|
Send your letters by EMail to Sheila@rvtimes.com, or by surface mail to 488 - F Bay Street Victoria, BC, V8T 5H2
On-Line: |
We have taken some of the most popular topics, and grouped those letters together on separate pages. This is called the "Tips and Letter Archive" page.
There you'll find letters on |
 |
|||
| Surcharge discriminatory:
Mr. Edward Dye’s letter was right on! (Called Surcharge for towed vehicles, Issue, 81 page 12.) We went "up-Island" mid-April and stopped at the Elk Falls Provincial Park and were shocked when told that we had to pay not only for our motorhome, but another 50% for a little Suzuki which is our towed vehicle. When we complained, we were told that we could park the vehicle beside the main highway outside of the park gates for free! Yeah- Right!!! By the time you receive this we will no doubt have a different Provincial Government. We feel that all RVers who tow a motorized vehicle should petition the new Minister of Parks in Victoria. Maybe if inundated by letters, something may be done about this discriminatory fee. This situation will not sit well with tourists. As for we native British Columbians, isn’t this the kinder and gentler Province where equal rights are held sacred? Apparently not in this case! We see this as discrimination. We urge you to protest. Don & Janet Strang Extra Fee for Toads: Do you know that BC parks expect people driving motorhomes and pulling a car or truck to pay an extra one half of the campground fee? Do you feel that is fair to people in motorhomes who pull toads? Do you feel it is fair that people driving a truck pulling a fifth wheel pay one rate and people in a motorhome pulling a car or truck pay another rate that is one half again higher? (i.e. In a campground with a fee of $12.00 the truck and fifth wheel will pay $12.00 and the motorhome towing the car or truck will pay $12.00 plus an extra $6.00 for the car or truck.) Perhaps you should advise your readers of the discriminatory and illogical policy that BC provincial parks has in place before they travel through or to BC so they can seek alternative accommodation! It can be quite a surprise after reading the sign that says $12.00 only to learn at 8 pm after you are all settled in for the night when the attendant comes to collect that they also want $6.00 for your car or truck. The sign certainly does not make it clear that a towed car or truck will cost you an extra half of the regular rate. The names and numbers of management at BC Parks that we have had contact with and who have confirmed this fact are as follows: Rob Bressette, John Furney Apparently they wanted to make the definition of a camping party reflect the number of vehicles. Their main reasoning on the motorhome versus trailer is that the motorhome can get to the campground under its own power and the trailer can’t. We believe that once you get to the campground the primary use of a motorhome is the same as the trailer - to park, live, sleep, cook etc. and the truck that tows the trailer or the car or truck that is towed by the motorhome is used to drive to the store or a local tourist attraction or whatever. So why this rather odd and unique distinction by BC Parks? Nowhere else that we have traveled in North America have we been charged extra for towing our car! This definition of a "provincial park camping party" does not seem "easier to understand and more equitable" to us! (See page 62 RVT 80) Kim Sturgess Rogers & Wayne Rogers Campground gone: Just a short note to let fellow travelers that are headed to Northern BC and Alaska know that the Cache Creek Campground, two miles north of Cache Creek BC is no longer there. There is however another campground in Cache Creek and it is located about one mile east on the Trans Canada Highway. It is called the Brookside and it is open and will accommodate big rigs. Further north on Highway 97 there is the Lakeview about 20 miles and then one at each end of town in the town of Clinton about 30 miles North of Cache Creek. I hope this helps RVers. Don Bowman Insurance info needed: We would like to purchase on-line auto insurance for Guatemala. Any info would be appreciated. G. Chase Need cartoon ideas:: Will all RVers with an interesting and especially humorous story about on-the-road living, who would like to see it in a cartoon, please drop a note to "Embers©" care of Johnny Chinook, through email at elmo@telus.net. John McDonald Travel Club: We would like to know if anyone in Prince George and surrounding area is interested in forming an RV travel club, taking trips around the area, fishing, etc. It could be lots of fun. If interested, please phone 250-563-1611 or e mail us at farnorth@telus.net. Jean and Sam Jones Re Fish Smell: Folks, thanks for the responses. (Letter to Editor, page 21, RVT 81.) I ended up using silicone in the cracks and soda. It’s good now, but for how long? Ted Bartrim Star Choice: I would like to know if