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Forum
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RE: Voltage drop on Turn Signal Circuit.
I might be mistaken, but my dictionary says "Didactic spray" is instructional spray.
Did the poster mean "dielectric spray"? That would be a non conductive spray or grease used to insulate and prevent corrosion, among other things.
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admiral0647
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01/12/12 12:54pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Voltage drop on Turn Signal Circuit.
I agree to inspect for improper ground.
When I had problems with trailer wiring in the 2004 E-350 class C I used to have, I learned Ford powers trailer lighting through a relay. I suspect this is so the amperage needed does not go through the regular truck lighting circuits.
Anyway, after further investigation I learned the relay is not a separate fixture, but integrated into the Central Junction Box (CJB) which is the fuse pannel under the dash. You might be able to measure the voltage at the relay - fuse.
BTW, as tempting as it is, it is never a good idea to install a larger fuse then the manufacturer specifies, since you could easily burn wires or cause larger problems.
Good luck with your problem, and lets hope it is a correctable grounding problem.
Jim
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admiral0647
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01/12/12 06:35am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Florida style RV 'port' in Texas?
http://www.bentsenpalm.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Retama-Village-at-Bentsen-Palm-950x396.jpg height=200
Owners build these at Retama Village, McAllen, TX. (Clicky to bentsen palm web site)
In our park, Llano Grande Lake Park Resort in the RVG, You can purchase your RV lot and build a "room" we call a casita, 12' x 30'. People build these with storage, bathroom, laundry, full kitchen and living room. $20K for the lot and over $30K for a deluxe casita... no port for the RV though.
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admiral0647
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01/04/12 12:42pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Looking for mobile RV wash/wax in the RGV
We are in Mercedes, We use "Steve II Wash & Wax" located in Donna, TX. They have a four or five man crew, will do the roof and awnings, and will also wash/wax. They are reasonably priced and do a good business in our park. They may also go to Pharr if it is not too "far" :)
They also accept credit cards. Call 956-460-4635 or 956-460-4734.
Jim
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admiral0647
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01/01/12 04:56pm |
Snowbirds
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RE: Any way aroundTongue Weight Restrictions
It can be more than just tongue weight and towing capicity...
The distance from the Class C rear axel to the hitch ball can limit the weight on the hitch. think of a lever and fulcrum.
Then, if the rear of the factory frame was extended by the RV manufacturer, that can limit the weight.
Most importantly though, are the Gross weight figures...
What will the new combined actual vehicle weight (RV and loaded trailer) be? Is it under the RV's CGVW limit?
What will be the new weight on the rear axel be (when rigged and fully loaded with trailer) ? (refer to my opening point above) Will this new weight be under the axel's listed capacity?
What about the Class C rear tires? Is their combined "load rating" capacity above or below the new fully rigged and loaded weight?
A trip to a local public scale is the only way to know for sure.
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admiral0647
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11/09/11 11:57am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: park model rental
You might try Llano Grande in Mercedes, TX or Victoria Palms in Donna, TX.
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admiral0647
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11/05/11 09:58am |
Snowbirds
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Wild new Class A Decoliner
http://www.blastolene.com/images2/deco/100_1986.jpg height=400
Recently completed by the Blastolene group, (famous for exotic hand made cars) this motorhome started as a mid 70's GMC motorhome chasis with a 1955 MAC COE cab.
What is so special is there is a "flying bridge" on the roof that has a driving control station and room for 5 passengers!
More info and pictures here: (link) or here: (link)
Jim
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admiral0647
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10/21/11 03:31pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: RV Sales in the RGV area.
Come on down... This is the web site (link)of a used unit dealer with a huge inventory. I've never used them, but a search might find others who have.
Also, there is a late model used unit for sale across the street in our park, Llano Grande Park and RV Resort in Mercedes, TX. I do not know the price, but the unit, and the lot it is on, is for sale by owner. There are many used units already in parks throughout the valley. Spend some time in different parks, find one you like and go from there. Motel rooms can be cheap enough until you get setup.
Good luck,
Jim
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admiral0647
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09/22/11 06:27pm |
Snowbirds
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RE: kwikee electric step
Power Gear US, bought out Kwikee Step (Link to Power Gear web site).
