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Readers' Mailbox RV Times #88
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Send your letters by e-mail to editor@rvtimes.com, or by surface mail to 488 - F Bay Street Victoria, BC, V8T 5H2
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We have taken some of the most popular topics, and grouped those letters together on the "Tips and Letter Archive" page. There you'll find letters on Gross Vehicle Weight, Insurance, Sani-stations in BC, Maintenance for RVs and Safety for RVs. |
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| Alberta edition:
I love your magazine, and like everyone else, read it from cover to cover every time. We are subscribers to make sure we don’t miss an issue! About the matter of having an Alberta edition of the RVT. (Editor’s Corner, RVT 87, pg 4) Couldn’t we instead, just have an Alberta ‘Section’ in the regular RV Times? Many of us travel to BC in our RVs a few times a year, and wouldn’t want to miss all that nice info on the beautiful province of BC. I am sure many of your BC readers would like to know, too, what goes on in Alberta. And we wouldn’t want to miss all those informative Letters to the Editor – we’ve learnt soooo much from them. Another section that would be fun to have would be My Favourite Campgrounds. Readers could submit locations and details of a particular camping spot with explanations why they liked it so much. Ursula & Dieter Cosandier Calgary Alberta Ursula & Dieter, Having this magazine also distributed throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan as well as BC, is a definite possibility we are exploring these days. Finding extra outlets willing to distribute it for us is on the books. At this time, Save-on-Foods carries it, as well as those Alberta companies listed on page 5, so we’re getting there slowly but surely! Already we have hundreds of subscribers from Alberta, as well as from Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and other areas east. So we know RVers out there want this magazine too. Sheila Tourond Trailer weights/brakes: Could you send me some info on trailer weights and trailer brakes? Can a person tow a small tent trailer in BC without trailer brakes? The trailer weighs less than 1000 pounds. Jim Jim, ICBC has the info you seek. Call 1-800-663-3051or 1-800-950-1498 Sheila Tourond RVT Publisher Towing length: What are the laws in Canada for the total length and combination that we can pull: truck, 5th wheel and boat? Phyllis Raymond Phyllis, The regulations for each province are different. If you are able to access the internet, you will find the info at www.rvliving.net/provrvregulations.htm. If not, call ICBC at 1-800-950-1498 and they will give you the BC regulations, plus all the other province’s numbers. Lori Masse Travel to Canada: I’d like to share the following info with The RV Times readers. I have added a comprehensive page covering 2002 Travel to Canada information on www.rvliving.net. This Travel To Canada page covers comprehensive information that Canadians can share with their American friends and neighbours. It addresses gun control, pet travel, provincial weblinks, cross border information, RV regulations, seminar highlights, plus a mega-amount of general tips for visitors to Canada. It also serves as an extensive review of facts for Canadian RVers. Peggi & John McDonald Nanaimo BC sani: I noticed in the May/June issue (Sani closed, RVT 87, pg 6) Jim Cirka mentioned the sani-dump at Country Club Mall had been closed due to expansion. There is a free sani-dump at the Co-Op Gas Bar in the strip mall across Mary Ellen Drive from the north entrance of Woodgrove Mall. Enjoy your magazine! Larry Borserio Stop in Westbank: The current issue is one of the best, lots of Letters to The RV Times with lots of helpful hints! By the way, the hint to use Tide soap to remove black streaks works great. I notice that there was no mention of Westbank in the Okanagan features so we feel a bit left out here. One word of caution to RVers looking for free overnight stays. Do not use our local Overwaitea lot as they no longer permit this. Keep up the good work. Still the best RV magazine on the market. Larry & Phyllis Hodgins Leak detector: I am looking for a model number and a place to purchase a propane gas leak detector. The gadget attaches to a stove gas outlet, and has a gauge. You turn on the tank, turn on the stove, and the gauge registers. Then turn off the tank. If the gauge holds, there is no leak. I saw this advertised in a travel magazine, but am unable to find it again. We’ve asked at a couple of stores, but no success. We live in Chilliwack BC, fairly close to the border. Shannon Dunatov Shannon, This is actually called a gas manometer and is a tool of the gas trade, including propane gas. They can be ordered through any RV parts supplier, but expect to pay about $150. Brian Yeates Tow Cars: David Sheng’s reply to Tiny towable (RVT 87, pg 16) assumed Ron wanted a micro-car with an automatic transmission. We have towed a 1991 Suzuki Swift with 5-on-the-floor for several years and many thousands of kilometres of travelling, all without a hitch . . . oops, bad expression . . . all with no problems. The Geo, Swift, Firefly and Sprint are, I believe, all made by the same manufacturer. John Plaxton Towables: Is there a list of vehicles available for towing behind a Class A with little or no conversion expense? Brian Kennedy Brian, I have found a list from a website on the internet. It lists all of the manufacturers and what vehicles can be towed with an automatic transmission. Check this Dinghy Towing Guide page on the web. (URL is too long to write out in full here. - Webspinner) One word of caution: even though the transmissions do not require modification, a potential concern would be towing a unibody vehicle. It has been suggested that there is a certain amount of stress placed on the frame of a vehicle when it is towed. There are two vehicles that are built differently. One is the the Tracker, which has a separate frame that is designed to tolerate the stress from being towed better that most conventional cars. Another vehicle is the Saturn. It’s advantage is that it is built with a "Space Frame" construction, and is better capable to handle the stresses of towing. Check out www.saturnbc.com and look at the safety section for the S-series. David Sheng Trillium trailers: I read an article on the Trillium trailer comeback It is called the Outback. Do you have info on them? Bob Bob, Yes they are being made again. The website isn't ready yet, but you can contact the manufacturers directly: Team Trillium Travel Trailer Manufacturing Ltd. Lori Masse Driving lessons: Anyone know where we can take some driving lessons to learn to handle an RV – preferably on Vancouver Island? We are used to driving relatively small vehicles over here in the UK, and think it would be safer to get some professional guidance in this matter. Paul Etchells Need a Get-Away: We are looking at buying a camperized van – a Ford Get-Away van with a raised roof. We would like to use it as our main vehicle. We don't go far in our travels so are not too concerned about economy. Is it feasible to do this? I see lots of them driving around, but wonder if people have tried this and find it's a good solution. Laurie Adams Camping in BC: We would like to introduce ourselves to The RV Times readers. The BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association, www.bclca.com, is a trade organization representing more than 700 motels, campgrounds, resorts, lodges, RV Parks and other accommodations in British Columbia. To find or book accommodation with our members, visit www.lodging.bc.ca or www.camping.bc.ca, or for travel information visit www.travel-british-columbia.com. Anne Philley On your FM dial: Crossing the truck border (Douglas Crossing) heading north, I have noticed for the last two months or so along 176th Street and 8th Ave in Surrey signs that Information Radio is at 88.9 FM. RV Times readers might like to tune in to the radio station, because it offers the latest highway/road conditions, money exchange rates, weather up-dates, immigration/border crossing info, and of course local ads. Rein Neem Hiring an RV: My wife and I have decided to fulfill a life long ambition to holiday in Canada. We are thinking of hiring an RV for at least three weeks. Would it be possible for you to forward us any relevant websites? Micheall J.L. Chesman Micheall, Our website www.rvda.bc.ca includes a complete list of rental companies that you can contact. Janet Marwick Keremeos sani: We would like to inform all The RV Times readers that Keremeos BC (in the Similkameen Valley) has just put in a new sani-dump in the Village core. It is located on 8th Ave. However, if you stop at our Info Centre you can get directions from our volunteer staff. Happy trails! Lisa Fraser RV ladder: Can someone help me in get in touch with the manufacturer of the RV ladder? The ladder that I am inquiring about is the one located on the back of the RV. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Tim Skipper Tim, Most RV ladders today are manufactured by either Surco or Topline. As we can only purchase them through the wholesale house, I am unable to supply you with the phone number or address for either one. Perhaps you can locate them through the internet, although your local RV supply store should be able to order one for you if they don’t have one in stock. Brian Yeates Need help getting started: We are ready to purchase a 5th wheel but couldn’t find a rating comparison on the three models we have narrowed it down to. Here’s our situation: We have a 1/2-ton Chevy Silverado with a tow rating of 342 or 8300 lbs. We are a family of four, a 13 year old daughter and a 11 year old son and of course the family dog (a husky/lab mix). We will be camping primarily in the southeastern part of the USA during summer and school holidays. This would be our first trailer purchase moving up from tent camping (we have survived one too many thunderstorms, if you know what I mean). We’ve decided that these features are important: super slide-out, bunks, cold A/C, and of course size and weight since we would like our truck to last many more years, a price under $20,000, plus with hitch and any necessary equipment needed to add to the truck to tow safely. Here’s what we’ve seen on the local lots, and quite frankly I have no idea which is the best buy or has the better service record, etc. We looked for this information in Consumer Report, but there was nothing about 5th wheels. We are looking at three possible models: 1) Dutchman Rocky Mountain edition (Ricky Childers) floorplan 26BH-M5-SSL, we were quoted a price of $15,500 w/hitch installed. Please direct me to the place where I can see these manufacturers compared, as well as get an idea of the price I should be offering. Bozeman, To answer your question I would suggest the following: Check with the truck manufacturer (toll-free consumer help line should be in the white pages, and have the serial number of the truck handy) to determine what it can pull, in your case 8300 lbs. You have now limited yourself to trailers under this 8300 lb rating, referred to as Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). You also need to find out its maximum gross combined weight rating (GCWR). This means the truck and trailer, loaded with all the optional equipment, all your belongings, fluids, people, dogs, hitch, boat, whatever, etc., weighed on the scale as you leave loaded on your holidays. The difference between GVW and GCWR is your legal payload. Usually most trailers allow for 2000-2500 lbs of payload. Work under your maximums rather than to it, although most regulating bodies allow 10 percent over allowance. Now that you have sorted out the weight ratings on all three trailers, look to the one that best suits with respect to lightweight and payload requirements. As far as ratings for the three trailers, I would see if any of the following have done any recent reviews on them: www.trailerlife.com or www.rversonline.org or www.rvamerica.com/rvnews/ or www.woodalls.com. Consumer Report does not review RVs, and who knows why, as they review everything else under the sun. Finally, I like big wheels and axles, which equate to larger payload and therefore better handling characteristics. However, the Lite class trailers must struggle with lessoning their units in order to meet the Lite requirements. Some do it well, others just so so. You pay for what you get. I hope this helps you out. Brian Jones at Truck talk: I’ve just bought a 6600 lb 5th wheel Terry H26. Now I need a dual-purpose truck since I’m in Real Estate. Sierra Denali is nice but pricey. Can anyone suggest a different truck? Wm Vanden Brink William, Almost any 3/4-ton pickup truck will serve your purpose. Your truck dealer will be able to supply you with the tow limitations of any vehicle you are interested in. Marcel Desjardin Mercedes motorhome: On our recent trip to Australia and New Zealand, we rented a Maui motorhome. The platform was a Mercedes Benz Turbo Diesel. We’re wondering if such a vehicle can be bought here in Canada? Laurens and Mai Van’t Zelfde Laurens & Mai, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing these RVs, but I don’t know of any dealer or owner in Canada. There was an RVer from Europe at the Tsawwassen ferry terminal last year who had his Mercedes RV shipped by boat. It was an awesome-looking RV from outside, but very spartan on the inside. The cost of transporting RVs from continent to continent must be horrendous. Sorry I couldn’t help you, but some of our readers might have some insight on these RVs. I’d like to hear from them. Marcel Desjardin Black lines from rain gutters: First of all, thanks for the magazine — I make a special trip to Overwaitea just to get it. Secondly, here's a helpful hint to get rid of those black streaks you get down the side of your rig when the rain comes. Put a clothespin at the ends of the gutter. Rain comes down, goes to the end of the clothes pin and on to the ground. Rusty & Larry Dalke Corn roast weekend: Congratulations on publishing an interesting and informative RV magazine. We look forward to reading each issue! On behalf of the Comox Valley’s Ocean Waves Square Dance Club, we invite your Square and Round Dance readers to our 13th Annual Corn Roast Weekend. This fun-filled event takes place Labour Day weekend — August 30, 31 and September 1, at the Filberg Centre in Courtenay BC. For those who do not know, Courtenay is an hour’s drive north of Nanaimo, via our Highway 19 freeway. The host caller couple will be Wolf and Anne Clar, and feature caller for the Saturday night dance will be Daryl Clendenin (Oregon/Arizona). There is limited self-contained RV parking at the Filberg Centre. For more information, phone Roy at 250-338-5460 or Muriel at 250-338-8398. A Mainstream club, Ocean Waves, dance first and third Saturdays at the Filberg Centre in Courtenay, with caller Wolf Clar who has been keeping the toes tapping for many years. Beginner classes start on Monday, September 23rd at 7:30 P.M. at Fallen Alders Hall in nearby Royston. For further information, please call Wolf at 250-334-4661 or John at 250-339-1083. George & Audrey Pihan Tire pressure: Can anybody tell me how much pressure should be in my two front and two rear tires of my motorhome? Here is the vehicle and radial tire information: Max. load as single, shown on the wall of front tire is 1070 kg Motorhome axle load: Front axle load 1769 kg. (Is half to be supported by each front tire?) Alan K. Lam Alan, As long as you have dual wheels on the rear, and those are your average axle loads, we would suggest 60 psi for the front tires and 70 psi for the rear. If you have only single wheels on the rear, then 75 - 80 psi for rear. Hope this helps. Ray Shillinglaw, Ask the man: Marcel Desjardin of Travelhome must have been born after 1959 when the Packard Motor Company stopped making these fine automobiles. (Best brand, RVT 87, pg 23) I owned three of these myself, and my family owned several of these fine cars. There was a special metal-stamped decal on the firewall — "Ask the man who owns one" — not the Buick! If there is any question about 1957, 1958 and 1959, Packards were being built by Studebaker, but were called Packard. Lawrence Laursen Rubbermaid washer: I also looked for a way to do laundry while dry-camping (Doing laundry, RVT 87, pg 6), and even ordered that cute little tumbler-type washer I had seen on the shopping channel. But the problem with it was there is no way to wring the clothes out, so you needed to wring them