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RE: HOW do you do it?
We go to the lower Colorado River near Blythe all summer long to camp & jet ski. For us, anything under 100 degrees is TOO COOL for River camping! See, when at the river, I WANT to be wet; swimming, jet skiing, boating...if it's not triple digits, it's not as fun/comfortable to be in the water all day. AFAIC, 105-110 is perfect. Hotter than that really doesn't make much of a difference; 115 doesn't feel any different than 110.
We use misters on the RV awning, run the A/C 24/7, set up an EZ-up at the edge of (or even slightly in) the water. And we drink plenty of beverages and play in the water!
Several years ago, we were there when it actually hit 127 degrees! THAT was hot, but we just moved the EZ-up fully into the water and stayed wet the whole time!
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4x4van
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05/02/12 02:08pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Pulling a small utility trailer
I negotiated side door. On Mirage it is stock on right side. I asked if it could be on left side. They did it free. Saves getting in on wrong side of bike.
???? Strange, I've been riding bikes for over 40 years, and never realized that there WAS a "wrong" side????
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4x4van
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05/02/12 01:56pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: RMP/ZEP The final word :)
In a previous thread, someone mentioned that the only way to get rid of the oxidation and restore the original finish was to sand, rubbing compound, and polishing. Everyone jumped all over his case. Stated he was not qualified to comment, as he had never used it. The claim was "why go to all that work?".
On the contrary...nearly every post (as well as the "instructions" posted here), have made it very clear that the prep work is key, and that shouldn't be short-cutted. My RV is tan, with dark graphics on the lower third. The oxidation was horrible. The prep was alot of work, a full 8 hours, scrubbing the entire RV with BKF and a 3M scrubbie, 1 square foot at a time, but it did in fact remove all of the oxidation; without sanding, rubbing compound or polishing. And I will also say this: While it wasn't "easy", it was still "easier" than any other waxing/polishing/buffing that I had tried over the previous 10 years of ownership, none of which accomplished anything other than lightening my wallet.
Is RMP "easy"? Yes. Is the prep required easy? No, and if you thought it was, then you were reading only what you wanted to read and skipping over the rest.
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4x4van
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04/27/12 02:37pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Road Pirates
Wow, some of the paranoia in this thread (as well as the OP) amazes me (crackheads stealing everything in sight?). In the last 5 pages of posts, there are a number of incidents, mostly minor, that have occurred while RVing. However, how many of us could relate any similar incidents occurring when we WEREN'T RVing? And many of those incidents had nothing to do with the RV, but rather where they were. An RV doesn't necessarily make anyone "stand out" any more than a nice expensive car, or nice clothes, or any number of things. Being aware of your surroundings is what you need to be, regardless of where you are or what you're driving.
I've been RVing for 27 years myself, and with my parents my entire childhood prior to that. Can count on one hand the number of times anything like that has happened, and they really weren't because of the RV. On the other hand, I can also count a similar number of times where something has happened when I was in my car, or in LA, or...
My point is that being in an RV does not make you a target. "Looking like an easy mark" is what makes you a target for crime. Relax, pay attention, and just go camping!
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4x4van
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04/14/12 06:17pm |
Beginning RVing
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RE: Shiny RV with Red Max Pro (pics)
One wipe of this stuff took off the difference in tints immediately so I know it is removing what is left of the finish. I will try to put a bit of new finish on the other side before I strip it all and see if I can tell if the difference in tint is immediate or occurred over time. That will be an interesting test.
Yes, definitely keep us in the loop. I'm happy to hear that the stripper works well. Now I'm curious as to whether the tint is immediate or occurs over time.
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4x4van
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03/17/12 01:14pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Shiny RV with Red Max Pro (pics)
EMD360, interesting. I wonder if the "yellowing" has occurred over time, or if it was actually there immediately when you first applied the Red Max and you only noticed it now because you removed some, and therefore had the two right next to each other for comparison? I wonder what would happen if you tried adding some Red Max back on your "stripped" area first; maybe it would blend in color-wise? That would tell you if it was yellowing over time or if it was just changing the tint in the first place. Might be worth a try prior to stripping the whole coach, just to make sure of what you're dealing with.
I know that the "tint" of my tan MH was definitely changed when I applied the Red Max. It doesn't "seem" to have changed any further over time. One year is coming up on mine, and although I don't notice any "yellowing" (other than the initial "darkening" when first applied), my coach is tan, so it likely wouldn't be very noticeable anyway. I gave it a touch-up coat at around 8 months as it was not quite as shiny as it started out; it still shines like new at this point in time.
