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RE: Onan MicroQuiet 4000 good enough?
I know this is a newbie question, but I am wondering if for a small entry level TH, if an Onan MicroQuiet 4000 would be good enough for most boondocking.
Odds are that the small entry level trailer will have a 30 amp shore cord. That gives you 3600 Watts of power while plugged in. The generator gives 4000 Watts, which is a hair more than available on shore power. Therefore, the generator should be able to do everything that shore power can do.
On the other hand, if the trailer has a 50 amp shore cord, then there is 12,000 Watts of power available, and the generator will only put out a third of that. In that case, you will have to limit what you run at once, just as you would have to do if you were connected to a 30 amp pedestal with that trailer.
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ShapeShifter
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10/11/11 03:11pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Both need to know how to drive and operate rv systems
I know what to do - I just might not be comfortable doing it and I am not afraid to ask for help.
That's pretty much the way my DW would sum it up.
Over the years she's pulled or driven horse trailers, travel trailers, truck campers, class C's and gas and diesel class A's. She can drive the current rig, but doesn't like doing it, she's more than happy letting me do 99% of the driving.
Similarly, she can handle the various systems in the rig, including shore connections and filling/dumping tanks, but she's more than happy to let me do much of it most of the time. She is not at all technologically inclined, and might not operate some systems to their full potential (like I doubt she'd get the satellite TV system going if I weren't there) but if there were an emergency she could definitely handle the basics:Get the rig to a safe spotGet the rig into a campground near a hospital and hook up utilitiesRun generator and be self sufficient if no utilitiesBreak camp and get to homeetc.
And if she had trouble with any of the details, she'd have no qualms asking for help. She'd do just fine on her own, she'd been doing it for many years before I met her -- but she's very happy to have me around to worry about the driving and the technical details now that she has that option.
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ShapeShifter
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10/11/11 03:01pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Drove around with the steering locked on the toad
We lock the pins in the tow bar also. We do this because we have read reports that some times the pins are partially removed when you stop to have a meal. But then we always do a walk around every time before we restart.
I've read reports as well about pins being loose, and the reports always seem to center around mischievous vandals while at rest stops. While I don't doubt that it happens, I'll bet most of these cases are situations where the pin was never properly secured in the first place, or worked its way out on its own.
Based on those reports, I also kept my pins locked. Then when arriving home I found one of the locks open and hanging by a thread -- waiting for that one last good bump to fall out completely. When we left the campground, I checked that everything was secure. On the three hour drive home the only time we stopped was at a couple of red lights and at the border crossing, and nobody approached the rig at those momentary stops.
So I just can't believe that there were some mischievous vandals who snuck up to the rig at a red light and picked the lock (there was no sign for forcing the lock.) Instead, it's much more believable that the lock was never really properly closed in the first place, and bouncing around caused it to open and work its way out of the hitch pin.
When people find a loose hitch pin after a rest stop, I'll bet that most of the time it was loose when they pulled in for the stop, but they didn't do the walk-around and notice the problem until leaving. Of course, there have been reports where the person was seen tampering with the rig, but I'll bet natural causes are much more common.
At this point, I just use the regular hitch pins. One day after disconnecting, I stupidly left one of the locks sitting on the toad's bumper when I drove off. I never did find that lock, and I haven't bothered replacing it. Fortunately, I still had the non-locking hitch pins with me so I wasn't stuck.
All these comments apply only to flat towing, right? I use a dolly on my front wheel drive car and always leave it in "park" with the steering wheel locked. No problems in about 10,000 miles of towing.
Correct. I assume you have your driving/steering wheels on the dolly, as is most common. In that case you put the transmission in park, and lock the steering and car. The free-wheeling dolly wheels will allow the car to roll even in park, and many dollys have a swivel plate or steerable wheels that allows the car to track properly on curves.
But when flat towing, all wheels must roll freely, so the transmission needs to be in neutral, or the transfer case is in neutral, or the drive shaft is disconnected. Also, the steer wheels must point straight ahead while driving down the road, and should be able to self-steer when going around corners. So the steering wheel needs to be unlocked as well.
I'm lucky in that I don't have a steering wheel lock on my toad, so I won't have the OP's situation happen to me. And I can put my transfer case in neutral, so I leave the transmission locked in neutral. And while I do have a factory alarm if the doors are opened, it doesn't have a motion sensor, so I can leave the toad locked up tight with no key needed for towing.
But I did try to pull away once while the transfer case wasn't in neutral -- but I noticed that right away and didn't drag the toad more than an inch or two. :R
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ShapeShifter
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07/11/11 08:09am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Western NY to Durham NC
As for an alternate route home, I can't help. I would avoid I-95 thru D.C.