out by hand, dump the water (or save it to do another load), and then fill it up again with fresh water to rinse them. Sometimes the clothes needed to be rinsed twice, and I seemed to get water everywhere, so I sent the washer back. We have spent a couple of winters in Mexico, the first was for four months, just north of Puerto Vallarta. At that time, they didn’t have a laundromat where we stayed. Knowing this ahead of time, I took two big Rubbermaid tubs, one for washing, the other for rinsing, (filled with extra stuff on the trip down) and a new toilet plunger to agitate the clothes with. Then I washed like my mother did in the days of wringer washers: whites first, light colours next, darks and finally any rugs or dog bedding. My husband would help me wring the bigger stuff out! I took along a folding clothes rack, but it isn’t necessary if you can find somewhere to hang a clothesline. In between laundry days, I would rinse out my underwear in the tub after I had my shower, (put the plug in) and my tea-towels in the dish pan before I did the dishes. I have seen wringers from old wringer washers in second-hand stores, they would need to be mounted on something likely, but definitely worth a try. When we dry-camp, we put a small dishpan (or a big plastic bowl) in the bathroom sink to catch all the water from washing, brushing our teeth, etc., and use that water to flush the toilet. Plus, we only flush when necessary, using the dishwater as well. (My husband claims the dish soap helps the black water tank empty better.) This not only saves water, but the holding tanks, too. Hope this helps. Lynn Kandall Transmission skip: I have a 1998 3/4-ton dodge diesel with an automatic transmission. When I am pulling my 28 ft. 5th wheel, I find I develop a skip in the transmission when climbing a long hill. This is only after being on the road for about an hour. If I stop and restart it seems to quit for awhile. I have gone to my dealer and he says there is nothing they can do unless it will do it around town with their mechanic driving. It only happens when on a trip after at least an hour on the road. It does not do it unless pulling the 5th wheel or the camper is on. I paid the dealer $200 to drain the transmission and look for metal filings but there were none. It has been suggested it is a computer fault, but the dealer says no. Anyone have any suggestions, as I would like to travel again this summer. Jack Ashdown Transmission cooler: Is their anyone out there in RV Times land that can give me advice on a transmission cooler for my 91 GMC, 3/4-ton, GVWR 8600-350 automatic? I plan to tow my 29.5 ft. 5th wheel this summer, mainly on Vancouver Island, and want to know if it would be a good idea to install a temperature gauge? If so, what temperature range is best? Sheila, my wife and I enjoy reading The RV Times very much. All the best to you and Al. Andy & Bente Clausen Winter sports: We are planning a January 2003 5th wheel excursion to Arizona — possibly the Yuma area. I have yet to master the golf swing, but enjoy playing slo-pitch softball. I’m interested in how one makes the contacts for teams. Plus we are also looking for any reasonable priced trailer parks in the area. Any info would be a great help. You can phone or fax us at 250-747-2285. Dave & Sue Carlyle New members wanted: Our group wants new, enthusiastic campers with RVs, living in the Victoria area. We meet at various campsites on the Island every long weekend from May to October. We range in age from young families to senior citizens who enjoy spending time with others. During the RVing weekend, we play various games, have a potluck supper on the Saturday night as well as a pancake breakfast on the Sunday morning. Anyone interested or wanting more information is asked to contact Dave Woodley at 250-478-9254. Gerry Clement Xplore this: I have just read Claude’s enquiry (Motorhome design, RVT 86, pg 12) about a motorhome design. I believe he can find his answer by going to Family Motor Coaching website at www.fmca.com and clicking on the February 2002 issue of the magazine. The feature article and cover photo for the Xplorer Xcursion seems to fit his bill – a Class C-type motorhome body on a Dodge dually chassis. The article is very comprehensive and there is a further link if all the answers are not found in the article. Wykes Huggan Mazatlan ExpressVu: I was wondering if anyone knows what size of dish you need to get ExpressVu Satellite in Mazatlan Mexico? Norm Johnson Norm, To get a good signal as far south as Mazatlan you will need a dish at least 1.2 m to 1.8 m in diameter. These dishes can get very expensive: a 1.2 m one is about $225 for metal and $400 for fiberglass, and the 1.8 m is $775 for fiberglass. You can now receive a StarChoice signal that far south with a 76 cm dish, and they are only $129. Dan Wiens Camper modifications: Regarding the letter in the May/June issue. (Camper plans, RVT 87, pg 13). Check out www.glenl.com. I have no experience with their campers, but their boats are great. They have a couple that might do un-modified, and a couple that you might save a lot of weight on using your professional skills. Will we see you at the RAC convention in Vernon? Look for the 30 ft. Triple E Commander with the Ham plates VA7RV.73. (By the way – I went to school with Sheila, grades 1 through 12 – does that make me famous?) Art Jackson |
Hardtop value:
We want to sell our 1986 Starcraft hardtop tent trailer. It is in fairly good condition, sleeps five, and has an awning, an icebox, and a propane stove that attaches to the side of the trailer. What price range should we be asking for it? We live near Ottawa. Sally Kearney Sally, It’s very hard to put a value on something this old. Firstly, if the canvas is clean and not fatigued, and the zippers all function, then that is a start. Now, if all the pulleys and cables function correctly and are not badly worn and stretched, and the tent roof can raise equally on all four corners, then it is still quite saleable. Are the tires in good condition and have the bearings been greased regularly? Is there some cosmetic appeal and is everything in good working order? If so, then you could expect a value of $1000 to $1500. If it is just a typical worn-out old tent trailer, its worth is whatever a willing buyer will pay. Surprisingly, old tent trailers that have been looked after still carry quite a value when compared to their original selling price. People look at the dollars spent relative to the replacement cost of the trailer and their holiday budget. Brian Jones Etiquette and consideration: Two peeves I'm sure others share. First, when parking in BLM lands, before you choose your site, please consider your contribution to the world of noise. IF you have to use a noisy generator, please do NOT park beside units who have all their power needs met by noiseless solar power. These RVers often park together to enjoy their quiet evenings and do not welcome those who need noisy generator power to watch their evening TV programs. Second beef: if you are walking your dog on a leash, please do NOT allow your animal to excrete on the wheels of others’ tied-up bicycles! Neil Preston Under/over drive: If my memory serves me correctly, Murray Jackson used to pull a 5th wheel. In one of his articles where he compared motorhomes to 5th wheels, he commented about having installed a GearVendors under/over drive on his pickup. I would like to contact him about this (or anyone else who may have experience with after-market gear systems). Incidentally Sheila, I have, through the RVOABC membership, read your great magazine for more years than I care to think about. Keep up the good work. Roy Eldridge Roy, Yes, I did pull a 30 ft. Rustler brand fiver for a number of years until May 2001, when I purchased a diesel pusher motorhome. My truck was a 1991 Dodge/Cummins 3/4-ton 4X4. I had BD Power (1-800-887-5030) in Abbotsford install the Gear Vendors Overdrive auxiliary tranny on the truck in about 1992. Before I can comment further, I’d need to know the brand and size of truck you have, and also the size and weight of your fiver in order to know if the cost involved would be worthwhile. I will also need to know the truck engine size and your rear axle differential gear ratio too. Murray J. Jackson What is Pocketmail? Pocketmail (PM) is a compact