Let us know how the stripper works out for you; I'm sure alot of us are curious about it.
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4x4van
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03/16/12 12:26pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Changing Generator To Start On Chassis Batteries
On both of my MHs, I changed the generator to start from the chassis battery rather than the house batteries. Much better setup, IMO. If I run my house batteries dead while camping, I can always easily start the generator to charge them up. If it is hooked up to the house batteries, then I must first start the coach, let it run for a bit to charge the house batteries, then finally start the generator. PITA. Although I admit that I seldom run my generator for long periods, so the minor amount of current that it draws while running is not an issue for me.
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4x4van
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03/14/12 02:54pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Trailer Brake
X3 on the fact that no one can tell you what the correct settings are for you. Every rig is different (even rigs that are identical are not identical). Same with the trailer, and the brakes on the trailer. Most brake controllers will give you the same directions on how to set the controller up as CincyGus stated. It's also quite easy to "feel" it going down the road and adjust accordingly, but there is no shortcut for you to just "set it and go".
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4x4van
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03/09/12 09:30am |
Beginning RVing
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RE: New Class C Owner
Amazing to me that so many have no knowledge or desire to do something as basic as change a flat tire. For those of you advocating not even carrying the equipment; what happens when you can't get cell coverage? You don't have to be out in the boonies for that to happen. There are cellular dead spots everywhere.
I assume that you do at least carry a spare, otherwise you're stuck paying whatever the local place decides to charge for a tire, that likely isn't a good match, or a good price.
And as for not having room for the equipment? Seriously? A good 10-12 ton bottle jack is about 8"x8"x12' high, and a good lug wrench takes up no room, likewise a couple of short 2x6's. You can't find the room for that?
What about the time aspect; how long is it going to take for a tow truck to actually show up to change that tire for you? 30 minutes? 2 hours? More? Why would anybody want to wait that long for something as simple as a tire change?
Even selling a vehicle without a spare, jack, and lug wrench should be illegal, IMO, although it is becoming the norm for new cars in order to save weight. Many now come with a can of tire sealant and a small air compressor instead!
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4x4van
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03/03/12 03:04pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: WAXING LESSONS LEARNED
I wonder how many Car Collectors with expensive custom paint jobs would use Red Max Pro 3 on their cars?
Once again, Red Max is not suggested nor recommended for expensive custom paint jobs, nor any finish that is still in good condition. It's for older deteriorated finishes that no longer respond to traditional wax/polish. :R
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4x4van
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02/28/12 04:49pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: $100 for a estimate for body damage
You just don't get it, and I'm not explaining it any further. You expect things for free, I don't. Case closed.Wow, you're right...I don't get it. :H But have a nice day anyway.;)
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4x4van
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02/27/12 07:45pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: $100 for a estimate for body damage
As I said prior, walking through a store browsing products is NOT the same as getting something for free where some type of work is being performed. A store has to be open - whether zero customers are browsing or 100, it creates no extra work for the store if they are simply browsing. They are not expending any extra energy by opening their doors and people coming in and out.But it still costs the business owner money to keep that store open. And it is not costing you a dime. So you ARE getting something for free. Whether or not your presence there affects that is irrelevant; the business owner is still expending money that allows you to browse without paying. And that cost that allows you to browse IS subsidized by those customers who DO buy something.
If you are going to use an example, find something congruent to the situation being discussed. Fine. The minute you ask a store employee a question of any sort (Don't try to tell me you have never spoken to a store employee), that employee is now giving you personal attention that you are not paying for. Simply walking thru a store whose doors are open is not like getting services rendered and as such would not involve a fee. We're arguing semantics here now, as I have already acknowledged (3-4 times) that a fee is justified for a written estimate requiring significant time.
Being charged for estimates in many types of businesses is NOT uncommon.
And I don't dispute that, although in many other types of businesses, it IS uncommon. What I am trying to point out is that the claim of "never expecting anything for free" is untrue at the most basic level. Even you receive things for free from businesses every single day, and you do expect those things. The fact that they may be minor or inconsequential to you or others doesn't change the underlying truth of that statement.
Obviously, I am not able to get my point across, and we are now just beating a dead horse and accomplishing nothing new or productive. You will continue to believe that you get nothing without paying in life, and I will continue to believe that we all get alot out of life for free.
