Is there an “ideal” DP?

For this post, I hope you will all indulge me as I depart from my perspective as an impartial observer, and offer some opinions.  Linda and I have, for several years, RV’ed in a 40 ft. diesel pusher.  Our personal opinion is that this is a wonderful way to travel and to camp.  Our coach has every amenity we could ask for and we are very comfortable living in it for long periods of time.  Having said that, we also believe there is room for improvement.  With that in mind, we set out at the RVIA show last year in December, to find the perfect DP.  As we looked around, we noted features we would like to have and wondered why some things were done.  These observations varied from, “hmmm, wonder why that is like that”, to “WHY would anyone even think of doing that!!”, and everything in between.  Some of these observations are based on our personal experience, and others derive from comments made by fellow campers.  Here is what we came up with, not in any particular order.   First, it is nice to see that most motorhome manufacturers are finally beginning to realize that LCD type televisions are made for motorhomes.  These TVs are lighter in weight, take up less space, use less energy, and offer great pictures.  What amazes me is that it has take until the 2010 model year to accomplish this realization.  However, it has happened.  Actually, the advantages of LCD TVs is so great, it should be an automatic decision for RVers to convert their older coaches over... Read more

How to Improve the Towing Power of Your Ford F150

Last year, I blogged quite a bit on making modifications to your RV, from low cost mods like battery cutoff switches and drip rail extensions to the more elaborate mods like RV cold weather preparation and sliding cargo trays. While I will still continue to write about RV mods, this year I would like to add some articles about making modifications to tow vehicles that help improve your towing experience. Since I tow with a late model Ford F150, many of the articles will focus on mods I’ve made to my own truck. But I would really like to see some mods made to other tow vehicle brands as well that have helped make towing your RV easier and safer. So with that said, the first mod I think that is not often discussed in terms of producing more towing power from your truck is reducing parasitic drag on the engine. Popular mods like tuners, exhaust, intake, etc. are common ways to get a decent boost in power from a gas engine. But a naturally aspirated engine, as in the Ford F150, can only make so much towing power without resorting to forced induction, such as a turbo or supercharger. In addition to the popular mods mentioned above, you can still find some hidden power to be tapped. Where is this hidden power? It’s sucked up by all the belt-driven accessories driven by the engine such as the A/C compressor, alternator, mechanical engine fan, and the power steering pump. One of the largest drags on the engine in terms of power delivery loss is with the mechanical fan, sucking... Read more

How Safe Is The Hitch On Your Motor Home?

The Lug_Nut View.  Trailer hitches, we all have them, most of us use them.  Today’s trailer hitches, or Hidden Hitch like assemblies, are found on pretty well all SUV’s, pickups, vans, cross-over’s, trucks and motor coaches.  They are out of sight, reliable and are not the shin bangers of yesterday’s design.   At least as long as you remove the ball shank when not in use. Fortunately these covert mounted assemblies require little or no maintenance, as they are out of sight, and out of mind.  While they do not require maintenance, adjustments or tweaking, they do require to be used within their specifications and have periodic inspections.  Abuse and environmental conditions can render them unsafe and in some cases, outright dangerous.  Age, rust and decaying welds and metal over time can reduce their original bond and strength.  Abuse, whether by accident or neglect, may eventually lead to a total failure and possible separation from the vehicle.  This in turn can result in not only losing the towed vehicle or trailer, but even the safety chains which are also fastened to the severed assembly.  This, unfortunately, does occur. Most hitch assembly failures are caused by physical damage.  Damage caused by impact, such as backing into a solid obstruction or over stressing by exceeding the design limitations.     Today, we will look at one of the most common ways that people overload their hitch capacity, exceeding the tongue weight.  Hitches are rated in pound... Read more

