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16 Responses to Blog

  1. Kevin McGuire says:

    Hi Jim,

    Kevin from Wisconsin (the guy with the Bounder brake problem on RV.net). Finally got to the bottom of the hydraulic leak; it was a worn hose. It’s been replaced now and the Bounder is back in service.

    Got a new email address (rdaklm58@gmail.com) since we will be moving to Florida soon. We bought a house in Port Charlotte on the gulf coast about halfway between Sarasota and Fort Myers. We are really looking forward to getting out of Wisconsin before the snow flies.

    Continue to enjoy reading your blog. Are you in Mexico now? That “buying of trinkets” seems to be universal with women; my wife does it too! Take care.

    Kevin McGuire

    Hey, Kev, happy to hear you’ve got your leak fixed. Not having a PB is annoying at best, dangerous at the worst.

  2. Hi Jim,

    Do you sell advertising on your blog? If so, please send rate info. Sorry if this is posting, its not intentional.

    Helen & Rob

    • Jim@HiTek says:

      I do sell advertising space on my blog. The current rate is $250 per year. Thanks for considering my blog.

      Sorry I’m so late getting back to you but I had a very busy month, including a trip to Hawaii (but I’ll not complain about that).

      Jim

  3. Rebecca says:

    I thought you and your blog followers would be interested in this:

    From the creators of Overhaulin’ and the producers of Extreme RVs comes a new series on The Travel Channel called Rock My RV!

    Hope you tune in and set your DVRs! Premieres Sunday, May 26 at 9PM EST.

    SNEAK PEAK:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hIlPNkX3o4

    http://www.travelchannel.com/tv-shows/rock-my-rv-with-bret-michaels/photos/rock-my-rv-meet-bret-michaels-pictures

    Additionally, there is a contest to win a free RV. The link below is to the press release:

    http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/05/20/travel-channel-announces-rock-my-rv-with-bret-michaels-epic-rv-giveaway-contest/183242/

    Thanks for the info, Rebecca. I might even watch that show.

  4. Scott says:

    Hello Kevin,
    We recently purchase a Gulfstream 31ft 1992 rv from a relative who’s husband passed. They took very good care of it but it did sit for quit some time. We drove it home in Nov. about 125 miles then it sat in our driveway until about 1 month ago. I took it to be inspected which it passed but had a few minor issues so I asked the truck shop (not an rv shop think my first mistake) to look at the gas gauge and the switch for the step to the entry. They determined after 4 hours of labor that it most likely was the sending switch, and that the step works as it went up and down with a jumper box, but didn’t fix either after 4 + hour of labor I’m very hesitant but now the brakes calipers are locking up in the front. Is that caused by sitting and approx. how much should that cost. Second the generator isn’t working, which I filled the propane before the brake issue. Do you have any suggestions regarding the generator where do I start 1st, it seems this is a big problem being we are scheduled to go camping Aug 3. I did have the original shop put new 6 volt batteries in and I think they didn’t put in correctly. I hope the bargain doesn’t bite me in the rear end.
    Regards, Scott

    Hi, Scott! Who’s Kevin? Assume you meant me, Jim, so, Congrats on your purchase! 🙂 I’ll say right from the start that you’re probably going to find over several thousand miles that every time you drive a couple hundred miles, something else gets broken or stops working. For your sake, let’s hope that it’s all small stuff. Hopefully you’re either a mechanic, handyman, or rich. My answers below are for you and the browsers that visit my site so no offense if your skills are much better than mine. Not talking down to you.

    Going to a truck shop was not a mistake really. Generally, truck shops will do a better and less expensive job on the chassis then any RV shop (unless it’s a big chain, like Freightliner or Cummins). And some of them will do a better job on the house too, though a good RV shop tech would be faster (if you can find a good one). Never go to Camping World. Always check whatever shop you’re near at RVServiceReviews.com. If they have too many bad reviews, avoid them.

    Now, to your problems: Gas gauge. Start by getting a fill-up. Then stop 4 hours later and refill. Calculate fuel usage (you know the drill I’m sure). Then keep track of your mileage and always refill when you’ve driven the miles to be at half a tank. You’ll do fine that way until you find some backyard mechanic that needs some work and will drop the tank for you inexpensively. But first, I’d spend some time looking for and following the wiring to make sure it’s not just a broken wire or corroded terminal. I’d also use a digital ohmmeter to measure the gauge itself to make sure it’s working. The senders themselves are pretty reliable and a no signal condition is usually caused by a worn through wire. Often on top of the tank.

