hermanmullins
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Posts posted by hermanmullins
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I'm stumped and am turning to my experienced FMCA friends for some help. We own a 1998 Safari Sahara 35 foot diesel pusher coach and love everything about it except the double pane windows. We bought the coach used in 2000 and over time the seals between the two panes have failed. The Arizona heat is causing the seals to be sucked into the center of the window. These moving seals are quite unsightly and actually obscure significant parts of the windows. I need to find a source of replacement glass. Safari (now Monacco) has been no help. The original supplier no longer makes these windows. We can't have the only Safari coach with this problem. We are open to suggestions. Thanks in advance! See you on the road.James and Jan Ranney
Green Valley, AZ
About the time your coach was built lots were having the same problem. Mfg.ing was some of the problem. However many RVers have their windows tinted or usre the alunminum backed covers. Both reflect the heat back through the windows. Awnings with short extensions will help.
Bad windows helped along by tint and covers.
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This is a tragedy that saddens me. I cannot begin to understand how a military person could act in such a manner and take the lives of fellow service men. It is going to become very important to understand what this shooter was thinking.My deepest sympathies to all the families that are involved and to all servicemen everywhere.
Semper Fi!
Wayne, I just had a thought. What do you think would be the results of a Muslam, such as this so called Dr., going through Marine Basic Training?
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The satellite service providers are not RV minded since we are a very small portion of the population in general. Each local channel has it's own scrambled signal code so other people don't steal the "free over the air" content. When I go somewhere I use the batwing antennae for the local channels, whcih isn't very often as we use the radio a lot more. When we hit the road fulltime I will be getting the RV exemption and get the east and west coast network feeds.Thanks again Mike. How does one go about the RV exemption. Do you just call up your provider?
I will call Dish and ask.
Thanks again.
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Local channels are spot broadcast via a narrow cone, when you leave home you are now outside the broadcast area.Thanks Mike. I understand about the zones for local channels. But it seems that if you pay for local channel you should be able to receive the local channels where you are parks. We live in Dallas, TX and receive the local channels. I should be able to get the local channels for Oklahoma City when we are there. I have been told that in the past (before we got Dish) they did provide the channels, but changed to not providing them when you are out of your home area. I would bet there would be alot of RVers that would change if they offered them.
Sorry but this is just one (of many) of my pet peeves. I can still call and get the locals where I am at. (Between the A&T, as my old English teacher would say.)
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When going through my mother's stuff when we moved her closer to us, I found this letter that my stepbrother wrote to my stepdad. I thought I would share it with everone.
I hope this works ... it is my first post with an attachment.
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Herman.....I believe the air mail was the more difficult. LOLRoad Dog
Road Dog,
Thank you for your service. Although I was in the Navy from 1956 through 1964, but had no contact with Vietnam, they consider me a Vietnam Veteran. You who were there are the true Veterans of that conflict (WAR).
Again, thank you your service to our great COUNTRY.
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I know that Direct and Dish do what they want. But can anyone explain why, like Dish, they use satellites No. 110 and 119 no matter where you are? When in your home area you can receive all of your local channels you subscribe to; however, when you stray too far you can't receive your locals even though you pay for them. I can't see what difference it makes.
I have called Dish and they have set me up with local programing for the area we are in, but when I get home I have to call them up and have my locals reprogramed.
WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE???
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Jack I saw that you are from Plainview, TEXAS. Did you know Ralph Culver that owned Plains Welding Supply? I have known him since the early 70's.
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I have written this note three times, and either get off into technical items not relevant to your antenna, or get lost. So, if you have a little extra time to read some theory to understand what is happening to your antenna, maybe this will help.CB (and most other) antennas work on a "dipole" system, and have elements that oppose each other - that is how they get the signal off into the air. Some antennas CAN be mounted on fiberglass, because their construction has the dipole effect built into it. Many, if not most, boat antennas are designed that way, and if your CB was factory installed, it is probably that type.
Coax feeding the antenna has two conductors - the center connector typically goes into the vertical element, and the braid (shielding) conductor goes to the magnetic mount on some or the mounting screw down gadget on an antenna intended to be mounted on a metal surface that can act as a "ground plane". The "ground plane" can be thought as a reflector of the vertical element. All this stuff has to be designed to be electrically in balance, and when you think about it, it is a wonder it works at all.
Normally you do not have to know about that or be aware of it, because the antenna manufacturer engineers proper connections into the system."Grounding" can have unintended consequences, because it may defeat the design of the antenna system. Unless specifically addressed in installation instructions, do not Willy-nilly ground things - you can create a "ground loop" situation that can be harmful to the radio, or interfere with your signal output.