Oh yeah, that's a given! I should've said that in the original post.;)
Thanks for the location tips, they sound great. And the timing is perfect -- more driving on the first day when we're fresh, a little less the next day, and the shortest leg on the last day so we can arrive at the destination (a dog show) at a good time.
We've visited the Camp Creek vicinity a couple times, staying at Twin Falls and Pipestem, and it's a beautiful area. We won't mind being back in that area at all. We've passed through Morgantown a few times, but never stopped. This should make an interesting trip, thanks for the help.
Anybody else have any suggestions?
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ShapeShifter
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07/04/11 06:32am |
Roads and Routes
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Western NY to Durham NC
In a couple weeks we're leaving the area surrounding Buffalo NY, and heading down to Durham NC. Rather than push it hard and drive straight through, we want to take our time and drive no more than 4 or 5 hours a day, so that means a couple overnight stops on the way down, and then again on the way back.
For the stops, we're not looking for a tourist destination, just a comfortable place to relax and stop for the night -- doesn't have to be anything fancy, but no Wall-Marts, truck stops, rest stops or seedy dives of a campground. Dog friendly is a must.
We'll be handling the return trip similarly, making a couple stops again. It might be interesting to take a different route back, or at least stop at different places.
So, does anybody have any suggestions on good routes to take, and good places to stop?
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ShapeShifter
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07/03/11 02:10pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: Getting more serious
Wow, that's as basic a question as you can get. Welcome to the forum and RVing.
The answers will vary, and folks will be along with more details and their opinions. There is no one type of rig that is right for everyone, that's why there are so many different types out there. These are my own observations and opinions.
Travel Trailer: Provides a good cost to functionality balance. While some trailers can be expensive or heavy, they are generally reasonably priced and usually light weight. They can often be towed with a vehicle you already own, if it's a larger SUV, van, pickup, etc. Takes some practice to back up and get into a site, but once there you have the tow vehicle to go places around town. Maintenance of the running gear is rather simple.
Fifth Wheel: Can cost more than a travel trailer, and often larger and heavier, but you often get more features, more room, and more comfort/luxury. Towing can be more stable and backing is often easier, but the tow vehicle must be a pickup truck (or larger heavy duty truck.) Sometimes a suitable truck is already owned, but sometimes a larger one is needed. Once in camp, you still have the tow vehicle to run around town. Maintenance of the running gear is rather simple.
Class B motorhome: Sized like a full-size van, this is the smallest of the motorhomes. Living space is small, but the overall vehicle is small and easily maneuverable, making up for the small space. This can go just about anywhere, and can easily make stops while on the road traveling (don't have to look for special parking.) Very easy to get into a campsite, but once there you have to break camp to go into town. Maintenance of the running gear is more complicated than a trailer, since you have another motor and associated systems to maintain, but running systems are pretty much the same as any van. Registration costs are higher than a trailer. Driving is pretty much the same as any daily driver vehicle.
Class C motorhome: Bigger than a class B, this is generally a medium sized motorhome (but there are some huge ones out there as well.) The front end cab makes it almost as easy to drive as a full size truck or van, but you must be aware of the extra size behind the cab. Some people get claustrophobic from the overhang above the windshield. Generally has lots of sleeping positions (beds, convertible dinettes, over the cab, etc.) Often used by families because of the various sleeping options. Not too difficult to get into a campsite, and is generally big enough to tow a car if you want to have a vehicle to drive around town without breaking camp. Again, maintenance is more than a trailer because of the engine, and registration costs are higher. Much of the drivetrain is the same as typical trucks and vans, but some may have specialized systems that require a special dealer.
Class A motorhome: Generally the largest, and often has higher level features than some other types, but will also cost more. Gas models are similar to maintain as a Class C, but diesel models often require a special dealer or large truck service shop for maintenance. Diesel maintenance can get rather expensive. Some models get heavy enough (over 26,000 pounds that a special driver license may be required.) While they often have convertible dinettes or sleep sofas, they often have less sleeping positions than a Class C, which makes them more common for couples rather than families. Larger units can be more difficult to maneuver, especially in crowded campgrounds. Breaking camp with one to go into town is usually not practical (since large enough parking spaces in town can be hard to find) so pulling a toad is common, but renting a car a the destination is also possible. Registration and maintenance costs will generally be higher than other types.
This is a big question, and there is no easy answer. You should get lots of opinions on this one. Many people will disagree with what I wrote, but that' OK, as there are a lot of different experiences out there, and what works for one may not for others (like comments about maneuverability, luxury, etc.)
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ShapeShifter
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06/21/11 11:23am |
Beginning RVing
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RE: Family or unisex bathroom/shower facilities
There is a brand new campground near me (opened last year) that has two "Family" rooms in the back of the regular bath house. That's the first one I've seen in a private campground, but I haven't been looking for them so there may have been others. (Most of the time I never even go in the CG facilities, we just use our own.)
