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wildebill308

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Posts posted by wildebill308

  3. Posted · Report reply

    Here we go again - last post disappeared. Newbies here. Planning on a year plus full-time. We were advised by others to go as big as we could, and we ended up with a great deal on a used 45' Monaco. We don't pick it up until 8/14. Plan is to hit large parking lots on the way home to practice turns and parking. Does anyone have suggestions about backing up with our tow disconnected? Straight driving doesn't make me nervous, but I know I need a lot of practice with turns. One other question: I'm guessing that is tha MH makes it through a turn, then my Escape on a dolly will automatically clear? Thank very much in advance for any suggestions

    Let me start by welcoming you to the form. First lets go over your post # 12

    "Thank you Herman. We did join FMCA.. I would back up "maybe" two feet no more. Never back up towing 4 down.

    Better question for practicing:

    1) are most spaces angled? Older parks are more likely to be strait newer tend to be angled but not all.

    2) is there a standard width in RV parks? NO

    3) is there a FAQ list in this site? I'm just learning the site" not so much on this site but this site has a good library.http://www.rvforum.net/SMF_forum/index.php

    Go to YOU TUBE and do a search on driving and backing some good video and tips.

    If you are towing using a dolly you have to leave a little more room as the dolly will track out side the line of your duels and the same on the road. When you have your mieres adjusted properly you can see where you are on the road and in your lane. See you tube for videos on that to. I use to tow with a dolly. You have to watch that your right hand wheel isn't tracking on the edge of the pavement or in the rumble strip or....

    Bill

  4. Posted · Report reply

    Andy one thing on your start list after you have oil pressure it is a good practice to bump it to fast idle (1,000 rpm) using the cruise control. This insures you get a complete burn and don't suffer from unburnt fuel washing down the cylinders and contaminating your oil. I got this info from Cummins. They also said you don't have to wait for it to warmed up all the way, that driving it would warm it up faster as in getting out of the campground.

    Bill

  5. Posted · Report reply

    We have a 43-item checklist; and, to provide an additional layer of protection, one of us drives and the other marshals from off the nose. If a "killer" item like window awnings or power cord is missed, the marshaller picks up on the error before approving movement.

    I copied/pasted for you. Feel free to do same, steal and modify as desired.

    1. Chassis Checklist - COMPLETE.
    2. TPMS - ON.
    3. AquaHot Block Heat - AS REQD.
    4. Seatbacks - UPRIGHT.
    5. ALL AWNINGS - RETRACT.

    CAUTION: CHECK THAT TOPPERS ARE CLEAR

    1. Cabin Windows - LATCHED.
    2. PS Slideout Shade - RETRACTED.
    3. Shower Door Lock - SECURED.
    4. Undersink Drawer - LATCHED.
    5. Dinette Tabletop - LATCHED.
    6. Cabin Heat Pumps - AS REQD.
    7. Fantastic Fans - OFF, CLOSED.
    8. Aft Closet & Desk - SECURED.
    9. Hallway Closet Doors- LATCHED.
    10. Bdrm Slideout - SAFE RETRACT.
    11. Bedroom Doors - HALLWAY OPEN, BATHROOM CLOSED.
    12. Refrigerator Door Lock - SECURED.
    13. Exterior TV - RETRACTED.

    CAUTION: ALL ITEMS ABOVE ARE DONE 1ST

    1. PS Slideout - SAFE RETRACT.
    2. DS Full Wall Slideout - CLEAR FLOOR & HALL AREA & RETRACT.
    3. SilverLeaf Console - AS REQUIRED THEN OFF. DOOR CLOSED.
    4. Audio Cabinet - AS REQUIRED AND DOOR CLOSED.
    5. Cockpit TV - SECURED.
    6. Dash Cam - POWER ON.

    Initial walk-around

    1. Tires - CHECKED. No debris between duals, covers secure, no visible damage, hoses & sensors secure.
    2. Basement compartments - TRAYS LOCKED, DOORS LATCHED.
    3. Water seperator - DRAINED.
    4. Parking surface - CHECKED. Ensure surface is free of fluid leakage.
    5. Water hose - RETRACTED. Wipe clean during retraction.
    6. Shore power line - OFF, then RETRACTED. Wipe clean during retraction.
    7. Jacks - VERIFIED RETRACTED.
    8. Awnings - VERIFIED RETRACTED

    Start sequence

    1. TPMS - Check Pressures: Steering 105, Drive 100, Tag 95, Dolly 50, Honda 27. Allowable tolerance +10/-5 psi.
    2. Seat/Wheel/Mirrors/Pedals - ADJUSTED.
    3. Ignition - FIRST DETENT.
      1. Verify BAY DOORS not annunciated.
      2. Wait for annunciator cycling to stop.
      3. Reset Trip Computer if desired.
      4. Engine - START.
      5. Immediate Oil Pressure - VERIFIED.
      6. Low Air Alarms - NOT AUDIBLE.
    4. Leveling Control Panel - TRAVEL.

    Tag lift is inhibited for two minutes after ignition cycle is commenced by hitting Travel

    1. Suspension Mode - ACTIVE.
    2. Retarder - OFF.
    3. Coolant Temperature - 180F MINIMUM.
    4. Brake Controller - “C” INDICATED. Changes to numerical readout when service brake pedal pushed.
    5. Tag Lift Button - (WHEN LED NO LONGER BLINKS) PRESS
    6. Transmission Selector - “D” and ECON. When possible, perform drift check, halt with dolly brake toggle. WARNING Forward travel only. Rise to ride height times vary. Severe marshaller must check to see that underside will clear obstructions. NOTE: Raising tag axle lowers aft end, reduces clearance.

