electric, plus and occasional boondock trip.
I am not a fan of generators but the only other option seems to be solar. However, when parked with no shade, the summer sun turns my TT into an easy-bake oven. In the deep shade, fans do a passable job of keeping things cool.
I find solar to be quite a quandary. Solar needs sun, but the typical TT mounted panels are not large enough to power the AC. When parked in the shade the amount of solar energy is reduced, plus the roof mounted panels are not at their optimum sun angle.
I have read a few comments about off-roof panels mounted so they can be moved into the sun and set at a better sun angle. Also, comments on lithium battery packs for more energy storage. Neither seem practical of cost effective, except in a semi-permanent long term installation.
My question is how many people find solar practical for short term vacation travel?
|
rbpru
|
04/21/21 11:00am |
Travel Trailers
|
|
RE: Trailer demand and prices
The RV industry is selling every unit they make. Most go to the bigger dealers. Used units are also available. However, bargain prices are not that common.
Covid has introduced a lot of new folks to RVing, the campgrounds are as busy as ever.
If you know what you want and find what you want, buy it or be willing to wait several years.
Nothing mystical happening, just the response to cabin fever and I doubt it is going to change any time soon.
Good luck
|
rbpru
|
04/11/21 07:31pm |
Travel Trailers
|
|
RE: Some Towing Math and Questions
I double anyone can accurately calculate the percentage of tongue weight, just to many variables between the way folks load and what they hall.
You can calculate a fair guess, which is a good start.
|
rbpru
|
03/02/21 09:16pm |
Travel Trailers
|
|
RE: Looking for reliable travel trailer
You can do what we did when we first thought of RVing. We took our best guess at what we wanted and rented a similar unit for a week or ten days.
There is a lot more to RVing than just camping, There is the 8 to 9 MPG on gas, traveling about 5 or 6 hours a day, driving 65 MPH and bring passed by everything, making sure you have a place to camp during the busy season.
Renting an RV is not cheap, but it shows you a lot before you spend the big bucks.
|
rbpru
|
03/02/21 09:03pm |
Travel Trailers
|
|
RE: Has camper quality gotten any better in the last 10 years?
I think the problem is, people expect home construction materials and construction methods in an RV. They are not, never have been, and I doubt they ever will be.
If you expect a tiny home, just Google the price of one. They built them all the time, there is even a TV show dedicated to them.
RV's are built to a price point. They build what will sell. Materials and construction techniques improve but they are still assembled at a rate and quality level consistent with the selling price.
In general the more you pay the better the product but not always.
|
rbpru
|
03/02/21 08:45pm |
Travel Trailers
|
|
RE: Some Towing Math and Questions
As an engineer you can do what I did. I went thought the meticulous calculations. Then with the rig loaded for the road, the day before we left, I took the rig to the local Truck Stop CAT scale.
It is easy to get combined truck and hitched trailer axel weights, then drop the trailer and get the axel weights of the truck alone. You can also get the unhitch total trailer weighed if you like.
I usually just get the truck weight per axel and then the truck and hitched trailer combination weight per axel. With that I can see the change in the truck axel weights when the rig is ready for the road.
I know that the change in truck axel weight is the trailer payload I am hauling.
The trailer payload is the tongue weight, the truck is seeing through the WD hitch.
I know the weight each axel is carrying down he road.
I know the weight of the combo, minus the truck weight, is the trailer weight.
I did this exercise a few time, before I realized that the trailer load varied by 200 to 500 pound between trips, depending the junk I could not live without.
Also gas, water and other consumables varied during a long trip.
The CAT scales do care about your math, they just tell you the weights. we all know, a heavy load creates more tear and tear on the tow vehicle. However, if I was at or near the trucks weight limit, so be it, if my wife thinks it is necessary, it is loaded. That is how it has been 42,000 towing mile or more.
|
rbpru
|
03/01/21 08:44pm |
Travel Trailers
|
|
RE: Quality Decline since Covid
I is fine to do a pre-purchase inspection, but many of the issue happen over time. My TT is 10 years old. I have towed over 40,000 miles. A few of the problems encountered include,
+ The screws holding the bottom of the front wall to the floor rusted out and broke free. The front wall separated from the floor.