I'm sorry, it looks like I missed the point of this topic. :S
I thought it was a discussion of general trends, but since you seem to be looking for specific campgrounds, let me add that the new place I'm talking about is Branches of Niagara on Grand Island near Niagara Falls. It's a nice place, with great facilities and location, but it's pricey and the sites are kind of crowded.
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ShapeShifter
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06/18/11 09:25am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Washer/dryer noise. Surround sound. Is Bus worth premium?
I had thought the rear bath location made more sense as the hallway location might make more distracting noise if a load of laundry was going at the same time someone wanted to watch TV. Anyone have any relevant experience?
We have the washer/dryer in the hallway in the middle of the rig. 99% of the time noise is not an issue. When agitating you may hear some slight splashing noises. When doing a fast spin there is a bit of a whine. While drying there is some constant noise from the fan. But none of it is distracting from the TV. The air conditioner is about 1,000 times louder, and the furnace is about 100 times louder than the washer/dryer. Those are annoying to me but the laundry is not. Even the FantasticFan in the ceiling vent is louder.
About the only time that the washer/dryer is a bit distracting for me is when doing a fast spin, the vibration can sometimes shake the rig and bounce it around a bit. I would think that would still be an issue regardless of location.
For me, I wouldn't let the laundry location be a deciding factor: convenience is more important than the noise.
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ShapeShifter
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06/17/11 12:04pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Family or unisex bathroom/shower facilities
There is a brand new campground near me (opened last year) that has two "Family" rooms in the back of the regular bath house. That's the first one I've seen in a private campground, but I haven't been looking for them so there may have been others. (Most of the time I never even go in the CG facilities, we just use our own.)
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ShapeShifter
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06/17/11 11:57am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: NEW GPS Unit Just for RVers. WOW
OK here we go again.....
Condescending? Or just explaining in great detail how people here give advice or make judgments on something they know NOTHING about.
I guess we can add testy to the list. It would seem that you may not like anyone disagreeing with you.
So we are now arguing semantics on what ONE BUTTON actually means - is that your point? Really? That is your point - SERIOUSLY?
Yes, seriously. By using your logic, one can find just about anything with a single button press. For example: fire up a web browser, type in the address for Google, type in an appropriate search phrase, then hit that one single button that says "search." What you have to do to get to that button is just as important as the last button in the sequence.
No one yet has proved they have a GPS that does what this one does AS EASY as this one does it, or produces as much specific RV info as this one.
And I seriously doubt anyone will. Yes, there seem to be some wonderful RV related features, and I'm very excited to hear about it. Thank you for bringing it up. But not everything you mention is ground-breaking or unique to that unit, that's all.
If you don't like the features and the buttons aren't where you like them, don't buy it, it's that simple. But don't tell me that it's not worth it or it has the same features as what you have because I know better.
I never said I don't like it, I'm quite interested in it. And I never said it wasn't worth it.
Please note the word TOUTING is condescending.
Really? Touting simply means "to advertise in strongly positive terms." After all, that is what you've been doing. I see nothing condescending in that word. It's not my intent to be condescending or to rain on your parade. I simply came to the defense of another member who got stomped on for expressing an opinion that is different than yours. And now you have stomped on me with even more gusto. I can see where this is heading. This appears to be a very interesting unit, but apparently this is not the place to get good and unbiased information on it. I guess I will have to research it elsewhere -- good luck and good bye.
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ShapeShifter
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05/27/11 05:48pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: NEW GPS Unit Just for RVers. WOW
Isn't this typical. A person WHO DOESN'T own the McNally GPS unit telling a person WHO OWNS a Mcnally GPS unit that it takes " SEVERAL" keystrokes to get to the nearest dump station.
Isn't that precious. This is that part I love the best. Making know it alls eat crow with actual pictures of the ONE BUTTON that will bring up all the local dump stations. PROOF that if you hit the ONE BUTTON that says RV DUMPS, it will bring up all the local RV DUMPS.
Yes, once you get to that screen, it's a single button press. But what did it take to get to that screen? For it to be a single press to get all dump stations, that would mean that the screen you display is the one that is shown all the time. That wouldn't be very helpful, I'd much rather have a map of where I'm at and where I'm going.
So, assuming the map screen as the starting point, how many button taps does it take to get to the screen you show? I think that was jcthorne's point, which you have pretty much proven with your screen shot. Only if the displayed "RV Dumps" button was on the main screen would it be truly a single button press.
Normally, I wouldn't respond like this, but that was a pretty condescending attitude you have in your response. You say you have four different models, but if you are as amazed as you seem to be by some of the features, I would guess they are either older models or very basic models. I'm not trying to put down this unit, as it looks like it has some very interesting features, but many of the general features you tout are pretty common these days. He does have some valid points.
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ShapeShifter
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05/27/11 10:32am |
Class A Motorhomes
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