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Date Posted |
Forum
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RE: Gas Wars
I accidentally used an Arco station once...never again. They charged some insane amount to use a credit card and at that you had to pay at a center kiosk, guessing how much you would need to fill. It was very odd and much more expensive than the signs would lead you to believe. It costs me up to $150 to fill up my truck and I'm not carrying that much cash. Lesson learned.
My home town in WI has very expensive fuel and seriously, I think they have remotely controlled fuel signs. The majority of the available fuel is from Kwik Trip stations. If one station changes it's price they all change in lock step. There is no point in trying to go somewhere else as every station is the exact same price. The major stations are even more expensive. Monopolies are not always good.
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MaxThrust
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05/24/12 11:43pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Water Hose
We ate lead paint as kids and we're just fine. (twitch) (twitch)
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MaxThrust
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05/24/12 11:28pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Why steal a truck tailgate?
Maybe it was stolen by someone who flunked physics and removed their tailgates to get better mileage and discovered it doesn't work. J/K
I'm not exactly sure, but I would guess they destroyed their own and then either didn't want to file a claim because of getting a rate increase or it's not worth filing a claim. Maybe they don't have insurance. I'm pretty sure there's many reasons for it, mostly they weren't raised properly and have no clue it's considered bad form to steal other's stuff. It can also be downright dangerous.
BTW, how much does a replacement cost? That could be the clue to this mystery.
I'm sorry you were ripped off.
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MaxThrust
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05/24/12 11:15pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: camper fire
I'm very sorry for your loss. I'm glad you're not destitute and hope the insurance settles quickly. I'm not surprised about the Good Sam thing...I've not heard much positive about them for years.
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MaxThrust
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05/24/12 11:00pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Water Hose
I was full-time for years. I used the white hoses, but they would only ever last a few months out here in AZ and I needed at least 40' to reach from the faucet to my fresh water inlet. I got sick of replacing them so often and got my hands on a Goodyear branded (bought at Sears I think) high temperature/high pressure hose. I also have sediment and charcoal filters on the inlet. I never noticed a bad taste, but I'm pretty sure that high quality hose is killing me. BTW, I've now had that hose since 2007 and it's still holding up without issue. (Oh, and I'm no longer full-time, but still have that hose.)
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MaxThrust
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05/24/12 09:08am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Fuel Price Gouging
I'm not so much worried about how fuel prices will affect my pocketbook while driving my coach, as I am about the 100mi per day I spend commuting. And how the price of fuel affects everything else we buy day-to-day.
The fuel used for the 3000-4000 miles I put on the RV every year is just a small part of my budget. Add it to the 40,000-50,000 miles that DW and I collectively put on our two autos, and your analysis starts to add up to real cash........
That's why I mentioned that the day-to-day fuel costs (and higher prices in general) have more of an affect on people than extra cost on a vacation. It just seems to be where they really feel it all at once, although they shouldn't let it ruin their vacation in my opinion.
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MaxThrust
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05/24/12 08:32am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Fuel Price Gouging
First off, I hate the fact that fuel prices are soaring. In some cases it seems to be artificial and even pushed by the current administration. That being said here's some facts for thought.
30 day 2000 mile summer vacation.
10mpg
200gal
$3.50/gal
Total cost of fuel is $700.
10mpg
200gal
$4.00/gal
Total cost of fuel is $800.
The difference is $100 over 30 days or $3.33/day.
If my wife and I go out to eat at Texas Roadhouse (yum!) and I have my standard one or two drinks and my loaded baked potato and she just drinks water, our bill, with tip is just under $50. I have to eat regardless, so this cost is probably about $40 more than I would spend for a meal at home. I want to be fair so let's say we have steaks at home so Texas Roadhouse only costs $30 more. $100/$30 is approximately 3. Therefore if I go on vacation and skip eating out three times I've covered the extra cost of fuel. That's 3 days out of thirty and I know many people eat out every evening, in fact I'm shocked by how many do.
I refuse to let my vacations get ruined by $100. I know fuel prices impact people's daily lives and not just vacations, but I plan my vacations many months and sometimes a year or more in advance so I can adjust. I always fudge all costs but especially fuel costs due to the economy lately. My rule of thumb is about 50% more in the fuel fund than I plan on using. Any left over money gets put towards the next trip or vacation.
Someone mentioned extremely high fuel prices in parts of California. I also use Gas Buddy or gasprices.com to scout out prices prior to heading out on a trip. I will avoid places that are excessively high cost and in some cases I even plan on not getting fuel on entire segments of a trip. Often times when I go to San Diego I generally top off in Yuma, AZ and then don't buy fuel until my return. Sometimes I do buy fuel in San Diego because I'm there long enough to need it or I can get a good price at 32nd Street Naval Station...I just have to be flexible. I will never drive out of my way to save money on fuel. That simply doesn't make sense in most cases, I just look for the best deals on my intended path.
I've also learned not to buy fuel in Kearney, NE...I think they add an extra tax to pay for the over-the-interstate museum...lol. (Fuel prices are normal one mile off the interstate, which is likely true at many locations.)
