gmoreno

Pete Thompson" <petenrose2@aol.com>,

Gotta put my two cents worth about CW. I've had to purchase a few things from them and service has just been OK. My biggest gripe was when we were about to purchase our first Class A MH. We never camped before...ever. Never driven a rig before....ever. Visited our local CW and looked at a Class A. Got pressured from the sales clerk to at least place a $500 deposit to hold the rig. Of course, his argument was that without the deposit, the rig could be sold and we would lose out on the deal. He also assured us that the deposit would be refundable. This was a brand new gas 35' Class A we were talking about, 2010 model year. In short, we placed a $250 deposit on the rig...went to another dealer and purchased a similiar rig for a better price. We went back to CW and requested a refund of our $250. Manager said "NO!" We pressed the issue and the manager stated that the deposit was for the time we took away from his sales staff to show us the rig! NO JOKE! REALLY! We really made a scene on the show-room floor and told any potential buyers of any RV or pull-behind NOT to place a so called refundable deposit...you'll never get that money back! Only after this crazy scene did the manager finally conceded and returned our money! So, this is my two cents worth about our local CW....just thought I'd share this story in the event there are any readers out there that are considering using CW in our area as a source of purchase for their 1st or last RV. Rob

I agree with Bill's post as noted abovel LED bulb for a patio light just doesn't seem to make sense at a cost of $12. I will add one thought: EBAY. I've been scouting out LED bulbs on EBAY to replace my 1141 type of bulb. So far, I found a U.S. vendor that can offer these LED bulbs for me at a price of about $3 per bulb. I haven't pulled the trigger on purchasing these bulbs because I have some questions that I asked the vendor to answer; basically lumen output with his bulbs vs. my current 1141, which emit an initial +/- 259 lumens but dwindle to +/- 104 lumens over the life of the bulb. Also, kelvin output. What I am saying is that if you are dead set on purchasing LED bulbs, you may want to consider EBAY as your vendor supplier. I have scouted out some of the other major big players who sell LED bulbs and I find that their prices are astronomical when compared to EBAY. So it is feasible to replace your patio light bulb with an LED at nearly the cost of an identical incadenscent bulb if you use EBAY as your alternative supplier. And for the record, I have replaced some of my brick-and-mortar house that use flourescent bulbs to LED, using an LED bulb supplier in China, through EBAY. The product took a little longer to arrive (free shipping), but all the bulbs arrived safely and work fine. good luck! Rob

I wouldn't rule out cape cod campresort. Just outside of Falmouth...about a 7 minute drive to Falmouth. Falmouth itself is a great town...towns of eats and tons of treats! Also, some big box stores if you need anything from them. i.e. Walmart, Radio Shack, CVS/Walgreens, Stop N Shop (grocery store). The downtown area is about 12 to 15 blocks in length on both sides. Also, a nice common green space where depending on the time of year, local and not so local bands play music. Last summer, we just happen to hit when a bag pipe group that was playing. With respect to the resort, three pools...one for adults only with hot tub 10 feet away. Pool number 2 is a family pool and third pool for kiddies. Small but sufficient playground ( if traveling with kids) as well as a decent store stocked with the must haves if you are in a pinch. John - the manager - is fantastic and full of info. He's your 411 go to guy for anything you need and is mostly on-site. Clean lake to swim or you can rent a paddle boat. With respect to best place to park your rig, we are partial to B69-B73. I think these sites are considered "premium", with the exception of B69. We mostly stay at B70...a back in site so that we we can keep an eye out on the kids while at the playground (your front windshield has a view of the huge green common area, the playground and the three pools). There was a 45' Prevost that stayed right next to us for about a week. The owner of the Prevost was from Canada...his spot (B71) accommodated his big rig, with just enough room to accommodate his toad....he really used every inch of the site to park his rig and toad. Oh yea, all sites are paved....YEA!!! I hate gravel/dirt lots! Wifi, cable, 50 amp, great water pressure and clean water. I find the sites just a bit tight with minimal to no privacy...but liveable. Some sites are shaded, others are not. Other sites that could accommodate your big rig would be just right off the office...very quite in this location. Your location is clutch for the office and bath house. Not much of a view, but a quite area. One other area is just west of the community club house...busier here. I would not let John or anyone else convince you to go someplace else. Tight squeeze. Also, there are tenters here at this campground, but they seem to be respectful. I just wouldn't park my rig next to them. http://capecampresort.com/ good luck! Rob