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admiral0647
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09/04/11 04:50pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Does height difference effect gas mileage?
The problem with gas mileage is there are so many factors that can affect it, it is difficult to isolate one and draw conclusions. An automotive magazine back in the 1970's tested the mileage of a regular cargo van with different outside rear view mirrors. The conclusion then was the bigger the rear view mirror the lower the gas mileage. Running without any exterior mirrors gave the best mileage results.
On your motor homes, the difference could have been caused by different gross weights, different rear axel ratios, different tires, tire sizes or inflation levels, different mirror styles, different levels of engine tuning, break-in, etc. How much was on the roof of each? AC units, vents, ladder racks, etc?
Yes, height and frontal area matters, but enough in the greater scheme is hard to determine.
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admiral0647
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09/01/11 07:19pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Wall Blueprints
I can see mine outlined faintly on mornings following a heavy dew.
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admiral0647
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08/30/11 02:03pm |
Hybrid Travel Trailers
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RE: Do Toad Brakes ever fail?
I am not familiar with your system, but my Even Brake has a dash mounted control with red indicator light. This red light is activated by the car's brake pedal light switch, meaning the pedal is being pushed by the system.
I can also feel the drag of the dinghy brakes when they activate.
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admiral0647
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08/25/11 06:31pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Where is gas up?
It can be a gamble, for sure. The biggest problems are the gas filler on the MH (which side of the unit it is on can limit choices) and with the dinghy attached you cannot back up the unit, not even a foot or two.
That being said, we look for Flying J first since many of them have a separate RV gas island.
We have found most stations along the interstate are not set up for large rigs. What we look for is an end island with room to get in and out without backing. Often this can mean driving around the back of the building.
I try to look for an approach, sometimes behind the diesel islands, that allow me to drive straight out when finished.
I always try to start the day's travel with a full tank. That gives me 400 miles before I must fill. Also, the fuel gauge on my Ford MH is not accurate so I always reset the trip odometer when I fill, than watch it add miles throughout the trip. If the day's schedule is shorter than 400 miles, after we park for the night we unhook the dinghy and look for a suitable morning fill location.
After a while looking for a gas station will come as second nature. You will see them as you approach exits and pull off to check for sure.
I also drive with a gps, and mark and save the gps location of "easy gas" for future trips along the same route.
Jim
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admiral0647
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08/25/11 04:40pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: Buying a dinghy
Also, regardless of any lists, the owner's manual for the vehicle is the final word on tow-ability. You will notice the Motorhome Magazine Dinghy Towing Guide also lists max speed and distance when towed. Some vehicles require removing a fuse, and running the vehicle at idle after towing "so many" miles. Also to consider is dinghy weight.
We like Toyota products and chose to tow a Yaris. I run the engine then turn off the ignition but leave the key in the ignition switch to prevent the steering wheel from locking, a must to tow. I lock the dinghy to the motorhome with the Roadmaster hitch system and lock the dinghy doors with a second key.
I recommend diodes on the car's brake lights and an aux. braking system. I had the Toyota dealer install the tow brackets and wire the diodes. Camping world installed the supplemental brake.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rh0ILzPM-3Q/TlayCTXVl8I/AAAAAAAAAsY/eZUen3BaHis/s512/0817011213a.jpg
After chipping the second windshield, and chips to the front paint, I also went with a bra and windshield cover.
Good luck and happy towing...
Jim
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admiral0647
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08/25/11 02:40pm |
Dinghy Towing
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RE: Mission or Brownsville, TX.
This coming season will be our second in the valley. As others have said, it is not for everyone, but we love it. You might try this link for some great information.(Winter Texan Connection)
There are so many parks in the valley you can surely find a fit. We prefer Llano Grande Lake Park Resort and Country Club ((link) It is one of the largest parks in south Texas and is connected to an 18 hole golf course. The cost is on the high end (we work-camped to ease the cost), but the recreational opportunities are nearly endless. Many parks open recreation (dances, concerts, craft shows) to outside visitors so you could stay at one park and dance at another.
