| |
Subject |
Author |
Date Posted |
Forum
|
 |
RE: Might as well ban them all
Rats! I got on today specifically to read the tire thread by CapriRacer. That was the most informative tire threads I've ever seen. Oh well, stuff happens.
|
SlickWillie
|
02/07/12 02:36pm |
Fifth-Wheels
|
|
RE: Gate Guards
We just traveled over around Beaumont and back. I noticed what looks to be a temporary set up yard just south of Victoria. There was some equipment along with about a half dozen RVs in the yard. Thinking it might be some GG company yard. Didn't see a sign of any kind. Posting this merely for anyone that might be interested. Just south of the Speedy Stop Exxon on 77.
|
SlickWillie
|
01/28/12 02:39pm |
Workamping Forum
|
|
RE: Gate Guards
I don't mean to be a jerk, but I think all you gate guards are being taken advantage of. Of course they're gonna stop by and give you turkeys and hams, etc. Cause they are getting good CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP labor. Labor that's not even minimum wage for some of you.
I think you should communicate/demand a better wage scale. Some type of sliding scale. 8 hour a day pay (at least minimum wage) for every day you sit on the gate, trucks or no trucks. And that minimum wage ends at 40 hours. Then it's time and a half if you got trucks thru the gate. That's what a union plumber gets after 40 hours. Based on a 0700 to 1700 work schedule. Any gate work outside those hours is "non-normal work hours" which would be sometype of sliding increase. If you are sitting on the gate on a Saturday, 8 hours at time and a half. If you are sitting on a gate on Sunday or a holiday, double time.
This is the OIL INDUSTRY. One of the greediest money making organizations out there. Look at the profits these companies are making. Look at what they pay those roughnecks.
They have SCORED BIG TIME, finding a segment of the population, retired RVers, etc., they can take advantage of. They're laughing all the way to the bank. They got you guys sitting in the mud, heat, dust for peanuts.
It's just a matter of time. The DOL is on top of this issue. C+K Rentals in Cuero, TX was hit with with over $400K in back pay last summer. (and paid it) GGS bought some time with their law suit, but from the expert (attorney) opinions I've read, DOL will eventually get them too.
That being said, I could care less what they pay. I say if you don't like the pay, hitch up and go. I must say tho, the money is there. I spoke with an 80 year young gentleman that has 1500 acres (not sure how many wells), and he is knocking down 10 grand per day. That's a lot of cash. He told me he farmed for about 50 years, always having to live on borrowed money. Said he paid everything off, and told the bank to kiss his ***. He also said his son and DIL are spending it for him.
|
SlickWillie
|
01/03/12 10:22am |
Workamping Forum
|
|
RE: hitch base rail brackets
Cequent Towing is the manufacturer. Etrailer is a distributor. Clicky
|
SlickWillie
|
12/24/11 05:24pm |
Fifth-Wheels
|
|
RE: Gate Guards
I'm in need of a little info. My son is interested in possibly getting into the oil field catering business. Can anyone provide me any info as to companies that provide food catering to any of the south TX rigs? I've found two or three online, but they seem to be more into offshore catering. Thanks in advance.
|
SlickWillie
|
12/21/11 01:29pm |
Workamping Forum
|
|
RE: Gate Guards
Just finished a very good catered Thanksgiving dinner, courtesy of the company. Just one of the many perks of working in the oil patch....Happy Thanksgiving to all in the field, working this fine, beautiful Texas day.
My son is a pumper up in the East TX oil patch. He tells me the oil companies love to spend money. Heck, his company has a safety meeting once a month....always catered with the best foods....all you want to eat. He has also been invited to a Christmas party sponsored by one of the companies he services. They will provide limo service for both him and wife.
|
SlickWillie
|
11/24/11 05:09pm |
Workamping Forum
|
|
RE: 2012 Keystone Montana 3455sa
Hey Wille ..Why am I still on the MOC as I have no problem complaining about the quality of the Montana or any other brand.
Rich...you are apparently one of the guys with reading comprehension problems. No where in my post did I mention getting booted from MOC for complaining. I would have been gone years ago if that was the case. May I point out a recent thread where the someone complained about the springs on his unit allowing the tire to rub the wheel well underbelly. He had just got off the phone with Keystone customer service, and they would do nothing for him. Yet he was barraged with replies that Keystone would step up to the plate and fix the problem. When I questioned some poster's ability to understand what the guy's original post said, old Dennis jumped in and locked the thread. Excuse me, that would be "RV Wheels".
Frankly, I have gotten to the point I don't care if I remain a MOC member or not. I didn't invest but around $35K in our unit, not near as much as some do now, but I sure believe that amount of money gives me the right to complain when things are not taken care of under warranty.
