RV NOW with Jim Twamley

Professor of RVing pulls off the road

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 03:20:00 +0000

I've written in the past about the importance of having an exit strategy for coming off the road from full-time RVing. That transition has arrived as Mrs. Professor and I have come off the road after five wonderful years of traveling the country making hundreds of new friends along the way. We purchased a home in Exeter, California with plenty of space for RV parking. We didn't want to come off the road, but we both have health issues that required the move. For my part, I am suffering from a severe case of psoriatic arthritis which makes it painful to walk and almost impossible to type. I'm receiving medical treatment and hoping for a wonder cure. If I can kick this disease, then I plan on doing more RVing. In the meantime my 40' Country Coach motorhome is parked next to the barn. Unless and until my arthritis pain goes away, I won't be contributing new RV articles to RVtravel.com. I would like to thank all my readers and especially Chuck Woodbury and his excellent staff at RVtravel.com for their support and encouragement over the years. Jim Twamley, Retired Professor of RVing

Clean RV window screens without water

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 04:24:00 +0000

To thoroughly clean my RV window screens I remove them and wash them with soap and water. If they are merely dusty, a micro fiber towel will do a great job without using water.Simply wipe the dry towel across the surface of the screen and it picks up the dust. I couldn't believe how easy it was to clean the screens the first time I tried it. From this...to this, in only a matter of seconds.
You can pick up a 36 pack of these 16 x 16 inch towels for around $15.00 at COSTCO. Micro fiber towels are also available at auto parts stores, WalMart, Home Depot, Lowe's and many other outlets, but the best price I've found is at COSTCO. They are also great for washing and waxing, and general purpose cleanup. If you've discovered other uses for micro fiber towels please share it with us by leaving a comment.

Helping you micro manage your dust - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RV gray water controversy

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 18:46:00 +0000

I have no problem recycling RV gray water onto grass, shrubs and trees. Plants will thrive on RV gray water if you don't use harsh soaps or chemicals. Your gray tank holds shower water, laundry water (if you have a washer and dryer), dish water, teeth brushing and hand washing water. If you think about it, that amounts to a lot of water usage. Selecting plant friendly biodegradable detergents and soaps will allow you to recycle this water instead of allowing it to go to waste.

I've stayed at many campgrounds that didn't have sewer drains at the campsites. We can usually go two weeks before having to dump our black water, but the gray water tank will only last about three days before we need to empty. I'm too lazy to pack everything up and go to the dump station, so I water the surrounding vegetation with our gray water.

You will need an adapter (sold at most RV stores) that will attach to a standard garden hose and to your black/gray water drain pipe.If you didn't already know, there is a controversy surrounding this idea. Some parks forbid the practice and some people argue that it is unsanitary. I don't let the hose sit in one place causing a puddle, but move it around to different plants until the tank is empty. In many parts of the country water is in limited supply and recycling gray water makes more sense than sending it down the sewer to a treatment facility.

When I'm at a fairground or outdoor event that has RV parking on the grass, I use a short hose to drain my gray water tank directly under the RV. By doing it this way you don't encroach on your neighbor's space. Instead of throwing an old hose away, I recycle it for this use.I know some folks object to this method of disposing of gray water and that's why it remains a controversy. Because of waterborne diseases like cholera, you should always dispose of black water into a sewer system. Gray water on the other hand has far fewer contaminates and in my opinion is safe enough for recycling. As long as you are not offloading gray water near water sources such as a lake, stream or a well, there should be no problem.

Covering the gray areas of RVing - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RV refrigerator hot weather tips

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 04:40:00 +0000

Hot weather can spell trouble for RV refrigerators. Summer is rapidly approaching and warmer temperatures are already giving RV refrigerators a workout. Here are some recommendations to help you get the most out of this important RV appliance.

For starters, give the frig some shade. If your RV awning covers the side of the RV where your refrigerator is located, you're in luck. Make sure the awning is deployed during the time the sun shines directly on the refrigerator side. If your refrigerator is on a different side than your awning, you can make your own temporary shade with a tarp.

Another tip is to blow out the back of the refrigerator cabinet with compressed air. This will remove cob webs, wasps nests, leaves, dust and any other debris that may have collected there during the year.You may want to consider installing a small fan to help ventilate the refrigerator compartment. Many folks install "muffin" fans used to cool computers. The fans help expel hot air while pulling cool air into the compartment. Your refrigerator will love you for this. I installed an external fan control switch so I didn't have to remove the vent cover every time I wanted to turn on the fan. These units are also available as a kit from your local RV store.Minimize the number of times you open the door. Don't just stand there with the door wide open scrounging for a snack. Think about what you want before you open the door and get it all at once.

Keeping your freezer defrosted is vital for optimum refrigerator performance. Ice build-up in the freezer compartment decreases the efficiency of your refrigerator and raises the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment. Another idea is to install a small battery operated fan inside the refrigerator. This will help circulate air and keep everything uniformly cold. If you stuff the middle shelf with containers and plastic bags, you essentially block the cold air from moving down to items on the lower shelves which may lead to food spoilage.

Helping your RV refrigerator keep its cool - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Eliminate white knuckel RV mountain driving

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:23:00 +0000

The mountain passes in the western United States are breathtaking for beauty and breathtakingly dangerous for unprepared RVers. If you're not accustomed to driving or pulling your RV through mountainous terrain you could be in peril. I live in the western United States and have traveled extensively through the mountain states with every type of RV. Safe driving technique and proper equipment is a must if you want to arrive at your destination safely.

