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RE: Need advice on front cargo baskets
May I ask where you found your receiver?
Sorry I took a while to answer you but I've been off the grid for a few days . . .
I bought my hitch receiver from HitchMart. They had one of the lowest prices I found ($164), plus free shipping. I found a few posts on truck & off-roading forums from people that were happy with them and didn't turn up any complaints. It was branded Hidden Hitch, but I believe the identical piece is also used by Reese and Draw-Tite.
The hardware that was furnished with the receiver was Grade 5, I replaced them with Grade 8 fasteners, overkill for a cargo basket but since I might use the receiver someday to pull someone out of the sand/mud (or get pulled out) I figured what the heck, why not?
Install was a little tricky since it was just me and my driveway - with a couple of guys and a lift it would've been a piece of cake. The plastic air dam had to be trimmed, used a hot knife attachment on my soldering gun and it was easy.
Have yet to pick out a basket though.
Rob
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zumdish
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08/22/09 09:25am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Front cargo basket
What ever you decide make sure you don't block the cooling airflow that flows into the radiator, A/C condenser, and trans oil cooler or you'll have big problems.....
Indeed - I was eyeballing all that when I was considering that I want the basket to ride higher up. I'm not planning any huge boxes and the radiators on my truck seem pretty hefty, I don't think it'll be a problem but I'll certainly keep an eye on the temps when I start using it.
... I would recommend a carrier with the rise height built in, rather than purchasing a rise or drop reciever adaptor because that introduces yet another loose connection point into the mounting that will result in yet more wobbling and wiggling around, which you will get enough of with just the one normal reciever connection point.
Good point - I've seen some people with all sorts of straps tied to the bumper, looks like they're trying to dampen wobble.
another reason for the fold up is that when the carrier is folded up and out of the way you can park in much shorter spaces.
I was originally thinking why not just disconnect it and leave it at the campsite or whatever, but the more I think about it the more I like the idea of folding it and having it available if I want.
Rob
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zumdish
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08/15/09 01:10pm |
Tow Vehicles
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Need advice on front cargo baskets
Posted this in Tow Vehicles but I'm repeating it here since TCers are heavy users of this accessory:
I'm installing a front receiver this weekend, which I got specifically to mount a basket. I'm looking for recommendations on what I should get and have a Bunch-O-Questions . . .
The two main types seem to be the 3 inch high solid sides, and the 6 inch high tubular bar sides. I'd guess the higher bars offer a wider range of tie down points, but I was considering installing some marker lights and I think that would be easier with solid sides. Was wondering if there are other pros and cons.
Folding or non-folding? Is the extra money for the folding feature worth it? I expect to be carrying stuff in plastic bins or cooler so they have to make the round trip and unless the basket in practice is a pain to install and remove, when do you fold it up? I was going to put some driveway markers on the forward corners to remind me the basket is out there - but then I'd need to make them easy to remove when folding the basket. What's a good solution to that?
The receiver point on the newer Superdutys is pretty low. Clearance issues? I saw a basket with an S-shaped mount to raise it a bit, should I stick with that? I see some drop/raise accessories out there, but the ones hefty enough to maintain the weight rating of the receiver/basket (~500lbs) cost almost as much as the basket itself!
Any other considerations? I'll probably be using it to carry firewood and/or a cooler.
Finally, any recommendation on brand and seller?
Thanks,
Rob
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zumdish
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08/15/09 07:52am |
Truck Campers
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Front cargo basket
Hi everybody,
I'm installing a front receiver this weekend, which I got specifically to mount a basket. I'm looking for recommendations on what I should get and have a Bunch-O-Questions . . .
The two main types seem to be the 3 inch high solid sides, and the 6 inch high tubular bar sides. I'd guess the higher bars offer a wider range of tie down points, but I was considering installing some marker lights and I think that would be easier with solid sides. Was wondering if there are other pros and cons.
Folding or non-folding? Is the extra money for the folding feature worth it? I expect to be carrying stuff in plastic bins or cooler so they have to make the round trip and unless the basket in practice is a pain to install and remove, when do you fold it up? I was going to put some driveway markers on the forward corners to remind me the basket is out there - but then I'd need to make them easy to remove when folding the basket. What's a good solution to that?
The receiver point on the newer Superdutys is pretty low. Clearance issues? I saw a basket with an S-shaped mount to raise it a bit, should I stick with that? I see some drop/raise accessories out there, but the ones hefty enough to maintain the weight rating of the receiver/basket (~500lbs) cost almost as much as the basket itself!
Any other considerations? I'll probably be using it to carry firewood and/or a cooler.
Finally, any recommendation on brand and seller?
Thanks,
Rob
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zumdish
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08/15/09 05:11am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Truck Camper Hits Railroad Overpass
Where are the Happijac vs. Torklift, DRW vs. SRW, 2500 vs. 3500, Lance vs. everything else forum wars about this incident?
Torklifts would have held the camper in place so well that the passengers in the truck would have kept going into the next county.
