Printer help/info

[prstlk]

We are fill timers. Before we left about 18 months ago we purchased an Epson inkjet printer/scanner/copier. Worked great for the first few months but now will not work at all.

After doing a ton of research online it seems that the ink jets will clog and dry out if it is not used pretty much on a daily basis - or at least weekly.

I must admit that there have been weeks go by between when I need to print out or scan/copy something something.

I have used nearly 60.00 in ink trying to get the ink jet heads cleaned and utilized all methods I have found online.

So it looks like I will be looking for a new printer. Most likely will be getting a laser as another ink jet will just do the same thing after a while.

Does anyone have a compact laser printer that they use in their rig? While the inkjet fit in the upper cubbies of our MH a laser one will have to be small enough to fit under the jack-knife for storage.

Let me know what all of you use (laser or inkjet),if you have had any of the same issues and what you would recommend.

Thanks in advance.

[Joyce_in_NY]

I have a Canon in the fifth wheel. I might print about a hundred pages and then not use it again for a couple of months. It has bounced around inside a front while traveling and still works great, better than the house printer! One thing you need to do -- make SURE that you turn off the printer each time to park the heads -- some printers actually plug the ink hole so it won't dry up. Don't just let the printer go off by removing power from the rig.

[wa8yxm]

When my daughter needed her own computer I ordered from DELL. they sent an Epson printer sans USB cable. (Never again will I order from Dell) Back to topic, Jets clooged quickly printer never did work to my satisfication.. So I fixed it.

Yup I got a repair kit from HP.. Today I'm not as happy with HP for political reasons which I will not go into but I use a Canon now.

One reason I will go into: When I got my first Canon it was because I needed a feature it had that the HP's did not.. I'm on my 2nd Canon now.. It still has that feature which HP still does not.. This is the real reason I switched, that feature.. NOT politics.. but.. Well HP did some "politics" stuff too.. (And no not what you are thinking).

The advantage of the HP is that for most of the low end models the print head IS also the ink caretridge so if it clogs you put in a new ink cart and you are good to print....

And I have had decent luck with my Canons too. My original was purchased in 2006 and died, as I reacll Summer of 2013.. And the new Canons come with a CD tray for print-on CD's (The feature) the original I had to order the tray off E-Bay.

Oh the HP repair kit for the HP. Instructions:

Remove Paper from Epson
Remove epson
Open box and remove packing materials from HP
Plug in HP Photosmart Printer
Install Paper and INk in Photosmart
Install driver
Print.

Sub Canon and Pixiuma for HP and Photosmart.. Same instrurctions.

[Old-Biscuit]

Got a Lexmark printer back in 2006.....cheap model with expensive ink cartridge.
Carted/bounced it around for 7 yrs FT travel using it maybe once a month.
Still works like a champ.

Almost afraid to replace it. :B

[MrWizard]

i have a canon this one cost me $99 on sale a couple of years ago
i sometimes go months, with out printing any thing, i think am on my third set of cartridges
when i print, it is usually in large numbers
i will print a bunch of photos or a bunch of DVD labels,
then not print for weeks or months

this thing always works
i did have two epsons clog and die before switching to canon
mine is an all in one print fax, scan copy
i don't fax with it, and it will not fit under the seat storage
but i do recommend canon brand

[Johno02]

Get one that has the print heads made into the cartridges. That way, they get replaced when you change the cartridge. However, inkjets that work just fine in a S&B will clog and fail in an RV, partially due to the changes in temperatures and environments. Lasers tend to do better, but cost a lot more, especially if you need color. On some of the inkjets, the cartridges will cap and seal when power is removed. Depending on what you are using it for, buy cheap and replace might be the better option.

[obgraham]

I do what Darsben does. I also found a Dell Laser B&W printer at Office Depot for $50, and that works well too, and is the same size or less as an inkjet.

[Bumpyroad]

darsben wrote:
I buy the cheapest walmart has and when it stops working I buy another.

Right now
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Canon-PIXMA-MG2520-Inkjet-All-in-One-Printer/28773460

yep, I spent about $30 for my canon.
bumpy

[Ductape]

I have a Samsung ML 2525w (IIRC). It's been a good one. Probably been superseded by now. Laser, for exactly the reason you have asked. Tired of buying ink just to have it dry out.

[darsben]

I buy the cheapest walmart has and when it stops working I buy another.

Right now
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Canon-PIXMA-MG2520-Inkjet-All-in-One-Printer/28773460