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RE: Poor quality construction
Why were they the cheapest? Because they built homes like they build RV's. I'm talking about sticks and staples, and joints that were 1 inch gapped. Yeah, I know, production and speed rules. But these were houses in tornado alley, folks. And the exterior trim was all stapled together, and then the depressions were caulked over with cheap water-based caulk, which would shrink to nothing within a year.
Hmmm. Now that I think about it....isn't it the Amish that can build a barn for their neighbors in a day or two? Isn't that what their building skills are famous for???:h
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Vulcaneer
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05/19/12 11:37am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Poor quality construction
People keep saying this, and I don't understand why they don't realize that RV manufacturing does not lend itself to the mass-production methods necessary to attract the foreign manufacturers. Snip...
Very true. The low production rates of RVs relative to most automobiles does not lend themselves to the production techniques of most automobiles. Automobiles that are built at the production rates of RVs (and few exhibit quality comparable Honda and Toyota) are expensive relative to mass produced ones.
I wonder if the folks at Caterpillar Tractor ever thought this way too. Seems they are now in the minority of heavy off road equipment. How 'bout the small aircraft industry. Or the shipbuilding industry. Never say never. The thing that keeps the foreigners away, is low total industry value. If the industry value is high enough they will come after it. That is why they are in ship building, off road equipment, private aircraft, etc. So the low cost (combined with low volume)of the RV industry is what is keeping the foreigners out of it. So the low pricing, is to the advantage of the USA builders. The foreigners can compete if they want. But why would they. There are better opportunities for them.
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Vulcaneer
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05/19/12 07:45am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: fire extinguisher - fact or myth?
Also, squirting a little soapy water on kids will not injure them, will tend to make them smell better!!!
That's reason enough....right there.:W
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Vulcaneer
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05/19/12 07:14am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Update...Never too experienced to not be stupid
OK...so we're getting ready to go away over the weekend. Get the trailer ready. No Power... NOTHING...Dead battery...and then some.
Come to find out. when I installed the battery incorrectly, it blew 40A fuses in the separate sub-converter. So the battery eventually ran down from not charging for a month or so. The manual did address the problem. With very good explanation. But then the problem was to find the separate sub-converter. Traced wires and found it...after a while. Switched out the 40A fuses and back to charging the battery again...Life is good.
The converter manufacturer is "World Friendly llc". According to the manufacturer, they install fuses to protect all circuits against installing the battery with reversed polarity. So I guess there are other dopes out there like me. And I am not the first. Two 40 Amp fuses. Bought a box of 5 for $2.49 at NAPA.
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Vulcaneer
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05/18/12 06:49pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: I have 5 1/2 inch btwn top of bed and trailer
my next adjustment will put me at 6 1/4 above the bed,and about 1 inch high in the front.Im thinking this will be my best bet.
I would go up one more adjustment to get 6 1/4". An inch high in front is no big deal. But hitting your bed rails is.
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Vulcaneer
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05/12/12 03:49pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: How long for poop to break down?
Funny...I often think of many weird and off the wall things. But this has never been one of them. Kind of like money...once it leaves my possession, I just don't think of it any further.
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Vulcaneer
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05/11/12 03:17pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: 4 Point Level Up
My unit is the electric jack four point. But the manufacturer added the JT Strongarms to the system. Solid as a rock. I like it.
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Vulcaneer
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05/11/12 03:00pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Buy local or drive 9 hours?
Oh...they all have "Nationwide Service". And Nationwide warranty service too. Some dealers will provide warranty service, regardless of not selling the unit. But nothing says they need to. That would be their decision. And manufacturers will not usually force the issue. So some dealers refuse non-sales warranty service. And remember the RV business is a lot less volume centric than the automobile business. So there is much less incentive/motivation for them to provide free service to their non-purchasing clients.
You want to pay for the service? You can get it worked on "Nation Wide."
By the way, Manufacturers typically pay a lot less for repairs than the paying customer. And in some cases, they don't actually get paid at all. But the allowable and agreed authorized service amount is credited to the dealer and comes off their bill on future purchases from the manufacturer.
I agree it would be nice if RV dealers did do it. But it would also be nice if they could be depended upon to do good reliable repair work, too.
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Vulcaneer
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05/04/12 02:49pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Slip Plate,Pullrite Superglide
GPS...While I do agree with you, these are likely the smaller sub-issues. And the lack of conversion kits is why I said, "They may not offer a conversion kit. But I'll bet you can buy the parts."
More than likely the liability/warranty issues are the bigger thing for them. Especially considering non-employee installations.
