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rayin

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Everything posted by rayin

  1. For general information Onan, who makes the genset, says to run the generator 2 hrs per month with at least 1/2 load. This does one thing, and most important, it drys out any moisture in the windings and electrical wiring. One man on a different RVing forum didn't, and when he did start it the adhesive holding things together inside actual electrical generator came loose, causing the genset to destroy itself. Don't be hesitant about putting hours on your genset, these diesel units are designed for 8,000 hrs before an overhaul is needed; PROVIDING the maintenance schedules is followed. The actual diesel motor is/was made by Yamaha.
  2. Yep, that's why I said it, to point out some of the workings of the MWR/military RV parks. We know how little active-duty military are paid, they deserve everything they receive.
  3. Thanks Carl; by the time I read through to the end I had forgotten the 2 reply had already covered that; getting old is inconvenient. I sure hope the problem is corrected by now.
  4. Militarycampgrounds.us has the current information for who may enter, etc. It is different for each MWR facility, as each installation commander controls their own facilities. There are even a few that are open to the public. Many are open to DoD civilians, even if they have never been in the military. Every facility I know of gives preference to active duty personnel, as they should. Jan '14, at NAS Key West, a couple there was bumped from FHU by active duty coming in on TDY.
  5. Coolant system is under ~17psi when hot, oil system is under ~35psi when hot at idle, near 60psi when at 1,800 RPM. It there are cavitation holes in cylinder liners it allows coolant into oil pan- there is no or very little crankcase pressure to resist the coolant pressure.(doubtful if coolant system has been properly maintained) Were this my MH, I would also request the shop perform a compression test on the engine in search of a blown/leaking head gasket.
  6. rayin

    Tire upgrade

    Rogers blog is correct, as is the link I provided. It does change when different tires are installed, review "section width". Different tires have different section widths, which also depends upon inflation and sidewall deflection/section width. Lets look at the information for 275/70R22.5 Bridgestone R250ED truck tires. Section width is listed as 10.7", loaded section width is 11.8". This means the distance between these specific tires in a dual configuration must be a minimum of 2.3" to prevent rubbing when fully-loaded, then one should account for hitting potholes/bumps that can cause further sidewall deflection; thus the better 2 1/2" space between duals. Change tire size and a total recalculation is required, as sidewall deflection/section width has also changed. What is NOT mentioned in the charts is the distance between sidewalls, as the charts assume you're only using the vehicle mfgrs recommended size. I remember back when I was in high school and my part time job was changing truck tires (remember split-rims?) It was drilled into me to never have less than 1 1/2" inches between sidewalls for duals,2 1/2" was better. Less than 1 1/2" when the truck was empty meant when fully-loaded(or more) the sidewalls could rub together. I never knew there was such a chart for distance between duals back then. Carl, the rims must be the same size, although the offset may be different for inner and outer, which is why most are normally made so they cannot be reversed. The rest of your conclusion is correct. If I am off on any of what I wrote, please forgive my memories from 58 years ago mixing with today's dual spacing and charts. All that being said, there are manufacturers of spacers for up to 10 lugs to fit between the rear rims to increase dual tire spacing.
  7. rayin

    Tire upgrade

    If I may, I'll chime in; look at the chart here, it requires section width of the tire for the calculation, now assume your exact tire size is not listed, a simple measurement is not adequate. In addition to preventing dual tires from rubbing together and eventually failing, there should be enough clearance to prevent stones from lodging between the tires and busting your windshield if you are unlucky enough to be following that truck/MH. Ever get behind a dump truck with a sign on the tail-gate saying ""stay back 300 feet, not responsible for damage"?
  8. No, NO, That came out all wrong, I was agreeing with you. It is difficult to communicate via the written word, sometimes an amateur like me fumbles proper grammar.
  9. Temperature is not the cause, I've started our MH in below zero temperatures (using engine heater of course) without experiencing any issue with the Allison going into gear. Could it be low on transmission oil? Of course it's not possible to tell when the transmission is cold unless your dipstick is marked for cold measurement.
  10. That is not impossible, however it is improbable. IMO the best bet is to look for vacancies in the interior of FL, about half way between the East and West coasts. The vast majority of RV parks have a 3-month minimum reservation for the winter season(peak). That is also the beginning of spring-break, which lasts until the end of March. At any given week in March there are at least 6 colleges on spring-break at the same time. This website lists virtually all RV parks in Florida: https://www.campflorida.com/ Spend some time on the phone calling RV parks where you desire to stay is your best bet at this late date. There is another option if you are willing to stay in a state park, most do not have on-site sewer hookup though. https://www.reserveamerica.com/outdoors/florida-camping.htm ReserveAmerica offers the unique ability for you to look up available campsites on the web and view a calendar showing booked and available dates. Exactly how current their information is I can't say. EDIT: This is an afterthought, I suggest beginning your search with: https://www.campflorida.com/Campground/331/Larry-amp-Penny-Thompson-Park-amp-Campground,Miami,FL/ as it is near major airports, shopping, activities, etc. Every RV park you contact, if they are full for those dates, ask to be put on their cancellation list, you may get lucky at the last minute; just remember to call them back if/when you do find a spot, to be courteous.
  11. I wish we were able; we spent the winter of '14 at NAS Key West/Sigsbee island, and had a ball.
  12. rayin