If they'd only had DRW, they would have still hit, but man that hit would be STABLE, no sway, nosiree.
If only it had been an overloaded 2500, it would have sagged enough to make it under.
Lance? Pfft. Lemme tell you about Lance . . . . . .:R
Did I cover everything?
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zumdish
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08/13/09 07:44am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Road Rage...Chopper vs Motorhome
I think that motorcycle riders are the biggest menece on the road,
Thats Funny, When I'm on my motorcycle. I think everyone else is a menace.
Reminds me of a quote from a MC safety course I took:
"In a car, defensive driving means assuming the other driver doesn't see you, and might hit you. On a bike, defensive driving means assuming the car does see you and is going to try to hit you."
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zumdish
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08/12/09 05:58pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: camper batteries
I have two Group 27 Lifeline AGM batteries. If you're upgrading your batteries going with AGM type is something to consider. They cost a lot, but I like the maintenance free aspect and they will take a lot of amperage while charging, recharging much faster, but you need a good converter/charger - as others have already said, your charging equipment is at least as important as your battery type, if not more so.
Half the battle is knowing what is going on with your charging system. Depending on indicator lights is useless and a voltmeter is too limited. Invest in a real battery monitor. I installed a Trimetric monitor, Xantrex models are also popular.
As for the AC, my Honda 2000 will run my 11,000 BTU Dometic, but it struggles a bit, obviously at the limit of its capacity. All my camping is in the Northeast US, I hardly ever use the AC. If I were in a warmer climate where I depended on having AC I'd want more reserve capacity for it, either combining two 2000s or a 3000 generator.
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zumdish
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07/05/09 07:31am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Truck Campers and HOAs
IANAL, but the HOA probably can fine your mother for violating a parking restriction, even if it is a public street, as long as it is spelled out in the CCR. I doubt they have the right to tow your vehicle from a public street. That doesn't mean they wouldn't do it, then you'd have a court fight on your hands.
I'm with travelinglane, better to politely ask for a temporary exemption. That can be hit or miss though, no offense meant to her but HOA boards can sometimes attract petty little tyrants who love to wield their power to inconvenience people.
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zumdish
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07/04/09 05:10pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Air Bags
Anyone got pictures of the fuel door options. Just for a little reference on my part.
Thanks
Matt
Sure.
http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg15/zumdish/Bigfoot%20Camper/DSC_4579.jpg
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zumdish
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07/04/09 06:50am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Northern Lite - Another Stair Question
I HATE my @#$%! scissor steps.
I left them on, retracted with a strap to hold them closed. The bracket attaching them to the camper didn't like carrying that weight. Several of the lag bolts mounting the steps worked loose and bent, shearing off when I tried to remove them.
I'll have to either drill out the bolts that sheared or remount the bracket a couple of inches offset, drilling all new mounting holes.
Either take your steps off for travel, or fabricate something to hold the weight off the mounting bracket.
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zumdish
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06/23/09 10:23am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Poll: How many of you keep personal protection in your TC?
However, when people start posting pictures of their guns and excitedly ask you to take a look at their new "toy" I'm a little bit aghast at the attitudes and I wonder how prepared they are to really use it.
I'm a gun owner and an ardent Second Amendment supporter, but I will admit there are some fringe elements of our country's gun culture that I find somewhat embarrassing and a minority (a very small minority) that can be frightening.
It aint who we are.
Our largely anti-gun media loves to play up the "gun nut" image. Try attending a gun show. Besides the smattering of gun nuts that Michael Moore would film, you'll find most attendees ordinary, everyday people.
Having a gun ban in National Parks is just a first step in that direction . . .
The problem with this from a pro-gun side is every step along the way to banning and confiscation is "a first step". Every incremental infringement is framed as a "common sense measure". If it seems like pro gunners oppose any and every restriction even if it is a "common sense measure", it is because all the common sense measures have long since been passed.
Most gun owners I know aren't opposed to reasonable restrictions aimed at keeping guns out of the wrong hands, as long as the laws have that intent and effect. We just have a more reasonable definition of reasonable.:B As an example, despite hating the idea of my Rights being metered out to me, I would not oppose limiting the number of guns I could buy in a month as long as you can prove to me this will cut down on illegal gun trafficking.
Rob
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zumdish
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05/31/09 05:31am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Poll: How many of you keep personal protection in your TC?
Why carry a gun ?
A policeman is to heavy .
(photo)A policeman is to heavy as donut is to _____. :B:B
(Sorry, couldn't resist)
If you're not carrying anything and you're put in an unpleasant situation - everyone has a fire extinguisher, a face full of dry chemical (or the threat of it) could be your friend.
Rob
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zumdish
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05/30/09 05:06am |
Truck Campers
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RE: TV/DVD/Ipod Recommendations
I'd go with a Jensen 1507. It's a 15" LCD TV. It isn't the cheapest TV of this size but it is made especially for RVs. They operate from 12 volts and they are constructed to withstand shock and vibration. All the electronics are conformal coated to resist humidity. That's not to say any off the shelf LCD TV won't do just fine in an RV but I still like the idea of a purpose built unit. I have the same TV in the 19" widescreen version and I love it. Has an excellent picture and a very wide angle viewing range. It's mounted on a swing arm so I can watch it from the bed or dinette.
