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RE: Holiday Rambler quality level?
Techwriter seems hell bent on discrediting the Monaco/HR brand line, but seeing what he drives it does NOT surprise me. He is throwing oranges, apples, grapefruit, and sour grapes out there and saying the brand is the worst ever. As far as I know, since Navistar bought Monaco, there are NO recalls that involve the Navistar built portion of the coach or chassis. Yes there are a couple of vendor supplied items that have been recalled, but even the brand he drives would be affected, if those vendor supplied items were used in his coach. IMO, Monaco/HR is as good or even way better than several of the "major" brand RVs and are having far less problems than the granddaddy namesake of RVs.
Ouch! Spoken like a true brand loyalist.
Of course my brand, as almost all others, have had their share of recalls, but IMHO Holiday Rambler stands apart -- in a bad way.
OP is probably going to buy the HR and was just looking for validation for his decision.
But at the off chance he'd spend his money on another better brand, like a used Country Coach, I thought I'd give it a shot.
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TechWriter
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01/29/12 07:48am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Inverter and Solar
read this
I was given this the other day when I asked about going solar, Lots of info. Plenty to read.
Here's a much better site -- Jack Meyer.
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TechWriter
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01/28/12 10:16pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Low Profile Air Conditioner
In order to get my fifth wheel trailer into a storage building, I need to replace the Coleman Mach 15,000 BTU air conditioner with another ducted unit that is 10" or less tall. Since Carrier is no longer building RV A/C's, does anyone know of another company that builds a 15,000 BTU low profile unit? Thanks...TJ
Duo-Therm Penguins -- be advised that the 13.5K & 15K have the same compressor, but the 15K unit has a bigger fan.
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TechWriter
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01/28/12 10:12pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Foretravel
I would say that you are going to have a better experience at either MOT or FT buying as they do the PDI and will tell you what needs to be fixed
Do they check for bulkhead separation?
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TechWriter
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01/28/12 10:07pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Holiday Rambler quality level?
Based on NHTSA recalls, possibly the worst brand you could pick.
I went into that site for a list and found nothing about Navistar, HR, or that model back as far as 2009. I didn't look earlier than that. What do I look for?
- Go to NHTSA downloads.
- Download the FLAT_RCL.zip file (all the recalls).
- Open the text file in Access (Excel won't do).
- Create a new database & import the recall file as a tabbed data.
- Sort the data for what you want to see. Read the "Summaries" for the real poop.
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TechWriter
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01/28/12 08:30pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Holiday Rambler quality level?
Based on NHTSA recalls, possibly the worst brand you could pick.You put it out there, now back it up. List what recalls apply to the 2011 HR coach built by Navistar.
Texan, please note that I said "brand", not year or model.
When I analyzed the NHTSA database several years ago, I looked at the recall data for several models and IMHO found Holiday Rambler at the bottom. This is not to say that other brands are without problems, but HR seemed too bad to be true.
Why? Because they seemed to make the same mistakes over and over again -- design, manufacturing, and quality issues.
So when you challenged me, I downloaded the complete NTHSA database tonight -- all 93MB -- and looked up Holiday Rambler recalls since Navistar took over.
It looks like the same old story, Texan. Here's a summary of 11V557000:
"NAVISTAR IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2011 BEAVER, HOLIDAY RAMBLER AND MONACO COACH BRAND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 11, 2008, THROUGH APRIL 15, 2011. SEE THE ABOVE LIST FOR MODELS. THE FRONT WINDSHIELD SHADE MAY SEPARATE FROM THE CABIN BODY WITHOUT WARNING, POSSIBLY IMPAIRING THE DRIVER'S ABILITY TO SEE THE ROADWAY."
Following are the recall "campaign number" since Navistar took charge in 2009.
To see what the recall means go to NHTSA database and enter one of these numbers.
