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Showing results 1 to 50 of 66
Search took 0.01 seconds. Search: Posts Made By: EngineerRick
Forum: 5th Wheel Discussion 01-21-2024, 03:16 PM
Replies: 75
Views: 7,998
Posted By EngineerRick
I'll note that, at least a few years ago, Yamaha...

I'll note that, at least a few years ago, Yamaha portable inverter gasoline generators provided a surge start (based on inverter temperatures) that Honda did not. By now others may have followed...
Forum: Trailer Towing and Tow Vehicles Discussion 01-14-2024, 11:06 PM
Replies: 46
Views: 6,321
Posted By EngineerRick
IMHO, the most important mountain driving issue...

IMHO, the most important mountain driving issue is being able to safely deal with the down hills. Learn the gears and when to down shift. Over use of brakes is a major cause of crashes when they...
Forum: Newmar Owner's Forum 01-14-2024, 10:47 PM
Replies: 38
Views: 4,750
Posted By EngineerRick
Agree that frameless windows are not repairable. ...

Agree that frameless windows are not repairable. At Quartzsite folks came to our boondocking area and repaired several frameed windows at reasonable prices.
Forum: Class C Motorhome Discussions 12-29-2023, 10:45 AM
Replies: 64
Views: 9,480
Posted By EngineerRick
A quick look at this thread didn't find comments...

A quick look at this thread didn't find comments on carrying capacity. One big dislike I had for our 2002 Itasca Sundancer 30' was the ~800 lb net carrying capacity on the E450 chassis. I found...
Forum: Newmar Owner's Forum 12-07-2023, 03:41 PM
Replies: 57
Views: 5,165
Posted By EngineerRick
IMHO, the potential liability in the event of a...

IMHO, the potential liability in the event of a crash is way to serious to risk having no dinghy braking. I also clearly notice the improved braking behavior in my 33' class A gas. The Saturn...
Forum: iRV2.com General Discussion 12-05-2023, 01:59 PM
Replies: 51
Views: 6,383
Posted By EngineerRick
I'm late to this thread, so this may be...

I'm late to this thread, so this may be redundant... In addition to length consider carrying capacity weight. Our 30 ft. Class C had enough cargo space for close to 2,000 lb of gear but a carrying...
Forum: Camping Locations, Plans & Trip Reports 11-16-2023, 05:04 PM
Replies: 49
Views: 5,991
Posted By EngineerRick
Consider stopping at Stillwell's to visit...

Consider stopping at Stillwell's to visit Hallie's Hall of Fame. We found very interesting history there and it's no cost. Also, be aware that almost all of Big Bend NP is a cell dead zone,...
Forum: Navigation, Routes & Roads 10-31-2023, 08:58 PM
Replies: 15
Views: 1,643
Posted By EngineerRick
Beware of using addresses for custom POI on Garmin

In addition to the posts on Basecamp I've found a few cases where my Garmin nuvi 2460 with current map updates mislocated a destination based on the address. The most difficult was last month when...
Forum: Toads and Motorhome Related Towing 10-23-2023, 08:06 PM
Replies: 5
Views: 531
Posted By EngineerRick
Non-working light alert?

No direct experience but if the Equinox has non-working (burned out) light notification the added diodes may interfere with an operational system or violate a minimum voltage requirement for the...
Forum: Camping Locations, Plans & Trip Reports 09-18-2023, 04:33 PM
Replies: 83
Views: 7,758
Posted By EngineerRick
Take a swamp tour, try Cajun food (IMHO Breaux...

Take a swamp tour, try Cajun food (IMHO Breaux Bridge and Lafayette are better than NOLA and I'll suggest Poche's in Breaux Bridge for food and camping, but plan around the lower weight limit...
Forum: RV Systems & Appliances 08-21-2023, 07:27 PM
Replies: 2
Views: 114
Posted By EngineerRick
Doesn't seem surprising that the O ring(s) have...

Doesn't seem surprising that the O ring(s) have worn out in 25 years. There is a stop-seal at full open which would explain the leak stopping. I'd ask a full service propane supplier to replace the...
Forum: iRV2.com General Discussion 08-07-2023, 05:06 PM
Replies: 11
Views: 1,022
Posted By EngineerRick
Who arranges RV return?

I'm seeking the contact point for arranging RV return. My take is that CoachNet provides this service through AirMed, that AirMed covers the cost (under limited circumstances) but DW wants to know...
Forum: iRV2.com General Discussion 07-30-2023, 10:51 PM
Replies: 37
Views: 8,343
Posted By EngineerRick
Documentation issue?