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Vulcaneer
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05/04/12 02:26pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Buy local or drive 9 hours?
If dealers don't abide by territories then manufacture, must provide you service in the place you desire. Lots of case law to back ths up! Good luck I would be interested in any case law you came across. Cobalt Boats out of Kansas is one of those manufacturers that practice territory rules. You can't buy from other than your local Dealer, and if you are out of town and need service, the selling dealer has first writ of refusal and can demand the vehicle be brought back to the home Dealer for service. Needless to say - I won't own a Cobalt.
I also would not believe there is case law that applies to RV's. As explained to me by both dealers and more than one RV manufacturer, the dealers are independent businesses from the manufacturer. And as such dealers can make autonomous decisions relating to services they offer to their client base. And manufacturers may encourage them to provide warranty service. But cannot force them to provide that service to non-purchasing customers.
But more than that, based on my dealership experience, I would rather do most the work myself to make sure the job is done right. The only exceptions would be highly technical jobs or those requiring specialized equipment.
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Vulcaneer
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05/04/12 08:11am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Slip Plate,Pullrite Superglide
I have to ask myself if that's really the case, then why wouldn't they offer a conversion package? Doesn't make sense. Not that I don't believe you btw. Does the Delrin help with the noises and clunking at all?
When I left the project, they fully intended to offer a conversion package. At least that was the plan, at that time.
But if you think about it from the manufacturers perspective, then their decision does make some sense.
While I cannot definitively answer your question, I suspect the attorneys might have thought about liability issues of having consumers handle the install. And also the warranty issues involved....especially since Pull-Rite offers a 5 year warranty.
Then the cost of the package and the addition of heavy shipping costs. The package contents would likely include the carrier arm (30#), Delrin pieces, stop screw, and guide rails (15#).
And then there are the internal issues of creating new part numbers for the different conversion sets across model lines and model revisions. As well as inventorying the parts, for the parts sets. Then balancing those issues with the thought... "at about $300 per set (my guess) ...and $75 average shipping costs, How many customers are really likely to buy these?"
"And if they really want this model, we can sell new models instead of the conversion."
At least if I was running the business, those might be some of my thoughts on offering the conversion kit.
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Vulcaneer
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05/04/12 07:54am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Mattress Lift Gas Springs - Upgrading Problems
1X4X36 prop, hinged at top. Similar to the broomstick design. Cheap, strong, functional, quick, reliable, won't slip out of position, always there when you need it, no looking for it, no stress on particle board bed frame.
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Vulcaneer
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05/03/12 01:47pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Help with narrowing brands down - Modern Interiors
Take a look at Open Range models. The interior is designed by the wife of the owner. Form follows function. And the layout shows that she know what she is doing. And also that she has good taste in decorating.
Video Tour. Click here
It was the interior design that sold my wife. And the outside graphics were simple, and under-stated. As you can see in my signature block. Sometimes less is more.
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Vulcaneer
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05/03/12 01:23pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Buy local or drive 9 hours?
A couple of things to think about. You got a trade? If yes, then towing that adds to the cost of the trip. And then getting moved from old to the new one will take a good solid day of work. If no trade, then will you have what you need to use the new trailer for a few days? Or be sure to take some sheets, towels, and miscellaneous stuff, etc. with you. Groceries you can buy there.
You a handy type of guy? If you can fix most things, you won't be needing you warranty for much. Only for real difficult tasks. But don't expect warranty service from anyone other than the selling dealer. You could get lucky...just don't plan on it.
Finally....IMPORTANT...make sure you are comparing apples and apples. READ FURTHER!!!! We looked at two identical models. One was 6 months newer build date than the other. At the time we did NOT know that. But both the same model year. On two different dealer lots. Prices MSRP were $4700 different. We finally figured out that the newer version had several important standard feature updates. The manufacturer made these changes mid year. And the list price had to reflect the difference. Auto leveling, newer design interior, more cupboards and cabinets, more wood doors, better slam latches for storage doors, and other stuff that I cannot remember now. The Auto leveling alone, made up a $3500 cost difference.
We did buy the much more expensive (and later manufactured) unit. But the point is not all identical year models are really identical.
While we do live in New Hampshire, we bought our trailer in Florida. About 1600 miles away. I have had some quality issues. But nothing that I could not troubleshoot and fix myself. Some were fairly significant. But I would still rather repair myself than have a dealer repair under warranty. So my trailer has no warranty claims to date. Even though it has a two year warranty. So buying local for warranty protection is over-rated. Unless you need to depend on a dealer for warranty service and expertise.
Good luck.