Knock yourself out:
10V633000
10V588000
10V084000
11V296000
11V429000
10V014000
11V557000
11V557000
11V557000
11V557000
11V557000
10V588000
11V557000
10V284000
10V284000
09V363000
10V284000
10V588000
10V284000
10V014000
10V014000
10V084000
10V588000
10V284000
11V557000
10V014000
10V014000
11V557000
11V557000
10V014000
10V284000
10V284000
10V284000
10V284000
10V284000
10V455000
10V455000
11V557000
10V014000
10V014000
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TechWriter
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01/28/12 08:24pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Holiday Rambler quality level?
Based on NHTSA recalls, possibly the worst brand you could pick.
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TechWriter
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01/28/12 07:00pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Upgrading to DISH HD
Thanks, Dave. Perhaps I need to clarify. I only have DISH in the RV and have the pay-as-you-go plan, paying monthly when I use it. I can buy a 211k receiver for $110 on-line; what dish do I need?
You have 3 dish choices: 1000, 1000.2, or 1000.4. Normally, all three are configured with a Western Arc LNB (sats 110, 119, and 129).
I suggest the 1000.4 because . . .
- it's a slightly bigger dish than the others, so acquiring sats is easier.
- it has "fine tuning" aiming adjustments that the other two do not have.
- it can be fitted with a Western Arc LNB or a Eastern Arc LNB (sats 62.5, 72, and 77).
- the LNB arm is bolted on and can be removed for easier storage.
Since acquiring Dish HD sats can be challenging, I recommend you get a very good tripod and sat meter.
You might also consider skipping all this and just picking up a Dish Tailgater.
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TechWriter
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01/27/12 11:20am |
Technology Corner
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RE: Best RG cable for Satellite/HD
You do not have to use HDMI for HD. Component video cables are completely capable of sending an HD signal to the TV as well.
Not for much longer -- the analog sunset has started.
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TechWriter
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01/25/12 07:20pm |
Technology Corner
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RE: MPPT Solar Controllers
IMHO, with the cost of MTTP controllers coming down and the fact that higher voltage panels are less expensive then equivalent wattage 17.7v panels, using an MTTP controller and higher voltage panels is the sensible choice.
Unless there is a shade problem?
Especially if there is a shade problem because . . .
- Since PV array voltage must exceed battery bank voltage for charging to take place, there's more of a chance of this happening in the shade (or otherwise) with higher, rather than lower, voltage panels.
- A higher end MPPT can allow for more input current which in turn permits shade-defeating parallel wiring where solar panel current is additive.
To me, get the best MPPT controller you can, THEN add panels. Not the other way around.
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TechWriter
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01/25/12 06:43am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Best RG cable for Satellite/HD
Okay, thanks. As I state in the question, the RG6 is for 50+ Mhz applications and HD is 37Mhz. But searching further, I find it's strongly recommended for any satellite application regardless. Apparently, that's the best way to go and that's what I'll do.
I'm using Skyline brands cable that Dish recommends: RG-6 Dual Quad.
You can also find single, instead of dual, cables. I'm using dual because I want to connect two separate dish receivers.
Here's a good writeup on different types of RG6 applications: RG6 cable applications.
The Skyline cable above is "swept" to 3GHz -- which is hunky dory for RV use. Note that this is bulk cable & you'd have to cut it to length and add your own connectors.
BTW, I've had up to 175' runs of this stuff with no apparent signal loss.
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TechWriter
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01/23/12 03:37pm |
Technology Corner
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RE: MPPT Solar Controllers
I was willing to run some unbiased tests of your unit.
That would be like having Phillip Morris reevaluate smoking research.
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TechWriter
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01/23/12 01:53pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Dish Network for rvers
The triple LNB interests me because I'd be able to basically watch tv like I do at home, so I've looked at the Dish Network 1000.2 setup plus a tripod and satellite finder.
First, if you're getting a portable dish, then get a Dish 1000.4, not a 1000.2. With a 1000.4, you can put either a Western Arc (sats 110, 119, & 129) or an Eastern Arc (sats 61.5, 72, & 77) LNB arm on it.
Having the ability to switch out Western & Eastern Arc LNBs gives you more sky to aim at. Helpful if you're camping in the woods.
