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Coleman oven:
Many thanks for printing our search request for a Coleman Oven. (See page 6, Issue 65)
We found one at Bucars RV in Calgary and have used it this past weekend for roast chicken and cinnamon buns - mmm good!
We really enjoy your magazine and wish you had more contributors from Alberta, but I'm sure they will come eventually.
Ron and Maxine Laughlin
Turner Valley AB
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Baja companions:
We are planning a motorhome tour of the Baja, leaving BC in mid January 1999. As this will be our first trip into Mexico with our rig, we would like to hook up with another rig or two who are familiar with the route, in order to share their info re campgrounds, etc.
Anyone who might be interested, or who could suggest a contact, we'd appreciate hearing from you.
Barb and Phil Rimell
250-762-3269
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RV TV Show:
I happened on a TV show dedicated to RVing. Here in Fort Langley BC, it's on Prime TV (Channel 48) and is supported by a web site: www.rvtv.com
It's a Canadian program and is very good.
The one I watched had information about working and RVing and about travelling in Quebec. It appears to be sponsored by KOA but that wasn't too intrusive.
Your readers may be interested to know about this.
Eileen M. Stephenson
Fort Langley BC
E-mail: eileens@portal.ca
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Book Recommended:
Love your magazine and anxiously await each new issue.
As snowbirds to Mexico for the past eight years, I would like to recommend the following book on campsites as the best I have ever seen.
It's Traveller's Guide to Mexican Camping by Mike & Terri Church (published in Washington State). It has a map showing how to find the entrance into each campsite (which can really be a challenge) as well as some GPS locations....written in 1997 so is fairly up-to-date.
Keep up the excellent job.
Geri Chase
Bowen Island BC
chaseonbowen@pacificcoast.net
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Any Boler folks out there?
We have just purchased a little fibreglass trailer made in 1974 by Glass Fab Industries, Peace River AB.
Our Boler is so cute and practical for us. I consider it an RV and when I was looking for parts last month, I picked up a copy of your RV Times. What a great magazine! I find it informative and interesting.
Sheila, do any of your readers know of a data base on Bolers? Is there an association or info group? I would like to hear from other Boler owners on maintenance and general info.
Terrie Binns
perraultbinns@bc.sympatico.ca
Kelowna BC
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Visa/Passport:
Snowbirds, the word on the streets is that before you cross into the USA, you better get yourself a Visa or Passport just in case because chances are you will not get in without one anymore. Seems laws are changing and rules are tightening as we speak.
If you like, phone your local border crossing location and ask them for the list of all the things you need to have documentation for when you cross into the States. You may be surprised at the number of items listed, but better to be prepared to avoid disappointment and a turn-back at the border.
Sheila de Groen
Victoria BC
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Adventure Camping:
Regarding gas verses diesel, I feel I have to get my two cents worth in.
I am on my third diesel tow vehicle and I am more than pleased with the performance and economy.
I know some campers dislike our noisy rigs. But then, some campers dislike generators too. Some even dislike noisy children laughing and playing in the campground. And don’t forget those who dislike other people’s pets because they leave doggy doo around, at some time or other.
Bet some people camp only in their back yards where they can have it all their own way. The rest of us like a little adventure!
Nick Morrie
Westbank BC
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Need Help:
My husband and I are planning a trip to the Yukon in 1999. We are needing help and hope your readers can be a source for us.
We are planing on renting an RV as we don't own one and don't feel we would use one enough to merit buying one. I still work, so time for travelling is scarce. Could your readers help us to ask the right questions so we make a good choice?
Also, we are planning to drive the Dempster Highway and would like to hear from others who have done so.
Thanks for your help. Your magazine is full of info. I pick it up at the local tourist info centre.
Wendy Burns
1552 Madrona Dr.
Nanoose Bay BC V9P 9C9
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Fold down camper:
We are currently driving a 1997 Chev. exten. cab, short box 4 x 4 Silverado with a 350 V8 engine and, as first time RVers, my wife and I are shopping around for a suitable camper.
Have looked at several hard side campers, e.g. Lance, Northern Lite, Columbia River, but keeping in mind our limitations, i.e. length, weight, and cost, we are also considering a fold down, or pop-up model, but are getting mixed signals from people regarding the latter.
We would therefore greatly appreciate and welcome comments, advice, from anyone as to the pro's and con's of the fold down (or pop-up) camper as opposed to the more conventional type of camper top.
Peter and Doreen Thompson
2899 Hemlock Drive
Nanoose Bay BC V9P 9G2
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Sleeper Beeper (please note that "Sleeper Beeper" is no longer in business):
We enjoy The RV Times and as new RV travellers gain a lot of knowledge from each issue.