anyone was able to pick up the Star Choice satellite in the southern USA this winter? If so, where were you and what were the elevation and azimuth settings? Dave Lacoursiere Unhappy: As I understand it, BC Parks new definitions mean two adults in a truck towing a trailer will pay $18.50, and two adults in a motorhome towing a car will pay $27.50. Motorhome campers must be able to go shopping and enjoy the sights without this penalty! Lynda LeBounty Re Article in RVT 80, March/April 2001: Sheila, I take exception to one of John Plaxton’s opening remarks, quote "This is the only highway that crosses the border between British Columbia, Canada and Alaska U.S.A." What about the highway from Haines Junction, Yukon to Haines, Alaska? This highway crosses the border between BC and Alaska. And the highway between Carcross, Yukon and Skagway, Alaska. This highway also crosses the border between BC and Alaska. John, I believe your statement should be qualified. Bryan K. Christensen Fantastic Fan Cover: We own an eight foot camper with a Fantastic Fan in the roof. We would really like to protect it from the elements with a Maxx Air Vent Cover, specifically with the FanMate model which the manufacturer says is especially made for these fans. The Fantastic Fan manufacturer says they do NOT recommend using a vent cover. We would appreciate hearing if other readers have vent covers over their fans and if they would recommend it. Dave and Sandi Burns Product recommendation: We will be making our tenth trip to British Columbia this year, so we enjoy your magazine very much. I purchased a EAZ-LIFT hitch and sway bar in 1997 and I am very pleased with its performance. On a recent trip, over the very rough Campbell Highway in Alaska, I lost a spring bar off the hitch. I ordered a replacement from EAZ-LIFT so I could continue the good performance from the product. I received a replacement and a note that there was no charge for the new bar. I would recommend this product for good performance and unbelievable good service after the sale. Jim Martin Weather seals: I am trying to locate a repair shop that will have a weather seal for a1988 Hitchhiker 5th wheel slide-out. Dave Garland Dave, There are really only two or three different kinds of rubber seals used around RV slide-outs that I know of. Any RV dealership with a repair shop should be able to supply what is needed . . . or could order it in for you. Murray J. Jackson Dave, I suggest you send a sample or a very detailed drawing showing both dimensions to Fraserway RV in Clearbrook, attention to Abe in their parts department. They have the best in-house stock and selection of these seals. They are at 31631 South Fraser Way, Clearbrook BC V2T 1X8 Brian Yeates Service above and beyond: Just wanted to pass along our experience of a "above and beyond" manufacturer. Some years ago we purchased a Tekonsha brake commander and used it on two previous vehicles. Last month we purchased a new vehicle and planned on using the same brake commander, but found the wiring harness was not compatible with our GMC. We contacted Tekonsha to determine what we could do to wire the controller to our new pickup. To make a long story short, he told us to throw away the original controller and the company would send a replacement one at no cost!!! It was great to have such service and to find a company that would stand behind their product for so long of a time! Doug & Penny Brownlie Re LPG Conversion, page 8, RVT 80: Re your letter in the March/April issue. We have a similar unit (1978 Security with HO 400 engine). I converted it to LPG using the Mogas Fuel System equipment (www.mogassales.com) at a cost of US $1100. I am not sure what the regulations are in the UK in regards to the installation of LPG equipment, but in Canada one needs to be a certified (TQ) installer by law. A vehicle can only be licensed if it holds a certificate. You will need to check out the law in the UK. I would also suggest that the tanks and filling apparatus be purchased locally so the proper items are installed. If you can satisfy the above, the system is readily available at the noted price plus freight. Lee Dennill Open House invite: Harrison Holiday Park is having an OPEN HOUSE, on July 13, 14, & 15 from 9am to 4pm daily. Sheila, we would like to invite all your readers who are interested in seeing the amenities and activities we have to offer to come visit us. There will be guided park tours, area attractions, RVs and accessory displays, as well as refreshments and membership information services for those who are interested. If you are looking for a hassle free, uncrowded, easy-to-get-to camping experience, then you will be amazed at what we have to offer. Harrison Holiday Park is located just past the Welcome to Harrison Village sign on Highway 7. The world famous Festival of the Arts is also on that weekend in Harrison, so visitors can plan a full day of activities.
