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RE: Burnt Corral - Roosevelt and Apache Lakes...
"We had one amazing thrill while sitting in our site as a pair of F-16 fighters buzzed the river/CG 100 feet off the deck at about 500 mph. They continued downstream playing fast and loose with the narrow canyon walls only to return 15 minutes later for a second run...Wow! It was amazing but they dropped in on us so quickly I could not get any pics..."
I need to correct my earlier post {see above}...
A trip to the internet correctly identifies what buzzed us... It was a pair of F-18's and they were smokin!
:S
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Desert Captain
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11/06/23 12:29pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Burnt Corral - Roosevelt and Apache Lakes...
We left the Rzr home for this trip. When towing, our 24'Class C grows to 38' and there are just too many narrow, tight sections where that could become a problem. Last year we camped at the Windy Hill CG which is just a couple of miles south of the dam.
We rode the Rzr up to the dam and then south the full 14 miles to the Apache Lake Marina and it
was an awesome ride. I saw a couple of large UTV's {4 seaters} at Burnt Corral this trip but with their long trailers it had to be a challenge getting them in and out.
As noted above the road conditions can vary a lot... and not always in a good way based upon the recent weather. In preparation for the paving most of the road has been recently graded and there were still lots of washboard sections which are never fun.
Here are a couple of pics I took last year on the Rzr ride:
https://i.imgur.com/AhE6BSwl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/nh7vAiJl.jpg
:C
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Desert Captain
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11/06/23 08:07am |
General RVing Issues
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Burnt Corral - Roosevelt and Apache Lakes...
My bride and I Just returned from a quickie, 3 day 2 night trip to the Burnt Corral CG to celebrate her 73rd birthday. It is located 5 miles south of the Roosevelt Dam and about 10 miles north of the largest section of Apache Lake. From the Roosevelt dam the first 5 miles is a challenging stretch of dirt road. Lots of places where only one vehicle can pass through and there are often sheer drops several hundred feet straight down to the water.
The max vehicle {total} length is 40' and that is pushing it given the poor "road" {for lack of a better term}. Keep in mind this "road" is constantly climbing and dropping with some of the steepest sections coinciding with the the narrow one lane portions. If you are going downhill and meet another vehicle coming where it is one lane you will have to back up until they can get past. This can get be a serious challenge especially if your are towing but the vehicle traveling uphill has the right of way.
https://i.imgur.com/jkFpZ7yl.jpg
It is 14 miles from the dam to the Apache Lake Marina and the good news is this stretch is being paved. We rode it last year in our Rzr SXS and the 14 miles took an hour and a half. The ride is spectacular {and more than a little hairy/scary} so we are looking forward to the completion of the paving though that is probably not going to happen anytime soon.
The BC CG is fairly primitive and frankly a little long in the tooth it has Vault toilets, dumpsters with number of water spigots scattered throughout the 79 sites, about a third of which are right on the water. There is a nice concrete boat ramp with plenty of parking for trailers. The good news/bad news is the water after mid October is too cold to enjoy but during the summer months is delightful but the air temps are often well into triple digit range. You can run your generators 24/7 during May - September to keep the AC going but it won't be nearly enough.
We had one amazing thrill while sitting in our site as a pair of F-16 fighters buzzed the river/CG 100 feet off the deck at about 500 mph. They continued downstream playing fast and loose with the narrow canyon walls only to return 15 minutes later for a second run...Wow! It was amazing but they dropped in on us so quickly I could not get any pics...
We got a great site right on the river/lake but as we were on a curve I elected to put out the Triangles for good measure:
https://i.imgur.com/C942SQvl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/cjUxZsQl.jpg
The best of Burnt Corral for us is that it is just 55 miles from our home in Payson making for a 75 minute trip including the 5 miles of dirt "road". It's not for the feint of heart or long of rig but if you get the weather right it is an amazing, albeit somewhat primitive CG that is worth your time.
Sites can be reserved and many were but then we arrived on a Friday at noon. You pay your fees at the machine out at the entrance {it takes credit cards}. Be sure and bring firewood as the only trees are smallish Mesquites which you cannot cut and firewood is not sold in the CG.
:B
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Desert Captain
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11/05/23 01:25pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Return to AngelFireNM...
What are the trails like in that area? We're scenery-admiring, pokey riders who are looking for new area(s) to ride with trails/roads in decent condition.
Is there enough mileage in different directions to have a base camp for a week?
Last month spent a week in Richfield Utah, greatly disappointed in the trail system: 1/3 sort-of-okay, 1/3 bad, 1/3 honest-to-God horribly terrible. I figure 90% due to riders doing their best to tear up the trails (and doing it), topped off with 10% weather. We won't ever return.
