tonyclifton
Explorer II
Joined Jan 18, 2007
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Compact vacuum
Looking for a compact, powerful rechargeable hand vacuum suitable for quick vacuuming of common areas on a daily basis as well as getting down in the nooks and crannies behind seats, cushions, mattress and storage drawers. Open to a stick vacuum with detachable head as that would help with floors, just trying to think how it would get stowed out of the way.601Views1like5CommentsRe: How does a new truck camper camper get started?
I do have a 4x4 truck, but it has a relatively short 69" bed so I was giving thought to trading for a longer bed truck. I'll need to look at the difference in roominess inside of campers made for 69" beds and those made for longer beds. I am open to class C/B - I still have a lot to consider as far as the pros/cons of the different platforms. I don't think I will be happy pulling into a camping spot and sitting under an awning all day. I most likely will be doing a combination of hiking/backpacking where I want the RV to be my basecamp, but also wanting to explore the area by driving to trailheads or other recreation activities. Something with less setup is probably better. Do you have to lower the support stands for a truck camper when you stop for the night or they only used when lifting the camper off the truck?860Views0likes2CommentsHow does a new truck camper camper get started?
I'm retiring in 6 to 12 months. I'm an outdoorsman, backpacker and car (truck) camper but never had an RV or truck camper. Once retired I intend to do some moderate travel (not full time) from the mid Atlantic to various national parks and other outdoor destinations out west. I live in Charlottesville, VA and we don't have any RV dealers nearby and I don't see anything on rvshare or outdoorsy to rent and gain experience. I'm looking for suggestions to gain more knowledge so I can get a better idea of the style/brand/model/features I want (and also things to avoid). Right now the only thing I know to do is travel a couple hours to a bigger city with RV dealers and shop their inventory. I think my smart move is to buy used so kinda don't want to set my expectations by shopping all those shiny new campers. Any suggestions?994Views0likes9CommentsRe: DIY storm shield / cover for inverter generator?
I thought old retired guys were more chill than this. But men tend to bicker endlessly on most hobby forums I visit. I still can extract a tiny nugget of helpful information if I read between the distractions. Do folks get this way at actual RV parks?2.8KViews0likes0CommentsDIY storm shield / cover for inverter generator?
Anybody got a low-buck DIY solution to keep rain/sleet/snow off the generator while it is running? One time I set a piece of plywood on top which sufficed for some heavy snow but that wouldn't do if there was any wind. Curious what quick and easy ideas others have used.7.2KViews0likes23CommentsRe: Why won’t my Champion C46540 generator run the microwave?
It was mentioned the 3 wire RV outlet could power both 120v legs with an adapter. What is this adapter? Sounds like this will provide more wattage. My microwave is an inverter style, or at least says so on the front. I’ll lug it out to the 46540 tomorrow and hook up to the RV outlet (i have a pigtail to 2 120v outlets in a box) and see if it has same issues. I suspect it will run better.439Views0likes0CommentsRe: Why won’t my Champion C46540 generator run the microwave?
Yes, tho is a C46540. I went back and corrected my original post. Thanks for catching that! I am using the 4-prong connector and apparently was not sufficiently aware of the specs! The diagram in the manual identifies it as a L14-30R. I was not aware that the AVR was only on one phase. I have a kill-a-watt. Low load voltage was 129v. Seems high. One circuit (with the coffee maker) only dropped somewhere between 120 - 125v when I made coffee. The other leg with the microwave dropped to 96v (coffee maker was not running). Is this related to the AVR only functioning on one phase? That leg really drops and has no other major draws on it. My goal; is to power both legs of the building circuit, although selectively powering certain breakers to manage load. I turn off high draw circuits like heat pump, water heater, sewage pump, range. What type of generator output / receptacle will do this as I shop for a replacement generator? I know this unit is getting old although has been a rock solid runner ever since I bought it based upon extensive reviews here. Love this site and it’s well informed users!406Views0likes0CommentsWhy won’t my Champion C46540 generator run the microwave?
I have a 1300W microwave (120v) I’m trying to run using my Champion C46540 but the microwave shuts down about 5 to 10 seconds after I turn it on. I know the generator isn’t overloaded running other stuff. It is lightly loaded running a few led and cfl lightbulbs. It runs a fridge and more lights and coffee maker just fine, although was not running any of these when the microwave kept shutting down. I’m using the 4-prong 30R receptacle to power the breaker panel. At only 1300W the microwave should run just fine. What’s going on?8.3KViews0likes42Comments
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