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4x4van
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02/27/12 01:47pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: $100 for a estimate for body damage
If it isn't apples to apples, why bring it up as a comparison statement?
Because of the general mindset being expressed about not “expecting anything for free”.
No, I don't expect anything free. But when I get it, I am always pleasantly surprised,
When you walk into a (insert store of choice here) to browse through their products, I do not believe that you are “pleasantly surprised” that the store is open for that convenience…I believe that you ”expect” it. That is just one example of the things that you, and I, and all others do in fact “expect” for free, every day. It may not be something that you consciously think about, and it obviously is not at the same level as an individualized written work, but it does happen, it is a cost of doing business, and it is in fact subsidized by those who do end up purchasing something. To claim that you never expect or receive any of that is disingenuous at best.
Some are for, paying the cost of a complex estimate and some expect them for free.
Guys, you’ve convinced me that I was wrong with my initial reaction to charging a fee for an estimate. Having dealt only with autobody repairs and not RV body damage, I was a bit unfamiliar with the issue. At least in my area, autobody repair estimates are generally not charged for. However, I have acknowledged that an estimate for RV body damage is likely much more complex and as such likely justifies a fee.
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4x4van
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02/27/12 08:31am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: $100 for a estimate for body damage
Walking through a store and not buying anything is certainly not an apples to apples comparison as someone spending time and effort working up a written estimate for you.
Which is exactly why I said the following: True, lots of apples and oranges being compared here...as well as peaches, nectarines, and bananas. I acknowledge that giving a body damage estimate for an RV is a whole different animal than an auto, which can be done in 15-20 minutes, so perhaps a fee for RV body work estimate is justified.
It is, however, another cost of doing business, of which there are many. Some are billed directly, and others indirectly, and every business owner decides where the line between those two shall be drawn. But every potential customer that walks through the door still costs that business money if they end up not purchasing something. So while we may indeed be comparing apples to oranges, it's all still fruit! :h
Again, we all expect, and receive, certain things for free from businesses every single day. Anyone who disputes that is lying to themselves.:R
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4x4van
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02/26/12 06:55pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: $100 for a estimate for body damage
Walking through a store and not buying anything is certainly not an apples to apples comparison as someone spending time and effort working up a written estimate for you.
Which is exactly why I said the following: True, lots of apples and oranges being compared here...as well as peaches, nectarines, and bananas. I acknowledge that giving a body damage estimate for an RV is a whole different animal than an auto, which can be done in 15-20 minutes, so perhaps a fee for RV body work estimate is justified.
It is, however, another cost of doing business, of which there are many. Some are billed directly, and others indirectly, and every business owner decides where the line between those two shall be drawn. But every potential customer that walks through the door costs that business money if they end up not purchasing something. So while we may indeed be comparing apples to oranges, it's all still fruit! :h
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4x4van
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02/26/12 06:42pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: $100 for a estimate for body damage
True, lots of apples and oranges being compared here...as well as peaches, nectarines, and bananas. I acknowledge that giving a body damage estimate for an RV is a whole different animal than an auto, which can be done in 15-20 minutes, so perhaps a fee for RV body work estimate is justified. And of course any diagnostic mechanical work should be charged for, because there is actual work being performed on the vehicle.
But for those of you who insist that you NEVER expect anything for free, you should get off your high horse, because that's not true. Every time you walk into any business without purchasing something (maybe you're comparison shopping, maybe they don't have the item you're looking for, maybe their price is too high) you are getting something for free. Unless you are paying a "cover charge" for walking in the door (that will be applied if you purchase), you are in fact costing the business owner money.
Everything costs the business owner; salaries (even for those employees who do not actually do any of the work you are requesting, like the receptionist, the janitor, the gardener, etc), utilities, equipment, even the complimentary cup of coffee in the waiting room, etc. All of that is considered part of the cost of operating that business, and is therefore rolled into the cost of every paying customer's bill. And every business has potential customers walk through the door that end up not purchasing. Do you charge every one of them just to talk to them? After all, the cost of that time must now be covered by all of the "paying" customers; how unfair! Now obviously, anything that takes a substancial amount of time/labor should be charged, but where is that line? 10 minutes of customer service is free, but not 11? 15?
My point is that we all expect, and receive, certain things for free from businesses every single day. So for anyone to claim that they don't, well I suggest you open your eyes a bit wider.
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4x4van
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02/26/12 10:57am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: $100 for a estimate for body damage
I guess some forum members agree, that it's expected to pay an honest man for some honest work and some forum members want it for free.
