Obviously, tire inflation pressure is important, but so is the type of tire that you use on your coach. A tire that is wider than necessary typically produces a better ride, but it can also increase rolling resistance. That’s why a lot of truckers are going to what is called a “super single” on the rear of their trailers; instead of duals, they run one very heavy-rated tire and wheel per side. Our shop hasn’t experimented with this, and the motorhome industry hasn’t introduced super singles yet, but it could come to that. A narrower, heavy-duty tire will ride rougher than its wide, cushy counterpart, so you’ll have to ask yourself if you’re willing to sacrifice a little bit of comfort for improved fuel economy. I should note here that a larger diameter tire won’t hurt fuel economy and may even help it, because a larger diameter tire turns fewer revolutions to cover the same distance and engine rpm is lowered as a result.

Alignment is also extremely important. This is a pretty broad subject, which is why we’re not going to try to cover it all in one post. Incorrect alignment can cause a lot of resistance, requiring more throttle input to maintain a given speed. “Toe in” is the most critical setting of them all. Simply put, “toe in” means the front of the tires are “pigeon toed”. Obviously, too much toe will also cause your tires to wear more quickly. Here’s a little graphic of what toe in/toe out looks like:

It’s a good idea to have the alignment checked even when the coach is new, because the factory runs them through the alignment procedure pretty fast. And, when the coach is loaded for travel, especially an independent front suspension (IFS) coach, the alignment changes as the load changes, except on self-leveling, air suspension coaches, where correct ride height is constantly maintained.

Straight axle coaches don’t change as much, but it’s still a good idea to check the alignment when loaded. One of the things we always recommend to our customers is that they ask the alignment shop, “When was the last time your equipment was calibrated?” We measure our alignment jobs in hundredths of an inch. This is important, because if the toe in is just 1/8-inch off spec, that is equal to 28 feet of side scrub per mile-a lot of resistance and tire wear.

Some toe in is necessary when the vehicle is in the static (parked) position, because as the vehicle travels down the road the front wheels will open up, and actually be pointing straight (zero toe in). This happens because most motorhomes have what is known as a “positive scrub radius” on the front axle. On the P32 Chevy/Workhorse chassis, we’ve found that the front alignment needs to be toed in a full ¼ inch at the static setting. The typical alignment shop would think that’s nuts, but we experimented with it, and that’s how much they require to stay at zero toe-in in the dynamic (moving) position. Static settings are important, but I’m more concerned with what the vehicle is doing as it drives down the road. We want the toe in to be as close to zero as possible when the vehicle is on the highway to assure the best possible fuel economy and tire life.

In the next post, we’ll talk about other alignment settings as well as rear axle alignment and trailer axle alignment. Happy travels!

Today, we are going to go beyond heat exhaustion and talk about Heat Stroke. Remember, with heat exhaustion, the body, if replenished with fluids and electrolytes and cooled, could recover itself. Heat Stroke has gone beyond that. Often the body can not recover on its own and is not able to cool on it’s own either. True Heat stroke victims have lost the ability to sweat; they may still be clammy but are not sweating, and the body’s temperature is climbing rapidly to dangerous levels. But to learn more, let’s follow the continued below link ….

First off, Heat stroke begins the same way as heat cramps and heat stroke, usually not enough fluid intake and high temperatures or heavy activity that the body is not used to (can you say trying to keep up to the kids on their bikes, when you haven’t been on yours since last year?).

The same sort of people are more prone to it, the very young and elderly (not very good heat regulators), obese, people with renal problems, those that have been drinking alcohol and those that take some medications.

Signs and symptoms:

• Body is no longer sweating
• Body temperature is elevated often over 104 degrees!
• profound mental confusion or even hallucinations and other mental problems
• signs and symptoms of shock, pale, high (or worse LOW) blood pressure, headache, nausea, dizzy, lethargic or restlessness, increase in respirations and heart rate.
• Late signs fainting, combativeness

Now what to do about Heat Stroke!

• First, remove the patient from the heat and have them relax… movement causes the body to produce heat!
• Air conditioning, tepid or cool bath, misting from a hose or cool moist compresses (wet towels or blankets) all work to start cooling the body.
• If the patient is no longer sweating and feels very warm to the touch or is showing any neurological symptoms like hallucinations, seizures, unconsciousness, or even if you are unsure, CALL 911 AND SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE.
• If the patient is conscious and is able to protect his airway (swallow safely), you can give cool (not ice cold) fluids, again Gatorade and some sports drinks are good
• If they start shivering, you are cooling him or her down too Fast! Shivering creates heat, remember.
• If the patient does have seizures, do NOT try to put anything in their mouth, especially your fingers! Just make sure they will not hurt themselves against anything and do not give fluids!

