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Date Posted |
Forum
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RE: $100k Budget, Hydronic Heating, Quality Coach
Beavers seem to hit all of your high points.
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JohnQ
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05/13/12 11:10am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: RV parks near Jackson, MS
We will be visiting folks in Meridan in September so also looking for recommendations (Pro & Con) either west or north of Jackson.
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JohnQ
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05/10/12 08:08pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Sumitomo Tires 275 70r22.5
I had 6 Sumitomo 727 tires in the 275/70R22.5 size that aged out at 10 years. I thought they rode well until I went with 6 new Toyo's at Les Schwab ($2,800 out the door, mounted, balanced & Siped).
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JohnQ
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05/07/12 05:18pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Which rv should I buy
Definitely the Safari DP, although I just might be a bit biased. Went through the very same comparison 4 years as you are now (neighbor had a class c for sale & then we saw the Safari). First off, the suspension, it's called a Velvet Ride, a torsion bar like system. Mine had a bit of a harsh ride and wanted to wander a bit. Went to the New Koni's and new Toyo's and it rides like a dream. Just an FYI, the price of tires bacame scarey, replaced all 6 last December at $2,800, mounted balanced, and siped. I have replaced all three TV's with flat screened LED's but that was more because of the HDTV change. The other upgrade that was very helpful was getting rid of the Halogen lights and converting to LED's. If you want to get the Straight Skinney on all Things Safari, there are two different Safari Coach Yahoo websites. Especially the straight skinney on suspension system adjustments (via shims), cheaper than airbag replacements. Those websites have all the "Documentation" you will need that can be downloaded. In their Files Section look for and download the Used DP Motorhome Checklist, it is one of the best for checking out most all DP's. We used it in rejecting over 7 different coaches.
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JohnQ
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04/17/12 05:14pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Portland OR RV parks
In Tualatin is RV Park of Portland. Nice place - we stayed there a week last summer. Close to stores & highways.
No dogs over 40 pounds are allowed in that park.
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JohnQ
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04/09/12 05:33pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Portland OR RV parks
Looks like (from your profile) you will be coming in from the east on I84. We were originally from the PDX area and moved up to the OlyPen. Go southbound on I205 from I84. When we visit grand kiddies our favorite RV park is in Oregon City, a Clackamas County Park called Clackamette at the confluence of the Clackamas River into the Willimette River, easy on off from I205. Reasonable rates ($20 a night) for power (30amp) & water hookups, no sewer but there is a dump station about half a blockaway that is easy to get in and out of. And the view is right on the river, very nice.
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JohnQ
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04/08/12 04:06pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Columbia River Area The Dalles
One quick suggestion I'd recommend is to pull off I84 at Biggs and cross into Washington at Hwy 97.
On the Washington side is Maryhill State Park and a replica of Stonehenge nearby. If you like wine tasting there's an excellent winery just to the west, Maryhill Winery, that we like a lot. There are excellent views of that section of the gorge from there terrace.
You can stay on WA 14 west or quickly slip back over to the Oregon side by re-crossing Hwy 97 bridge to return to I84.
I second this recommendations, plus once you set up camp at the State Park, cross back over to the Oregon side and go back east to Rufus, go under the freeway and turn left (west). There is a large level gravel area with a series of low slung gravel islands stretching west. Great place to look for agates and Biggs Picture Jasper. And it is a great place for bird watching.
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JohnQ
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04/08/12 03:28pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Annual (2012) Comanche Invasion of Canada
Dang!!!! Looks Like We OlyPen'ers won't get to "Remove" Great Quantities of Res Wampum from GM & British Bride this year.
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JohnQ
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03/25/12 09:06am |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: Diesel Toad
Hey Yah Old Prick (that's an Inside Joke Folks - Q Ball Knows)In 2009 when we bought the coach, we already had the TDI Manual Trans Jetta. The tow guides then did list it as toadable. The dealers at the time and VW America were all saying Nooooooooooooooooooo, just trying to dodge liability. It was VW KrautLand that gave the Okey Dokey toadable to the Tow Guide Folks. The verify I also did was check in the VW TDI Forum, and wrench turners there said it was OK to flat tow. I guess as a last resort go to the VW TDI Forum and ask.