Appreciation: Last September we bought a used 1997 Triple E Senator Class C Ford E350 V10 motorhome from Ambassador Motorhome and Recreational Services Ltd. in Delta BC. My wife and I like the layout and the size of the unit. It was our first own little rig and it didn’t take long before we were on the road to Mexico. Everything seemed fine until we turned on the air conditioning and instead of cold air, heat came out. Over $1,000 later, and a lot of inconvenience, we continued our trip. After four months, on our way home we discovered damage from a small previous waterleak which had to be fixed after our return. When we came home, Ambassador reimbursed us for the repair on the air conditioner, and they fixed the water damage at no charge. We have the impression that customer satisfaction has a high priority at Ambassador and we are very satisfied with how they handled our situation. Karl Schneider Red River West Metis Rendezvous: Date: July 5 – 9, 2001, Location: Victoria Fish & Game Club, 700 Holker Place, Malahat Drive, HWY #1 north of Victoria BC. A Four Day Event Open to Everyone, a Metis Cultural and History Festival that creates an awareness of Metis music, dance and dress along with evening campfire entertainment. Enjoy the circle of teepees and tents exhibiting traditional beadwork, carving and crafts. Metis genealogy and old-time blacksmithing will be in progress for the duration of the Rendezvous; plus traditional games, knife and tomahawk throwing, black powder shooting, and story telling are a few of the events for the whole family to participate in or just observe! Entrance is by donation. Camping: Tents - RVs $8.00 per night. Participant Traders are asked to donate Cultural Art or Craft for Auction (retail value at $20.00 or more). For more information, contact Bruce at 250-923-5455 or Ed at 250-753-7471 or Richard at 250-537-5755 or 1-888-632-9450. E-mail Bruce and Linda Dumont at metisdumont@telus.net or Richard Larson at larson@saltspring.com Things strictly enforced at Red River West: No Booze, No Drugs, No Politics. RV Rentals – Caravans: Most companies are unwilling for their RVs to be used in Alaska but some allow it at a cost of additional, premium. However, I haven’t been able to locate any which allow Mexican travel, despite the fact that we would be interested in joining a caravan (with all the added security of travel which that method endows). Are there particular problems with insurance cover for this area? Paul Etchells |
Tailgates and Deflectors:
I recently purchased a new Topaz fifth wheel trailer. The tow vehicle is a 2001, F350 with V10. Can anyone suggest some websites or retailers I can contact to evaluate the cost savings for fitting the tow vehicle with a flow- through tailgate and a wind deflector on the roof? I enjoy your RV Times magazine. The latest issue just arrived in our town. It’s a great resource for camping families on the move. Paul Davidson Dear Mr. Davidson, There has been a lot of controversy regarding the subject of tailgates. When a pickup is operating solo, the unit is designed for the best airflow with a regular tailgate in the closed position. Add a fifth-wheel to the equation, however and that effectively destroys the flow designed by the manufacturer. Adding a mesh type tailgate will help somewhat, but the design lets the air impact on the lower front end of the fifth-wheel. The louvered tailgates are a better solution as they direct the airflow down and under the fifth-wheel, reducing the resistance. Regarding the wind deflectors. When they are set up right, they can provide a small saving in mileage, however if not set up properly they will decrease mileage. Personally, from everything I have seen and heard from owners, the best I can say is they are an expensive bug deflector. If you do a lot of towing, or are full-timing, an increase of one or two miles per gallon might be worth the cost of the deflector over the long run. As far as I am aware, there are no web sites that do any type of cost comparison on either tailgates or deflectors. Jim Lister, Paul, Sorry I can’t give a positive answer to your question as I have not had any experience with 5th wheels. There has been past discussions on flow through tail gates and the fact that they may NOT have any fuel saving benefits. Your V10 should perform well if you have the correct gear ratios for the weight you are towing. Remember, the maximum torque for the V10 is developed at 2650 RPM. Bob Martin Mr. Davidson, With regard to the long-debated issue of whether or not a light latticework mesh replacement tailgate improves gas mileage in a pickup truck, here is what I recall. Within the last year thereabouts, there was an article in Trailer Life magazine where either the magazine technical staff conducted an on-the-road experiment on the matter, OR maybe the magazine was reporting on someone else’s research study (I forget exactly which). However, what I did not forget, is that the pickups were not towing anything behind. Furthermore, the result was that there was absolutely no measureable difference in fuel consumption between leaving the tailgate in place, or removing it completely from the back of the truckbox. RVers who tow fivers remove the tailgate and install the lightweight lattice-type "tailgate" for two other, but different, reasons. (1) First, because the lattice-gates are notched in the center, the fiver can be unhooked and the truck driven away without the inconvenience of having to open and close a heavy tailgate. (2) The standard tailgate that comes with the truck is truly a heavyweight item and taking it off does save the truck from having to lug that unneeded weight up the mountain-slopes, which itself could save a few