We have an elderly friend whose wife does not drive and is most concerned as she has noticed her husband has dozed off a couple of times.
We were sure we have read in some magazine about a device that is used by trucker and believe it was called the sleeper beeper and fits behind the ear and when your head drops forward, it gives off an alarm.
Could any of your readers please advise where these can be purchased and the cost?
Thank you for any assistance you might be able to give and keep up the wonderful work you are doing to give interesting advice and information.
Harvey & Georgina Nielson
PO Box 353
Nelson BC V1L 5R2
(please note that "Sleeper Beeper" is no longer in business)
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Wind Deflector:
Does anyone have available information or test specifications regarding fuel economy when using a wind deflector on the tow vehicle?
My situation is: 1998 Jeep Cherokee which gets normally 600 kms per tankfull all around when towing a 5' x 8' cargo trailer which sits normally 12" higher than the jeep. At 90 mph the mileage was only 235 kms per tankfull.
If I invest in a 48" deflector (the trailer is 60" wide), would this divert enough air flow to save drags? If so, what could I expect to save in fuel economy? That way I can hopefully determine how long it would take to recover the cost of the deflector.
Another question is, what could be saved in wear and tear, i.e. what would the RPM be reduced by?
K. Stickel
White Rock BC
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Want Peggi's book:
When we were at the RV Show in BC Place in 1977, we attended a lecture/sales seminar conducted by Peggi McDonald on the "Do's and Don'ts" of RVing, etc. We purchased a copy at the time of her book and have since given it away to some friends.
We are now looking for another copy and we need the title and where to find one. We felt that you, if anybody, would know. Can you help us out?
Bill Wahl
Nanaimo BC
Bill,
Peggi's book is called Spirit of the Open Road and the info I have on it says to order it from the
Wayfarer Explorer RV Club
Box 45117, 2482 Yonge St
Toronto ON M4P 2H0
The price listed then was $19.21 (shipping, handling and GST included).
Sheila de Groen
Publisher of The RV Times
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MedicAlert:
Sheila, please allow me the chance to remind all RVers that if you have a medical affliction, it is to your benefit to wear ID.
If you become unable to speak for yourself in the event of a medical emergency, the MedicAlert's universally recognized bracelet or necklet could speak for you. One call to its toll-free emergency hotline, available in 140 languages, gives first responders and healthcare professionals access to a centralized database, containing your up-to-date medical information and personal contacts, anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day.
MedicAlert is a registered Canadian charity. For more information or to become a member, please call toll-free (Monday to Friday, 8:00AM to 7:30PM EST) 1-800-668-1507 throughout Canada or (416) 696-0267 in Toronto or visit MedicAlert's website at www. medicalert.ca.
Joan Scott
Regional BC Coordinator
Tel: 604-990-8360
Fax: 604-990-8361
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Stolen Camper:
Our 8'9" 1984 Vanguard pickup camper was stolen from the parking lot of the townhouse complex we live in here at Whistler during the night of August 11th.
It was almond colored with brown, orange and yellow stripes along the sides, a white painted roof with a white painted wooden roof rack, wood reinforcing under the jacks and along the lower edge and beige blinds. It had many miles on it but is sadly missed.
If any readers have any information on its whereabouts, we'd be really grateful if they would phone us at (604) 932-1282 or the Whistler RCMP at (604) 932-3044 - case number 98-4413.
We also wanted to draw other pickup owner's attention to the fact that they CAN be stolen. I guess a good safety precaution is to take the jacks off?
Also, readers should be really careful when they are thinking of buying a used one to ensure that it isn't a stolen one!
Any help would be much appreciated.
Susan Shaw & Graham Wake
gra_sue @ direct.ca
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Monoply:
A word of warning if you are traveling near Banff, Alberta.
Petro Can Banff has the monopoly on towing for BCAA, AMA and CAA. They own both businesses. According to the gentleman who towed us into Banff, BCAA said to tow us to Petro Can Banff. This station cannot handle big rigs and has no business towing them there. We were towed at 110 kms; we don't even drive that fast.
We were then placed over their gas holding tanks for six days. We could not even have our propane on.
They never looked for the problem for two days. The mechanic checked the fuel pump pressure and it registered 33 lbs. We were told we needed a new fuel pump and were quoted a price of $435.00 for the pump and $180.00 for labour. When they were done on the 6th day, we were charged $1,032.09. This was paid before we got our key back.
Our carpeting was black with grease and the new fuel pump registered the same 33 lbs.
Isn't it strange! According to a person at Petro Can, they had changed 56 fuel pumps that week.
