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RE: Being a considerate RV owner
What a bunch of jerks on here. The OP never said anything about wanting to exceed the speed limit. If your vehicle or you are not capable of driving the speed limit under normal conditions, GET OFF THE ROAD!
Just a note. I think you have forgotten that the "speed limit" is just that. It is the maximum "limit" that you can legally obtain. There is nothing in the law books that says you "have" to go the speed limit, only that you can't exceed it. So those who choose to NOT go the speed limit is just as legal as those who do. It has nothing to do with not being capable...just that they choose not to.
And of course, name calling is very immature of you. There may have been one or two replies that were out of line, but surely you don't suggest that everyone who posted here is a jerk....hummm? People are just expressing their opinions....that doesn't necessarily make them a jerk. Wrong maybe... but not a jerk.
Ron
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lanerd
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10/05/08 07:08pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Alaska Highway
Well, being this is Gina's first post, and that she hasn't returned with a follow up question, I'm assuming we won't be hearing back from her again. However, I'm sure others will be interested in the answers to her question so here's my nickel's worth.
We too just returned from a summer of Alaska and while I mostly agree with what others have said about the roads, I think that if you haven't been exposed to this type of road conditions before, it may be a little surprising at first. Of course, as the others have said....slow down! Waaaay down!
We started hitting the frost heaves around northern Alberta and throughout the Yukon and into Alaska. These things will pop up on you very quickly without any warning. Yes, you will see signs on the side of the road for "bumps" or "rough road", but it seems that the road crews don't always remove these signs after repairing the road. So, you tend to disregard them after you find the road smooth sailing following many of these signs......then all of a sudden there IS a severe bump or dip that will cause you to yelp with surprise. The crews will also put little red flags on the side of the road where there either is a bump, or has been recently.
In any case, we found that traveling at 55 was pretty much out of the question and found ourselves down around 45 a lot of the time. In some places, 15 or 20 will be max. So expect the unexpected.
As for the gravel pitting your vehicles. Both my motor home (new) and our toad (with a new paint job) returned from this 9000 mile trip with LOTS of paint chips. Our toad had a "Roadmaster Guardian" across the front and received absolutely zero chips on the front...but the roof and the toneau cover had many. I suspect that the rocks (small gravel pea-size) were being thrown up and over from the back wheels of our MH. Next time, we will definitely get a "skirt" that exends under the tow bar from the back of the MH to the front of the toad.
Both the Mh and the toad had several (<10) paint chips on the driver's side due from the on-coming traffic not slowing down as they pass. We also got two hits to the windshield (one coming over Top of the World highway and the other just out of Prince Rupert). We found that on gravel roads, and on-coming traffic is heading your way, to slow down to either a crawl or stop completely to lessen any gravel impact being thrown up at you from those idiots who refuses to slow down.
Speaking of the TOW highway, we spoke to two other MH owners who shared the same unfortunate problem. Seems while slowing down and moving over for the on-coming traffic, they got too close to the shoulder and it couldn't support the weight and collapsed. Both required to be towed to Chicken and had to wait hours to be rescued. I strongly suggest to stay away from the shoulders on those gravel roads.
Take your time! We found that we enjoyed ourselves a lot more by staying at least two nights at every stop we made. Sometimes, many nights depending upon the attactions of those stops. Take as much time as you possibly can to really enjoy Alaska/Canada. Even the very small towns have a lot of very interesting history about them and the people are truly great.
One of the most helpful suggestions I can give is to daily watch any and all reports here on rv.net (especially in the Alaska forum) for updates to roads and weather conditions. Saved our butts several times....not to mention you get to know some really neat people. The post that Joe B. mentioned above was one in particular that not only provided us with lots of very current info, but one where we got to know the participants very well and even got to meet some of them in the different towns/cities.
We didn't fine ONE mile (or kilometer) that was boring. The countryside is just absolutely gorgeous and we stopped often to take pictures and just enjoy the mountains, trees, flowers, streams, rivers, lakes, glaciers,....etc. Not a whole lot of wildlife, but keep your eyes peeled and you'll see them.
I could add a whole bunch more to this, but running out of time. Gina, if you do get back with us here, ask all the questions you want as there are a whole bunch of us that have just experienced this trek and will love to tell you all about it.