hand-held device (3" X 6") weighing a fraction of a pound. It is designed to create text messages, transmit to any e-mail address and receive messages from computer systems or other PM units. Simply compose your message, dial a 1-800 number (pay/private telephone), place the back of the PM on the handset and press SEND. The PM transmits your message(s) and then switches to receive mode, picking up any incoming messages. Multiple messages are transmitted/received in one phonecall, however, a single message can not exceed 4000 characters, which is more than ample for most e-mails. PM features include: time management calendar, database and lookup of e-mail addresses, notes, and downloading to a PC for printing. The PM is powered by two AA batteries, which last approximately one year. The purchase price is $345 US which includes first year unlimited usage. The usage cost for following years is $145 US We use our PM regularly, especially while on our snowbird vacations, keeping in touch with family, friends in other campgrounds, etc. Max Stellmacher Pocketmail tip: For those folks who have Pocketmail, did you know that although you cannot open and read attachments on the device, you can forward them to a computer to read later – your own, a friend’s, kid’s, at an internet cafe, etc. I get on my computer before we leave home, find the free greeting cards I want to send while we are away (and using my Pocketmail), forward them to my Pocketmail address, and then forward them on the day I want them sent without having to find a computer to use. Lynn Kandall What’s it worth? We are looking at a 1981 35 ft. Globestar travel trailer. We are trying to establish the value of it to make sure we are not getting burned. It has some vinyl scrapes on the outside, no LP tanks or pull-out steps. It does have two tip-outs that are manual. Could you help us determine the value? Did the Globestar company dissolve, or was it bought out, and if so, by whom? Patti Hargis Patti, The Globestars were built in Elkhart Indianna. The last I saw of Globestar was in 1983, and I must admit I handled only their Park Model trailers for just two of my 20 years in the RV business. As far as determining a value on something this age, only personal inspection from someone skilled in valuations could make a accurate determination. It’s difficult to determine a value sight unseen on something 21 years old. Brian Jones What was it? I am hoping you can help me. At the last camping show at the Tradex in Abbotsford I came across a collapsible trailer camper which looked like an A-frame hard cover tent trailer. Unfortunately, I can’t remember the make or manufacturer or model and I am hoping that you might be able to enlighten me. Martin Ceelen Martin, You are referring to the Chalet. The units are carried at Four Season’s RV (Division of Fraserway RV) located at 20467 Langley Bypass. Call 604 530 3030 for information. They also have a web site: www.chaletrv.com. They have three different models in stock now. Ed Froese Pump problems: Wonderful magazine as ever – the best! We are still RVing (in a 1979 Ford Vanguard van now), and being tender with it, and our aging bodies . . . nearly 75 now! As usual, my husband takes good care of all the running problems. This spring, we are faced with a pump that refuses to start – even after priming, etc. It may have a hairline crack in the small length of hose, or ??? Any suggestions? We refuse to get a new one; after five RVs and nearly 20 years of RVing, (and doing the repairs ourselves), why change now? Dorothy M. Wilson Dorothy, Your pump may have a crack in the pump head, or a worn diaphragm, or worn valves or a loose fitting on the supply side of the pump. My experience has been that it is usually not worth the trouble and parts cost to make an effective repair and I would strongly suggest you reconsider and replace the complete pump. The current models are more efficient and quieter and are designed to run the occasional abuse of running dry. Further, they come with a two-year warranty and will directly replace your present model. For a price of about $95, you really can’t go wrong. Brian Yeates Lori, Thank you for sending me Brian’s letter. I am just in recovery after a trip to Saltspring last week that has made us feel that we had better quit camping in any shape or form if we don’t wish to have our children certify us – the pump can spew all over – I’m done, thank you! We have travelled a lot. We were married in Quebec, while in the peacetime RCAF, then went overseas to France, and also to almost every province in Canada. Our four children were all born in different provinces; we lived in over 50 places (and that was AFTER I was married). We drove across Canada at least four times, another three by train, and flew across the country twice (we got thrown off halfway once). When we left the service, my husband worked for Parks, so we took up hiking (West Coast Trail etc.), and then retired, quit smoking, sold our house, and bought our first 5th wheel and truck and we RVed full-time for years. (Since we were not one of those couples who could afford a home as well, our border crossings were very innovative.) After a while, we would decide we’d had enough, sell our rig (or whatever), move into an apartment, furnish it, live there six months. We’d start yearning for the "road," then sell our furnishings etc. and buy another RV . . . this went on about five times! (The last was a Citation Supreme 28 ft. motorhome and was almost perfect; we went from Mexico to the Yukon that year!) Naturally, our adult children became tired of having to wonder where we really were while in Mexico, Arizona, or the Yukon, etc. Just last year we went and bought a van again, after swearing to them never again! We had a cold trip to Banff in May, and headed home again to Victoria. However, the coup de grace happened this past week on Saltspring Island when the van would not start for my husband (he who kept six RVs in top form), and I had to "feather" it into obedience to get to the ferry . . . then it would not start on the ferry, thereby holding up around 30 cars and two BIG trucks anxious to leave. My husband had left after a round of cursing at the van’s reluctance to leave the ferry, so there I was, stuck until a jump-start convinced me that it SHOULD be all over, this irresponsible elderly behaviour. All this after loading up said van for the sixth time, a bed we both hate despite much re-construction, then all the un-loading, and we have just decided 30 years of tenting and RVing is quite enough. We have had some wonderful times, but now home looks best – "right," our children say! But do you know, if I had the money, I’d buy another RV and go see Alaska, but then, I am a Gemini – one half says no, the other says yes! yes! Dorothy Wilson Portable coverings: Having a devil of a time to find a vender who sells Portable coverings. We live in Powell River and it is difficult to find such a animal. I need one about 14x14x36 feet. Bruce & Shirley Lyster Shirley and Bruce, Most RV dealers have access to removable RV covers, but I don’t think this is what you’re looking for. There is an outfit locally called Canadian Shelters who may be able to help you. Their number is 604-574-1712. Also, Home Depot carries a product designed to allow you to make a shelter of various sizes using a plastic interlocking fastener and 2X2s of the required lengths. This would not be totally portable, unless dismantled, but may serve your purpose. Brian Yeates Missing Part One: We thoroughly enjoyed Serge and Caroline’s Mexican article in the March/April issue of The RV Times (RVT 86, pg 42), especially as we are now planning our first driving trip to Mexico. As we were away down south in Jan/Feb, we missed their first article and would really appreciate a copy if possible. Look forward to your next issue. Steve & Pauline Pauline & Steve, Thanks for reading The RV Times, the best RV-related magazine in beautiful Canada. And thanks also for your interest in our great Mexican journey. Since you missed our first parts, please go to www.rvtimes.com on the internet, and you’ll see Serge and Caroline’s Mexican Journey. A link to all the parts is there. Serge Paint praise: I’d just like to take a minute to put in a good word for the Paint and Body shop of Truck West in Port Kells (Surrey). I