T & J Kamada
Comox BC
Readers,
I asked Petro-Canada to look into this for me and reply:
Sheila, it is most unfortunate that Mr. and Mrs. Kamada were unhappy with the service they received at the Petro-Canada station in Banff. That particular station is one which has received many letters of thanks in the past for exceptional service, and we regret that the Kamadas were unsatisfied.
Petro-Canada does not own any towing companies, although the private owner of the towing company does manage the Petro-Canada station in town. In this case, the RV was towed to the Petro-Canada station because it broke down on a Friday evening, and Petro-Canada has the only repair shop open on Saturdays.
Anyone who has visited Banff knows how crowded and hectic the town is on a mid-summer weekend. All service stations are smaller than they are in urban centres, and there were several other travelers also stranded by broken-down vehicles that Saturday morning. While the staff worked to get people back on the road as quickly as they could, the Kamadas' RV was parked over the gasoline holding tanks because there was simply no other space big enough for a rig longer than 30 feet.
The problem with the RV was definitely the fuel pump, quite a common problem on that make of RV. It registered at 33 lbs. only because the engine was cool. When the engine heated, the pressure would drop. The new fuel pump fixed the problem. Unfortunately, there was a long delay for the Kamadas while waiting for the part to arrive, because the RV manufacturer had introduced a new wiring harness and relay for the fuel pump, and that piece of equipment was difficult to find in Canada. The original price quote had been given based on a stock price for a generic fuel pump, and the additional cost of acquiring and installing the wiring harness and relay caused the high repair bill.
Finally, the technician did walk through the Kamadas' RV with his boots on, so Petro-Canada paid for the cleaning bill on their carpet.
RV drivers are some of our best customers in Banff, and we take pride in offering them excellent customer service, in spite of the space limitations and other challenges, which are a normal part of doing business in a national park. I hope that the Kamadas' next traveling experience is much more positive for them than this one turned out to be.
Fred Scharf
General Manager
Sales and Distribution, Western Region
Petro-Canada
PO Box 2844
Calgary AB T2P 3E3
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Needing help:
Both my wife and I enjoy your RV Times and perhaps your readers could help us or make some suggestions.
We had intended to sell our "condo" about five years from now and with the equity buy an RV and travel to Mexico with the intention of trying to help some of the Mexican children, which as you know, can use clothing, books, toys, etc.
As luck would have it, the condo we bought three years ago turned out to be "leaky" and what was once worth $145,000 is now $103,000 with a $20,000 repair bill added, payable this year.
At the same time, my wife lost her business because she had a triple heart by-pass with on going complications and one year later I had to take a permanent disability pension. Unable to keep up with mortgage and repair bills, we are now facing foreclosure by January 5, 1999 and will be asked to leave shortly thereafter.
Now here is where your readers may be able to help. Sad as it is I know that many older RVers lose their license and can't drive their rig anymore. Most would probably sell them right away but many don't require the immediate cash, so they store them.
Perhaps we could buy one on a rent-to-own basis? It would have to be an older but still serviceable unit and be big enough for two people to live in permanently.
If your readers have any other ideas or require further information, they can reach us at 1-604-942-5455 or email at <glenn@towncore.com>.
So we will just sign off for now with a Happy New Year to you Sheila and to all RVers.
"Mexico or Bust"
Brenda and Wayne, BC
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US Exchange Rip Off?
Many of we Canadians that make short hops across the border do not convert our currency to US dollars before we depart. Except for some agencies, such as the US Post Office, almost every merchant accepts Canadian currency at or near the banks rate of exchange.
Last week's observation at the US Exxon Service Station in Tonasket (south of Osoyoos) suggests that we should be wary of exchange rates some vendors give.
Our bank rate was 66.8, but that service station set a 40% discount. This means they were giving us $.60 exchange. Because of the amount of gas I purchase, I always use VISA, so I wasn't affected by this rate. Had I paid for my purchase with Canadian cash, I would not have been made aware of their exchange rate until after I fueled up and entered the station to pay.
The clerk was very polite and said they got that rate from their bank. In any event she said that it was her boss who set the rate of exchange. I told her that the exchange rate was above .66 and that their rate sent me a message that either they don't want our business or else it is just a rip off.
There is no doubt that similar experiences may exist with US residents shopping here in Canada. A percentage or two may be acceptable but more than 6% is not.
Ron Kimak
a1a21412@bctel.ca
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I'm Mad!
It's happened again! I'm so mad I just have to write a "letter to the editor".
I was out walking with my dog today and almost stepped onto a long trail of black water that had been left by an RV'er leaving the park. The only thing that warned me off was the unbearable stench!
