| |
Subject |
Author |
Date Posted |
Forum
|
 |
RE: newbies
....we've never had an rv, just gone by tent......
Hi,
Glad to have you aboard. Since you are used to tent camping it should not be a problem to bring along an extra tent or two to extend your Class B living area once you set up at a camping site.
This works well for a number of reasons.
You can set up the tent at your sight and go sightseeing in
the class B
You can visit more restricted (smaller tent sites) without the worry of RV size hampering your location choices.
You have an area to prepare in before entering your class B (Take off muddy boots, rain slick gear, sandy sneakers or sandals, Etc.)
You can set up your patio gear, Folding chairs, table, cooler and the like and just zip up the tent flaps enter your class B and have things set up in the morning ready to go. (or set up for you when you drive back in the class B from sightseeing.)
I have no less than 5 full tent set ups of varying sizes with coolers chairs grills water canisters Etc. and have found that for the most part a 10 by 16 tent with a attached screen room to be the best for this kind of travel. (I know storage space is lost!)
I have played with the idea of incorporating two tents for full timing , a longer taller side tent like the Hamburg from Germany (similar to the ones used on VW vans in the past)and the type used for SUV's and Mini vans that attach around the rear of the vehicle.
This basically gives you a three room living area without too big a foot print at the sight (just move the picnic table if necessary)
To be honest once you travel around in a class B you get used to it pretty quickly and find that the room is just right.
The benefits of a class B far surpass any perceived draw backs the smaller size might suggest.*
Good luck in your RVing adventure.:W
*See my past post on Class B RVing.
Fred S
NYC
:C
|
SHADOWMCPD
|
11/14/09 12:25am |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
|
|
RE: Highway Restrictions and Vehcile Classification (NY)
Wow, 7'10" isn't tall enough to get a lot of vehicles under around here, much less a B. I don't think I've ever seen a bridge that low on a busy road.
DITTO!
I'm not sure this is correct unless they were doing construction and lowered the hieght by placing a wooden support structure during repairs. (As was done on the Henry Hudson Pwy some time back.
I travel extensively in a Class B in NYC and parts north
(L.I. included) and I have never found a clearance problem to speak of.
This includes The Bronx River Pkwy from start to finish. *
The Henry Hudson Pkwy Start to finish.
The Sprain Pkwy start to finish
Saw Mill River Pkwy start to finish.
Cross County Pkwy start to finish.
The Hutchinson River Pkwy Merit Pkwy start to finish
Jackie Robinson Pkwy
White Stone Expressway
Cross Bronx Expressway
(AKA the Cross Bronx Parking lot) (Re: it never moves!)
The Bruckner Expwy
The FDR Drive / RFK
The West Side Hwy
The Harlem River Drive
All access ways onto the Major Degan Expressway
Every bridge in and out of NYC
Brooklyn Queens Expwy
Belt Pkwy start to finish
Gwanus Expwy (Spelling might be off?)
Garden State Pkwy (NJ)
Palisades Pkwy (NY / NJ) start to finish
As a matter of fact the only low point I found in my travels in NYC was at the JFK Intl Airport Parking area and that was due to a badly placed height sign indicating less than 8' clearance
(I'm 8'6" counting fan cover on a 1990 Dodge Coach House Class B )
If anyone knows of any low clearance areas not able to accommodate a Class B Motor Home here in NYC give a holla!!** :h
You are pretty much sure to have no more difficulty, than a custom van would have anywhere in NYC and they are only limited to parking problem which is common to any large vehicle in a metropolitan area.
My only real advice for persons using a vehicle of this type (Large, long and high) is to condition yourself to backing into mall parking spots so as to have a better field of view when pulling out into traffic. (The key is good use of mirrors (and just like makin' love)
SLOW N EASY GETS IT DONE EVERY TIME :W
As a matter of fact this would be good for any vehicle since anyone backing out into vehicle and pedestrian traffic would have to back out more than half of the vehicle before they can see anything left or right of the rear bumper.