The 1000.4 ships with an Eastern Arc LNB, but you can pick up a Western Arc LNB arm on eBay. Since the LNB arm is bolted to a 1000.4 (instead of tack welded), the arm comes off and the dish is much easier to store. A 1000.4 is also easier to aim than a 1000.2.
That said, even with clear sky, a Dish triple-LNB antenna can be challenging to aim. I bought a good tripod and sat meter for it. When you add it all up (dish + tripod + meter), you're approaching (or passing) the cost of a Tailgater.
My full timer setup consists of a roof top Travler + a portable 1000.4 dish when trees prevent the Travler from working.
I use this setup because I have two receivers and I have to run dual cables from the Travler and the 1000.4.
Unless you need two receivers, the Tailgater is a great deal -- and Direct has nothing like it.
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TechWriter
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01/18/12 02:22pm |
Technology Corner
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RE: on / off switch between solar panels and charge controller?
I'll have an in-line fuse on this cable run, but it seems like a switch to disconnect the panels from the controller would add another control option.
I use DC breakers -- two mints in one.
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TechWriter
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01/15/12 09:56am |
Tech Issues
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Real World Solar -- Football
Forget the numbers. Here's my idea of real world solar . . . Wheelin It Blog
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TechWriter
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01/14/12 08:59pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: MPPT Solar Controllers
Hi Tech,
Yup--I should have thought to post it before!
Wind and Sun on Rogue
Jump to page 13
btw that testing was on the earlier model--he has upgraded the design since.
Got a link?
Impressive. While one test shouldn't make or break, the gist of the Wind and Sun thread (from 2009 on!) seemed to be that the Rogue is an exceptional mid-range unit -- and might give Morningstar a run for its money.
However, lack of UL/ETL testing would be an issue to me. Has Rogue been certified since the thread?
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TechWriter
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01/14/12 08:55pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Choosing a Solar PV Charge Controller
Wondering what charge controller others have purchased and why.
I started with a Blue Sky Solar Boost 2000, then a Xantrex XW-MPPT-150, and next is the MidNite Solar Classic 150.
I discovered MidNite Solar when installing my other systems, because MidNite makes combiner boxes and DC breakers. What impressed me about MidNite was the ETL testing they did on their breakers.
MidNite's Classic, also ETL approved, has these features:
- 1st controller that has arc-fault protection
- 150, 200, and 250V input operating voltage models
- 80 - 96A output
- Ethernet, USB, and RS232 connectivity
- 35MB data logging storage
- AUX inputs & outputs
- user upgradeable firmware
- setup wizard
and it speaks.
Finally, for support MidNite Solar recently started a User Forum & has done several install videos & a wealth of sample wiring diagrams . . . plus they build their own circuit boards in house.
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TechWriter
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01/14/12 07:54pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Adding DirecTV HD via Tripod Dish - This is a puzzle!
Wow!
Three pages and still going strong.
Yipes, and I thought DishTV HD was complex.
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TechWriter
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01/14/12 06:38pm |
Technology Corner
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RE: Dish vs Direct ???
I had no trouble setting up Direct TV until I switched to HD service. I know others say it is no harder to zero in on their satellites but that was not my experience.
Same with Dish HD. SD was hard enough, but HD. Oy veh.
Though I have a rooftop Travler for Dish, I still carry a 3 LNB portable for those times when the trees get thick. However, for the portable I spent some $$$ on a great tripod & signal strength meter to make the acquisition process easier.
Like you, I'm skeptical of the "dish whisperers" who claim portable HD is easy.
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TechWriter
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01/14/12 10:40am |
Technology Corner
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RE: Which is better: Higher or lower volt solar panels?
U all spend thousands of dollars & massive amount of time engineering, calculating & worrying about all this just to camp FREE ? LOL
& U spent $$$ on an orphan RV to haul Snuffy around????? KMRIA !!!
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TechWriter
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01/13/12 07:57pm |
Tech Issues
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