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JohnQ
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03/02/12 09:26am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Diesel Toad
We have a 2002 Jetta TDI manual transmission. The VW Automatic transmission are NOT 4 down towable. First the Jetta as a TOAD is great, can't even feel it's back there. Second, it is a good 4 hour PLUS job to install the tow brackets and wire it up. The shop where we had it done was mumbling a lot about NO MONEY MADE ON THAT JOB. Third is the Jetta itself, if you are of any "Size" be aware that it is NOT a comfortable vehicle to drive on long trips. That left foot area is extremely uncomfortable as well as the center console hitting your right shin. Lastly, the redeeming grace so to say about the TDI's are the FUEL (not Gas) Mileage. I have never seen ours drop below 44 mpg, and on the open road with THE CRUISE CONTROL ON at 70 mph on I-5, it does exceed 58 MPG.
With all of that said, if I were you, I would look for a TDI PASSAT manual transmission station wagon. You won't get as good fuel mileage but the comfort driving it will be worth it.
JohnQ,
May I ask, did you find any info at all concerning the towing or non-towing of the "stick" Jetta? As I stated in one of my earlier answers here, I'd have loved to have purchased a newer Jetta or Bug TDI for our toad but, we were under impressions that there was no authorization from VW stating that they were flat towable. Now I know you said yours was a 2002 and I'm talking 2011-12 so, it's apples and oranges, so to speak. I dig these cars and TDIs in general. I love the power. I sure wish VW would authorize the 2013 Jetta TDI Auto to be flat towed, I'd have one in a heart beat.
I'd do all the setup myself on the base plate install and wiring so that's no big deal.
Scott
It is my understanding that the generation of VW platforms, the MK IV (Jetta's & Beetles) used a common manual tranny that flat towable. I checked it out via the Tow Guides here. That MK IV series ran from 99.5 through 2004, then it was upgraded. Those upgraded platforms I do not know anything about. None of the VW Automatics were ever towable. That base plate setup was a bear to install. Basically the te ch had to disassembled the entire front end, install the base plates then re-assemble the front end again.
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JohnQ
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03/01/12 06:41pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Q's re: 1998 Safari Serengeti Diesel
Here is some of the best info a New Safari owner should have (and an "Invite to Join.") The Must See/Join Safari Websites:
1. http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Safarifriends/
2. http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/SafariCoaches/
3. http://www.safari-international.org/
As an added "bonus" read all about Ralph Anders Franken-Fari. Ralph is a wealth of Safari Lower Half Information.
We have a 97 Safari Serengeti with 92K on the odometer. Initially the coach did not handle very well and with Ralph's expert advise, I replaced the Factory Original shocks with the new Koni's. What a difference, the improvement was great!!!! The cream on top of handling was a new set of tires, the old ones just "aged out". That also improved the ride.
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JohnQ
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03/01/12 10:58am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Diesel Toad
We have a 2002 Jetta TDI manual transmission. The VW Automatic transmission are NOT 4 down towable. First the Jetta as a TOAD is great, can't even feel it's back there. Second, it is a good 4 hour PLUS job to install the tow brackets and wire it up. The shop where we had it done was mumbling alot about NO MONEY MADE ON THAT JOB. Third is the Jetta itself, if you are of any "Size" be aware that it is NOT a comfortable vehicle to drive on long trips. That left foot area is extremely uncomfortable as well as the center console hitting your right shin. Lastly, the redeeming grace so to say about the TDI's are the FUEL (not Gas) Mileage. I have never seen ours drop below 44 mpg, and on the open road with THE CRUISE CONTROL ON at 70 mph on I-5, it does exceed 58 MPG.
With all of that said, if I were you, I would look for a TDI PASSAT manual transmission station wagon. You won't get as good fuel mileage but the comfort driving it will be worth it.
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JohnQ
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03/01/12 10:45am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Help please with 1992 Safari Ivory Diesel..
Did you find this page for the step manuals? I do not know if your step is a van type like I have or a single, double or triple step configuration, but they seem to have a lot of information on the technical documentation page here.
http://www.powergearus.com/tech-docs
Good luck and I hope this helps. Ed
Here is another page listing info on the manual required for older steps.
http://www.powergearus.com/troubleshooting/faq-kwikee
I did look around there and have one PDF downloaded..
