wfred
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Re: 2012 Viewfinder Signature Leaking Slideout Problem
Upon closer inspection, I have some seriously large gaps in the rubber seal on the sides of the slideout where it was cut out to fit around the aluminum guide track on the top and bottom of each side of the slideout itself. What I assume is that water is running down the aluminum track, through the gap in the seal, and dripping off the end of the aluminum track and onto the floor. I think If I add some garage door weatherstripping to the slideout itself and then silicone that to the end of the aluminum track, hopefully the water will run out rather than in. Fred304Views0likes0Comments2012 Viewfinder Signature Leaking Slideout Problem
I have a 2012 Cruiser Viewfinder Signature 28BHSS with one slideout. After camping in the rain last week, I noticed I have water leaking in the corners of my slideout on the floor. It has soaked the carpet and caused the MDF trim to bubble and peel the veneer. This camper spends 45+ weeks a year stored inside a climate controlled building, I've never even winterized it. I called the warranty desk at Cruiser RV and the gentlemen I spoke with was an absolute jerk. He was condescending and rude and was pleased to inform me that warranty is just a year so I am on my own. I didn't expect much from the warranty desk but I was blown away by the disrespect shown by their staff. Needless to say, this is my last Cruiser RV product. Have any of you encountered leaky slideouts and if so, how have you resolved it? I am on my own for this one and I have no idea where to even begin. Replacing the trim is easy, I can mill up some new cherry baseboard and it will be better than the cheap MDF******that was there before. I'd like to make this watertight before I begin the repairs. Thanks, Fred2.1KViews0likes5CommentsRe: Solar Tax Credits
Bumpyroad wrote: that law was extended then expired at the end of 2013, did it get extended? I think at the time I asked the tax lady it hadn't been. bumpy The law has been extended through 2016 and Iowa will match 60% of the federal credit up to $5000. Effectively I get 48% of the total cost of my solar setup as a tax credit. From everything I've read and the information here, it sounds like i simply total the amount of all the components and add them to IRS form 5695. It doesn't sound like anybody has included the cost of battery upgrades for their system as part of the tax credit. I'll consult my CPA on that, seems like the IRS ruled it is allowed but that doesn't mean it won't get red-flagged somehow. Thanks for the help, Fred510Views0likes0CommentsSolar Tax Credits
All: I'm starting to seriously consider adding solar to my trailer now that our state is matching 60% of the federal energy tax credit. For those of you that have taken advantage of the tax credits, I have a couple of questions. 1.) Can/did you include the cost of the batteries? I have seen several briefs about an IRS ruling confirming the cost of the batteries can be included. 2.) What paperwork do you need in addition to the IRS form 5695? Is it as simple as totaling your receipts and adding it to the form or is there more paperwork I need to present? Thanks for the help, Fred5.1KViews0likes22CommentsRe: Converter/Charger Voltage vs. Battery Voltage
I am not sure of the SOC of my batteries, since the converter didn't drop to storage mode, I assume they are charging I don't have voltage loss from my wires. I remove the ring terminal from my batteries and use my multimeter to check voltage at the ring terminals and it reads 14.8 volts. When I connect the ring terminals to the batteries, I use the same multimeter to check voltage at the same ring terminals. The only difference is that now they are bolted to the battery terminals. The voltage reads 13.6. The voltage only drops when the wires from the converter are connected to the batteries. I am not sure if this is because the batteries aren't at 100% charge or if it indicates sulfur on the plates or some other problem. Thanks for the help, Fred333Views0likes0CommentsConverter/Charger Voltage vs. Battery Voltage
I recently upgraded my converter/charger and read 14.8 volts in the lugs of the converter charger when it is in boost mode. I also read 14.8 volts at the ring terminals for the batteries with the batteries disconnected. If I connect the ring terminals to the batteries, I read 13.6 volts. Is this voltage drop normal or does this indicate a battery issue?1.4KViews0likes9CommentsRe: Michigan State Parks Fee Nightmare
I guess I have different expectations from everybody else on this forum. I travel all over the country for work and change reservations quite often. Never have I been stuck with a fee for moving a reservation a day or two one way or the other. Just last week I had to drop the final day of a 4 day hotel reservation at Holiday Inn. I dropped it on the day of and got a full refund. Airfare comes with an expectation of being nickel-and-dimed and is one of the reasons I prefer to drive. I don't camp as much as all of you do, obviously, but I have never had to forfeit a reservation fee just to slide a date, let alone pay an additional cancellation fee to slide dates. I made adjustments at commercial and national forest campgrounds in the past and never paid a fee. I also am fortunate enough to live in a state that doesn't have to charge entrance fees to those who choose to recreate in their public parks.319Views0likes0CommentsMichigan State Parks Fee Nightmare
I haven't even been to the UP of Michigan yet and I know that I will never camp in a Michigan State Park ever again. Let this be a lesson to anybody planning on staying and reserving a spot in a Michigan State Park - DON'T DO IT. Here is the synopsis: I booked 2 sites at Tahquamenon Falls State Park in July - one for my dad and one for me. I was charged an 8 dollar reservation fee per site which is expected. My dad had emergency back surgery last week so he wont be able to make it on our trip. Yesterday I called to cancel one of the reservations. At the robo-call center, I was informed that we would lose the $8 fee plus a $10 penalty for cancelling. Additionally, I wanted to change my trip plans and come into the park a day early and leave a day early. I was told I couldn't change both dates at once, I could add a day to the reservation and then call tomorrow to cancel the last day for a $10 fee. Today I called back to cancel the last day and was informed that I would have a $10 fee PLUS the $8 reservation fee withheld from my refund even though I am still keeping 2 nights. My only hope is to do an early departure and beg for a refund from the campground itself. I am going to have a minimum of $36 in fees for adjusting reservations due to my dad's surgery. I haven't even arrived in the park to get the privilege of paying the inflated vehicle user fee yet. I understand Michigan is broke but you aren't going to make up for decades of fiscal mis-management and corruption by screwing people trying to visit your state.12KViews0likes63CommentsRe: Any Bear Precautions Needed in Ontario?
Supreme Oppressor wrote: Mostly the same rules apply. Don't keep food or food waste outside, don't use your fire ring as a garbage pit. (There are usually bear resistant containers for garbage.) Don't leave food in your vehicle - bears are learning that they are a food source and know how to break in. Clicky 1 Clicky 2 Clicky 3 So what about the food in the camper? Its not like I can hang a bear bag. Should I set an electric fence perimeter around my campsite? Thanks, Fred319Views0likes0Comments
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