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RE: Senior woman with 4 small dogs hoping to drive across Canada
We (2 adults and a dog) travelled in a 94 Eurovan Westfalia for 14 years and it is a great vehicle. I hope the dogs are not too big because it can get really cramped in the van after a few days of cold rainy weather. Depending on when and how far North you intend to go, the bugs (mosquitoes and black flies) could be an issue with the dogs. You can protect yourself but it is more difficult for them and they get miserable.
Other responders have already provided good comments.
Alain
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studio_driver
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02/03/12 09:20am |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: Pleasure-Way Ford Traverse
funtogo: I am glad you enjoyed the Leisure Travel Free Spirit but it has nothing in common with the PW Traverse the OP is asking about.
I don't have a Traverse but before our Excel I had a Eurovan Westfalia for many years and it shares with the Traverse the concept of a lifting roof and consequently the ability to park in a regular garage. The parking and stealth abilities are features I really miss with the Excel. On the other hand, one of the reasons to move up to the Excel was the better insulation (both thermal and sound) of the hard top vs. cloth sides particularly when we camp in cool shoulder seasons in the mountains. The Taverse does not have a full bathroom either but the potti solution is adequate in most cases. The floor space is also smaller. Made by PW the quality of the finish is perfect.
Hope that helps.
Alain
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studio_driver
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01/30/12 09:12am |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: What Did You Do To Your Class B Today ?
The monthly winter routine: brushed off the snow, exercised the generator using an electric heater, checked around for leaks or anything unusual.
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studio_driver
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12/11/11 08:30am |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: Directv (dish) in RV
Unless the discussion is restricted to the particular issues of dealing with a B, this topic belongs to the Technology Corner forum.
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studio_driver
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10/14/11 12:14pm |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: What Did You Do To Your Class B Today ?
Finally changed the 12 VDC circuit breaker for the Dometic fridge from 15A to 20A. It had been popping occasionally when driving, more often in recent trips. It is not too surprizing with the fridge rated at 14.7A on 12 VDC and a 15A circuit breaker. The old one was manual reset and the new one is self-resetting when it cools down. The fridge works fine. We will see what happens on the next trip.
Alain
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studio_driver
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09/16/11 09:48pm |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: Pleasure Way water heater question
The reset button lights up if the burner fails to ignite within the preset delay. You can press the reset button to start a new ignition cycle. If it still does not start, you may have a problem (such as the propane valve being closed!)
I am sure you will have all figured out by now. Also, do not hesitate to ask fellow campers. Most will have gone through the same learning curve.
Alain
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studio_driver
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09/16/11 12:32pm |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: Canadian Rockies trip...
I am glad you liked it. We live in Calgary so the Rockies are our playground and the B is the best way to explore considering it can snow any day of the year (as you have experienced). It is just too bad that Parks Canada shuts down many small campgrounds that could be easly used by self-contained units like a B. We just have to drive to larger campgrounds that are not so quiet and spectacular.
Alain
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studio_driver
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09/14/11 08:55am |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: Does generator charge house battery?
I have a similar 2007 Excel TS and the generator does charge the house battery. In addition to what others have suggested, since you had nothing else plugged in, are you sure the genny was producing 120 VAC? You normally hear a click and see the clock on the microwave light up when the 120 engages. It could be that the circuit breaker on the side of the genny itself popped. You can feel the toggle to reset it when you run your hand on the right side of the genny.
Good luck.
Alain
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studio_driver
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09/12/11 06:12pm |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: Canadian Rockies...
Yes, it is generally the case in most National and Provincial Parks in Canada (except in Quebec if I recall correctly). There are some exceptions where there is a risk of conflict with the wildlife, e.g., alpine areas where mountain cariboos spend the summer, or above Rogers Pass where the drinking water at the center comes from, this is why it is wise to enquire at the visitor centers or on the websites.
Visitors from the States are always surprized when they meet us with our dog (on leash of course for our own safety) on the trails. That is also why we have so far refrained from touring in the States.
Alain
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studio_driver
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07/02/11 09:16am |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: Canadian Rockies...
Quite a few good suggestions already.
We live in Calgary so those parks are our playgrounds. I don't know if you are just touring or if you intend to hike. You will be glad to hear that dogs ON LEASH are allowed on most hiking trails (check with the visitor centers for restrictions) so you don't have to leave them in the vehicle.
Since you favour dry camping, there are several nice campgrounds with more "wilderness feel" than the big ones in Banff and Jasper. Some have smaller sites but a B still fits nicely. For example, Mosquito Creek (close to the hike to Helen Lake), Wilcox Creek (next to the Columbia Icefield, you will appreciate the heater in the B), Honeymoon Lake in Jasper (if you can get a spot), Marble Canyon in the Kootenays, Illecilawet in Glacier (next to great hikes). Note that the Kicking Horse campground in Yoho is presently closed due to major damage from an avalanche, but you can still drive to the Yoho valley and to Emerald Lake (both are must see).
Outside the parks, the municipal campground in Golden and the Lamplighter in Revelstoke (where you can drive the Meadows in the Sky Parkway, if it reopens) are well located.
In the later part of August, the parks are less busy but you will find many European tourists in rented RVs. If you extend past Labour Day, many smaller campgrounds close just after that date.
Enjoy your trip.
Alain
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studio_driver
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07/01/11 06:14pm |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: Exterior storage boxes/racks?
You can also search the B forum for Stowaway, exterior storage, etc. This has been discussed many times.
Alain
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studio_driver
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04/15/11 10:28am |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: Air and Propane
I frequently use a bicycle floor pump, mainly to adjust the air suspension after I deflated one or both for leveling. The volume of the bags is so small that it only takes a few strokes and no time at all. I did not try but I cannot imagine taking out a compressor and connecting it to the electrical supply being any quicker.
I also used it a few times to top up the tires (most service station pumps cannot get to 80 psi). The pump can easily handle the pressure but it certainly takes more strokes. Still better that riding on underinflated tires.
In summary, no air compressor for me yet.
Alain
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studio_driver
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04/02/11 03:45pm |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: New mini-van conversions
One tip you may already know for raising and lowering the pop-up roof (I used to have a VW Westfalia): make sure one door is open to let the air in or out. Otherwise in one case it creates a vacuum that makes it hard to raise the roof, and in the other it pushes the cloth out where is gets pinched.
Enjoy your new unit. For the way you plan to use it, it looks like a good fit.
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studio_driver
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03/28/11 07:30pm |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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RE: New mini-van conversions
If you look at their website, you will see that the Imagine model is based on the VW Routan.
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studio_driver
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03/26/11 11:53am |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
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