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RE: Is a 40' FW going to have problems finding campgrounds?
Mine is 35 1/2'. We can't go every where we want to go. We can go enough places to enjoy our rig. 30' would get in more places, 40' fewer places. We enjoy state parks and always call ahead. National parks are even more limited. We are not big on private CG's.
The bigger your rig, the more care you need to take. And you can forget fueling up at the local corner gas station.
That's so true about filling up, hence I try to do that before hitching up, if I have to fuel enroute, then I use a truck stop/travel center as much as I'd like to get cheaper diesel at the corner station its impossible... I had to do this once cuz that's all there was and I had to back up through two parking areas just to straighten it out (this place was tiny) and so I could eliminate blocking the 2nd driveway.
I don't mind private CGs but I am exploring state parks as well, I tried a county park with my older 28' Terry 5ver and had a hellva time fitting in any of their pull throughs but their back ins were GREAT! In theory I could fit into these back ins with my 35' but they have to be long enough and of course I have seen 30' class As fit where my 28' 5ver wouldn't because of the TV I have.
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mynetdude
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07/31/11 08:12pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Class C easier to set up than fifith Wheel?
For me, the 3 or 4 steps I take to enter the camper, are not as big a problem as the 2 steps to enter the raised bedroom.
I hate going up and down those 2 steps sideways, while holding onto the doorway for support.
It's do it that way, or find a Genie in a bottle to make me 20 years old again.
While I may not be nearly as old as you, I also agree that the big gaping 2 step to the bedroom area is a dumb design. I talked to someone about adding a 3rd step and his comment was that I'd lose some space in the basement as they'd be cutting into the floor which covers the basement.
but I have also been in some 5vers that have 3-4 steps to get into the bedroom area and the stairs are quite narrow too, so that I don't like either.
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mynetdude
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07/31/11 06:17pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Northwest Spring Rally, May 18-20, 2012
Living in an 18 footer would be difficult! Not much room for Costco sized packages. There is a good Fred Meyer store nearby also. I grew up south of Ft. Stevens in Gearhart--neat place to be at that time of year!
haha... unless you have lots of cabinets you'll have to store most of it somewhere ;)
That's what I do, I stick it in the toybox
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mynetdude
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07/31/11 06:14pm |
Rallies, Shows and Gatherings
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RE: Class C easier to set up than fifith Wheel?
Fiver with BigFoot levelers: drop front jacks, unhitch, push "auto" button, hook-up water (quick connects on hoses) while the rig levels, plug in electric - done.
Total time? 15 to 20 minutes. Same thing for hook-up, but add in a minute to check tire pressures on the Pressure Pro.
The whole difference on set up is auto levelers. Otherwise it does not matter if you have a fiver, class C, or Class A.
You mean the front jacks still have to be lowered?
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mynetdude
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07/30/11 04:40pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Class C easier to set up than fifith Wheel?
A Class C is easier to level with automatic levelers. It will not have as much room as a 5er. You will need a toad so will have 2 sets of mechanical systems to maintain. If you sleep in the overhead of the C you will have sreps.
Steps? Yeah that is one of the things I don't like about the C is having to climb to get into the overhead. But most Toyhauler Cs I know of its either that or the beds in the very back.
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mynetdude
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07/30/11 02:50pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Class C easier to set up than fifith Wheel?
Some people who have older trailers are installing "level-up" systems that have several jacks and can level the trailer after you unhook. Cedar Creek, and I'm sure there are others, offer the level-up system on new trailers. You can't change the number of steps though. Several Class C motorhomes that I have seen lately are lower to the ground than Class A's or 5th wheels. There are some fairly long ones, too.
I've seen quite a few different class Cs
One thing that I didn't like was yet even though you had 2 or 3 steps outside you had 2-3 more to go inside as well on some models And actually come to think of it I can't think of any class C that doesn't have at least one step when you step from the last outside rung to the first inside landing.
