| |
Subject |
Author |
Date Posted |
Forum
|
 |
RE: How useful are the inside showers in a pop-up?
I am curious about something. For those who don't have an inside shower and don't always camp at CG's with showers, how do you stay clean when camping for a week or more? Sponge baths and wet wipes?
Also for those with outside showers, does the CG let you drain your waste soapy water on the ground or do you collect it in a tote and pack it off to the dump site? What if it is very cold outside, do you still shower?
Chip
|
sushidog
|
04/09/12 06:27am |
Folding Trailers
|
|
RE: How useful are the inside showers in a pop-up?
We use our shower/cassette potty in our Aliner every trip. We don't often stay at CG's with showers. As we get a little longer in the tooth, it's much more convenient for us to use our very own inside potty during the night than getting dressed to go the bath house a couple times a night - especially if it is cold and rainy out. Plus one never knows how dirty or buggy the bath house is going to be, how far away it will be, or if one will even be available.
Here's the unit in our Aliner:
http://i53.tinypic.com/2movay1.jpg
Chip
|
sushidog
|
04/08/12 10:17pm |
Folding Trailers
|
|
RE: Road-Trip Pop-Up
My 06 Aliner LXE has all the features you mentioned with an inside shower, microwave, king bed, etc. and weighs in at only 1,700lbs loaded! It is so light and easy to tow that I pull it with a 4 cyl car. The 30 second set-up and take-down is no joke - great for people who like to move daily.
http://i56.tinypic.com/20a5hsi.jpg
Chip
|
sushidog
|
04/05/12 09:47pm |
Folding Trailers
|
|
RE: Need advice to tow with car
I tow my 1,700lb Aliner (loaded) with my tow modified 2.4l Chevy Cobalt SS. I have been doing so safely, up and down mountains for years. I have 170k miles on my car (12k+ miles towing) and they are both doing great. I enjoy great gas mileage too.
Chip
|
sushidog
|
03/26/12 06:07pm |
Folding Trailers
|
|
RE: Rockwood/Flagstaff hard side campers in windy conditions.
The short answer is NO. It is not safe to set-up or take down in windy conditions. We seriously looked at buying one. If you go over to the A-frame forum (aka A-liners) you will see lots of posts about things to do to prevent wind issues. Which says to me that there ARE significant wind issues.
That was one of the reasons we decided not to get one. We got a better built, roomier, sturdier, more comfortable conventional bumper-pull trailer, for less money.
Yes, but how many TTs can you tow with a 4cyl car (and get 22-25mpg towing) like I do mine? Ahh, let me see, none. If you would need to buy, insure, feed and maintain a separate TV, like I would, then their high initial cost is a real value in comparison. Add to this the storage costs of a conventional TT, compared to parking your A-frame in your garage for free.
Once they are up, there's no problem with wind. It's just putting them up in high wind, where the wind may catch a side and break a hinge - not cool. If you camp in the open desert or on windy beaches then it may be an issue, but where I camp (on mountains and in forests) I've never had a problem with wind. Basically, if the wind is low enough to erect a small tent, then there will be no problem with your A-frame. If you wouldn't want to put up a tent, then don't set-up your A-frame - which only takes a 30 second gap between gusts BTW. Just wait a bit till the wind subsides or tow it to a wind break (behind some trees or a building), pop it up there, and tow it to your site (at low speeds.)
Chip
|
sushidog
|
03/26/12 05:57pm |
Folding Trailers
|
|
RE: Downsizing from a Class C @ 7.5 MPG
I can't tell from your post or ptofile the number of people that will be casmping with you. However, if it is just the 2 of you, you might want to look at A-frames, such as Aliner, Chalet and the Flagstaff models. Like a Trailmanor they are quiet and secure with fully insulated hard sides. They come in a variety of sizes and features. I tow an 06 Aliner LXE (a medium size model - 1,700lbs loaded) with a 4 cyl. car. It has all the bells and whistles of a larger camper, just with very little room inside. My model is loaded with features, like a king bed that folds up to a couch/dinette, a 3 burner stove, microwave, shower/cassette toilet, air conditioner, 3 way frige/freezer, etc. We use our shower every trip as we often boondock in remote places without amenities. Even the largest A-frame models should be easily towable by your TV. BTW, my little rig gets 22-25 mpg towing (depending on speed and terrain.) You would hardly notice a drop in mileage behind your TV pulling one this size.
