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RE: Previous Owner Painted the Gelcoat - What to do?
Possible they used Zep floor wax to make it shine. In time rhat stuff flakes off. Before sanding it try washing with floor wax stripper. Might be all you need.
B.O.
I guess I need to watch my RV finish over the next few decades. I put Zep on my RV in 2013. Every year or so I apply another thin coat. So far, no yellowing, no flaking, no deterioration of any kind.
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JimK-NY
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04/08/23 06:54am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Previous Owner Painted the Gelcoat - What to do?
I doubt you will ever be able to restore the old faded gel coat especially since you will need some harsh chemicals to remove the paint. As recommended I would go to a body shop to see what they recommend. Perhaps a full, professional paint job.
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JimK-NY
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04/07/23 06:28pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: SuperSprings
I had an absolutely horrible experience with airbags. The dealer set them up about 45 psi. The bouncing was so bad I did not make it out of the parking lot. We dropped the pressure to about 15-20 psi. The ride was still bad so I got Rancho shocks and set them at maximum. There was still some bounce. Unfortunately the shocks gave a stiff, jarring ride.
Later on I got SuperSprings and the ride was greatly, greatly improved especially since I was able to back off on the settings for the shocks. I believe they are somewhat adjustable but that is a trial and error process that involves jacking up the rear end.
On my current truck, I have been able to get by without adding SSs. Instead I went to Timbrens. Way, way better than airbags. They help minimize rear end sag and increase the strength of the rear suspension without the bounce and sway. Even better when the camper is not on the truck they are not engaged and do not affect the ride.
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JimK-NY
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04/03/23 08:34pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Insane first RV trip plan?
Let’s just hope the OP didn’t scrap his summer vacation due to the plethora of negative comments regarding the trip.
This seems pretty typical. A new member posts questions and then vanishes. I really don't care whether he scraps his vacation or not. Total rudeness or just a troll.
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JimK-NY
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03/31/23 06:59am |
Beginning RVing
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RE: Make line on driveway for camper loading?
You already have a simple way of putting strings on the ground to help with alignment while backing up.
Tie a long string to the back jack. I use one about 30' long. Stretch it forward until it just touches the forward jack. You can then tape it to the ground temporarily. Do the same on the other side. Just back up keeping the wheels of the truck centered between the strings. This works well but you do need to stop occasionally and check the truck's position.
I have tried numerous other methods including using a laser pointer but none have worked as well as the strings. Unfortunately I have an older camper and a newer truck (with a narrow tailgate opening). I only have about 1/4" of clearance so loading is a real challenge.
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JimK-NY
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03/31/23 06:55am |
Truck Campers
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RE: New (large) Kitchen Sink
It seems that most RVs have sink covers. We have never used ours. Even a small amount of countertop space is easier to use that a sink cover which blocks use of the sink.
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JimK-NY
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03/30/23 06:00am |
Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)
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RE: How long should a battery last?
so only one maybe two if we stretch it, of those situations would I consider boon docking or even camping for that matter.
There are a few spots in BC, but none that I would give up on a public forum.
This thread was about camping without hook ups, specifically without electricity. I would not want to argue about what is boon docking and what is stealth camping, or for that matter even try to define "camping". Back in the day, camping had something to do with a tent.
My point is simple. There are plenty of places to stay even in Western Canada without being in an RV park or improved park with electricity. Personally I prefer my camping or stays if you prefer to be outside of those areas.
I don't think I gave away any special spots on a public forum. The free overflow in Jasper and the hidden away spot in Banff are probably long gone. Even the parking lot immediately down the stairs from the Athabasca lodge area may not be available.
I don't think I gave away any special spots, but it hardly matters. Online information is now readily available without being on the ground and scouting out places. Out of curiosity, I looked at an online source for free camping in your area of Kamloops. In addition to the Costco, rest stop and Flying J, there are quite a few locations on lake shores and remote areas that seem like they might be attractive. Over a dozen locations are listed within about 50km of Kamloops.
BTW, in the US we don't say "government" lands. We call them public lands which reflects the idea that they belong to the people.
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JimK-NY
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03/29/23 06:58pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: How long should a battery last?
ahh that's where you Americans have a huge advantage. We cannot just drive a unit onto government land unless it is designated for "camping" and in that case it is called a recreation area or some other name and there are rules and fees of some sort... Sometimes they are free. Otherwise, you're limited to provincial or private campgrounds.
It has been a few years since I made my one and only RV camping trip across Canada. I still remember some of the places I stayed in the Western Provinces.
Stayed on a city street in Winnipeg while visiting a distant relative.
Stayed at rest stop near Moosmin, Saskatchewan. It was a very nice spot with the only good view we had of the northern lights.
In Banff, we stayed several nights in an area within the Park that I can barely describe as a combination of a construction site and a migrant camp. No water, no facilities but safe and convenient.