The entire AngelFire/Red River area is one of the best riding venues in the country. After the huge fire last year the Forrest Service out of necessity dramatically improved their access roads and there are hundreds of miles of amazing trails. roads and or two tracks. Here are a couple of pics from the Angel Fire ride:
https://i.imgur.com/z1n67xVl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/YSuW4hml.jpg
You could easily do week in the area and never come close to seeing them all. Haul your buggy up to Red River more of the same. We rode to the top of Greenie Peak at 11,000'+ and looked down on the top of the ski runs. A ride up to Goose Lake is mind numbingly gorgeous especially now with the Aspens turning. For this year though your window is closing quickly as winter will not be far-off. You will often ride for hours and encounter few if any others... so come prepared.
:C
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Desert Captain
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10/13/23 02:44pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: 89A Flagstaff to Sedona...
Signs at both ends say “No Vehicles over 40’”.
Pretty hard to tell a LEO you didn’t know.
Just sayin…
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Desert Captain
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10/11/23 03:11pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: 89A Flagstaff to Sedona...
I have two to recommend. "Altitudes " in Flagstaff at: 2 South Beaver St is a sit down, very fun burger bar and grill with awesome food. The other is our favorite burger fast food: Freddy's Steakburger at 2675 South Beulah Blvd again, in Flagstaff.
They are 95 miles from our home in Payson and it is all fun mountain roads from 87 up to Lake Mary Road that takes you right on in to Flagstaff. There is ongoing repaving {that is badly needed} on 87 a few miles south of the lake Mary turnoff. We waited 15 minutes the first time and only 5 the second and then it wa smountain twisties at 7,000+' at its finest. Quite a ride and gorgeous with the fall colors jumping right out you.
Ya gotta love living {or visiting} central Arizona but know that winter is on its way and reportedly is going to be a seriously snowy event...we'll see.
:h
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Desert Captain
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10/11/23 10:35am |
Roads and Routes
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89A Flagstaff to Sedona...
Had a nice ride from our home In Payson up 87 to Lake Mary Road and on into Flagstaff. After lunch at our favorite burger joint we headed down 89A through Oak Creek Canyon and on through Sedona. The length limits have changed quite a bit over the last few years so here is the latest update: Vehicles are now limited to 40' max and yes boys and girls the local LEO's do enforce it.
I did however see a triple axle fiver pulled by nice dually {who somehow slipped through} but I assume it is {and should be} a pricey ticket so you takes your chances and might just have to pay some money...:S Traffic was bumper to bumper all the way to and through Sedona but the ride is so spectacular it is hard to care.
For the record we were not in our coach but enjoying my new {motorcycle replacement} 87 Vette:
https://i.imgur.com/oBl4wvTl.jpg
Life is good.
:B
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Desert Captain
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10/10/23 08:55pm |
Roads and Routes
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A change is coming...
After 15 years of riding motorcycles in conjunction with our RV adventures {towing my bikes on/in various trailers behind our 24' Class C} my bride and I decided it was time for a change. As we both began to navigate our early 70's the decision was made to part with my last bike. I sold the Can Am Spyder back to the dealer where I had purchased it 3 years ago {yep, they made money on me again... sigh}.
Happily these funds made it possible for me to realize a long held {since God's dog was a puppy, yep that long} dream of owning a nice classic Corvette. Stumbled on a Show quality C-4 {1987} Corvette through a local consignment shop and in a little over a week it was mine.
The 350 V-8 short block had been rebuilt 5,000 miles and ten years ago to include the addition of a nice Supercharger and new Corvette Hyper Yellow paint job. My mechanic checked it out and pronounced it a "Go" and the money changed hands.
Now, after 10+ years and 75,000 miles we are seriously considering parting with our 2012 Nexus Phantom 23P. Not sure what this transition will look like but probably a private party sale or Consignment. This would not however amount to abandonment of RVing. If we end up selling our coach we will be shopping for a small TT that I will pull with my Honda Ridgeline.
Keeping the GVWR in the sub 3,000# range should work nicely as I have been pulling our 6 X 10' {8' tall} cargo trailer for 5 years loaded to 2,600# with zero issues. Not looking for a tear drop as we want more amenities but there are a lot of nice sub 20' models out there that would meet our needs without stressing my Honda.
It should be interesting to explore the Class C - smallish TT markets simultaneously and it has been my experience that when one seriously looks... one finds.
Film at eleven... but for now here is a shot of the Vette:
https://i.imgur.com/oBl4wvTl.jpg
:B
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Desert Captain
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10/10/23 08:38pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Return to AngelFireNM...
Point taken... but there is so much of northern NM and so few folks I doubt that my posts will ruin it anytime soon. :B I think the Angel Fire population this time of year is about 600 as they begin to transition to the winter activities.