So, to make your summer camping trips and activities more fun and safer, learn the warning signs of heat exhaustion, heat stroke.  Drink plenty of fluids and relax, take things a little slower. This is to be a fun hobby.  If you find yourself thinking that this is harder to do than you like, either slow up or find something else to do! That being said, a daily walk, if your doctor says it is ok, is a great way to help get into shape and feel better!

Your Obedient Servant,

Gary Smith, Jr.

As this for me has turned into a time of reflection, I think that statement was driven home watching the entire news world comment on the life of Tim Russert, who died this week. He is a man who radiated to those around him that he loved his profession.

I am retiring from being 60 years associated with cars trucks and buses, and oh yes RV’s as well. That is over half the total existence of the automobile industry. And what a ride it has been. When I first started in the shop we had several customers still driving crank start cars. The second world war had just ended and the automotive fleet in the US was the biggest pile of over ready for the scrap yard junk ever seen. New cars were delivered to a hungry market that had a few bucks of war time overtime from working in the ship yards and home coming GI’s with money saved that they did not spend while fighting.

In late 1945 the cars started rolling off the assembly lines were dressed up 1942 models. One new company, Kaiser Fraser set the style for the world to follow, a slab sided sedan with no fender outlines. It gave a wider body with more interior room. The industry flirted with the RV market but did not really get serious until the late 50’s and early 60’s. It was in that era that we began to see some serious engineering changes. in the auto and truck designs. Air brakes, power steering, automatic transmissions (first used by Oldsmobile in 38 and 39),

It was these advances that would filter down through the later chassis designs that would put the RV in the hands of the average driver. In the days before power everything driving a truck was an Olympic sport like weight lifting. My first 3/4 GMC pick up with a camper on the back was, compared to today, an ill riding, poor handling, noisy critter with a cramped cab. But we made several long trips and survived. After that came a parade of rigs in our drive way to the present DP.

Dodge was the first manufacturer that took RV seriously and they pretty much owned the market until the federal government made the company give up the heavy chassis line and the rear wheel drive cars to guarantee the loans that Iaccoca needed to pull the company out of the red. It might be noted here that no federal funds were ever used to bail out Chrysler under Lee, only the promise that if the company did not make it that the feds would shore up the banks. The interesting part of the Chrysler story is that Iaccoca paid off all the loans well in advance of the due date.

After Chrysler was pushed from the market the others saw profit and jumped in. And that was good because look at some of the options that we now have. Trucks that ride like cars. Big rigs that outhandle sports cars of fifty years ago. And computer control management of every working part of the machine.

For someone whose life has been keeping track of the innovations and improvements it has been a great ride. Someone asked the other day, now that I am retiring, what I was going to do with my technical library, some of which are books that I wrote. I think that my answer floored her. I said that I was going to add to it, can’t stop learning new things.

Thanks for the indulgence and next week I’ll be back under where I have been told that I belong.

Although gas prices still appear to be heading north, record numbers of people will take to the road with their pets this year as more and more pet-friendly hotels, resorts and other accommodations roll out the welcome mat. Recreational activities like camping and hiking will involve four-legged members of family like never before, and more campgrounds and RV parks are beginning to design pet areas that offer dog runs and opportunities for off-leash exercise. Some even offer pet-sitting services so families can enjoy day trips and sightseeing excursions that may not allow pets.

Safe and enjoyable RV pet travel means planning ahead

Just as you would pack your own things, don’t overlook what your pet may need to keep him comfortable, too. Being prepared with the right essentials and equipment is the key to ensure a happy time on the road and once you get to your destination. Also keep in mind when and where you plan to travel. The time of year and geographical location of your trek can make a big difference in how and what you prepare to take along. Know what the weather conditions are likely to be and pack accordingly.

