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Date Posted |
Forum
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RE: Many New Lance TC for 2010
I never thought I would buy a new TC, but . . .
Anybody want to buy my Lance so I can go buy a new 850? It seems like they fixed a lot of the short falls of the 835 and came up with very interesting specs while maintain the light weight. It's going to be hard waiting to see more specifications and pictures.
Wonder what a nearly stripped one will cost from a dealer.
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kohldad
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11/21/09 04:13pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Road Route from Arkansas to NC d/t detour
Couple choices for you. I've driven 95% of these roads and none would be a problem for RVs.
Normal Route: I40 to Ashville; I26 to Spartanburg; I85 to Charlotte = 772 miles
D.O.T. Recommended bypass: I40 to Johnson City; I26 to Spartanburg; I85 to Charlotte = 838 miles
D.O.T. Recommended bypass: I40 to Johnson City; I26 to Hwy 74 to I85 to Charlotte = 816 miles
Alternate but longer: I40 to Nashville; I24 to Chattanooga; I75 to Atlanta; I85 to Charlotte = 930 miles
Alternate but does require some nice dual lane back roads: I40 to Memphis; I55 to I240 to Hwy 78 to Birmingham; I20 to Atlanta; I85 to Charlotte = 770 miles. One advantage here is you miss all of the mountains so no long grades.
If you need any more specifics on any of these, just ask.
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kohldad
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11/20/09 05:22pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: RT. 25 & 70 From Ashville to Newport
That little bridge is not fun in a car couldn't imagine towing.
First time I crossed it, a tanker truck was west bound and I was east bound with a 30' TT. Somehow we passed each other in the middle and the only damage was some scuff marks on both of our tires.
Would have thought it was done by now since it's been over 15 months since my last trip through there. Amazing how slow some construction progresses.
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kohldad
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11/20/09 04:46pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: Thanksgiving camping...where you going?
For the 17th time in 20 years of marriage - the in-laws house!
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kohldad
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11/20/09 11:57am |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
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RE: RT. 25 & 70 From Ashville to Newport
The 25/70 route through Hot Springs is the old I40 bypass before they completed I26 up to I81. I've hauled both my 35' 5ver and a 30' TT on it numerous times. With those rigs, it was easily doable. Only concern was the narrow bridge just east of Hot Springs but that was in the process of being replaced last year and should be completed by now.
In a car, it would be a breeze and is very scenic once you get away from I26.
You may want to consider going 25/70 there and 441 on the way back. Best of both worlds.
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kohldad
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11/20/09 11:54am |
Roads and Routes
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RE: What will happen if I don't dump my waste before winter?
You could just put a five gallon bucket under it and drain it, you made need a couple five gallon buckets and dump it in your toilet at home.
That is probably the easiest and best. I definitely wouldn't leave it in there over the winter because of the chance of it busting the valve or tank.
My thought was take it to call your local sewer plant and see if they would allow you to dump it.
As a last resort, I would haul it the 30 miles to the dump. After all, it isn't that far and would keep one from worrying about it all winter.
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kohldad
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11/20/09 10:08am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Should I sell the Outfitter and get a Northern Lite???
I went back and forth over the pop or hard side and decided the hardside was the only way for me to go. However, I move more than most, only stopping for a night. Plus it's common for me to leave the campground early in the morning to find someplace with a view to cook and eat breakfast. Lastly, I have enough trouble getting my wife to go in the TC and it would be impossible if it was part tent.
You seem to know what your gains and losses would be, so it's a decision only you can make. But to play devil's advocate to your own questions:
can fit under my deck at home
Is storing a camper somplace besides under your deck an issue?
can also carry things like kayaks on top
But do you or do you plan to in the future?
Do the tank size difference really matter? If you only use 1/3 of your current capacities, wouldn't you have enough with the smaller tanks?
I don't have to raise the top to camp.
More than that is the fact you don't have to raise the top when you make stops and still have the FULL convenience. However, if you don't make stops til your destination or don't cook at stops, then this really isn't an issue. (I know pop-ups have good access to most things when unpopped, but it isn't FULL access.)
I can stealth camp more easily.
Don't think most folks would notice the difference between a popped pop-up and a hardside.
Last question that you didn't cover. If you upgrade the camper, will you lose out on camping time because of the money you spent or the time to get the new camper the way you want it?
Hard choice and good luck.
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kohldad
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11/20/09 05:18am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Endeavor Launch - STS-130
BiGG, thanks for the info, was interesting reading and still have more to do.
