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RE: Shout out to Dometic
To keep a positive thing going, each time I have called Dometic they have provided fantastic customer service. Given how terrible their website has become, that sure is welcomed when trying to find out something about one of their many, many products across their several brands.
Last year our Dometic fridge died. Dometic customer service went over and above trying to help with the trouble shooting on the phone.
A rarity these days when you have a tough time even finding a phone number, never mind talking to a knowledgeable human.
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Veebyes
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11/11/23 11:02am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: We just bought a fifth wheel! Several questions ...
When living off the grid battery power, along with water capacity is king.
Good choice with going with AGM batteries. Put in as much as you have room for. Most RVs don't have much room for batteries so measure up and see what will fit. The more amp hours the better.
You likely have enough room for 2 group 27s, maybe 2 group 31s, a single 4D, possibly an 8D, or 2 6V GC batteries.
We have been using a single AGM 4D. The first one had a lifespan of nine years. The second has been in since 2018. Going strong. Don't anticipate replacing it until 2027, if we are still travelling.
There are some advantages of the AGM, in addition to their longevity. They self discharge at about the rate of the wet cells and while in use they hold their voltage longer, giving more useable amps per cycle than the wet cell. The better battery comes at a cost however. For the serious dry camper well worth it.
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Veebyes
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11/11/23 10:55am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: DeadWood
We did the Steel Wheel CG for a few days this past May. The whole area is an ATV Mecca. Our purpose for stopping was a rodeo in Deadwood plus a drive around some of the scenic roads. Not too bad early in the season. Hate to think what it is like in high season.
While in the area be sure to do at least a few nights in the BLM camping area south of Wall, just north of the entrance to the Badlands NP. Magical. It is what RVing is all about.
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Veebyes
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11/06/23 06:18pm |
RV Parks, Campgrounds and Attractions
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RE: Does anyone make a new front bunkhouse floorplan like this?
While certainly an unusual FP what immediately hit me is the complete lack of counter space to work on. How does one do dishes with the door on one side and the stove on the other?
On the plus side is the location of the TV. Mounted on an angle it is visible from all locations in the room except the table chairs facing away from it.
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Veebyes
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11/03/23 07:22am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Wax on Wax Off?
Cleaner waxes are just that, CLEANER waxes. At best they are good for stains and minor oxidation. They don't last long. They are not sealants or protectants.
Much depends on the condition of the surface to start with. Compounds are available in various grits. Hopefully nothing more than a finishing compound is ever needed. RVs typically have a very thin gelcoat. Gelcoat is expensive and it is also heavy. Two things the RV builders shy away from.
The trick is to start with a good surface and keep it that way.
My 2007 Alpenlite spends six months a year in use. It has spent all but the past two winters indoors and those winters it has been covered under a tarp, after a three day cleaning and waxing job. It was covered four days ago looking almost showroom ready.
Sides get waxed once a year. Front cap twice a year because of bugs.
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Veebyes
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10/29/23 08:15am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Which 303 protect for fifth wheels
Good stuff. Been using it for years, both in marine and RV applications.
It will temporarily make gelcoat look nicer but it will not last like a good quality marine sealant like Meguires Flagship.
303 breathes new life in my 16 year old decals but they are what they are, poor quality to start with, nothing like marine quality decals.
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Veebyes
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10/29/23 07:51am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: An EV motor home/van?
One thing I could not help notice on a recently completed long distance trip was that the further one gets from towns, the fewer EVs one sees.
Nobody has figured out how to walk to the nearest charging station and bring back a few miles worth of charge yet.
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Veebyes
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10/22/23 04:24pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Inverter on Generator wiring?
I was in the same situation. My method of solving the problem was more basic.
I ran a short line from the generator input with a female plug at the end. From the inverter I ran a line from one of the output sockets with a male plug at the end.
The ATS is easily reached so when the inverter is used i simply plug it in. There is a remote switch inside to turn it on.
Unplugged there is no way to backfeed and fry the inverter.