Make your pet travel experience safe, fun and enjoyable by following these simple, common sense tips:

• Check ahead at the RV park or campground to make sure they permit pets on the premises. Don’t assume that “pet-friendly” means all pets are accepted. They may have certain size restrictions or a limit on the number of pets you may bring. Others may offer kennels or other boarding facilities for travelers who may want to set out on excursions or attractions that don’t allow pets.
• Check with your vet before you leave about flea and tick treatments or repellent, heartworm medication and other preventives.
• Safely secure your pet while traveling. An unrestrained pet can become a deadly projectile in the event of a sudden stop or crash, causing serious injury (even death) to itself, you or your passengers. For example, an unsecured, 25-pound dog in a 40 mph crash becomes a 1,000-pound mass (half a ton) flying uncontrollably inside the vehicle. Pet vehicle safety harnesses and dog car seats (to elevate smaller pets so they can see out) are ideal to help keep them safe and not distracting to drivers.
• Don’t leave your pet locked inside your RV without the air running or proper ventilation. If a generator malfunctions, temperatures can heat up fast in the spring and summer and can cause heat stroke or be fatal to your pet. Make sure your pet has plenty of water and air circulation if you must leave him or her for short periods of time.
• Do not tie your pet to your RV with a metal chain in case of a power surge or improperly grounded facilities.
• Be aware of the kind of metal steps on your RV that may be a potential hazard to your pet. Some RV’s are equipped with steps that have little holes in them. There has been a report where an unattended dog had gotten its claws stuck in the holes and, in trying to get freed, tore out its nails and bled to death.
• A pet first-aid kit is an essential item to pack when venturing out and should contain things such as antiseptic cream, assorted bandages, tweezers, eye drops, gauge, tape, and the like. Know what items are in your kit and how to use them.
• Do not allow your pet to ride with its head outside of the window. An obstacle close to the vehicle could potentially strike your pet’s head, causing injury or death, or dirt particles could get into your pet’s ears, nose, eyes, or throat, causing health problems.
• Be considerate and practice good “petiquette” by cleaning up after your pet. Always keep a supply of pick-up bags with you and dispose properly.

Whether you and your pet plan to travel together for a weekend trip or a month-long excursion, the bottom line is to be prepared. Having the right equipment and attitude will help make the experience of RVing with your pet very rewarding. Most of all, be safe and have fun!

Happy Pet Travels!
Tom James
PetTravelCenter.com

One of the great joys of RVing in North America is the opportunity to reconnect with friends and family, and the past few days have been no exception. My son-in-law just got a great new job in northern Illinois, and basically had three weeks to move his family down from Alaska. Since we were in Wisconsin Dells just north of the Illinois state line, we timed things so as to spend a couple of days together, giving me the opportunity to see not only my daughter and son-in-law, but also three of my five grandchildren, whom I haven’t seen since last October.

And, when in Wisconsin Dells, you visit water parks. Supposedly there are more water parks in this small Wisconsin town than in any other community in the country. Among these is Noah’s Ark, billed as “America’s largest water park.” So we loaded up and headed for Noah’s Ark. Water parks are also important stress relievers for kids who have just experienced an all-night flight from Alaska and a flood-inspired, detour-riddled drive down from Minneapolis in a rental van.

Kids of all ages, including those eligible for AARP membership, will have a great time in this park. This picture is of Tadpole Bay when the overhead bucket dumps, which happens every five minutes or so. This is the newest “kiddie” area of the park, although some larger kids are evident. My grandson had an absolute ball here for an hour or more under the supervision of his grandmother while his big sister and parents tried out some of the more exciting features of this huge water park.

Now past the toll roads and rolling west on Interstate 94, we’re back on one of the access routes outlined in my book, Guide to the Alaska Highway. It’s available in most major bookstores or you can order directly from me at rdcomm@gci.net.

Starting a modern diesel engine, in cold weather, is now much the same as starting your automobile. Even more so with the larger diesels like the Cummins ISM and ISX, which do not use any electronic heating aids that require a start wait time. This, however, has not always been the case in both earlier and some other diesel applications.

Caterpillar’s answer to cold start ups on engines mainly used in the construction industry back in the 60’s, employed a “Pup” motor. This single cylinder gasoline engine was mounted near the flywheel and was usually started using a hand operated crank. Once running, a manual clutch was slowly engaged that drove a pinion that turned the main engine. Soon after the big diesel started to be rotated over and over, a plume of white smoke would belch out of the exhaust followed by an accelerated roar. The pup engine clutch was then disengaged and the little motor turned off. The big Cat was running.

