Need tips for ferry ride

[park_ridge_dave]

Hi,

The bride and I have signed up for the upcoming "Kountry Klub" Newfoundland Caravan. There is a ferry crossing involved on the caravan. I have heard the horror stories of the persons whose steps extended into something "expensive" when they were "parked on the ferry and exited their coach.

My question(s): How do I keep my steps from "Extending" after I park the rig?

Could I "duct tape" a magnet to the screen door switch?

Am I worried about nothing? (i.e. do they park us in a sequence that keeps that side clear until after I exit?)

What were my fellow owner's experiences?

I am still using my 2003 Scottsdale that is getting "long of tooth" but still very much fun. Presently "wintering over" in Naples Florida at the Lake San Marino RV Park and liking it!

Cheers,

Dave

[jtovo]

Dave,
Are the couple still sitting in front of there place at the end of the entrance road every morning there at San Marino ?

[WReeder]

Just shut the engine off, take key out of the switch. Before opening the door, shut door off! This should allow the door to open and the steps stay retracted.

[palehorse89]

Originally Posted by park_ridge_dave

Hi,

The bride and I have signed up for the upcoming "Kountry Klub" Newfoundland Caravan. There is a ferry crossing involved on the caravan. I have heard the horror stories of the persons whose steps extended into something "expensive" when they were "parked on the ferry and exited their coach.

My question(s): How do I keep my steps from "Extending" after I park the rig?

Could I "duct tape" a magnet to the screen door switch?

Am I worried about nothing? (i.e. do they park us in a sequence that keeps that side clear until after I exit?)

What were my fellow owner's experiences?

I am still using my 2003 Scottsdale that is getting "long of tooth" but still very much fun. Presently "wintering over" in Naples Florida at the Lake San Marino RV Park and liking it!

Cheers,

Dave

Steps go out maybe 2' .......the people that park things on the ferries, do not place items so close the one can't open their door and get out.....all the ones that I have been on, there would be plenty of room for your steps to come out, and when getting parked, I would just motion for one of the attendants to come over to your window and discuss this with him, then ask him to look at them while you open the door and they come out. Then he can park other's accordingly beside you. If the worker's have been with the ferry service for any amount of time, they have heard and seen just about everything, including RV's
I would set my switch to open the steps when door is opened, and retracts the steps when the door is closed, for the ride.

[park_ridge_dave]

Originally Posted by jtovo

Dave,
Are the couple still sitting in front of there place at the end of the entrance road every morning there at San Marino ?

LMAO Yes!!!!!!

This is our first "snowbird" trip, but, after last winter I just couldn't take Chicago this winter!

We have a neighbor up North with a Condo in Tarpon Cove and he suggested this park. It's pretty quiet but tightly packed. Luckily the "natives" are friendly. Lots of activities (golf etc.) and great social scene. Fairly good shopping nearby. Life is Good!!!!

There are quite a few Newmars here. So far haven't met any of the owners but I'm here until April.

Cheers,

Dave

[CLIFFTALL]

I took that Ferry and its a very easy process embarking and disembarking. You can't stay in the coach. Your pet has to stay inside or in their kennel ( add'l price ). They allow a few visits ( escorted ) to walk the pet. The ferry to St Johns was 14 hours. The return from Port Aux Basques was six hours. My steps closed when the switch was off as the door closed. I'm not sure if yours are the same. We absolutely enjoyed all if Newfoundland. Spent 24 days exploring the entire rock ( their term ) which is 400 miles across with a lot of peninsulas. We still have fellow rver's that we met there visiting us occasionally. I hope you enjoy it.

[park_ridge_dave]

Wreeder Great tip!

Palehorse89 Yes I thought so. Probably "urban legend" but good to have that tip so I'll be ready in any case!

You really have to love this forum! It's GREAT!!

Thanks to all!

