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RE: is anyone using one of these AC units?
For those that are downplaying the effects of a "swamp cooler", I live in SoCal (born and raised), and have never had AC in my house. I have a single swamp cooler on the roof, blowing down through a single 20"x20" vent into the living room with about 1/3 of the louvers angled down the hallway. By cracking open a window in the bedrooms, it allows the air to travel into them, and forces hot air out.
No, it's not as cool as my kids' houses with A/C. But it is entirely liveable and significantly cooler than outdoors, as long as the RH is low (which it normally is here). It also barely makes a dent in my electric bill, UNLIKE my kids' A/Cs. And the "heat soak" that was mentioned above by GritDog and Rick Jay would apply to A/C units just as much as Swamp coolers, so that's kind of a moot point.
Remember, StirCrazy is not looking for the same effects of an A/C; he's looking for a way to occasionally cool down a small space with very low power requirements. And a small 12vdc swamp cooler fits that bill nicely.
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4x4van
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03/20/23 09:20am |
Tech Issues
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RE: is anyone using one of these AC units?
If StirCrazy is considering this unit for his camper (1991 Slumberqueen WS100), then it will likely work well for him (assuming low RH), since the camper is a much smaller volume of air. My dad used a version of this on a truck camper back in the late 70s, and it worked surprisingly well. Of course we were camping in the desert, so anything at all was an improvement! OTOH, if he's considering it for his TT (2016 Cougar 330RBK), then he's barking up the wrong tree entirely, if not the wrong forest!
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4x4van
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03/17/23 02:46pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: 1997 Coachman Catalina Water Heater
Do you have an outdoor shower? If so, check to make sure that it is turned off at the valves and not just at the shower head.
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4x4van
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03/16/23 12:46pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Foggy windows help please
^^^ I certainly wouldn't do it that way. Remember, somebody installed it once so it can be done again.
What you're describing sounds exactly like ours was, the one removed shown above. It wasn't any harder to do than the others. The only thing on that one was the weight. It wasn't terrible, you just needed an extra set of hands.
I ended up doing one of the small windows in one slide end - believe it or not that one was the hardest to disassemble.I watched the video of the DIY repair... Sorry, but mine are much more complicated. The passenger side top pane is above the large slider. The driver side is above the front A-pillar window (also fogged) AND above the driver's door. Many of the repaired windows, even those done by pros rather than DIYers, end up fogging again a year or so down the road. I also don't want to mess with window frames that don't currently leak by removing the entire frame and re-installing/re-sealing.
I'm still trying to determine what the downside of my plan would be?
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4x4van
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03/16/23 12:32pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: is anyone using one of these AC units?
In my view 7-8 amps seems rather high for a evaporative cooler (if I have this right??), and it cost more than a smaller rooftop air conditioner…I see little advantage…
For example, my Coleman 11k btu Mach 1 P.S. uses about 9-9.5 amps with 2 speed fan on low speed, which does a good job, though the fan is a bit noisy…660w of concurrent rooftop harvest (and another 360w ground deployable when stationary off-grid) along with 400a Lithium has been a reasonable combination - Honda 2200 just as a backup, but (except for a periodic run) haven’t used it for air conditioner…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsgmSaDWUWo
3 tonsThe <8 amps the OP is quoting is at 12vdc. The 9-9.5 amps you are quoting is 120VAC. Huge difference.
The 12vdc evap coolers work well in a small camper without hookups, genset, or inverter/big battery bank, as long as humidity outside is very low (<20%).
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4x4van
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03/14/23 03:57pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Foggy windows help please
I have the issue with the top panes above the driver and passenger windows, and now the driver side front panel just behind the a-pillar. Because they are each in a combination frame that also holds the slider windows below, I hesitate to attempt a removal/repair. However, here's my plan: I will break out the inside panel; clean and dry well. Then have a glass shop cut replacements to fit (can a glass shop cut/supply tempered glass? If not, perhaps plexiglass instead), and then simply seal them in place with windshield urethane. Am I out of line with this thinking?
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4x4van
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03/14/23 03:49pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: 2001 Beaver Slideout
Best way to operate leveling jacks AND slide-outs is with the engine running or hooked up to shore power. Both of those systems take a significant amount of power, so better to have the alternator or the converter charging while you operate them.
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4x4van
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03/07/23 03:49pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: 24 feet versus 26' dilemma, have to decide fast
The difference between a 24' and a 26' is negligible; however remember that actual bumper to bumper length is almost always more than the stated length of any RV. On either (24 or 26), you will have problems with overhang and tail swing compared to any car or large truck, especially if you are going off-road (even mild off-road). Yes, pnichols (above) does it, as do many of us; but I'd be willing to bet that he has significantly more experience driving an RV than Mountaintraveler does. Additionally, the house portion of a class C extends significantly out wider than the cab; something that takes getting used to for a newbie, and a 9'-11' height doesn't just come into play in camp sites, but also while driving on some small residential streets.
Removing a swivel chair and/or a jackknife sofa MAY provide room for the OP's cot/camp chair, but I'm really not sure of the point, and many jackknife sofas also have stuff under them (water tank or pump, water heater, etc.). Removing a dinette is much more challenging, and will likely render it useless (for future reinstallation).
Reading what the OP is planning makes me think that they want to do the same type of camping that they always have, i.e. boondock tent camping, and in the same locations, but with the amenities of a class C RV. Sadly, I don't think that is possible, and while I could be wrong, this kinda looks like a train wreck waiting to happen, particularly considering the OP's eyesight issues and admitted problems with parking a car. Realistically, buying a transit van and installing just a sink, stove, fridge, and porta-potti, leaving room for the OP's camp chair and cot, would be the best answer.
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4x4van
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02/03/23 11:48am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Dipping my fuel tank
Found my problem getting full to my generator. Bad fuel line. I'm lower then a 1/4 tank of fuel so I think it's a good time. Has anyone ever pulled the tank if so what im I getting in to? Pros and cons
If you are lower that 1/4 tank, that's your problem. The generator will not pick up fuel from a tank that is lower than 1/4.I think that the OP means that since it is currently lower than 1/4, it's a good time to drop the tank (lighter and easier to handle).
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4x4van
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02/03/23 10:49am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Need tire inflation by weight for Sunitomo 719 tire
As has been said, Load tables for tires are standardized and should be consistent across all brands, assuming the same size/load range. In the absence of having those tables and your actual axle weights (4-corner weights are best), you can use the Federal Tire Info label on your RV (on or near the drivers side door/position) that actually lists your max GAWRs and the pressure needed for those weights using stock size tires.
I can pretty much guarantee that the tire sidewall max is too high for your application, and should not be used. The dealer who sold you the tires should have checked that Federal Tire Info label, NOT simply gone with the max pressure listed on the tire. That's not only lazy, but could even be dangerous.
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4x4van
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02/03/23 10:37am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: What roof vent covers for Fantastic Fans
I use the Camco AeroFlo vent covers. Easy to install, easily opened for cleaning (2 screws), and they are a bit more aerodynamic than others on the market. They're also quite reasonably priced, and so far are holding up quite well (3 years and counting) in the SoCal sun.
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4x4van
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01/25/23 05:10pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Pet Peeves in RV Parks
While I have 3 dogs, only one is a "camper"; the other 2 stay at home when we go camping. All 3 (chihuahua, Lab/Newfoundland mix, Corgi) are determined to save us from the horrors of the Amazon deliveries. I've been told that it is because they toss packages into the yard; "their" territory, which makes sense.
My "camping" dog is the Cardigan Welsh Corgi who is a rescue of sorts; spent the first 9 months of his life in a dark room in a 3'x4' crate, very seldom being let out or even interacted with, other than to get beat if he somehow got out of the crate. Needless to say, he has some "issues" if you attempt to discipline him. But just yelling at him usually does the trick, although he is very vocal about his displeasure at being yelled at, and has to get the last word in, mumbling/growling under his breath.
On the other hand, he absolutely loves camping, does not bark at other campers or even other dogs. The only downside is that he is convinced that every other camper in the campground WANTS to meet him and pet him and love him!!!
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4x4van
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01/20/23 03:59pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Unable to identify model of trailer
"Some" leaks is pretty much an understatement!
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4x4van
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01/20/23 01:55pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: What Chassis do I have
Tony, there is really nothing special about an OEM converter, Ford doesn't build them anyway, they are provided by one of their vendors. I think the major concern is one sized large enough for your 8-cylinder engine and fits in the space of the original.Sadly, here in Commiefornia, that is not the case. There are very few aftermarket catalytic converters that CARB allows. Most vehicles MUST use only OEM converters in CA.
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4x4van
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01/09/23 04:51pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Fun in the snow...
Wow, that looks like an awesome place!
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4x4van
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12/13/22 04:28pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: A punishing pace, safety issues and broken bodies
Some like to make a big deal out of one bad experience with unions protecting some one. Many times its just something they heard. There are lots of union haters.
IMO if a company treats employees fairly/equally there isn't a need for a union to represent them.
While you are right that "some" do that, others do not. I have personally witnessed a number of bad experiences with unions, not just the 2 that I listed. Sorry, but it's not something I "heard", nor "one bad experience". But I agree that if a company treats employees fairly, there is no need for a union. Unfortunately, once a union is in place; much of the deserved "fairness" goes away in the name of "protecting" all employees. Sorry, but not all employees deserve to be "protected".
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4x4van
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12/06/22 04:04pm |
Around the Campfire
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RE: Where to for Thanksgiving?
For the first time in at least 30 years, spent Thanksgiving at home rather than in the desert with the bikes/SxSs. Most of our group were going different directions this year, so the change was necessary. Gotta admit, it was nice not having to fight Thanksgiving traffic on the way home!!!
Where do you like to ride?
We like Spangler, Red Mountain, El Pasos area.For years, it was Red Mountain, El Mirage, Stoddard Wells, Lucerne...For the past 20 years though, it's been the sand dunes of Glamis. Sand doesn't hurt quite so much when you go down!!
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4x4van
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11/30/22 02:41pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Alcohol Detection Systems in All New Vehicles
Wondering if you could just blast air into the device with something like a turkey baster? Air is air right?
Maybe it has a specific temperature range to detect human breath and not just plain air.Hmmmm...I see an idea for a new product!! :)
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4x4van
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11/29/22 03:44pm |
Around the Campfire
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RE: A punishing pace, safety issues and broken bodies
Many unions have become too strong, and are actually a detriment to their industry, and eventually their members. Teacher's unions come to mind. And no insults any hard-working union members, but I have my own experiences to draw from.
In the early 80's, the Kaiser Steel union in CA destroyed the steel industry there, and ended up putting ALL of their workers out of work, and shutting down the plant entirely (Fontana raceway now sits on that property). My brother was a dispatcher for a trucking company that hauled steel out of Kaiser's Fontana plant. Employers were drinking, heavily, on the job while loading hundreds of tons of steel (safety anyone?), and the management had their hands tied because of the union's strength. The truck drivers would have to wait for 4-6 hours before getting loaded...unless they brought a 12-pack of beer; then they were loaded up within an hour.
Also in the 80's, I worked for General Telephone. A GTE employee drove into an elementary school parking lot, got out of the GTE car, flashed 2 schoolgirls, and then got back into the car and drove away. Turned out that one of those girls was the granddaughter of GTE's president. It still took 6 months to fire him due to the union backing the employee. They were finally able to get rid of him, but only through a technicality: he had lied on a single question on his initial employment application 10 years earlier!
So say what you will, but I have little use for unions in this modern era. While the benefits and working conditions that unions have been responsible for over the years are great, they tend to put way too much effort into supporting workers who really don't deserve that support. At 60, half of my working life has been as a union member (middle), and half hasn't (early and late). Gotta say, my non-union days are/were better for me. Base my raises/perks on my performance, not simply my seniority or "membership"; I'll come out ahead every time, which is how it should be.
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4x4van
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11/29/22 03:29pm |
Around the Campfire
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RE: Where to for Thanksgiving?
For the first time in at least 30 years, spent Thanksgiving at home rather than in the desert with the bikes/SxSs. Most of our group were going different directions this year, so the change was necessary. Gotta admit, it was nice not having to fight Thanksgiving traffic on the way home!!!
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4x4van
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11/29/22 03:03pm |
General RVing Issues
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