| |
Subject |
Author |
Date Posted |
Forum
|
 |
RE: How many trips do you average?
Surely this depends on where you are in life. People with kids in school and full time jobs with family to visit on vacations, or illness in the family, just can't get away so long or so often. Our minimum is once a month and that is about all we actually do. Leaving on Saturday morning and returning on Sunday night is what we can get in. Some years we can take one longer trip too. But after we both retire---then we hope to take more longer trips and be out more often.
|
EMD360
|
05/12/12 10:17pm |
General RVing Issues
|
 |
RE: Funeral Edict?
Both midwest and southwest in my experience, funeral processions are usually kept together without interruption but never even heard of stopping on both sides of the road for one. Actually have not seen very many in the Phoenix area in the last 10 years--much less common there I guess. Merging into traffic on a highway ramp would require breaking into a procession as you did. Best to get out ASAP and then pass. That is what I would have done, no offense to the deceased or family intended--and hopefully not taken.
|
EMD360
|
05/12/12 10:05pm |
General RVing Issues
|
|
RE: An East/West comparison for RVers...
It can be very difficult in the West to find both water and dump stations near camping. Our worst experience was at Arches National Park. They say they have water on the campground website but won't let RV's fill up. (No dump station)
They had pressure relief valves so no hose would get water flow even with a water bandit. So we had to drive almost 20 miles back to town and pay for water at a commercial campground, they were pretty nice and only charge $3 so we also bought something at their little storefront. I now have a small water pump so that we can transfer water from a bucket if needed.
I wrote and told NPS to mention that the water cannot be used for RV's on the website and the complaint department blew me off. Of course it is a gorgeous and popular campsite so maybe accurate information does not matter to them.
Once in Tucson we needed water and ended up filling up at a pay station that took quarters! That cost about $5.00 in quarters and we did not get full plus the water pressure was super slow.
|
EMD360
|
05/11/12 08:31am |
General RVing Issues
|
|
RE: 2003 Ford based C, E450/V10
We get between 7.5 and 10 without towing on the 2003 Ford V10 E350. They say you can expect close to the same with the 450 on a longer chassis because they have the same tall blunt profile but not sure how much towing reduces that.
|
EMD360
|
05/10/12 11:33pm |
Class C Motorhomes
|
|
RE: First class C should I increase our budget?
If you are shopping for length, models, features, etc. PPL does a good job of showing floor plans, mileage, and photos. It will give you an idea of what you can get for your budget.
Prices for their sold units are also listed which is a great service I think! Not as much information but if you track these over time you will see the units that sell.
I also like craigslist in high sales areas like phoenix where there is always SOMETHING for sale. Since you are closer to Canada, you might find a used Triple E which seem to be in the same ballpark as Born Free I think. Also sales on ebay have a ton of photos to compare number of sleeping spaces, kitchens, seating, etc. You want to travel a long way each year so gas prices might lead you to consider one of the smaller diesels that seem to be in your price range for the older 2007 models; View, Vista, and Navions.
|
EMD360
|
05/10/12 11:29pm |
Class C Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Total Rebuild of a 1979 Dodge Class C
Getting close to doing more camping than posting? You definitely should have a great time with the family out camping in that beauty. SO much fun to get out in the RV and worth every tarp and snow storm you've been through getting it to this stage. At least for us! :-) Thanks for a GREAT story to follow the past couple of years...
|
EMD360
|
05/10/12 10:38pm |
Class C Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Phoenix, AZ RV Rally
My suggestion for the smiles numbers would be to publish winning numbers on the Rally site and post the URL with the numbers.
Might eliminate crowding at the prize posting. No copying down numbers and easy to transfer to a spreadsheet if they have a return between each one, just copy and paste into the first cell and they automatically fill in. Someone typed them anyway, might as well type them into the website.
Did the name, address, and phone number even matter? I saw some folks using stickers with their info. That would have been easier but just skipping the info would be fine with me.
Prizes make people feel happy, the givers, the receivers and even the onlookers! Didn't win anything but the prizes at all the events were really nice and worth participating for.
I'm planning to go to the June rally too. My first in Phoenix was really fun!
|
EMD360
|
05/07/12 02:21pm |
Rallies, Shows and Gatherings
|
|
RE: How do you choose destination?
Arizona is great for all types of RVing. We typically use the national forest maps looking for trails in the wilderness and roads that are not too rough to get us to the trailhead. But we don't always go out to the wilderness areas.
This last weekend we visited the Pima Air and Space Museum, an impressive collection, then drove a short jaunt over to the East Saguaro National Park and visited the beautiful visitor center.