The locals have the most beautiful private shooting range {yep, members and guests only} tucked up on the east side of the valley about half a mile up a winding two track. My friend is a member and we enjoyed having it all to ourselves:
https://i.imgur.com/fRdpYN5l.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/60tp9iWl.jpg
We have been visiting our friends for 7+ years and 24 trips and at 480 miles from our house it is a serious ride. Before we moved up to Payson 3 years ago it was 700+ miles from our place in Tucson.
:C
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Desert Captain
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10/07/23 12:42pm |
General RVing Issues
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Return to AngelFireNM...
Every year we visit our friends in Angel Fire New Mexico in late September/early October view the Aspen trees turning gold. The timing varies every year but this year we hit it perfect. This shot was taken from our lunch break spot while on a 3 hour 50+ mile Rzr ride. That ridge is just over 11,000' and most of our ride was at 10,000'+. The entire area is accessible via the endless maze of oldForrest Service roads and trails.
https://i.imgur.com/QSqAJyzl.jpg
We went so flar west out of Angel Fire that we when we reached our turn around point we could see all the way to the Rio Grande Gorge from our perch at 10,675'. look closely at this pic:
https://i.imgur.com/ALJWYAZl.jpg
Angel Fire is amazing just about anytime year though the weather can be severe. Winter will be bearing down shortly and the widening of Highway 64 from Taos over the 9,000' pass and down into Angel Fire continues. The last few miles from the top of the pass down to the valley is and will continue to be one lane. Access is controlled and a pilot truck will escort you up or down. You will likely have to wait from 5 to 45 minutes depending the current construction
schedule.
When completed access to the vally will be greatly improved making for far safer travel especially for larger RV's.
:B
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Desert Captain
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10/06/23 06:45pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Fun in the snow...
I have a Polaris 570 EPS {electronic power steering - don't buy an SXS without it}. This is the smallest SXS Polaris makes but it was the only one that would fit into my existing cargo trailer as it is only 50"wide.
It does everything the big boys do and despite have just a 570cc single cylinder motor it is way too much fun. The narrow chassis actually makes it easier to access a lot of narrow trails that are closed to the larger {wider models}. Being able to ride right out of our driveway year round it is one of my favorite toys. With the cargo trailer I can tow it behind our 24' Class C or my Honda Ridgeline. Lots of great riding areas here in central Arizona. It weighs 1,300# and gets about 25 mpg with my foot in it... as usual. :B
Here are few pics...
https://i.imgur.com/oItHuyFl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Nt9GjOjl.jpg
Here it is dressed out for the 4th ofJuly parade through Payson:
https://i.imgur.com/EoAQVvql.jpg
:C
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Desert Captain
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09/23/23 08:53am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Travel Trailer for Two
Dat's da fact Jack!
:C
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Desert Captain
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09/03/23 09:22am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Travel Trailer for Two
Airstream 25FB and 23FB
If price is a problem you may be able to find a lightly used unit.
Airstreams are nice, no doubt but they tend to be heavy. The OP will want to keep trailer GVWR below 5,000# if using a Colorado. My buddy pulled a nice Lance that was 5,000# with his Colorado and it worked fine but anything heavier probably would have had issues.
Good luck.
:C
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Desert Captain
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09/02/23 01:01pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Nonsense from Good Sam...
It just keeps getting better and better...
When I called in on Monday and finally reached a supervisor she said that my credit card would be credited $50 and lo and behold that showed up today. The problem is I was originally billed $86.49 for a 3 year membership renewal that I did NOT request. So now my $29 one year renewal is costing me $36.49 when it should only be $31.75.
I called {again} and pointed out this additional overcharge and they have promised to refund the $4.74. How hard is it to simply bill my card the correct amount for the renewal requested?
Kind of makes you wonder how many other folks get this same treatment.
:h
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Desert Captain
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08/29/23 03:55pm |
Good Sam Club
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RE: Clearance lights
Try State Trailer Supply I think they have a store in the northwest. I found a replacement LED brake light assembly and a clearance light after searching the internet extensively... they have an amazing selection. Good luck.
:C
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Desert Captain
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08/29/23 08:56am |
Class A Motorhomes
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Nonsense from Good Sam...
Got an email saying my membership was "Nearing expiration"... it does not expire until late October. I call in to go ahead and renew early. I give my card number to "Charles" and ask him to confirm that this renewal is for one year and he assures me that it is. A few minutes later I get a voice mail that I have been renewed for 3 years.
I try for 15 minutes to callback in but now all of a sudden Good Sam is too busy to take my call. Finally got through by calling the 866 number vs the number left on my voice mail and get a different rep. He informs me that nothing can be done today and that I have to call back tomorrow... seriously? :h
I asked him to just cancel my membership altogether and nope, I have to call back tomorrow and speak to a supervisor. :S
Film at eleven...