You can get some pretty decent sized Cs now even with opposing slides.
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mynetdude
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07/30/11 02:48pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Class C easier to set up than fifith Wheel?
We are considering trading our fifth wheel for a Class C. We are getting older and more diffcult to set and navigate the steps. Has anyone ever made the switch and if so where they sorry? Love the fifth wheel, not so sure about the Class C.
next rig I'm getting will be a class C or class A
I can't stand the pain it is to level the 5th wheel you have to do it all before you unhook, once you unhook you'll need to rehook if you want to continue to fix the leveling.
I'd rather be able to push a button like in the class As can do, not sure about the class Cs but no hook/unhook like a 5th wheel
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mynetdude
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07/30/11 01:50pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Is a 40' FW going to have problems finding campgrounds?
You should be purchasing your RV based on a floorplan that you want and fits your needs, not what will fit into an RV park
Good forums to visit for info on longer 5th wheels are the full timers forums (here) - as well at the MDT & HDT forums on Escapees.
(The MDT & HDT folks have those tow vehicles for a reason).
The (Escapees) HDT forum Resource Guide is presently compiling a ("on-going" from the members) guide for rigs with a combined length of 60' and longer.
~
Good forums, but I don't see how MDT/HDT has anything to do with it?
And besides, I'll never understand why someone would get an MDT or HDT when they can just get a class A. So unless you can double tow, using an MDT/HDT as a touring vehicle will be a significant challenge.
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mynetdude
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07/30/11 01:47pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: 5th Wheel Television Use Question
you have your HTPC and XBox 360 in your 5ver?
Doesn't everyone? :)
Actually, I don't have a 5er yet, I'm planning on buying one to full time in this fall (fingers crossed). I'm not getting rid of the HTPC or 360... so the answer would be the same. They aren't that big really. You might not want them running when boondocked and not all 5ers would have room though.
FWIW, thanks to the new Mini form factor PCs, a HTPC can be pretty small and draw less power than a laptop (no screen). (Example)
There are even TV tuners for the Mini PCI express slots, you would need a free slot though.
well I wouldn't say everyone has an HTPC
but I do want to put in a PC that can be run as a HTPC and as a PC at the same time.
Yeah I couldn't think of any rig that would support a big enough of a PC ;) I have a cabinet that could easily fit two towers side by side.
Someone gave me a brilliant idea instead of building the PC into a case build the PC into the cabinet as a permanent setup, I would have to custom install an exhaust fan with filter that can be reversed to either suck air or blow air and this would depend on the season/temperature. By doing this, I can install the largest mainboard possible and have all the slots I want.
Because the PC would be in the cabinet I would have to have a wireless VGA output, keyboard, mice, printer, etc no wires to the PC at all (except for power)
As for boondocking and HTPC that's what a generator is for, although pretty loud but I don't see what 2 hours of inverter time could be an issue??? If you have the right amount of AH and you're not drawing more than say 300W (not including the monitor, etc) I'd have to say just to run the HTPC and other components to go with it I'd say no more than 800 watts?
While Mini PCs are a great idea for the casual user especially RVing that's a good setup IMO. The problem with the mini PC IMHO is they do not serve enough power to do all the HTPC functions it will be slow at recording and recording+playback at the same time even if that's all you use it for. And then of course the slots would be an issue, there wouldn't be enough.
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mynetdude
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07/30/11 10:53am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: 5th Wheel Television Use Question
I need a desk and want a large TV. The problems I run into is many layouts have a smaller desk than I need and/or don't easily hold a TV larger than 32". But there are still some nice options out there. I think Landmark will still build a Grand Canyon with a big desk, Cameo has a model with a decent sized desk, and Redwood offers a good sized pull out desk as well as a model that can even support a small office in the back. All should hold at least a 37" TV if not larger. And that's just a few of the models I'm considering.
