RV generator exhaust solution in a box

You're at an RV rally, a racing event, a rodeo or any other place where you're packed in like sardines. You want to turn on your generator but if you do, you're next door neighbor will want to strangle you because you'll be blowing exhaust into his front door.

RV generator exhaust chimneys work great but not everyone has one or needs one all the time, so what can you do as a temporary fix?

Instead of asphyxiating your neighbor, just find a sturdy box, put a heavy rock in it and use it to deflect the direction of your exhaust. Put it far enough away so it doesn't come inside your coach but close enough to effectively prevent the exhaust from disturbing your neighbor.

Assisting you with RV neighborhood diplomacy - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RV GPS mounting solution

Until recently I used a laptop computer with a GPS unit and Microsoft Streets and Trips software. I found the system very helpful but cumbersom to use because it required such a large space.

Last year I purchased a GPS unit that fastens on the windshield with a suction cup. It's easy to transfer from the motorhome to our Honda CRV. However, I have not been completely satisfied with where I have mounted it in the mothrhome.

The windshield is too far away for me to be able to conviently reach. Sometimes I want to turn off the sound but I have to pull over to do it bceause I can't safely reach it. I still haven't figured out the best place for it and I've tried several configurations.

Ken Johnson from Tucson, Arizona found a suitable place for his GPS unit. He built a box and covered it in the same material as his dash. He also included a multiple 12 volt DC cigarette lighter type outlet in the side of the box. This comes in handy if you want to charge your cell phone or power another 12 volt DC appliance.Another nice touch he added to his motorhome is a lighted hand rail at the coach entrance. It is long enough (and strong enough) to offer extra support when transitioning in or out of the coach.Helping you know where you are all the time - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

It's not too late to convert your RV TV

The conversion to digital TV is taking longer than anticipated so if you haven't purchased a new digital TV or the converter boxes for your old TVs, you still have time. Congress postponed the required conversion until June 12, 2009.

To prevent consumers from having to run out and purchase new televisions, the government decided to give you two free coupons worth $40 each to offset the cost. To receive your coupons visit the government's “TV Converter Box Coupon Program” and fill out the form. Here is the link: Free Coupons

They use the USPS data base, so if you live in an isolated place and have to go to town for mail, you'll have to fill out an appeal form. I suppose the government can't know everything or even where everyone lives otherwise we wouldn't be in the big financial mess we're in now. You might as well get your $40 coupons because you're great grandchildren are paying for them along with the bank bailouts.

Ray Hoyal from San Clemente, California picked up a DTV converter box from Winegard. He likes the RCDT09A model because it is small and fits nicely in his existing overhead electronics cabinet. He says he was able to connect it between the video switch box and the antenna so it works with both televisions in his coach.The installation is straight forward and easy to accomplish. You'll spend more time figuring out where to place the box than connecting it. If you purchase two converters you'll be able to watch two different channels on two different TVs in your RV (usually one in the living room and one in the bedroom).

You'll find the Winegard converter at this link: Winegard DTV converter

Helping you with your conversion - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Shopping for an RV? Don't overlook the “fitting test”

You're thinking about buying an RV, should you go with new or used, big, small or somewhere in between? An RV show is a good place to start looking to get an idea of what you like before you buy.

Whatever type of RV you're thinking about, there are a few “rules of thumb” that will help you avoid making mistakes when shopping. The primary rule I want to address in this article is what I call the “fitting test.”

The main reason you get “fitted” for a tailored garment is to make sure it fits your body. The same holds true when shopping for an RV. Be sure to test everything with your body before you buy.