Ron
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lanerd
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10/05/08 01:38pm |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: What milage can 400hp cat get on 40' mh
I also agree with Don. We too did the Alaskan trip this summer (almost 5 months and a little over 9500 miles) and I filled my tank (usually when it was about 1/2 full) 28 times. Of those 28 times, I registered an mpg of over 11 and a couple of 6.7's. Over the entire 28 fill-ups however, I averaged 8.7. I definitely contribute the 11 to not being able to fill the tank as full as I did on the previous fill-up, and the 6.7's to actually filling the tank more than I did on the previous fill-up. Confusing?
Actually, during one portion of our trip, I averaged well over 50 mpg..:E..of course the MH was riding on one of the Alaskan Marine Highway ferries and the only time the MH was running was to load/unload on the ferry and a short jaunt to the rv park at each of the stops (Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Prince Rupert):B.
In any case, for accurate mpg, you must do it over a multiple fill-up condition or else the readings will be false. Of course the exception is if you can fill up at the exact pump each and every time.... then you can get good readings.
Ron
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lanerd
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10/04/08 02:31pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: How slow is unsafe?
While returning from Yellowstone Park this week with our TT, we were blocked by a motor home who decided that we all should be forced to go 50 to 55 mph in a 65 zone. While I agree that going slower does save fuel, I don't believe that we have the right to block others on a mountain two lane road for miles and miles. It causes others to drive in unsafe ways and those who drive so slow should periodically pull off and allow others to drive at a reasonable speed. What is the fair answer? I have slowed down too, but hope I don't cause non RV'er to be angry and cause problems for us.
Hi Gene....that MH was probably me. Sorry if I held you up, but whenever I saw a pullout, there was no way I could slow down fast enough to turn off the road safely without finding all the stuff I have in my cabinets out in the middle of the floor or my lap. I guess I could have driven slower so I could safely make the turn outs, but I think that probably would have upset you even more so.
I did notice tho, that there were many places for you to pass me, but for reasons only known to you, you decided not to... and of course that just makes it more difficult for the people behind you to get around both you and me. Then again, if you weren't driving so close to my toad's back bumper, maybe you could have seen the passing areas I'm referring to.
Anyway, have a great day and hope to see you behind me again some day.
Ron
wait a minute. was that sarcasm?
bumpy :p
nah....
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lanerd
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10/04/08 01:56pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: How slow is unsafe?
While returning from Yellowstone Park this week with our TT, we were blocked by a motor home who decided that we all should be forced to go 50 to 55 mph in a 65 zone. While I agree that going slower does save fuel, I don't believe that we have the right to block others on a mountain two lane road for miles and miles. It causes others to drive in unsafe ways and those who drive so slow should periodically pull off and allow others to drive at a reasonable speed. What is the fair answer? I have slowed down too, but hope I don't cause non RV'er to be angry and cause problems for us.
Hi Gene....that MH was probably me. Sorry if I held you up, but whenever I saw a pullout, there was no way I could slow down fast enough to turn off the road safely without finding all the stuff I have in my cabinets out in the middle of the floor or my lap. I guess I could have driven slower so I could safely make the turn outs, but I think that probably would have upset you even more so.
I did notice tho, that there were many places for you to pass me, but for reasons only known to you, you decided not to... and of course that just makes it more difficult for the people behind you to get around both you and me. Then again, if you weren't driving so close to my toad's back bumper, maybe you could have seen the passing areas I'm referring to.
Anyway, have a great day and hope to see you behind me again some day.
Ron
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lanerd
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10/03/08 08:35pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Being a considerate RV owner
Don't hold back Joe....tell her what is really on your mind. Some people are just too nice.
Ron
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lanerd
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10/03/08 08:22pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Gravel Road from Chicken to Tok
Me thinks edwardt48 is confused!
Who is "they" that doesn't recommend this road in wet weather??
The road is fine...or at least it was in June when I went over it. Gravel within a mile of Chicken....but the rest is just fine. I don't see how a little water would cause any problems.
Ron
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lanerd
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10/03/08 08:12pm |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: Being a considerate RV owner
Your very first post on this forum is a lecture, and then when it is not received warmly, you whine about being lectured.
