Yahooligan
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Re: Bantam B823SB interior height? / Thoughts on Shamrock 21SS
Well, we pulled the trigger on a 2013 Shamrock 21SS. Will probably pick it up within a week or so, very happy with the layout, features, etc. DW and I are super excited and can't wait for the weather to warm up so we can take it out. :D251Views0likes0CommentsRe: Bantam B823SB interior height? / Thoughts on Shamrock 21SS
That's alright, thanks. Not a big deal, I'll just find out what the height difference is when we go take a look in person. Once we pick up an HTT then we'll have owned pretty much every kind of RV out there. Travel trailer, RV, pop-up, and now an HTT. :) We enjoyed the open air feeling of the pop-up and we bought a used one with a slide out, shower/toilet, etc. but it just wasn't convenient enough. No holding tanks, a tiny fridge that you could fit like a 6-pack of soda and a couple of sandwiches in, minimal storage space. The TT was nice but we always felt closed-off from the outside when we were inside, so we think that an HTT will be the best of both worlds. Looking forward to picking one up!251Views0likes0CommentsBantam B823SB interior height? / Thoughts on Shamrock 21SS
Howdy! We took a quick look at a 2004 model R-Vision Bantam B823SB yesterday, we're not interested in that particular year or model but I'm wondering if anyone happens to know what the interior height might be? I've dug as deep as I can on the ole interwebs but I can't locate the interior height info. It seemed like it might be around 6.25 feet? I ask because I'm 6'1" and was wearing some winter boots so I was probably 6'3" and my head was pretty much brushing the ceiling. Looked in the bathroom and didn't even bother trying to fit in the shower as there was no domed skylight and the shower was raised a few inches. We found a Flagstaff Shamrock 21SS not too far from us but haven't had a chance to look at it yet, specs show the interior height to be about 6.7 inches and the shower has a skylight. The punchline is that if someone knows the interior height of the Bantam then that would help with my search for an HTT on the internet so that I'll have a reference. Hoping to be able to take a look at the Shamrock in a couple of weeks. Thanks!1.2KViews0likes4CommentsRe: I-Pad air
I've been a PC, Mac, Android, and iOS (iPhone) user for some years now. It wasn't until earlier this week that I got my first iPad, an iPad Air. I love this thing! I've had a 10.1" Android tablet for a couple of years I guess, we actually bought two (One for me, one for DW) and we took one back because it just wasn't something she constantly used. I kept mine and eventually I stopped using it as well, so it either sat in a desk drawer or was used as a nightstand alarm clock. On the smartphone front, I've had an iPhone 3G, Droid, iPhone 4S, and Samsung Galaxy S3 (In that order). The biggest reason I switched from the 4S was screen size, just too small. The iPhone 5 wasn't appealing because the screen was still too narrow, so I opted for the Galaxy S3 due to screen size. I've been happy with that decision for the most part, but Android still isn't perfect. My biggest complaint about Android are the apps, specifically how apps are allowed to have background processes running even if the apps themselves aren't running. Eventually, with enough apps doing this, the device gets slow and battery life becomes horrible. At one point I wasn't able to make it 8 hours before the low battery warning and that was with minimal screen-on use. Once I nuked the apps with background processes that I also wasn't using regularly my battery life doubled. So, for the past couple of months I'd been getting the itch for an iPad but wanted to wait for the Air. I'm glad I did. I went with the wifi+cell version, which doesn't require a data plan and can be cancelled any time. It also includes the ability to use the built-in wifi hotspot included with the data plan price. Why wifi+cell instead of just wifi? My biggest complaint about the Android tablet was not being able to really use it away from home or someplace with wifi. I do have the data plan with my Galaxy S3, which includes hotspot use, but a) it sucks battery like you can't believe and b) It's somewhat inconvenient to have to go into the phone, turn on the hotspot, then use the tablet, then turn off the hotspot when done. I don't think I'd get more than 2 hours out of my phone if used as a hotspot while running on battery. So with the wifi+cell iPad it's always connected and ready to go. I really wasn't sure if I would use the iPad enough to justify it, at least based on previous experience, but it truly is a great device and the display is beautiful. I barely touch my phone anymore, however there are obviously situations where the size of the iPad is less than ideal or just impossible to use, so for me having an Android phone and an iPad is the best of both worlds as there are certain things Android has or can do that iOS doesn't and vice versa. My tips for people in the market for a tablet are to consider... - The amount of storage space. The iPad can't be upgraded, so make sure you load it up with everything you think you'll want as soon as possible, that way you'll have a good idea of how much space you'll have left. If it feels cramped then you'd still be within the return window and can exchange for one with more space. Most Android devices have a microSD slot that allows you to add more space, but keep in mind this space is separate and not actively managed by Android. You will have to manually manage space on the device, though some apps do allow you to specify where to store data. - The return policy. Always make sure you can return or exchange the device without any penalty such as a restocking fee and be aware of how long the return policy is. The Apple Stores are really good about exchanges, other stores may not be so kind. - When, where and how you want to use it. Will wifi-only work or should you consider one with cellular data? - The warranty. A number of credit cards will double the manufacturer's 1-year warranty if you pay for the device with your card. Doesn't matter if you pay off the balance immediately. Apple also offers AppleCare+ for the iPad, which for $99 extends the factory warranty to 2 years and includes coverage for 2 accidental damage claims (Subject to a $49 service fee). Apple also provides "out-of-warranty" service for their devices, which basically covers replacing the device after the warranty expires or replacing it within the warranty period for for non-warranty problems, such as water or other physical damage. Basically, if you buy the