have just had my motorhome completely repainted (due to it having a bad "peeling paint" problem), and I was referred to a few shops by Brian Yeates of Langley RV. After much discussion, I picked Truck West to do the job. I was I glad I used them, it has come back like new after they stripped all the old paint off, prep sanded down to the metal, fixed a couple of little dings etc., primed, then added a top coat, and boy, does it look good. I would highly recommend them, and you know, I was suprised at the price, much less than the others quoted. They have facilities for the biggest rigs as they work mainly on tractor-trailers. Just thought this info it may help someone in the future. John Haygarth Canadian satellites: This is an answer to Pratt’s Letter to The RV Times (Satellite bearings, pg 8, RVT 86). There is already a page of coordinates for ExpressVu users – listed on our comprehensive RV WebLinks page at www.rvliving.net, under Satellites and Cyberspace. The exact website is www.nmia.com/~roberts/canusang. John and I use our ExpressVu throughout our travels in the US and Mexico. There is no support from Express Vu, but on a more practical set-up we generally first check to see the directions of other dishes. If we connect with Echo Star 110 or 119 we simply move our dish 3/4 inch to the left and two elevations up. Generally, Nimiq is right there with very little co-ordination. Have fun; it is great to receive Canadian programming when we are south of the border! Peggi & John McDonald Author of Spirit of the Open Road RV Living: Facts, Tips, Hints and More Vols. I and II How to full-time: I have some questions on full-timing I hope someone can answer: 1. How does the INS (US Immigration and Naturalization Services) feel about volunteers working for 20 hrs/week for their site fees? Is there a risk of being deported? My husband has his green card so he is legal; I do not have a green card. Oh woe is me! 2. Bill paying. Do you suggest direct withdrawal, telephone or on-line banking? 3. Would you recommend carrying a cell phone, computer or using internet cafes to keep in touch with our kids? 4. Are you aware of a 1-800 number for a server for the computer? 5. We live in BC and four of our kids live in Alberta. Should we use one of their addresses for the American and Mexican authorities, or can we use a post office box in BC as a permanent address? 6. When working as a volunteer at different sites, are dogs welcome? We carry a portable pen for our Norwegian Elkhound so he is not confined to our rig or chained. 7. Prescriptions: I am currently on a prescription, renewed every three months and my husband’s is renewed every month. To claim on our extended medical, the insurance will only pay for prescriptions for no more than a three-month duration, not for a year’s worth at one time. How do we manage the prescriptions? 8. Insurance for our truck and rig? The truck is due in November and the rig in March. If we’re south, what is the easiest way to renew? Does ICBC require a street address or will a PO Box be sufficient? Anne Bibeau Anne, Re Question #2: I strongly recommend direct withdrawal. No further input or bother is involved after doing the initial setup. Re Question #3: I recommend a cellphone. A laptop computer can be taken along for e-mail and WEB access as various US RV parks now have hook-ups. However, most city libraries in the US have free computer facilities of either one full hour, or one-half hour, daily. Re Question #4: I suggest you check this with Telus. Re Question #5: As far as I know, a mailbox does not constitute a permanent address anywhere. Re Question #7: I suggest that an arrangement be made with the prescribing physician(s) and a specific pharmacy so as to have the prescription phoned-in at three-month intervals to the pharmacy and then have the pharmacy mail the prescription(s) to you. E-mail contact with the pharmacy can keep their mail-to address updated. Maybe you can arrange for direct withdrawal of funds with the pharmacy for medications payments also, and/or supply the pharmacy with your credit card number. Re Question #8: Check with a local Autoplan agent and/or ICBC as, if I recall correctly, there is the possibility to renew up to six months prior to the expiry dates. Policies do change, so a check with either of the foregoing two contacts is advised. Murray Jackson Anne, 1. I met a couple in the same situation as yours working at BLM lands in California, and they said it was no problem. She had her green card and he didn’t. They worked at a park in Canada for a salary in the summertime and worked on the Long Term Visitors camping lands in the winter. They did have to file income tax in both countries, however. 2. We pay all our bills by automatic withdrawal. I find this is easier than doing it on-line, however, I do check my balances on-line. Some bills that cannot be paid by direct withdrawal we pay by credit card, and one bill I prepay six months at time. I do have a friend who pays all their bills on-line, so this works too. 3. We don’t use a cell phone, although friends of ours are thinking of signing up for AT&T One Rate in the States. I found that cell phones are just too expensive. We maintain a phone in Canada that we use for messages, plus we use FMCA’s (Family Motor Coach Assoc.) 1-800 Message service when we are in the States. We may, however, go back to a cell phone in the future. We do use e-mail, mostly to keep in touch with family and friends, from mostly our own computer, but in Mexico sometimes we use an internet cafe. 4. Both AOL and Telus have 1-800 numbers. The thing with Telus is they have no-charge roaming from most places in BC and Alberta, and for us this really works. They also have a 1-800 number from the States at $2 an hour. We buy their minimum service at $13.95 a month. (If anyone at Telus reads this you can hire me as an RV internet consultant, at a very reasonable rate.) 5. Mexico is not a problem for address, but for the United States they require you have an "irrevocable address," and you may be required to prove this with utility bills or a tax notice. We maintain a small suite with a phone for this purpose, although we are hardly ever there. However, with your husband having a green card, this may make a difference. Using your permanent address in Alberta might cause a problem with ICBC insurance, so you are better off using a BC address and as long as you can prove residence, a Box number is fine. Mail Boxes Etc. will provide an address for you and will forward your mail. 6. I am sure different sites will have different rules regarding pets, but I have never seen a problem with leashed or penned animals. 7. Prescriptions when you are on extended medical can be a problem. You should be aware that BC Medical will not cover you if you are out of the country more than 6 months as well. You could buy your prescriptions in the States but I am not sure if a prescription written by a Canadian doctor is good in the US. You should have no problem buying them in Mexico, and if you buy them in a border town they are usually pretty reasonable. We have found that some prescriptions far south in Mexico are actually more expensive than here, but at the border usually much cheaper. We are not on any prescriptions drugs so I have to go by what others have told me, but I have priced some for others and found this to be the case. 8. ICBC will renew your insurance with a collect call if you can pay it by credit card or you are on the monthly payment plan. They will courier your stickers. We found this to be a real hassle and fixed it so our plates expire when we are home. ICBC will do this for $25 per vehicle and issue you new plates. We did ours for August so this works for us. Graham Gore Anne, 1. If you admit to volunteering, you may not be admitted. Apparently, volunteering is a red flag that alerts the INS. 2. I use "autopay" or "direct withdrawal" both here and in the US. It’s the easiest; you only have to remember to have enough money in your account, but can avoid overdraft charges if you set up a line of credit. 3. No comment. Your choice. 4. No. 5. I think this is a risky practice. If INS checks your documentation and finds differences, you will probably be considered suspicious. 