    RV GPS

    I'm still puzzled over the puck light video in the GPS subject line??? I'm retired Army; Dad was Navy during WW II and he taught me stuff I never dreamed I'd ever need in life when I was old enough to pay attention.. Port and Starboard was one of them.
  13. I've been it that situation 2X, then bought a Rand McNally RV7730 and set it up with weight, height and length of our MH, it's never happened again, the repeated warnings from the RM are the reason. A few year ago a woman truck driver got stuck on a Indiana highway bridge due to falling through the bridge floor. When the state police asked why she ignored the load limit signs(14T) she said "my manifest shows my weight in pounds and I don't know how to change that to tons. Yep, it really happened, the local newspaper had pictures in the article. Here it is only 4 years later/sic and the state is in the process of building a replacement bridge. In the meantime the state patched the bridge floor and re-opened it to traffic with the same 14T weight limit.😱
  14. The FMCA pinch hitter suggestion is the best option IMO,, it seems most only ask for the return home money. Another option is to visit a local RV dealership and ask if they have a licensed, bonded driver you may hire.
  15. Right! I was stationed at Ft. Lewis, WA in the late 60's and remember reading in the newspaper about Tacoma business' complaining about the post commissary and exchange undercutting their prices, causing them to lose business and profit. By the time I was re-assigned "elsewhere" in 67 subtle changes could be noticed at the exchange, less at the commissary.
  16. Some years ago , Duner on irv2.com installed an Ecobee SI smart thermometer for his basement air conditioner, he could monitor the temperature and make changes to the 'stat settings from his cell phone, even switch from cooling to heat pump- if the shore power failed-then the auto-start on the genset kicked in and he was back on-line.
  17. rayin

    RV GPS

    I realize that was with tongue in cheek some are clueless though, however nautical terms are ideal for our dry land ships. there is no mistaking stern or bow, port or starboard. Just remember "4" stern/back =4 letters; port/left =4 letters. I am missing something, jleamonts post/ video shows a LED puck light???? Where is the GPS???
  18. Kaypsmith, we know water is the universal solvent, anything added to water only speeds up the process. Dawn is a proven additive to water that accelerates dissolving grease and other "stuff", that's why it is used so widely in cleaning wildlife after a crude oil spill. That's why the geo method is widely considered another farce. I'm in the adequate water camp, everyone is free to spend their money as they wish.
  19. Exactly! Any other method is a waste of time and money IMO. I do have a home-made tank flush wand that I use with a water pump pressure increaser, set at 100psi that I use once a year while we are at the stix N brikx. Ice melts so quickly I really doubt it can do anything positive, and it would take about 60# to reduce melt time enough if it did. Next would be to drive the dragonstail road, if you had one nearby.
  20. rayin

    Tire upgrade

    For those of us that get out-of-touch with stuff we used to know. This website explains dual-tire spacing and its importance; along with other good-to-know tire information that has been around since the development of radial tires.
  21. Roger that is an outstanding response! I hope that is on your website, it should be mandatory reading on every website that talks about tires. As to the conversation about ST tire pressures, very few mfgrs. recommend less than running sidewall air pressure, for a valid reason; tire scrubbing. I saw a man make a spot turn with his 5er on hot blacktop(in TX), he rolled one tire enough to break the bead seal. While helping him change to the spare(Carlyle), I pointed out the sidewall pressure recommendation. Carlyle used to state in their warranty it was void if operated at less than sidewall pressure.
  22. rayin

    Frozen Air Brake

    This article re-enforces what Brett stated: https://www.todaystrucking.com/air-dryers-avoiding-freezeups/
  23. rayin

    Tech Talk,

    Assuming the author really said what you highlighted in blue, IMO it's sloppy editing to re-print a picture with such a blaring error. I suppose he has forgotten the majority of magazine readers are well-versed on the proper way to setup a tow bar and base-plate for safe and efficient towing. Enough said on this topic, sounds like he is set in his ways from what you have posted.
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