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Subject |
Author |
Date Posted |
Forum
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RE: For the senors in the audience

Do I need a sombrero to have a senor moment? :D
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rexlion
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05/24/12 09:42pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: small four-season trailer?

Another possibility is a Bigfoot trailer.
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rexlion
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05/24/12 09:36pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Small trailer-some might call a Teardrop

What kind of Jeep? Do you know your Jeep's tow rating?
Nearly all the small teardrops will be light enough, in all likelihood. Whether you could tow a larger (but somewhat teardrop-shaped) trailer like the R-Pod or Heartland MPG depends on which Jeep you have, though. Plenty of small ones being built out there by companies (Little Guy, Yoder Toter, etc.) and even plans to use for building your own if you prefer. While you can't stand up inside most of these, they are way better than tenting IMO and they don't cut into the gas mileage much.
I strongly suggest that you view at least one teardrop in person, either at a dealership or mfr, or by asking to look at one you happen to spot somewhere. Then you can get an idea if the size is right for you.
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rexlion
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05/23/12 10:42pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Ultralite vs. well, not Ultralite!

Same size trailer, ultralight or not? It depends on the prices, the features, the build quality, how long I want to keep it, stuff like that. I would not exclude the lighter trailer just because I could tow more.
One thing about having a lighter trailer is, what if you decide later to sell the Excursion and buy a smaller TV? If your trailer is too heavy for it, then you have to buy 2 new things instead of 1. (That could go pro or con, depending on your bank account and buying habits!)
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rexlion
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05/23/12 05:54pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: key won't turn in ignition

Usually moving the steering wheel one direction or the other as far as the lock will allow can free up the ignition. If it doesn't, it may require a mechanic. But I've had this happen a number of times and moving the steering wheel while trying the key always did the trick. Best way I can describe it is, the wheel had some hand pressure on it when you turned the vehicle off, and the wheel tried to go back against the pressure but can't, so moving the wheel the other direction again frees up the ignition lock.
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rexlion
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05/22/12 09:29pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Sea eagle boats

I have read that the typical life of the seams on most of these is about 6 or 7 years, although some people get way more than that. But until they become unrepairable, they seem to do the job well and have plenty of happy owners. Saturn is another similar brand. If you need something compact, you'll probably appreciate having one of these.
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rexlion
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05/22/12 09:09pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: kayaks vs canoes

Kayak City finally emailed today to say the MSO is on the way! Whew!! What a relief. (Only 3 weeks after purchase, sheesh!)
No, there was not one in the folder that came with the kayak, I looked three times. And if there were one, I'm sure the dealer would have said to look for it there... they knew they didn't send one.
Thanks for the heads-up on BWCA, George. If I decide to enter that area I'll be sure to leave the mirage drive in the TT. Fortunately the Hobie still should paddle very well, too. And yes, I plan to wear my PFD all the time... and I'll pack a neoprene top in the kayak just in case I need it. I will have a flashlight and whistle at all times, too.
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rexlion
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05/21/12 08:40pm |
RV Lifestyle
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RE: Ways to stay cool while tent camping

Swamp coolers: www.swampy.net
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rexlion
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05/21/12 03:13pm |
Tent Camping
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RE: Silicone bakeware

My wife was excited about the stuff, got some and found it more difficult to clean than the dirty pans. Now the silicone sits unused. You want them? Send postage... I don't promise they've been washed, though. ;)
BTW, silicone bakeware is pretty limp, so you still need the pans to support it. The silicone is like a liner for the pan.
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rexlion
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05/20/12 10:09pm |
Camp Cooks and Connoisseurs
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RE: Cheap Unisolar panels

I've been thinking about one of these (easier install, less loss from shadows) but the "no warranty" stops me on this deal.
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rexlion
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05/19/12 11:53am |
Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)
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RE: Does this classify as a TC?

Whatever it is, it looks grossly over-powered. ;)
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rexlion
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05/18/12 06:07pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Maine or Michigan

I haven't been to Maine yet, but I grew up in Michigan. We moved to Oklahoma 21 years ago, and I always look forward to summer vacation time so I can return to Michigan.
To add to points of interest already mentioned, north of Muskegon at Silver Lake SP you can rent a dune buggy and ride the sand dunes. Also see the lighthouse about 2 miles south, it's brick (and my favorite lighthouse anywhere). Head north to Ludington SP, there's a nice walk of a bit over a mile along the shore to another lighthouse. North to Empire, and about 3 miles farther north there's a great spot to swim in a warm, pretty, natural pool about a hundred yards from Lake Michigan. Or jump in the big lake if you don't mind the colder water. From there it's just a hop to the Sleeping Bear Dunes and the drive to the overlook.
Continuing north, Leelanau SP is a very quiet, out-of-the-way place with a small lighthouse and a rustic CG. See if the sweet cherries are in season yet and buy some while near Traverse City. Charlevoix is an attractive town with some tourist shops. If you're in Petoskey on the 4th of July weekend, from the municipal CG you can see 3 sets of fireworks at once (two are rather distant, but even so it's a bit of a treat). Then pick up County Road 77, the "tunnel of trees" road to Cross Village, and push on to Mackinaw City. Get some fresh cinnamon bread at the bakery, yum! Or a pasty (like a pot pie), a fish dinner, or some smoked fish. Plenty of tourist shops here, an old fort to visit, and another state park nearby for camping. Take the boat ride to Mackinac Island and spend the day exploring shops, seeing another old fort, riding horses, taking a carriage ride, eating freshly made fudge, and walking or riding bikes all the way around an island with no motor vehicles. Cross the mighty Mackinac Bridge and head to the Soo Locks. Then west to Tahquamenon Falls. Farther west is Munising and the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, with boat rides along the shoreline to see all the neat rock formations worn by millenia of waves. Several nice waterfalls around Munising, too.
Then head south to Fayette SP on the Garden Peninsula (Lk Mich. shoreline) for a look at an old iron ore processing facility with historic buildings and artifacts. Turn east and see Kitch-Ti-Kipi, the Big Spring, an amazingly clear and colorful pool where you can easily see large fish swimming 40 feet below you (they seem much closer). Enjoy the views of Lake Michigan as you head back to St. Ignace along US-2.
Head south along the eastern side for a different view. Not as picturesque perhaps, but still nice. Maybe rent a canoe and ride the Au Sable or the Rifle River for a couple hours. Frankenmuth has been mentioned; it's an interesting town with Bavarian architecture, and Bronner's is a huge Christmas store you don't want to miss (tons of decorations). And the Henry Ford museum in Dearborn is a good one.
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rexlion
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05/18/12 06:00pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Lake Superior Circle Tour