*I have indicated start to finish on Pkwys as they are by far more scenic vistas also less lanes with some (Bx Rvr Pwy for example) winding turns but nothing that can't be navigated)
**Hey we're talkin' NYC so cut me a Hus on Da slang YO!! :B
Fred S
NYC
:C
PS Congrats on the PW MoHo Hope you have great fun in your travels. (Even if only to the mall a trip in a Class B is an experience not a chore)
|
SHADOWMCPD
|
10/27/09 08:34pm |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
|
|
RE: Any Class B owners in NY to answer this?
The Roadtrek like other class B Motor Homes are built on a van body.
When you hand your title over to NYS DMV it shows the make and model of the vehicle (I.E. Dodge Sprinter, Chevy Express Etc.) and that is what they will base your fee on (Reason bigger vehicle, more weight more tax for road service repairs and the like)
Unless you bring up the Motor home vs Van issue the clerk at the DMV will register you as a van.
Like the Government policy elsewhere, Don't ask, don't tell.
Unless there is a reason on your part for registering it as a Motor Home I see no reason or need why (At least in the Class B world)the vehicle needs to be registered as anything other than a van.
Your Insurance company can still be made aware that yours is a Motor Home for tax write off reasons without complicating hungry State coffers.
If I am wrong in this please feel free to clarify but have the courtesy to point out NYS VTL regs in this regard.
Mine has been registered (and re-registered)as such since bringing it into NYS without a problem.
Good Luck
Fred S
NYC
:C
|
SHADOWMCPD
|
10/11/09 03:23pm |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
|
|
RE: Tipping Escort
....I've had waitresses that had such crappy service and courtesy, that I left them a 10-cent tip!....
A dime (10-cent tip)is too much to show you are dissatisfied with the service.:E
The best solution is to leave a penny;:p
Talk to the hostess or manager and explain why, then leave your 15% or 20% tip for the rest of the staff (cook /chef/ table sever / bus boy Etc.*) with the person in charge as they will then know your are sincere in your dissatisfaction with that particular server and not the establishment.
Hopefully they will have a word with them about proper customer service etiquette and the need for professionalism. :S ("customer is always right" and all that!)
As for escorts, well, guess it depends on what is provided.:B
* The reasoning behind leaving the 15 or 20% tip anyway, :h is because in some establishments tips are divided among the staff, so depriving your server also deprives everyone else. Bringing it to the attention of management insures they do not benefit from your tip and rewards those who attended to you behind the scenes.
Fred S
NYC
|
SHADOWMCPD
|
10/11/09 02:53pm |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Are you waving at me?
I wave but then again I'm the co-pilot. DH waves most of the time too.
Best solution by far!
Co-pilot (DW/DH) waves, vehicle pilot keeps hands on wheel eyes on road (and mirrors)
No Copilot (DW/DH)?
Solution; quick tap on horn or quick flash of lights as a form of acknowledgement.
Reason; hands don't leave the steering column and eyes stay where they need to be, which is focused on the road while driving several tons of metal at a high rate of speed in and among other drivers who's driving skills, condition of vehicle, or sobriety you can't be sure of, much less road conditions or hazards one can't predict, only react to in seconds
(which just might be the seconds used up waving at other drivers):E
Don't get me wrong, I'm the first one to approach another RVer and say hi, I will just reserve this for instances where we are both parked, stopped at a light or stopped at an intersection.
(since neither of us will pose a potential risk to life and limb when not moving :))
Ask any Law Enforcement Officer and I'm sure they will tell you most nuisance accidents
(Where driver hits or backs up into something causing minor damage) as well as a large number of pedestrian contacts are a result of momentary laps of attention on the part of the the driver, on his or her forward momentum while operating said vehicle.*
(I.E. Looking in a direction other than that which the vehicle was traveling.)