For all RV's it's important that your brakes and tires be in top notch condition. Traveling through mountain passes you will often encounter high winds. So, if you're pulling a travel trailer I highly recommend a load leveling system with anti sway control. If you have a diesel truck or a diesel pusher motorhome you absolutely must have a compression braking system. If you don't have a compression braking system you will burn up your brakes and have repeated white knuckle experiences.
The biggest safety tip for RV mountain driving is, "don't be in a hurry." Allowing your rig to gain excess speed on a downhill run is just asking for trouble. When you're plummeting down a hill in your multi-ton RV it is extremely difficult to stay in your lane when you encounter a sharp turn at the bottom. I've seen RV rollovers and collisions from this common mistake.

When you are climbing through a mountain pass, be sure to stay in the right hand lane as much as possible. Take your time and don't overtax your engine. Gear down and enjoy the scenery.

Be prepared and drive defensively at all times. Give yourself plenty of room to slow down and stop when following other vehicles. During summer months you will encounter a lot of road construction on mountain roads. You will encounter many controlled stops where road construction is being conducted on mountain roads, so if you're limited on time, be sure to check your route with the various state departments of transportation when you plan your trip.

Finally, be sure you have adequate fuel to make it up and over the mountains because fueling stations are few and far between in mountainous regions.

Helping you make it over the hump - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Glove up for RV dumping

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 15:53:00 +0000

I used to empty my sewer tanks bare handed. I didn't like wearing the traditional type dish gloves because they are too bulky and I wasn't crazy about latex gloves because they would easily tear. Last year I was strolling down the isles at Harbor Freight (a tool store) when I noticed nitrile disposable gloves. Since I was building kitchen cabinets for my sister-in-law I decided to pick up a box for working with stain and varnish.
These gloves are thin enough that your sense of touch is not hindered and tough enough to stand up to mild chemical exposure. I liked them so much I decided to keep a box near my sewer clean-out compartment. Now I glove up before dumping and peel off the gloves and toss them into the trash when I'm done. They are coated with powder so they are easy to slip on and off. I like the extra large size even though I normally wear size large because putting them on is easier. You can also use these gloves for changing oil, painting, washing, waxing and many other applications. These gloves are available at big box stores and pharmacies.

Working with RVers hand in glove - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RV industry will be crushed in next economic storm

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Fri, 28 May 2010 05:49:00 +0000

Continued high unemployment, cash strapped cities and states, trillions of dollars of Federal debt and global economic chaos all spell trouble for a struggling RV industry. Yes, I know the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) is reporting increased RV sales, but these are wholesale deliveries to RV dealers. Newly manufactured RVs will collect on lots all over the nation until one by one dealerships go broke.

You know the story because you've seen it played out before. Stressed out consumers don't buy RVs, boats and other toys that are considered discretionary spending. Both U.S. and Canadian citizens are over their heads in debt and credit markets are still tight. Lending has loosened up somewhat recently, but as soon as economic forces begin to overwhelm our economies the credit door will slam shut again.

The Canadian housing bubble is near it's zenith and ready to pop. The second massive wave of foreclosures is gaining momentum in the United States. The U.S. stock and bond markets are out of control casinos. We've shipped our good paying jobs overseas and more people are on unemployment and welfare than ever before. Charitable feeding programs and food pantries are stretched to the limit. The Federal government keeps printing money to throw at the problem with little or no positive results. The banksters get richer on the backs of the U.S. taxpayer. We have an ecological disaster of epic proportions in the Gulf of Mexico and the North Korean chihuahua bit the leg of his neighbor. There is rioting in the streets of Europe and Asia (more than usual) and here we are whistling past the graveyard hoping for an economic recovery.

This will not end well. RV manufacturers are hanging by a thread already and any stiff wind is sure to break the backs of most. You will be able to count on one hand the number of RV manufacturers left standing after the next leg down. When will it happen? I can't say for sure, but it will happen -- probably sooner than later.

If you're in the market to purchase a new RV (and actually have the money to do so) hang on to your cash and you'll be able to buy at a fraction of the original cost. I personally prefer a well cared for used RV over a new one because all the bugs are worked out and they are cheaper. So, hang on to your hats my friends, the economic roller-coaster ride has just begun.

Saying what others are afraid to even think about - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Beware RV bumper clutter

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Tue, 25 May 2010 16:11:00 +0000

In my RV travels I have seen all kinds of "bumper junk" attached to both the front and rear of RVs. It's understandable that RVers want to take along things that make RVing more fun. Many RVs don't have the extra storage capacity required to stow things like ladders, BBQs and bikes. The only places left for excess baggage are the roof, ladder and bumpers.

RVers need to be very careful how they store this stuff because frequently "bumper junk" blocks the signal lights. Besides being against the law, it is a major safety hazard. The biggest culprits in this regard are ladders. I see ladders strapped on the back of one out of three RVs on the road. I wonder what non-RVers think when they see a ladder strapped to another ladder on the back of an RV?

RVers love to use ladders to reach the tops of their rigs for washing and polishing. Here is an example of a 5th wheel with a ladder covering the driver side brake and turn signal.
This can be dangerous when you are merging into traffic.
Sometimes we RVers forget how long our rigs are while traveling down the road.
If the person passing us on our driver side doesn't see the signal, it could easily result in an accident. Always check and double check your mirrors to make sure you are clear to merge or change lanes.