We had not planned to stop at Colossal Cave Pima County park, had not even heard of it. But when we passed the sign, we looked it up on the Internet (Verizon mifi) and it was perfect for the night. There were few campers. It was the first park we visited that locked the gates from 5-8 though. We had no intention of leaving overnight so it did not bother us. We counted only 3 other campers that night and we were all at least 1/4 mile away from each other. We noticed signs for the Arizona Trail so I pulled out the Arizona Trail guidebook from a collection we have in the RV and read a description of the segment.
The one interesting thing was that the staff and the signage were very conservative about turning radius for RV's. There was a pretty good asphalt road all the way to a large camping area and we were cautioned that we could not turn around if we went down the road! We camped in a nice spot just before the sign that said do not enter if more than 20' in length and walked down the rest of the road thinking it was a pretty good road and there were several turn offs. Then there was a sign on the road up to the Cave that said stop and turn around if you are over 30'. But when we got up to the parking area, there was BUS parking! There were several tour buses parked up there so any RV could easily have made it to the parking lot and turned around. Thought that was odd.
The next day we visited Sabino Canyon for a good hike and then came home. We had planned to go up into the Santa Catalina mountain national scenic area for our overnight but we had already camped there once. We could do something like this in Arizona every weekend for several years and never visit the same place twice I bet!
|
EMD360
|
05/07/12 08:56am |
General RVing Issues
|
|
RE: What to use for outside storage on a Class c
Our solution was a Harbor Freight aluminum carrier that was about $70 on sale a couple of years ago on Black Friday.
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac316/EMD360/PICT1373.jpg width=600
The storage box is a Black and Decker from Home Depot that cost about $60. The lock was very flimsy and one of the keys actually broke in it but the latches seem to work fine. The box is bolted through the bottom to the carrier which has a locking hitch pin.
The top of the box is a convenient heigh to use for the solar panel.
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac316/EMD360/Good%20Sam%20Rally%203-12%20Phoenix/file-2.jpg width=600
We also put the Weber 100 (baby Q) grill on the back when we don't feel like setting up the whole outdoor kitchen.
We've put firewood in it, extra chairs, that solar panel and store stuff at the campsite temporarily that actually "goes" someplace else in it. Not too heavy and a useful addition for extra storage in our small rig.
|
EMD360
|
05/07/12 07:35am |
Class C Motorhomes
|
|
RE: OMG, otc medicine's out of date....
I believe in having a first aid kit but the supplies inside can be decades old. I actually have more than one kit, one for the hiking pack, one for the medicine chest, one in the car. Really if we need emergency supplies they are just that, for an emergency--they are wrapped, right? I don't pay attention to expiration dates. Yeah, I know, may not be the best practice, but I don't notice a change in the potency of stuff like aspirin. Day to day meds just come with as we pack other toiletries. In the kits are the common stuff, pain meds, allergy meds, Tums, antibiotics, gauze wrap, gauze pads, and band aids. Also tweezers, nail clippers, and small scissors are in each kit. If I had to guess I'd say the most replaced items are bandaids and antibiotic cream--we must cut ourselves a lot.
|
EMD360
|
05/03/12 11:29pm |
General RVing Issues
|
|
RE: Transporting a Baby Q
We store the Q inside the class c. It fits in the dinette with the lid off or in the shower with it on. The lid is easy to take on and off, just remove the cotter pins. I keep them in a small plastic zip lock--one of those craft ones for separating screws and bolts. The Awesome spray-on grill cleaner from Big Lots works on it like a charm so we keep it clean after use. We put aluminum foil in the tray and just throw that away each time we use it.
I agree that the unit is bulky and heavy and I miss that the lid can't be clamped shut like our first one, but the searing ability of the Q is really good because of the cast iron griddle. It seems to be correctly balanced between burners and inside space so that it cooks evenly. The best non-charcoal grill we have ever used by a long shot.
|
EMD360
|
04/27/12 11:18pm |
General RVing Issues
|
|
RE: Portable Propane Tank
I really like the 10 lb fiberglass tank. Had it filled once over a year ago and still have about 4" in the tank. We use it almost every time we camp.
I bought ours http://www.garden.com/item/10lb-lite-propane-cylinder/G25926/ here. Amazon has them now too.
http://www.garden.com/images/prodimages/46847.jpg width=200
We have a small RV but this tank fits under the bathroom sink. Know there are issues with carrying one inside but they have not seemed threatening enough to transfer it outside. It fits perfectly and is easy to get in and out to hook up to the grill.
|
EMD360
|
04/25/12 10:14pm |
General RVing Issues
|
|
RE: ODB 2 scanner
I like the ScanGauge too and just want to mention that it can also be used in any car with the port, just unplug from the RV and move it. Made by a small US company in Mesa, AZ too.
|
EMD360
|
04/25/12 06:08pm |
Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)
|
|
RE: New Oxygenics Shower Head
Ours bounces out of the existing holder but decided to just leave it on the shower floor when traveling. Maybe it will break from this eventually but for now we mostly have remembered to put it on the floor during travel.
|
EMD360
|
04/23/12 09:08pm |
Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)
|
|
RE: Tear out problems
That Class A sounds like the way to go. More storage space both inside and out. You might be able to reverse taking out some stuff yourself if necessary.