Let's see, you're always one of the first ones to jump in and defend Keystone....and you consider yourself a complainer? Wow!
|
SlickWillie
|
11/23/11 08:26am |
Fifth-Wheels
|
|
RE: 2012 Keystone Montana 3455sa
I have yet to see a brand of RV that does not have problems. That goes for the $ ones to the $$$$$ ones. Quality is poor across the industry.
As far as MOC, you will learn a lot there. However, don't complain about Keystone. Folks over there don't think you have that right, even tho you may have dropped fifty grand or more on a unit that has lots of problems. (BTW, I am not saying all units have problems.)
|
SlickWillie
|
11/23/11 06:47am |
Fifth-Wheels
|
|
RE: Gate Guards
You know that Gov. Perry just signed in a new law where you can have a weapon in your vehicle in a company parking lot if you have a concealed carry permit. I'm thinkin' that should trump any company policy. Oh well, I'm not gonna do the gate guard thing, so I'm not gonna worry about it. I still think searching your RV falls into an illegal search tho....heck, the Border Patrol doesn't even do that.Before you mislead someone with this post, you need to go read the law you are quoting, I did. There are some very specific exemptions in the law, for the oil/gas industry. Anyone in our line of work, is NOT covered by the new law.
You are indeed correct. I had read a summary of the law that did not include the exclusion of oil leases.
I have no interest in being a gate guard. I had considered trying it, but there are areas of south TX I would not go without a firearm. Also, I would never consent to a search of my RV without probable cause and a warrant. So, I'll just stay retired.
For those who like it, it is great to have the positions available. Hope y'all all have a Happy Thanksgiving!
|
SlickWillie
|
11/22/11 04:01pm |
Workamping Forum
|
|
RE: Gate Guards
I have a friend that went to GG in Corpus a few days ago. He was told there are about 30 ahead of him. Also, there has been a change in getting whatever security clearance one needs for the job.
What are the changes? By the State or GG?
We are waiting but hope it will be late next week before we get a gate. Should be soon, I think.
I do not see the tie in of employee vs. contract for the search by the leasing company!
I'll have to talk to the neighbor again; don't want to provide the wrong info. He told me something in the testing has changed.
You may be correct in the searches not effecting the employment status. However, I just can't see illegal searches holding up here in Texas, with the gun laws we have. I'd almost call BS on the searches. Would like to hear from someone who has actually had their RV searched.The change he made reference to was probably when they stopped the online testing this year and went back to a paper trail.
As far as the search holding up, what you forget is this is contract work and part of their contract says, "no weapons, drugs or alcohol" allowed on the work site. As I said, you are allowed to refuse the search, but you will be replaced within a couple of hours, IAW the contract. Yes, we have had several searched and in a couple of cases, they were removed from the gate within hours. You are made aware of these rules prior to going with that company, so there is NO surprise. I have a national carry permit, supposedly valid in all 50 states, but the policy of company you work for, trumps most scenarios when it comes to being armed on company property, even here in Texas.
You know that Gov. Perry just signed in a new law where you can have a weapon in your vehicle in a company parking lot if you have a concealed carry permit. I'm thinkin' that should trump any company policy. Oh well, I'm not gonna do the gate guard thing, so I'm not gonna worry about it. I still think searching your RV falls into an illegal search tho....heck, the Border Patrol doesn't even do that.
|
SlickWillie
|
11/01/11 03:57pm |
Workamping Forum
|
|
RE: Gate Guards
But from what I understand, this part of the country, south Texas, is not heavens gate. Hot, hot, hot, HOT summers. Hell, I hear, 80's in the winter. When the rain comes, the mud clings to your feet and by the time you get back to your rig, you're walking on 6" of mud clinging to the boots. I'm not sure $125/day sounds fair. Seems $200/day is more appropriate. Maybe all the RV'ers need to get together and stand together for higher pay. I mean, we're talking the OIL INDUSTRY$$$$$$$. You know what kind of money they pay those roughnecks on the rigs? Granted they are doing a more laborous/dangerous job, but still, the money is there to throw around. Gate guards should see some of it also.
Ain't gonna happen...folks are standin' in line for those jobs.
|
SlickWillie
|
11/01/11 03:52pm |
Workamping Forum
|
|
RE: Gate Guards
I have a friend that went to GG in Corpus a few days ago. He was told there are about 30 ahead of him. Also, there has been a change in getting whatever security clearance one needs for the job.
What are the changes? By the State or GG?
We are waiting but hope it will be late next week before we get a gate. Should be soon, I think.
I do not see the tie in of employee vs. contract for the search by the leasing company!
I'll have to talk to the neighbor again; don't want to provide the wrong info. He told me something in the testing has changed.
You may be correct in the searches not effecting the employment status. However, I just can't see illegal searches holding up here in Texas, with the gun laws we have. I'd almost call BS on the searches. Would like to hear from someone who has actually had their RV searched.
|
SlickWillie
|
11/01/11 08:09am |
Workamping Forum
|
|
RE: Gate Guards
Is GGS putting people on the Marathon gates now? Does anyone know where the Marathon gates are located? The last I heard was that Marathon was still in the process of obtaining official possession of the leases, but that was a week or so ago. It sounds like GGS has a lot of people wanting jobs. At least the Marathon gates will put some of them to work.