Power supplied to CBs is often less than optimal, and you can get interference from all the electrical stuff in the vehicle. One inexpensive upgrade that will improve most CB installations is a fairly heavy (#10) two conductor wire attached directly to the battery, both wires fused to avoid shorts. Stray interference can still get into the power wire, but that will eliminate most of it.
Now, to your system. No, grounding the antenna at the "box" is not going to help - grounding for the antenna shield is provided when you use the connector on the end of the antenna coax to attach it. Steps I would take to check and improve your system:
1. I would remove and replace the antenna coax connectors from both the transmitter (box the "all in one" microphone is attached to) and the antenna. Loose connections and corrosion are very common. Check that the microphone control cord is firmly attached too. I use dielectric grease to coat wires and connectors exposed to the elements. You can get dielectric silicone grease at any electrical or auto parts store.
2. Once you get the connections squared away, I would borrow or buy an antenna tuner meter (bought one for $12 MANY years ago at Radio Shack) or better yet, borrow a neighbor that has one and buy him a beer. A simple tune up will often help, or if the system will not tune, you probably have a coax and/or antenna problem and can deal with it. If that is the case:
3. Replace your coax with a premium type - CBs do not have much power to work with, so the antenna system is critical to their working well. If your coax is routed through walls, floors, ceilings and roofs, you might want to do anything else first. Might replace the connectors (handy HAM friend good there - two beer job) on the end of the coax - I have had that help.
4. If your CB system was installed at the factory, it probably has the correct design antenna that does not need a ground plane or need to be mounted on metal. Antennas get tired, weather exposure, limbs whacking them, insulation leaks causing corrosion. If nothing else works, install a marine antenna, or one that is designed for fiberglass connection. If you would rather play around with the existing antenna (my style), you might mount it on a flat piece of metal that can act as a ground plane - at least two feet square, or on top of an air conditioner cover. Or, you can build antenna radials out of coat hanger wire, electrically bond them to your mounting hardware (not the antenna radiating element) and put them under the antenna in a symmetrical cross configuration. Tape them down until you see if it helps, then permanently secure them if it does. Probably will not.
5. Consider buying a new CB - you can get one fairly inexpensively from most truck stops. Do not consider Radio Shack unless you find a huge deal. I bought one (designed and manufactured by Cobra, with Radio Shack name on it) on sale for a good price, then saw the exact Cobra radio for fifty dollars less in a truck stop. My deal was not HUGE enough. Check a truck stop for the antenna tuning meter too - they come with good instructions, and most modern CBs are designed so they are hard to hurt - don't be afraid to experiment a little, and watch for smoke.
I also have one of the "controls all in the handle" CBs, and after I cleaned off the antenna connection on top it works pretty well. I do not travel that much, and if communications was more important, I would take the Cobra out of the toad and rig an antenna for it.
Note about radio tune-ups: Some people will offer you a "tune up" for your radio that will increase the power. Or they may offer you an "antenna booster" box that will amplify your signal. "Boosting" CB radios is illegal, not that you will ever be called on it, but more important is it rude. Amplification outside design parameters will result in a marginal quality signal so distorted it is hard to understand, and you will shorten the life of your radio components drastically. If you have listened to CB much, you will hear dumb axx drivers with too much amplification, reverberation, signal modification, beeps, boops and who knows what else. They can broadcast fifty miles or more, but can still only listen two or three miles. It is such a perfect example of our current cultures "me first, screw you" attitude it has become my pet peeve, if you have not guessed.
(Deep breath) OK, now off soap box. I am sure other HAMs here will correct or expand on the above, and I can be of any assistance, please let me know.
Thanks Jack, as you said that was a very indepth answer.
I will check all connections for any problems. When you said to tune up the antenna did you mean to get an SWR meter?. I had one years ago (many friends and a few beers and its gone).
I have always ask people that talk about their 1,000 watt amps, "What do you have to say that is so important?" That doesn't go over too big with them.
Back on the antenna, My factory antenna has the base portion that is about the size of a broom handle (Black) with the spring mount on top then the antenns. Is that the type that is set for Marine or RV's?
Again thanks for the answers.
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Our plans are to spend winters at home in Texas,,,,late spring through fall traveling the eastern seaboard to visit with kidssss, family, etc.Does anyone participate or are members in any local chapters,,,,specifically,,,Texas chapters?
Are chapters,,,,generally,,,,interested in having outside visitors join their rally's,,,I'm thinking mostly local eastern rally's when time allows during family visits.
Are chapters interested in new members joing their groups,,,,,I'm thinking primarily,,,Texas,,,especially during late fall and winter events.
Another just wondering,,,,and considering other options.....
Thanks for your input.
Sorry I just saw your post. We are member of the LONE STAR CHAPTER OF FMCA. We have 5 rallies per year Feb/April/ May/ Sept/ Dec. If you have spent much time in TEXAS you understand why we don't have any in the summer.