You don't say what you needed the room for but I often think if we were to full time, we might like a toy hauler RV. I like the idea of all that open space to modify. I saw one on youtube that was a full time home for a family that had created a big closet and office in the rear part. Very nice for a full time work situation on the road. I think you could do that in a back bedroom if you make your sleeping arrangements in the front of the RV. Even if there is a fresh water tank under the bed, you could just build a box over it. Well, good luck with your "find".
|
EMD360
|
04/16/12 08:32am |
Class C Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Out Campin'
We are on Cherry Creek Rd. Just north of the Roosevelt Lake Diversion Dam. Just parked off the side of the road as these forest roads look a bit too rough for our rig. But it is really nice here, not much traffic going by--5-6 cars. Amazing how you can find a place just about anywhere in AZ. Thought we were going to stay at Sierra Ancha's south end but could not get a spot there. We went up to the snow but it was way too cold to stop. So we came back down towards the lake. Nice spot. One more hike and then we head for home. I'm sitting outside by the morning campfire and temperature is perfect. We are so blessed.
|
EMD360
|
04/15/12 10:55am |
Class C Motorhomes
|
|
Out Campin'
Don't you just love it when you are out on in the wilderness with all the comforts of home? Here we are close to the Salt River Wilderness and it is pretty cold and windy but we are snug and warm. The new Verizon 4G jetpack is great. We have 3G service and we can both be on the internet at once. Just had a beautiful hike scrambling over some large rocky outcrops and up to a high meadow. One other tent camper in our "neighborhood". We had graupel this afternoon, hard snow, sort of like hail but white. Really cool stuff. I should start a campfire and get out the grill. Happy camping to all.
|
EMD360
|
04/14/12 05:48pm |
Class C Motorhomes
|
|
RE: What are the best family RV's?
Oh and we do have 4 seatbelts in the back. The kids were in their carseats with the dinette table down (needed more space for the seats) when they road with us in the RV. You can add extra seatbelts because they are just bolted through the bottom of the RV floor but you need to buy extra long ones or extensions. There are no shoulder belts though and I'm not sure how you would add those.
|
EMD360
|
04/13/12 11:09am |
Class C Motorhomes
|
|
RE: What are the best family RV's?
I think an older C will get you started relatively quickly. If you go for a 24-28 foot model you will get the bed in the back or side, the cabover bed (don't get the entertainment center if you want maximum sleeping room), and the dinette and/or couch for the kids to sleep on. You can make the dinette into a big crib/playpen by fencing it off, we did it for our grandson.
With a 24 foot model you don't have to worry about pulling a car at least not at first. Most tourist spots will allow for a parking spot for a vehicle the size of a small C--the 24' model does not even take more than one space if there is room to hang over. There are good used C's on the market and for less than $20,000. (Early 2000 Fords) I thought about a trailer but buying a tow vehicle AND a trailer can be just as expensive as a C and you can't have on the road access to the back. The bunk trailers that fit kids are more expensive too. But you have the vehicle to get around in if the size of the C would bother you. We find we take the C when we have more passengers that can fit in the cars we have and really enjoy using it for little trips. You will take it to ballgames, museums, etc. around home although the gas is getting pretty expensive for that kind of thing if that is a concern of yours.
We have a hybrid and they can't be towed, even on a dolly, they have to be on a trailer. A pain and not worth figuring out. If you want to camp with an RV, go ahead and start shopping. If you find one that will work for you at the right price--go for it.
Shop at PPL, at ebay, and on craigslist both at home and in the RV hotspots, like Arizona, Florida, and Texas. Scour over ALL the photos and make a spreadsheet on your computer listing the features that you like/want and the cost. Over time you will get a feel for the best deal. Then learn about how to size up the quality of an RV.
This is a great hobby, and there is a lot to learn, but if you want an RV you will probably love it. Good luck!
|
EMD360
|
04/13/12 11:01am |
Class C Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Thinking of selling the Lazy Daze and buying a Breeze.
Whoever buys your Lazy Daze will probably love it and rejoice that they found one used, the question is whether you will also love the Breeze. I've admired those short A's but inside they feel so different from my cozy C that I don't actually dream of owning one. Your mileage will vary.
|
EMD360
|
04/13/12 10:25am |
Class C Motorhomes
|