    Andy your pilot training is showing. You forgot some circuit breakers and the generator. :D:lol:

    Bill

  6. Posted · Report reply

    Take a tablet so you can write down those things you forgot or didn't know you needed.

    Don't drive a long way the first time you don't want to be tired when you try setting up the first time. You want to drive far enough you start to get more experienced with the new coach and comfortable driving (it is a trade off).

    Take your time there is no rush. I would plug in the power first so you can get the air going.

    Bill

  7. Posted · Report reply

    I would be careful about any claims for any performance characteristic made by any individual tire company. Its all to easy to claim Our tire is better when you don't really know what the other tire is that they are using as a reference.

    Now for Fuel Economy there is a rating that all tire companies can apply for. EPA Smart Way

    I think a good question to ask your tire dealer is "Do your tires meet these standards."

    Perhaps you can enlighten us as to which tires have the best rating and what does it mean. I was not advocating for anything other than hear there is another product to look at.

    This is from the Continental web site:

    Advanced compounding with low rolling resistance contributes to fuel efficiency.

    HSL2 and HSL2 Eco Plus are verified for low rolling resistance by the U.S. EPA SmartWay Transport Partnership.

    Bill

  8. Posted · Report reply

    Congratulations on the motorhome. One thing I like to do is take a walk around before pulling out to check every thing. Is the antenna down are all the compartments closed securely, have you left anything out in the campsite. Is the towed hooked up right.

    Have you gone camping with your new motorhome yet?

    Bill

  9. Posted · Report reply

    I think the main reason is the cost of diesel. When I was in Quebec in June it was $1.36 a liter or approximately $5.44 a gallon. I did not drive west but on 40 to Montreal. It was bridge and road repair season as in all places in the north.

    Bill

  10. Posted · Report reply

    We traveled south on US 65 to Branson, MO today towing a 2012 Jeep GC. As we got into the Ozarks we started really slowing down going up hills. It was doing fine on less steep hills, but slowed to 30-35 mph on the ones around Branson.

    These are not like we are crossing the Rockies. Just wondering if anyone has any ideas.

    Did you down shift to keep your rpm up? There is no coach I am aware of that will climb every hill without slowing down. On steep hills you will slow down.

    "These are not like we are crossing the Rockies." You will find some steep hills around Branson. I have just returned from a trip east. You will find some amazing hills in the east. On the east end of The Great Smokey Mountain National park there is a road that has a 7 mile 9%+ grade that will rival anything out west. I think driving I-79 from Erie PA to Charleston is as challenging as anything out west.

    I recommend keeping spare fuel filters with you as they can get clogged quickly if you have some bad fuel.

    Bill

  11. Posted · Report reply

    I am working on another good aid in getting out over the window sill. I have a piece of 6" pvc pipe and am going to cut it so it will fit over the window sill. This will give a smooth surface to slide over rather than the window sill. I am trying to come up with a prop to hold the window open. I will post pictures when I get it done.

    OP you need to go find your exits NOW and make sure you can open them. When your back side is getting hot is not when you want to try opening to open the escape window for the first time.

    Bill

  12. Posted · Report reply

    Have you looked at Continental HSL2 tires they are Continental's low rolling resistance fuel saving tire. I am planning on looking at them closely when I need to change tires. I have heard good reports from members.

    I will be interested to see what the Tireman has to say. I don't think you would be able to tell the difference.

    Bill

  16. Posted · Report reply

    I have given up on stand alone GPS units. I have CO PILOT on my phone and on my tablet. You can download the maps when on WIFI so you don't use a lot of data. I also double check with paper maps. I have been quite happy and I have a bigger screen on my tablet then you can get with the stand alone units. I could run it on my 17 in laptop but I think it would be to cumbersome.

    Bill

  20. Posted · Report reply

    My wife and I recently received a call about a week ago from Thousand Trails where we've had a campground membership for about ten years now. It seems there's something going on but they are VERY careful not to say anything to give it away. It seems somewhat sinister. So I thought I'd put it out there to my fellow RVers and ask if anyone knows what's going on? It would be nice to have some heads-up before the call in a few days.

    I would VERY much appreciate anything anyone can share.

    Thank you,

    Rick

    What was the call about? What is the "NEWS"

    Bill

  21. Posted · Report reply

    My wife and I recently received a call about a week ago from Thousand Trails where we've had a campground membership for about ten years now. It seems there's something going on but they are VERY careful not to say anything to give it away. It seems somewhat sinister. So I thought I'd put it out there to my fellow RVers and ask if anyone knows what's going on? It would be nice to have some heads-up before the call in a few days.

    I would VERY much appreciate anything anyone can share.

    Thank you,

    Rick

    What was the call about? What is the "NEWS"

    Bill

  22. Posted · Report reply

    We did a Thousand Trails / NACO membership last year. I would have to get a really amazing deal to get me to think about doing it again. There are a lot of rules they don't talk about up front. How long you can stay in any one camp ground, up charges for 50 amp power, availability of spaces. They tend to be a ways off the beaten path most are older small narrow hard to get into spaces. In most of the ones we stayed in they didn't know what spaces were open so you had to go find a spot then go tell them where you were.

    I use FMCA and Good Sam's discount. Passport America membership will probably pay for itself in one use.

    I really can't recommend Thousand Trails.

    Bill

  23. Posted · Report reply

    Cherry Hill is the best. They have buses that come into the park to take you to the metro station as well as tour busses. The lady who sells the tours also will teach you how to get around on the metro system, what exits for what monument or building you want to go to. I was able to go all the way to Arling ton on the metro line.

    I have stayed there twice and will stay there again. The last time was in May.

    Bill

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