Or as they say here in the Bronx;
Yo, ya ain't watchin' where ya goin!!! :S
Feel free to toot your horn or flash your lights on the Freeway or Highways of our great Country but if possible, lets try and save the hand waving for a less dangerous local.
Or as I like to tell inattentive drivers when they cut me off while I'm bicycle ridding,
Hey mac! LOOK WHERE YOUR DRIVING OR DRIVE WHERE YOUR LOOKIN" :p
* Hi speed vehicular accidents where major damage and or injury or death has occurred, results in few drivers actually admitting to inattention on their part, being a result of or contribution to the incident. :h
Good luck, safe driving, hope to wave to you in the future. :@
Fred S
NYC
:C
|
SHADOWMCPD
|
09/27/09 06:53am |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
|
|
RE: Video Switch Box
Hi,
I'm not sure if you would be willing to invest into a separate device that is not a video switcher as has been recommended here in upgrading to a Home theater system, (which would be ideal for full effects)
A less expensive way would be to pick up in Costco (or some other store) a combo DVD /VCR recorder like a Sony which lets you view both types of video from one unit as well as allow you to connect your cable (And Sat system) to the rear of the unit and watch it on channel 3 or 4 on your TV (This unit is the same size as an old model VCR player)
Some models do not come with a digital tuners so if you are not connected to cable or a Sat system you will only be able to view pre-recorded programs on DVD or VHS. (No free local channels)
The added benefit is that you can convert your VHS tapes to DVD* ( or vice a versa) and have less bulk to carry.
* (If they are not copy protected / unless you own a De-scrambler that is :W)
Good Luck
Fred S
NYC
:C
|
SHADOWMCPD
|
09/03/09 11:39am |
Technology Corner
|
|
RE: Class B's that will fit in a garage.
having exposed tank valves is also a no no.
Hello again,
Not to sound too insistent (of the fighting idea) (It hurts to see people being abused) but it would seem that it would still be cheaper to have some shop recess the tank valves and place standard gas cap door hinges (in place of RV ones) rather than selling your practically new rig in a depressed economy, taking a loss, then having to invest in another rig just to meet the HOA's
(Or is that Whores!) needs.
Unless you fancy a newer possibly 4x4 rig (And even this might be a problem with them) I would still opt for a hearing.
(Preferably knock down, drag out, bare knuckle fight, figuratively speaking of course!!):B
Keep in mind once they know they can push you around on one issue, what's to stop them
(Or the complaining neighbors) :S from finding something else to use on you?
You mentioned new neighbors and several complaints, is there anyway to talk directly with them and see if it can be resolved without a hearing?
At least feel them out and see if the complaint is valid or if it based on something other than your vehicle (personal dislike, Class snobbery or some other form of discrimination) and they are using the rules to kick you when your down?
(It's hard to justify enforcing a rule it it appears you are being singled out as this opens the door for litigation!)
Good luck in you struggle
Fred S
NYC.
:C
P. S. one option depending on your age and medical condition, If you can get a letter from your doctor regarding a need for such transportation (I.E. handicap / UT problems) you might be able to get around the by laws as you can show a need for a bathroom equipt vehicle.
|
SHADOWMCPD
|
08/10/09 03:03pm |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
|
|
RE: Class B's that will fit in a garage.
As we are having trouble with our homeowners association's new management regarding our Pleasureway Excel
Hi,
Since your vehicle is so new, having to replace it to suit the association seems like over kill. :(
Why not try to see if you can have your vehicle grand fathered in as an exception to this new rule.
Baring that, the fact that this is a new association maybe challenging them on the rule might be enough to have them back off (at least where you are concerned.)
Go over the old rules and regulations the association was enforcing(and on whom) then compare them to the new ones they are adding and see if they are being even handed with everyone (you included) or if they are targeting any owner(s) in general.