Jensen also makes several models of small surface mount pod speakers, you see these on a lot of TCs. With all the car, marine and RV stereo stuff available there are many possible solutions for you. My camper came with a Linear LS6050DVD all-in-one unit with AM/FM/CD/MP3/DVD. If space is an issue (and when isn't space an issue in a TC?) this is a nice solution since you don't need a standalone DVD player. The unit has two set of speaker outputs, on the outside I have Kenwood marine speakers.
I hook up my iPod to the stereo's AUX input. An upgrade I just made is a Phillips docking station with a two-way RF remote that gives me full control of the iPod while sitting outside the camper, this is a very slick way to control an iPod.
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zumdish
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05/14/09 07:01am |
Truck Campers
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RE: North-East Truck Camping Spring 2009 Jamboree
Does anyone who's coming have a gas sniffer?
I've been getting some whiffs of propane from around my tanks. I was out there all morning with a spray bottle of soap solution, flashlight and inspection mirror and all I got for my trouble was really clean connections and hoses - haven't found a thing.
We'll be up there on Friday, so if anyone has a leak detector I could borrow or you're good at spotting leaks, I'd appreciate it if you could help me out.
Thanks!
Rob Lang
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zumdish
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05/12/09 11:31am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Maine unfriendly to TCs??
I sent a note to Anne Perry about this issue -- her response, in part includes:
QUOTE: "It is not the intent of the bill to prohibit parking by RV or for a sleep or rest. The intent is to prohibit camping. However, if the wording overnight is too broad for judgement. One consideration would be to change this to a time limit like 12 hours, may be a consideration."...
I received the same response from Rep. Perry, (including the grammar errors :B)
I'd have no problem with prohibiting true "camping" at a Walmart (staying multiple days, having the whole awning, chairs, grill etc.) as I feel this is inappropriate and not in the spirit of the hospitality offered by these establishments, i.e. a place to stay overnight as you travel through. Seems like Ms. Perry is open to this kind of compromise and it is in our best interest to ensure the RV community understand this and be flexible with it.
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zumdish
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05/11/09 07:50am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Maine unfriendly to TCs??
Interesting article on this issue:
http://morningsentinel.mainetoday.com/news/local/102103262.html
The Yonder Hill Campground in Madison used to be filled to capacity every summer night with recreational vehicles. But that was years ago. RV owners have found they can skip the $36 campground fee and park overnight at the Skowhegan Wal-Mart for free.
The campground’s owner, Allen York, said he often sees 25 to 30 RVs parked at the Wal-Mart.
In recent years, he said, there has been a cultural shift in how RVers travel, influenced in part by Web sites that use searchable databases to guide RVers to free parking spots.
“What has happened is nothing short of a phenomenon,” York said. “All of a sudden, we are looking at empty lots when we should be in the prime season.”
Apparently the bill's sponsor isn't impressed by any boycott threats by RVers.
She wants RVers to feel welcome in Maine, she said. But if RVers avoid the state because they aren’t allowed to park for free, that’s not a great loss.
“If they are parking one night in parking lots, they are not staying in Maine,” she said. “They are driving through.”
I think she's being very shortsighted, just because we don't stay at a commercial campground doesn't mean we don't spend tourist dollars in the state. I wrote to Ms. Perry, here is her contact infomation from Maine.gov
Thank you for taking time to contact me. You may use the online Contact Form to reach me or e-mail me directly at RepAnne.Perry@legislature.maine.gov.
You can also contact me at my home:
474 South Street
Calais, ME 04619
Home tel: (207) 454-7338
When the Legislature is in session, you can leave a message for me by calling the State House Message Phone: (800) 423-2900
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zumdish
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05/10/09 05:45am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Gentlemen! Check your jack's
....Bigfoot has closed! WOW - I had not heard that. No wonder their email was kicked back. Are they completly out of business now?
Totally gone. All the assets were auctioned off. Scuttlebutt is one company bought all the molds and rights to the name, but I can't imagine anyone starting up a new company now. The kicker is that Bigfoot was supposedly sound despite a slowdown in business but thier major crediting bank did not want to risk any losses and shut Bigfoot down. #@&%$ Banks!
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zumdish
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04/26/09 01:29pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Signature sometimes does not appear
Thanks - I wasn't aware of the 1x per page, that's what was throwing me off.
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zumdish
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04/26/09 01:01pm |
Forum Technical Support
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RE: Signature sometimes does not appear
Of course it worked that time.
And that time.
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zumdish
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04/25/09 03:56pm |
Forum Technical Support
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RE: Signature sometimes does not appear
Of course it worked that time.
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zumdish
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04/25/09 03:55pm |
Forum Technical Support
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