At the Athabasca glacier we gave up our official camping spot to a young couple and child who came in too late to get a spot. We stayed in the parking lot a couple of nights. It was a great opportunity to take night photos.
At Jasper we stayed in an outstandingly beautiful area designed as overflow camping. No fees, no facilities but with access to the nearby dump station at the actual campground. After a few nights a ranger came by and told us the since the main campground was only partially full the overflow was going to close. We stayed a couple of nights in town across from a church and within a block of a bakery with outstanding bread and donuts. Great smells in the morning.
At your town, Kamloops, we arrived late, stayed in the Costco parking lot and left early the next morning for the Cascades.
I am sure there were other places I have forgotten, but as a quick summary I would guess our stays in the western provinces were outside of designated camping areas at least three quarters of the time.
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JimK-NY
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03/28/23 01:18pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Water saver for shower.
You do not have to be in the middle of nowhere to have issues with water. The last time I visited the Cutbank campground in Glacier National Park, the water had been shut off for a couple of years. I visited another campground in Canyonlands NP and even at the end of September the water had been shut off until next season. At Great Basin NP, the water system was shut off due to some sort of emergency repair. All of that happened on the same camping trip.
Addendum: Oops I forgot about Mesa Verde NP. Campground was still open and due to close for the season in another week. Water was shut off.
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JimK-NY
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03/27/23 01:26pm |
Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)
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RE: Rv loan rates!
So when the market tanks and you need cash to pay the loan, you just locked in your losses.
Yeah, you can be you but just pointing out for others some of the risks of investing on margin.
I have the same issue with a $350K mortgage. The money I would have spent on the house has made me about $150K since 2013. I also saved a bit on taxes with itemized deductions.
Now that the markets have slowed down, I may not break even for a few years but I am in no hurry to pay off the mortgage. Long term my investments are highly, highly likely to cover the 3.2% mortgage and give me even more yields.
That said, I would agree this is a very poor time to borrow at relatively high rates to finance an RV. In fact, IMO, potential buyers need to think twice. If we enter a period of recession and higher unemployment, how safe is your income? If you need to stop the payments and sell your RV, how big of a loss are you willing to accept?
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JimK-NY
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03/27/23 01:16pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: How long should a battery last?
I have plans of getting a generator in a year or so, so it is not that I bought the wrong equipment, but that I am not yet prepared for what eventually I will be for.
You have other issues besides just getting a generator. First you need a battery bank of appropriate size for your power consumption. Next besides just buying a generator, do you have any idea of how much generator time is needed to replenish and completely charge your batteries? You are going to have to let that generator run for hours assuming you are allowed to do that where you are staying. For example in many National Parks some campgrounds do not allow generators. In others use is limited to a few hours a day corresponding to meal times. If you do stay where generator use is not restricted, you might be subject to listening to a campground full of noisy generators.
Or are you just willing to limit almost all of your camping to RV parks with hook ups?
Do you really think you bought the right equipment? Does it work for you now? Will it be what you want later on? If so, then great.
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JimK-NY
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03/27/23 06:09am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Insane first RV trip plan?
I love camping in the SW deserts and on the W coast. Unfortunately, I live on the E coast and am used to driving long distances.
I typically start my day at 7 am or so and hit the road after several cups of coffee about 9 am. By 11 am I am ready for a pit stop and typically also need to fuel up. My Interstate driving speed is typically about 60-65 mph so first leg covers about 120 miles. My next driving stint is typically about 3-4 hours so a total of 340 miles. At that point in the trip I take a long stop, fix something good to eat and then take a half hour nap. By then I am well rested and able to drive another 3-4 hours. So the day's total is often over 500 miles. In the Summer months, with several hours of daylight still left, I might take another nice nap and finish up with a couple more hours of driving. I have hit about 650 miles on my longest days of driving and finish the day feeling good. I never push and when I start feeling tired I look ahead for a convenient Walmart parking lot, a rest stop, or a truck stop. I can almost always find some place safe and convenient within an hour of when I start looking.
That is the way I drive on the Interstate traveling through flyover country. When I reach my designation areas I slow way down and like to spend days and sometimes weeks in the same National Park or general area. I would not even vaguely consider taking the trip the OP is planning.
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JimK-NY
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03/26/23 05:43pm |
Beginning RVing
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RE: Water saver for shower.
Our bus carries 147 usable gallons of fresh and that will last 5-7 days depending upon how many nice long hot showers we take that week. I'm OK not being out there in the middle of nowhere for an unknown amount of time.
Those who enjoy squeezing the last drop of water out of a thimble should be applauded (I suppose) but it does make interesting reading.
I am not appalled at all. Having a big bus with 147 gallons of water goes perfectly with your desire not to be in "the middle of nowhere".
