elkabong
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Joined 14 years ago
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Re: Best Option for Internet Access Traveling Cross Country?
You have to understand that I am not tech oriented at all and generally look for the simplest solutions to problems. Sometimes,as luck would have it, these solutions are even the most economical. Two years ago I purchased an HP Chromebook which has the Google OS which uploads the latest antivirus and firewall programs automatically every time you turn it on. No downloads necessary. One of the best features though is that it comes with an automatic connection to T-mobile 4g if you care to use it. A small amount is free every month, enough to do banking, etc. and as many GBs as you want can be purchased on a month to month basis if you require it. The price for additional GBs from what I have seen on this post is very economical indeed. I travel a lot and just use the campground or motel wifi for email, facebook, etc. For more secure access I use the T-mobile option and since I don't stream movies, I have never even had to purchase additional data.480Views0likes0CommentsRe: Tire Opinion
I brought my new 5er home from the factory last year, 1300 miles. Parked it in the driveway, jacked it up and replaced all of the factory OEMs. I am retired, but transport a dozen or so RVs from Indiana to Denver every year for a local dealer. 3 years ago I was transporting a high-end 5er and had a brand new tire delaminate less than 200 miles from the factory. It cost me my $1000 deductible and actually did almost $2500 worth of damage ripping up the side of the trailer. I always tow with the proper air pressure(max) and never over 65mph. Even so...., Every trip with factory OEMs is the RV version of Russian roulette. I paid a lot of money for my 5er and figured the price of upgrading the tires into the purchase price. For me, preventive maintenance has always been easier and cheaper than repairs. That made the decision very easy for me. It's your trailer, it's your insurance and it's your peace of mind. Best of luck with whatever you decide. Ken365Views0likes0CommentsRe: 2 wheel drive or 4 wheel drive
Been doing this RV thing for 30 years. Always had a 2WD pickup and I live in Denver(mountains and snow). Retired now, but besides my own RV I do some transport for a local dealer(I-80 and the weather that goes with it is my workplace). In all that time I have only needed a tow once(wet grass in Florida) and insurance paid for that. However, I do consider myself an RVer and not a camper and I have one simple rule. If I need 4WD to go...Then I don't go. It's also a matter of economics. 2WD is less expensive to buy, maintain and fuel. Also my 5er lines up dead level with no modifications needed. Like others have said though, it all depends on where you plan go and what you plan to do with your rig. Only you know the answer to that. Ken315Views0likes0CommentsRe: Slide in = no heat...
Gee! Thanks Travelnutz. I didn't realize I wasn't a "True RVer" I guess the miles and years I have spent in various RVs were an anomaly. And the 5er and truck parked in my drive are just for decoration. Come to think of it, I suppose they would make nice planters. Ken353Views0likes0CommentsRe: 5'ver Slider in considerations....
While there were many considerations when choosing my unit and subsequent floorplan, access to anything other than the bathroom wasn't one of them. If I want anything else while at a rest area, truck stop, etc., I just open one or more slides. I always figured that's what they were made for anyway. I'm not concerned about wearing them out and they handle the weather just fine. Ken314Views0likes0CommentsRe: Good Trailers
We have a "Forest River" Flagstaff Super Lite 5th whl. As mentioned before, there are many different brands and models that fall under the Forest River logo. Some good, some ...not so good. With ours....I keep waiting for the first shoe to drop. Granted, it is only four months old, but those four months include over 30 days of camping on 4 separate trips, covering almost 4,000 miles. Zero issues! The only thing that didn't work was the remote for the fireplace which was quickly replaced by the dealer. Other than that, everything has worked as advertised from day one. I did replace the oem tires with a better brand and higher load range. I have very little confidence in the rubber coming out on most brands no matter who makes it. Ken454Views0likes0CommentsRe: Need advice on Aux Fuel Tank
When I begin a trip, I start with full tanks. I carry 85 gallons of fuel and 50 gallons of water. The weight of either or both gives me no cause for concern for my mpg or stability. Wind is another matter. I like being able to refuel where I want, rather than where I must. Ken171Views0likes0CommentsRe: Brookstone Lemon
First trailer I ever bought was a Coachmen. If it hadn't been for duct tape and silicone, I would have left parts of that trailer over every state I where I traveled. I swore I would never buy another Coachmen and have held to that promise. I am sorry for your problems, but also have to say I am glad to know I made the right decision. Hang in the partner. And I hope you have a good dealer. Ken358Views0likes0CommentsRe: Need advice on Aux Fuel Tank
I'm on my third diesel pick up and this current one has the top-of-the-line Transfer Flow noted in other posts. I bought the truck used and the previous owner had it along with other options already installed. When I'm on the road there's not a day that goes by that I don't mentally bless that man's foresight. 800 miles towing, 1700 miles empty. I choose where I want to stop for rest and where to stop for fuel. There are some states where you just don't want to buy fuel(Illinois, California come to mind). The extra 400# of fuel isn't even a consideration for my puny little 2500SRW. I never noticed any appreciable difference in mpg, and with the in-cab monitor, I know to the gallon how much fuel I use on each trip. On my previous trucks I used 4-6 gallon fuel cans and a pump. Never Again! When this truck does go to someone else, the Transfer Flow will go with me. The tool box is a great bonus, because it carries everything I need. Ken137Views0likes0CommentsRe: 5th wheel Battery?
Pulled?.....Yes Smart?......No As others have said, the battery powers the brakes in case of separation of TV and 5th whl. Also battery connection is needed for the operation of the landing jacks. You can certainly pull it. You just won't be able to hitch up or unhitch without the completed circuit. Ken142Views0likes0Comments
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