I usually watch streaming video or DVD/Blu-Ray rentals rather than regular TV. I don't have cable, satellite, or even off air TV at the moment but that's temporary. Cable works best for my HTPC (Home Theater PC) as it can record from multiple TV channels at a time. No need to subscribe to Hulu that way.
I have all my CDs and many of my DVDs ripped to a hard drive on the HTPC so I can play them anytime I want.
FWIW, my Samsung Blu-Ray player supports streaming from NETFLIX, Vudu, Blockbuster, etc... and can also stream video shared from my HTPC as can my XBOX 360. I can even run the HTPC remotely through Windows Media Center with the 360. That way the HTPC doesn't have to take up room near my TV... it is a big machine.
In my experience, a shared WiFi connection usually isn't fast enough for reliable streaming and certainly won't stream hi-def videos.
The only video on demand service I've used to download movies and play them back later is on my 360 and their rentals are more expensive than the competition. But it's nice to choose some movies (including hi-def), then play them later without interruption even if you have a slow or intermittent internet connection.
you have your HTPC and XBox 360 in your 5ver?
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mynetdude
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07/28/11 08:02pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Boarding & Kennel Cough
And I'll offer the flip side of Michelle's post: if I must board my dogs - they ALWAYS go to the Vet's. The indoor runs are 5' x 20'; and they're taken outdoors 3 times a day to a 100' "corral" where they can run, potty, and bark at the cows, etc while the runs are cleaned. This way, a dog who doesn't like to potty indoors, can get outside to do their business. The place is spotless, of course - but what I like best, since my Aussie is a "runner" when scared: there's no way they can escape since they'd have to get through 4 sets of doors to be free.
And they must get pampered - because my dogs actually drag me INTO the place!!
I did take my dog to a place that had indoor/outdoor runs basically they could go in/out in the same run I think the indoor was 5x25 or something and had a "bedroom" that connected the inside with the outside and the outside was like 30' long big enough to do business outside also.
For her to have free roam I had to pay extra, etc but that was only good for 30 minutes each time.
They would only feed her once per day (even if I brought her own food) I had to pay extra for a night feeding as well. I could've told them to just give her two cups in one feeding and she can forego the night feeding :P
but I think with a sitter a dog gets more attention and care that way :)
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mynetdude
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07/27/11 09:18pm |
RV Pet Stop
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RE: Boarding & Kennel Cough
I use Homeopet Cough and Homeopet Nose to clear kennel cough quickly. You have to put the drops in their mouth on their gum and understand not to put too many drops, only the correct amount listed on the bottle for their weight (it's not like cough medicine). When we foster it clears a new dog up really quickly and if my dogs get it (we don't vaccinate) it usually clears them in a day also.
An alternative to boarding is to find a pet sitter on Craig's list in the area your visiting who takes dogs into their home and have them dog sit for a day. We've also had a college student dog sitter come sit in our RV when we needed to go to a family wedding in hot weather. They were instructed to call me and take the dogs out to sit in the shade if the power failed. It was pretty cheap. The guy only charged me $40 for two days (about 6 hours total) because he could sit and study. Sounds like you couldn't avoid the one boarding experience but being boarded is really stressful and lowers the dog's immune system, just like ours is lowered when we are under stress. If you do board make sure you personally inspect the areas where the dogs are being kept. I've seen some vet boarding facilities that I wouldn't leave a cold blooded snake in much less my dog.
Michelle
I hear some people prefer not to vaccinate, yeah good point about dog sitting rather than boarding.
I know that my dog doesn't want to stay at some unknown place, she begs to not to stay but she loves checking out all the other dogs that are there (who doesn't?)
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mynetdude
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07/27/11 09:13pm |
RV Pet Stop
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RE: Bizarre Campground Behavior
the anger I read on this board is scary. and over darn near nothing. just my observation. but I do get a ray of hope when I see some normal posts lol
where's the "like" button when you need one? :P
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mynetdude
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07/26/11 11:16am |
RV Lifestyle
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RE: Pocatello-Missoula 2 route options which one?