Hey fellas: So Pete emailed me and I cut and pasted his reply here on this forum for curious readers. Pete also sent about 10 photos. Not sure how to get these to all interested parties. We might just do a weekend simply because we are curious. However, we travel with young kids (3 and 6 years of age) and no mention of park and weekend activities for the kids. We live just North of Boston, so it's about a three hour trek to this place should we decide to investigate and take a peek. If we do, I let readers know what we learned. Thanks, Rob Hi Rob We live in Lake Wales Fl in the winter and Maine summer. We are full timers. I have 10 lots there at Sandy Shores. We are on a lake and 5 mi. from the Atlantic. Camden, Rockport & Rockland are 15 min away. The Resort is very beautiful and easy access of Rt 1. Not very many people know about it. We do not advertise in ant R.V. books,or have a web site. We are a condominium assoc and we all own our lots. There are 75 lots at Sandy Shores and are very nice. There are a few paved pads but most a very nicely landscaped. We do not except Pop Ups, Truck Slide in campers or Tents. Most lots are 5500 sq ft and there are 5 that are 7700 sq ft. There are very few children there, an occasional a grandchild. Pets are allowed and the usual rules you would find in any camp ground. Only one R.V. per site, Guest are allowed with no charge for a minimum stay (1) week and you can wash your R, V. and Autos. Lots are 17,57,75,72 74 62 64 & 46,52,53 Rent is $700.00 per mo May, June. Sept, Oct. $800.00 July / Aug, includes elect. / $2800.00 for the Season. (May1-Oct 31) Plus Electric. You make $200.00 deposit direct to the bank info below. Sandy Shores R.V. Resort is an upscale camp ground compared to the ones in our area. Sandy Shores rate are lower that all campground with in a 25 mile radius, and we are 200.00 less than they are. We also are a gated community. there are severl lot up for sale as well staring from $40.000. Maine 's Season is a short one and everyone wants July/August. so the early bird gets the worm??? If you are interested let me know soon, as they will be booked fast.. . My Bank information Note from Moderator: I removed his banking information. Brett Let me know if you get these. Pete

Hey fellow Rv'rs: There was a recent ad in the FMCA Magazine (May 2012, pg 111) labeled "Maine Cool Sea Coast." I tried to google this RV resort/Campground and all I found was this link below. Just seems to me that in today's age of technology, why would there not be a website for this RV Resort? You can create a website for less than $100 a year! So, just really suspicious about this place, though it does like nice. Has anyone been here or know of someone who has visited this place? Any thoughts of this is a legit Resort? How can I find out if this is a legit operation? BBB? Chamber of Commerce? I emailed the person as noted in the FMCA magazine Saturday (April 28th), so we'll wait and see if he replies. http://bigrigresorts...&type=rent Thanks, Rob

Hey fellas: I was asking for 30' and not 50'. No big deal. Also, took your advice and saw what I had on my rig; two sets of numbers: one reads 6 AWG and the other reads 8 AWG. Denton, did you say Denton? Did I mention that I lived in Denton for four years, going to then called N.T.S.U? Now it is U. of N.T. at Denton. I'm class of '88. Miss that place. Back in the day, there was a huge horse farm (upwards of 80 acres) with a steel pipe fence surrounding the whole property. NTSU was vying for that land...did the horse farmer sell out? I think part of the property was on University Drive? But again, it's been 20+ years, so I know alot has changed. Probably not the small college town it once was back in the day. Should I just have my electricain fabricate one for me? Buy one on-line? CW? Thanks, Bob

Hey guys: Can someone walk me through the process of fabricating a 30', 50 amp extension cord? What type of cord needed...romax? 8 gauge? 6 gauge? Type of male and female connectors, etc. I am not all electrical savvy, so I really need step-by-step instructions on this process....seems it would be easy to create. Not sure how much it helps, but I have a 2010 gas, v-10, 35' class A. I had my local electrician wire my house with 50 amp and I can now plug my rig to my house. However, I can only plug my MH to shore power if my rig is parked in a certain direction, which typically is 90% of the time. The other 10% is when I want to park my rig in another direction, but the 35' power from my rig won't reach my shore power and hence, need a 30' extension cord. Thanks, Rob