Looks like the area I was thinking of to park was on the A. Max Brewer Parkway just before the bridge (which is where I guess they close the road). Or is there a better recommended place to park it Titusville?
Still have more research on exactly where I can park and when I need to get there to secure a spot. But since it will be a once opportunity, I want to get it right the first time.
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kohldad
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11/19/09 12:39pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Endeavor Launch - STS-130
Here is the website: NASA Launch Schedule
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kohldad
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11/19/09 12:18pm |
Truck Campers
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Endeavor Launch - STS-130
With only 5 launches left to experience, I want to make sure I make it down for one. Wanted to try for one that was planned for late week so I would be able to hang around in case of a delay. Was reading in another thread about viewing the STS-129 landing which made me think to check the schedule. At this time, STS-130 is planned for Thursday, Feb 4, 2010.
I've heard that the best viewing is along the "causeway" and they allow folks to boondock the night before to get a good view and beat the traffic. So, I'll be loaded up and headed down after work on Wednesday, arriving at the "causeway" about 1am.
Question 1: What is the best place to boondock the night before yet have a great view of the launch?
Question 2: Anyone else want to plan on meeting up and having a TC group watch the launch together?
Disclaimer: Plans subject to change by NASA.
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kohldad
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11/19/09 08:12am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Why the Payoad Disparity?
The GVWR has a lot to do with the wording of laws and classification. A lot of SRWs have a GVWR at 9,900# because a 10,000# GVWR has much different CDL requirements if the truck is tagged commercially, especially if hauling a trailer. So this sets the max GVWR of the truck.
Then, consider that the payload capacity advertised by any manufacturer is this GVWR - 150# for the driver - actual weight of the truck. To maximize the payload, they take the lightest truck they can, base model, 2wd, manual, smallest engine, etc.
For the Dodge 3500, the base model is a DRW configuration with a 12,200 GVWR. So the payload is calculated on this. The SRW configuration is actually an option so it's payload numbers are not advertised and almost impossible to find.
This is why the only true way to know the payload for your truck is to either weight it or the exact model. If I was looking at a truck to haul a TC, I would take as close a model as I could get my hands on to a truck scale and pay the $10.50 to weigh it.
In regards to the 1-ton, most of them gain the extra capacity by including a set of aux or helper springs. These do not engage or change the ride til a certain amount of weight is added to the bed. On my Dodge, it takes about 1,000# before they engage. When not engaged, my 1-ton rides just like a 3/4 ton. I have no idea why anyone would buy a 3/4 ton when a 1 ton is usually about the same price but has the extra payload capacity.
My 1-ton is my DD most of the time and I don't have any problems or concerns. Rougher than a 1500, but then again, its a truck made to work, not a grocery getter.
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kohldad
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11/18/09 08:19pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Trip Report - Devil's Fork State Park, SC
Thanks for the compliments. Just trying to repay for all of the other trip reports I enjoy reading so much. I was getting bored with traveling in this area since I've been doing it for so long. However, comments on my other trip reports have made me realize I was missing so much beauty. With refocused vision, I'm slowing down and appreciating things closer to home that I was just glancing over because I thought I had been there done that.
How's that Lance815 working out for you?
Except for the fridge not cooling while traveling, it's working out great. So far have owned it for 245 days and have stayed 36 nights. Find it's perfect for quick jaunts.
Wow, nice shots there Dad!
Have to give credit to DD#2 as I let her use the camera all weekend. I took about 10 shots of the 400+ pics we took.
Nice to have a Trip Report in November!
Then keep your eyes open as I camp year round. January and February will be trips looking for frozen waterfalls and that very elusive south eastern snow.
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kohldad
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11/18/09 08:32am |
Truck Campers
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Trip Report - Devil's Fork State Park, SC
After last month's trip where I ended up meeting up with my sister for one night at Frozen Head SP in TN, we agreed to meet up soon. I could have taken the entire week off and had a long vacation, but decided instead to make two weekend trips. The first weekend was a solo 900 mile trip into eastern NC. The second weekend would be with the entire family and meet up with my sister. Going back and forth, my sister and I agreed to meet up in the upstate of SC/GA and finally agreed upon Devil's Fork State Park in the north west corner of SC. This park is located on Jocassee Lake and isn't far from Jocassee Gorges, Timmerman Wilderness Area, and Table Rock SP. With so much wilderness around, it makes a great base camp. Surprising we ended up not moving the trucks and spent the entire weekend relaxing and hiking within the park boundries.