    Entry Step: The steps will have a magnetic switch mounted to the door frame and activated by a magnet on the screen door. Get out of the way and use a magnet to test the switch. They are mounted where you can see them (if they’re not missing that is). Then, in addition, many older rigs have both a dash switch, and a switch near the door. There are a couple positions these switches can be in that would prevent the step from operating. That’s normal. So, try flipping one of those to the opposite position and test again. Right now, I’m parked, so I’ve got mine set to extend when I open the door and then stay there when I close it. When I’m on the road, I flip that switch and it extends and retracts whenever the door is opened or closed (cars in parking lots might drive in next to me and rip it off). Dash switch operates similarly. Starting the vehicle will retract the steps (or should).

    Brake Calipers: Since it’s been sitting so long, it’s not unusual for the calipers to be sticking. They need to be cleaned and lubed. That’s not all that expensive, perhaps a couple hundred. If you’re mechanical, here’s a video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IxJFoZxKaE Least expensive place to have them worked on if you don’t want to handle it yourself is in Mexico or at a truck shop. Do not fall for that shop trick of selling you rotors you don’t need. If there are brake pads left, no blueing on the rotors from overheating, no warping, they may need to be turned, but you don’t need new ones. If the blueing is minor, again, you don’t need new ones. Warped or cracked rotors must be replaced. If all the rotors need replacing, you’re looking at 2-3 thousand unless you do the work yourself with parts from a junk yard. A good truck shop will suggest & find a junkyard rotor for you if it’s actually needed.

    Generator: Your propane tank for the genset is usually tucked between the frame rails so it’s hard to see and access but you might crawl under there and make sure the tank’s gate valve is ON. Could be that simple. If you know it to be open, then start here with your troubleshooting. Follow this link. They have genset parts and manuals. Read their entire troubleshooting document as it’s full of helpful tests (click on Troubleshooting Guides): http://www.flightsystems.com/standby-generator-ats-controls/onan-generator-ats-controls-rebuilding-service.html?gclid=CjwKEAjwgMieBRCB3bqB94e9lD4SJABW3sTNZ7OC-6-RFSG2NLT8rB2knE2t3c5ZJLacB99s4IUi-hoCQrTw_wcB

    Batteries: You would have noticed something was amiss quickly if they’d wired the batteries wrong. Take a few pictures of how they’re wired now before you mess with anything. Maybe send the pics to me and I’ll have a look. Here’s a battery guide: http://www.rverscorner.com/rvmultiplebatterytip.html

    Happy travels. Note that with my diesel pusher, over 76,000 miles, including a blown engine repair that cost $5200, I have averaged $207/month in repair costs, optional equipment costs, and maintenance costs. And I’ve done much of the work myself (labor costs are 37% of the total). Someone who isn’t technical, a handyman, or mechanical, should expect their labor costs to be around 50%.

  5. Dawn Fagan says:

    HI Jim,
    I was just reading through some of your blogs and saw that I could write you here. I also left a communal response on Irv2 forum, but thought I could reach you here if you don’t see that.
    I am in San Felipe too. Are you still here? I just had a Ramada and bathhouse built on my lot in El Dorado. I was one of the original lot winners back in 1982, and although have been down here a few days over the years, this is finally become a reality. Bought the 2004 Journey just last Aug. and have it here now. With time to crawl all over it and learn some things…not to mention clean and fix some things…like the door lock and , well, not sure of the wall by the bed opening!
    Anyway, are you still in the area? Let me know if you want to get together if you are.
    And I’ll be checking out all your wonderful info on you site! I don’t get much from Winne PDF diagrams.
    Okay, enjoy the day!
    Dawn

    Thanks for visiting, Dawn. Yes, you can contact me via these comments. That gives me your email address and once I receive notification you’ve commented, I check to be sure your em address is legit…not a spammer…and usually make comments inside your comment and then approve it. Sometimes it takes a few days since I travel a lot. And in your case, since you asked me to contact you, I did.