milliliters of fuel on a long trip. A number of RVers who pull fivers don’t even bother spending the $260.00 (plus tax) for the lattice-aluminum tailgate, but simply buy the $40.00 (plus tax) nylon mesh-gate, while some just leave the back completely open. As to the matter of the utility of the wind deflector on the top of the truck cab... well, it does deflect the bugs up over the top of the fiver and helps to keep its front clean. At an early stage, I had personally considered the issue and came to the following conclusion. To start with, it adds weight to the truck. Then there is the inconvenience of installation and removal, and those devices are cumbersome to handle and not lightweight for a retirement-age person to be lifting around. Most importantly perhaps, is that the deflector would have to save an awful lot of diesel fuel to offset a purchase price of from $700.00 to $1000.00,(before taxes). Since my Dodge/Cummins turbo-diesel gets the same overall trip mileage with the air-conditioner on as when it’s switched off, I reasoned that the deflector-lessened wind resistance would not likely differ from that horsepower consumed by the air-conditioner. So, would there really be any measurable worthwhile fuel saving to offset the disadvantages listed above? My answer was No. Until someone can offer scientific proof to the contrary, I rest my case. Murray J. Jackson Towing question: Hi Murray, I read your column in The RV Times each issue and have learned a lot of very useful information. I am hoping that you will be able to help me with a problem. I have a 1989 Mazda pickup truck with automatic transmission, rear wheel drive, that I would like to tow with four wheels down. Recently when we were in Laughlin Nevada we met a fellow from Edmonton who was towing a pickup truck with a automatic transmission. He said he was able to do this because he had a shop install some sort of cable under the hood which he pulls, (like a choke cable) to disconnect the drive shaft. I am hoping that you might know what product he was referring to. We would prefer to tow an old vehicle because of the wear and tear it takes. Cor Mulder Cor, I know only a little bit about the topic which you raised. First though, the January 2000 issue of Motorhome magazine gave a list of vehicles that can be towed 4-wheels down with no modifications, some with minor modifications, and some with special add-ons like the Edmonton fellow did that you mentioned. Similarly the January 2001 issue of Motorhome does as well. Certain automatics are OK as is, others are not. To my recollection there are two ways to deal with an automatic tranny. The first is to use a "disconnect" system like the Edmonton chap did. That stops the wheels from turning anything in the tranny. The second method is to install a little 12-volt electric pump which keeps the tranny fluid circulating through the tranny gears, etc. while being towed. Now all two wheel drives are easier to work with using either of these two methods. As to 4X4’s, there are so many types of them that I don’t know which will work and which won’t. The best thing to do is to talk to the service manager of a Mazda dealership to see what he knows about the towability of your truck. Then talk to the service manager of an RV dealership that sells big motorhomes. Here in the Lower Mainland of BC that would include O’Connor RV in Chilliwack, or Traveland in Langley. Maybe one or two dealers in Kelowna. They have probably helped folks get rigged-up for towing. Trademasters in Chilliwack (across the street from O’Connors) does a great variety of RV and motorhome hitch hook-ups and may have a master list of all what needs to be done for most any kind of "toad" that gets pulled behind a motorhome. You may wish to drop in on them. Well Cor, that’s the best I’m able to do for you. I hope it helps somewhat. Ah yes, in re-reading your e-mail, I see that your truck is a rear wheel drive and so it should be easier to deal with. Murray J. Jackson Theft from our trailer: Ever since I can remember going camping, weather it be as a child, a teenager, young adult or now as a parent of two small children, could I remember worrying about the security of my gear. It wasn’t until after having a great five day stint to Quesnel and packing up did I realize that some less fortunate person had forever borrowed my tire cover. Not a big deal as it could be replaced at a very small price, but more of a hassle than anything. Keeping this on my mind but not dwelling on the issue we carried on with life and lots more camping. It wasn’t until this month (April) that one of my worst nightmares would come true. We had just uncovered the trailer (which sits in our drive) from the winter and had started to load up in preparation for the upcoming season. After about four or five days of the trailer being uncovered, my family and I went out on a visit to some friends and on arrival home at 2:00 pm we realized that someone(s) had broken into our trailer. The side window had been forced open gaining entry to the trailer. Once inside the "CRIMMINALS" (polite term) went through all of our cupboards and made an absolute mess. To our luck all that had been stolen was the electric fry pan, but they forgot the lid. Upon discussion with the two RCMP officers who took my report, and my insurance agent, it appears that RV break-ins are on the rise. I decided that since our trailer is our second home and we do store some valuables in it, but not as much as snowbirds or full timers do, I would find something to help stop a thief from robbing me again. So off I went to Canadian Tire and have purchased four metal brackets (cost approx $6.00) that screw into your window frame, from the inside, hence