If you are going to hang a ladder off the back of your RV be sure the tail lights are clearly visible.
I use a fold up ladder that is tall enough to wash the rig but can be neatly stowed away.
I don't particularly like these ladders because they aren't as stable as a standard ladder and the rungs are skinny and make you feet hurt when you've been standing on them for a while. This type of ladder, however, does not interfere with the tail lights and I don't use it often enough to warrant hanging a standard ladder on the back.

Bicycles can also block your tail lights. Whether you mount them on a ladder or on the back of a towed vehicle, be sure they don't obstruct your signal lights. Sending a clear signal that safety comes first - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Optional replacement for RV water heaters

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Fri, 21 May 2010 02:17:00 +0000

We have a standard RV six gallon electric/propane water heater in our motorhome. It works great and we use it most of the time on the electric setting. The only time we run it on propane is when we overnight at a WalMart or at a boondocking campsite. The six gallon capacity is not large enough for two people to take a shower in quick succession unless you take a "Navy shower." Forget about washing dishes just before or after taking a shower because the hot water is gone.

If you primarily camp with electric hook-ups and don't mind running your generator during your shower while dry camping, then an Ariston mini tank electric point of use water heater may be just right for you.

The guy parked next to me has a Titanium 5th wheel and he did this replacement on his RV. He says it was easy to install and now he never runs out of hot water when he takes a long shower. You can purchase these units at Home Depot for around $200.00, which is much cheaper than a standard RV water heater.
These units are small and will fit nicely where your current RV water heater is located. Since the water lines are already there, it makes for an easy installation. My friend put his unit inside a plastic bucket in the event the pressure valve were to open, allowing water to escape. He insulated the exterior heater access compartment door and sealed it with silicon caulking.

If you hook the unit into your generator system, you can easily use it while boondocking.

Bringing you hot new RV ideas - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

U-bake pizza storage RV style

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Fri, 21 May 2010 01:34:00 +0000

Let's face it, most RVs have small refrigerators, at least when you compare them to standard house models. Some upscale motorhome makers are installing house model refrigerators and some RVers have replaced their RV refrigerator with a standard house model. If you stay with the typical RV refrigerator that operates on both propane and electricity, you will be cramped for space.

I've had to get creative when it comes to storing the foods I like. For instance, I often take prepackaged foods out of their box so I can store more in the freezer. I also make use of the zip type plastic food storage bags to conserve space. The problem comes when you try to store large or irregular shaped items.

To store an extra large U-bake pizza, cut the pie into four pieces. Place each slice on a paper plate, stack them and cover with plastic cling wrap. When I'm ready to bake, I can reassemble the beast or cook it one piece at a time.

Perhaps you have some unique ideas for how to store food in your RV refrigerator that would be helpful information to our readers. Please take a few minutes and leave a comment about how you maximize your RV refrigerator space.

Handing out RV ideas one slice at a time - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Steam cleaning the RV

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Fri, 14 May 2010 05:24:00 +0000

Sunshine and flowers in bloom mean it's time for some RV spring cleaning. Forget about chemicals, put away the rubber gloves and go green with steam. Mrs. Professor wanted a steam cleaner to clean and disinfect around the RV. She researched the various models on the internet and finally decided on the model she liked.

I took it for a spin in the shower today and it did a good job. Cleaning with steam is not easier or faster than cleaning with conventional chemical cleaners. It will take you just as long in the cleaning process, but you will be using an environmentally friendly means of cleaning. Steam released into the air is harmless but chemical vapors from household cleaning products can have harmful side effects, especially for people with allergies.Steam kills most mold and mildew on contact. This is great news for RVers who routinely need to clean moldy window sills and shower stall ceilings. You can also use these systems to kill the dust mites in your mattress and carpet. If it needs to be sanitized, steam will do the trick.

Our steamer is made in Italy and we had a good laugh at how the operators manual was mistranslated into English. Companies doing business in predominately English speaking countries should hire someone who actually speaks English to write directions.

We paid around $500 for our machine, but you can get cheaper models that put steam where you need it. Most of the higher end machines are referred to as "vapor" machines as opposed to "steam" machines. They both shoot steam, but "vapor" machines use less water and have a higher temperature and pressure at the nozzle spray head. The amount of accumulated water is also less. You can clean tile grout with this machine and just wipe up the excess water that is left behind with an absorbent towel or paper towels. You can also use a wet vacuum to suck up the small amount of water left behind.

I also used the machine to clean the sinks and faucets and it cleaned them better than chemicals. I also cleaned the toilet bowel. Steam is a great sanitizing agent and will leave your toilet sparkling clean. I also tested it on a small section of tile grout and it does a good job on that as well. You can also use this device to clean conventional ovens, microwaves and stove tops.

When you use this machine, it's a good idea to open the RV ventilation fans to evacuate the steam, unless you're trying to create a tropical atmosphere inside your coach.

Steam is also good at melting away greasy grime, so it also works well on engine parts without the use of solvents. It comes with numerous attachments like a wand and a floor brush. There are upholstery attachments and small nylon brushes for doing closeup work. There is also a wire brush for doing BBQ grills. We ordered an extra set of brushes since they wear down with use.

The unit is the size of a canister vacuum cleaner and has rollers. You have to stop cleaning when it runs out of water, wait for it to cool down and then refill it and wait for it to heat up again before you can continue cleaning (about 30 minutes). The stainless steel boiler tank holds about a half gallon of water and will last about 30 to 45 minutes before needing a refill.

Our unit has a trigger button that activates the steam wand. It shuts off the flow of steam when the button is released. You do need to be careful not to burn yourself with the business end of the steam wand. You also need to be careful around plastics because the high temperature may melt them.The steam cleaner does not remove water stains (for that you will need vinegar). It should not be used on auto paint because it can destroy the clear coat finish. Also, I would not recommend it for electric components like your computer keyboard because electrical components and water don't get along.