Ours is a double step config--
I'm headed over to snap some photos and remove the motor unit now-
OI'll update you on what happens, and anything else that breaks--
I guess better here than on the road-- but I sure wish I could be doing things like sealing the roof, repairing the damage from the break-in.. etc..
Someday.. hopefully
Thanks
Page 4, my post halfway down, the Older Safari Site.
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JohnQ
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02/01/12 11:03am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Help please with 1992 Safari Ivory Diesel..
The Kwikee motor is nothing more than a power window motor from a mid 80's to early 90's ford car. On the Safari Site there is a downloadable file that shows all the in's and out's of the Kwikee plus how to get the motor replacement from any NAPA store for a whole lot less.
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JohnQ
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02/01/12 09:50am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Vancouver Island and Victoria
We have taken the ferry from Tsawassan to Nanaimo (both ways), from Port Angeles to Victoria (both ways, and from Sidney to Anacortes. Last year, the Anacortes ferry had a special on for about half the normal fare. We've only taken that one once, but will check it out in the future.
We raid Vancouver Island every year, staying at the Salmon Point RV Resort and Marina near Campbell River, then at West Bay Marina in Victoria. There isn't a lot north of Campbell River - the road takes you inland, but we did go to Port Hardy for a few days a couple of years ago.
GM
Leave it to a "Lost Commanche" to miss Telegraph Cove Road (hehehehehe). I guess next summer we'll all be safe with the Circle Smug Pot Wagons all circled up at Alder Bay.
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JohnQ
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01/30/12 08:12am |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: Process of looking for a new used Motor Home - NOT FUN
I have been looking on line now for about 8 months at Class A diesel pusher motor homes. For the last 2 months I have been going to different lots and talking more specifically with dealers. I was in FL and thought it would be a great place to look at motor homes. I visited several lots. Some were not open but I looked anyway and took pictures and the phone number for anything I liked. One place I stopped at was in Winter Park, FL, Orlando RV. They were very nice & had 3 different options on the lot that are close to what I am looking for. They also had a couple that were coming in on trade and will be sending me details on both. They were not extremely pushy and we had good conversations about what I think I need/want and their advice for me and what to look out for. I live in NY and they have other lots in NY State a couple hours from me. I will consider purchasing something from them. Another place I stopped at was LaMesa RV in Sanford, FL. I would never purchase anything from them. The guy walking me around their lot was nice enough but had to keep going to “his boss” to even try and find anything close to what I was looking for. Then when I found a few I really liked, I wanted to know more specifics. Every time I had a question he had to go and talk with “his boss”. This was getting a little annoying. Finally I narrowed it down to two that I liked and one that I really liked. The person showing me around was somewhat pushy about if I would leave a deposit today. I told them that I am ready to purchase something within a few days but I will not buy anything without going for a ride and test driving it. He was trying to get me to test drive it but with the notion of giving them a deposit first. Finally after talking with him for 10 – 15 minutes more about test driving it he understood I was not giving him a deposit before test driving it. He then said he thought it would be ok to go out for a drive but he had to talk with “his boss” one more time to be sure we can. This took at least another 25 – 30 minutes and then finally “his boss” came and spoke with me without the first guy who showed me around. I had to go back through my entire conversation, where I am in the process of buying something. This was extremely frustrating and irritating. The “boss” was rude, pushy and certainly could use some basic sales training or at least training on customer service techniques. He basically told me to go around to other places and test drive and then come back there to test drive the one I like. I told him I did not have time to come back as I live in NY State not here in FL. Finally after him being pushy on buying or “committing to buy” before I test drive it, I was fed up and walked away. I cannot believe someone would be this rude and difficult to deal with as I am looking to spend $150,000+ with them. I am going to one more place tomorrow where they already have it set up for me to test drive the one I like from viewing on line. I have 2 or 3 more that were not open that I will call on but I am just so frustrated from the experience I am very uncomfortable about trusting any of them. There were at least 4 others that either were not that interested in talking with me or did not have the “right person” available to talk. One specifically did not even call me back after I went to their lot and met with them detailing what I am looking for. This is a major purchase and something I have not ever had before and wish that I could find someone that I could actually trust somewhat in the process. I don’t know if many other of you out there have had similar experiences but if anyone has any suggestions or ideas I certainly would appreciate it!!! I have narrowed my search to a diesel pusher, 400 HP or greater with strong towing capability and my budget somewhere between $100k - $150K max. I have my spread sheet list of all my specific needs, wants and wishes. I look forward to any comments or suggestions!!! Thanks, Scott
Scott:
It's a big investment. You need to do two additional things before committing to a purchase. First use a checklist to go over the coach. Either google one or use the one in my signature below.