We have one coming up in December in Fredricksburg, TX. Dec 9 thru 13. You can visits our wed site LoneStarChapter.net. or you can contact me at a1grumpy@sbcglobal.net. I will be glad to visit with you about our chapter.
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We have a 40-channel CB (all in the Mic.) that has very bad reception. I have always understood that the antenna needs a good ground. Such as a mag, ant. mounted on the metal roof of a car. Monaco doesn't have a metal roof. My antenna is mounted on the fiberglass. Has anyone ever heard of grounding the antenna at the box inside of the coach? I don't use the CB that often, but when we are travling with some other people it is better then using the cell phone all the time. Look forward to your thoughts.
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My prayers and good luck wishes go out to Seajay. Hurry back we miss you!Road Dog
Airborne to air mail. Now that's a streach.
Go Army, unless when they are playing NAVY.
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This is for anyone who knows SEAJAY. Keep this forum up on him. I hope his other commitments do not keep him away for too long.
"FAIR WIND AND FOLLOWING SEAS," my friend.
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SEAJAY
Thank for this forum. Let me know if I can help.
Herman Mullins
U. S. Navy
Airdale
9-1956 to 3-1964
PR-3
Great Lakes Boot Camp
Hutchinson, KA TDY
Norman, OK School
Pax River MD VW-15
Argencia, New Foundland
Norman, OK School
Lakehurst, NJ School
Pax River, MD VW-15
McGuier A. F. Base VR-6
Quanset Point, RI VS-31
USS Wasp CVA 18
Even at 72 I would go back in a heart beat.
GOD this is a great Country!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Being a Sailor or a Marine is quite the same as being a Texas Aggie or Texas Alum. There will always be discussions as to which school is what. But in the end they will always tell you they are both in TEXAS.
I have been on Shore Patrol and always felt secure when we had to work with the Marine M.P.s. We had sticks and they had side arms.
Marines always have your back no matter what branch of service you are or were in. Besides, how else could all of us swab jockeys go on liberty if we had to guard the gates.
"SIMPER FI" to all you USMC Vets.
and
"FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS" to all you sailors.
Now get back on the gates so I can go on liberty.
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John, Most states have recipical agreements on drivers lic.
If you go to five different lic. offices you will get five different answers.
I don't know of any state thats really knows the answer. I think everyone has their own interpertation of the laws. So you know the regulations had to have neen written by Lawyers
Goog luck and safe driving
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Seajay,
From one old salt to another, how did you get 6 years out of your 6volt bats? Which of the 1 out of 2 was correct, luck or dist. water?
I always like to see your entrys anlong with Tom's.
I know your situation. Last year I replaced four 6 volts and both 12 volt chassis. This past month every time I went to start the M/H my batterys would light up the dash but would not start the coach. I would start the Gen. let it run for 15/20 min and try again. When I would try to start the coach the gen would die. As you put it SHUX. After replacing the starter ($500.00++) It started with a jump. Ilet it run for 2 hours turned it off tryed to start the coach SHUX. I removed both coach Bat.s to take to Interstate. I got my old paper work, purchased on 8-8-2008, today was 8-11-2009,SHUX. However when I got to Interstate they tested both Batteries and found both bad and exchanged them for free, super SHUX. I went and bought a load tester so I can check the batteries now.
I bought my 6 volts at Sam's Club for less then $60.00 per. They didn't carry the larger 12 volts.
Keep up the post.
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CDL, Commerical Drivers License, are required for all drivers of commercial vehicles. Class will depend on what you are driving.
This being said Section 383 of the TXDOT says,under exemptions, driver of Recreation Vehicles are exempt from the CDL requirement no mater the weight. I Have checked the states of Washington, Virgina, Oklahoma, and so. They all state the same thing under their Exemptions.
Go to any state you desire, DOT CDL Exemptions. Check it out.
When you find the page, copy it and keep it in your coach, not all Police Officers or Troopers know this.
Hope this helps
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We have a 2004 Itasca Suncruiser that we have owned for 3 years. I have replaced the water pump 3 times. After about 6 months or so the pump fails to shut off after the faucets are closed. Shurflo has replaced the pumps, after the initial one(3 yr warranty), but it's the hassle. They have told me not to leave the pump switch on...we have an ice maker...everyone I know leaves their pumps on when they are camping. I have found no leaks in the system...anyone out there have any ideas...please respondBrett, you made a good point about the filter(charcoal), and the strainer. Our coach has a strainer between the inlet side of the pump and the tank with the filter on the outlet side. We had a problem with our Flojet pump. It didn't have a check valve in it. I called Flojet and before I finished telling my problem to the tech he said that he needed my address to send a check valve. Seem they have had this problem many times before. I did remove the Flojet and replace it with a Shurflo (I had from a previous water problem).