stopping the window from sliding down its track. As we all know, if someone is that desperate to get in, they will find a way. But for now hopefully this will act as a deterrent and it gives us a little piece of mind when we are not on the road. Scott Dempsey Scarey stuff: My wife and I were camping this past weekend at the Toad River RV Park located on the Alaska Highway. A great park by the way. While there we witnessed something that was truly scary. On the evening of May 26th, three Class C RVs arrived at the park and set up next to us. The next morning as they were preparing to leave, we watched in horror as they disconnected their sewer hose and proceeded to flush it out using their water hose while inserting it down inside their sewer hose. They then removed the extended length from the sewer pipe connection in the ground and flushed it on the ground using their water hose. To compound the situation, they then connected to their water tank filler port and filled their water storage tank. The fact that they wore no gloves was by this time, a moot point. It was evident that these RVers were first timers and were oblivious to the health hazards that they were creating. Just wanted to share this experience with you and others. Also wanted to say thank-you for the great tip we got from The RV Times on using a spray bottle of water and chlorine mix to sanitize the water and hose connections before hooking up. Bob and Lori Henderson Excellent Service: I would like to tell other RVers of an RV business that has provided my family with excellent service. Two years ago my family decided to get into the RV market. We looked around on a number of large and small RV lots and ended up at West Coast Motor Sport RV in Lantzville, BC. We found the sales staff very helpful. As a matter of fact, they bent over backwards for us and even met us after they were closed. We purchased a nice used entry level Coleman tent trailer at an affordable price and used it last summer. We have a family of five and found the tent trailer to be a little on the small side. We returned to the lot and were once again treated very well by the staff. We traded in the tent trailer for a used O’Kanagan 5th wheel. The price difference was quite attractive and we were quite pleased. A short time latter, the trailer developed a water leak in the roof area. Once again the staff bent over backwards to ensure we were satisfied and repaired the roof with high quality materials. They even checked back afterwards to make sure all was "dry". I find it is rare in this day and age to see such dedication to service and customer satisfaction. The business is family based and we have always felt welcome and important to them. We consider these people our friends now, in fact we stop in now and again just to say hello. They care about their customers and we feel they should be recognized for their commitment. We really enjoy camping and would not hesitate to buy another unit from them, as we know they will treat us with excellence. Dave & Trish Cusson Musty Odour: I was wondering if anyone can help me figure out where a musty odor is coming from in our motorhome. We bought a used 38' Mountain Aire last year. When we first looked at it we thought the odor was normal because it had been closed up for a while and assumed it would be gone after use. But every time I go in I smell it. It is in our clothes, the toilet paper and everything. It’s embarrassing and I have done everything to remove it but to no avail. L. W. LW, Usually the musty smell can be attributed to moisture in the fabrics, rugs, woodwork, fridge etc. If it has permeated enough it will be very difficult to remove. My first suggestion is to see if the cause of the smell can be found and illuminated. In other words if the unit has or had a water leak somewhere it should be fixed so water no longer migrates into the interior. Steam cleaning the rugs can help to minimize the smell if that is where it is coming from. Allowing proper ventilation at all times will reduce smells from condensation. A container of "AIR SPONGE" left open inside the unit can do wonders in illuminating the smell over a period of time. The size of your unit might require two containers. These are available in all the grocery stores. Spreading lots of dryer anti static sheets around the coach and in the fridge when it is not in use will also help to reduce any smell. Use scented ones if you so desire. No matter what you do try to find and illuminate the CAUSE of the problem and don’t just rely on working on the results of the problem for ever more. BOB’S CONCERNED Leave lights on: Was wondering if anyone knows how to leave the running lights on (tail lights and etc) on the outside of a camper - after you have unhooked from your vehicle. Have seen it done, but can’t figure out how to do it. Deb Drovdlic-Egan Deb, One of the perimeter holes in the fitting on the trailer end of the black umbilical cord that connects to the tow vehicle is connected to the running lights. Another one of the edge holes runs to the positive post of the trailer battery. If these two outlets are branched with a wire, the lights will come on. The task is simply one of finding-out by trial and error which two of the perimeter outlets are involved and "branching" them together. Murray J. Jackson Deb, The two terminals you want to interconnect to accomplish this are the two top terminals on the standard RV plug. If you open the plug up they should be marked "Black" -which is the 12 volt positive terminal and "Green"- which is the marker and taillight terminal. Hooking the lights up in this fashion will create either an excessive drain on the trailer battery or an excessive constant load on the onboard converter, and short of performing some very labour intensive wiring rework, you have no way of only lighting up some of the marker lights as opposed to all of the marker lights. In other words, I would not recommend you hook up your lights in this fashion. Brian Yeates |
