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RE: camper fire
As I said before. As a firefighter and former fire Chief every RV fire I have been on started with the refrigerator. All these RV fires I have been on the RV had been sitting so it was not an issue with hot brakes etc. Someone needs to start holding these component manufacturers liable for this******they put out that endanger peoples,and families lives and stop worrying about how many $$$$ they can put in their pockets. Cracked frames also ring a bell.
Once again I am sorry for your loss. Our pets ARE family and would be devastated if we lost one no matter how it happened
Ranger Smith, given your experience as a firefighter, where have you seen these fires tend to start? Gas system, electrical system, or a combination? In your opinion, how much of a factor do you think the wind played in =starting= the fire? If you think wind =was= a factor, do you think parking with the reefer vent downwind or even at an angle to the wind would have had any effect?
Lyle
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laknox
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05/25/12 03:32pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: camper fire
After looking at the video, it can be seen that the fire apparently starts on the curb side, nearer the front, possibly where the refrigerator would be. I'm wondering if the wind blowing directly into the refrigerator side vent panel contributed to the fire? Of course, it had to be more than just the wind, but seems like that may be a critical contributing factor.
On my 5er, I have noticed on several occasions that when the wind blows real hard from the refrigerator side (close to 90* from side of trailer) that the cooling performance is near zero. Perhaps something that could be improved in the design process to improve cooling and to prevent fires from starting.
That was my first thought, after watching the video.
Lyle
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laknox
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05/25/12 12:24pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: camper fire
There was a video made of your RV fire. Someone posted it on YouTube. I know this may be difficult for you to see again, so I apologize for that.
Considering how the wind was blowing that day, you are lucky to still have the truck. Fortunate that the propane did not go off.
I cannot imagine the difficult times you are having right now. Rest assured that I, and probably a lot of other folks, are wishing you the best.
RV fire at Cabela's, Mitchell SD on 05/22/2012
Not even my rig, and it's tough to watch. I guess 'cause it's not "just another RV'er", but one of the RV.net "family". So sorry about the loss, especially the kitties. Hope the right people step up to help you out. I, too, look forward to more details.
Lyle
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laknox
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05/25/12 12:20pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Terrain Limitations
I camp with about 20 different families,mostly 5th wheelers, but 4 have TThaulers in the 28 to 32 ft range.The bed clearance is crucial but 8 to 10 in is plenty,the problems we have had is more in the placement of the fuel station,rear steps,and those danged'olrear jacks that they want to hang off the very rear of the TH.Even the location of the spare underneath is sometimes wayy low.When you go through a creek the problem is after the TH wheels get through the wash and the TV is climbing up the incline,rear of TH scrapes the downside.We have moved all jacks right behind the wheels,moved the steps and on one built a cage around the fuel station.I put a 3ft skid plate accross the rear of my 39ftr so I just 'drag it through' the wash.Draw a line from the bottom of your rear wheels to your rear bumper, that's what you will drag off ,steps jacks,etc, at some point if not moved or braced really well.We also carry 2ft sections of 6x6 to put down under the TH wheels so we can get through some of the steeper washes.We've camped about half way up Harquala Mountain by going steady and using the blocks.Once you get to about 30 to 35 ft I dont think it matters,TT or 5th. Hope we see you around AZ..
We go up to Stoneman Lake every year and even just going off the sometimes-graded road to get into my usual spot, I come pretty close to the bed. I've got 8" clearance and wouldn't mind another inch, but I'd have to raise my FW to get it.
Lyle
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laknox
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05/24/12 01:53pm |
Toy Haulers
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RE: Honda Generators
I'm not sure which way to go, 2 EU2000's, or a EU3000i Handi. I have a Cougar 292RKS, with 13,500 A/C. Is two better than one, or more work. People at Camping World say that is all about weight. Buy two because they are lighter, and easer to move around. I am thinking two makes more noise than one. Two is more maintence. Experence is knowledge. Any help is much appreciated.
Here's my thinking for =my= situation:
1. A 3000 would be on a cargo rack on the back, with fuel. This is where my cord is anyway. 2000's would ride in the truck bed, with fuel, but would have to be tied down or locked.