Chip
|
sushidog
|
03/12/12 02:14pm |
Folding Trailers
|
|
RE: What is the MPG difference between towing and not
I tow a 1,700lb loaded Aliner LXE with a tow modified 2.4l, Automatic 4 cyl Chevy Cobalt SS.
I average between 22-25 mpg towing depending on speed and grade.
I get between 33-37 mpg highway when not towing (about 30 mpg combined city/hwy)
This means I lose a good 10 mpg towing! However to put things in perspective, I get better MPG towing than most get when not towing! Plus, when I drop my camper and tour the area I have a 30+ mpg vehicle to do so. How many can say that? Towing with a new high mpg pick-up with a couple scooters in the bed would save a little on fuel, but registration and maintenance of 3 extra vehicles would cost more in the long run. A TDI Jetta or Golf would do a little better towing, but the higher cost of diesel fuel would eat up most of your mileage gains.
Chip
|
sushidog
|
02/19/12 06:12pm |
Folding Trailers
|
|
RE: Any A Liners on here?
I have an 06 LXE. I've towed it for over 10k miles and have not had any tongue or weld problems, other than needing to replace the tongue jack. I stupidly left the jack wheel on bent the jack as it drug the ground while pulling out of a steep parking lot.
One thing to consider when adding tongue weight is hitch and TV capacity. Since you didn't list what kind of Chevy you tow with in your sig., this may be an issue. I also tow mine with Chevy - a little Chevy Cobalt SS with a class I hitch. I have to watch my tongue weight carefully as 10% of my loaded Aliner's weight is about 170 lbs - periously close to my hitch's 200lb limit. I have no sway as long I keep the tongue in the 165-175lb range. More tongue weight is not an option for my rig.
Chip
|
sushidog
|
01/30/12 10:51am |
Folding Trailers
|
|
RE: Dometic Refrigerator blows out while driving
Certain tunnels restrict the transport of propane whether on or off. Some tunnels even restrict the transport of empty propane tanks. Others only require to have the propane valve closed while in the tunnel.
Many states require the propane to be turned off when fueling your RV or TV. Though an extreme precaution, this one makes sense in my book. Turn off any running, sparking appliance (such as a water heater or fridge), whether the propane is on or not, while fueling.
I've never heard of a state which required you to have the propane off while driving down a normal roadway.
Chip
|
sushidog
|
01/28/12 05:01pm |
Folding Trailers
|
|
RE: Dometic Refrigerator blows out while driving
I added a fridge baffle to prevent the flame from blowing out on my Aliner while running on propane when traveling. My fridge has 12v capability, but it works much better on propane and it allows all the power flowing into my Aliner from my TV to recharge the battery while towing, as I mostly camp without hook-ups. I got the kit from AdventureRV.net for about $30 with shipping. Here's a link to the kit. http://www.adventurerv.net/baffle-kit-p-21023.html
It basically works by forcing the air take a rather circuitous path to get to the burner, preventing gusts of wind from blowing the flame out while traveling. Here's a few pics of it installed.
http://i51.tinypic.com/28cfrj4.jpg
The kit consists of 4 pieces (2 components). 3, U-shaped pieces of sheet metal (Dometic calls them lower vent baffles) partially block the lower vents as seen here and are held on by one tiny plastic push pin each (easily removable by hand.) The instructions say that these may be removed once you arrive at your destination to improve fridge performance in very hot weather. Mine only needed the top 2 baffles, and this was enough to keep her lit - your camper may get by with one or need all 3 provided in the kit. I have forced ventilation behind the fridge to keep it plenty cool back there when stopped without removing the baffles.
http://i56.tinypic.com/a4arsi.jpg
http://i54.tinypic.com/i6eflg.jpg
The second component to the kit is this metal shroud which wraps around the burner cover and flue. It is secured by 2 small self-tapping screws.
Since this kit is a genuine Dometic item I feel safe using it.
I purchased an electronic thermometer with a sending unit, so I can monitor the interior fridge temp inside my TV and while camping without even opening the door and allowing warm air to enter. I got one similar to this: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Acurite-Wireless...ometer/16888921
It was about $11 at my local Walmart and provides cheap peace of mind that those juicy steaks and sweet lobster tails will be fresh and safe when I arrive at the CG.
Chip
|
sushidog
|
01/16/12 09:03am |
Folding Trailers
|
|
RE: In need of 1989 24ft Hi-Lo owners manual
Over at the Hi-Lo forum there's a section for owner's manuals.