Previous Issues' Letters: Propane overfill protection device (OPD) First let me thank you for putting out an excellent magazine, especially for the fact that it is Canadian. However, my question for you concerns our neighbours. I have been informed, and believe it to be fact that after 01 APR 2002, you will not be able to fill a propane tank in the USA unless it is equipped with an OPD. I consulted a major propane distributor (Superior), an RV dealer, and a store that sells propane tanks. They had all heard of the OPD, but said that it doesn’t affect Canada. I beg to differ. There are a lot of Snowbirds in this country and many are going to be in for shock come 01 APR 02 when they try to fill their propane south of the border. What are the Canadian companies doing to ready RVers for this event? Burying ones head in the sand won’t make it go away. There is an opportunity for Canadian companies to do the retro-fit, and make a buck rather than wait until the Snowbirds go south and spend their dollars in the good old USA. Jerry Ryan Jerry, My understanding is that after Apr 1 2002 all lp tanks that need re-valveing must be fitted with the OPD type valve. Our tanks that need re-valving are done by Chuck at RV Camper Clinic and he has been using this valve for some time now anyway. If you have a tank that has a valid use date past the 2002 cutoff, the tank is still serviceable until it expires at the ten year interval as stamped on the tank and would be re-valved with the opd at time of renewal. How this will affect customers in the US I’m not sure. Perhaps it would be good to check with the ministry of municipal affairs-gas safety branch for Canadian regulations and they could maybe point you in the right direction for a definitive statement regarding US regulations. Brian Yeates Info needed: I have a travelling companion who is interested in flying to Canada and would like to drive an RV back as a service to an individual or corporate fleet. Does anyone know of any information on the need for RV returns to the United States from Canada? Any information from you would be greatly appreciated. Marie Love Hi Marie John and I have been fulltimers for the past 16 years and Sheila sent me your message in the event we knew of such a company that could assist you in your planning. Sorry I do not have any names for you but the following suggestions may help you find a company or a personal contact to deal with. Most companies will want you to be bondable drivers because of the fleet insurance. Without knowing which Province you want to visit and the State you hope to end up in, it is difficult to even look for a company. The following ideas may help provide answers. 1. Call LD information to see if there is a company listed in the Canadian Province of your visit. 2. Call them to see if they are looking for drivers and what is required as to licensing, drivers license, age, driving history, etc. 3. Put an ad in the classifieds in a weekly newspaper (Contact LD Info Operator for phone #) with the heading of "RV Driver Available to ??? (place, state)". 4. Place an ad in a local Buy and Sell. It is a small weekly paper that is published locally across Canada. 5. Place an ad in an RV/Auto Trader. These papers too are regional but I am sure they are published throughout the USA and Canada. 6. Contact FMCA (Family Motor Coach Association) www.fmac.com or Good Sam at www.rvnet.com or www.trailerlife.com. Try putting a classified ad in these large international magazines. I know that FMCA has bondable drivers to drive the units of their members home in the event of an illness. Air Ambulance services also provide this service of transporting vehicles (RVs) as a result of an illness. We use MASA at 800 643 9023. 7. Search the Internet for RV Camping Network or International Camping Federation or even Bondable RV drivers. Good Luck on your search. Peggi and John McDonald Author of ‘Spirit of the Open Road’ and ebook ‘RV Living, Facts, Tips, Hints and More: Volume One’ Batteries draining: We bought a motorhome last year. We did not have it long and something started draining the batteries. We got two new batteries and unhooked lots of things and something is still draining the batteries. Does anyone know the name of an RV repair book and were we can get one? I think we need one. Sheila, we sure enjoy your magazine. We look forward to reading the next ones. Wanda Grisdale Wanda, Trailer Life puts out a large and comprehensive RV Repair Service Manual and Woodall’s puts out a series of RV Service manuals. These are available through your local RV parts store. We are currently sold out of the Trailer Life publication but do have the three Woodall’s books in stock for approximately $12.50 each plus applicable taxes, and can forward them to you via mail or bus if you are unable to locate them locally. Brian Yeates Wanda, Parasitic drains on a battery can be a real problem and sometimes hard to find. If you end up not finding the cause then it might be worthwhile purchasing a GOOD disconnect switch so that when you shut down you turn the switch and it disconnects the batteries. You don’t say how old the motorhome is but some of the newer chassis will not tolerate disconnecting the batteries. It causes a memory loss on the computer that controls gas flow, transmission shift points, etc., etc. Good luck. Wanda, John and I use a tech book called ‘The RV Repair and Maintenance Manual by Bob Livingston, a Trailer