6. No idea. 7. The CSA is persuing a six-month drug supply for all provinces, and has been successful in some. The present alternatives are to buy and take the rest, or if you are close to Mexico, go over and buy the Rx there. Claiming against extended medical policy is not the purpose of most of these policies. 8. Call ICBC 800 number. Peter Sloggett Take the plunger: There was a question in The RV Times (Doing Laundry, RVT 87, pg 6) about a manual washing machine. I made one from a seven-gallon plastic pail with a screw-on lid. I simply drilled a one-inch hole in the centre of the lid for the handle of a cheap toilet plunger. In the rubber part of the plunger I cut a series of one-inch holes. To use, put soap, then clothes and water and plunger in the bucket, screw on the lid and plunge away. We rinsed the clothes in a Rubbermaid tub, then wrung the clothes out and hung them up to dry. The pail can be used to store stuff while you travel and the plunger comes apart for easy storage. P. Schollen Water tank freeze blanket? After my last RV water tank froze, I had a pad installed under the tank. When the tank became 32 degrees, this electric water heater would come on. It could run either on 12V or 110V. Can you recommend where I might find one of these for my new RV? David Kennedy David, There are a couple of different brands of these made but the most common one has a suggested list of about $140 and should be available through any of the RV dealers in your area. Be forewarned that the heater will draw approximately 10 amps on 12 volts DC so the DC side should only be used while the engine is running. The 110 volt AC side will only draw about one amp and is not a large factor when plugged into shore power. Brian Yeates Contaminated hot water heater: Could you tell me how to clean our RV hot water heater? We must have gotten some antifreeze in it, and I have heard that is what makes the water stinky. Ray Van Dorpe Ray, You are probably correct in assuming the odour and taste in the hot water is from antifreeze having contaminated the tank. While RV antifreeze is non-toxic, it is best to try to eliminate it as much as possible by flushing the water heater continuously from a fresh water supply, at least until the water being discharged has lost its foamy nature and strong smell. You could also try a baking soda solution using about three to four tablespoons of baking soda in a full tank of fresh water, then use the demand pump to fill all the water lines and the water heater. Let this sit for a couple of hours then flush once more with fresh water to rinse the baking soda solution out. A very extreme last resort would be to replace the water heater, but this would be unusual and expensive to say the least. Brian Yeates Canadian propane: Concerning the new OPD valves: currently, all visitors to the US must have these installed on their propane tanks. To fill-up in Canada it is not yet mandatory, although Brian Yeates at Langley RV thinks perhaps the same regulations could one day be in effect here. Because he is so close to the US border, he recommends that his customers have them installed when the unit is sold, as sooner or later they will travel southern routes. Ann & George Hignell US won’t re-fill: We have just returned from a four-week stint in southern Nevada, and, true to form, they refused to refill our Alberta propane tanks. They told us that they were illegal in the US. There are numerous hardware stores in the US that sell replacement propane tanks, but they are all 20-lb tanks. Ours, of course, are 30-lb tanks, which seem to be unavailable in hardware stores, including Wal-Mart. We didn’t try the RV sales outlets. We are now back in Alberta and still haven’t tracked down the new OPD tanks. However, I have received a number of e-mails from RV Times readers naming places in BC where the new tanks are available. Looks like we are going to have to make a foray westwards pretty soon. Don Watkins |
Previous Issues' Letters: The real story: I wonder what we are missing out here in the boonies? I have recently checked with two different propane dealers and three RV dealer’s service departments, and everyone one of them say that it is NOT mandatory to have OPD valves in Canada YET! (Parking and Propane, RVT 87, pg 12.) I checked before I went south in December, and one propane dealer said the valve alone was going to cost up to $40. So I made sure I had enough propane to get me to Yuma, where I had the valves on my 5th wheel changed and re-stamped for $16.95 US. Colin Mills OPD oops: In the last issue of The RV Times (Parking and propane, RVT 87, pg 12) I stated that the regulations requiring OPD valves was in effect in Canada and the US. But in fact, Canada at this time only requires the Quick Disconnect valve, and the Overfill Protection Device is a US requirement. However, because we are so close to the border, and so many of our customers head south, I urge anyone who needs a tank re-valved or who is anticipating a trip south to get the valves put in that meet the US regulations. Also, I anticipate that it won’t be too long in the future before we will have the same regulations here in Canada. I sincerely apologize to any of our readers who have been caused any grief by this error. Brian Yeates Hot water: Does anyone know why the RV manufacturers put the hot water tank on one side of the RV, and the sinks and showers on the other side? It seems like such a waste of water, waiting for the hot water to come to the tap. Marion Giles Marion, When building a new RV, manufacturers have to consider many things that may affect weight balance, safety issues and inside storage space. The water heater exhausts carbon monoxide, and thus cannot be placed under an opening window, as this could allow the carbon monoxide back into the unit. Most RVs are built with an opening window over the kitchen sink. We also try to keep the exhaust away from the propane tanks and the 30-amp power cord that hangs out the side of the unit, as there are C.S.A. regulations that govern the proximity of these items to an ignition source. When considering side-to-side balance, the 12-volt batteries are usually placed under the kitchen window and the water heater is placed on the other side of the unit. The hardest units to build are normally the smaller units, as in the case of truck campers where safety, weight balance and interior storage space dictate the location of the water heater. Hope this answers some of your concerns. George Stayberg Caulking: I need to do some caulking around the windows and along the seams of the roof of our trailer. We do not know what brand or kind of caulking to use. Arlene Becker Arlene, To properly reseal the seams, mouldings and windows, you really should remove them completely and replace the foam tape, putty tape or other sealing compound with butyl tape. This is obviously a lot of work and can lead to major repairs if the mouldings etc. have already leaked and allowed water to penetrate the existing framework of the trailer. Should you decide to not go quite this far, be sure to completely remove the existing seam sealer – usually a silicone or silicone-type compound. Once clean and dry, you can place a bead of sealer around the perimeter of the windows and along the edge of the mouldings. There are many suitable products on the market, but the one I personally prefer is called PROFLEX and is available in clear, white and almond through most, if not all, RV parts stores. Other service centers may have their own preferences; I would suggest you try one tube of whichever product you choose and see for yourself how well it works for you. Brian Yeates Finicky fridge: We seem to have a problem with the propane fridge in our 1987 Citation motorhome. The stove always lights first time, and we leave on for a while before we try to start the fridge. It always seems to be finicky, and this year we can’t get it to work at all. Any suggestions? Darlene Towler Darlene, A very common problem, particularly at the start of the season, is a blockage of some kind in the fridge burner. The two most common are rust – either in the form of large flakes that have dislodged from the fridge chimney and settled on the top of the burner, or particles that have formed over time and collect inside the burner tube itself – and spiders. The spiders will nest in the burner tubes and actually overdose from the propane. The only cure for either