Hi-Lo forum manuals
You might want to post up there and ask one of the 89 Hi-Lo owners to help you out.
Chip
|
sushidog
|
10/17/11 07:49am |
Folding Trailers
|
|
RE: Help with space heater
I have been researching space heaters for our 38 foot MH. I am more confused now than ever. Any help from those ou you who use them as extra heat? Thanks Ed.
If you are referring to electric portable heters, keep in mind that the heat output is 3.41 BTU's per watt of electricity consumed for any electric heater. In other words; one 1500 watt heater is the same as the next 1500 watt heater regardless of the hype and claims by the manufacturer.
While that is true for any type of resistance heater, it is not true of all electric heaters, such as a heat pump. When used for heating on a mild day, a typical heat pump has a COP of 3 to 4, whereas a typical electric resistance heater has a COP of 1.0. That is, one joule of electricity will produce 1 joule of heat in a resistance heater, whereas one joule of electricity can cause a heat pump to move over 3 joules of heat from a cooler place to a warmer place, making it over 3 times as efficient. However efficiency drops quickly as the outside temp gets below 40 degrees. There are a few rv manufacturers who include Duo-Therm "Cool Cat" heat pumps from the factory as auxiliary heat in their smaller models. They are an economical way to "take the chill off" in above 40 degree "sweater weather."
Chip
|
sushidog
|
09/27/11 06:01pm |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Best truck?
Without a doubt the best, most durable brand is... Tonka! ;)
Chip
|
sushidog
|
09/21/11 02:42pm |
Tow Vehicles
|
|
RE: Synthetic oil vs mineral oil
Just a warning about graphite motor oil. If left in an engine long enough, the graphite will foul the spark plugs. Back in the 80's, Arco sold a graphite motor oil that was highly touted for is lubricating qualities. Plugs would last less than 10,000 miles in engines using the graphite oil. Because of the enormous amount of money spent advertising this oil, it was very quietly removed from the market never to be heard from again. I speak from personal experience.
Ray
There are a couple problems with graphite in motor oil. First it won't stay in suspension. It settles out and clogs oil jets and small ports. Secondly, by coating the internal parts with an insulating layer of graphite it interferes with the cooling properties of oil, causing your engine to overheat. It should only be used as a remedy to a specific problem - like adding Marvel Oil to free up a stuck lifter. As soon as the problem is resolved, the graphite oil should be drained and flushed, just as you would drain the Marvel Mystery oil/motor oil mixture, as soon as the tappets quiet down. Running either for long periods will damage your engine.
If you want to coat your engine with an antifriction coating a better solution is molybdenum disulfide. It works well, especially on gears and piston skirts. The problem with this your engine must be disassembled and the parts to be coated surface prepped, cleaned and degreased. Then the moly must be baked into the metal for the coating to adhere to the metal properly. Like teflon, it must be professionally applied. You can't just pour it into your oil and expect it to work. However, moly does work acceptably suspended in grease and is a superior dry film lubricant to graphite (for cables, sliding surfaces and such) as it is not abrasive.
Chip
|
sushidog
|
09/18/11 03:35pm |
Around the Campfire
|
|
RE: Synthetic oil vs mineral oil
Don't use slick 50 in any engine that has a wet clutch or you will probably experience clutch slippage. A good synthetic should be ok, but be advised that I had a turbocharged drag bike once with a marginal wet clutch. Adding synthetic to the crankcase made it slip. This was a very expensive special purpose synthetic with a 1,200 PSI film strength - over 5 times that of a conventional petroleum oil and over twice that of Mobil 1. I don't think they even make it anymore. It was sold under the brand Zenex in the mid-late 70's.
Now I only use synthetic oil in all my engines (usually Mobil 1 cause it's relatively cheap and available) but there are better synthetics out there too - depending on your specific application.
My favorite additive for a motorcycle, ATV or lawnmower engine is BG's EPC. I've used it for years in severe use engines with excellent results. If anything will free up your engine this proabbly will. Adding a little Marvel Mystery Oil or air tool oil will help loosen up a tight engine too. I've used graphite based oils in the past to loosen up tight engines. Since graphite is actually a mico-abrasive, it will usually loosen up a tight engine if it gets in the tight clearance places (great added to 2 cycle oil for partial seizures in 2 strokes - particularly for minimizing cold seizure damage.) Just drain it out the crankcase as soon as your 4 cycle engine loosens up. Don't continue to run it or the graphite will eventually settle out and cause problems.