International’s answer for cold starts on similar equipment back then was a little different. The big diesel actually had a set of spark plugs like a gasoline powered engine. It also had two fuel tanks, a large diesel and a small gas. A very small hand operated crank or knob was turned all the way in one direction. This somewhat relieved the compression and introduced straight gas to the electrically cranked engine. Once started and slightly warmed up, the crank or knob was rotated in the other direction. This returned the engine compression back to full as diesel fuel was introduced through the injectors. The gas flow was then totally disabled and the diesel engine was running and ready to work

Additionally, cold weather starting aids like hand bombed ether and ether injectors were used. Today, use of ether is not recommended as a start aid and can even be very dangerous if used on heated intake grid equipped engines. Ether was also know to bend or break connecting rods as well as cause other internal damage.

So, in comparison, our diesels today, whether they are equipped with glow plugs, heated intake grids or pre-combustion chamber designs, are a far sight simpler and safer to operate. They are all direct electric start. 12 volts for all engines up to a given size, then 24 volt is used as the amperage required for the 12 volt becomes impractical as far as cabling size and heat build up.

Next time you start up your diesel, think of all the work and development that has gone into making what we probably take for granted; a quick, no fuss, start.

There are many components that contribute to smooth cold starts from the ECM (Electronic Control Module) to even the fuel composure of today. So, even though we think it can’t get any better than this, it will. Design improvements in diesel development will inevitably gallop on.

Note: The winter photo was taken at the Spartan’s Charlotte, Michigan service camp area, on January 1, 2008.

With A Starting Thought - Lug_Nut

Although you may not consider yourself a “guide”, there is no reason you can’t put together your own “Photo Safari” for a group of friends or local photographers.

You may not want to advertise in Popular Photography, but arranging a photographic get together is a good way to improve the picture taking of everyone involved. Most photographers approach the process of making an image differently. By working as a group you can compare the techniques others use and by observing the results, reach conclusions as to what works & what doesn’t. Of course you can do this all by yourself, however it would take much longer & you may not think of some of the approaches other photographers might use. It will also give you an excuse to visit near by or even distant locations that, for what ever reason, you haven’t managed to get to.

A successful excursion requires some planning. The first step is to decide where to go. No matter where you live (or where your RV is parked) there is some site worth photographing nearby. When traveling, think about the places you have found on your own, or the photographs you found that peaked your interest in the area. If you are not familiar with photo opportunities at your location I have found local libraries and tourist bureaus often have lots of information about the area. Some other places to check for suggestions - local bookstores & framing shops. You can often find photographs of local scenery hanging on the walls of banks, doctor & dentist offices, art galleries and restaurants. Some suggestions to look for include local scenery such as streams, waterfalls, lakes, mountains, etc. You may not have all of these, but there is beautiful scenery within 100 miles of just about anywhere. Other locations of interest include zoos, nature centers, historic buildings, and industrial facilities. Another interesting project includes street photography - shooting pictures of people.

In addition to places to go, there are things happening that are worth photographing. Check local papers, web sites & TV & radio news programs for stories about things happening the area. There is usually some kind of festival happening every week throughout much of the year. For example, I live is a small city in upstate New York. We have an annual Harborfest celebration, a Pumpkin Festival, The usual 4th of July parade, the Lake Ontario Bird Festival, state & county fairs, etc. There are a number of local organizations that offer nature walks, house & garden tours. Although it often makes more sense to shoot some of these venues as an individual, there is no reason a group can’t shoot as individuals, then get together to review & discuss the results. The chance to see what others have done at the same location is often useful for shooting the next day or next time the event takes place.

Decide on the size of your group. Keep it small when starting out - you don’t want to go through the hassles of scheduling a bus for your first project! Four or five individuals is a good size group to start with; once you have organized a couple of excursions, you can increase the size if the project lends itself to large groups. Try to match the physical abilities of the individuals with the location you plan to visit - if the individuals in your group don’t hike, that beautiful waterfall 5 miles into the woods isn’t going to work!

If you are going to shoot at a zoo or other commercial or organized venue, be sure to check ahead of time for any rules the organization has for photographers and/or groups. You should also be aware that although it may be legal to take photographs of almost anything as long as you are on public property, law enforcement frowns on just about anything that looks like you are gathering information that could be construed as preparing for a terrorist attack. A refinery can provide wonderful photo opportunities, but while taking pictures of one you may well end up with a visit by the local law!