Internet by DROID

by Jim Guld, www.GeeksOnTour.com I have had my new Verizon phone for a couple of weeks now, and I like it.  You don’t need to be a Geek to want one.  If you are one of the many folks who want a phone just to make calls, the Droid is way overkill.  For a phone, it is expensive at $200 with a 2 year contract.  It’s cheap for a computer, though. Droid showing Sliding keyboard. Optional desk dock. Droid as Computer The Droid is essentially a computer that can also make phone calls.  It is connected to the Internet through the Verizon cellular data network or a local WiFi network.  You can browse the Internet, send and receive emails, stream or download videos/music and so much more.  Texting or entering data is easy using one of the three keyboards (touchscreen vertical or horizontal and slideout keyboard).  Some people I know could use the Droid and never need a conventional laptop or desktop computer. Droid as Internet Connection for your Laptop The Verizon data plan for the Droid is unlimited.  There is no 5GB limit as with cellular data cards or tethering my old phone using VZaccess Manager.  How about using the Droid’s Internet connection to connect my computer like I used to do?  Well, I can.  I just need PdaNet software for the Droid from June Fabrics. Tethering is the term we use to describe the hardware and software needed to connect a computer  to the Internet using the cellular data connection from a smart phone.  It is usually a USB connection,... Read more

2009 Keystone Outback

2009 Keystone Outback Previously $23,950 – Now $18,995 Loft model travel trailer sleeps 6+, features loading ramp, fold-out bed, sleeping loft, microwave, 3-burner stove, oven, bath tub/shower, front slideout, horseshoe dinette and more! Offered from Primeaux RV in Carencro, LA. Learn more about this 2009 Keystone Outback! Find more great RVs on  Read More →

VIDEO: Gear to Get w/ Brian Brawdy – Hema Road Atlas

In this episode of Gear To Get I highlight not only a recent coast-to-coast road trip in my Lance Camper but a newly found piece of gear. The HEMA Road Atlas is the most intuitive and detailed road atlas I’ve found. Check out Brian’s new website – BrianBrawdy.com  Read More →

Why are State Parks Taking the Budget Hit?

I find it odd that while numerous states are reporting state park attendance is up during the recession many parks are getting the ax to shave a few dollars off the state deficit. Something else I see as odd is while state park attendance increases many state budgets to fund the parks continue to decrease, and that some of the most beautiful and historical state parks in the country are closing altogether. State Parks around the country are closing and state officials are claiming these closures will help fix their already broken budgets. That sounds crazy to me. In my opinion, the end result will more likely be hurting the local economies, dilapidated buildings and grounds, increased vandalism and most important the areas of this country that deserve the most protection and preservation are falling to the wayside. What’s next, to start developing state land and parks into urban community developments to try and fix a broken states economy? Theodore Roosevelt, one of the greatest conservationists in American history, would be disgusted with many of today’s caretakers of our natural resources. These quotes from Teddy Roosevelt sum it up. “We have fallen heirs to the most glorious heritage a people ever received, and each one must do his part if we wish to show that the nation is worthy of its good fortune.” ~Theodore Roosevelt “Of all the questions which can come before this nation, short of the actual preservation of its existence in a great war, there is none which... Read more

2006 Fleetwood ADVANTAGE

2006 Fleetwood ADVANTAGE Previously $31,995 – Now $29,995 30 ft. fifth wheel with microwave, double-sink in kitchen, glass-enclosed corner shower, private toilet, lots of overhead cabinet storage and more! Offered from Suncoast RV in Ocala, FL. Learn more about this 2006 Fleetwood ADVANTAGE! Find more great RVs on  Read More →

Towing Mirrors are NOT optional

I know how it goes. You’ve got your new trailer, you’ve signed on the dotted line (which is never dotted, by the way), and you can’t wait to get your new baby off the lot and to the nearest state park. “Just a couple more things,” says your salesman, a kindly, soft-spoken gentleman sporting just a hint of Old Spice. “You’ll need a brake controller, a hitch, and mirrors to be legal. Bobby over in parts can help you out.” Read more  Read More →

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