Cool! Thanks! Rob

Hey everyone: What are you guys recommending for slideout lube and general-purpose lube that does not attract dirt, yet repels water? Thanks! Rob

Hey Everyone: So I did end up covering my rig, 2010 35' Class A. I used a CAMCO Tyvek style of covering that I purchased from camping world. And wouldn't you know it, we didn't get nearly the snow that we received last year (2010 -2011) here in the Boston area. In fact, least amount of snow on record for the 2011-2012 winter year. Since I parked my rig in an area on my property that was near some tall pine trees, I used the cover to protect the rig from pine needles and sap falling onto the rig. As for protecting the tires, I rested the rig on PT wood, 2x8 for all the tires. The RV cover draped over all the tires, so I did not use my tire covers. It didn't seem as windy this past winter either, so I have not noticed any chaffing of paint on the mirrors or anywhere else on the RV. Some black streaks (partial full body paint on my rig), but nothing a little 409 and elbo grease can't handle. So I guess the jury is back from deliberation and I think I would cover the rig again and - you know - rinse, lather and repeat; meaning I would store the rig in the same manner as I did this past winter season. Thanks everyone! Rob

Hey Don: Thanks for the favor in getting me some item numbers for the netting. My service guy at Flagg RV has yet to phone me letting me know one way or the other if he can get the netting system to me. Flagg RV is also a Fleetwood Dealer, so I can't see what the issue might be. In any event, thanks for doing this for me. Sold the farm when we moved to Boston ( I followed my wife's career, who is an accounting professor and who was born in Boston). Loved the farm life and especially the quiet living. Had a tractor with all the tools assocaiated with it. Picked wild berries and saw tons of wilde Turkey - both the Hokie and traditional type - and Deer. I'd do it all over again. We planted over 50 blueberry bushes and fruit trees, but sadly, we sold the farm before we could pick the fruits and berries from our labor. My wife's a vegetarian but being from Texas, I'm an Angus Meat and potatoes fella. My two kids (3 and 6) are vegetarians, though the 3 year old shows an affinity to soy products that have a meat flavor and profile so, my wife's heart will soon be broken should he fall to the "dark side of the force." I've got 50amp service at my house and if you have a macerator pump on your rig, you can pump your black tank goop in my septic system. We're taking off for a summer vacation and traveling south (though not to WV). We're also taking off various points and times begining in April and ending in October. So, again, if you do make it as far Northeast as "BAH-STUN" (Boston), you guys can hang out here. Email me using my avatar and rather than communicate here in this forum, we can ping one another using good o'l email. One last thing, I can swing a hammer fairly well, so I might be able to handle a drill. Just afraind that I'm drilling blindly into the roof and may hit something that I'll end up paying for dearly later. \ Anyway, can't tip my hat enough in thanks for getting me item numbers and such for the bunk bed netting. Thanks, Rob

Thanks again Don. A few more questions for you. So I phoned the dealer where I purchased my rig and told him of your netting system. He said I needed the FIN (Fleetwood Id Number) specific to your rig so that he could phone Fleetwood and ask them specifically what item it is that came on your specific rig. Sounds a bit more complicated than it needs to be. Can't blame you if you don't offer this number to me. In any event, I asked my service guy - Joe (Flagg RV in RI) if he could swindle something from Fleetwood without the numbers and he said he would look into it. If you swing up to Boston, I'm just north of Boston by 1/2 drive. So feel free to look me up should you make it to these parts. I loved Blacksburg - home of Virginia Tech and the Hokies. We eventually moved out from Blcaksburg and purchased an 84 acre farm outside of Blacksburg and had Alpacas, chickens, prigeons and 7 dogs. Just loved the area and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Anyway, thanks again. Rob

Hey Don: I like your setup alot. How did you secure the bottom portion of your netting? Were the hooks as noted on your photos factory installed, or did you drill? Thanks! Rob p.s. noticed you are from WV. I'm a die-hard Hokie. Did graduate school down there, prior to the whole RV experience. Love the area and the weather. Miss it alot! Thank you too Mr. Herman Hermitts....felllow texan! As you recall, grew up in El Paso, and my heart was broken for the first time from a college sweetie who lived in Anna, Texas.