Chip
|
sushidog
|
09/17/11 09:08pm |
Around the Campfire
|
|
RE: Seasonal Camping with a Pop-Up
Maybe if you had a hard sided PUP like an Aliner, Hi-Lo, Trailmanor, etc. seasonal use might be a little easier and more comfortable in bad weather and temperature extremes. I have poped-up my Aliner many times in roadside rest areas and parking lots to make a quick lunch, take a potty break, or even an overnighter - just never at a Walmart. That's not to say I wouldn't, I just never saw the need. Now pulling out bunk ends, slide and setting up cloth sides might be a little different, as you have that "camping" rather than "just stopping for a respite" look. I would probably feel self-conscious doing so. However, if it doesn't bother you, it doesn't bother me. Just don't put out the lawn furnature, door mat and BQ grill unless you want to be asked to move along.
Chip
|
sushidog
|
09/09/11 02:22pm |
Folding Trailers
|
|
RE: What is it with this whole "tote" thing for holding tanks?
Not all of us have holding tanks in our campers.
I camp in an 06 Aliner LXE which uses a cassette toilet (with a 6 gallon waste capacity) - good for about 1 week for 2 boondockers, if used conservatively. However I have no gray tank, so if I want to shower in my camper I use a 7 gallon blue Aquatainer to collect the gray water. I only have 10 gallons of fresh water on board (and 6 in the water heater), so I don't need a bigger tote with wheels as I empty my shower water after each use, however if I was camping in a PUP with no holding tanks and a big family, yet only wanted to make one trip to the dump station, then I could see the need of a larger, rolling tote.
If I camp at a CG with showers, it usually also has hook-ups available. I can then run a small hose directly to the sewer to drain the gray water from my sink, so no tote is needed.
I guess it just depends on your rig and how you use it.
Chip
|
sushidog
|
09/09/11 02:02pm |
General RVing Issues
|
|
RE: What are folks loading in TT's to add so much weight?
First there's water - about 350lbs of it if you like to boondock and need to travel with your fresh tank full (36gal.+ 6gal hot water x 8.34 lbs/gal), next add 40-60 lbs of propane + tanks, and 50-75 lbs of batteries, min. Next, add the contents of your fridge, a full ice chest, ice maker, full pantry, clothes, linens, foam mattress topper, sleeping bags, kitchen appliances (like microwave, coffee pot, toaster, blender, water filter, food processer, etc.), kitchen utensils, plates, bowls, pots and pans, toiletries, medical supplies, cleaning supplies and chemicals, folding tables and chairs, floor/door mats, screen rooms/tentage/awnings, kids toys, adult toys (like bikes, hobby and sporting equipt.), guns, ammunition, hunting gear, fishing gear, backpacks, hiking gear, camping and survival gear, TV/DVD/satellite equipt., stereo/music gear, game systems/computers, cameras, birdwatching gear, portable heaters, generator/spare gas, solar panels, controller, and extra deep cycle batteries, inverter, sewage and leveling gear, patio/camping lights, BBQ grill/fuel, tools, compressor, spare parts, spare tire(s), hoses and electrical cables, electric jacks, etc. Only you know what you will be carrying. Maybe you like to take a couple of scooters or camp bikes with you. Maybe you'd prefer a small boat, anchor, oars and motor if you like to fish. Maybe you have a couple dogs and need their pet food, cages, fencing, etc. It's pretty easy to load it over your TT's weight limit just for short trips, not to mention an extended vacation.
Chip
|
sushidog
|
08/29/11 02:56pm |
Travel Trailers
|
|
RE: Very Favorite Campground(s)?
Big Bend National Park, Chisos Basin or Rio Grande Village.
Chisos Basin is right up there too! I was there earlier this year -for the 4th time. It's a 2,000 mile round trip for me, so you know I must love it!
Chip
|
sushidog
|
08/22/11 02:44pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
|
|
RE: Very Favorite Campground(s)?
junmy3, I like the Upper Chattahoochee campground near Helen, GA. You can camp on a babbling brook only a short walk to beautiful Horse Though Falls. The campsites are large and very remote, so the CG is mostly empty.
A close runner-up goes to the Cataloochee CG in the GSMNP. I have reservations there for the 2nd week of October so we can view the elk and other wildlife camped on a beautiful mountain stream during color season in the Smokies.
Chip
|
sushidog
|
08/22/11 01:21pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
|
|