most expensive iPad out there and end up dropping it or otherwise damaging so bad that it no longer works right then instead of having to pay full-price for a new one you can pay $299 for a replacement. The caveat is that the device cannot be broken beyond repair, as is being broken into multiple pieces (Such as being run over by your RV). - Insurance. While the warranty, extended warranty, and accidental damage coverages are nice, something that may work out better financially is "inland marine" or "personal articles" coverage from your insurance company. This is SUPER cheap and covers replacement for damage, theft, "mysterious disappearance" (such as setting it down, forgetting it, coming back and finding it's gone), etc. Basically anything that the warranty wouldn't cover as it's not for insurance against defects. I recommend this insurance for all expensive portable devices, such as laptops, cameras, tablets, and even smartphones. My insurance company charges $1 per year per $100 of coverage with a $30/yr minimum and is $0 deductible. Sorry for the long post and getting a little off-topic. :) So far I really do love my iPad Air, another Android tablet just wasn't on my radar due to its various quirks. The Apple App Store also has a number of professional-level apps that just don't exist for Android and that sealed the deal for me.379Views0likes0CommentsRe: Apps for I-Pad
If you want to spend a little more for a GPS app, you can buy the Rand McNally RV GPS app, which is the same software used on the stand-alone GPS. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/rand-mcnally-rv-gps/id554003623?mt=8 I'll have to get out the RV park apps, I'm just getting my iPad Air set up. Previously I was just using my Samsung Galaxy S3 smartphone, but the iPad is just so nice to use. If only I had a mount for it. :)372Views0likes0CommentsRe: Exhaust smell
The DPF, not DEF, is what makes the exhaust not smell like typical diesel exhaust. It still has a smell do it, though it's not very strong unless the DPF is going through regen. If you are smelling typical diesel exhaust smell then there's not really anything else that could cause this other than an exhaust leak prior to the DPF. Hopefully Fleetwood will be able to locate the problem quickly!470Views0likes0CommentsRe: Fall/Winter destinations in SouthWest
I'm not particularly concerned about the cold, we travel to northern AZ during the holidays anyway and the coach seems to be pretty well insulated, plus there are 4 heat sources (2 furnaces, two heat strips on the A/C units). Last year we took the kids on the "Polar Express" out of Williams and are thinking about staying at the Grand Canyon Railway RV park and taking a train ride to the canyon, or maybe just driving the wife's car up there. We shall see. :) Sedona is a bit more pleasant during that time of year. Part of the time would be spent visiting family in Prescott/Paulden, so if the weather isn't looking all that great then it's not like the trip is ruined. Before the RV we had a TT that we took to Carson City to spend some time in the snow, we took 2 weeks to travel from SoCal up to Redmond, WA for Christmas (That was fun, hit a snowstorm on the way back just outside of Portland. Hooray for 4WD while towing a 31' trailer), so we're no strangers to the cold and traveling in it. :D I have no desire to chain up the RV, so as long as the roads are clear then away we go. It's looking like we'll be heading to Yosemite for Thanksgiving, too. I hear the Thanksgiving dinner at the lodge is awesome. So, that's our preliminary plan right now. Yosemite for Thanksgiving, then Williams/Grand Canyon/Sedona/Prescott for Christmas.287Views0likes0CommentsRe: Fall/Winter destinations in SouthWest
Thanks for the suggestions. I'll add a little more background just to help narrow down (or eliminate) ideas. :D Met my wife in Phoenix, married in Sedona, and lived in Prescott and Show Low and we currently have family that we visit at least once a year who live in Prescott and Paulde. The "problem" is we never really camped or RV'd around these places nor have we traveled to Utah. We love trees and unique yet beautiful places, so I think Sedona is also on the list. We've never been to Canyon de Chelly and I don't know if there's any place to camp nearby. We're not so much interested in being "tourists" as we are in just enjoying the journey as well as the destination so where we park needs to be part of the allure. :) That's also why we're not even sure we want to mess with a toad as it would really only be to get supplies and such, but if we plan ahead then we can just stock up between destinations. Been a while since I've actually thought about planning a trip anywhere that didn't have a specific destination, I forgot how enjoyable just planning the trip was. :D We'll likely keep things north of Phoenix and as much out of the plain desert as much as possible. We've made the drive out I-10 too many times to count, time for something different. As far as SoCal/NV goes, we've made the drive up 395 at least a couple of times so that's why it's on the list. Lots of cool little towns along the way and it's a very pretty drive. One winter while towing a TT we did end up having to take the long way around Mammoth to get to Carson City and Bishop itself tends to be right below the heavy snow line so we'd at least be close to snow if we wanted to play in it. Wife has yet to visit Yosemite and it's been ages since I've been, that's also not a super far drive. Then there's always Hwy 1 up the coast to Big Sur, etc. Lots of options for sure. I also have no real idea about what kind of RV parks and campgrounds are along the way or at each destination. Dry camping is an option as well but we'd prefer hookups. Hooray fall! :)287Views0likes0CommentsFall/Winter destinations in SouthWest
So, we may be the oddballs in that we prefer to travel when the weather is mild or cool and not when it's hot. It's just not pleasant when it's so hot that you have to sit in the RV with the A/C going. :) Similarly, we have no interest in visiting the actual desert regardless of the weather (Grand Canyon doesn't REALLY count as desert. :D) So, we're thinking someplace with trees, possibly some snow but not driving IN the snow. Some ideas that have popped into my head that based on distance from home or family (SoCal and northern AZ). - Yosemite/Western Sierras - Mammoth Lakes area - Grand Canyon/Williams/Flagstaff We're still discussing whether we want to drag a TOAD along or not. Any other recommendations on pretty/neat places to go for a few days or a week?2.1KViews0likes9Comments
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