Yes south Texas is hot, dusty and windy, but the people are friendly and the locals tend to like us if only for the money we bring to the valley and the wind keeps the flying insects at bay.
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admiral0647
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08/25/11 08:13am |
Snowbirds
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RE: Kwikee electric step frozen in the out position
Mine froze out a couple months ago. I was able to drive the connecting pin out with a small punch.
I learned from Damon that Kwikee sold out to another co. so no luck there. Damon told me to keep the step lubed with spray grease every month or so.
I had traced and checked all fuses (some were hard to find) and the little light came on and off with the door magnet. WD40 is a good cleaner but not a good long term lube (it is too thin and runny).
Thanks for the info about the motor from a Ford Taurus window.
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admiral0647
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08/24/11 08:52pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Can't get Dish Sat 129. Help
Three things that may or my not help:
1: Skew is critical when using one dish with three heads to link to three sats. It is the degree of "twist" in the dish. Make sure your dish base is level then tweak the skew to get 129. 129 is the Sat that broadcasts HD content. You may not want or need it.
2: Setting up the dish ahead of time is not critical to success. Local channels are broadcast to earth in a "cone" pattern that might be 300 miles wide. If you travel more than 150 miles from the center of the broadcast cone (down from the sat) you will loose local reception for that area. The solution to get "locals" when traveling is to let Dish Network know your receiver is in your RV. Then after you have successfully acquired the sat signals and are watching programing, call the Dish 800 number and let them know the receiver has moved in your RV to a new locality and request local broadcast channels for your current area. You will need to have a "pin" number ahead of time and can set that up "on-line" before you call. I do this all of the time and it only takes a few min. each time.
3: I can't help with getting the football game...
I hope this helps and good luck,
Jim
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admiral0647
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08/24/11 08:42pm |
Technology Corner
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RE: Hitch mounted storage
Back in 2006, I needed more storage in my then new Class C. I went with the 12.5 cu ft StowAway (Link to StowAway Site).
The model I chose had a 2" receiver and I set it up to tow my dinghy:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-42tgsDFpFBc/TlWviEjrOKI/AAAAAAAAAsM/Nr2zwu5O2NU/s512/Copy%252520of%252520IMG_0707.JPG
It was lockable, and weather tight. I probably towed the dinghy 10,000 miles. I sold the box separately when I traded the C.
I hope this helps.
Jim
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admiral0647
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08/24/11 08:23pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: List of Possible Towable Vehicles
I know there is a huge list out there, but if you can tow 4 down a STANDARD shift Toyota Yaris, you'll have an A++++ reliable car that gets excellent gas mileage AND is super light to tow.
I second the vote for the Yaris. The late model 4 door hatch back with adjustable back seats should accommodate tall passengers. (my 3 door does, but is tough to get in and out of) Lightweight, 40 mpg (stick) and fun to drive.
Hard wire the brake lights, and get a vinyl bra for the front and a vinyl cover for the windshield and you will be set.
Jim
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admiral0647
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08/14/11 04:50pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Park model ownership in Arizona?
Has anyone here purchased, or considered purchasing, a park model in Arizona? I'm looking at my options for staying winters in Tucson.
Is buying a park model like buying a house with inspections and closing costs, etc.?
I see some say they have a "gas pack", and some say "all electric". Should all electric be avoided?
If considering "all electric" look at the power source. Many park models I've seen are built like RVs. There will be a "power cord", probably 50 amp (220v). Ours also uses a residential style A/C unit. This can be wired separately to a 30 amp circuit on the power pole. Some do, and some don't. In Arizona you may have a swamp cooler. Our park in Texas offers 100 amp service to many of its park model sites. We also have the option of buying electric off the "Texas Grid" from competing companies.
We prefer to cook with gas, and have a small gas furnace, so we also have a 100# lp tank.
Since in Texas, at least, a Park Model is not considered "real property" so there is no real estate tax. ( we did pay sales tax) Arizona may tax differently.
Also like an RV, there was no appraisal, home insp etc. and ours was "owner financed" so no bank, only a lawyer to review the contract. Very easy all around.
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admiral0647
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08/11/11 08:34pm |
Snowbirds
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