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Vulcaneer
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05/03/12 01:06pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Slip Plate,Pullrite Superglide
They may not offer a conversion kit. But I'll bet you can buy the parts. For the 18K model hitch, you need 2 of the hub surrounding Delrin slide blocks, top and bottom Delrin flange plates. And a new design carrier arm...that the Delrin parts will fit in to. And the new design adjustable stop block, and nut. The guide rails can be used. Although, the new design, uses slightly different guide rails, (with out the stop block slots). But rails with the slots will work just fine.
The slide blocks are symmetrical/identical, as are the top and bottom plates. So you order two of each item.
The Delrin parts will not fit into the previous (before Nov 2009) model Carrier Arm. This is why you need the new design Carrier Arm.
I would imagine the Carrier Arm would be $150-$200 or so. And probably the 4 Delrin parts would be less than $25.00 each. The adjustable stop block would be $25 or less. So for about $300 plus shipping, you could have your conversion to the Delrin slide up date.
Installing the new Carrier Arm is not all that difficult, if you have basic tools...and a good torque wrench. You basically remove the hitch head. Then the stop block adjusting bolt. Then the tilt yoke and leaf spring. Then unbolt the slide rails. Drop out the sliding stop block and discard it. Slide the rails to the back of the hitch...or remove them completely if you prefer. Then lift out the old Carrier arm, and discard it. Remove the cam roller assembly, and install on the new Carrier Arm. Install the Delrin inserts around the hub and on the inside of the top and bottom flanges on the new Carrier Arm. Then slide the Guide rails thru the Carrier arm flange slots, and bolt them into place to the torque spec. Install the tilt yoke and spring. Then the hitch head. Install and adjust the new stop block. The whole assembly is Simple enough. Common sense really. Nothing too technical. Takes about an hour. But does require some strength.
I am not a Pull-Rite employee. But I do have in-depth knowledge related to the 18K modelPull-Rite post Nov 2009 Delrin slide model engineering, design, and prototype long term field testing. I can personally vouch for its advantages/benefits over the metal on metal slide "Slip Plate" version. The spec for WD40, is more for guide rail rust prevention than Delrin slide lubrication. But it does help the Delrin slightly.
I cannot speak with authority for any other Pull-Rite model that uses Delrin slide pads. Since I had no involvement beyond the 18K model. But I'll bet other models are functionally similar. Just different part numbers.
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Vulcaneer
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05/03/12 12:27pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Quality of Open Range 5th wheels
Feature wise it is very nice. Lost of great features, you don't always see in this price range. Nice designs and interior designs. OK materials used. Good insulation. Quality of build is ONLY average. No worse...No better than any others. Good customer service.
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Vulcaneer
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04/23/12 09:29am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: changing an axle
When I do something like that, I ONLY use wood cribbing. Never jacks or jack stands. And especially not Harbor Freight or any Chinese or cheap jack stands. For the same reason you should never use cement blocks.
Wood cribbing spreads the load and has a much less failure rate. When your crawling around under a heavy weight...you don't want a failure of the support system.
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Vulcaneer
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04/12/12 07:30am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: 1000W Generator $299
the manual stated that the product is "licensed by" Hyundai corporation, so its not likely hyundai that made the generator.
So it is made by Sum Yung Guy in China. I personally think, this type of private labeling is a mis-representation of the product. And shouldn't be allowed. Unless the named company does in depth quality checks periodically, to ensure the product quality meets the named company's quality standards.
But usually a "licensed by" claim is nothing more than a royalty paid for the use of a famous or well respected name. The product has no relationship to the named company on the product.
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Vulcaneer
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04/12/12 07:15am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Changing your rear-end...gears!
USMA Dad, That is really poor fuel mileage. My 50,000 mile 4X4 with 4.30 RAR gets 7.5 towing 14,000 pounds. Just makes me wonder if their could be something wrong with your truck?
When not towing I only get 13 MPG Highway.
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Vulcaneer
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04/10/12 08:36am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Changing your rear-end...gears!
The downside is throwing 1400 to 2000 dollars at making the change for a 4X4. And hoping to recoup maybe half to two miles per gallon. At the price of fuel, it will take you years to make your money back.
If the price of fuel is killing you, consider trading your truck to a better vehicle for fuel economy. That will cost you much more than changing the gears out. So if you keep your truck, and change out the gears, it will cost you less than trading it.
Or you could just SUCK IT UP and live with what you got. Or then, if you can't really live with what you got, then just sell it. And get out of camping altogether. Buy a Prius.
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Vulcaneer
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04/09/12 06:28pm |
Tow Vehicles
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