I've seen this time and again - people driving their RV's down the roads of our villages and on our highways with the sewer caps off and the valves to their black water tanks open.
It would be comforting to say this is accidental but I tend to think it's a deliberate act, done to get the residue out of the black water holding tank. I think if I've seen it a dozen times, it must happen a lot more than that.
This is not only a filthy thing to do to those who are left behind (or are behind you on the road) but it's unhealthy as well. There's a reason your body eliminates that waste and I sure don't want it in or on my body nor that of our children or pets.
There are many products on the market developed to assist you in cleaning your waste water tanks properly. You don't need to pollute our environment further in order to ensure your tank is empty.
Please - take a little better care of our world and have a little more respect for the people you share it with.
Eileen Stephenson
Fort Langley BC
eileens@portal.ca
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Truckstop Directory Info:
For your readers who were asking where to obtain a directory of Canadian truck stops that welcome RVers, may I suggest "The RVer's Friend" (1998), the North American Diesel/Parking Directory from the Trucker's Friend, which has over 5,500 RV accessible diesel and service locations in the USA and Canada.
This directory has been published yearly in Florida since 1995. Each truck stop is listed by province or state with the exact location on accompanying maps, highway access, listing all fuels, describing parking lot size and whether it is paved, if restaurant is open 24 hours, has men and women's showers, if a Wal-Mart/K-Mart, shopping centre, grocery store, motel are nearby, if there is a laundry, ATM, truck/bus wash, major diesel and CB repairs, heavy duty towing and road services, dump station and many other amenities and of course, the most important column lists at which ones are RV's welcome (overnight parking allowed).
This directory is $9.95 plus $3.00 postage payable in US funds. It is published by TR Information Publishers, P.O. Box 476, Clearwater, FL 33757. I find it easier each year to just call 1-800-338-6317 and pay with a credit card. Within a week the directory arrives in the mail. Their office hours are 9:00 to 5:00, Monday-Friday, Eastern time or three hours ahead of BC time. For further information, one can check out their website: www.truckstops.com.
Hope this is helpful to your readers. As a frequent user of truckstops while travelling, this is one directory I personally would never want to be without.
Valerie Madden
vmadden@bc.sympatico.ca
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Credit Card Usage:
A few weeks ago I returned from a cross country camping trip and had a couple of camping experiences that may be of interest to your readers.
I pulled into a gas station in Saskatchewan and filled my tank. When I tried to pay for it with my MasterCard the clerk informed me the transaction was not accepted. You can imagine my embarrassment. Not only had I never been late since the M/C helps themselves to my account once a month (in full). There was still hundreds of dollars of credit available.
Fortunately I had my bank card with me and some cash, but I could have been stuck at night in a small American town without any other means of paying for my purchase, especially gas since once in the tank I had better pay for it.
I made my way to Moose Jaw where I looked up a branch of Canada Trust (my bank) and asked a staff member to check the monitor. She told me that there was a security block on the card, but had no idea why since there was still credit available, my credit was good, the card had not been reported stolen, missing or cancelled by me. I was advised to call London M/C and demand an explanation. I was told, they were "concerned about the gas purchases for the prior three days" (perhaps about $50.00). I explained that driving across Canada it takes gas especially when you drive across the Prairies all day long.
Anyway the gist of this letter is to warn other holders of MasterCard, that even with a good credit rating and funds available and without any report of misuse, MasterCard can strand you anywhere at any time, so I would suggest --- travellers have other means of payment!
Allan Gunding
Vancouver BC
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Award Trailers:
Linda Wilmot of Lethbridge AB at <wilorsg@telusplanet.net> asked:
Could you please tell me of any dealers in Alberta handling Award Trailers? I have seen several lately and think they look interesting. Any info you can give would be appreciated.
Jim Lister of Cobourg ON at <jim.lister@sympatico.ca> replied:
About the Award trailers.
The Diels, Linda and Raymond, were involved with ABI and the manufacture of the Award trailers. In fact, Raymond was the Production Manager. When ABI closed, the Diels established a little business to try and help Award owners with advice and finding the special components needed for the trailers. The business has since grown into a fully equipped service and resource centre staffed with ABI trained technicians. The last rumour that I heard was that they were looking at possibly manufacturing the trailers again.
For more information they can be contacted at:
Diels Distribution & Service,
291 Young Road, RR 8,
Dunnville, ON N1A 2W7
Phone: 905-774-9351
Fax: 905-774-4607
Readers,
I contacted Diels Distribution asking them what was happening and received a 3 page reply.
They basically say YES they are back in production but are not selling through the dealers at this point:
"The summer of 1996 saw the inception of Diels Distribution, a company formed to support both the owners and dealer network with AWARD parts, service and technical support.