Overall I rate it a good appliance for general purpose cleaning and sanitizing. It will not make your work any easier, but it will leave the RV clean and germ free. There are numerous other cleaning jobs this machine can tackle and I've just scratched the surface.

Full steam ahead - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Clean your RV fast with baby wipes

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Tue, 11 May 2010 22:57:00 +0000

Baby wipes are so powerful I don't know why we allow them to be used on babies. Really, these things have potent cleaning power. We used to mop the floor but now we do the job with wipes. They cut through dried up, caked on spills with ease and are dry much faster than mop water.

They do a great job shining up a faucet.
They are also good for cleaning the shower stall and sinks.
Other uses are cleaning out the inside of the microwave, leather furniture, ceiling fan blades, door knobs, dash board, window frames, drawer and cabinet door pulls, stove top, light fixtures and just about anything inside your RV.

They can also be used to lift stains out of fabric and carpet. I use them to remove grime off my hands after working on a motor, generator or under the RV. They are also handy to keep nearby for cleanup after dumping the black tank. They are great for cleaning smashed bugs off the windshield and headlamps. Try cleaning your steering wheel with wipes. You'll be surprised at how much grime comes off and you'll enjoy the clean feel and firm grip on your next RV outing.

Like many cleaning products, you may need to test-clean a small spot to make sure there is no discoloration before continuing.

This is one of the most versatile and easy to use cleaning products available. It can replace many of the cleaning bottles under your sink and lighten your RV load.
If you have experience using baby wipes in and around your RV, please take a moment and tell us by leaving a comment.

Wiping out RV dirt and grime - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Don't hide your money in your RV

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Thu, 06 May 2010 18:28:00 +0000

As soon as human beings invented money they also invented hiding money. Hiding money is even mentioned by Jesus in his parable about the talents (an old term for money). Hiding money has been elevated to an art form by career politicians and Wall Street banksters, but for ordinary people it's become a practical matter of personal security.

We recently traveled to Europe and rode the subway in cities like Rome and Barcelona and were told to be very careful with our wallets and purses. Many professional pickpockets make their living preying on inattentive and unprepared tourists. Tourist destinations in the U.S. are no better. So the savvy traveler must take precautions. Personal money hiding devices have been on the market for years but now there's a new and improved personal security belt that is made of high tech material, is comfortable and easy to use.

This new product is called "Spibelt" and is perfect for RVers who visit tourist destinations. I receive many products from vendors who ask me to review their products for you. Occasionally I get a product that I don't like and wouldn't use myself and it never gets reported. But this product is one of those that is so useful that it earns my highest rating.

Here is what it looks like next to my wallet. It also has a separate compartment inside the zippered compartment where you can store keys, credit cards, cell phone, notes and various other small items. It doesn't look like my wallet will fit into this compartment, but the streatch material easily envelopes the wallet for secure storage.
The stretch belt is secured by nylon bayonet clasps and fastens securely around your waist. This system is designed to be concealed under clothing but you can also wear it like a typical fanny pack. No system is foolproof, but making the pickpockets thievery more difficult increases the likelihood he or she will leave you alone an look for easier pickings.

Learn more about this product at this link: Spibelt And NO, this is not what I look like with my shirt off, so stop laughing!

Giving you valuables advice - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RV mail call

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Tue, 04 May 2010 16:24:00 +0000

Before personal computers and cell phones there was mail. While in the military, I was stationed in Belgium where everyone looked forward to "mail call" because it brought news from home. Every weekday afternoon a line would form outside the "mail room" where a clerk would dispense mail. It was a social time where people talked with each other as they stood in line. Eventually our unit installed mail boxes with locks. We appreciated being able to retrieve mail at our convenience but missed the socializing. Even with advances in technology, old fashioned mail service is still an important part of life.

Receiving mail while traveling around the country in your RV is easy if you know the facts. Many RVers rely on a professional mail service to collect their mail and forward it to them. We are fortunate to have a member of the family collect and hold our mail until we call for it. He stuffs the mail into a priority mail envelope and sends it all at once. We normally have our mail delivered to "general delivery" at a local post office in a small town. We avoid picking up mail in large metropolitan areas because they usually have several post offices but only one is designated to receive and disburse "general delivery" mail. Typically these post offices are in the city center, are inconvenient, and have long lines. Therefore, smaller rural post offices are our preference.

For the past five years this system has worked well for us, but it's not without problems. We've had several mail mishaps. Our mail was twice redirected when we had to leave our campground unexpectedly due to family emergencies. The U.S. Postal system does work and our mail eventually caught up with us. The date had elapsed on some time sensitive material, but we were able to take care of matters over the phone.

Setting up automatic bill pay on your recurring accounts is a great idea whether you're a full-time or part-time RVer. This option has eliminated much of our mail and has made it easier for us as we travel. Canceling magazine subscriptions is also a good way to lighten your mail pouch. We've also had some success in requesting insurance companies, charities, vendors and membership clubs to take us off their mailing lists.

With a little advance planning, receiving mail on the RV road is doable. With the advent of computers, cell phones and ATM machines, life on the road is much more convenient these days.

Delivering the goods - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Handling a kitchen oil fire in your RV

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 17:19:00 +0000

When I was a kid I was frying something in oil and the pan caught fire. I didn't know what to do. My mom got a hot pad, grabbed the pan, and put it in the sink under running water. This caused the flames to erupt into a fireball and ignite the curtains. My dad came over with a towel and beat out the flames.