FWIW, my experience buying a consignment from a well reviewed dealer got very dicey. If the dealer recognized this issue before sale, I suspect he would have backed out and returned the rig to the...
Forum: Class A Motorhome Discussions 06-11-2023, 03:11 PM
Replies: 34
Views: 5,505
Posted By EngineerRick
Used Allegro Open Road F53

After our Winne burned in late 2018 (I've got a Frige Defend installed now), we located a 2012 Allegro on-line in the Phoenix area and paid $500 for an inspection that took all day. No test drive or...
Forum: iRV2.com General Discussion 05-14-2023, 06:09 PM
Replies: 29
Views: 2,396
Posted By EngineerRick
B-Folders on computer and Android phone

While I keep paper documents in a safe in the RV (not fire resistant because of the sky high humidity and weight), I also leave copies with a relative. I keep IDs, logins, SSNs and sensitive data...
Forum: Class A Motorhome Discussions 05-14-2023, 05:51 PM
Replies: 73
Views: 5,918
Posted By EngineerRick
I dump a couple of gallons of grey first, to give...

I dump a couple of gallons of grey first, to give the hose a soapy lining (and check connections and working sewer), then dump black, use black tank flush and finally dump grey. Sometimes I finish...
Forum: Camping Locations, Plans & Trip Reports 03-26-2023, 05:24 PM
Replies: 41
Views: 3,776
Posted By EngineerRick
Spring Break & Stillwells

We learned that Big Bend is extremely popular during Spring Break. A park CG would take a reservation but canceling with a refund requires a phone contact. There is NO cell service in about 95% of...
Forum: Tiffin Owner's Forum 03-24-2023, 11:22 PM
Replies: 58
Views: 6,681
Posted By EngineerRick
Wiper Technologies

I replaced the wipers on my Open Road 32CA in the past 2 years from 2 different RV dealers. Wiper Technologies WT1-32 = OK; WT8-32 = NG.
Forum: Tiffin Owner's Forum 02-16-2023, 05:51 PM
Replies: 32
Views: 2,584
Posted By EngineerRick
My 2012 32CA factory rear view camera is adequate...

My 2012 32CA factory rear view camera is adequate for pump positioning and I always have the pump on the street side of the rig. As I pull to the pump I note what collision barriers, trash barrels,...
Forum: iRV2.com General Discussion 12-09-2022, 10:45 PM
Replies: 85
Views: 8,918
Posted By EngineerRick
IMHO, a runaway would have slowed on the uphill...

IMHO, a runaway would have slowed on the uphill and the blown engine leads me to believe the pedal was on the metal.
Forum: iRV2.com General Discussion 12-09-2022, 05:02 PM
Replies: 85
Views: 8,918
Posted By EngineerRick
I'm happy that you avoided collisions in both...

I'm happy that you avoided collisions in both cases. I've encountered similar 12 to 20 times over 20 years driving 30-33 ft. motorhomes. Only got satisfaction once, east on CA-58 east of...
Forum: Class A Motorhome Discussions 11-14-2022, 11:38 PM
Replies: 48
Views: 4,947
Posted By EngineerRick
Roadside service

FWIW, I had Good Sam roadside/assistance many years ago and have been much happier with Coach Net.
Forum: Class A Motorhome Discussions 11-14-2022, 09:09 PM
Replies: 48
Views: 4,947
Posted By EngineerRick
Winne & Allegro comments

I agree with avoiding Camping World unless you have a 3rd party thorough inspection, which may be worth the cost for a newby RVer. In 2018 we had to replace our Winne and paid about $500 for such an...
Forum: Solo RV'ers 04-15-2022, 06:56 PM
Replies: 64
Views: 7,542
Posted By EngineerRick
Another benefit of using the emergency flashers...

Another benefit of using the emergency flashers is keeping the switch contacts working. An aged and unused switch can get bumped and the contacts don't "make" again, leaving the lights inoperative. ...
Forum: Tiffin Owner's Forum 02-25-2022, 12:46 AM
Replies: 54
Views: 9,712
Posted By EngineerRick
RO is not the best filter, according to this...