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MaxThrust
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05/24/12 07:10am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: connected to shore power full time
I full-timed for years with park power. I always maintained a pair of T105 batteries. With these batteries and the once monthly 10 minute maintenance I could keep my cold beer, light, and the vents fans when the power went out...and it went out often in southern AZ. I also lost power for three days up in NJ one winter and was able to maintain a comfortable temperature and take a shower each evening until the power came back on. After 6 or 7 years the T105's finally gave up so I replaced them with a pair of group 24 (semi) deep cycle batteries from Wal*Mart. I wanted a pair of T105's, but I was spending less and less time in the RV and the group 24's are considerably cheaper for my usage. If I were full-timing yet I would have T105's or better.
It sure is nice not to worry about the contents of the fridge and being able to maintain some level of comfort when the power fails for such a small investment.
If you keep stuff in the fridge between excursions I think it would be wise. With a full pair of propane tanks and a decent battery (or two) I think the fridge would keep running for a few weeks at least. (If there's no other significant load.)
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MaxThrust
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05/23/12 04:28am |
Tech Issues
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RE: 5th Wheel Tripod Stabalizers?
A tripod does nothing for my 43' triple axle toy hauler, but I imagine they could be very helpful on a shorter two axle rig. I only have to have my jacks and gear sort of close and it's rock solid.
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MaxThrust
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05/22/12 08:07am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Converter/Slide Out?
It is possible if the voltage dropped enough that the amps increased briefly and knocked out a breaker or fuse. It's also possible, as stated above, that the voltage has dropped enough that it won't operate. If your converter went out it's very likely there wasn't much charge in the battery when it died.
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MaxThrust
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05/22/12 05:03am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Hot Water Heater Drain Plug
The calcium buildup inside the tank is normal. The water is so hard here that I have to clean mine out about every six months or so. I do believe those plugs are tapered, but ask someone who knows for sure. They will not go all the way in but do need to be snug without breaking. I think chasing the threads as mentioned will help, then proper application of teflon tape or even plumber's pipe dope should help.
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MaxThrust
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05/22/12 12:49am |
Toy Haulers
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RE: Ran Out Of Propane Already?
When I lived in New Jersey I could use up a 30# tank every three days and that was using electric heat to augment. Sort of a balancing act between an huge electric bill and running for propane every day.
I'm betting you used it all in the heater, in fact, I'm sure of it in 8 days or more.
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MaxThrust
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05/21/12 11:42pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Maybe a new sticky. Best TH for full time
I have a Sportsman Sportster 41KX with three slides, 2 A/C units and provisions for a third. I have multiple Fantastic Fans and even a real ceiling fan with lighting in the kitchen. I like it because the 14ft garage is completely separated from the living space with it's own entrance. (There is a door to the kitchen, but it locks if needed.) I have 110gal fresh water, 75gal black & gray tanks. 5500 Onan and a ~25gal tank that supplies the gen-set and pump station. Tons of storage. A full-queen bed, large front closet, etc, etc.
I use the garage as a workshop with it's screened deck and ample space and storage. I can also close the kitchen door and not see any of the garage and then it just looks like an upper-middle RV, not a cheap NASCAR toy. I've lived in it full-time for 6 years and think I made the best choice, especially for someone who has tons of tools and likes to fix everything himself. I also had room for bicycles and whatever else extra I wanted to carry.
Although this RV pushes 43' on triple axles, it pulls like a dream, even better than my 26' bumper-pull. It's easy to park and a breeze to setup.
If I were to full-time again I would want either this unit or something really close to it. I also learned a lot about how they are constructed and made many improvements to it, that although aren't completely obvious, made a good unit even better. For example, I feel that the drawers and shelves inside the cupboards were sub-par, but I haven't seen many that weren't. I installed better shelving and replaced all the drawer slides with higher quality pieces, but that's about it.
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MaxThrust
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05/21/12 02:52am |
Toy Haulers
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RE: New Basement Wall for access (with pix)
Great job! That's exactly what I need to do to mine. It has a very flimsy (and actually broken) pair of sliding doors. I like this idea better than rebuilding the lousy sliding wall.
EDIT: Wow, the language filter is extremely sensitive...it killed a word that was over-the-top ridiculous. LOL I'm sure glad they are saving me from seeing a "strong" word. (Not a swear word either.)
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MaxThrust
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05/21/12 12:46am |
Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)
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RE: Fabric cushion / curtain modifications
Kitty, that's amazing!
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MaxThrust
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05/20/12 08:50am |
Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)
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RE: Center Point eliminate empty fridge?
Take off slowly, leave plenty of distance to the next vehicle, and stop jumping on the brakes.
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MaxThrust
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05/20/12 07:02am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Update...Never too experienced to not be stupid
I've never done anything so stupid.
I've never lied either.
LOL Ok, I lied.
I've always hated the RV's that use white/black. I've been lucky, all of mine have been red/black. (I'm also anal about checking connections, but anyone can have a lapse for many reasons.)
Sometimes you get lucky, and this sounds like one of those times. Lesson learned.
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MaxThrust
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05/20/12 02:38am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: The Ultimate DIY thread - Ubuilding (Pics)
Truth be told, fresh prawns are an incentive to get me to do pretty much anything, lol.
Ditto!!!
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MaxThrust
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05/19/12 11:55pm |
Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)
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RE: Full hookup at home
Hang a sign on the front, one side says, "Man Cave" the side other says, "Dog House."
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MaxThrust
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05/19/12 08:29am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: The Ultimate DIY thread - Ubuilding (Pics)
Hey, isn't it about time for some more updates???
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MaxThrust
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05/19/12 08:22am |
Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)
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