Throwing water on an oil fire causes a fireball because the water sinks to the bottom of the pan, becomes instantly superheated and erupts, spewing the flaming oil out of the pan.
According to the video below, one of the best ways to deal with this kind of fire is to follow these three steps.

1. Turn off the burner (but don't move the pan).
2. Moisten a hand towel with water and ring it out so it is damp.
3. Smother the fire by covering it with the damp hand towel and let it sit until cool.

In order for fire to exist the three sides of the fire triangle must be present: fuel, heat and oxygen.
The above procedure extinguishes the fire by robbing it of oxygen.Watch the short video below to see how this procedure is correctly accomplished.

You should also keep your fire extinguisher charged and handy. My son, who graduated from Fire Academy, reminded me that another good way to extinguish a pan fire is to place a lid over it. Fire produces toxic fumes that rob a room of oxygen and can quickly asphyxiate a person. So, if you can't immediately control the fire get everyone out of your RV (including yourself), call the fire department and warn your RV neighbors to evacuate their rigs. Once an RV starts burning, it goes fast! Reporting on RV safety issues - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

RVer compares dentistry in U.S. and Mexico

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 04:08:00 +0000

When you're on the road as a full-time RVer you meet hundreds of great RVers. I met fellow full-time RVer, Bob Blankert, about five years ago at a military RV campground in Arizona. Between April 1st and the 15th most RV snowbirds have cleared out of Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Florida. When Bob wrote this story he and his wife had already traveled north seeking cooler weather. I like Bob's writing style and his occasional accounts of his RV traveling adventures are always fun to read. This week Bob writes about his experience with a U.S. dentist compared with his Mexican dentist. As a backdrop for this story keep in mind that each year thousands of RVers trek across the border to receive treatment from Mexican dentists. Here's his story:

On the fourth of April I noticed pieces of tooth and dental material was floating around in my mouth. Moving my tongue to the affected area I concluded that one side of a wisdom tooth and all of the filling was missing. On the fifth of April I called the dentist and told them I thought I needed a wisdom tooth pulled. They said they needed to have a look at it before they could schedule the work.

I scheduled the earliest appointment for the 8th of April. Arriving 15 minutes early I found an office in turmoil. The computer wasn’t working and they were not aware of the schedule. I assured them I had an appointment and filled out three forms. They took my insurance card and my drivers license and made copies of them. I handed them my 134 page Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan. I opened it to the part on dental benefits and told them I want to pay my portion in full when the work was finished. She looked at the benefit description and noticed some of the costs were different. She said she would go with the numbers in her computer. I look forward to problems.

A room became available. The dentist looked into my mouth and agreed removal of the wisdom tooth was what was needed. He determined it was a surgical removal of the tooth which required an hour of time to be scheduled.

He wanted my teeth to be X rayed. They took me to a new machine in the hall. A lead vest was placed on my upper torso. My head was located in the machine. The button was pushed and the two arms of the device moved around my head. Minutes later the dentist and I were looking at a computer image of a full mouth X ray. He told me I also needed a little patch which would be easy to do once the tooth is removed.

A scheduling expert pulled up the doctors schedule and told me the earliest time we could have a whole hour was on the 26th of April. I was not in pain at that point in time. I started to have pain on April 22nd. The pain was not excessive so I decided to just put up with it.

As I laid in bed with low grade pain I started to think about what would have happened if I were still going to Mexico to have my dental work completed. I would have arrived at the dental clinic early in the morning. Instead of appointments and computerized scheduling they operate on a first come first serve basis. The dentist would have looked in my mouth and determined, without X-rays, that the tooth would need to be pulled. They would have then pulled the tooth. With the tooth pulled they would have seen the little patch which was needed. They would have done the patch at that time. I probably would have walked out before noon after paying my bill. I would have paid my bill with cash. They would give me a detailed description of the work performed which I could use for reimbursement by my insurance company. The insurance company would be happy to pay because the cost would be much lower that what it would have cost in this country.

When I enter Mexico I feel like I am going back in time. Today seems like the late 1940s to early 1950s. In 1947 milk was still delivered by horse drawn wagons. Electrical power distribution was not available everywhere in the country. I can’t speak for other households but my family didn’t have health insurance. For the first 37 years of my dad’s life he worked for his father. Grandpa didn’t provide health insurance. During that time the world was in a shambles and there was a great need for workers in the United States. Companies were beginning to offer health insurance to encourage workers to work for them. Mexico is a lot like that today. I don’t want to go back to the “good old days” but it was a simpler time. You could get medical care without insurance or cash in hand. The doctor did the work and put what you owed on the tab. People had the moral character and paid their bills. The doctor didn’t do unneeded work just to get more money. People didn’t sue other people to the extent they do today. Mexico has lots of problems but the simpler way of doing things does have its appeal.

Consider the following business model. You walk into WalMart and on one of the walls between the eyeglasses and beauty parlor is a new dentist office. They guarantee their prices to be less than half the prices anywhere (but Mexico). They are a first come first serve business. You must pay cash and if you have dental insurance you must file the claim and deal with the insurance company yourself. You must sign a malpractice insurance agreement. If you want to be able to sue you must buy the malpractice insurance for the work that is being done. If you don’t buy the insurance and still want to sue then you and your lawyer agree to pay all the doctor’s legal costs if you lose the case. I think it might be a successful plan.