Diels Distribution has now opened a separate comany, Award Recreational Vehicles Inc. who are manufacturing recreational vehicles under the AWARD name.
Initially the AWARD product is primarily being sold through a factory direct program. The consumer is able to order a custom built product that meets their specifications and needs. The units are individually built one at a time. This allows us time to maintain strict quality control standards as we value quality over quantity.
Award travel trailers are produced from 23 ft to 34 ft. They can sleep up to seven people however the floorplans are mostly designed to accommodate two people who are traveling on extended trips. Pricing starts at $37,000 Cdn."
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"Snowbirding" in BC:
Sheila, with our Canadian dollar taking such a beating in relation to the US dollar, it behooves us to be considering alternate places rather than Arizona, Southern Calif., or Mexico to spend some of the winter months.
Can you tell me where in BC, (such as on Vancouver Island perhaps or elsewhere), one could find a location that experiences virtually no subzero (Celsius) winter weather? I had heard that around Courtney or Duncan the winters are quite mild, but would like your expert opinion on that, particularly since you, Sheila, have apparently lived on the Island for quite some time.
Although the high teens to mid-20's one finds in the US sunbelt in winter is very nice, we Prairie folk can probably also survive in anything above zero if need be. I'd appreciate your advice, or the advice of your readers as well.
Vic Stobee
Edmonton AB
vastobee@freenet.edmonton.ab.ca
Readers,
I sent this query along to a number of advertisers and Vic received this reply from Fort Victoria RV Park:
Mr. Stobee,
We have been forwarded a copy of your inquiry to The RV Times regarding our local climate. We personally cannot speak for the whole Island but can let you know that Victoria warmed by the Pacific Ocean and protected by coastal mountains, enjoys the mildest temperatures year-round in Canada. While we do occasionally get snow, it is a rare event and doesn't last long. Last year for example it didn't even snow once, other years have. Here is a link to the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce weather page giving the specifics with average temperatures. http://www.gvcc.org/~chamber/climate.html
Hope this helps you, and may we suggest that you look over our web site for any additional information regarding our RV Park and facility. If there is anything else we can help with please feel free to ask.
Kathy Knight
Reservation Desk
Fort Victoria RV Park
340 Island Highway 1A
Victoria BC Canada V9B 1H1
Tel: 250-479-8112 Fax: 250-479-5806
Email: info@fortvicrv.com
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Generators:
I wonder if your BC Question of the Month gent can give me some advice on generators.
I have been considering buying a gasoline, diesel or propane generator to run my oil fired hot air furnace and fridge in case of another ice storm like last year.
I see Onan has a 2500 watt LPG unit called the MicroLite 2500 LP. My idea is to connect it directly to my two 400 lb propane tanks which now power my fireplaces and cooking range.
Does this sound like a crazy idea? Gasoline has a shelf life of only one year at most, and diesel would require installing a 100 gallon tank outside.
Another thing, since these units operate in motor homes, could it be installed in my basement and run a heavy exhaust pipe to the outdoors?
What could such a unit cost in New Brunswick and where would I buy one? I've sent inquiries to a couple of places already without any response. Sure would appreciate Bob's input.
P. Landry
cavepepl@nbnet.nb.ca
Bob's response:
Welcome to the west coast of Canada.
Sorry I can't give you specifics on your question other than to say that my preferences would be towards a propane unit seeing as you already have lots of propane available. I would strongly suggest it be installed by someone qualified in propane generators. The size you list sounds just about right. It would definitely make a good back-up unit. One drawback could be that if you do get an ice storm and the power goes out you will become the most popular person in the area.
I have a 5.5kw gas unit on my motorhome and it can run the fridge, two air conditioners and a microwave with no trouble at all.
The manufacturers that you list are all very reputable. If you have a Cummings distributor in your area give them a visit as they are handling the Onan unit and can fill you in on all the specs.
Good luck in your hunt and please let us know what the outcome of your venture is.
Bob Martin
cartin@istar.ca
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What Am I Going To Do?
Me thinks I've made a mistake! Mr. Jackson thinks my truck is a myth. Mr. Lesyk doesn't like it's odours and noise. And Mr. Reid figures it just won't hack it. WELL!
We purchased a '91 Dodge/Cum. a year ago. We pull a 29 ft. Terry T.T. We've done Sun Valley and back, down south for about 8,700 miles, and we just did 8,200 miles up to Alaska and return, with nary a complaint! And we've hauled up some pretty good hills, 11.5 miles out of Skagway, all uphill. Not as speedy as Mr. Reid, but we also made the top.