I have a friend that went to GG in Corpus a few days ago. He was told there are about 30 ahead of him. Also, there has been a change in getting whatever security clearance one needs for the job.
|
SlickWillie
|
10/29/11 07:13am |
Workamping Forum
|
|
RE: Gate Guards
Yesterday there were 4 at the Whisett yard waiting for gates, but I heard there are Pioneer gates available. From what I hear Pioneer will occasionally do drug, alcohol, firearms searches and this includes the Gate Guard's RV...
Seems such searches will only add to the fire with the law suit GG, Inc is involved in. My 2 cents worth, but these jobs being "contract employment" has a limited lifespan.I guess I don't understand what one has to do with the other....ANY company has the right to test employees or sub contractors and to set the rules for conduct on their property.
I was not arguing the fact they request to search your RV, although I know your RV is considered your home in TX. IIRC, the DOL is saying by being required to be on the gate as the guards are, they are employees, not contractors. JMHO, but requiring one to submit to a search of their home, will only support the DOL's position farther.
|
SlickWillie
|
10/28/11 06:21pm |
Workamping Forum
|
|
RE: Gate Guards
Yesterday there were 4 at the Whisett yard waiting for gates, but I heard there are Pioneer gates available. From what I hear Pioneer will occasionally do drug, alcohol, firearms searches and this includes the Gate Guard's RV...
Seems such searches will only add to the fire with the law suit GG, Inc is involved in. My 2 cents worth, but these jobs being "contract employment" has a limited lifespan.
|
SlickWillie
|
10/28/11 03:13pm |
Workamping Forum
|
|
RE: Trying to help a friend with a slide out problem
BTW, here is the Lippert Sheet.
If not in a hurry, you might check Ebay for the breaker.
|
SlickWillie
|
05/02/11 09:16am |
Fifth-Wheels
|
|
RE: Trying to help a friend with a slide out problem
Keystone fifth wheels have a 50amp auto reset breaker in the pump circuit. These are notorious for getting weak. The hydraulic pump is actually rated at 100amps.
I would suggest either try replacing the 50 amp breaker, or install an 80 amp breaker. The breaker is located on the bulkhead near the pump on the units I've seen. You can merely trace the hot wire to the pump back and find this breaker.
|
SlickWillie
|
05/01/11 06:15pm |
Fifth-Wheels
|
|
RE: Holding Tank Leak
I leave my "galley tank" open to the sewer line when I am in a park. Closed if dry camping of course, so have not had this problem. I'll be interested to see how it works out for you because I have the same trailer. The level monitor does not work well for me either.
I'm betting you'll experience leaks sooner or later. The tank manufacturer says the tanks are to have bottom support (straps)and Keystone is merely hanging them by the lip where the top is glued on. Just had two replaced, and the galley tank is cracked.
|
SlickWillie
|
04/17/11 08:23am |
Fifth-Wheels
|
|
RE: Keystone Quality control or lack of.............
Well; can't help myself here so got to add my 50 cents;
We've owned our Keystone product for 6 years now. It has kept us cool when it's hot, warm when it's been cold and dry when it's been wet...But I would never,NEVER....recommend a keystone product to anyone.
After visiting the factory and seeing how they're made AND dealing with the issues I've had to deal with since new....There's just no way I would recommend one to ANYBODY.
It's nice to know so many feel warm and fuzzy about theirs....but it just never hit me that way.
I didn't buy this thing so I could constantly have something that needed fixing....I have better things to do with my time. Add to that all the issues I've read about that others have had and still say they "love their________ brand" Heck with that....
Next time I will buy something that IS a quality build.
And for those that have visited the factory and still think they've got the best thing since chocolate cake; sorry to hear about your eyesight...Because ya have to be going blind to still buy one.
Let us know when you find a quality build. Everything I have seen is built the same way. Some are just more money. And I'm not tooting a horn for Keystone.
|
SlickWillie
|
04/09/11 04:31pm |
Fifth-Wheels
|
|
RE: Montana Fifth Wheel
We like the front living room. When DW saw it, she thought she had to have one. But, the more we looked, the less we liked the kitchen and bath layout. We live in our unit full time, and the kitchen just wouldn't work for us. It is sure a very nice looking rig though. I'll go into my next RV purchase a heck of a lot more educated; thanks to forums like this.
I suppose I was considered a brand basher at one time. I knew I had laid out a nice chunk of money, and was very disappointed. So, I try to have a little more patience with those in the same boat. Like Rich said, I just can't let misinformation in a post go.
|
SlickWillie
|
04/04/11 09:14am |
Fifth-Wheels
|
|