Ken Gasbarri
Ken, the op was mlalich (aka: Margo) and I don't think she has come back so it's a little difficult to hear her whinning.....wait a minute...yep, I do hear something in the background that sounds a little like whinning. (pause)
No, sorry. I must be hearing that voice in my head again.
Ron
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lanerd
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10/03/08 08:02pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: another dealer closes
I just heard on the tv tonight that La Mesa Rv in San Diego is closing. I think I heard at one time that they were the largest rv dealer south of LA.
Bummer.
Ron
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lanerd
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10/03/08 07:52pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Installing a Roof Satellite on a HR Endevour
Like our Safari, I would think that your HR would already be wired for the sat antenna. The location of my sat ant placement is described in my owner's manual and the wires are clearly marked and connected to a panel in the overhead entertainment compartment. If this is the case with yours, most of the hard work is already done for you.
Again, as SRT suggested, give HR parts a call. I'm sure they will help you out. If not them, then call Monaco.
Hope this helps
Ron
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lanerd
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10/03/08 09:50am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: What milage can 400hp cat get on 40' mh
Twomed... great idea...unfortunately, my RR4R 4-air bag chassis doesn't have that feature :(. I guess I could put down one jack to raise the side I'm filling. I do try to pick and choose the pump to fill from depending upon if the concrete slab is level or not. With either side fuel filling capability, I can usually figure this out pulling in... but if the station is busy, I take what I can get.
Ron
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lanerd
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10/02/08 05:42pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Picking up new TT--things to ask/look for?
Great answers above.
The best advice I can give you is to "TAKE YOUR TIME ON THE PDI". Some dealers will try to rush you through the process and this will cause you memory problems later on as you'll not be able to remember all that was said or shown to you. If you can't take video/pictures....then by all means take lots of notes. Make sure both of you are present and asking all the questions you can think of. Have them go through the entire motions of each and every item on the unit. Understand how the electrical system works, especially the fridge, microwave, AC, furnace and television. Inspect the holding tank's gate valves, drain hoses/fittings, and procedure to empty each.
Above all understand the weights and weight limits of the trailer and your tow vehicle and how they interact with one another. Know about sway control and weight distribution. It would be best if you immediately went to the scales and weigh both the tow vehicle and trailer.
Now.... go have fun and welcome to the wonderful world of rv'ing.
Ron
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lanerd
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09/25/08 09:52am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Anyone Else Packing the Clothes Yet?
Well, we are the opposite of you snowbirds as we like to call ourselves sunbirds. We live in the Sou Cal desert and head for the north during the summer and come home during the winter. We are now just about at the end of our 4 month, 8000 mile Alaskan Adventure....and what an adventure it has been. However, it will be nice to get home to our king size bed and large shower....and no more dumping every few days.
Hope you enjoy your winter in FLA.
Ron
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lanerd
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09/24/08 04:46pm |
Snowbirds
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RE: On The Road To Alaska
Nascarcruzin,
Why not have a rally IN Alaska?
Everyone, fall is lovely here. Today we drove from Cooper Landing to Anchorage for some service on the RV. It was a beautiful drive. The the golds, greens and reds were so vivid in contrast to the snow on the tops of the mountains and patch fog. I didn't want the drive to end,but we soon found ourselves in Anchorage. WE are taking some down time in Anchorage for shopping for the upcoming winter at Cooper Landing.
Who is coming back next year?
I think a get together in AK would be a great idea! We had so much fun this summer that we have been thinking very seriously about going back next year. However, we spent almost double more than the budget I had set up for this trip, and if the economic situation doesn't lessen next year, we might stick around home instead. Not only fuel prices, but the cost of living in Canada and Alaska is much higher than the rest of the lower 48. The only thing we found cheaper up there were the rv park prices.....most of those were on par with those down here or maybe even a little cheaper. Food, fuel, and miscellaneous spending is difficult to contend with.
Fullmoon... where are you getting your rv work done in Anchorage? I can recommend "Karens RV" whole heartedly as she did some excellent work on our Simba this summer and was able to squeeze us in her cramped schedule due to our limited time in town. She even did all of our warranty work with a smile. We first went to the rv dealer on 5th st (ave?) and he not only would NOT fit us in, was also not very nice about it....but did recommend Karen to us.