About 3 hours up the road, we had our first good glimpse of the mountains as we crested the last hill on Hwy 153 before catching Hwy 123 in Easley.
http://kohldad.home.comcast.net/~kohldad/albums/2009/devil/image (3).jpg
Jessica having a good time, especially as we near our destination.
http://kohldad.home.comcast.net/~kohldad/albums/2009/devil/image (6).jpg
The girls decided since the weather was going to be great, they would take the tent along instead of squeezing on the dinnette. Fine by me as it meant more room in the TC.
http://kohldad.home.comcast.net/~kohldad/albums/2009/devil/image (8).jpg
So, do you want BBQ Chicken or just S&P Chicken?
http://kohldad.home.comcast.net/~kohldad/albums/2009/devil/image (9).jpg
After dinner, it was time to sit by the fire and catch up on things.
http://kohldad.home.comcast.net/~kohldad/albums/2009/devil/image (10).jpg
All snug and toastie, ready for a long winter's nap.
http://kohldad.home.comcast.net/~kohldad/albums/2009/devil/image (12).jpg
My sister's Bigfoot on the left, my little Lance on the right.
http://kohldad.home.comcast.net/~kohldad/albums/2009/devil/image (13).jpg
In the morning, we took a short stroll to the day use area.
http://kohldad.home.comcast.net/~kohldad/albums/2009/devil/image (18).jpg
http://kohldad.home.comcast.net/~kohldad/albums/2009/devil/image (22).jpg
http://kohldad.home.comcast.net/~kohldad/albums/2009/devil/image (23).jpg
Back at camp, we climbed up on the roof to look at the possibilities of adding solar to my Lance. Hoping to go with a DC compressor fridge, 300A/hr battery bank, and 2-100 watt solar panels, all in time for spring camping fever.
http://kohldad.home.comcast.net/~kohldad/albums/2009/devil/image (24).jpg
After a little bit, three of us headed out on the 2-1/4 mile nature loop trail. Hey wait, who stole my hair?
http://kohldad.home.comcast.net/~kohldad/albums/2009/devil/image (27).jpg
http://kohldad.home.comcast.net/~kohldad/albums/2009/devil/image (30).jpg
http://kohldad.home.comcast.net/~kohldad/albums/2009/devil/image (31).jpg
For some reason, I had a strong impulse to point. Hey look, older folks can't point as high.
http://kohldad.home.comcast.net/~kohldad/albums/2009/devil/image (32).jpg
But I can still save the ladies from falling logs.
http://kohldad.home.comcast.net/~kohldad/albums/2009/devil/image (33).jpg
Eventually, you make it out to a point between the campground and day use boat ramp. It provides nice views of the lake and a great place to take a break.
http://kohldad.home.comcast.net/~kohldad/albums/2009/devil/image (36).jpg
http://kohldad.home.comcast.net/~kohldad/albums/2009/devil/image (39).jpg
All of a sudden these frogman popped up. The water in the lake is so clear, the diving schools love using the lake for the open water part of the class. It is common to have crystal clear view for over 10'
http://kohldad.home.comcast.net/~kohldad/albums/2009/devil/image (40).jpg
Phyllis getting her photos.
http://kohldad.home.comcast.net/~kohldad/albums/2009/devil/image (41).jpg
http://kohldad.home.comcast.net/~kohldad/albums/2009/devil/image (42).jpg
Heading back to camp.
http://kohldad.home.comcast.net/~kohldad/albums/2009/devil/image (46).jpg
http://kohldad.home.comcast.net/~kohldad/albums/2009/devil/image (48).jpg
http://kohldad.home.comcast.net/~kohldad/albums/2009/devil/image (49).jpg
Back at camp, I borrowed her cargo carrier to see if I would like to get one. I like the idea of a deck and may eventually do something but it will definitely have to be a lot higher.
http://kohldad.home.comcast.net/~kohldad/albums/2009/devil/image (51).jpg
Saturday evening was enjoyed sitting around the fire and more talking. With it getting dark early, we had a hard time just making it til 9pm before crashing. Sunday morning, we decided to walk over to the office before packing up.
http://kohldad.home.comcast.net/~kohldad/albums/2009/devil/image (57).jpg
http://kohldad.home.comcast.net/~kohldad/albums/2009/devil/image (59).jpg
http://kohldad.home.comcast.net/~kohldad/albums/2009/devil/image (60).jpg
http://kohldad.home.comcast.net/~kohldad/albums/2009/devil/image (61).jpg
Saw this guy have a fun time swimming.