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Desert Captain
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08/27/23 12:10pm |
Good Sam Club
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RE: Factory Tours
In 2013 we bought our 2012 Nexus 23P Class C used with just 6,205 miles on it in Tucson. In 2014 we did a two month cross country 22 state trip that took us all the way to Maine. On the return leg we passed through Elkhart and stopped at the Nexus factory. They had a number of guest sites {that were free} with hook ups on their property and despite buying used were welcomed as members of the Nexus family.
We took an hour long factory tour and were very impressed. Seeing "up close and personal' how these fine coaches are built was a real eye opener.
I had them install a custom spare tire mount under the rear of the coach, add a seat belt and make a couple of minor repairs {the labor rate was a very reasonable $75 an hour}. We were planning on leaving the third morning but the they came out and informed us that a serious line of thunderstorms was incoming and asked to stay as their guests for another night an offer that we could not refuse.
While in Elkhart we spent several hours touring the RV Museum and I highly recommend it. If you are going to be anywhere near Elkhart take the time to visit, you will be glad you did.
For the record our tenth anniversary of owning our Nexus is coming up the end of this month. We have visited 37 states and logged 69K+ trouble free miles and are looking forward to many more.
Here is shot of a roof section under construction, that's our coach getting its new spare tire carrier in the background:
https://i.imgur.com/jItOTotl.jpg
Here are a couple of shots of the RV/MH Museum:
https://i.imgur.com/Y97MxBtl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/vngq8YIl.jpg
:B
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Desert Captain
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08/14/23 07:43pm |
General RVing Issues
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In praise of my awesome Indie mechanic...
I have been using Carl Shirley {928 951-3500} here in Payson Arizona for all of my mechanical/RV repair needs for nearly 3 years and he is hands down the best I have ever dealt with. Not only is he a great RV technician {who is happy to make house calls} he is also an ASE certified mechanic with his own shop sitting on 3 acres about 4 miles from our home.
When we were camping at big Lake a few weeks ago a gully washing Monsoon storm generated the first leak I have seen in 10 years and it was just a very slow, minor drip that only happened at the height of the storm. I called Carl and he said "No problem, I've resealed lots of RV's drop it off on Monday.
The fiberglass roof on my Nexus is one piece with one piece endcaps front and rear. When I got home from that last trip I went up on the roof and did not see anything that looked like any kind of opening/crack. Carl stripped off all of the original caulking {our coach is 11 years old all of which having been spent in uncovered parking in the Arizona sun} including the endcaps, vent pipes, air, refrigerator and AC vents etc.. and resealed everything using two coats of Dicor self leveling lap sealer which he has used for years. Here are a few pics of the resealed roof:
https://i.imgur.com/SRBGNFpl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/lsAbjpql.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/C16Cw9tl.jpg
Two additional Monsoon downpours gave his work a thorough test and not a drop found its way into our coach. The reseal job came to $670. Since he had the rig at his shop I had him change the oil/filter and the fuel filter on my Generac 4Kw generator. Despite spending about 70 percent of our time off grid it only has 110 hours on it as our DC usage is minimal and the two AGM group 27 house batteries carry us typically for 3 to 4 days.
Lastly about 6 months ago the dash AC on our E-350 lost nearly all of the air flow out of the vents. The fan ran fine for the defroster and we still got nice cold air that limped through the vents by convection but it too needed work. Once I described the symptoms he called out the problem immediately. A vacuum line that controls the AC actuators directing the fans output through the dash had been compromised. He correctly attributed it to a rat chewed vacuum hose and spent a couple of hours replacing the hose and recharging {for good measure} the AC system.
The total bill for the reseal, AC repair and generator maintenance came to $950. I use Carl for all of my mechanical, RV Technician needs and recently had him do the 30,000 miles service on my 2019 Honda Ridgeline along with rebuilding the power steering system in my brides Toyota Solara Coupe. His services always come in at just about half of what a dealer quotes and I appreciate the fact that every dollar I pay him goes into his pocket. I am happy to refer friends to him for their needs as well and he reciprocates by always finding time to take care of mine.
Simply put... Win - Win!
:B
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Desert Captain
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08/07/23 02:32pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Need new tires
I have had great results with the Michelin Agilis Cross Climates. Great ride, handling and mileage in a rugged mud/snow rated tire. My Class C is a 24' E-350, with a GVWR 11,500#.
:C
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Desert Captain
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08/07/23 08:31am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Unsolicited want to buy your RV people
I have had 9 or 10 people in the last year or so come onto my property asking if my 24' Class C was for sale. First of all it sits 30+ yards in from the street in a fenced {chain link} gated yard facing my house {not the street}. If it was for sale it would be out at the street, facing out with a For Sale {Se Verde} sign.
Some appeared to be legitimate want to be buyers but a few clearly were scammers. Everyone gets their picture taken and if they don't like it... tough. I feel no need whatsoever to put a
"Not for sale" sign up as it plainly is not.
:R
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Desert Captain
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08/02/23 09:43am |
General RVing Issues
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