Robert Blankert

RV skid rollers bring up the rear

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 01:22:00 +0000

Sometimes RVing can be a drag, especially when you have a long trailer. Skid wheels were designed to prevent trailer drag when traversing steep driveways. When I purchased my second 5th wheel I struggled over whether or not to install skid rollers. I decided to drive around for a few months and see if I really needed them. It turns out I didn't need them.

There are three skid wheel applications: frame mounted, hitch mounted and receiver hitch protectors.

Skid wheels are made using heavy duty metal casters. Paktron Industries makes extra heavy duty casters with a urethane outer coating.The idea of a skid wheel is to prevent the RV from dragging when pulling into or out of a driveway with a steep incline. Instead of scraping the asphalt and ripping off your bumper, skid wheels take the impact and lift up the rear of the trailer, rolling it forward instead of dragging. I discovered that my 5th wheel would clear most steep inclines with about two inches to spare. Had I installed skid wheels (which extend about six inches below the bumper) I would have unnecessarily lifted my RV on many occasions when pulling over driveway inclines.

Here is an example of a frame mounted skid wheel that has been bent. This skid wheel is mounted incorrectly because it is not welded directly under the frame. It is mounted to the side of the frame and crumpled under the pressure.
If skid wheels are installed correctly they can be useful in preventing damage caused by dragging.

Another type of skid wheel is mounted to the receiver hitch (another notorious low spot). These can be especially useful with travel trailers when tongue weight causes the hitch to "dive" when traversing a driveway with a steep incline.
One of the best ways to avoid damage to both the tow vehicle and the travel trailer is to avoid driveways with steep inclines altogether. If you must traverse a steep driveway, do it at an angle and go very slowly so as not to cause the RV to bounce down on the pavement.

Preventing you from scraping by - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Motion light perfect for RV applications

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 05:10:00 +0000

I enjoy closets with automatic lighting. I've thought about wiring the closets in my RV to do this, but it was just too much trouble for what it was worth. Recently my good friends at Coil n' Wrap sent me the solution.

This motion light has 10 led lights that now light up my closet when I open the door. I applied some hook and latch tape (also available at Coil n' Wrap) on the bottom and stuck it on the ceiling of the closet.

These lights sell for $20.00 each or three for $50.00. You can order them online by clicking on this link: Coil n' Wrap These lights are great in the bathroom, storage compartments and in overhead cabinets. The unit operates on three AA batteries. There is a three way switch on the back that allows it to be set on constant illumination or "Auto" which operates the motion sensor and turns the light on when the door opens.Bright ideas for your RVing pleasure - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Do RVers need a washer and dryer on board?

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 18:48:00 +0000

Whether you need a washing machine and dryer on board your RV depends on how you use the RV. If you're a weekend camper, you really don't need it because you can do all your laundry at home when you return from your trip. Even if you go on a month-long RV road trip you can use the laundry facilities provided at most RV parks and some campgrounds.

On the other hand, if you're a full time or part time RVer, you very well may benefit from having a washing machine and dryer. Many full time and part time RVers get by without them, so it really depends on your personal preferences.

There are two configurations to choose from. The Splendide units (made in Italy) combine the washer and dryer components into one unit. This is handy for conserving space, but they do have limitations. You can only do small loads. Typically you can wash two or three bath towels, two wash cloths and one hand towel in one load. Another example is two queen sized sheets. Mrs. Professor says it works best if you split the load after it is washed and dry half a load at a time. If you can hang the wash on an outdoor clothesline it's even better. We've had two of these units over the years and they work well if you know how to use them properly. Even though we currently have one of these units in our motorhome, we still rely on other laundry facilities when available because they do larger loads faster.

The alternative is the apartment sized stacking unit. We've never had these in any of our RVs, but people I know who have had both types prefer the stacking units over the Splendide.

Since these units use a lot of water you really need to be in a park with hook-ups in order to use them. Otherwise, they'll use up the water in your fresh water tank and quickly fill up your gray water holding tank.

Another important consideration in using these units is ventilation. There are two types of exterior vents available. One is the extended cover with a flap. The other is the louvered flap vent.
These vents get clogged with lint and become a hazard (like the house vent below). Therefore, it's important to ensure the exterior vents are inspected and cleaned on a routine basis.
The machines also have lint catching screens that need periodic cleaning. To achieve optimum results, follow the manufacturers instructions on cleaning the screens on your particular band of machine.

Carrying around a laundry room in your RV means a sacrifice of space, increased weight and additional cost. Most RVers can live without this luxury.

Wringing out important RV stories - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

The easy way to clean out your RV sewer hose

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 23:13:00 +0000

If I had a dollar for every time I squirted water all over myself cleaning out my RV sewer hose I could take Mrs. Professor out for a nice dinner. Until now there was no clean and efficient way to clean out your sewer hose. The old school method was to insert a garden hose with running water into the open end of the sewer hose until the water ran clear. It was difficult to hold the running water end and check the discharge end at the same time without getting wet.

Camco has a product that eliminates this juggling act. It's called the "RV Sewer Hose Rinser" and that's exactly what it does.You connect one end to a garden hose, close the handy valve, and turn on the water.
Next attach it to the sewer hose bayonet connectors and open the water supply valve.
The nozzle sprays inside the sewer hose with a four-way jet pattern.
This item is available at many RV stores and the WalMart RV supply section.

Keeping great RV ideas flowing your way - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Build your own RV slide-out storage tray

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 20:28:00 +0000

I absolutely love RV slide-out storage. It makes RVing much easier and helps you stay organized. Commercial grade slide-out trays can be expensive but you can build them yourself for a fraction of the cost.