Or, as was suggested on another post (regarding parking) petition to disband the association (In their case the board decided to play nice and backed down)
Since it seems you are ready to bite the bullet and change your vehicle to suit the rules, how about loading a few rounds into your parking rights (after all that is why some folks drive Class B's in the first place, (to accommodate HOA's)*
At least firing a few (Verbal) shots at them lets you go down fighting!!! :M
*ever notice how HOA's and whores have a similar ring to em':B
Good luck and keep us posted
Fred S
NYC
:C
|
SHADOWMCPD
|
08/10/09 01:36pm |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
|
|
RE: New phrases that you just hate!!
While I agree that these are over- or improperly used, "critical path" and "benchmarking" are terms of art that (assuming basic proper usage) have a known meaning. In construction (or any number of activities that are "projects") the critical path is the sequence that: a) includes required activities (including predecessors and successors) and b) takes the longest to complete.
"Benchmarking" is similar: a term of art meaning to compare to other activities of the same type.
In the construction contracting bidness, CPM (Critical Path Method) scheduling is almost universally used, while many times construction project progress is "benchmarked" by comparing to similar projects.
You don't actually talk like this do you? :W
Talk like I post...not at all
Use "Critical Path" "Benchmarking" ...all the time. When I go to the finance committee to get approval on a USD $1bn project that doesn't generate revenue for 18-30 months, they want to know the critical path, how the project schedule, cost,and risk stack up against benchmarks and they even often ask if we're following "best practice". Depending on my mood, I may tell them that there is no such thing as "best practice", but the presentations always have to identify critical path as well as show a comparison to benchmarks.
Ahhh Mann!!:E
You hadda ask!!!!:S
Oh, & BTW
THE "Critical Path" IS WHEN YOU GET OFF THE HARD PACK*
*If you have to ask, you ain't been there!!
If you've been there, done that, then, you have the Tee Shirt!!!
I guess the rest can guesstimate!
Humm, a hint perhaps?
Ok, it occurs when we are guest, invited or otherwise, ground shaking, quaking and breaking in this vast barren undertaking.
Bones breaking, heart aching, widow making, that is the
"critical path" when the HARD PACK is not the road we are taking!
The question I need to ask is, do I actually talk like this???:h
Or, like dat???:B
What should I use as a "benchmark" for comparison this or dat?
The things that make you go Humm!
Fred S
NYC
:C
|
SHADOWMCPD
|
08/07/09 10:10am |
Around the Campfire
|
|
RE: Have you deep sixed your VCR?
While I can understand why someone would want to hold on to a VCR because of a need to view OLD family videos and such, I cannot for the life of me see why someone would want to record anything on that format for any reason!:?
Que up time not withstanding (and this is debatable as well since inserting a VCR tape also requires waiting for the heads to spin and the tape to adjust)
There is no way that VCR can in someone's wildest imagination hope to outdo (or even keep up with a) DVD.
1) The DVD player itself takes up less space in your equipment rack (since it is smaller.)
2) It weighs less than any VCR deck( See #1 above)
3) There is no contact with the medium ( Tape heads must touch the magnetic tape on a VHS tape, lasers on a DVD do not)
4) tape wears out from friction, stretching and age / DVD does not.
5) External magnetic's can effect a tape (on a DVD? Nahhh!)
6) Get a tape wet (I.E. spill a drink on it) and you can discard it, spill a drink on a DVD and you can wipe it clean and play it right away.
7) If your kid pulls out the tape :E from a VHS tape, repairs are time consuming (unscrew the cassette, remove the tape splice the damaged section then re-assemble)and not likely to result in a good playable tape / if your kid scratches your DVD, put it in a Disc Doctor (give it a 30 sec spin) and 9 times out of 10, it's good to go!
8) Fast forward, reverse, still, frame advance, book mark, Queuing, titles, icons, frame capture, Etc. are all possible on a DVD / on a VHS tape fast forward and reverse are at best a joke! As for the rest, good luck finding a VCR that can do this!!!