Ooooh, nice "dig", but I stand by my opinion that "most" businesses do not charge for an estimate. Does that mean I want something for free? I suppose in your mind it does. I'm an engineer, and have never charged a client for an estimate of what an engineering job would cost them. If I tried, I'd never get any work. Period. It's not common, and it's not expected in most businesses. In the 35 years I've been driving, I've dealt with my share of body shops and auto repair shops, and have never run across that practice. Maybe the East Coast is different than the West Coast.
I guess some forum members agree, that it's expected to pay an honest man for some honest work and some forum members want it for free.
But I'm curious, since you're so noble, how much did you pay the RV dealer's salesman for the time spent negotiating when you purchased your RV? And I'm going to go out on a limb here and assume that you didn't buy the very first one you looked at, which means you probably wasted more than one dealership's time without buying. As has been said, time is money...and those salesman spend all day long talking to people who, like you, didn't buy the product.
The last time you bought tires for your TV, did you call more than one tire place and get price quotes? I'm sure you paid those tire shops for that, right? After all, it took them time to look up the tires, figure out the mounting & balancing, valve stems, disposal fees, etc. No? Hmmm, I guess that there are at least some things that you want and expect for free as well, aren't there? So which of your 2 categories do you fall into?
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4x4van
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02/25/12 09:36pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: $100 for a estimate for body damage
For an auto body shop, written estimates are part of the overhead of doing business, no different than the receptionist/cashier at the front desk, the rent, or the electric bill. I've never in my life paid for a body work estimate, and would never patronize a shop that wanted to charge me for one. An accurate written estimate, using today's technology, takes less than 15-20 minutes.
Now, I realize that RV body work is a different animal altogether, and likely takes longer. But, if a shop does enough RV body work that the time spent giving estimates is taking up a large part of their workday, then I would think that they should have gotten fairly good at performing those estimates. Meaning they would no longer take hours of research on each one. If, on the other hand, they don't do enough to be that efficient at them, then they aren't likely to be doing so many that it's using up an inordinate amount of labor anyway.
Either way, they should be considered as part of the overhead of doing business, if the shop has decided to "do" body work. If a business can't afford to tell a potential customer what they are likely going to be charged for a job, then that business shouldn't be "doing" that particular job.
The only way I would consider paying for an estimate is if it gave me a "guaranteed price", which by definition, an "estimate" does not.
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4x4van
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02/25/12 04:04pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: $100 for a estimate for body damage
I've never been charged a fee for a quote and probably wouldn't use that repair shop -- I understand the cost issue but every business spends time talking to potential customers and that's just part of doing business.
X 2. I would go elsewhere. Charging a "potential" customer is a good way to loss a customer, IMO. There are certain things that are simply part of doing business, that's one of them. If a business is giving that many estimates that don't result in getting the job, then perhaps they should stop doing that type of work.
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4x4van
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02/24/12 06:20pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Infrared Thermometer with Laser Targeting
I have not bought one of these because the quality on them is dubious.
Waiting for one to appear from a reputable brand at a moderate price, with some specifics on calibration, actual test results on accuracy, etc. before I buy.
I don't believe you can build a really accurate device for $20 over the range they claim.
So in the mean time, for real accurate measurements, I rely on a contact mercury bulb thermometer.
The accuracy and/or calibration is in a sense irrelevant...what you are interested in is a major difference in temps among the tires checked. I don't care if they are all reading 500 degrees according to the unit, as long as they are ALL reading 500, then there is likely not a problem. But if 5 read 500, and the 6th reads 600, then I likely have a problem with that tire, even though the actual numbers are obviously wacked.
These hand held units have been used for a decade or more in the R/C world to quickly check nitro engine temps, where a motor running at 220 degrees will never win a race (too rich), 250 degrees is ideal, and 280 degrees is on the cusp of blowing up. These guys take their "toys" very seriously, and as such take their tools seriously as well.
This is the one I have. Price has come down significantly (I paid $50 5-7 years ago) and Raytek is a brand that has been around a long time.
Even if not exactly accurate or calibrated, they are without a doubt close enough for what the average user needs them for, keeping in mind the limitations referenced above by Normk. And I can check the temps of all 6 of my RV tires and hubs, as well as all 4 trailer tires and hubs, in less than 2 minutes. Which means I am more likely to do it often.
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4x4van
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02/21/12 03:19pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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