We are now in Boise, heading for SLC before going back home. Been a fantastic trip!!!
Ron
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lanerd
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09/22/08 10:59am |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: RV Washing?
Well, while I agree with those who say most rv parks won't allow rv washing, I have found that those (more upscale) parks that have either concrete or asphalt parking spaces DO allow rv washing and those are the parks that you will find the larger, more expensive motorhomes that whose owners would probably be more wanting to use the service you're inquiring about.
However, I think that a pressure washer would NOT be the type of equipment I would want to be used on mine. Most of the "portable" rv wash companies use a vehicle that has its own pressurized water tank and use soft bristle brushes to actually wash with.
A charge of a couple of bucks per each foot of rv length is usually the going rate. Contact the parks in your area and see if they will allow rv washing on site and if you can use their water or if you have to bring your own. They might even post your phone number on their info sheets for their customers.
I have a cousin in Tucson who does this for a living...and a very good living I might add. He even does waxing and detailing (inside and out) and has a crew of four that can go through a 40 footer in two hours. Of course he charges a little more for waxing and detailing...but still very reasonable.
Good luck
Ron
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lanerd
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09/22/08 10:41am |
Workamping Forum
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RE: What milage can 400hp cat get on 40' mh
Because of the design of the fuel tanks on most DP's, you can't get an average mpg from one tank to another. At any given fill-up, depending on coach angle, these tanks can be off by 5-10 gallons. Any good mileage estimate needs to be made over several fill-ups.
I find what Don says absolutely true. For the past four and half months we made the trip from Southern California up to and around Alaska and back and my mileage varied with each fillup. I finally discovered that I wasn't always filling the tank completely full even though I filled until fuel dripped from the inlet. Turns out, if the coach is on a slight slant towards you, the tank will trap air and no matter how you try to put more fuel in, you can't. Our individual fill ups varied from a low of 6.1 to a high of 11.3.
So, I started figuring my mileage for the overall trip, rather than individual tank fills. In any case, with our C7 Cat (330hp) and our 26000 lb coach pulling a 3500 lb toad, we average right around 8.5 mpg.
Hope this helps
Ron
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lanerd
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09/21/08 11:00pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Do you use your washing/dryer machine?
We use our 2100 about every other day (for one load) and I figure on this past four month long Alaska trip, we saved over 200 bucks in laundry machine costs alone....maybe more. I can remember in our TT that we had to spend half a day at least once a week at a laundry. Most of the laundry mats were dirty and typically had people who weren't all that clean either hanging around....hated that.
Yep... great invention.
Ron
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lanerd
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09/21/08 10:04pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Question about Battery Caps
As with the two previous answers... I did the same with my four units. Loosen the nuts and move the cables so the caps can come off then re-tightened. Took me about five minutes to free up all the caps. Your dealer must not have wanted to do the work. IF for some reason you can't move the cables sufficiently enough to enable you to remove the caps, then have longer cables made so that you can. Just about any automotive parts store can make 'em.
good luck
Ron
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lanerd
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09/20/08 10:47pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Outdoor Resorts and Signature Resorts
Monaco owns the LV and the Indio resorts. Others like the Florence Oregon resort (which we just stayed in last week) is owned by (I believe) Country Coach). I'm not sure how many others Country Coach owns, but again I believe it is quite a few. When we stayed at the LV resort, a very large Monaco service/sales facility was only a couple of blocks away and would come to the resort to do any servicing on a Monaco (or subs) right at their site. Also, only Class A coaches of over a certain length were allowed in the park. While at Florence, they allow Class C coaches of any length to join the Class A's.
Can't help you with the Signature resorts....
Ron
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lanerd
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09/20/08 10:28pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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Using clothes washer/dryer while on the road???
DW and I are having a difference of opinion on this issue. If you fill the fresh tank with water, have an empty gray tank, run the generator for power, turn on the water pump.....is there any other reason that would prevent someone from washing clothes while traveling down the road????
Ron
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lanerd
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09/19/08 10:44pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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