of these is to disassemble the fridge burner components and clean them with a penetrating oil and compressed air. The next most common problem is a burned-out or disfigured burner head, but this is more commonly found in the Norcold fridges. It would also be a good idea to have the working pressure of your LPG system checked and adjusted. Gas regulators do deteriorate over time, and it is recommended that they be changed either when they fail or at a ten-year interval. Brian Yeates Internet success: A big thank you to all the folks who answered my call (E-mails from Mexico, RVT 83, pg 6) for info regarding communications from Mexico to Canada! We just returned April 15 from our four-month, 6600 mile odyssey with a wealth of memories. In the end, we found that internet places were plentiful everywhere, so as we strolled through the streets, we just stopped into one and checked our mail on the Yahoo account we set up before we left home. We used our laptop in the motorhome to compose letters to send to friends we thought would be interested in our travels. Then we saved them to a disk, stuck it in a pocket, and the next time we discovered an internet place, we pasted it onto a message, checked off the people we wanted it to go to from our address book, and sent it away. We had no problem using our disk, although a fellow-traveller said one place wouldn’t let him do that – they were afraid of viruses. All in all, we sent 11 letters, including the last one that we wrote from home to wrap it all up. It suited us well, and we made no phone calls from Mexico at all. We had a great time and got a really good overview of the country, with time spent in cities and on beaches everywhere! Elizabeth McGee Water pressure: We have a 1998 Legend 5th wheel by Vanguard. Our problem is this: the hot water flows well in the shower and the bathroom, but in the kitchen it seems to flow at a lower volume. This happens both when hooked to city water and when using the pump. We have checked the hot water line from the tank to the faucet in the kitchen sink and found no problems. We also have taken the faucet apart and found nothing in the hot side of the taps. Any Ideas? Gary and Joan Wagner Gary & Joan, We had the same problem with our kitchen taps at home. When I disassembled the faucet to clean the strainer in the spout, I also eliminated the little washer with the hole in it. This appears to be a flow reducer, which then doubles as a water saver. The problem with this particularly in an RV is that the water flow is already restricted by the size of the water lines and by the pressure required to pass through the water heater. This is why the volume of water is noticeably less on the hot side than the cold side of the tap. If removing the reducer washer and thoroughly cleaning the strainer doesn’t help, there must be a restriction somewhere in the hot water line between the supply and the tap itself. Brian Yeates Langley RV Ltd Antique trailer: My fiance owns a vintage trailer. It was manufactured by a company called Pacific Coast Trailers out of New Westminster BC, in 1937 or 1938 (definitely pre-war). We have had a few inquiries from individuals interested in purchasing it, however, we have no idea what it is worth. Do you know of any possible sources that may have a value guide for such a trailer? If so, it would be appreciated if you passed that information on. Also, just out of curiosity, is Pacific Coast Trailers even in business anymore? Are you familiar with that particular manufacturer? Dan Allinson Dan, I have never heard of such a trailer. However, I wasn’t born ’til 1950. If the trailer gained a lofty production status (in the thousands), it may be seen in the RVIA vintage trailer collection in the US: www.rvia.com, although I am sure it did not. You might want to look at the the tear-dropped trailer that Kit Mfg. started building in 1945. The company now based in Caldwell, Idaho, is still in business after all these years, and could probably give you a value on what their 1945 teardrop would be worth and mirror the price for yours. You can reach them at www.kitmfg.com. Obviously, condition is important and if no one has even heard of the particular manufacturer then it probably only holds sentimental value, and what’s that worth? Hope this helps. Brian Jones Searching the Frontier: We are looking for a used Frontier "mini-motorhome" but need to find out what years they were made. My wife’s mother had one in Alberta. The model we are looking for is not a van conversion, but rather is a regular wee motorhome on a van frame and cab. I think Frontier is the only one I have seen that makes one this size. Harold Macy Harold, Frontier was made in the Okanagan Valley until 1986. In its last years, they were produced at Jimmy Pattison’s Vanguard Plant when he acquired the name a few years prior. Eventually, the plant was shut down and all was sold to Hunter's RV in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. They produced the Frontier brand there until a fire destroyed the facility. The unit you are referring to was an 18 ft. single or dual wheel, narrow body, and more van-sized than motorhome. This style was also made by Okanagan Mfg. in Penticton, and by General Coach in both Oliver BC and Hensall Ontario. I have not seen them on the market since the early ’90s in their narrow (usually 7 ft.) width. Today, Peak Manufacturing produce both Frontier and Vanguard. A good alternative would be Vanguard’s wide-body, available at Canadream Campers in AB. But I believe they had Vanguard make up a production run for their rental fleet, and think Vanguard doesn’t produce them as a stock item. Brian Jones Good Sam Caravan: In January 1994, we joined 13 other couples in a Good Sam Caravan to the tip of the Baja, under the capable leadership of the wagonmaster, Bob Wilson. The participants were from British Columbia, Ontario, Maryland, Missouri, California and Washington. As strangers, we all met at Chula Vista. Our adventure started then and continued all the way to Cabo San Lucas. We went on a whale-watching expedition at Guerrero Negro, camped on the beach and dug for clams at El Requeson Beach at Conception Bay, caught and released a huge marlin at Cabo San Lucas, enjoyed a fantastic seafood potluck at La Paz, and we amazed at the awesome power of the blow hole at La Bufadora. We travelled well over 2,400 miles round trip from the border, over twisty and narrow roads with lots of pot holes that could have been the result of huge floods in the Baja the previous year. All in all, just a fantastic trip and Good Sam provided more than they advertised. If all the tours and people were like this expedition, sign us up again. Every two years, we have a reunion with about eight or nine rigs attending. First year at Rogue River, then Death Valley, then Solvang, and now this October we will be meeting at Branson. Because of our Good Sam Caravan, we have made some wonderful new friends who have become more than just travelling acquaintances. Scotty & Margaret Scott Road conditions: We will be moving to Osoyoos BC in July from Northwestern Ontario. We would like to drive our 28 ft. Class C from Osoyoos to Puerto Vallarta Mexico in January 2003 and stay there till April. Does anyone know what the driving conditions are like that time of year driving down Hwy 97 or what is the best route to take? Donna Steele Donna, We have never travelled south in January, but encountered six inches of snow once in Bend Oregon on April 1st! You are likely to run into snow somewhere that time of year. I would look at going to Twin Falls Idaho and then driving south to Las Vegas and then on to the US border. You could also take 97 to Weed CA and then go south on I-5. Because you have a couple of options, I would check the road and weather report and take the best one. If you encounter snow, just remember that once you cross into Mexico there will be no snow (although in January in Nogales it snowed there the day after we drove through, but it wouldn’t bother you on the highway). Once you get to Puerto Vallarta you will look back at your snow memories and smile, because it will probably be between 25 and 30 C in PV. If you have not been there before, you will enjoy Mexico, and if you have, I don’t need to tell you that. Graham Gore How many ways? Could anyone explain to me the