Life Book. We only deal with the most basic of repairs, and for everything else we take our motorhome to an RV Repair facility. However, Les Doll of the webpage www.rverscorner.com, email info@rverscorner.com is a very talented RV Tech from Kamloops, as well as the host of a wonderful Webpage. His visitors to his RV Tech Forum (Bulletin Board) also offer numerous suggestions to many tech problems. Les has written a NEW e-book on RV Maintenance called "The Dummies Guide to RV Maintenance" which offers a free introductory portion and readers can have a good look before they buy the Full version. Peggi and John McDonald Reply to LPG Conversion letter, RVT 80 page 8: We’ve done just what you are planning and our specific experiences, as well as the use of propane in general, might be of interest to you. First of all, since you have already converted to LPG, you are familiar with its advantages. Your comments suggest that you live outside Canada and are not familiar with the propane scene here. I converted my 1980, 360 HP Dodge to LPG in the early ’80s before my wife and I embarked on a grand scheme to circumnavigate the continent – Toronto to Alaska/Yukon, BC, California, Mexico (to the Yucatan), Texas, Florida, East Coast and back to Ontario. In the early ’80s, governments were offering financial incentives to convert from gasoline to LPG. Apart from the physical benefits of using propane, the financial benefits made it very attractive if one was going to be putting a lot of miles on the vehicle. At that time LPG cost around 21 cents a litre in the Toronto area. As we proceeded up the Alaska Hwy, the price dropped to as low as 14 cents (that was in 1983 - we kept records). In relative terms, it was about half the cost of gasoline at the time in the Toronto area. It rose slowly over the next 15 years, generally, to 30 - 40 cents, but so was gasoline rising, so it was still very worthwhile. At this time, (‘80s) it was generally a lot more expensive in the US, but in Mexico it was the equivalent of about 4 cents a litre, which made it very worthwhile. However, things have changed. We travelled to BC in Oct-Nov, last year in our small Toyota, noting along the way that LPG had zoomed up to between 50 and 59 cents a litre. It went up to around 79 cents locally at that time, but has since dropped back to about 40 cents. This has been due, I’m given to understand, to the high US demand for energy, which has eased off in the last few weeks. LPG has always been higher in cost in Quebec and the Maritimes than in Ontario or the West, and presumably still is. The possibility of drastic price fluctuations, and the 20 year age of my truck convinced us that travel was no longer practical with a propane operated truck, and we got rid of it. The government had removed the price incentives many years ago; fewer people converted to LPG, and in my opinion, use of LPG as motor fuel started a long decline to the point where it is now almost impossible to find a mechanic licenced to work on such a vehicle. I even had the experience of being told that the garage couldn’t changed a tire for me since they did not have a mechanic licenced to work on a propane vehicle. That was a bit of an extreme situation, admittedly. We found it very easy to obtain LPG in Canada where many gasoline stations maintained a pump for LPG as well; but a bit of a nuisance in the States since most depots only operated between 8 and 5, weekdays, requiring very careful planning and sometimes spending the night outside such a depot waiting for them to open in the morning. There are booklets put out both in Canada and the US listing every propane depot in each country. The last one I got from the US was considerably smaller in content. When I phoned the Calgary-based association for Canada I got an answering machine, and they never did call back. We have not hauled our 24 ft. 5th wheel for 5 years, but are planning a trip this year with new diesel truck. We always travelled with our fridge on propane, but common sense (as well as the law) required the extinguishing of all flames while refueling with LPG. It was my wife’s task to turn off the fridge, and relight it again when given the signal. She was never happy with that aspect. We have made many trips across Canada over the years, mostly by RV and have found that if we avoid the Trans-Canada Hwy with its fleets of trucks sometimes bumper to bumper (almost as bad as Ontario’s 401) and travel a lesser route, the trip is more leisurely and pleasant. The "Red Coat Trail" from Winnipeg to around Lethbridge is one such and it proceeds south of the TransCanada Hwy through some very varied terrain. The towns are off the beaten track and this route provides fewer tourist attractions. The Yellowhead Hwy passes north of the TC Hwy, via Saskatoon and Edmonton, and is somewhat different again. There are also lesser roads in between the above, but parts of these may be regarded as "primitive" by comparison. You can obtain details of all of the above from each province, as listed on page 52 of the issue 80 of The RV Times in which your letter was printed. Many of the small towns on some of the above routes provide free campgrounds, and we have used many of them. Basically they are tidy and quiet, without attendants, although some have free electricity, and usually water. But there are no ice cream stands, swimming pools, etc. You might be the only one there and on the other hand there may be one or two RV’s with similar outlooks to your own with whom you might find a lot in common. Answers to your specific questions depend a lot on what you personally are seeking, the time of year you are travelling, whether you are in a hurry or have time to stop and smell the