We did try the type of bed rail system that hides under the mattress when not in use. A couple of issues: First, a bulge under the mattress was created when the rail was stowed and therefore, didn't make for a good nights sleep. I would also have to fasten the slides from the bed rail onto the top bunk plywood foundation to secure it. Doing this will certainly promote the loch-ness monster mattress humps. Unlike conventional home mattresses that have alot of weight to act as a downward force onto the boxspring, the "memory foam" style bunk mattress isn't heavy enough to adequately secure the railing, especially if tested. Secondly, this is this 2" "lip" on the top bunk which ensures that the top bunk mattress won't "slide" off. This lip is creating all kinds of headaches and frankly, if it wasn't there, the bedrail system from the local box store would work like a charm. Rob

I forgot to mention that I tried using shower style tension rods, but they flex and arc too much. The distance needed to span is just over 70 inches. As for netting, I purchased some cargo netting that could work, it's just a question of how to suspend and secure this netting so that it can hold the weight of my 3 year old son in the event he should roll over from the top bunk. He weighs about 30 pounds. His 6 year old sibling refuses to sleep on the top bunk. She is a afraid of heights. So swapping who will sleep where isn't in the mix. Thanks again, Rob

We have a 2010 35' Damon Class A with bunk beds. I'm looking for creative and maybe not so creative ways to implement a bed rail or netting system for the top bunk. I'd like to avoid drilling holes and such if at all possible. As far as store bought bed rails, they are not working too well. Also, we don't have a ladder to access the top bunk, but would consider getting one and maybe using it as a make shift bed rail. However, I would still have to drill holes and such to secure the ladder. Anyway, any thoughts would be helpful. Thanks, Rob

So I have two questions about LP water heaters. First, I was leafing through a back issue from one of my FMCA magazines and stumbled across an article about replacing the anode in my water heater. I think I missed something in the article...but I have a newer LP 6gl hot water heater (Atwood). The article seem to refer to replacing the anode if you own an older MH or have a MH that is fitted with a suburban water heater. So, am I in the clear? Do I need to do anything with my water heater? Do I even have an anode in my water heater? I've done nothing to the water heater by way of maintenance since I purchased it new two years ago. I'm the original and only owner. I've got about 8k miles on it. Professionly winterized for two seasons. I own a 2010 35' Class A, V-10, Damon. Secondly, is it possible to replace my existing 6gl water heater with an on-demand/tankless water heater? If so, what brand name should I consider? Should I consider a tank designed for MH use or purchase one from my local box store? What size would I need? Would it fit where the current water heater resides? Do these tankless systems live up to the hype? Do they work on LP or electricity? Both? Can someone do dishes using nice, hot, sudzy water and another person take a prolonged, hot steamy shower without worry of running out of hot water? I also have an outdoor shower that I use to bathe sea sand and muck off the kids and dogs. I travel with my wife and two kids (3 and 6) and a couple of dogs. So we use a fair amount of hot water; especially when staying at a campsite. Thanks guys for any advice you can share. Rob

I purchased this dolly last March from Richard (the owner) and haven't looked back. We tow a mini-cooper (CVT tranny) with our V-10, 35' Class A. The tow dolly comes equipped with surge brakes, LED lights, chains and straps. It is also very light weight so that you can easily manuever the unit anywhere on your pad site once the tod vehicle is removed. He is now offering what he calls an ASRP system on his newer version tow dolly. In a nutshell, you can load up and unload your tow vehicle in about half the time. You need to look at the video he posted to better explain the acclerated front tire cinching process and how fast his ASRP system works. Thinking of up-grading my existing unit, but we will probably opt for a seasonal this year vs. traveling, as we did last year (2011). I much prefer the surge brake system because you can use any vehicle to tow the tow dolly and not worry about having to purchase and install a seperate electric brake system. In your post, you requested info about STEHL. I know nothing about STEHL, but thought you should consider the ACME trailer and read my reply as a testimony of how pleased I am with this unit. One minor issue with the ACME trailer is that the loading ramps have to be removed and reattached everytime you load or unload your car. Minor issue for me. Some tow dollies have the loading ramps retract or fold under the unit. Anyway, probably worth a quick research to look into the ACME trailer before you plunk down you greenbacks. Good Luck! Rob http://cartowdolly.com/