RO is not the best filter, according to this water purity info - https://www.labconco.com/articles/water-type-difference
Forum: MH-General Discussions & Problems 01-02-2022, 11:10 PM
Replies: 60
Views: 7,054
Posted By EngineerRick
Quieter and less fuel -but not now

For years I carried a Yamaha 1000 (EF1000i as I recall) with my '05 Winne Voyage 33, and it ran everything except A/C & microwave & coffee maker. It was way quieter than my on-board 5.5KW Onan, and...
Forum: iRV2.com General Discussion 12-26-2021, 06:36 PM
Replies: 150
Views: 28,521
Posted By EngineerRick
I've needed Coach Net several times and their...

I've needed Coach Net several times and their service has been very good, however, I've never been towed. TXT messages but no app, just phone service by knowledgeable people, including RV service...
Forum: iRV2.com General Discussion 12-09-2021, 04:41 PM
Replies: 73
Views: 13,958
Posted By EngineerRick
I agree. In my case, LA county, CA, the cost for...

I agree. In my case, LA county, CA, the cost for a transfer switch is well over $1K, likely to require a fixed generator to meet code, and my need is once every 5-10 years. Essentially everything I...
Forum: Technology: Internet, TV, Satellite, Cell Phones, etc. 12-05-2021, 03:29 PM
Replies: 89
Views: 7,389
Posted By EngineerRick
Those with older Windows based apps might try...

Those with older Windows based apps might try running them with WINE under Linux. I've been using Ubuntu Linux for 10 years and like it. The latest editions have changed the user interface just a...
Forum: Technology: Internet, TV, Satellite, Cell Phones, etc. 12-05-2021, 03:20 PM
Replies: 89
Views: 7,389
Posted By EngineerRick
I'll suggest looking into, maybe subscribe for 1...

I'll suggest looking into, maybe subscribe for 1 Email/week, Ask Woody. I've been favorably impressed over the years and, since Woody retired, the folks carrying on seem to be on par. ...
Forum: Camping Locations, Plans & Trip Reports 11-06-2021, 09:17 PM
Replies: 51
Views: 6,467
Posted By EngineerRick
First time visitors should be aware that there is...

First time visitors should be aware that there is NO cell service in 95% of the park. Ham radio operators have the local repeater, that covers most of the park, for communication.


We took time...
Forum: Trailer Towing and Tow Vehicles Discussion 10-31-2021, 09:56 PM
Replies: 44
Views: 8,945
Posted By EngineerRick
I agree. I had a 33' class A (& 3800 lb dinghy)...

I agree. I had a 33' class A (& 3800 lb dinghy) with 8.1 & 5 speed Allison for 14 years. For best efficiency I kept the RPMs near peak torque and adjusted speed and gear as needed on grades. This...
Forum: Travel Trailer Discussion 10-10-2021, 03:21 PM
Replies: 70
Views: 8,523
Posted By EngineerRick
2 different generator designs & Progressive Dynamics issue

I run my Class A with 1 A/C on 120VAC shore power while getting prepped for a trip. The 2005 Winnebago with DIY aftermarket Progressive Dynamics converter ran without issue on 20A breaker. The 2012...
Forum: Class A Motorhome Discussions 10-08-2021, 08:06 PM
Replies: 94
Views: 11,638
Posted By EngineerRick
Avoid Costco in Azusa & Alhambra, CA. They're...

Avoid Costco in Azusa & Alhambra, CA. They're not RV friendly. The exit from Costco in San Dimas, CA, is barely long enough for out 32' Class A. There are others...
Forum: Class A Motorhome Discussions 09-16-2021, 10:33 PM
Replies: 50
Views: 9,661
Posted By EngineerRick
Maybe look to Palm Springs - Indio shops

It's still summer and generally too hot for most to RV in the desert. You might find faster service there and might start with Benlo RV in Indiio. Mobile RV service could be another option, as...
Forum: Class A Motorhome Discussions 06-01-2020, 10:55 PM
Replies: 80
Views: 10,725
Posted By EngineerRick
Class C to A

When we moved from a 30' C to a 34' A gas there were 2 major adjustments. The driving position is much closer to the left lane line, described by someone else as having the lane line going through...
Forum: MH-General Discussions & Problems 06-01-2020, 01:57 PM
Replies: 27
Views: 5,647
Posted By EngineerRick
I've got HWH on my Allegro and the alarm sounds...

I've got HWH on my Allegro and the alarm sounds with ignition ON or ACC and jack panel OFF. I wonder if the jack switch failed closed. The Kwikee Level Best jacks on my Winnebago failed from time...
Forum: MH-General Discussions & Problems 06-01-2020, 01:00 PM
Replies: 27
Views: 5,647
Posted By EngineerRick
Some jack cylinders can be rebuilt, but not all. ...

