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RE: Safety chains on a tow dolly
I had safety chains bolted to the dolly, located at the front on each side. The chains went through the hole in the frame used by the shippers to tie the vehicle down. After threading the chain through the hole, I used a "D" ring to secure it back to the chain. With the straps holding the tire against the front stop and the chains in place, No slack, no movement and easy on/off
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Leeblev
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04/06/12 06:18pm |
Dinghy Towing
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Vehicles in the Antarctic
This topic has been moved to another forum.
You can read it here: 25940061
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Leeblev
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04/02/12 11:31am |
General RVing Issues
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Vehicles in the Antarctic
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s320x320/421555_3465492684317_1481035324_3318570_700381236_n.jpg width=640
Hey, I did it!
This is the vehicle I rode to the Antarctic, escorting oilers and cargo ships to McMurdo and Little America for offloading and transport to the pole.
The ship is the USS Glacier (AGB-4) whose motto is: "Mighty G, follow me"!
I was there when Vivian fuchs drove across the continent in Ford tractors (earning him a knighthood from the Queen). This was 1958. Ford tractors (among many others) were there in 1958.
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Leeblev
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04/02/12 11:31am |
Around the Campfire
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RE: Toyota Hilux conquers the Antartic
This is the vehicle I rode to McMurdo and Little America, escorting cargo and oil tankers to the Antarctic. Cargo offloaded at Little America and transported to the pole. This was when Vivian Fuchs drove across the continent in Ford Tractors!
The ship is the USS Glacier (AGB-4) "Mighty G, follow me"
file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Lee%20Blevins/My%20Documents/My%20Pictures/PictureProject/0001/DSCN0931.JPG
I give up. I ldon't seem to be able to post a photo.
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Leeblev
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04/02/12 11:02am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Firearms???
Getting back to the OPs original question. He was talking about a rifle, not a concealed weapon. There is a huge difference in laws regarding each of those categories.
It boils down to you finding out what the state laws for a loaded firearm are in your motor vehicle. Since the OP stated his handgun was in the trailer and the rifle in the truck, what I suggested he do is determine what constitutes a loaded firearm, not what constitutes a concealed weapon. Big difference.
In CA, you can carry a loaded rifle in unincorporated areas, but NOT in incorporated cities. This law came about because the Black Panthers took legally loaded (at that time) shotguns to the state capital and into the gallery of the Assembly. Boy, did they (State Legislature)quickly pass a law closing that loophole!
So, again I say, check the various states laws as to what constitutes a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle and abide by them and you won't have a bit of trouble.
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Leeblev
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03/29/12 11:38am |
Full-time RVing
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RE: Firearms???
In some states, what you propose may well be considered a loaded firearm. Reason being that the clips and weapon are immediately adjacent to you, therefore it is loaded.
now, before anyone starts screaming, I suggest that you read the laws for having a loaded weapon in a motor vehicle in the states you want to visit. Also read the definition of a loaded firearm. don't take someone's advice on doing it, but read the laws yourself and if need be, ask a LEO in one of the states.
Better to already be legal than to have to find out the hard way that one of our sage advice givers didn't really know. Look up the laws yourself.
I am pertaining to the rifle. If the rifle and handgun was in the trailer and the ammo in the truck, no problem.
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Leeblev
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03/27/12 07:50pm |
Full-time RVing
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RE: TOWING MIRRORS
I would do what bpounds said.
Now that some steam has been blown off, take a closer look.
The cop was trying to get around you with only his emergency lights on. I am not sure about WA,but CA requires emergency lights and sounding the siren as needed to take the right of way. Having said that, it still is your responsibility to adequately look in your rear view mirrors. I know, you finally did, but we don't know how long before you did.
Unless the cop told you he didn't have a siren, how do you know he didn't? Why didn't he use his siren? Could be because he wasn't authorized a code-3 run.
If your mirrors are 102" outside to outside and your rig is 96" wide, that leaves 31/2" of mirror view on each side. I'm not sure that is adequate.
I think I would check with Washington DMV to make sure your mirrors are adequate. (Good luck, I understand your DMV is about as smart as ours!