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Veebyes
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09/30/23 02:48pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Inverter on Generator wiring?
I was in the same situation. My method of solving the problem was more basic.
I ran a short line from the generator input with a female plug at the end. From the inverter I ran a line from one of the output sockets with a male plug at the end.
The ATS is easily reached so when the inverter is used i simply plug it in. There is a remote switch inside to turn it on.
Unplugged there is no way to backfeed and fry the inverter.
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Veebyes
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09/30/23 09:31am |
Tech Issues
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RE: 5th Wheel Cover before snowbirding
My 5er looks like it will spend it's second winter outdoors this winter. Mid Atlantic so not much snow and not often freezing temps.
I covered it last year with two HD tarps that covered it over halfway to the ground. Would have preferred indoor storage of course but trailer is 15 years old, well taken care of but showing age and miles.
A good tarp, not the cheap blue ones, well tied down to prevent chafe should be fine.
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Veebyes
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09/29/23 10:07am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: I have a disgusting problem… HELP!!!
If that is how they respected you and your property I would not want them anywhere near me or my property again.
I rent to one of my adult kids. She has a signed agreement and pays rent just like the other tenants, also just like I did when I rented from my Dad.
There is no way I'd be letting a relative, child of mine or not, bring some junk trailer onto my property to live in.
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Veebyes
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09/29/23 09:56am |
Beginning RVing
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RE: Just Joining The RV Life
Thank you all for your comments. We have been camping before and my husband is a former truck driver and worked as a diesel mechanic for local CAT dealer for 16 years, so that is taken care of. We also lived in the camper for 6 months while they were finishing our new house. BUT that being said we always knew we were coming back home. This time it won't be a week or two and the RV is now our home. We do plan on taking our time and my husband says fishing every where we go. Mrs. veebyes I am a quilter also and am very fortunate to have
turn the 2nd bedroom into my sewing room in the camper. I have the new Altair Machine. Maybe we will run into you somewhere on our journey and can talk sewing. Do you have the handy Quilter travel guide? It list ever fabric or craft store in the U.S. I was just looking for information on things you all have realized you didn't have that you needed, or found ways to use things you had for different purposes.
As soon as the DW gets wind of where we are going she is online searching for quilt shops. Can't count how many shops in how many places we have been. Done the major ones, Paducah, Ashville show etc. multiple times. Some of the best shops have been found in the most unexpected places.
Your DH is going to need all of the 'fix it' skills that he has and you will need to be right there getting hands dirty beside him. If you are not already familiar with what is inside a toolbox you will be.
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Veebyes
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09/17/23 09:40am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Just Joining The RV Life
Ditto on buying a load of stuff because somebody says so.
We are not fulltime. We are six months a year on the road RVers. 25 years later, we are still buying stuff. Don't buy cheap. Buy good stuff that is going to last. Much cheaper in the long run. Kitchen tools, tools needed to fix things, a grill, no matter what. Buy quality and buy it once.
The most important thing will be a notepad and pencil to write down stuff as you find that you need it.
Like the idea of a coastal hugging trip. Did that once. Came out of New Orleans headed west and basically turned left at every road that was not a dead end till Galveston.
The temptation is to rush off and go everywhere in a hurry. Don't do it. Find things that interest you. We are currently at a bluegrass festival. 7 days of it. Something never done before the RV. The DW is a quilter. Can't count how many quilt shops she has been in across the country.
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Veebyes
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09/16/23 10:13am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: ? condition of highways from Montana thru Canada to Alaska?
You will find sections of thumpa thumpa everywhere. Generally we found the Canadian roads better than the US roads. Then there are the potholes. Big nasty tire killing spring breaking potholes. You are not driving drunk. You are trying to avoid the potholes and frost heaves.
It is the nature of northern roads and northern roads. Slow down. Enjoy the smooth sections. Some are as smooth as a baby's bottom.