  6. tim prybylski says:

    Hi Jim, just came across your blog. Well done. I live in Mojave and would like to invite you to stay here whenever your’re in the area. I have full hookups/50amp,water/sewer. I met Ray Burr,LOVE YOUR RV a few years ago and he his wife Anne spend a few days here on there way to & from Canada. They were just here last week. If you are familiar with there happy hour site you can see there rig in my driveway. Anyway my address is [redacted]. Call if you need a place to park. Take care, “Ski”

    Hey, thanks, Ski. I appreciate the offer. I know that area well, my brothers house is in Rosamond. It seems unlikely that I’ll be in that area again anytime soon though. Right now, I’m down in San Felipe, Baja. Than I’m heading for Ireland in the spring and have some commitments near San Diego preceding that. Than after I return from Ireland, I’ll be hanging out in Minnesota for a while where my daughter lives. But…I’ll certainly keep your offer in mind whenever I get back to that area.

  7. Dee says:

    Hi Jim,
    I to just came across your blog for the first time, very interesting and thinking about renting an RV to test out the life style, so very tired of the “rat race.” Retirement is about 11 yrs away and are very interesting in possibly purchasing an RV in the future. One of my questions for you, how to you get your paper mail? Do you have it sent to relatives or have a land home too?

    Thanks,
    Dee

    Welcome, Dee.

    Thanks for reading!

    Renting is a great way to test the waters. Expensive, but a great way to try out a RV. If you don’t have any experience driving a big vehicle, make sure you practice by following large vehicles and try to do what they do while turning or braking, etc.. Also drive around a big parking lot to get a feel for it.

    As far as mail goes, I retired 8 years early and at the time, I lived in a sticks & bricks home which was paid off. When I went full time, I sold it. Without a permanent address, I asked one of my neighbors if they would collect my mail, they agreed so I made a change of address to theirs, and for several years they collected it and shipped it to me wherever I happened to be. Whenever I was in town, I’d take them out to dinner and I’d usually send them extra money over shipping costs for their trouble handling my mail when they’d ship something to me. But then the husband (who was in charge of caring for my mail) started showing signs of dementia and there were several errors made regarding my mail so I had to move on.

    What I ending up doing was hire a mail collection service in Portland, Oregon called AmForward. They are a complete service, even taking a digital photo of the item so you can check it out online before having it sent to you. You can ask for items to be shredded, no extra cost. Mail forwarding services are found all over the country, I even have a back up service in Sioux Falls, SD (but I don’t like them as much as AmForward). To find them, just google ‘mail forwarding service in ***’ whatever state you’re interested in. Of course some towns just don’t have that kind of thing but each state usually has 2 or three scattered around.

    Note that USPS can be used but they are too restrictive and expensive.

  8. Dawn K. South Dakota says:

    Jim, My husband and I are looking at RVing for a year. Would you recommend an RV or a Tow behind Trailer? How do you find repair shops if you need one? My husband drove Tractor Trailer in the military and the big busses so I don’t think driving an RV will be difficult for him. What are your average expenses per month? Besides gas and insurance.

    Personally, I hadn’t had but very limited experience pulling or backing a trailer of any size and for me, buying a trailer was daunting. Plus having to buy a vehicle that would tow one too. So I opted for a bus style RV and for the first 10 years of full timing, didn’t have a towed car. The Class C’s just weren’t my style and all of the used C’s I saw were in rough shape plus they didn’t seem to be built very well. Class B’s were too small. And finally, trailers just didn’t do it for me.

    Choosing the right RV for you is a personal thing, and I can only say that a Class A Diesel was right for me. They are pretty reliable and don’t break down on the road that often, that’s precisely why I got diesel. Plus they are usually limpable so you’re not stuck on the freeway. And there’s roadside service like Coachnet if you do need a tow. I’ve only needed to be towed twice in 15 years.

    If I have a problem needing a shop, once I get to an area I feel like staying at for a few days, I check RVServiceReviews.com for nearby shops with good reviews and take it there. First thing I do is ask the RV park owners who they recommend. After 15 years I do have a bunch of favorite shops scattered around the country. I always avoid Camping World.

    I only pay a monthly amount for DirecTV and for Tracfone, no other bills. I’m generally healty, exercise, and have VA (free) healthcare. With that in mind, my AVERAGE expenses over the last 15 years are $1500/month. That’s $49/day. This year though, I’ve splurged on several things so I’m averaging $2120/month, $63/day.

    With two of you, you can expect your expenses to be higher. I spent the first 8 years without income, so I worked hard at reducing my expenses, and RV’ing is a great way to do that. Now that I have SSA income, I’m a bit more lax and spend more but even now I can still save $1,000/month if I set my mind to it.