My friend and fellow RV enthusiast, Bob Rozek, wanted to move his freezer into another compartment under his motorhome to make room for his new toolbox. He already had a sliding tray where he put his new toolbox, but the compartment where he would move the freezer didn't have one. He decided to use the Accuride accessory platform kit model 9301. These platform bracket kits are available in 12, 16, 22 and 28 inch lengths. Bob ordered the 28 inch model. You can view this product here: Accuride. Vendors who carry this system are easily found by using your internet search engine.These sliding rails have locking stops which are critical for RV usage since they prevent the tray from sliding while driving.

Bob used 3/4 inch plywood for the tray and base supports. He used a powered rasp to make indentations to conform to the ridges on the rail slide.This procedure allows for a tight fit for the tray.
Next he attached the base plates to the tray. The plates are made from 3/4 inch plywood strips about four inches wide. The base plates raise the sliders so they clear the lip of the storage compartment door frame.He checked to be sure everything fit properly and drilled holes to attach the base plates to the floor of the storage compartment.He checked to make sure the freezer would fit nicely, then removed the tray assembly and painted it black. He also put carpet on the tray to help steady the freezer while in motion.You can install a tray system like this in any type of RV that has outside storage compartments. This system will hold between 350 to 500 pounds depending on the configuration.

Sliding more RV ideas your way - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

If fuel prices go up will RV usage go down?

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 23:06:00 +0000

What would happen to your RV plans if the price of fuel were to rise dramatically?
In the Spring of 2008 I paid almost $5 a gallon to fill up my motorhome. I was not mentally prepared for the sticker shock at the pump. All my life a gallon of diesel fuel cost less than a gallon of regular gas. When I decided to become a full-time RVer and purchased a diesel pick-up to tow a mammoth 5th wheel, diesel prices switched places with regular gas overnight. I'm just lucky that way.

There were many reasons for the increased fuel prices in 2008. I discussed them in two articles at that time which you can read here: RVers wonder why diesel prices are so high and RVers could see fuel at $8.00 a gallon in 2009. Thankfully $8.00 a gallon didn't happen, and looking back, we see that speculators contributed significantly to the rising cost of fuel at the pump.During that time of high fuel prices we saw a pull-back in both auto and RV usage. Since most RV travel involves discretionary spending, RV usage was curtailed. Many RVers saved on fuel costs by restricting their RV travel and camping close to home. Others just stopped RVing altogether.

Hardcore RVers just had to bite the bullet and increase the fuel budget allocation. The big question is, at what price point will fuel costs be prohibitive for the majority of RVers?

There's been a lot of talk lately about "Peak Oil." I didn't pay much attention at first, but I kept seeing the concept crop up in economic reports. The basic idea of Peak Oil is that we have reached the zenith of oil production worldwide and soon demand will outstrip production. In other words, we are running out of gas! I hope this idea is not true and that we enjoy cheap fuel forever.

It does concern me, however, when even the Obama administration has publicly recognized the threat. Glenn Sweetnam, the Obama team oil market expert doesn't like to call it "Peak Oil," preferring the terminology "undulating plateau" instead. It's the same thing, but you know how politicians love to "sugar coat" problems with less threatening sounding labels. He is clearly worried about whether we have enough reserves and production left to power us into the future. You can read the complete article in Le Monde.

The chart below came from a Department of Energy round-table meeting last April and shows we are rapidly approaching the downside of oil production. The chart tells us that in five years we will need to fill the gap with at least 10 million barrels of oil production a day. To give you an idea of how much that is, Saudi Arabia (the top oil producer in the world) produces only 10.8 million barrels a day. How are we going to fill that gap? From where is the oil going to come for future use? Liquid sands? Coal gasification? New exploration? All expensive propositions.
Wherever new oil comes from it will be expensive because it will cost more to produce. This translates into higher prices at the pump.

RV implications: Plan for higher fuel costs in the future (if they don't materialize you'll have extra cash). If you are considering becoming a full-time RVer you better hurry and take advantage of affordable fuel prices while they last. If you want to keep RVing into the future consider lighter more fuel efficient RVs. Plan to stay closer to home on future RV vacations. Look for ways to offset fuel costs like utilizing free camping or reduced rate campground programs. Use the internet to shop ahead for the cheapest fuel sources along your route of travel.

Staying on top of the undulating plateau - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Replacing a SeaLand RV toilet valve

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:48:00 +0000

A December cold snap descended upon the Pacific Northwest. We were headed for a 12 day cruise to the Mediterranean and I was in a hurry to winterize the coach before leaving for the airport. I opened the water line valves and blew out the residual water from the pipes. In my haste I forgot to clear the water from the toilet valve.

While I was enjoying the sunshine of Italy my SeaLand water supply valve froze up. As the water in the valve froze it expanded and broke the valve. When I came back and hooked up the water again I was greeted by a puddle of water being fed by a constant dripping from the ruptured valve.

I didn't have a replacement readily available and since it was Christmas Eve it was going to be a few days until I could find one. We couldn't use the water elsewhere in the coach because I didn't have a shut-off valve to isolate the toilet water supply valve. I installed a separate water shut off valve to the toilet. Now we had use of our shower, sinks, and laundry while we waited for the replacement valve. We were even able to use the toilet by manually filling and flushing, using a pitcher of water supplied from the sink.

Most RV and marine toilets use the same concept for sanitation by using minimal amounts of water for flushing waste into a holding tank, but that's where the similarity stops. Each manufacturer has several models, each with a different parts list. I will show you how I replaced the water supply valve on my SeaLand model.