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Leeblev
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03/19/12 03:52pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: TOWING
Skipnchar is right. It does depend on your needs. I have towed two 5ers (26 and 30')and one trailer (26')
IMHO, the 5er is best because I think it backs easier, is more responsive to turns, is faster to hook/unhook and has less problems trailing in wind. What two hands said is also true: If you set up the hitch correctly, it rides very well. I always liked the fact that the center of gravity between the TV and trailer was over the rear axle, not on the rear bumper area of the TV.
If I were going back to a towed vehicle, it would be a 5er hands down.
Also, remember to have an adequate truck to tow whatever you decide on. Keep the trailer to about 85% of the weight you can have (Gross Combined Vehicle Weight GCVWR)with truck and trailer.
Good luck and happy RVing!
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Leeblev
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03/15/12 03:35pm |
Towing
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RE: Crappy problem
With a family of four and if you have the dump valve closed, I would assume that your tank fills up in a couple of days. As the previous poster said, leaving that dump valve open could contribute to the problem. Never leave the black water dump valve open. As stated previously, fluids will pass through, but solids won't. If you have been using the rig for any length of time with the valve open, you have a problem because you have hard solids in the tank. It will take a lot of cleaning to get them out.
When you do, keep that black valve closed until the tank is pretty full. check your guages to determine that. Otherwise, dump every two days.
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Leeblev
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03/10/12 12:43pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: 50amp Electric Requirements?
I have a 50 amp cord with a 30 amp reducer for the times I need to use 30 amps.
My suggestion is that if you are running the A/C, DON'T run the microwave or any other high amp usage appliance. A lot of rigs only allow one or the other.
What happens if you do use both? What happened to me was it took out the A/C and I had to replace it. Very, very careful about what I use when the A/C is running now.
I don't seek out 50 amp sites, but if I get a 50 amp site, I use 50 amps. I have gotten along quite well using 30 amps.
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Leeblev
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03/05/12 12:53pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: ford says focus can be towed 4 down, demco says no
Let me add my experience. I looked at a Toyota small pickup to be towed 4 down. Was assured repeatedly by sales, mechanic, Service Mgr. that it was ok to tow 4 down.
Went to Camping World to get the towbar and related equipment and when they checked with Remco, found that it could not be towed. They did not want to sell me the equipment, even though I insisted that Toyota said ok.
Went back to the dealer and canceled my order and after they checked with higher ups in Toyota gave me my deposit back with this explanation:
Yes, the pickup can be towed 4 down, BUT YOU MUST STOP AND RUN THE ENGINE FOR 5 MINUTES EVERY 100 MILES!
So, if I were you, I would explore very carefully what the mfgr means when they say it can be towed 4 down.
My thanks to Camp world and Remco for causing me to explore deeper and preventing a serious problem from occurring. I did buy another brand and tow 4 down.
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Leeblev
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03/01/12 11:04am |
Dinghy Towing
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RE: RV Tow Car Shield
WhatI did was install a flap that went entirely across the rear of the coach. I don't mean the grass kind, but the heavy rubber type. I was able to purchase mine from the mfgr. Since installing, I have not had a rock hit and the front of the car does stay cleaner.
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Leeblev
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02/16/12 07:36pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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Speedometer on towed vehicle
I need to know if I need to disconnect my speedometer cable on my new 2011 Ford Ranger when towed. The ignition allows you to turn to ACC that only unlocks the steering, no electrical is activated.
does the speedo still record (digital) when nothing is active?
If so, what do I need to do to prevent this? What do you do?
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Leeblev
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02/16/12 10:37am |
Dinghy Towing
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Where to post
I just found this topic.
Does anyone know a good place where I can post my Roadmaster Tow Dolly that I need to sell? Doesn't seem to fit in RV sales. Would appreciate feedback. Thanks
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Leeblev
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02/16/12 10:33am |
Dinghy Towing
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RE: Loading a tow dolly without help?
We have towed with a dolly for 10 years.
First of all, I put a collapsible wheel just behind the hitch so that I can wheel the dolly around.