+ The screws holding the bed to the front wall were unsupported across a 1/2 inch gap as the front wall moved.
+ The pantry shelves collapsed because the wood framing split at the screw holes.
+ Numerous other loose screws and trim typical from heavy use.
My point is many of the thing are occur over time. You cannot see these issues when you buy, so it pays to be handy with tools.
|
rbpru
|
01/26/21 09:33am |
Travel Trailers
|
|
RE: Which TT has the Best Kitchen and Why?
This points out the classic RV conundrum. Floor plan, tow vehicle and cost. They all have to match.
Floor plan is the most important. You can change tow vehicles, you can refinance but the floor plan stays. Unless you sell the TT.
To answer the OPs question. The best kitchen is the one the person doing the cooking likes. Considering suggestions from others is a good way to start.
Good luck
|
rbpru
|
01/20/21 08:13am |
Travel Trailers
|
|
RE: Quality Decline since Covid
I am not holding my breath of quality any time soon. This is another near record year for sales. They make it; it sells.
The thinking is that once the travel industry gets back on its feet, people will be able to fly, cruse, motel and dine as before. Thus a lot of used TTs will hit the used market.
Perhaps this will happen. But I do not see how crimping new TT sales will do anything but force the TT makers to cut even more corners to meet the price of what will sell.
|
rbpru
|
01/19/21 09:05pm |
Travel Trailers
|
|
RE: Drill Holster (tip)
I am with the group that has stopped a number of times without using the stabilizers. If we are just stopping for the night, we may not even unhitch. A lot depends on what we are doing and how long we are going to stay.
Having a handy place for the drill is a smart idea.
|
rbpru
|
01/18/21 04:24pm |
Travel Trailers
|
|
RE: Busted!
Years ago my dad asked me why I bought 20 acres in the country, I told him some folks are not fit to live with civilized people. :) :)
|
rbpru
|
12/31/20 06:38am |
Travel Trailers
|
|
RE: Zero-G water hoses
Speaking from experience, just on time hooked up to a campground supply that stinks, tastes funny and looks rusty; and you will appreciate that extra 15 to 20 gallons in the fresh water tank.
I prefer the taste and smell of my own well water. :)
|
rbpru
|
12/12/20 10:27pm |
Travel Trailers
|
|
RE: 12 volt Refrigerators
I have a 12v/gas/120v unit in my pop-up and a gas/120v in my TT. Both units work as anticipated.
I have no desire to shake, rattle and roll a household compressor down the road, nor do I want to be dependent on 120 volt availability.
Other, however find this perfectly fine for the style of camping they prefer.
|
rbpru
|
12/12/20 01:45pm |
Travel Trailers
|
|
RE: why aren't the frame rails of TT set evenly from the sides?
As mentioned, only Jayco knows the real reason. All the rest is speculation and opinion.
Remember also,if it is not broke, don't fix it.
|
rbpru
|
12/11/20 05:57pm |
Travel Trailers
|
|
RE: RV without a WD hitch
It really is not about what it can or cannot do, so much as what you are willing to make it do.
Years ago when farming I learned that a 1/2 and 3/4 ton pickup was just a suggestion. Loading the trucks till you could hunt raccoons at night with the headlights was not all that uncommon.
They were old farm trucks you ran till they broke, then you fixed them.
But those times are gone. Trucks today are bigger, stronger and require a lot less maintenance. But the cost of repairs, parts and liability are far greater and far more complicated.
A person is free to do whatever they judge proper but if something goes wrong that judgment will certainly be questioned.
|
rbpru
|
12/10/20 04:14pm |
Travel Trailers
|