Cheers,

Dave

Let's see go to the Ft Meyers RV show today or Beach it..... Cmmmmmm

Decisions Decisions

[park_ridge_dave]

Thanks for the encouragement Cliff! This will be our third Karavan and we too have made many friends for life on the previous ones.

Really looking forward to it. No worries on the pets though. We lost our beloved "Dash Cat" Misty last year. We haven't had the inclination to get a new "Dash Cat" yet. (Misty would ride in the center of the dash and just loved to watch the world go by!) We really miss her.

Cheers,

dave

[newmarpusher]

Originally Posted by park_ridge_dave

Hi,

The bride and I have signed up for the upcoming "Kountry Klub" Newfoundland Caravan. There is a ferry crossing involved on the caravan. I have heard the horror stories of the persons whose steps extended into something "expensive" when they were "parked on the ferry and exited their coach.

My question(s): How do I keep my steps from "Extending" after I park the rig?

Could I "duct tape" a magnet to the screen door switch?

Am I worried about nothing? (i.e. do they park us in a sequence that keeps that side clear until after I exit?)

What were my fellow owner's experiences?

I am still using my 2003 Scottsdale that is getting "long of tooth" but still very much fun. Presently "wintering over" in Naples Florida at the Lake San Marino RV Park and liking it!

Cheers,

Dave

I can't speak for that exact ferry but we take the ferry to Martha's Vineyard every year. They do not park people that close to the exit door of the RV. Never have in 10 + years.

[GaryKD]

Hi park_ridge_dave,
Beware of advice from non-Newmar owners. Best I know there is no way to stop the steps from coming out when the door is opened. This statement is for your vintage Newmar coach. The caveat is there is a fuse that can be pulled, but I do not think you want to go through that trouble. I've been on several ferries. Never had the problem you are concerned about. palehorse89 had the best idea if you remain concerned.


The bottom line on a Newmar coach, when the door is open the steps are out. One can have the steps in when the door is closed by turning on the Exterior Step Switch.

[96 Wideglide]

Originally Posted by palehorse89

Steps go out maybe 2' .......the people that park things on the ferries, do not place items so close the one can't open their door and get out..... .

Yeah, sounds logical, does'nt it?
I have to travel on B.C Ferries to get anywhere from the town I live. I've parked my coach, gone potty in the back, returned to the front to find myself blocked in, several times ! Ussualy there is no ferry worker in site!
Last time, a Lady had stopped within 12" of my door. She had about 5 feet of room on her passenger side . Finally found a ferry worker and showed him the problem. He asks me if I really 'need' to get out of the coach ! I tell him, if this old tub starts going down, yes I would prefer to get out !!!
My only advice, stay at the front of your coach, watching whats going on, untill all trafic around you has stopped. When parking, dont lay all your faith on those guiding you. I find most of them are clowns, and there is likelly a disclaimer on your ticket stating they are not responsible for any damage done!

[Rotten-Red]

Originally Posted by park_ridge_dave

Hi,


My question(s): How do I keep my steps from "Extending" after I park the rig?

Could I "duct tape" a magnet to the screen door switch?


Dave

On my 2000 DSDP the sequence to keep the steps from extending when door is opened is this: Ignition switch off, door closed, steps in. Now turn step switch off. The ignition switch must be off. If it's on it over rides the step switch and the steps will not stay in.

[palehorse89]

Originally Posted by Rotten-Red

On my 2000 DSDP the sequence to keep the steps from extending when door is opened is this: Ignition switch off, door closed, steps in. Now turn step switch off. The ignition switch must be off. If it's on it over rides the step switch and the steps will not stay in.

I knew there was a procedure for doing this..........by mistake I have done just this........My DW yelled, when going outdoors.........Are you trying to kill me......
I just could not think of how it is done, when rain is forecasted, I bring the steps in, to keep them dry..........and this is when it has happened

[GaryKD]

Hi Rotten-Red and palehorse89,
This may be year and model driven. My steps do not work that way.