When we made an Idaho loop several years ago, I took US93 as short distance north of Missoula to MT 200, and took that all the way into Idaho. We camped at COE campground on the Priest River (this part has dams), and then drove north to Priest Lake, camping at a FS campground at the north end. There's a large state park on the east side of that lake.
On that trip we continued west on WA20 to the Puget Sound, though US2 is also a good choice. For returning to Oregon, US395 is an obvious choice.
ah I thought US93=MT200 in some areas? Well yes that is the route I would be taking after entering Missoula going up on the 93 to loop around that area and drop into PR there's a few COE as I have never been to a COE campground I thought it would be a good opportunity if it works out I'm still waiting to hear back from her in hopes it will work out.
Won't have the opportunity to use the US2, so will be doing 395 all the way to SR-14 and/or the I-84 (funny both these parallel each other on opposite sides of the border)
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mynetdude
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07/25/11 10:36pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: Confused about Good Sam 10% rate
It is a COMMON retail practice to advertise a % off when they have a sale but it doesn't necessarily mean 10% off their normal prices, could just as easily (and is just as often) 10% off MSRP. Sounds good in the add though. It in the same category as "as low as XX dollars which simply means NEVER LOWER than xx dollars but people will inevitably believe it says XX dollars is the advertised price.
ah you hit it right on the nail... very good point, never thought about that.
Stores that say they are having a sale 10% off well its already marked down 10% off or how about they raise the price 10% so that when they go to buy it they are buying it at the original marked price before the sale (I have seen this but they never make it look that way)
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mynetdude
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07/25/11 10:31pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Confused about Good Sam 10% rate
Surely hotels don't do this, you have to ASK for the discounted rate and they will want to see proof that you are eligible for that rate
Was not true when I traveled, and DW says not true now (she travels 80% on business). If you ask for the lowest discounted rate you will get it most of the time. If you are not getting discounted rates you are paying more than you should.
try getting the government rate, that IS the lowest discounted rate the hotels will offer and that doesn't mean that the government has any contracts with that hotel or hotel chain (some do, some don't) you wouldn't be able to get the lowest rate ask all you want unless you proved you were eligible.
They are here to make money, no question about that and I am not complaining about making money.
Another thing that comes to mind, while RV parks operate differently than a hotel yet the similarities are quite similar... you rent a room or space for XX nights. The main difference is you are renting a space outside at an RV park whereas at a hotel you are renting a room.
Some hotels require you pay a deposit, some do not some require you pay in advance for a certain amount/nights, etc.
One thing I have noticed that to me is unfairly disadvantaged. If I tell the hotel that I plan to stay a week with or without reservation and then I decide I would like to leave a few days early AFAIK you check out like you would and you only get charged for the nights you stayed not for the nights you reserved at an RV park, this is not true you get charged for the entire time you paid for whether you leave early or not.
I see enough RVs come and go at just about every park I have been to, they are filling their spaces whether someone stays 1 day, 10 days 1 month I don't think people should have to have their time/money held hostage because they can't get a refund for unused nights.
At RV parks you get charged in advance, at hotels you get charged after your stay (usually)
I don't see how an RV park is all that different than a hotel for the most part
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mynetdude
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07/25/11 06:23pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Confused about Good Sam 10% rate
Surely hotels don't do this, you have to ASK for the discounted rate and they will want to see proof that you are eligible for that rate
Was not true when I traveled, and DW says not true now (she travels 80% on business). If you ask for the lowest discounted rate you will get it most of the time. If you are not getting discounted rates you are paying more than you should.
try getting the government rate, that IS the lowest discounted rate the hotels will offer and that doesn't mean that the government has any contracts with that hotel or hotel chain (some do, some don't) you wouldn't be able to get the lowest rate ask all you want unless you proved you were eligible.