I use the backup camera in my coach to back almost to the hitch. I then wheel the dolly a foot or so to the ball and connect. After connecting the safety chains, electric, etc., I drop my ramps, remove the pin and get ready to drive the car onto the ramps. I have located a spot on the rear of the coach that I aim for that places my wheels in the middle of the ramps. Drive up and onto the ramps until they lock in place. I then tie down the car, put on safety chains and electrical hookup, MAKE SURE the parking brake is off, check the lights, and I am off.
I highly recommend putting the wheel on the dolly so I can wheel it by hand. I also put a hitch on the back of my Honda and I use the car to back the dolly into places when it is difficult to move the dolly by hand. Works well.
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Leeblev
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02/16/12 10:29am |
Dinghy Towing
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RE: Poway to Pismo Beach Ca ???
I drove from Escondido home just a couple of weeks ago. When I went down, I drove the 210 to 15. However, I chose to take the 78 to 5 and go through LA on the way back. I was very surprised. Only slowed a few times, primarily in the Norwalk and near the 710. I also got to the grapevine much quicker than the last time I drove up 15 from Escondido, not to mention the distance is 40 miles shorter. Leaving on Sunday shouldn't be a problem in LA.
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Leeblev
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01/30/12 12:52pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: Desert Hot Springs
Desert Hot Springs does have natural mineral hot spring water. Much better than a regular ole swimming pool. I stayed at that park several, several years ago and loved the spa and pool.
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Leeblev
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01/24/12 06:52pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: How often should I change my tires on my travel trailer?
Depends on a lot of things.
The major thing is to look at the DOT number on the tire. If it was manufactured in 06, you may well be about to join your friend in his experience.
As a general rule, tires that are 6 years old are in danger of separating, blowing or otherwise failing. The biggest problem for RV tires is sitting. There is a compound in tires to prevent UV damage, but us RVers tend to keep the rigs parked, and usually in sun. When the wheels are turning, the compound is working, but not when parked. UV will damage those tires.
Most say to replace those tires around the life you have reached, whether you have little or no mileage. Actually, the higher the mileage, the longer the tire will last.
Check threads on tire replacement and you will see what I have been saying.
I didn't replace my original tires until the rig was 7 years old. Guess what? I had a blowout and my tires only had about 15,000 miles. I now pay attention to how old (use the DOT to determine date of mfg) and how long the tires have been on my rig.
If it were me, I would replace BEFORE I have a problem.
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Leeblev
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01/24/12 06:48pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Dolly towing
I suggest that you determine the weight of the car, the distance between the outside of the front tire to the outside of the other front tire, and the weight of the tow dolly. You need the above to determine whether or not your MH will tow the dolly and car and remain within the GCVWR of the coach. The reason for the width measurement is so you know whether the dolly will handle the car.
You will also need brakes on the tow dolly because that car + tow dolly will put you over the weight limit for no brakes.
You will also need some kind of lighting for the towed car. Generally, there are two kinds: An umbilical cord with two lights that usually attach to the trunk by magnets, or pre-wiring a connection to your MH with a diode allowing the lights to work on this setup without taking the car battery down. This is the setup I have and it is much better than the magnet lights. I had them first, and took one trip before discovering scratches on the paint from the cord. Both lighting possibilities are available at Camp World. Unless you are a mechanic familiar with lighting systems, you will have to have the wired system installed.
Good Luck!
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Leeblev
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01/16/12 12:58pm |
Dinghy Towing
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RE: Motor Home vs Car Traveling Expenses
Let me give you my just completed trip from Pinole, CA to Escondido, CA, spending 7 nights at an RV resort. (Not a pleasure trip-my bro. is seriously ill).
1,020 miles @ 11 mpg=93 gal diesel fuel. Fuel @ $3.89 gal=$361.77
7 nights @$68 night =$476
Food est. $60 day = $420
Incidentals (A lot hotter in Escondido than in Pinole, had to buy some clothes)
$50
So,
Fuel: $361.77
RV Park: $476
Food: $420
Incident:$ 50
Total: $1307.77
Now, where I make out is hotel/motel in that area are around $100 night.
Since this is a snowbird destination, RV parks are higher than normal.
I think I did OK
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Leeblev
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01/16/12 12:45pm |
Beginning RVing
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