advantages or disadvantages of a two-way fridge for a converted van, rather than a three-way, which I understand is much more acceptable. The two, they advise me, is 12-volt and 110. Why would one go that route? I have had experience with a three-way a few years back and I found it very efficient. Has anything changed in the last 10 years? I enjoy The RV Times; you are to be commended for your dedication to the RVers of Canada. Audrey Henry Audrey, The phasing-out of three-way fridges started about 10 years ago. I’m quite certain that the manufacturing process was a lot cheaper building two-way fridges. I have seen the use of AC/DC units in campervans on numerous occasions. The elimination of propane makes for a smaller unit and does away with the extra venting. Marcel Desjardin Travelhome, The RV Marketplace Audrey, In most cases a two-way fridge indicates the fridge operates on 12-volt and 110-volt, especially in a converted van. In new, large RV’s, most fridges are also two-way, however, they operate on 110-volt and propane. The most significant advantage of a three-way fridge in a van conversion is the propane option. Propane gas will give you the freedom to use your fridge for a long duration without plugging in your coach. One reason a two-way fridge may have been suggested to you is installation. It may be that your van lacks the room for a propane fridge. Propane fridges require exterior venting and must adhere to gas code regulations for installation. It could be that the installation required is just not feasible to your particular unit. Rod Thiesen Floor plans: We have recently bought a 1979 motorhome. It was mainly used as a home by an elderly gentleman. It has not been driven in several years, and it has not been cleaned in longer. The mechanical aspect is not a problem, as my husband is a mechanic, but we would like to get some help on remodelling the inside to a better floor plan and get the appliances fixed. We are not in any hurry to get it done this summer, but would like to start using it next year. Do you know where we could get some floor plans, as we plan to gut the inside (except the area where the sink and bathroom are as we don’t want to reroute the plumbing). Evelyn Robertson Evelyn, The only plans I remember seeing were put out by Glen-L some years ago. They are principally a marine-oriented company, but they did have RV plans for the do-it-yourselfer, however, they might be quite dated by now. I think Tom at Husky Camper had some in stock, so check with him or look for Glen-L on the internet. I ordered boat plans from them some years ago, and they were very good to deal with. They are out of southern California. Personally, I think your best bet would to be to look at as many motorhomes as you can, and from the ideas you get draw up your own plans to best meet your requirements. Remember, everything in an RV will be custom-built as far as cabinets, dinettes, and storage go, so be prepared for a lot of very custom and time-consuming work. The end result will be a very personalized RV. Brian Yeates Langley RV Ltd. Points of advice: We really enjoy your magazine and look forward to it arriving every time. We find the letters very informative and would like to contribute. Re the letter Family RV Parks (RVT 87, pg 12). We have been travelling full-time in the summer for years, with another two-month old infant again this year. We’ve been across Canada and the US and have never come across being denied a spot due to our children. Perhaps the approach at the sign-in desk is wrong. At the time of registration, are you perhaps acting too concerned for other campers about your baby crying? Re the letter Car Seats (RVT 87, pg 13). We have three baby seats in our RV. I have attached the tether anchor clips to the countertop by the sink. Our countertop is behind the seat. Drill a hole straight through to attach. When the seats come out, a plastic plug will cover the holes just fine. About the topic of cleaning your tanks (RVT 87, pg 26). There are two products I recommend. One is food grade peroxide and the other is lemon juice. Food grade peroxide does the best job. Use one cup and be careful when handling it. Fill tank halfway with water and swish it around by backing up and going forward with your RV. Drain. You do not need to flush since peroxide evaporates completely within three days, leaving zero residue behind so it doesn’t do your body any harm. In fact, using 15 ml per 75 litres of water completely sterilizes the water. Food grade peroxide can be purchased at any restaurant supply store or any hydroponics retailer. Using lemon juice works well too. Pour two large 700 ml bottles into your tank, fill with water halfway and swish around. Drain and rinse. Water may taste a little lemony, but better than drinking bleach all day. Costco has great prices on lemon juice. I alternate between the peroxide and lemon juice. Just one last note, about RV fridges and power drains. One evening we discovered there was a light emitting out of our fridge, even when the fridge door was closed. It seems that the switch did not depress fully when the fridge door was closed. Our RV is only nine years old, so this does not only apply to older RVs. We removed the fridge light bulb and haven’t had a battery drain since. Peter and Karen Smith Manitoba Furnace problem: I just read the May/June RVT and was so impressed with the wealth of knowledge and local information. You have all the glitzy American mags beat! Question: We have a 1994 Leisure van, which we love, but we have always had trouble with its Suburban furnace. The problem is when we turn it on, the blower comes on, then we hear it ignite. It runs well only the first time, then not again. When the blower comes on again it blows cold air. If we leave off all the coverings it works fine, but I feel that is not the correct answer to the problem. On their website, Suburban suggests - sail switch. Another local technician says no, it’s the circuit board that is faulty and needs light to work, hence the fact it works when uncovered. Another says not enough air. Does anyone out there have a similar problem with these vans and their furnaces? I look forward to anyone shedding some light on this (excuse the pun) as it’s getting expensive with no results yet. We’ve gone through the usual checks of power and enough gas. Margaret Brock Margaret, I had never heard of a furnace igniter board needing light to properly function in a furnace, but although very rare, this apparently could be the case in your furnace. First, however, I would want to determine if this malfunction occurs only when you are running off the coach battery or if it also happens when you are plugged into shore power. If only when on battery, the first thing to check would be battery voltage and condition. If the battery is a bit low, the furnace fan will not run at a fast enough speed to activate the sail switch, which is a safety device to ensure there is enough fresh air supply for proper combustion. This then would be the second item to check – is the sail switch always completing the circuit to the limit switch when the fan comes on? Next, check the limit switch to be sure it isn’t sticking open and stopping the gas valve from energizing. The next item to check would be the circuit control board. Most RV shops have a Fenwall board tester to bench test it. The gas valves in these furnaces have been known to stick and not fully open, causing non-ignition during furnace use. You should be able to see a series of sparks in the combustion chamber through the sight glass when the furnace is in its ignition sequence. If not, the igniter could be at fault. Lastly, be sure that the cabinet area around the furnace is not used for storage of any items that could restrict airflow to the furnace. Again, if the airflow is restricted the sail switch will not close and the furnace will malfunction. You have probably guessed by now that there is much more to the proper and safe operation of any RV furnace, and I would suggest you monitor all the circumstances relating to the malfunction of your furnace, and then have a reputable and licensed RV Technician make the necessary repairs. Brian Yeates |
BC Campsite Rates:
Average 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
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