http://kohldad.home.comcast.net/~kohldad/albums/2009/devil/image (65).jpg
The office and souvenoir shop.
http://kohldad.home.comcast.net/~kohldad/albums/2009/devil/image (66).jpg
Another tree just begging to have it's picture taken.
http://kohldad.home.comcast.net/~kohldad/albums/2009/devil/image (67).jpg
The gang. From left to right: me, DS, DBI, DW, DD#2, DD#1
http://kohldad.home.comcast.net/~kohldad/albums/2009/devil/image (69).jpg
We headed home north on Hwy 11 which took us past some nice house on Lake Jocassee and on to Table Rock State Park. One day, I'm going to camp here and hike to the top.
http://kohldad.home.comcast.net/~kohldad/albums/2009/devil/image (72).jpg
http://kohldad.home.comcast.net/~kohldad/albums/2009/devil/image (74).jpg
Near the junction of Hwy 11 and Hwy 276, there is a little pull off with a nice roadside waterfall.
http://kohldad.home.comcast.net/~kohldad/albums/2009/devil/image (76).jpg
Last treat of the trip before the 200 miles home, some peanuts from the roadside boiled peanut man. During nice weather when tourist are sure to be about, he is in the pull off by the water fall. His peanuts are usually very good. At least we enjoyed them for next 50 miles.
http://kohldad.home.comcast.net/~kohldad/albums/2009/devil/image (77).jpg
Til next time I get a bad case of the camping bug . . .
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kohldad
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11/17/09 09:24pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: lance tank level sensors
By "problems" what do you mean, false readings?
I purchased my camper back in March and have been living with a "full" black tank since purchase. Past Friday before heading out of town, I had a 1/2 tank from the previous weekend that I needed to dump. Based on things I read here, I bought a 10# bag of ice and dumped it in the black tank. I made sure to slosh the tanks around real good on the way to the dump. After dumping, the guages are reading correct again.
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kohldad
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11/17/09 06:02am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Need tank ideas
Are you trying to increase capacity or just have some capacity? And what type of camper are you trying to modify?
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kohldad
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11/16/09 02:03pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Michigan to S.C.
When I had a 5ver, I found when I consider food, lodgining, and fuel that the RV is usually on the cheaper side but not by much. However, the places I stay in the RV are worth it. Not to mention having my own clean bed and linens.
If you take your time, down shift on both the up hill and down hills, you shouldn't have any problems.
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kohldad
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11/16/09 08:10am |
Roads and Routes
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RE: Return To Navajo NM - Keet Seel
Thanks for the report on one trek of yours I probably will never be able to make. While the snow and teens may not have been the weather hoped for, I'm sure it made the trip more memorable and definitely unique.
Thanks for sharing.
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kohldad
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11/16/09 06:48am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Picked up my new to me 00 Lance 815 today
Welcome to the snug fit club. I agree that the 815 works great on the stock 3500 SRW. Even when I throw the jeep and trailer behind, it still handles the rig fantastic.
I shouldn't think the struts would be needed. Every vehicle will purpoise sooner or later when it hits the right set of conditions. It's only when it does it a lot will the struts help.
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kohldad
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11/16/09 04:34am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Norcold N300 Fridge Problem
Mine will also work without 12V but it was manufactured in 2003. From reading literature on Norcold's sight, I don't think anything has changed.
But, out of curiosity, can you take a picture of the rear of your unit for comparison so I can see if there are any wire differences. I'm wondering if a wire (probably at the top of the unit) was installed incorrectly.
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kohldad
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11/15/09 03:18pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Rpute to Gatlinburg from NC Coast
The before mention 441 route is probably the quickest and prettiest for a car or RV that doesn't mind the up/down over the mountain. Even in the car, make sure you downshift to let the transmission help hold your speed down.
If you are in a car, you can take the gravel road around the closure. Take I40 to 276 south for about 1/4 mile to South Cove Road, then take Mt Sterling Road over to Exit 451 in TN to get back on the interstate. I would not take this path if you are in a hurry or have a trailer as it is a single lane and very twisty gravel road. I would imagine some locals take this route with the I40 closure, so expect meeting up with a few other vehicles. I have not taken it yet, but plan to do so with my TC next time I'm in the area.
Other option is I26 through Asheville to Hwy 25 through Hot Springs and Newport. This was the original route before they finished I40 and the I40 alt route before they finished I26 to I81. This an acceptable route for any RV.
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kohldad
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11/13/09 08:00am |
Roads and Routes
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