They are here to make money, no question about that and I am not complaining about making money.
Another thing that comes to mind, while RV parks operate differently than a hotel yet the similarities are quite similar... you rent a room or space for XX nights. The main difference is you are renting a space outside at an RV park whereas at a hotel you are renting a room.
Some hotels require you pay a deposit, some do not some require you pay in advance for a certain amount/nights, etc.
One thing I have noticed that to me is unfairly disadvantaged. If I tell the hotel that I plan to stay a week with or without reservation and then I decide I would like to leave a few days early AFAIK you check out like you would and you only get charged for the nights you stayed not for the nights you reserved at an RV park, this is not true you get charged for the entire time you paid for whether you leave early or not.
I see enough RVs come and go at just about every park I have been to, they are filling their spaces whether someone stays 1 day, 10 days 1 month I don't think people should have to have their time/money held hostage because they can't get a refund for unused nights.
At RV parks you get charged in advance, at hotels you get charged after your stay (usually)
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mynetdude
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07/25/11 06:21pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Confused about Good Sam 10% rate
In many cases we get any discounts offered even if we are not members (GS, AARP, etc). Typically all you have to do is ask. If they say no, you can always go down the road or pay the higher rate. Campgrounds are independent businesses - they can (and should) charge as they want to.
I wholeheartedly agree with you, but what is the point of discounts if anyone can just get the discounted rate? Surely hotels don't do this, you have to ASK for the discounted rate and they will want to see proof that you are eligible for that rate (I and many others have been asked if we are GS members and then they don't bother to ask for proof)
I am not so much concerned about the long term rates; if a park wants to discount a long term rate fine but please do it correctly IMHO)
If you are a business saying you'll give discounts for being a return customer or AAA AARP GS, whatever and then you give some new customer the same rate I guess you gotta do what you have to do to make the sale I just think it cheapens the membership benefits.
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mynetdude
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07/25/11 05:50pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Confused about Good Sam 10% rate
just smoke and mirror to get your money..JMHO
true, but I do actually have a real savings when a park actually does properly give you the discounted rate on their displayed rates.
I am not complaining about paying any of the rates, I don't care if its $200 but if they would give me the 10% discount on the $200 not state "well that IS the discounted rate"
basically what I am after is the practices and ethics of parks providing GS rates. IMO GS needs to step up to the plate a little on this (or did they do that already with their $5 off coupon?)
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mynetdude
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07/25/11 05:46pm |
General RVing Issues
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Confused about Good Sam 10% rate
Every park has a different way of charging you for various things, some parks will give you a discount on certain rates while some parks will not give you the same 10% discount on the same rates.
What gets me is this: almost all RV parks that accept good sam will offer 10% discount now I am not saying GS is in the wrong nor is the park I don't have a problem but maybe my knowledge of how GS rate discounts are eligible and expectations of them are way off what they should be so I need a little help here.
Most parks will not give you the GS rate off monthly (although I did stay at one park that did and they had two separate types of monthly rates)
Then there are parks that will not give you the GS rate on weekly rates while others will.
Then there are parks who already "discounted" the weekly rate and they advertise that you could save 10% if you are a good sam member, but if the discounted rate is already available to the whole park then why am I a good sam member again?
I'm just a little confused because I don't see anywhere in the fine print that says that parks must offer 10% off any rate (and I wouldn't expect that to be true)
But I find it silly that parks offer the good sam 10% rate when their base daily rate is already discounted... huh??? So I don't need to be a GS member to get that rate?
IMO to be fair I expect the GS discount to kick in on daily and weekly rates unless the weekly rate is less than $125/week (taxed or not although the cheapest I've ever seen for a week is $170). Monthly rates are already deeply discounted, I could not ask for more.
Are parks required to follow any pricing criteria in order to be allowed to display the GS logo?
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mynetdude
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07/25/11 05:34pm |
General RVing Issues
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