9) On the subject of archiving, editing and picture capture keep in mind, your end result is only as good as the source you record in the first place and since 280 lines of resolution on a VCR tape is far short of the 480 lines of a DVD, guess which one I would want to use. :h
10) In response to those who would scream SVHS* all I'd like to add is BlueRay and soon to be Green laser tech!!!
* Now if you had said Beta Max I might leave you be, but alas that, as is the VHS - VCR, nothing more than a thing of the past!!! :B
Fred S
NYC
|
SHADOWMCPD
|
07/13/09 12:36pm |
Technology Corner
|
|
RE: Happy 4th of July.
Thanks much,
Same to Ya!!
Semper Fi
Fred S
NYC
:C
|
SHADOWMCPD
|
07/03/09 09:17pm |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
|
|
Replacing Bats in 99 Bounder Any ideas ?
Hi all,
DW & I are preping the Bounder for a short stay at her sisters house (Where the RV is stored)
It seems that the overgrowth of trees had obstructed the sun from reaching the solar charger and the bats have bit the dust.:E
Lesson learned, never take a BIL word when he says' all is well with your rig! :S
(Looks like I will be making the trip back up here on a regular basis again huh??!!) :(
As it stands, I would like to replace the 4 Trojan 105 Bats as they are beyond salvation.
I am interested in what any of you, guys & Gals who have changed out all four in the past have gone with or if there is anything out on the market worth looking into.
(I use GSM bats in my Class B but the DW does not want to go the extra expense for a rig that does not get much use!)
I will be recharging the two commercial bats and trying to clear a view of the sun for the solar panel .
(Hey any way to connect a secondary panel or move the one on top off the rig to direct sunlight?) :h
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Oh yeah I already got the "You, SHOULDA, COULDA, WOULDA" speech from the DW in spades, :R so constructive input Si'l vous plait. :B
Thanks
Fred S
:C
|
SHADOWMCPD
|
07/03/09 08:49pm |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: theoretically I want a class b rv but
Consider again...a page full of vehicles that have sex appeal (sorry, Rodger)
- LJZ
Sorry LJZ, while Vets are a fine auto in and of themselves they are almost as uncomfortable as was my 300ZX!!!
(When consummating said act!):B
According to the VAN GODS of the 60's & 70's who are the true predecessors of todays Class B rolling bedrooms, vans are by far the #1 vehicle with appeal for sex.
Oh, WAIT-A-MINUTE?
That was sex appeal :S not appeal for sex! :o
In the words OF the indomitable Gilda Radner
AKA Rossana rosana Danna
NEVER MIND!!!! :S
Fred S
NYC
:C
|
SHADOWMCPD
|
05/04/09 02:13pm |
Class B - Camping Van Conversions
|
 |
RE: I think he forgot his toad...
....Now I'm periodically hallucinating some dude with a flamingo on his head.
Should I be worried?
No Darlin' The time to worry is when you see white suited gents with nets. :o
(Or the stone deadpan campers with the ovesized PODS! *) :E
Fred S
NYC
:C
*They can only get ya when you sleep!
Oh, and stay away from Bluebirds, trucks & toads
and fishin' holes with no poles!
Lions & Tigers & Bears Oh my!
This crazy post has us scared Oh MY!:E
|
SHADOWMCPD
|
04/26/09 04:56pm |
General RVing Issues
|
|
RE: I think he forgot his toad...
I'm not sure what bothers me more, the fascination you have with your neighbor or the fascination everyone else has with you watching your neighbor. Both are pretty scary...... :B
NOTE TO SELF: take up hobby before retiring.....(not neighbor stalking) :B :B :B
A fascinating observation, in order to post on page 15, 14 others had to have been read, pretty scary huh!!
Guess you have taken on a hobby after all!! :B
Or it could just be an Alien posting directly from the toad, truck or Bluebird, ok, fess up!! Where's Larry!!!:M
(Oh Ohh, did he fall asleep near a pod or flower bed?):E
Fred S
NYC
:C
|
SHADOWMCPD
|
04/23/09 04:37pm |
General RVing Issues
|
|
RE: I think he forgot his toad...