First I broke out the manufacturer parts list and ordered the correct part.The replacement valve comes with the valve, new screws and directions.
First I removed the plastic toilet base cover which is held together with one screw.
The wrap-around cover separates and is easily removed.
Next I removed two screws that hold the plastic lever in place.
When you take off the plastic cover you see the metal arm that activates the valve when it is raised or lowered. The metal flushing arm is levered on a nylon plunger and when rocked backwards or forwards depresses the plunger valve, releasing water into the toilet bowl. In the photo below the arrow indicates where the valve ruptured. The frozen water expanded and pushed the brass cap off causing it to strip the threads on the plastic housing.I removed two screws that held the old valve in place and threw them away. The directions say to throw the old screws away and use the new screws for a better fit. I loosened the hose clamp and removed the bowl supply hose (the top hose in the photo below). I also removed the threaded water supply hose and replaced it with a brand new hose.
The valve has a stainless steel wire screen filter on the incoming water supply side. This screen can sometimes become clogged with debris and restrict or prevent water flow into the toilet bowl. It plays an important role in protecting the valve mechanism. Before I mounted the new valve I put a dab of petroleum jelly on the nylon plunger. This step is important because it helps prevent wear and allows smooth operation of the lever.I attached the new valve to the new supply hose using Teflon tape and reattached the bowl supply hose with a hose clamp. Using the supplied screws I attached the new valve. I turned on the water supply to make sure it worked and there were no leaks. Satisfied everything was water tight, I replaced the plastic covers and cleaned up the work space. Next time I'll remember to winterize this important valve along with all the rest.

On a roll - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Vintage RV rescued from a cow pasture

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 18:14:00 +0000

Driving through a small California town in the central San Joaquin Valley, I saw this vintage 1960 Scotty travel trailer. My first RV experience was in one of these when my grandparents took me on vacation with them. I was about eight years old and I still remember that trip.This Serro Scotty travel trailer belongs to Kent Carpenter who saw it in a cow pasture and bought it from the farmer for $100. The trailer was in such bad shape he wasn't sure he would be able to tow it home. He managed to get it back to his house and started the long process of restoring it.There was a considerable amount of water damage and he replaced the wood that adorns the ceiling. He went through the entire trailer and restored it as close as possible to its original condition while adding some modern amenities like this portable toilet. This Serro Scotty Sportsman sleeps three and sold for $795 in 1960. It was designed to fit into a standard size garage. It was originally painted white over an aluminum skin. Kent stripped the paint and polished the aluminum to achieve its current look.The recessed floor allows an average sized adult to stand inside without having to bend.Kent installed a new Dexter axle with brakes and says it tows like a charm. He has towed this rig from California to Arkansas three times and has used it on many weekend camping trips.

The signature look of Scotty travel trailers is what I call the bottle opener fender, complete with baby moon hubcaps.
This old Pepsi Cola cooler is not original equipment but is used to store tools. Kent says several people have stopped and offered to buy his Scotty. He also reports being followed off the highway by people interested in seeing this rolling piece of Americana.

The Serro Scotty company reopened in 2006 and you can order this classic style travel trailer factory direct. Here is the link where you can see the current models: Serro Scotty

Like most other RV brands, Serro Scotty has an owners club with their own website: National Serro Scotty Organization

Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing

Make your own RV tire shades for a fraction of the cost

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Twamley) — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 22:33:00 +0000

My friend Bob Rozek is an innovator who took an existing idea and made it better. For less than $100 Bob made a set of tire shades for his motorhome.I think this design is great because it allows you to adjust the length by rolling up at the bottom.
Bob built these tire shades out of materials he purchased at Home Depot. To do this project you'll need 1/2 inch PVC pipe and end caps, pipe insulators, solar screening, 1/4 inch wood strips, rare earth magnets, black spray paint, epoxy, screws and staples. Tools you'll need are a staple gun, screwdriver, power drill and a multi-tool (available at Harbor Freight for around $40).I love these multi-tools because you can do so much with them. You need a straight cut down the length of the PVC pipe in order to secure the screen material. The multi-tool makes cutting the PVC an easy task.Once you have the PVC cut you need to cut a strip of wood that will easily fit inside the PVC. Staple the screen onto this piece and insert it into the PVC.
Bob rounded the corners of the PVC where the screen is inserted.
Use a screwdriver to separate the cut in the PVC to help slip the screen into place.
Bob cleaned the PVC caps with acetone (helps the paint to adhere better) and then sprayed them with black paint. He then put them on the end of the PVC with the screen inserted and secured it with a small screw. You could also use PVC cement to secure the end cap but you won't be able to remove it later without cutting the pipe. You need to leave about 3/4 of an inch of PVC on each side of the screen in order to accommodate the cap. Once this step is complete you can easily roll the screen fabric on the PVC to adjust the heighth. Once you get the screen where you want it to hang, you put on the pipe insulation which holds it in place.Bob has a metal frame under his wheel well on which he attaches the tire shades with rare earth magnets.Rare earth magnets are very strong and if you've ever played around with them you appreciate their holding power. He secured a magnet on each end of a wood strip.He then sandwiched the solar screen between the strip containing the magnets and the outer wood strip. He used screws to secure the strips of wood together. I'm going to make a set of these for my RV but I will have to use hooks under the wheel wells because I don't have a metal plate on which to attach magnets. You could also use snaps. The solar screen material (available at Home Depot) is made by the Phifer Company and is advertised to block 90% of the sun's heat. This application protects both the tires and the air bags, which are exposed to ultraviolet rays when uncovered.

Keeping you busy with new RV project ideas - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing