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16

Tips and Tricks / Re: To tow or not to tow. That is the question.

« on: July 30, 2013, 06:29:01 am »

Ron,

Too bad about the Jeep no matter if you were taking it or not. I see the quiet hitch but wht two? Do you have two receivers?

Alan

17

Tips and Tricks / Re: To tow or not to tow. That is the question.

« on: July 29, 2013, 10:01:53 pm »

Alan, we are covering a lot of ground.  Basically taking on the north/west region.  If we are not driving, we hope our bodies will cooperate with a lot of day hikes.  We will need to work up to that given the calluses that have formed on my buttocks from my job at the office.  We hope to keep our campsite accomodations primative whenever possible for the sake of cost, and avoid urban development as much as possible.  That is one of many reasons why the PC appealed to us.  It's a good rig for such independance.

Ron,

That is my favorite area so far, except in the winter. I don't like cold weather. If you are not kicking back then a toad would just be a hassle. I have calluses as well. Sick of living in an office.

Safe travels,

Alan

18

Tips and Tricks / Re: To tow or not to tow. That is the question.

« on: July 29, 2013, 01:38:22 pm »

I need to get a picture of our Liberty in-tow with the riser in-place.  Test drives to work and back have proven to eliminate all the bucking.

But our upcoming 4 week trip, we made the decision to leave the Liberty home and try going solo.  Admittedly we have mixed feeling about it.

Wow Ron!

A four week trip is exactly the kind I would take my toad on. Well, unless it is one of those trips where you are constantly on the move. We have done those and a toad would not be of much value on those kinds of trips. Myself, I am looking forward to the days I can travel and stay as long as I want, or am allowed, and explore the area where we are.

Where are you off to? We would like to go to Denver to see family for a few days, then Yellowstone for more than just one 18 hour day, head on up to Montana to Glacier National Park, on out to Washington to visit a lot of family out there, stop and see Brazels RV performance while we are there for a few minor things I want to do, south to see the large Redwood trees and on south to Mexico for the winter. Will we do that all this year? Not likely as it is too late in the year to do this like I want so it will be 2014 trip when I can ease my way out of the company I am working for. DW and I have a great number of travel plans for the next five years that include North America but also South America, Europe and a few other parts of the world. If the MH was a diesel I would consider freighting it overseas and traveling with it, which is partially why I am looking for another MH. It just sounds exciting! If you are adventurous and a little younger than me do a search for 'trek of the America's' about a four month adventure around South America. We can catch a cruise ship to Antarctica down there so we could see where Shakleton's men spent several months stranded on Elephant Island. If it sounds over the top, it probably is but I have always chased my dreams and lived a great many of those dreams I have chased so I see no reason to stop now.

Alan

19

Tips and Tricks / Re: To tow or not to tow. That is the question.

« on: July 28, 2013, 05:28:15 pm »

Shipper,

Thanks for your input and we condidered the Ranger to begn with but could not find one that hadn't been beat. I think we will be the same way soon when ever DW discovers the convenience of having small wheel along. She grew up very close to MO so i have to show her on occasion. Donw side is I grew up about two miles from where she did so I have to have someone show me also! LOL!!

Thanks for your input. i appreciate it.

Alan

20

Tips and Tricks / Re: REPLACING TOILET IN YOUR CRUISER

« on: July 28, 2013, 01:27:42 pm »

thanks Alan stay tuned I have three more coming,, maybe you can laugh some more,, I sure did curse some more haha... kidding it's fun and hopefully some of this stuff is helping others... I like making fun of myself  anyway
David

Sparky,

Are you at liberty to tell us what three things you have in the works or are they to be looked forward to? I wonder, do other people that own other brands of RV's have as much interest in updating and changing their MH as the PC people seem to have? Just curious.

Alan

21

Tips and Tricks / Re: Low power solution

« on: July 27, 2013, 10:01:04 pm »

Alan,
      My 3100 has a Marinco Shore Power outside plug in for the power on the side the unit at the inlet water. Here's a picture of the type of plug I have. ( http://www.fisheriessupply.com/marinco-50-amp-125-250v-stainless-steel-easy-lock-shore-power-inlet ) If you are direct wired then you will have to use the adapters.

Jim & Rae Anne

Jim,

Thanks for the link. Now I understand what I am looking for. Brain dead once in awhile.

Alan

22

Tips and Tricks / Re: REPLACING TOILET IN YOUR CRUISER

« on: July 27, 2013, 08:23:08 pm »

Awilson
   Anytime  bet I can do it in under 30 minutes, especially if you get right size haha,,,,  long service call from Iowa to Houston though, might be a little expensive
sparky

Hey Sparky,

I dislike Iowa winters a lot and I have spent a few winters down south so a drive to Houston is a cake walk with benefits!  Our toilet is fine the way it is but reading about your trials and tribulations while cleaning your sweat off the floor had me rolling laughing! I have been in your shoes trying to do a simple one or two hour task that turns into a three day event. Bahahaha! Open the box! Who would have thought. Too funny. Glad it all worked out for you.

Alan

23

Tips and Tricks / Re: REPLACING TOILET IN YOUR CRUISER

« on: July 27, 2013, 06:51:36 pm »

Sparky,

Seeing as how you are all practiced up on changing out your toilet, when could I drop mine off for you to do.

24

Around the Campfire / Re: Two friends in the park!

« on: July 25, 2013, 07:27:58 am »

X2

25

Around the Campfire / Re: Think Your the father

« on: July 25, 2013, 07:26:26 am »

What makes this hilarious is that it could really happen that way!

26

Around the Campfire / What doesn't kill you

« on: July 25, 2013, 07:24:06 am »

My 14 almost 15 year old granddaughter recently went through a very difficult and challenging week in her life and I had hoped it would not have a lasting effect on her. I now know she is back to her old self again after she posted this note;

What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger.
Except bears, bears will kill you!

She is back to her off the wall humorous self again!

27

Tips and Tricks / Re: To tow or not to tow. That is the question.

« on: July 23, 2013, 09:08:57 pm »

We live in Alaska and have driven the Alaska Highway four times so far in our PC. Lots of people travel up here towing a toad, but I would never recommend it to anyone because of the condition of the roads particularly in the Yukon. There are tons of RV's in Alaska and most places readily accommodate all but the biggest. Our PC is a 2400 and we have chosen not to tow so far, we rent a car when we are visiting cities like Chicago, Boston, or Pittsburgh.

I think I am not going to travel to Alaska in the MH. It sounds so great but I just don't think I want to tear my MH up. Looks like it will be an airline trip.

I see you have a 2400 also. We love ours and just can't find anything any better. The only issue we have is the sofa bed and it isn't an issue for me but for her. Her height makes one of the crossbars in the couch hits her in the back whereas I don't even feel it. We solved that problem with a queen size 4" thick memory foam mattress topper but it is a hassle putting it on each night and putting it away each morning.  Sleep like a baby now. It is so handy that is why my wife questions my sanity in getting a toad. She may be right but I still want something smaller to sightsee in. I have been making small improvements to it here and there and I am down to the last few things so I may just keep it for a few more years. I want to replace my chair with a recliner and have some customizing done on the couch and then I think I am done! Well, new tires and a line up and then I am done.

Thanks for sharing,

Alan

28

Tips and Tricks / Re: To tow or not to tow. That is the question.

« on: July 22, 2013, 02:05:20 pm »

Not much I can add to the discussion that has not all ready been said!  I have towed with my last five motor homes and have used the same set up for all, Brake Buddy brake assist, Roadmaster bar.  I would just say make sure the tow bar is within 3" of being level between the Ford and the Honda, you do not want the Honda riding up or going under the chassis (alot of leverage on that tow bar that can act as a lever and push hard).  To be honest,  I just do not like towing I find it is just one more thing to worry about, a pain when you have to pull in for gas, etc., towing makes the chassis work harder and the hills just become a little slower to get up and over.  I pull a 2006 Jeep Liberty diesel that tips the scales at 4400 lbs. (350 lbs more compared to the gas unit) so it is not a light vehicle.... I can not say I do not know it is there because i do.  I like having a car at the campsite and like being able to bring my kayaks, bikes, etc. but the PC as I have it set up drives so nicely by itself I just always hate hooking that jeep up.  Will be heading out for a week next week and the Jeep will be coming along so there you go.....Best of luck, Ron

Well my response above this just didn't come out right at all! Anyway, I agree with what you say about more things to worry about. I don't want to create more things to do but make my journey better and more fun. My 2400 gets around very well without towing a car, which is where I was getting all the push back from DW. We have been all over the US with it as it is but as someone else mentioned earlier about the hassle of sightseeing in it, finding a place to park, is it level, going for lunch/dinner, getting into tight places or going on walking tours where we have to leave it on a level place is a real pita.  Wife doesn't want to tow as she doesn't see the problem. I never get to see anything where I am constantly looking for clearance, width and cannot move around inside much to see the sights while I am driving. Not whining (not too much anyway!) I hope the CR V pulls pretty good..

29

Tips and Tricks / Re: To tow or not to tow. That is the question.

« on: July 22, 2013, 01:49:45 pm »

Alan, I never drove to Alaska, but my brother & wife did 2 years ago and his advise is what I share.  We did take a cruise from Vancouver to Whitier, followed by taking an Alaska Railroad trip to Denali NP, with a bus return trip to Anchorage where we got on a plane.

The road to Alaska is paved, but road heaves in the perafrost region is rough on vehicles.

Much of beautiful Alaska is in the southern fiord region where taking a ferry from one city to another will save 800-1200 miles of mundane driving.  The ferry ride is very scenic with sights of snowcapped mountains and sea life including whales.  The ferry ride has a bit of cruise ship passenger care with narration of what is seen off the boat and restaurants, etc.  In the south is that famous Kodiak bear feading ground viewed from a high boardwalk.

Getting on and off the ferry invloves steep angles because of tide variation.  If your PC has a little rear-end sag like ours, you might consider installing rear air bags and fill them up to max height just prior to a ferry trip.  You can let out the air afterward to soften your ride.  Just carry a tiny 12v air compressor for that purpose.  Ferries charge by the inch.  Cost is very steep, but still cheaper than driving.  A tow vehicle could cost hundreds more.

Unless you have specific ideas, Alaska is generally a trip where you drive, sight see, and repeat that over and over.  10,000 miles of that.  You sleep wherever you happen to be at that moment, then move on the next day.  You will be dragging a tow vehicle for most of the trip but never unhook it.  The few times you might want it, I would inquire about a rental.  But given you own a 2400, it's small enough to get around in like a regular car.

About Denali NP, a tow vehicle won't help you there either because private vehicles are prohibited in the park.  They have bus service for that which is quite nice.  The driver is very good explaining things and stopping for wildlife and scenery.  It is quite the experience.....speaking from 2008 personal experience on this one.
[/quote]

Well now that is not what I expected. Maybe the other half has the better idea here. I am all about the adventure and the journey. The destination is just the cherry on top!  I think we will leave Alaska to be done with a plane fare, rental car, ferry, rail service and on foot where needed. Thanks for the heads up.

Alan

30

Tips and Tricks / Re: Low power solution

« on: July 22, 2013, 07:14:28 am »

Hello,
      Another think about the low voltage, if it fall below 108 you will burn out you Air Conditioner. I have 50 amp on my 3100 and have a cord made up for 50, 30, and 20 amps. That what you get when you work as an electrician for 25 years. I know it over kill but I don't like using adapter on electrical cords, I've seen too many of them burn up from loose fitting. Just my 2 cents worth. You did the right thing using the 20 amp plug at 120 v. Most likely the 30 amp plug has a loose connection and the wire is burning up inside the post.

Jim and Rae Anne

Jim,

I have only 30 amp on my 2400 so don't know much about the 50 amp and I have an adapter for 20 amp. You said you have  a cord made up for 50, 30 and 20 amps and you don't like adapters. I don't like adapters either because I have had three of them melt in past years but I don't know of any other way. Are you saying you actually unwire one cord from the MH service box and wire back in another cord when you get to site to get the service you want/need? Could you please elaborate a little?

My SIL is an electrician so I can get made anything I need. I had the inside of my service box almost catch fire from some loose terminal connections inside just from rattling down the road. He replaced it all for me and we check it every year for loose connections so I know how loose connections can cause tremendous problems. Thanks for your post.

Alan

Alan