Let's start at the RV entrance since you'll be frequently using this main, yet ofter overlooked, feature. Be sure the entrance is wide enough for you to easily enter and exit and make sure you don't hit your head on low overhanging cabinets. Make sure the steps are deep and wide enough to accommodate your feet. Can you easily open and close the door once inside, or do you have to stoop down in an uncomfortable position?Once inside sit on the furniture (all the furniture) and stay there for a few minutes. Do you like to nap on the couch? If so, stretch out and see if it “fits” your body. Notice where the television is located and make sure you will not need to go to the chiropractor from watching it sideways.Whether it is a dinette or a table and chairs be sure to sit at the table with your legs under the table. Do your knees hit a pole or the person across from you? Is the table at the correct height for comfortable eating? Are there electric outlets nearby in case you want to plug in your computer? Will the chairs be comfortable enough to play a few games of dominos with your friends? Can you easily reach the cabinets over the table?The galley configuration is driven by personal taste, but make sure you stand at the counter and pretend you are doing the dishes. Is there enough room for the dish rack? Is there enough counter space for food preparation? Are there enough electric outlets? Are the drawers full extension and is there enough room in them for your preferences? If a conventional oven is important to you, does it have one or does it use a combination microwave/convection oven. Make sure the refrigerator and freezer are large enough for your family. It can be difficult to replace a small refrigerator with a larger one after the RV is built, so be sure to get the right sized refrigerator when you purchase the unit.Moving to the bathroom it is important for you to actually take your shoes off and stand in the shower. Do you have enough room to turn around and is the spray nozzle located at a comfortable level? Actually lift the toilet cover lid and sit down. Is it too low or too high and is there clearance for your knees? Is the flush mechanism easy to reach and is the toilet paper dispenser in a good location?When it comes to the bathroom sink make sure it has enough counter space to accommodate you needs. Are the electric outlets conveniently located? Is the mirror at the correct level for doing hair and makeup or shaving? Can more than one person be in the bathroom at once?

Move the fancy pillows out of the way and lie down on the bed. Is it comfortable enough or will you need to replace the mattress. Close your eyes and pretend you are getting up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. Did you hit your head on the overhanging cabinets or stub your toe on the corner of the bed frame? Are the light switches easy to reach? If you're looking at a camper or a class B with an cab-over bed how easy is it for you to get in and out? Get in and out of bet a couple of times on each side to see how it feels. Next check out the closet space. Is it deep enough and wide enough to accommodate your clothing? If there are drawers are they full extension and are they deep enough for your needs?
Close all the curtains and day/night shades and turn on all the lights. Is there enough light for your comfort?

If you're looking at a motorhome try swinging the passenger and driver seats around converting them into living room furniture. This will open up the unit making it more comfortable. Sit in both the driver and passenger seats and operate the seat controls. Since you will be spending some time in these seats make sure you are comfortable! Motorhome seats can usually be moved several inches but will require drilling new holes in the floor. So, if your knees are too close to the dashboard check to see if you can move the driver seat back without conflicting with a slide-out or other obstacle.

There are other things you will want to check but the “fitting test” is critical to your comfort and enjoyment of the RV.

Finally go outside and go through the routine of connecting the hook-ups. Put on the sewer hose, pull out the electric cord and attach the water hose. Do you have to be a contortionist to get it all hooked-up? Lower the leveling jacks and in the case of a travel trailer operate the hitch jack. Are the storage compartments easy to use? Make sure everything passes the “fitting test' before you buy.

Helping you get the right “fit” for your RV – Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Flush the black tank slush with this RV innovation

Keeping your RV black tank in good shape is important. Thoroughly rinsing your tank after emptying will help keep it functioning properly.

If you don't keep your black holding tank cleaned out a buildup of sludge will slowly accumulate and eventually block the valve.

Rinsing is especially important if you plan on storing your RV for a while. If you don't rinse, the sludge will dry and become hard as a brick and you won't be a happy camper.

There are several options to assist you in this chore. You can permanently install a rinsing device that hooks to a garden hose and sprays the inside of the tank. The garden hose access is located on the outside of your RV so it makes rinsing very convenient. Another option is to use a hand held wand. The problem is you need to haul the hose into the RV in order to shove the wand down the toilet. It's inconvenient and frequently messy.Fritz Gillespie from Thousand Oaks, California came up with an alternate solution. He uses a length of 1/2 inch PVC with a quick connect hose connector on one end and a cleaning head attached to the opposite end. He made an easy access opening in his utility bay to insert this pole and thoroughly clean out his tank.