Mr. Jackson forgot to tell Mr. Lesyk that his truck is rated at 12,000 lbs., not 17,500! It's like hitchin on another 25+ ft. trailer. I was really flabbergasted at Murray's story. I thought he would have known there's not much you can do to a horse to make it go faster, but to take off some weight. And me thinks he really got carried away - to no avail. The newer turbo's at 200+ hp will do better than the 160 hp (as Murray stated earlier).
Mr. Lesyk feels my truck has "disturbing effects" and wants more emphasis placed on them. Why would anyone want to emphasize something that is disturbing? RV parks don't allow generators because they have power. C'mon Wait, you gotta get real! These "things" are here forever! And the noise and smell produced are no worse than the din and stink in downtown Vernon!
Mr. Reid should really slow down and "smell the roses". Perhaps you "beat" your friend to the tops of the hills because he was breaking in his new truck. Or perhaps he was just enjoying the scenery. If you "outpulled" your friend by 25 minutes, I suggest they stopped for coffee. And as another complainer of "noisier and smellier", I refer you to above.
Anyway, to each his own, and you'all have a good trip!
Oh yes, our Alaska trip averaged 16.9 MPG, a lot of miles on Campbell, Dempster (the best road in the north!) and Dalton gravel. A lot of paved road up north is in bad shape and rough to ride on, including the Alaska. The scenery makes it worthwhile. The best – up the Dempster, again.
Jack Greenwood
South Surrey BC
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Previous Issues' Letters:
RV Times 65 Sept. Oct. 98
RV Times 64 July August 98
RV Times 63 May June 98
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Alternator:
I just had an incident happen with the alternator failing on my 1994 GMC 2500, and maybe someone can save some expensive repairs if they can learn from my experience. Fortunately, I was at home in Salmon Arm, BC and able to go to a local electrical repair shop (Rob at Shuswap Rebuilders) where I had dealt before and trusted.
Rob was ever so helpful and allowed me to observe the repair as it progressed, explaining as he worked. It was very interesting for me, as I am a licensed mechanic but a lot has changed in charging systems in the 20 years plus, since working at the trade.
In attempting to figure out the cause of the failure, one of the probable causes of my problem began with a poor battery in the trailer. It would discharge very quickly and when towing the trailer the alternator would have to put out maximum amperage to recharge it.
Another cause could have been when boosting another vehicle, I had not turned my engine off when they attempted to start their engine.
Rob suggests when boosting, let your engine run for a few minutes to put some charge into the dead battery, but before attempting to start the other engine turn your ignition off. The reason for this is that when the sudden load from trying to start the stalled engine hits the charging system in your vehicle and with the engine running, it instantly puts your alternator to maximum output, and could cause serious damage. Be sure the cables are connected red to positive and black to negative posts. Never cross these connections or damage to the alternator could result.
The alternators in new vehicles, especially tow vehicles and motorhomes, are able to charge at over 100 amps. Along with the sudden surge of power, the heat build up can burn out all kinds of expensive stuff in the alternator, and also they have been known to catch fire.
Rob told me that, for the most part, the alternators installed in today's vehicles are not designed to recharge dead batteries, only to top them up after starting, supply enough for the accessories and maintain a full charge.
If you happen to be the one being boosted, be sure to follow the same rules, as there could be permanent damage to the other vehicle.
In the event there is no other way of charging your battery(s), other than with the engine running, let it idle (alternators do not put out maximum power at idle) and open the hood to allow as much air to circulate as possible, and if possible do it in stages.
David Hagel
Salmon Arm BC
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Northern Canada travel:
After almost five and a half months of travelling through northern British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories and northern Alberta, it is so nice to have unlimited access to the Internet (while parking in my son-in-law's driveway).
By trying out a DOS game that corrupted many of my files, I lost a lot of portable/laptop capability. Because of limited storage space in our 20-year-old 7.2 m Class C, I hadn't brought the CDs and diskettes needed to reinstall lost programs. Fortunately my $15/year e-mailbox is independent of any and all Internet Service Providers. Public libraries in all locales except NWT did allow me to access and read my mailbox, by changing their SMTP and POP3 addresses. But I seldom had time to write long missives.
I really enjoyed the latest RV Times website: <www.rvtimes.com>. Like my wonderful wife, it has matured beautifully.
Your latest issue indicated that a lot of people are heading for Mexico instead of southern USA because of the financial exchange rate. Good for them, but I suspect if they don't drive far enough south they won't save a lot because many northern Mexican campgrounds charge in US dollars at a rate similar to what is charged in USA.
Next summer, I suggest that Canadian RVers would truly enjoy travelling North of Sixty, especially to the Yukon and, for those with a little more time and/or adventure, on the fabulous Dempster Highway.
