New 5th Wheel ........

[phoneman16]

We just upgraded to a new Cougar 5th wheel. This camper will be setting at a permenment spot for now. I was looking for suggustions on the following questions
I've heard that there is something you can put in the holding tanks ( both grey and black) to coat them to help things flush out better.
Is it really helpful to cover the tires?

Are the antenna's ready for digital signals that are broadcast now? I believe its a wineguard antenna.

The lot has a good layer of rocks down with a plastic barrier under that for weed control. any thoughts on placing another layer of plastic down for moistier protection...the undwer carriage is completely sealed with a thermal package.

Im open to any other ideas too

[NLOVNIT]

I use Calgon liquid in both grey & black tanks to keep things "slippery". 1/4 cup for a full tank.

Yes it is helpful to cover the tires when sitting for extended periods. Keeps the UV rays from rotting them.

From what I understand, the antenna has nothing to do with getting digital signals. All antennas will bring in OTA signals, it's the TV that needs a digital tuner to receive OTA digital channels. Most likely, you have digital TV's in your Cougar if the unit is newer than 2007 or so.

Don't mess with another vapor barrier. What's there now is fine.

Lori-

[TXiceman]

Congrats on the new trailer. Never hear of anything to coat the waste tanks,

As for the TV antenna, there is no such thing as an HD or digital antenna. The standard VHF/UHF antenna will work fine. Add the Wingman and you will be fine.

Ken

[K-Star]

I use Calgon and liquid detergent to keep the inside of the tanks slippery.

I also keep the tires covered whenever staying more than a few days.

[Funkmoney]

If you like your tires cover them while RV is parked.

[jimcumminsw]

Welcome to the forum, I to own a Cougar 5er a 318SAB. I would place your tires on boards also. I use a 2X10 4FT long under each side. I also use X-Chock's between the tires to help eliminate trailer rocking when you are walking in the trailer, when set-up. Camping World sellls them.
Here is another forum that you may want to check out alos. KeystoneRV.org Forums - Powered by vBulletin

Jim W

[phoneman16]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman Congrats on the new trailer. Never hear of anything to coat the waste tanks, As for the TV antenna, there is no such thing as an HD or digital antenna. The standard VHF/UHF antenna will work fine. Add the Wingman and you will be fine. Ken

Wingman?

[NLOVNIT]

A Wingman is a snap on addition to your existing antenna that boosts reception for OTA signals. They do work. It was the first upgrade of this type. There's another brand out now to compete with Winegard's Wingman, but I don't, off hand, remember the name.

It's available through RVupgrades, a site sponsor. Several members have installed them, including me. I think it took all of 10 minutes to install & that included climbing up the ladder.

Lori-

[Half Dimes]

The Wingman is a worthwhile addition to your Winegard Sensar antenna. It's really an enhancer for UHF signals only. But since the digital switchover, you don't know what frequency your local stations are on. In our area, channel 10 is really transmitting on the frequency assigned to UHF channel 24. Many former VHF stations throughout the country are really on UHF frequencies though their channel number didn't change.

Regarding holding tanks, it's a good idea, particularly with your black tank, to let it fill up before emptying it. Those who leave their black valve open all the time end up with a pile of solidified you know what right under their toilet dump pipe. Very unpleasant and hard to clean out when that happens, so I'm told.

[SlocanPaul]

I would also recommend to have the tires filled with nitrogen if you don't have it already. Nitrogen is a more stable and dryer gas than air which really helps prevent the tires from rotting out. Tires do not just rot from UV light.

[NLOVNIT]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlocanPaul I would also recommend to have the tires filled with nitrogen if you don't have it already. Nitrogen is a more stable and dryer gas than air which really helps prevent the tires from rotting out. Tires do not just rot from UV light.

I've read positive things about nitrogen in tires vs air (i.e. doesn't pass through the rubber as easily thus maintaining pressure longer, being drier means less pressure change as tires heat from rolling down the road). However, until I can get my nitrogen free like I can from the red pedestal & hose at a gas station or from my own air compressor, I think I'll continue to go the el-cheapo route & fill mine w/air.

Lori-

[SlocanPaul]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NLOVNIT I've read positive things about nitrogen in tires vs air (i.e. doesn't pass through the rubber as easily thus maintaining pressure longer, being drier means less pressure change as tires heat from rolling down the road). However, until I can get my nitrogen free like I can from the red pedestal & hose at a gas station or from my own air compressor, I think I'll continue to go the el-cheapo route & fill mine w/air. Lori-

It really does have it's advantages. On our 5er it cost me $10 per wheel to have filled with nitrogen and if it prolongs the life of a tire i think it's worth it. I don't know what it would cost on a rig like yours but I would think replacing tires has to be pretty $$. There have been surveys done on trucking companies that have changed over to nitrogen filled tires and they see mileage increases on the wear of their tires up to another 50%. It seems worthwhile to me anyhow. Cheers to many more campfires