flowers, etc. Jim Kinnear Care of Holding Tanks: From time to time I have noticed complaints about inaccurate gauge readings on holding tanks, even when emptied. Each time I see such comments I intend to write with our solution. Now that I have become somewhat computer literate (still a long way to go) I decided to suggest to those with the problem that many times it will be caused by that ol’ devil, toilet paper, clinging to the gauge and distorting the reading. The obvious solution to that one is NOT to put the said paper into the tank. We have a small waste basket beside the toilet which we daily line with a recycled plastic grocery bag. This is put out with the rest of the garbage when we empty the waste tank and take on our fresh water supply. We always start off with some water in the waste tank, and don’t hook up to sewer, preferring to stir up the waste as we move to the dumping tank. Not the greatest of topics, I know, but still an essential, and if it can be made easier for our fellow campers then it is worth mentioning. Elizabeth Pepper Road Maps on CD: I am planing a trip to western Canada ,possibly the NW Territories. I am looking for a CD roadmap something like Street Atlas USA produced by DeLorme. Does anyone know of a product I may purchase at a reasonable price on highways and byways in your wonderful country? Joe Campbell Joe, Try contacting the NW Territories Tourism at PO Box 390, Fort Smith, NT X0E 0P0. Sorry I do not have their web site. Janet Marwick Joe, I travel a fair amount and have used the Rand McNally disc and have been very pleased with them. One feature I like about the Rand McNally one is if you also get the Rand atlas, the routes you call up on your computer also give you the page and grid cross references for each step of the way. Bob’s Concerned Baja Book: In the May/June 2001 issue (page 22) of The RV Times I saw a letter about our Mexico book (Traveler’s Guide to Mexican Camping). Thanks for mentioning us. We have just finished a book that covers only the Baja. It’s up-to-date and has more info about the Baja than the Mexico book does. Also it’s cheaper, $12.95 US or $19.95 Canadian. The name of the book is Traveler’s Guide to Camping Mexico’s Baja. The Baja book has only been out for about a month. Take a look at our web site - www.rollinghomes.com — for info and a link to Amazon, they carry it and are probably the easiest place for you to buy it. We’re also just about to publish a completely updated 2001 Edition of Traveler’s Guide to Mexican Camping. We spent all of last winter doing research and will ship it on September 30. Contact us by calling 888-265-6555. That’s a toll-free number from Canada. Mike Church RV overnight parking: I will be arriving in Vancouver to begin a two week vacation using a Class A motorhome. I am aware of the Canadian Provincial Campgrounds and the wide variety of privately owned RV sites. My problem is that I am unsure if I can stop and park the RV if my family sees a nice location along the way (ie - anywhere alongside the highway etc). Would this be illegal ? Broadly speaking we will be touring the Vancouver, Okanagan, Banff and Jasper areas. Can you direct me to any advice concerning ‘ad hoc’ overnight parking in these areas, please ? Peter McRae Peter, There are many scenic places that have pull-offs to view and take pictures. These places make great "rest stops" for periods of hours but are not intended for "camping". However, there are places that could be used to stay overnight but they are never listed in any publications that I know of. Those areas around the lakes that do not allow overnight parking are usually well marked. Enjoy your visit. Bob’s concerned Subject: trip north Hi Sheila, a couple of months ago I sent an e-mail about taking the northern circle tour which goes from Prince George west on Hwy 16, then north on Hwy 37 to Upper Liard, then back to Prince George by Hwy 97, then home to Vernon. I have never been in that part BC so any info I can get would be appreciated. Also anyone wanting to do the trip it would be nice to have other RV's to travel with. I received one answer and so far there are 2 rv's going. We plan on sometime early September. In my last e-mail i gave the wrong address so if someone was trying to get me I am sorry. My correct address is oldcootmp@home.com I have changed my provider since then. Thanks and hope to hear from someone. Matt Pearson |
Looking for info:
We are looking forward to touring Vancouver Island in our RV this Fall and are looking for tons of information about the place. I would appreciate any information re neat places to visit.
Gordon Lipp
Gordonlipp@aol.com
BC Campsite Rates:
2001 Campsite Rates for Private Campgrounds: (Note: Rates do not include 7% GST.)
REGION/AREA
No of Campgrnds
Max Rates Unserviced
Avg Rate Unserviced
Max Rates Full Service
Avg Rate Full Service
Vancouver Island
59
$12 - $36.00
$18.08
$17.00 - $45.00
$24.74
Vancouver, Coast & Mtn
38
$12 - $30.00
$18.77
$19.50 - $45.00
$25.65
Thompson Okanagan
66
$10 - $35.00
$18.88
$16.50 - $45.00
$25.71
Cariboo
16
$10 - $22.00
$15.67
$16.00 - $25.00
$20.20
BC Rockies
21
$12 - $20.00
$16.55
$15.00 - $40.00
$23.02
Northern BC
18
$ 7 - $20.00
$13.62
$16.00 - $22.00
$19.29
Total Province of BC
218
$ 7 - $36.00
$17.82
$15.00 - $45.00
$24.26
Previous Issue Mailboxes:RVT#80 RVT#79 RVT#78 RVT#77 RVT #76 RVT#75 RVT#74 RVT#73 RVT#72 RVT#71 RVT#70 RVT#69 RVT#68 RVT#67 RVT#66 RVT#65 RVT#64 RVT#63 RVT#62
HOME || CURRENT ISSUE || BACK ISSUES || MAILBOX || EVENTS || HELP || CLASSIFIED & ADS || NEWS || FEATURES
All contents © 1987-2001 Sheila Jones Publishing Ltd. 488 - F Bay Street Victoria, BC, V8T 5H2 Email
www.rvtimes.com/currentmailbox.html
Web design by Quill Services Ltd.