Forget about those years-old horror stories about the Alaska Highway which, by the way, is 80% in Canada. It was always pretty, occasionally scenic, but often produced monotonous driving.
In 1998, from those who travelled west of Tok, AK, (we didn't), we heard that Canada's portion is in better condition than the Alaskan portion. We can personally confirm that the same is definitely true for the Top of the World Highway. Much of Canada's Alaska Highway that we drove on is covered in unbroken asphalt with wide shoulders. Even in most construction zones we drove through, we could have maintained 70 k/h. My two spare tires were unused.
That is not to say there aren't challenges. Bring along insect repellent. We didn't use ours, other tourists ran out. Do bring both summer and spring/fall clothing; temperatures can change amazingly quickly.
Liz and I crawled along at a comfortable 80 k/m which allowed us see much and to stop on a loonie to take pictures of rarely seen animals. Many locals or tourists drive too fast. When they passed us turtles or when they zoomed by us on the other side of the highway, we were in danger from flying stones, even on asphalt. We did acquire a windshield star, and I saw one Class A that had a baseball-sized spider web directly in-line with the driver's line of sight.
If you always want to drive a clean vehicle, don't go North. But if you do, bring along a soft brush, a squeegee, and a bucket or a 12V/110V water pump and a couple of 15 m hoses. Use lake or creek water to wash off kilos of sandy silt that will inevitably find a place on your vehicle(s) whenever you drive on gravel or construction during or immediately after a rain fall. Also bring along a vacuum cleaner to suck up many grams of dust that will seep in whenever a week of 30+0C sunny weather turns gravel to airborne silt.
Sheila, shortly I'll send you a couple of draft articles from our next book. Hopefully they will entertain and perhaps convince at least one reader to go North for the first time.
John Plaxton
http://ogopogo.com/rving
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Roadside:
This is a short story that I truly hope is unique.
First of all I'd like to say "Hello" to all the RV's that, having no choice, passed me by on Sunday, September 13, 1998. I'd also like to say "Hi!" to the little blond who was driving a big tractor/trailer rig out of Prince George. She was kind enough to laugh at me as she worked her way past my predicament. I could see the humour, in a sad sort of way, so I laughed right back.
Most people who have driven the Fraser Canyon Highway will be familiar with the stretch of road about 14 miles north of Lytton, and 25 miles south of Spences Bridge. You know the spot, where as you proceed north you dip under the railroad bridge and snake your way through several bends, the embankment walls rising almost straight above you, and the cement blocks between you and the river? The stretch where it seems there isn't enough room for both you going north and the big rig coming south? Well, that was me you saw parked there, and I assure you, we hadn't stopped for supper!
Can you believe that just as I passed under that railroad bridge I lost all engine power in a 33' Class A, dinghy towing a car with canoe on roof? Can you imagine what it is like to steer and brake such a rig when the power is gone? Well, as luck would have it I managed to coast into the tiniest dent in the embankment, with only a couple feet of the car projecting out into the road. You can picture the excitement as I rushed to put out flares at the southern blind corner, then frantically unhooked the car and got it driven down the road a piece until a decent, but only car-sized pullout appeared.
Then it was back to the RV to fire up the generator and hook up the little 6 amp charger to the vehicle battery. Then came several hours of charging the battery (as the trucks jockeyed to get past me when two of them met at the same spot!) until I was finally able to fire up and move down the road to a garbage can pullout, where we spent the night. And here is where I say "Thanks" to the Good Samaritan surveyor from Victoria who drove me back to get my car.
Daylight next morning revealed that we had shed the serpentine belt that drove the alternator and a few other things. So, while the RV generator continued to charge the battery I drove my car up to Cache Creek where I got a belt, then back to the RV, hooked up, fired up, and off to Merritt where I knew there was a GM dealer and the road was quieter.
What a stressful trip that was, expecting the engine to conk out any minute and desperately looking ahead for places to pull off. Well, the battery held until we made Merritt and the story ends when the GM dealer there immediately came out to where we stopped (but couldn't get started again) and installed the belt for me. Many "Thanks" there as well.
You can be sure that I now have a spare belt, I will be carrying a larger (i.e. faster) battery charger in the future, and I'm going to try to learn how to install the belt myself.
Like I said at the beginning, I hope this story is unique, as nobody should ever have to stop along that stretch! It was also a good thing that I am a native BC’er, cause if I had been from Saskatchewan there would have been need for either a hearse, or an ambulance, or toilet paper at best!
Smiles.