Fritz used a hole saw and drilled an opening into the top side of his black tank. He installed a stand pipe floor flange over the opening using sealant and four screws with washers (sealing each screw).Next he installed an inch and a half threaded nipple to the flange with a threaded end cap.

He made a cover plate from some plastic flat stock (you could use a plastic cutting board) and secured it with four screws.For the pole nozzle he used a glue on cap with holes drilled at an angle around the cap so the water squirts back toward the handle. When he extends the pole to the end of the tank the water jets flush the slush back toward the valve.He stores the long pole on a rack in one of his holding bays. Thanks Fritz for another great RVing idea!Helping you keep your RV squeaky clean - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Navigating parking lots with a big RV

My very first time out with our new 5th wheel we decided to stop at a Subway sandwich shop. Believing the parking lot was accessible behind the store I pulled in. It turned out to be a boxed in parking arrangement and I was stuck.

Mrs. Professor had to get out and guide me as I painfully and slowly backed out of the lot. I had to retrace my route backing onto a busy road in order to extract myself. We went down the road and found another sandwich shop with more suitable parking.

Another time we pulled the 5th wheel up to an overpass on our way to an RV park and discovered we were too tall to pull through without removing the airconditioner. It was a two lane road with a ditch on either side of the road. I had to back the rig into a 45 degree angle, disconnect the truck, drive around so the truck was pointing in the opposite direction away from the overpass, reconnect and pull away. While I was doing this I managed to back up traffic in both directions, but the other drivers were gracious and simply waited while I entertained them.

Even experienced RVers can sometimes find themselves in this kind of predicament. The best thing you can do is remain calm, take you time and extract your rig safely. Ask for help if necessary and always keep safety in mind. If you're driving a motorhome with a toad you may need to unhook. Be careful and don't allow anxious drivers to prod you into doing something unsafe.

The best strategy is to slow down and look before you pull into a parking lot. The first thing I look for is entryway road clearance. If there are gouges in the crown of the road and a low drainage combined with a steep driveway, I pass it by. The next thing I look for is if there is plenty of space to allow my rig safe passage. This Burger King parking lot passes with flying colors because not only is there ample space, there are also other RVs present telling me it's RV friendly.If you see commercial trucks at the establishment or other RVs it's a safe bet you can find a place to park and safely exit.Some new WalMarts have engineered the parking spaces so it's difficult to manuver a big rig between the planters, light poles and raised dividers. A quick scan of the parking lot for other large vehicles is your confirmation whether you can safely navigate this type of parking maze. Sometimes I've parked on the street in order to visit a store provided there was enough space on the shoulder to safely do so.

Parking in a WalMart I usually try to stay as far away from the main building as possible. I also find a nearby shopping cart and place it directly in front of my motorhome so someone won't park their Mini Cooper there.

I'm sure my readers have other useful hints to share with us about navigating parking lots with RVs. Please share your thoughts with us. Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RVing with the chickens

I've traveled all over North America and have seen thousands of wacky signs, statues and what some people call art.

As a frequent RV traveler, I've learned to appreciate seeing this stuff because it breaks up the monotony of the road and enlivens the conversation between myself and Mrs. Professor. We've seen monster pheasants, furniture, appliances and dragons on the side of the road. We've beheld "Billy loves Sue" written on the Bonneville salt flats and "Kilroy was here" on numerous rock outcroppings. We've seen giant lobsters, crabs and mermaids, modern art and decorated outhouses. They all make us smile and wonder about who made them and why.

Should mankind survive another two thousand years, what will anthropologists think when they dig up a giant rooster that once adorned a chicken shack? Will they think we worshiped chickens?

And how about those giant ice cream cones? Will they think they were yard ornaments or will they think we were preoccupied with food? One thing is for sure, we've got enough wacky stuff out there to keep them guessing for a long time.

We have fun talking about the funny signs and sculpture we see along the way. Enjoying these moments are the delight of the people of the road. There's no doubt about it, RVs are multidimensional fun machines.

