One of the most important items to have along is a box of fuses. Our coach uses the automotive U shaped blade fuses - but in two sizes! Not only two sizes but different amps - so we carry 3 and 15 amp in the mini size plus 2, 5, 7. 5, 10, 15, and 20 in the larger size.
There is a neat little tool that helps you pull these fuses AND tests them either in place or loose. You just line up the two medal pins on the tester (for small fuses the middle pin and the outer pin - biggest gap) and for the larger size fuse you use the two outer pins and place them in the holes on the plastic end. A green light and you know they are good!
How do you know what size fuses to have on hand? We had to open the fuse compartment area and copy them down - we found this easier than looking at electrical diagrams.
You can be sure you will need a fuse when you are 50 miles from the nearest store or late in the day after the stores are closed!
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Vehicles to tow behind your motorhome
Most of us choose to tow a vehicle behind our motorhome - these are nicknamed TOADS. It is wonderful to set up in a campground and explore with another vehicle while your home on wheels is hooked up to electricity, water and sewers.
There are a limited number of vehicles that can be towed 4 wheels down behind a motorhome and each year without modification and these makes and models change each year. Most manual shift vehicles can be towed 4 wheels down by placing the vehicle in neutral. Many SUVs have a position for towing. You need to examine the manual that comes with the vehicle to determine if you can tow it. DO NOT LISTEN TO THE SALESMAN! You will need to follow the manual step by step to successfully tow.
If the vehicle you desire to tow is not towable (4 wheels down) then you have to make a choice of modifying it (Remco makes oil pumps for transmissions), using a tow dolly, or using a trailer.
Personally there is no way I would choose to use a dolly or trailer - they are awkward and they present a problem at campgrounds for storage while camped. I would rather purchase or modify a towable vehicle than having the problems of a dolly or trailer. When towing a vehicle using one of the standard tow bars, your vehicle tracks precisely within the tracks of your motorhome. This is not true with a dolly or trailer.
There are a limited number of vehicles that can be towed 4 wheels down behind a motorhome and each year without modification and these makes and models change each year. Most manual shift vehicles can be towed 4 wheels down by placing the vehicle in neutral. Many SUVs have a position for towing. You need to examine the manual that comes with the vehicle to determine if you can tow it. DO NOT LISTEN TO THE SALESMAN! You will need to follow the manual step by step to successfully tow.
If the vehicle you desire to tow is not towable (4 wheels down) then you have to make a choice of modifying it (Remco makes oil pumps for transmissions), using a tow dolly, or using a trailer.
Personally there is no way I would choose to use a dolly or trailer - they are awkward and they present a problem at campgrounds for storage while camped. I would rather purchase or modify a towable vehicle than having the problems of a dolly or trailer. When towing a vehicle using one of the standard tow bars, your vehicle tracks precisely within the tracks of your motorhome. This is not true with a dolly or trailer.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
GPS and Navigation
We quickly learned the importance of knowing where you are at all times in the motorhome - especially when towing a car. No one wants to end up on a dead end and need to unhitch and then turn around a large motorhome and rehitch!
There are a number of fancy systems now available to assist you in finding your way. Some actually come installed in new motorhomes and others can be purchased and moved easily between the motorhome and the car. Because in most cases the dashboard is further from you in an RV than in your car, the larger the display screen the better!
We have been using our computer on board for some time so we have attached a GPS to the computer and use deLorme's Street Atlas 2007 software and we do just great. Each year we usually update the software to the newest versions because of the changes to many Interstate exit ramps. It is wonderful to be approaching the merger of two Interstates and know which lane to be in - before the signs tell you!
Each year the navigation systems improve and it is worth the time to visit multiple stores and really take your time to make an intelligent choice as to which systems works best for you!
There are a number of fancy systems now available to assist you in finding your way. Some actually come installed in new motorhomes and others can be purchased and moved easily between the motorhome and the car. Because in most cases the dashboard is further from you in an RV than in your car, the larger the display screen the better!
We have been using our computer on board for some time so we have attached a GPS to the computer and use deLorme's Street Atlas 2007 software and we do just great. Each year we usually update the software to the newest versions because of the changes to many Interstate exit ramps. It is wonderful to be approaching the merger of two Interstates and know which lane to be in - before the signs tell you!
Each year the navigation systems improve and it is worth the time to visit multiple stores and really take your time to make an intelligent choice as to which systems works best for you!
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