In fact I am very glad there are places for you big rig guys to stay leaving some of the great background areas less crowded.
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JimK-NY
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03/26/23 01:09pm |
Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)
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RE: Water saver for shower.
John, that was a great write-up -- lots of good ideas. Thanks for posting that!
I agree. His approach and goals are very close to mine.
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JimK-NY
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03/26/23 06:39am |
Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)
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RE: Insane first RV trip plan?
If you want the blitz tour of several national parks, don't even bother with camping. Take a bus tour and leave the driving to them. The logistics of camping, and driving are going to be exhausting and you will be too rushed to see much of the parks.
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JimK-NY
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03/25/23 10:02pm |
Beginning RVing
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RE: Rv loan rates!
When it comes to their toys, which includes RVs, a great many people are caught up in dreams and desires and they want what they want and are willing to pay for it.
When it comes to RVs this has several outcomes. Again, they want what they want and are willing to pay for it. That results in a typically strong market for new RVs and a relatively weak market for used RVs. That also results in a high depreciation rate. Next when buying new, desires and skillful sales reps result in many people buying more than they really need. All those amenities and current decor mean spending more and more and often getting units that are homes away from home rather than just an RV.
All those desires and dreams often end up in disappointment. Often the buyers have very limited experience and later find they are less interested than they thought. Taking the kids camping sounds great when they are younger. As they approach teenage years, forget it. The last thing they want is a vacation cooped up with the parents. Again more used RV supply.
For those willing to use some reasoning when buying there are strong lessons. First don't buy until you are sure the big expenses and commitment will be worth it. Next don't overbuy. Buy something smaller, easier to use, and less expensive. Really consider buying used. You will take advantage of that massive initial depreciation. You might get a unit where the warranty repairs have taken care of some of the shoddy construction and poor materials.
As to paying: with rising interest rates it becomes way more expensive to borrow. The idea of borrowing at low rates and investing that money is not reasonable at this time. It is easy to become overextended. Now it not the time for that. In fact those who think they can afford to borrow or to pay with cash need to really think it through. We have had a great many years with low inflation, low interest rates and a booming economy. There clearly are going to be some adjustments in the economy.
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JimK-NY
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03/25/23 05:02pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: How long should a battery last?
Why use the fridge? you are talking just 1 weekend, use a cooler for your food. Use minimal lights, minimal water (pump).
Problem solved.
This has been suggested numerous times but somehow does not meet the OPs requirements.
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JimK-NY
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03/25/23 01:36pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: How long should a battery last?
This thread reminds me of a friend who bought an EV and wanted to take a road trip. In theory they should be able to drive a couple hundred miles before charging so not much of a road trip. To make it worse they wanted to travel in the winter months. The batteries are less efficient in the cold and battery power is needed to heat the interior of the car. So no road trips in that car.
They had great intentions. First they thought they would save on operating costs. We live in an area where electric rates are way, way over the national average so that is not going to happen. Next they thought they were helping to keep pollution down and doing their part to reduce global warming. That electric power did not come free. It comes from a power plant burning natural gas or an older plant burning oil.
Sometimes there just isn't a good fix after buying the wrong thing.
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JimK-NY
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03/25/23 06:59am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Water saver for shower.
We are way out on the lunatic fringe of water conservation -- we have 30 gallons of fresh water, which lasts us six days. It is used for showering (every night), cooking, dishwashing, and toilet flushing.
The real limiting factor for us is the gray water -- we only have a 25 gallon gray tank, and it fills up in six days. So we have to dump every week.
...
I am on the same lunatic fringe with 30 gallons of water to last 6 days including nightly showers.
In theory I have a bigger gray water issue since my tank only holds 15 gallons. I do have a 5 gallon bucket I use for a kitchen trash bag holder. When needed, I use it to haul off some grey water. It is typically pretty easy to find a place where tent campers are supposed to dump water. Worst case, when boondocking in the middle of nowhere, I would lug it into the woods and dump. It's probably cleaner than rainwater running off the side of the camper so I really have no concern about causing any sort of pollution.
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JimK-NY
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03/24/23 07:40pm |
Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)
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RE: Water saver for shower.
So exceedingly correct! I used to boon dock for a week, on what I believe was a 35-45 gallon tank. Showering was out of the question. We'd be looking for water after 5 conservative days. Now-a-days, we have 60 gallons and we pretty easily go 12 day's and take a shower or two each. Buying 10 each one gallons of drinking water to make coffee and have for drinking really helps keep the water in the tank. All kinds of ways to make it work and it's neat to see other campers ideas.
As previously discussed, water conservation techniques can be extremely important. If I had 60 gallons, I could take a shower every day and still go about 12 days before needing water. The way my wife and I do it, a shower is 1 gallon/day/person.
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JimK-NY
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03/24/23 01:37pm |
Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)
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