Crowing about the fun of RVing - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RV heavy tread requires heavy tools

I've been using a tire pressure monitoring system by Mobile Awareness for over a year now and I'm grateful for it.

A few days ago I turned on the tire pressure monitoring system and noticed my driver side outside dually was at 74 pounds of pressure. I filled it up to 105 and the next day it was back down to 80 lbs.

I anticipated the usual suspects, a screw or nail in the tread, so I put some soak in a bottle and sprayed the tire looking for bubbles. I also sprayed around the stem and didn't see any bubbles emerging.I called out the local tire repairman and he also sprayed soap on the stem and discovered a very tiny slow leak. I decided to have him remove the tire and inspect the tread to make sure there were no embedded screws or nails.If you've never removed your dually tires there are a few things you should know. First, you should not attempt to remove a tire unless the coach is well supported and you have the right tools. These are big tires and require big tools like this truck size air powered impact lug wrench.Second, you need to know the threads on the driver side of the coach are left handed threads and are removed by rotating in a clockwise direction. They are the opposite of the threads on the passenger or curb side.Third, you need to remove the axle hub cap after removing a few retaining bolts.Finally, you need to respect the weight of these tires. Using a steel bar on the ground under the tire will assist in levering it off the axle.After removing the outside dually the inside tire is exposed. Notice I used a wooden ramp on the inside tire to raise the coach enough to remove the outside tire. This works great on a dually but what happens when a front tire goes flat? No problem, tire repairmen also carry a heavy duty pneumatic truck jack they can use for this purpose.

We checked the tread, sidewalls and bead with no indication of a puncture or other abnormality. The tire guy poured soapy water all over the tire inspecting it for emerging bubbles to make sure there were no small holes we failed to catch with the naked eye.

He tightened the metal air stem and remounted the tire with no problem since. It cost me $75 for the procedure, but it's well worth the peace of mind knowing the tire is in good shape.

Sometimes a road hazard will take out a tire and there really isn't anything you can do about it. If you have a tire pressure monitoring system it will alert you immediately of impending trouble. I prefer the monitoring system by Mobile Awareness because it monitors both air pressure and temperature. I love it because it gives me peace of mind about the condition of my tires as I'm traveling and even when I'm camped.

Large motorhomes do not normally come with a spare tire because they are large, heavy and cumbersome. Therefore, we depend on a quality roadside assistance provider for such a contingency.

While I'm on the subject of tires here is some advice about traveling south of the border. If you plan on traveling extensively in Mexico or further south you may want to consider carrying a spare tire (not the rim - just the tire). Many folks tie one on the roof rack of their tow vehicle. You will more than likely be able to get roadside assistance in Mexico and beyond, but finding a quality replacement tire may be more difficult. Having one at the ready will save you time and money.

Depending on the manufacturer you will need to replace your tires every six years (whether you have high miles or not). At the campground where I'm currently staying there are two rigs that were severely damaged by blowouts costing several thousand dollars in structural repairs. A tire pressure monitoring system would have paid for itself in both instances because they would have known to stop. Instead, because one was a 5th wheel and the other a travel trailer they continued towing their rigs after the blowout until they noticed smoke trailing behind and people honking and pointing. It can't be good when people are honking and pointing unless you just got married!

Treading carefully where tire safety is concerned - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RVers disappear from Quartzsite in 2009

For many years Quartzsite, Arizona has been a Mecca for winter RVers. One long time vendor at the Big Tent told me, “Ten years ago people were so thick you could smell the BO a block away. Not anymore, now you could shoot a cannonball through the middle and not hit anybody.”

I've visited Quartzsite for the last five years and can attest to the fact that things here have changed. Most old timers I talked with told me Quartzsite has lost its appeal and wasn't any fun anymore.

Speaking with the campground host at Hi Jolly BLM campground I learned RVers are still coming but not staying as long. He told me campers now stay only two or three days where in the past they would stay a full two weeks. He says the cost of sewer disposal and fresh water has gone up. He also reports the city is boosting revenue by handing out more $125 speeding tickets. I did notice two speed traps while traveling about town.