Larry, does Linda know you are watching your neighbor's site and posting this mystery?
What are you doing to protect the rest of the campers from these invisible aliens? Are you going from campsite to campsite warning everyone of the danger they might be in and if so how do they react to you?
Have you had men in white coats come to your door recently?
Guess you've never seen INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS huh?
Larry, was there any thing in the bed of the truck?
Perhaps something resembling really, really large peapod's?
If so be careful drink lots of Espresso, and don't BLINK! they will transport you to the past and use up your life force in the present!!
Wait a minute, that was in DOCTOR WHO (The BBC remake)
forget about not blinking! :S
Don't fall asleep, stay awake, they take over when you sleep!!!! :E
Just like in the movie mentioned above (The 1956 version with Kevin McCarthy not the 1978 remake with Donald Sutherland or the really bad 1993 version Body Snatchers)
As far as running around from campsite to campsite warning everybody goes, keep in mind what happened when Kevin McCarthy ran around warning everyone, the only thing it got him was a B/W Cameo appearance in the 2003 Looney Tunes Back in Action film and still no one believed him! :?
So just keep up the good FO(Forward observer)work, put it in a file marked X (for eXtraterrestrial) and remember THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE!!
Fred S
NYC
:C
(& you guys thought Larry was the only one with wayyy toooo much time on his hands huh!!)
P. S. The guys in the White coats did come a knockin' I didn't answer!!! :B
|
SHADOWMCPD
|
04/23/09 02:50pm |
General RVing Issues
|
|
RE: I think he forgot his toad...
Aliens!! Light beams!!! UFOs!!! OMG what have I stumbled onto here???? This is getting VERY spooky and I'm getting skeered, to say the least. Maybe I should take the advice of others and just walk away from this situation before.............well...................before THEY come for ME!!!!
eeeeeeeeekkkkkkk!!!!!!!!!
Nahhh!!
Keep up the good FO work!!
Just be careful of any Alien Probes in particular the CROTCHETY ones!!:E
Fred S
NYC:C
|
SHADOWMCPD
|
04/23/09 02:29pm |
General RVing Issues
|
|
RE: I think he forgot his toad...
I think you ought to pack your crotchety-arse, retired, too much time on your hands self up, and GO HOME!!! JMO. :B
Dear Mr. Herewego, how dare you acuse ME of being crotchety!!!
The better question would be, why is he paying so much attention to your CROTCHETY?? :S
Is he in Cahoots with Bluebird & Toad?? :h
Maybe he's just truckin' through the site trolling for toads!! :R
:B:B
Fred S
NYC
:C
|
SHADOWMCPD
|
04/23/09 02:17pm |
General RVing Issues
|
|
RE: I think he forgot his toad...
Some people have waaaay too much time on their hands. Be careful your neighbour does not catch on to your spying and put a brick through your window.
Humm? :h
Too much time on his hands?
Spying on neighbor?
Window?
Ok is this a spoof on Alfred Hitchcock's REAR WINDOW???
Yeah I know, I've been watching too many movies, but it beats watching disappearing and re-appearing coaches & toads!
Or does it??
Did you check under the flowerbeds for bodies???:E
Fred S
NYC
:C
|
SHADOWMCPD
|
04/23/09 01:58pm |
General RVing Issues
|
|
RE: I want a laptop...why???
We have switched completely to laptop or netbook....One big downside is not having a CD drive to load programs or data, but there are ways around that (not that I have figured them out...).......
Use the USB port to connect a slim DVD+/-Writer Drive and add a 1TB external hard drive loaded with the programs you need, and your golden.
(This can all be done for little cash* and everything is small & easy to hide in the RV.)
*COMPUSA / Micro Center / Costco, even BestBuy comes to mind!
Fred S
NYC
:C
|
SHADOWMCPD
|
04/17/09 09:57pm |
Technology Corner
|
|