Some jack cylinders can be rebuilt, but not all. I'm not a fan of single spring retract jacks because if that spring fails the jack could drift down. Since yours dug into the road I suspect it was...
Forum: Class A Motorhome Discussions 06-01-2020, 01:21 AM
Replies: 2
Views: 1,100
Posted By EngineerRick
If the switch connections are 1/4" blade or...

If the switch connections are 1/4" blade or similar I'd try some contact lube on them. NO_OX_ID is the one I use https://www.sanchem.com/electrical-contact-lubricant.html
Forum: Class A Motorhome Discussions 06-01-2020, 01:14 AM
Replies: 100
Views: 23,327
Posted By EngineerRick
Maybe look at a marine refrigerator

I've seen one Norcold replaced with a marine unit. I like the 12V compressor that eliminates an inverter, and the standard door latches. I did not note the 'frige manufacturer.
Forum: MH-General Discussions & Problems 06-01-2020, 12:55 AM
Replies: 27
Views: 5,647
Posted By EngineerRick
From the drag mark on the foot plate I wonder if...

From the drag mark on the foot plate I wonder if the dragging & sparking broke the foot plate away from the piston. Is the top of the spring also properly attached?
Forum: Toads and Motorhome Related Towing 12-12-2018, 11:29 PM
Replies: 10
Views: 950
Posted By EngineerRick
I may have misinterpreted your diagram. If the...

I may have misinterpreted your diagram. If the relay is on the source side of the fuses and all fuses are fed from the same source, you are correct. It appeared to me that it was on the load side,...
Forum: Toads and Motorhome Related Towing 11-26-2018, 03:08 PM
Replies: 10
Views: 950
Posted By EngineerRick
Basically I think this would work. However, I...

Basically I think this would work. However, I would recommend a 3 pole relay for the 3 fuses in the dinghy, and the relay should interrupt either the source to the fuses or the load side of each...
Forum: Newmar Owner's Forum 11-26-2018, 02:33 PM
Replies: 11
Views: 2,418
Posted By EngineerRick
The only way to get a refrigerator (2 or 4 door)...

The only way to get a refrigerator (2 or 4 door) in/out of a motorhome that I've heard is through the windshield. You'll most likely have to factor the cost of a replacement windshield into a...
Forum: Class A Motorhome Discussions 11-26-2018, 02:22 PM
Replies: 17
Views: 1,521
Posted By EngineerRick
While in Santa Fe, NM, a couple of years ago I...

While in Santa Fe, NM, a couple of years ago I had a conversation with a fellow towing a 40' 5th wheel with a motorcycle trailer behind it. I'll guess 75' over all. He told me that reciprocity...
Forum: Gear and Product Discussions 03-06-2015, 01:55 AM
Replies: 24
Views: 7,149
Posted By EngineerRick
My '05 Winne 33' class A came with a Voyager...

My '05 Winne 33' class A came with a Voyager wired rear view camera that became seriously intermittent in '08. A local, reputable, shop diagnosed the problem as the monitor. I bought & installed a...
Forum: RV Systems & Appliances 03-06-2015, 01:10 AM
Replies: 25
Views: 4,263
Posted By EngineerRick
Ah, thanks! I've got museum wax but never used...

Ah, thanks! I've got museum wax but never used it on functional items, only decorative stuff. In storage in SoCal I've had the wax melt, but after things cool it does push back into place.
Forum: RV Systems & Appliances 03-05-2015, 12:53 AM
Replies: 25
Views: 4,263
Posted By EngineerRick
Mel, I got a USI alarm today and wonder how you...

Mel, I got a USI alarm today and wonder how you mounted it. This one has just 1 mounting screw and I'm looking for a way to prevent swinging while I'm driving. I'm thinking of mounting it against...
Forum: Class A Motorhome Discussions 02-26-2015, 06:41 PM
Replies: 18
Views: 9,195
Posted By EngineerRick
That's a neat setup. For my mount I didn't need...

That's a neat setup. For my mount I didn't need articulation and gave Monoprice $10 for the bracket.
Forum: RV Systems & Appliances 02-26-2015, 06:34 PM
Replies: 25
Views: 4,263
Posted By EngineerRick
I live in SoCal, so the Winne never sees freezing...

I live in SoCal, so the Winne never sees freezing weather unless I'm living there :<) My personal interest in freezing is for my mountain cabin. I think I'm going to get a bag of desiccant and a...
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