Quartzsite vendors complain rent prices have skyrocketed. They used to pay $150 a month for a patch of dirt and now it averages around $1000 or more a month (depending on the size of the dirt). One long time vendor estimates only half the vendor spaces were rented out this year.Don Lasley is a full time RVer and vendor whose store is called, “Lasley's Country Store.” They travel all over the country doing shows, flea markets and swap-meets. He says Quartzsite, “Has been going downhill for the last four years.” He reports that most vendors didn't do well at all this year and the business is, “Nothing like it used to be.”

Dave Skinner a vendor who owns his own building has been doing business in Quartzsite for 26 years. When he first started property taxes were $700 a year now they are $8,000. When I asked him if business was off, he replied that three years ago he was doing $3,000 per month in sales and now he's lucky if he does two to four hundred. The only way he is able to stay open is because he has a thriving mail order embroidery business. He knows many vendors who will not return next year.

What used to be a crowded marketplace is now largely deserted and the people who do meander by are not spending much money. I did discover a vendor selling a snake. Well..., it was a “Gummy” snake, but hey, it was a sale!Things started changing when the big RV dealerships bought up the property on main street. What used to be a sea of vendor stalls is now a slew of RV dealerships (many of which have gone out of business or are on the brink of bankruptcy). Because of the economy RV sales have dried up. It used to be that the Maytag repairman had the loneliest job in town, but now it's the RV salesman!

City Hall also started squeezing more money out of local businessmen by raising taxes and fees (ten times in the case of permits) and so helped to kill the goose that laid the golden eggs. So if only half the available spaces were rented this year, where did all the vendors go?

Many are still in Arizona but they have congregated at other places setting up shop like in Vicksburg, Arizona. I was here early in the morning before any vendors were open, but this is how the old time Quartzsite started.

It appears to me Quartzsite has lost it's luster and will continue to fade as time marches on. This former gold mine has played out and like many ghost towns of the old west will dry up and blow away with the tumbleweeds.

Prospecting for new RV gold – Jim Twamley, Professor of Rving

RVing at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

Today we toured Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in southern Arizona bordering Mexico. Winter is the best time to visit this national treasure because the daytime temperatures are moderate.

However, don't let the desert fool you, the nighttime temperatures drop rapidly and will catch you off guard if you aren't prepared.

In the U.S. you'll only find this wild cactus within an 80 mile radius of the park. The many branches rise from a base at the ground resembling the pipes of an organ.The Ajo Mountain Drive is a 21 mile one-way dirt road. Though somewhat bumpy and dusty, it's well worth the effort. This scenic drive will introduce you to the varied terrain of the Sonoran Desert as it takes you from the desert floor into the hills and back again. There are splendid stands of saguaro cactus, organ pipe cactus, chain-fruit cholla, prickly pear cactus, ocotillo and many other varieties of vegetation.Be sure to stop at the visitors center and pick up the printed tour guide (cost $1.00) before you take the drive. There are two good hiking paths on the route and the average time for the drive is two hours.

The scenery is fabulous including this natural bridge. There are four picnic areas along the drive so bring a lunch and enjoy this desert paradise. Birdwatchers will appreciate the many varieties of birds including the Gila woodpecker, phainopepla, black-throated sparrow, canyon wren, cactus wren, flicker, Say's phoebe and many more including a colorful variety of hummingbirds.

The scenic park campground overlooks Mexico and is surrounded by cactus of all varieties. There are no hook-ups but there is a dump station. The campsites are paved and include a table and BBQ. Water is available near each campsite and modern restrooms with flush toilets are provided.The spaces are designed to accommodate RVs up to 35 feet in length. There are some spaces which will handle 40 foot motorhomes and are available on a first come first served basis. Generator hours are 8:00 am to 10:00 am and from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Camping costs $12.00 per day plus $8.00 for a one week pass. If you have the Golden Access Passport the camping fee is $6:00 per day.

