hdblair
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Joined 21 years ago
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Re: Family RV road trip- Mount Rushmore/Yellowstone/Grand Teton
We spent almost 4 months this past summer/fall in Montana, Wyoming and Utah (including 3 weeks in Yellowstone.) You might visit our photographic blog at: http://blog.haroldblair.com for our route, and photographs along the ways. This trip is labelled "The West - 2015). Several observations: 1. As another responder mentioned, drive The Bluetooth Parkway (US 212). One of the few All American Scenic Highways. We have driven it 4 times. Start our of Red Lodge, MT. The drive up is SPECTACULAR (but very windy and steep.) Take it slow but definitely worth it. Watch your transmission temp gauge. Turn left (southeast) on state hwy 296 (also known as Chief Joseph Scenic Highway). This is also a must. Be sure and stop at the bridge over the West Yellowstone River.) 296 takes you into Cody. 2. While in Cody, be sure see the Buffalo Bill Center of the West Museum (another must). Be sure to get a campsite ahead of time. Cody is VERY busy. Our blog shows where we stayed (right downtown. The campgrounds are outside of town with NO trees.) 3. You can enter Yellowstone two ways from Cody. I would suggest going back up the Chief Joseph HWY and enter the Northeast entrance. This will take you through the least crowed part of the park. Thousands of buffalo will be in residence there in late August, early September. Look at our blog about hearing/seeing wolves. The key here is to arrive at the site EARLY, around 5:30a. You might also get to see some bears here. There is also some great hiking in this area. 4. The most spectacular part of Yellowstone is on the West side. A WORD OF CAUTION: Be on the loop before dawn, headed towards your first stop. You will see LOTS more wildlife AND you will miss the hoards of Chinese! I am not particularly xenophobic, but when the chinese get in a group they are very loud, pushy and self-centered. 5. It appears you have made the most important decision -- you already have a camping site in Yellowstone. Even in September, the campsites were completely full! Hope you have a great time! P.S. Contact me if you have any questions. Harold259Views0likes0CommentsRe: Exterior Repairs to Lance 2003 1161
pjay9 wrote: hd, I will be interested to watch your posts. I have an 05...with major issues which I hopefully will get started on this month. Do you have a slide issue? Good luck! No particular slide issue. When I first got the camper (use) I researched the forum regarding "sagging" issues and installed a "beam" under the side. No sag for more than 5 years now. Will try to remember to take photos during the process. Will probably be several weeks before I start.246Views0likes0CommentsExterior Repairs to Lance 2003 1161
Hi All: Am about to embark on some repairs to the exterior of my Lance 2003 1161. As a result of some external leaks, I need to repair/replace some of the siding. I would very much appreciate any guidance/information regarding the process and where to locate the various materials (sheet siding, caulk, etc.). Thanks, Harold3.3KViews0likes7CommentsDo you need help returning your RV back to the states?
My brother and his wife (71 years of age) would like to drive a RV back from AK. Ken has driven RVs and has camped most of his life but does not currently own an RV. If you are going to AK but really do not want to drive both ways, please respond. The rental companies who rent "the drive back", it appears, may be all sold out already. If anyone has any suggestions, please respond. Thank you.848Views0likes0CommentsBattery Separator Problem
Hi All: Am having some problems with my battery separator on my Lance TC 1161 2003 truck camper. The battery separator is not charging while truck/camper are connected and the truck is operating. I have replaced the separator (twice), put in a new gel cell battery and replaced the converter. Tested the voltage from the truck at 14v and the voltage from the camper battery at 13v (made the voltage tests at the separator). Basically the separator cycles on and off. Anyone have any ideas on what to check? Thanks, Harold2KViews0likes2CommentsLocation of Ground on 2003 Lance 1161
Hi All: Am having some problems with my battery separator on my Lance TC 1161 2002. Am attempting to run down any grounding issues but am finding it impossible to locate the major ground. I have the factory schematics and they say "located in front corner under jack" on one drawing and "Ground bar (located in front R/S corner, on the wing)" on another drawing. For the life of me I can not locate this. Anyone know? Also, anyone every had any problems with the battery separator no charging while truck/camper is NOT connected to 120 land voltage? Mine will not charge properly when driving. Thanks, Harold1.1KViews0likes4CommentsBattery Separator Problem
Hi All: Here is my configuration: Lance 2003 1161 on my 2002 Ford f-350 dually, crew cab, long bed, diesel. The truck has two new batteries (less than 6 months old) and the camper has a new (2 months old) deep cycle jell cell battery. My Problem: About two weeks ago I began to hear a "clicking" sound in the camper while the truck was idling (the camper is on the truck since we are still returning home from a three month sojourn to Newfoundland). I traced the sound to my battery separator (it was a Sure Power model 1314). It would click, wait a few seconds and then click again. At about this same time I noticed my camper battery did not seem to be charging well. Also, I have a inverter I charge my computer with that I plug into the 12v outlet. It converts the 12v to 110. The inverter is rated at 375 watts. I have had this inverter in operation like this for over two years without any problems. If I turn off the inverter, the battery separator does not "click" any more. However, after looking at my camper schematic, I noticed the battery separator also drove the halogen docking lights directly. So I unplugged the computer inverter and turned on the docking lights. The battery separator again clicked (opening the circuit.) I did the following: 1. Replaced the 1314 with a 1314A (apparently the A means it can provide remote assist start but I do not have this option hooked up.) 2. Had all three batteries checked. They all tested out fine (however, I did not load test them.) 3. Measured the voltage form the truck to the battery separator (it is ok also.) After putting in the new separator, the new one now "clicks" on and off. The last thing I have tried was replacing a 40amp circuit breaker that resides on the camper battery side of the battery separator. I have not had a chance to see if this helps. I am at a loss as to what the problem is (unless the new circuit breaker works, meaning the old one had just gotten weak.) Does anyone have any ideas, suggestions, help, etc. you can pass along? Thanks, Harold Blair6.3KViews0likes6Comments
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