It is a good idea to scout the location ahead of time to choose some good shooting locations so that your group has some starting points. You should also put together a list of photo equipment necessary for the type of photography the venue suggests. For example, if you are planning to take photos of a waterfall, a tripod, neutral density filters, cable release, etc. would be useful. If the location lends itself to close ups, a macro lens or a point & shoot camera capable of taking macros would make sense. In addition, suggestions of footwear, clothing, food, and other supplies necessary for the individuals would be helpful.

Although he is far beyond being an amateur photographer, Steve Bingham of the Dusty Lens website put together a workshop using the Technology Forum at RV.net. You may not have the beautiful locations of the Southwest, but there is no reason you can’t do the same.

In addition to big, light-gathering, eyes, an owl’s flight technology was also designed with efficient hunting in mind. High-tech feathers on their broad wings actually muffle the sound of the air rushing over the wings, adding the element of surprise to the prey and allowing the owl to still hear sounds from the prey while in flight.

The Great Horned Owl, America’s largest, achieves a length of almost two feet, and uses the aerodynamic lift of its nearly six-foot wingspread to swoop down on its prey almost soundlessly. In fact, owls at night move so silently, they can be downright spooky. Sitting by our fire one dark night,

a great horned owl sailed through our vision, a shadow passing across the barely lighter sky, and disappeared into an oak tree. So soundlessly did it pass, that we weren’t sure if it was an apparition or our imaginations until we heard its haunting hoot.
This mystical creature of the darkness—one of 19 owl species in North America–was revered in Native American myths and legends. Cherokee shamans valued Eastern Screech-Owls as consultants since they felt that owls could punish them by making them sick. A Navajo legend says that the creator told the owl after creating it, “. . . in days to come, men will listen to your voice to know what will be their future.” The Cree people believed Boreal Owl whistles were the spirits calling to them, and if one answered with a similar whistle and did not get a response, he would soon die. Tlingit warriors believed that hooting as they ran into battle would not only give them courage, but also strike fear into the hearts of their enemies.
If you’ve ever seen a cottontail’s nervous, panicky reaction to the hoot of an owl, you can certainly understand the value of a good hoot. Though hooting is how we identify the call of a great horned owl, hooting is not common to all owls and is not the only sound they make. Owls possess a wide array of vocalizations, including whistles, screeches, screams, purrs, snorts, chitters, and hisses.
Owls often use their hoot call for territorial claims and sometimes in courting. If you hear more than one owl hooting, you can sometimes determine the male by his usually lower pitched hoot. When threatened, they can also produce a clicking sound with their tongues.

Jodie & John - RV Adventure Videos

continued from May 29th

My 1973 motorcycle trip up the Alaska Highway was quite an adventure. I experienced all the horror stories I had head about, the mud, dust, rocks, pot holes, bugs, and wild animals in the road! It was one tough 1400 trek. Today you don’t have to worry about all those problems. The entire 1400 mile highway is paved. You will run into some construction each summer but don’t forget, this is the only time they have to work on the road that is letting you experience some of the most beautiful scenery in North America. Please be patient and enjoy the scenery if you are delayed for a while. 

Your RV will not self-destruct on the way up, like all the stories you have heard. Just make sure your rig is in good shape and TAKE YOUR TIME. Drive slow and pay attention. Yes, there are pot holes and frost heaves along the way but as long as you slow down you will be fine.

You don’t need to worry about putting protective devices in front of your windshield, grill, or oil pan. Those were the bad old days. You might get some windshield damage so just make sure your insurance is paid-up before you leave home.  You can always get a new one when you get back! Some people are so worried about cracking their windshield it ruins their whole trip. I suggest if that is your problem make sure that before you leave for Alaska you go out to your RV with a hammer and crack the windshield right away. Then you can sit back and enjoy the trip!

The highway is in good shape, the only problem is that Alaska is a long way from almost everywhere! You’ll need a good six weeks to see the highway and Alaska. Of course, three months is always better. It helps if you don’t have that time consuming problem called a job! If you only have a couple of weeks to see Alaska it would be best to fly to Anchorage and rent an RV. ABC Rentals are a good choice. You can see a lot of Alaska in two weeks if you start in Alaska, not in Chicago!.

To be continued next Thursday …………

Please email me any questions you might have about RV travel to Alaska, and anywhere else.

You can also see video clips of our three RV Adventure Videos Alaska DVD’s at www.rvadventurevideos.com

Jodie and I will be leading a Born Free Caravan to Alaska July 19th.