How many people use a Charcoal filter when hooked up to the camps water and decide to add water to their tank before leaving? That is why many coach manufacturs put a filter at the kitchen sink.
Brett, thanks for your responce to so many questions. In 9 years and three coaches I have learned much from your answers.
Keep up the good work.
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Bret has given you sound advice, as allways. I recently had your same problem. The first place that looked at my problem spent 5 hours and found no problem. They did replace both fuel filters. At this same time I had a service bullentin from Cummins so I took it to the closest dealer. They first said they could preform the bullentin, but when they attached the computer to my unit they found a code they could not find anywhere in the books or on line. A call to Southern Plains Cummins told them that it was a factory code and that they would need the coach to preforn the task. The dealer didn't charge me one red dime. I took the unit to Southern Plains, they did the work and Cummins picked up the bill.
We have a Monaco Dynasty, 2002, with 60,000 miles on the unit. Our engine is a 400 HP ISL. If you have the 400 HP ISL I would advise you to check with Cummins on the Service Bullentin.
Your Bill for $1,800.00 is excessive. That is over 16.63 hours at (our area) $108.00 per hour flat rate.
As Bret said be nice and cool and ask for a recount with 1) Service manager, 2) General Manager and 3) Owner.
My total out of pocket was $301.41 at Diamond Service Center, in Howe, TX. They are great people to work with and they keep you informed with their progress.
I hear these horror stories of over charging and I feel greatfull that we haven't been in those situtations. (Now that I have put it in writing I am sure I will have my own story.
Good luck and Happy traveling.
"FAIR SEAS AND FOLLOWING WINDS"
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This look like a typical off road light. They have them at WalMart, Autozone, O'Rileys, NAPA or you might try your local 4X4 Off Road accessories Store. If all else fails try looking at J.C. Whitney. Hope this helps.
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Herman "TEX" "MOON" Mullins
United States Navy
7 years 8 months 11 days
September 17, 1956-----March 24, 1964
Parachute Rigger 3rd Class Petty Officer
Being a Airdale I had many Exotic duty stations, Great Lakes NS, IL-- Hutchinson NAS, KA-- Norman NS, OK--Pax River NAS, MD-- Argencia, NewFoundland (Several times)--Lake Hurst NAS, NJ--Pax River NAS, McGuire AFB, NJ--Quansit Point NAS, RI ( Finaly got to Sea with duty on the USS WASP CVA-18, 3 cruises).
While stationed at McGuire AFB I came to understand what is was like to be a MINORITY. I was a Sailor, on an Air Force Base inside and Army Fort (Dix).
I found out just lately that I am considered a Vietnam Veteran. I thank the Government for this desiganation but I am no where near the ranks of our brave men who served in that conflict. I salute each and everyone of those that served over there.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
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So the problem is that your slide out motor will run in one direction but not in the other. There could be a problem with the switch or relay even if you hear it clicking. It could be a bad or broken contact or a loose wire. One way to test this would be to reverse the wires on the motor as this is basically what the relay does when you switch from out to in. If the motor runs out when you reverse the wires (set the switch on in because we know the in switch/relay is working) then the switch or relay would be at fault.If you can't get the motor to reverse to the out direction with the above, then it indicates some kind of problem with the motor. You could then take it to a shop or get a replacement.
Before you reverse the wires switch relays from one slide that works with the relay on the one way slide. it might be as simple as a bad relay.
I have had bad relays on my coach before.
Herman
02 Dynasty
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If you love a cross wind go from Cheyenne to Rock Springs, WY. Jackson is beautiful and so are the Tetons. However if I was going west I would take I-90 to Rapid City. Visit Mt Rushmore (a must see at night),Crazy Horse then up Silver City DeadWood and Sturgis (don't go in August).Then on to Buffalo WY on I-90,16 to Woodland (I haven't been on Hwy 16 looks pretty high) and on to THERMOPOLIS. Natural Hot spring Baths, Great small town with several Antique Stores (a must for my wife anywhere we go). Then up to Cody. You must visit the Buffalo Bill museum. Then it is a beautiful drive on into the East Entrance of Yellowstone. This road will take you right by Fishing Bridge Camp Gorund, This is the only full hookup CG in Yelstn. Check with them on your coach length. We have not been west of Yelstn. but getting there is a wonderful trip. Maybe someone can tell you about Hwy 16 from Buffalo to Worland.
CB Radio - Grounding the Antenna
in Electronics
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WOW! I can't beleive the responce to my question. I would love to be at a campfire with all of you gentlemen. Oh what a night that would be. With all of the great responces I have come to one very good answer. Herman (me) you need to take your coach to a CB tech. and have him check out my radio and make the adjustment needed.
Thank you all again for the many great answers.