  9. Tom Blevins says:

    I’ve been reading your blog for a year or so, forget how I got the link. We (beloved spouse) and I have a 2002 Journey like yours, only from the pictures your is much better looking. I told her I would get full body paint job as soon as I stop hitting things. I enjoy your RV repairs section tips, as I do all the work on our coach. No chance of full timing, as our house on the Bush River in MD is her love, but we have started snow-birding in Ft Myers and took an extended trip out west this summer. So, about 5 months in the coach in 2018, its a start.
    I enjoy reading your blog, living vicariously through your adventures.

    Full body paint might not be necessary if you have it cleaned really well. That’ll tell you which parts could use a repainting…and that’s likely the vinyl. And down in Mexico is where they do an excellent job for not much money. You probably already found my posting of the painting I’ve had done down there but for lurkers, here it is again: Paint Job – ’94 Bounder

    Thanks for the kind words, I try to post things I think people will get some use from my experiences. And it’s great having you read along on my adventures.

  10. Bob Laptew says:

    Hi Jim,
    We purchased a 2002 Winnebago Journey DL GD with the C-7 last year. We have used it for vacations to practice using the systems and of course, to enjoy it. We are putting our sticks and bricks up for sale this spring and will go Full Time. I love you blog posts and am grateful for any information on the Journey. I am not all that mechanical but am hoping to know enough to keep from getting raked over the coals when having work done. I will do as much as I feel competent to do on my own.
    I will begin blogging and perhaps vlogging on our FT adventures when they begin. Thanks again for the information on your Winnebago Journey and on your ongoing Journey. Bob

    Thanks, Bob, and welcome to my small group of readers. Hope you find several useful posts here. I look forward to reading your posts and watching you Vblog so let me know when it’s up and running.

  11. Steve says:

    Hey Jim, just subscribed to your blog. Is the picture of the water coming downhill 1000 Springs in Hagerman, ID.? If it isn’t, it surely could be.

    Glad to have you aboard, Steve. Hope you enjoy my periodic ramblings. YES, that is 1000 Springs. I’ll be visiting Hagerman again this spring. Here’s a link to an article I did about my first visit…Visit to Hagerman. Want to take that Snake River rafting trip when the waters high. I’ve already done the trip downstream of the Hagerman dam.

  12. Steve says:

    Jim, my wife and I are native Idahoans. We spent the summer in Hagerman last summer. We enjoyed it. We are in Eden, ID this summer. If you make it to Hagerman again, you need to make it over to Balanced Rock and eat at Bill’s Eyed BBQ. Also the Malad River Gorge. The Malad Park is just off I-84.. That fact trip should be fun. We’ve never taken it, but have rafted the Salmon river twice.

    Nice to hear from you, Jim. I have visited the Malad Gorge. Very interesting. Check out the article I wrote about it…More from Idaho. I’ve never visited Eden but looking at the map for the town, doesn’t look like there’s much there. Should be nice and quiet for your visit. Have fun!

  13. John Pinkerton says:

    Hi Jim, I just stumbled on to your blog and was surprised to find that you’ve been to a lot of the same places that I’ve been to. I live in Pahrump and travel as much as I can in my 2001 Winnebago Journey. Maybe we’ll run into each other sometime.
    John P.

    I’m always open to hanging out with new friends. If you’re in town, let me know and we’ll get together and talk about RVs and how to keep from breaking the bank keeping them running. I’m in space 106 over here at the Preferred RV Resort. Let me know.

    • John Pinkerton says:

      Hi Jim, I’m in Pahrump and would like to visit. What’s a good day & time?

      Enjoyed our meeting a lot, John, thanks for visiting!

  14. Steve says:

    Hello Jim from South East Texas,

    I found your blog after looking for a coolant recovery tank for my 2000 freightliner
    discovery. Your blog has been most entertaining and educational.
    Would you happen to have to OEM part number for the recovery tank you used
    on your couch ? Thanks Steve

    It appears that this is but a transparent attempt to get free advertising on my blog. I put the Freightliner p/n into the 3rd paragraph of my article about replacing it.

    You could have just asked if you could advertise. I would have done for you that I’ve done for others…put it right in this comment:

    Next time maybe be a bit more up front about it, huh?

    And if I’ve mis-read your intentions, and you were just trying to find the tank p/n, it’s 05-17750-001, with a sub p/n of 05-17750-002

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