Hey BIll: Thanks for the feedback on The Dell RV Resort. Geez, the website photos looked very appealing. And yea, from what we could garner from the website, it did look like there were many sites available for sale, which would account for the concrete slab offerings and nothing else. Not sure if a lot has changed since your visit just over a year ago. About the "up the hill," The Dell Resort is part of the "Hidden Mountain Resort." When we phoned someone at The Dell RV Resort some months ago, we were told that we would have access to all the offerings of folks who stay at the Hidden Mountain Resort; including the swimming pool. So, breakfast brunches, dinners, country store, etc. Anyway, glad to read that someone has been there so that should we decide to take a trip to the Smokies, we know what to expect. Thanks! ROb

We came this close to visiting the Smokey Mountains this coming summer. We opted to try and do a seasonal instead. However, while researching where to stay if we did go to the Smokey Mountains, we hit on a new resort, Class A only. http://www.thedellrvresort.com/. Again, we never stayed here, but the on-line photos seem spectacular. Also, you have access to the luxury hotel up the street, which owns the Dell RV Resort. And when you navigate to the website link I gave you, scroll down toward the bottom of the website and you'll see a pull-down menu labeled "attractions." I'm certain this is not a comprehensive overview of what to do, but you could hit the ground running by viewing the content on this link to give you a flavor of what to do in the area. Also give you an idea how far or close you are to take in some of the local sights. One small set-back about the resort: As I recall, there is no swimming pool on the grounds, but you can walk up to the hotel and use their pool. You'll have to verify this when you phone the Dell Resort to check for availbility. Might be a source of frustration for your teenage boys if they just want to chill by the pool. Have fun! Rob

Hi Cecil: I'm a newcomer myself to FMCA, and I tow front wheels up. I have an ACME tow dolly with surge brakes. It has lights, but no plate. Oh yea, I tow a mini-cooper. I drive a 35' CLass A MH, Gas v-10. I traveled roundtrip from MA to FL in 2010 with my to dolly. I have also traveled to VT, NH and ME with my tow dolly. I have yet to encounter any issues with state troopers or of the like while towing. I don't know the laws for each state about towing, but thought I'd share my personal experience with you using my to dolly. Hope this helps, Rob

Thanks advanced member for the links to big rig sites. I'll peek at them. Again, leaning toward maybe starting a new topic and asking fellow RVrs to chime in and give me names of Class A or Super B+ Rv resorts they know of or have visited. Rob

Hey Hermin and the Hermits! The long and short of it is: Moved to Boston in '89, married a Boston girl in '92, followed her career in '98 to Blacksburg Virginia, Virginia Tech (go Hokies!). Moved back to MA in 2004 and in 2007, moved yet again to Boxford.Two kids in tow now: 3 year old boy and 6 year old girl. Got three dogs as well. Hmmmm.....Pecos....fished in the river once....all I caught was a nasty cold. You can read my previous thread to look at where my old haunts were in Texas. Rob

Hey Wayne: Thanks for your humor on the last sentence...! Great! Hit the nail on the head! Lost the battle and the war for our travels this summer....heading south instead west to MI. se la vi. Phoned some folks at FMCA and emailed some folks about Class A only RV resorts. Haven't heard from anyone....This might be a project that I may have to spearhead here on this forum, then maybe create a website listing these RV resorts. Not trying to be snotty or upper class about where we would like to stay as a family. Just find the Class A only resort more our flavor profile. We have also had some great stays at family style campgrounds in our short tenure as RV vacationers- Apple Island Resort in VT, Normandy farms in MA, Lake in Woods in PA , Danforth Bay in NH, Lake George, NY, Disney's Fort Wilderness. But so far, we really have enjoyed the Class A Luxury Resort we stayed in at Hilton Head, SC. I think it was called Hilton Head Motorcoach resort. So, aside from our personal preference, I think there may be a need here for a comprehensive website or print hard copy outlining Class A MH Resorts in the states. Heck, maybe a hybrid of Class A/super B+ MH. Anyway... Thanks all, Rob