Norman E. Alexander, Surrey BC
normalex@istar.ca
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Humour
A married couple are on holidays in the Middle East. They're touring around the marketplace looking at the goods and such, when they pass this small sandal shop. From inside they hear a gentleman with a local accent say: "You, foreigners, come in, come into my humble shop. Salaam a leeke!" (Hello in English.)
So the married couple walk in. The shopkeeper says to them "I have some special sandals I think you'd be interested in. They make you wild at sex like a great desert camel."
Well, the wife after hearing this is really interested in buying the sandals, but her husband feels he really doesn't need them, being the sex god he is. The husband asks the man, "How could sandals make you into a sex freak?"
The shopkeeper replies "Just try them on!"
Well, the husband, after much badgering from his wife, finally concedes to try them on. When he put them on, he got this wild look in his eyes, something his wife had not seen in many years – raw sexual power. In a blink of an eye, the husband rushes the shopkeeper, throws him on a table and starts tearing at the guy's pants. All the time the shopkeeper is screaming "You've got them on the wrong feet!"
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Watch this "Shortcut":
Having toured Nova Scotia, I decided to sail from Yarmouth to Bar Harbor in the state of Maine.
When I arrived at the port to catch THE CAT, operated by an outfit called Bay Ferries, unfortunately there was no sight of that hi-tec vessel. It seems it had hit an obstacle and was being repaired on the other side. The firm did not seem to have a back-up vessel and the harbour staff had no idea when the catamaran would be sea worthy again.
Some Americans told me they had been stranded for a couple of days. I myself had to spend money on accommodation and food as well as wasting a whole day of my vacation. I heard of nobody being put up by the ferry people in motels, etc.
So what I had to do was to wait till the next day and catch a more reliable means of conveyance, namely the Prince of Funday. Mind you it takes 11 hours to Portland Maine but it is worth it since you can reckon on getting there. When I travelled in July, cars were half price on Wednesdays. The ferry trip does save you a lot of driving miles.
Allan Gunding
Vancouver BC
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Shipping to Europe:
For all the readers wanting to know about shipping their vehicles to Europe, the company I used is "Rail-A-Car" based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Toll free number is 1-800-387-9000.
They used a 20 ft container for our VW Jetta. The price was about $1,500 Canadian plus another $500 port handling fee on arrival in Bremerhaven, Germany.
If they don't work out for you there are lots of other companies that ship cars and trucks. Check your Yellow Pages under Automobile and Truck Shipping. I know that some American companies offer a return rate that may work too.
From people I talked to, the cost of shipping a trailer is going to be much more than a truck. You might be able to get a bigger container that will accommodate both. If you opt for Roll On-Roll Off, the contents of your trailer may suffer theft.
As far as insurance goes, AAA does offer a good package. We did not take it because of the difference in Canadian and US dollars. In retrospect it might have been better to use AAA because we ended up paying 200 German marks per month for 3rd party liability only.
Lary Hansen
European Camping Adventures
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Washington Parks:
Thank you for a most informative magazine which I read cover to cover!
Recently my husband and I stayed overnight in a Washington State Park and there we learned that the Governor of Washington State is going to close down 42 parks in that State as of July 1, 1999!
Even though he stated that they have 51 million visitors every year, apparently this doesn't cover costs. Many Canadians visit their parks and recreation campsites year round and I was wondering if this information was generally known and what the response is.
It seems a shame that raising overnight fees was not even considered. A $2 raise per night fee would bring in quite substantial revenue to cover their losses and keep the parks open. If it happens in Washington State, will it happen here?
Should anyone be interested in writing, here are two addresses:
Gov. Gary Locke
Washington Legislature,
Olympia, WA 98504-2650
Or
Cleve Pinnix, Parks Director
Washington Parks & Recreation
PO Box 42650,
Olympia, WA 98504-2650
Daphne Sanderson
djsanders@direct.ca
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Lake Chapala, Mexico:
I read an interesting article in the latest Canadian MoneySaver magazine about Lake Chapala, Mexico, and thought it might be interesting to do the snowbird thing there. However, upon checking with the local Alberta Motor Association maps discovered that there are almost no campgrounds between the US border and Lake Chapala although I understand there is a trailer park in Ajijic (one of the towns along the north shore of L.C.).
Have any of your readers taken that trip? I'd be interested in hearing from them about the logistics...insurance, camping fees, toll-road fees, etc etc. (The author of the Moneysaver article suggested that one should cross into Mexico at McAllen, Tx and then head down to L.C. via Guadalajara, but he himself is not an "RVer", so is not likely up-to-date on the details we'd want to know about.)
Any info your readers can provide would be of interest.
Vic Stobee
vastobee@freenet.edmonton.ab.ca
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