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Veebyes
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09/15/23 09:53am |
RVing in Canada and Alaska
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RE: Teton Pass
We have done many western passes with our rather heavy 5er. Teton pass we drove up from Jackson to the top, just truck, and then back down to Jackson.
Of course no problem with just the truck but would definitely have a pucker factor to it if having a heavy trailer behind. It would be a very low gear and cycling of brakes affair.
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Veebyes
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09/13/23 10:00am |
Roads and Routes
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RE: mixing batteriy sizes
Another option for you to consider is to create two ‘banks’ of battery power by running the newer battery by itself and the other 2 (together) as a second battery.
This can be done via a cheap marine battery switch (bat. 1, bat. 2, both, off) or by just swapping cables.
With one, or two, battery switches you can combine or isolate batteries any way you wish.
Did that with a boat. I had a total of five group 31 gel cell batteries arranged in three banks that were switchable. Two banks of two batteries in parallel and a single, all switchable for a single or combo that I pleased.
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Veebyes
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09/13/23 09:50am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Battery Size (replacing)
There are plenty of good reasons to go to an AGM. The double to triple the service life is only one of them. My first AGM gave me nine years.
In storage the AGM loses very little. My AGM sits, disconnected and untended, November to April and retains enough power to operate landing legs upon reconnection.
Zero maintenance other than annual terminals cleaning.
Yes they cost more. Much more. Given what they are over the 100 plus year old technology of the wet cell the AGM is worth it.
There's a reason why they are used in aviation and marine applications.
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Veebyes
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08/25/23 10:31pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Thinking about going to 2024 Calgary Stampede
Did the Calgary Stampede some years ago. Have done many other rodeos before and since. Bottom line, IMO Calgary is alot of hype and alot of expense for what it is.
There are plenty other rodeos, same cowboys, same bulls, much smaller crowds for far less money.
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Veebyes
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08/20/23 11:59am |
RV Parks, Campgrounds and Attractions
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RE: RV Axle Alignment Shop in Buffalo NY area
If anything is out of alignment tire wear will tell the story. There are other methods without getting your bank account raided.
Measure the distance between the tires. Should be very very close to the same.
Take a board across both tires at axle height. It should be touching each sidewall front and back.
Loop a line around the kingpin and take it to center under each U bolt. Should be the same left and right.
You Tube is your friend. Look up instructions for installing the Correct Track system.
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Veebyes
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08/20/23 12:15am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Battery Size (replacing)
Cram as many amps of battery bank in the space provided as possible.
That means doing some measurement of battery case size & seeing what will fit.
Typical case sizes are group 24, group 27, group 31, 4D and 8D. Each is larger than the next. An 8D is what you would see for starting large machines, or the marine version deep cycle onboard boast as 'house' batteries.
As pointed out a single group 24 is basically a waste of time. Good enough for a very small 'teardrop' sized trailer maybe.
Since the OP isn't boondocking, just get the cheapest battery. If it's $4 to upgrade to group 27,OK but don't spend a lot of money on something you won't utilize.
The truck umbilical cord will handle the fridge and other power draws while running down the road. The battery really only needs to run the trailer brakes in the event of an emergency where the trailer becomes disconnected from the truck or to run the jack to disconnect before plugging into shore power once at a campsite.
PS: 8D batteries are almost never used as house batteries in boats or RVs. They are simply too big and awkward for normal humans to move. If you want a big house bank and don't want to go with lithium, the standard is 6v golf cart batteries. But again, this is all massive overkill for the OP who isn't boondocking.
If all the OP has is what is needed to be plugged in all the time, no, he will not be doing any dry camping if the need or desire is ever to do so.
As far as 4D and 8D batteries go, I currently use a 4D AGM in the 5er.
Used to have a boat, single diesel engine, that had a single 8D for starting and house use, though it was not an overnighting boat. A friend had a 65' motor yacht that had six 8D AGM battery bank.
The beauty of the 4D and 8D is that you don't have all of those connections, potential problems, to maintain.
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Veebyes
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08/20/23 12:04am |
General RVing Issues
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