2. A 3000 has electric start and, in my Komfort, I have room to mount the starter and Hobbs meter on the cord box, which is between my chairs as a table. 2000's are manual start.
3. 2 x 2000's give me flexibility in only using one when I don't need A/C and more peak power.
4. All these are inverters and produce 110v when running, but only run fast enough for the load put on them, so that's a wash, IMO.
5. A 3000 runs about 3x as long as the 2000 does so, no getting up in the middle of the night to refuel.
Lyle
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laknox
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05/24/12 09:41am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Filling water tank
Personally, I'll turn the water on for a few minutes, then shut it off and let it vent. Repeat until full. Takes longer, but I know I'm =full= when I leave. Getting one of those cheap meters off Amazon can't hurt, so you =know= how much water has gone in.
Lyle
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laknox
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05/21/12 04:01pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Limp Mode Problem on Duramax LMM
Why can't the factory install a 4 or 5" exhaust system and let that engine =breathe=? I felt the difference with my Banks Monster Exhaust, even in stock mode, as soon as I had it installed. Didn't change the mileage =up= all that much, but I get a bit more performance with no =loss=. 10-12 hp is still 10-12 hp any way you look at it.
Lyle
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laknox
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05/21/12 03:33pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Inexpensive bed saver
There is a notice on the page for this model. Given the wording, which is somewhat hard to decipher, I'm wondering if, in the case of an unlatch, the hitch head tilts down too fast, which would drop the cross bar below the king pin thus not catching it.
Lyle
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laknox
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05/18/12 04:17pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Help --- Looking for a bottle jack
Or get a trailer with a Big Foot or a similar hydraulic lift system and leave the bottle jack and trailer aide stuff at home.
Until it malfunctions. :-) Even if I had a leveling system, I'd still carry a jack.
Lyle
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laknox
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05/18/12 03:49pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Jacking up 5er
OK...I understand that I should jack from the frame per Lippert recommendations but...if I am changing a tire and only lifting the axle with TrailAir Equa-Flex high enough to do so, could I weld one of these (see photo) to the bottle jack and reduce the chance of causing any axle damage?
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l10/heritage93/3201_st.jpg
Can't see pictures on photobucket here at work -- they have it blocked. My fiver is underslung, so the axle tube is above the springs. There is a nice flat plate under the spring that the u-bolts go through. It is called the tie plate, and I can just put the bottle jack under there. On my TT, it is overslung. This means my springs are above the axle tube. So I made an adapter for my bottle jack. I took a pipe nipple that would slip over the top of my bottle jack and welded it to a "spring perch" that was for my axle diameter. Here is a link to the "spring perch":
http://www.easternmarine.com/2-3-8-round-axle-steel-leaf-spring-seat-ss-200
You will note the correct term is "spring seat". When you look at your axle, there is already one of these welded to it.
Brilliant!
Lyle
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laknox
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05/18/12 09:28am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Jacking up 5er
OK...I understand that I should jack from the frame per Lippert recommendations but...if I am changing a tire and only lifting the axle with TrailAir Equa-Flex high enough to do so, could I weld one of these (see photo) to the bottle jack and reduce the chance of causing any axle damage?
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l10/heritage93/3201_st.jpg
IMO, that wouldn't make any difference...to Lippert. Their CYA policy is that if you jack anywhere on the axle, you run the risk of bending the axle...despite the fact that your most likely jack point is right under the springs, where the axle is carrying the load. :h With a floor jack, you really wouldn't need that, as it's got a "cup" as its jack point anyway. With a bottle jack, having a piece like you pictured =welded on= sure would make jacking on the axle a lot safer, but would make the jack pretty useless for anything else. JMO...
Lyle
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laknox
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05/18/12 09:23am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Shortest 5th wheel or 5th wheel toy hauler
What is the shortest 5th wheel out there? I have found a 23 foot 5th wheel and a 28 foot 5th wheel toy hauler. I am in CA.
Scamp, at 19', is the shortest one I know of.
Lyle
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laknox
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05/17/12 03:37pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: PDI Tomorrow - Black Water Tank Questions!