During the winter season they have evening campfire programs for your family enjoyment. This park is a gem and I highly recommend it. If you are planning on taking an RV trip down to the beach at Rocky Point, Mexico, you will pass through this park. Why not plan on spending a day or two at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument as part of your travel plans? You won't regret it!Out exploring this great country by RV - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Troubeshooting tip for truck and motorhome AC/heater controllers

RVs are wonderful platforms for exploring the open road in comfort. Climate control is an important feature in this regard, so when your coach AC/heater system doesn't function properly you won't be a happy camper.

I recently noticed the vacuum pump on my motorhome was running continuously. Since I was on the road and didn't want to troubleshoot the problem immediately, I merely disconnected the power wire to the pump until I had more time to track down the problem.

A couple of RV techs checked the system and told me I needed a new controller. I was losing vacuum and they thought it was in the control unit. So, I picked up another control unit at an RV salvage store and installed it. The new unit did not solve the problem, so it was back to the drawing board.
I turned on the system and using a pair of needle nosed pliers began pinching off individual vacuum hoses until I isolated the offending hose. Thinking I had a leak in the hose I was prepared to follow it all the way to the source checking the hose every 12 inches until I found the leak.I was surprised and relieved to find the problem was a simple fix. I traced the vacuum hose to the servo motor where it had become disconnected. I plugged it back in - problem solved.

I was working under my dash on another issue and must have disconnected the hose without noticing. A little detective work and thinking through the problem helped me find the solution.

Don't let RV problems get the best of you - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RVIA blindsided by bad economy

RVIA's vice president of administration Robert Bryan said, “The last quarter of '08 was the worst quarter we've had in history,” As I reported in, The good, the bad and the ugly for the RV industry in 2009, the RV industry suffered a 72.1% decline in November and now a 75% drop in December shipments.

Bryan went on to say, "I don't think that anyone could have anticipated what happened. And it really has little to do with the RV industry. It's the entire economy. The financial uncertainly is causing people to not buy anything. People are reluctant even to buy a loaf of bread."

He is correct that the situation has more to do with the overall economic collapse than with the RV industry itself, but he is absolutely wrong about being able to anticipate what happened. If RVIA had been reading my blog and paying attention to independent RV industry analysis's they would have clearly seen it coming back in 2007 and before.

Concerning RVIA's January strategic planning session he said, "There was a general consensus that the market will improve in the last half of 2009 and that 2010 will be a growth year. But we are looking at the future through cloudy glasses. It's frustrating because it's difficult to see down the road."

Allow me to help you with your vision problem: THERE WILL BE NO RV INDUSTRY RECOVERY IN 2009! In fact, there won't even be a recovery in 2010 or 2011. Let me repeat myself so new readers will have a reference point. There will only be a hand-full of RV manufacturers left when this economic depression is over. Will Americans still enjoy Rving? Certainly! There are thousands of great used RVs that will be useful until the economy picks up again. Is this a great country and will we survive this economic crisis? Absolutely! But, let's lay aside the happy spin that there's a recovery around the next corner. Let's be honest and admit we have a long and protracted journey ahead. There are no easy answers and certainly no “quick fixes.” This depression is going to last a lot longer than current thinking is projecting. The RV industry that emerges on the other side of this crisis will be much different than what it was in the past.What are my projections for the next RV manufacturers to fall? Country Coach, Monaco and Fleetwood with a few smaller companies thrown in the mix along the way. I'll keep you posted as the drama unfolds.

If you're wondering how I know all this stuff and am able to make such accurate predictions, its quite elementary. I'm in the field, I visit the factories, interview vendors and RV workers and I talk to real RVers each and every day. I'm not in the board-room, I'm on the scene. When you travel across America in an RV, you meet a lot of people and learn what is happening in each community you visit. It's not hard to put together a view of the future when you do this. Perhaps RV industry executives should get out of their offices and rub shoulders with ordinary RVers for a change.

Keeping your windshield clean so you can see the warning signs coming down the road – Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Source: RV Business “RVIA's Bryan: Last Year Waylaid by 'Dismal' 4Q” by Bob Ashley
The Professor does not hold financial positions in the companies mentioned above.