Second, if the coach passes your checklist you need to have the mechanicals inspected by a good diesel mechanic. You should take the coach to a large truck dealer/service facility. Some help in selecting one could come from:
RV Service Reviews
Good luck
Gee Whiz Ken, Why didn't yah tell him about "Our Ultra Secret Handshake All Around DP Checklist at http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/SafariCoaches/ ???? Just kidding Ken, the checklist was a Godsend for us when we went shopping. It helped us reject over 10 different coaches in our 9 month shopping odyessy. And Ken, don't you have a copy of the checklist on your personal website????
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JohnQ
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01/29/12 01:55pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Help please with 1992 Safari Ivory Diesel..
You might want to ask the Safari Folks on these two websites:
1. Safari Friends (the older site) -- http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Safarifriends/
2. Safari Coaches -- http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/SafariCoaches/
Both sites have numerous pictures of components (problems/fixes) and files that can de downloaded (after joining). The Safari Tech Go To Guy is Ralph Anders who is probably down in sunny Aridzona enjoying himself. Ralph sometimes scans all three Safari sites and is very helpful.
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JohnQ
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01/29/12 01:47pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Got My New HanKooks...Observations
Just put a set of 6 M-120z's in 265 R70 22.5's, sipped, balanced (6), and new non-leaking solid value stems on my Safari at the Les Schwab in Milwaukee, Or., out the door costs were $2,885. Took just over 2 hours to complete the job. The Sumitomo's had seen a better day.
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JohnQ
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01/29/12 01:29pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Vancouver Island and Victoria
Full disclosure, we live in the Port Angeles, Wa., area. The Coho Ferry is an alternative to Victoria. Either coming or going (in the area), just west of Port Angeles (US101 & St Hwy 112) about 12 miles is a Clallam County Park, Salt Creek with RV sites. It is the very best view of the Strait & ship traffic. Somebody mentioned West Bay in the Victoria Harbor, great park. Be sure to take advantage of the little taxi tugs. Be sure to visit the Provincial Museum (a must see), Hight Tea at the Empress (coat & tie required), and Parliment (very amusing). The real beauty of Vancouver Island is either the west coast (Tofino/Ucluelet), or north of Campbell River, specifically the Port McNeil Area (Telegraph Cove Road off of the Island Hwy). Our very favorite and what I think is the best RV Value on the Island is Alder Bay RV & Marina Resort. Another must do is a whale watching cruise on the TS Juan (Seasmoke Charters out of Alert Bay). Then there is U'Mista, Native Heritage Centre, even better than the Provincial Museum in Victoria. Finally, you can catch a BC Ferry out of Port Hardy (just south of) to Prince Rupert, BC and the Yellow Jacket Hwy on the mainland, or interconnect to the Alaskan Marine Ferry to Points north. Best time, July/August, but be aware that is "High Season" when rates are HIGH and demand is also, i.e., better have reservations. Last tip, the Provincial Liquior stores are probably Canada's very best ambassadors, always friendly with directions & tips, plus they will give you that hours exchange rate without any fees, and you do not even have to buy the Hooch.
And from a BC Customs Inspector (JOKE) -- He asked me if I knew what BC stood for???? Dummy me sez British Columbia. And he laughs and sez "Bring Cash" and have a pleasent Vacation.
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JohnQ
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01/26/12 03:15pm |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: surelock digital tv signal finder
Mine works like a champ. I converted my Winegard Batwing to a Jack Replacement head and added the SureLock. Make sure you appropriately sort out the source of "12 vdc Booster Power" when converting (I didn't know the batwing was "Boosted" and attempted to "Double" the power with the Jack Head power booster, duhhhhhhhhhhhhh). Got it all sorted out now.
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JohnQ
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12/28/11 01:46pm |
Technology Corner
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