I agree that the dealer should throw in a starter kit. One thing to buy, not real expensive, is a 90 degree elbow for the outlet end of the hose, if it's not in the kit. I sure wish I had had one on our first couple of trips.
Lyle
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laknox
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05/17/12 03:13pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: What are the advantages to a 5th wheel?
FLHTCI, don't forget that, with a say, 30' FW, probably 5' of that total length is over the bed, so you're actually only towing a 25' long rig.
Lyle
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laknox
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05/17/12 12:10pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Dental work @ Rio Dental in Juarez, Mex
SNIP
I was thinking about going to Mexico for dental word, but have no idea as to where to go. There must be a forum of people that went to Mexico for dental work.
ken
Go to Yuma and cross over into Algodones. You can park on the US side for $5 and walk in. Algodones is sleepy little town who's sole purpose is to support the retired US citizens with dental, eye, and prescription drugs at reasonable prices. I had a quote in the US for over $7000 to have dental work done. Went to Dr Carlos Castanedo in Algodones and got it done for $1700. He is even a member of the American Dental Association. There are even cheaper places but I went to him because of his reputation and was very satisfied. You can even make your appointments on line at Bernal Dental
A lot of our Canadian snowbird friends go to Nogales, Agua Prieta or Algodones. A few go to Sonoyta or even down to Rocky Point, if they're going down there anyway.
Lyle
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laknox
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05/17/12 12:00pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Dental work @ Rio Dental in Juarez, Mex
Get a gold front tooth!
Mike
Naw; get a GRILL! :-)
Lyle
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laknox
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05/17/12 11:58am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Need new tires - what about new rims?
I am upgrading to E rated tires but I am staying with 15" rims (I wasn't happy with the resulting clearances if I went with 16's). You are correct; I am starting to see signs of rust on the steel rims. I can see us keeping this rig for 5+ years which would be enough to wear through another set of tires....
Make sure the rims you have now are rated for 80 psi. If not, you're looking at a rim change if you want to jump up to E-range tires. In E-range, Maxxis is probably your best bet, though you'll pay more for them. Also, remember that, if you do change rims, you need zero offset rims.
Lyle
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laknox
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05/17/12 11:55am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Going from Colorado Springs to Los Vegas
Colo Sprgs to Las Vegas has two good routes. Go south thru Raton and you drive about 960 miles and is not too much climbing. The drive after you go south from Raton is an easy drive and pretty flat for a long ways. The climb out of Albe on I-40 is long and takes a while.
Going north from the Springs thru Denver on the bypass to the west of Denver is a 862 mile drive and has some good climbs. The worst part I found was not so much the climbing as the downhill on the west side of the Eisenhower tunnel. Take that slow and after that you have pretty smooth sailing. Either way is a good drive.
I am going to Cortez this weekend on I-40 to Flagstaff. Wave if you see my truck and camper going east.
Have a safe trip.
Frank
( Moved from 5th wheels to Roads & Routes.
Frank )
We were supposed to be heading up Cortez way (Dove Creek, actually) this weekend, but trip got cancelled. :-(
Lyle
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laknox
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05/16/12 12:43pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: Going from Colorado Springs to Los Vegas
And when you use Google Maps, be sure to spell your destination correctly. It is Las Vegas, not Los Vegas nor Los Vages. It is in Nevada.
I thought it was Lost Wages?
Lyle
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laknox
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05/16/12 12:11pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: Need new tires - what about new rims?
I am looking for some advice from others who may have gone through the same decision process. My rig needs new tires and I have found a brand and price that I am comfortable with. My dilemma is whether or not it would make sense to invest in new aluminum rims to go with these new tires. The rims on my unit are the standard steel ones that were original equipment on all Cougars back in 2006 (I see all current ones have aluminum rims). I really like my camper and plan to keep it for quite a while. Does this "upgrade" make sense on a unit this old or am I just tossing money at something best left in the original condition?
I agree with the other guys that, if you're going to change rims, jump up to E-range (80 psi), if you don't already have them. If you've got the space, jump up to 16" rims, as well.
Lyle
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laknox
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05/16/12 12:09pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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