Note there is a Grand Marais, Michigan and a Grand Marais, Minnesota. Both are good places to camp.
I could add the municipal CG on Lake Superior at Ontonagon, MI. Very nice, and affordable.
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rexlion
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05/17/12 08:48pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: kayaks vs canoes

That's nice to know, thanks. Well, at least I can legally use the Hobie on Secord Lake when we visit the in-laws later this summer.
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rexlion
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05/17/12 08:28pm |
RV Lifestyle
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RE: New Andersen WD hitch

OK, I give. Ordered my Anderson today after carefully reading this whole thread. I am still confused on how to accurately determine the after installation TW and be consistant each time I tow. I certainly do not want to be too light on the TW. I am glad to hear good reports on trials.
For consistancy, I plan to get the hitch set to where it is supposed to be, then paint the exposed threads with nail polish. I've heard, other owners just count the number of exposed threads.
I would be interested to know if the nail polish (or anything else) will stay on the threads when one has to back the nuts over some of those threads repeatedly to loosen the chains for removal.
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rexlion
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05/17/12 08:30am |
Towing
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RE: kayaks vs canoes

I now have a Hobie Mirage Sport being shipped to me. It's a sit-on-top style, so it's easy to get on and off. Looking forward to pedaling all over the lakes in MN this summer.
My Hobie kayak arrived May 8, and it looks great. But I can't use it! :(
I bought it on ebay April 30 from Adventure Sports/Kayak City of Sacramento CA as a slightly used demo. On May 1 I let them know by email that my state requires registration of the kayak, and please send a Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO, the standard document). I called them on May 9 and they said they would get the MSO from Hobie. I tried asking Hobie if they could send it directly to me, but they said the dealer has to request it. :? Called Kayak City again today, they say still no MSO. In the meantime I can't legally use this kayak... and my big vacation to the waters of northern Minnesota fast approaches! :M
Isn't this a bit like selling an automobile without providing a title? Why would any dealer ship a kayak without an MSO?
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rexlion
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05/16/12 07:31pm |
RV Lifestyle
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RE: WHICH TENT TO BUY WITH SO MANY CHOICES OUT THERE?

I really like the look of LightSpeed tents, see lightspeedtents.com for videos showing how they go up and come down. Very quick and easy. Even though I have a travel trailer, I'm thinking about getting one of their tents for occasional use.
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rexlion
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05/16/12 05:24pm |
Tent Camping
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RE: CNG conversions?

I'm a little skeptical about hybrids from the standpoint of repairs. If the hybrid system were to fail, I've heard that the repair cost is big buck$.
I assume you're thinking about a bi-fuel (CNG/gasoline) conversion? Or dedicated CNG? Personally I would not want a dedicated one, because it's too hard to plan a trip anywhere farther away. For CNG to pay off for you, you would have to look at how many miles you drive, how much you'd save each year at the current local cost for CNG, and figure how long it would take to pay for the conversion plus a fueling point in your garage. I doubt you would get much benefit if you could only refill twice per month! Then add into the equation the fact that CNG vehicles can be worth more on resale. I bought a bi-fuel CNG pickup used with over 100K miles for $5500, then 2 years later when gasoline prices shot up I sold it for $9500.
I would jump at the chance to get a new pickup converted to CNG bi-fuel for $4K, or even $5K. The only place in Tulsa (that I am aware of) wants way more than that.
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rexlion
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05/16/12 03:45pm |
Hybrid Travel Trailers
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RE: Time to "refresh your soul!" Yosemite Falls Live View.

I clicked on the link to see the falls. Huh, nothing, just a black screen. Why is the.... Oh Yeah, it's nighttime! :S
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rexlion
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05/14/12 10:14pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: Lake Superior Circle Tour

Years ago as a kid I saw the Canada leg. IMO the best part is Sault Ste Marie to Wawa; you get some nice views of the lake, you can see the Pictured Rocks' native petroglyphs, and there's a nice waterfall a bit south of Wawa. The rest is mostly forest, forest, and forest, followed by a bit more forest. ;)
The MN north shore is great; I'm headed there next month. Also planning to kayak a bit at Apostle Islands, visit the Porcupine Mountains SP again, and drive around the Keweenaw Peninsula.
The boat ride along Pictured Rocks (Munising MI) is worth the ticket; we've done that twice.
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rexlion
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05/14/12 10:05pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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