Official MOA RV thread...

[Omega Man]

I have plans to re-pack the wheel bearings, but will probably hold off until I see how the camping season shapes up. I've also not de-winterized yet, so will need to go through that process.

A good wheel bearing check is always essential.

A month ago, I was doing research to transition from lead acid to lithium batteries on my Lance 2285. Again, at this point, I'll probably hold off on the considerable expense to see what this summer's usage will really be. We've already had to cancel camping reservations we had in April and May.

I have a few "major" items that I am holding off on- again. The awning fabric is at the end of it's lifespan and needs replacement. I just washed the motorhome, it really needed it.
I will start reloading the "standard" items shortly now that the risk if freezing is pretty much past. The refrigerator is up and running already- as a second fridge.
Hoping for some peaceful time in the RV.
OM

[henzilla]

Anyone using this time home working/prepping their RV for better days?
It’s a good time for a wash and wax. Checking the “penetration” sealing. Checking tire conditions.
What are you doing?
OM

We were prepping to use ours while our club held its rally this weekend... to say the obvious, it is still under the shed.
H had Tom Sawyered me into “assisting” with her project of waxing the nose cone last week after I had de- winterized and added a few interior upgrades not on her list. Had recently replaced tires and repacked bearings and new batteries we had no history on. Also, had remounted and caulked the awning anchor points and have sealant to redo the roof penetrations when it dries out this week. Replaced the tall FM aerial that whacked everything. It’s ready when we are.

My bigger use is as a hiding place for a nap for now... don’t tell her where I am!

[DennisDarrow]

My bigger use is as a hiding place for a nap for now... don’t tell her where I am!

shhhhhhhhhh……...be quiet about this Steve!!!!! Been using this at least once a week as the housekeeper shows up for her 3 hour attempt to clear a path through the house. The peace and quiet that the refuge affords as I hunker down and saw wood is unknown by most wives that are totally uninformed...………

Gotta re-evaluate for this year, if I even get out. Not gonna leave my hill top, go away and leave me alone, seclusion this year til they come up with a vaccine for this stuff.

Where can we go...…??????????? Have they shut down the national forest camp anywhere you can put a tent rules???? For me, the roadblock shutting down the Florida Keys is a killer for the fall. Wondering if the state park systems have shut down? Have the National Parks?

[henzilla]

Six acres, five structures and still no true hiding places Dennis! But I manage on occasion.

In TX, most state parks have shuttered until the end of month... then who knows?
They honored reservations until last week then emptying this week. We used our nearby park weekly and to see it empty other than the hosts is surreal.

We had movie night in the RV the other night to use the prepped for season space. Dogs were confused... but happy

[Omega Man]

Well, after a whole season of not traveling, mainly due to the virus, it’s time to winterize the motorhome. It’s a bit earlier than usual but the steady cold is coming not to mention the ever expanding virus problem.
Hoping for better days.
OM

[ridesolo]

I've had to winterize for the first time this year. Since we use our 5er as a "winter home" it's in use in southern climes in the winter and stored in the summer. This year we aren't going to venture out because of the virus. Not thrilled about it after growing up in northern PA and then 20 years in the AF in garden spots like North Dakota, Alaska, northern (far north!) New York, and Germany, it seems like Ohio wouldn't be so bad, but once I retired I promised myself that I'd suffer as little more of the cold stuff as possible. Durn virus!

We've had a couple of different units, but we're thoroughly enjoying the Titanium 5th wheel. It tows easily, has enough space for us and the dog for three to four months at a time, and is paid for. I've been able to make several very agreeable modifications and it's a keeper. Since Mrs doesn't ride the MC doesn't go along but maybe that'll change some day.

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[Omega Man]

I remember the Titanium brand. They always looked like a well built rig.
OM

[ridesolo]

I remember the Titanium brand. They always looked like a well built rig.
OM

Yeah, we feel fortunate to have found it. They were made from '02 through '09 and then, unfortunately they went out of business. They were made in Canada, very high quality and actually has real insulation unlike most trailers. Admittedly it's older but we bought it from the original owners and we've tried to meet or exceed their level of TLC. I've seen much newer trailers that aren't as solid and haven't held up as well.

[henzilla]

We did venture out for annual NW Arkansas trip in late October. The AR Covid numbers looked low where we were basing out of so we didn’t cancel reservations and loaded up.


Since upgrading to larger unit, we were able to self contain and not have to use park facilities, though they were diligent about cleaning and rotating individual pods. Our previous Toyhauler had a small bathroom and while OK, having bigger shower is really nice now.
This was our second big run in this unit and all systems and upgrades we added were trouble free. Last year the temps were in twenties two nights and worries about frozen stuff in a new to us unit not knowing it’s habits caused a bit of stress.
We checked in online and didn’t encounter any uncomfortable crowds at the two state parks in both TX and AR. Both states were keeping one rotating space open between sites which was good, however, that process kept us out of our usual spot on return trip as it was the barrier spot.
H’s sister has her own rig and we became a small village for almost two weeks. Since we were a group, we had connected sites. Rained three days in a row as that last, or almost last hurricane and a cold front found each other.

Now back under cover, drained, and ready to hide out in for now.
We were going to do a four day around Thanksgiving but things changed again.


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My vintage 2003 Cummins still tugging with 170K
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Off the back deck
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Colors weren’t as good this year, still ok to run through
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No bad roads around here as well
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[Omega Man]

Nice report Steve.
I would like to hear more about the new toy hauler. I recently spent around 18 hours under my ‘03 Dodge TD needle scaling, 2 coats Gemplers rust converter, 2 coats paint/primer. Only 54K on the truck hoping it keeps going for a while.
Thanks.
Gary

[Lee]

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]

That's a great spot with the large deck and on the river.

It's easy to social distance on those NW Arkansas roads

[henzilla]

2014 Fuzion 26’ that H got a great deal on. The bones were good but a few things needed attention.
We wanted a front bedroom so we could leave bikes inside overnight while heading to destination. The prior hauler had a loft bed over bikes that had us unloading bikes to get to... and climbing ladders was not getting easier to get in bed

The PO has overloaded the garage and bent frame braces under area. That caused the 2” styrofoam blocks under minimal 1/8” plywood floor to break apart and have soft spots. Tore all out, added better larger cross bracing , new foam board and 3/4” decking. Added threaded plates under floor before laying down for wheel chocks. The bottom of unit was sealed from easy access to mount additional anchor points. Removed generator that was directly under bedroom ,I wasn’t crazy about fuel tank and fuel
station under RV as well with LP gas appliances. We rarely boondock and will get a portable gen for those times. Gaining storage was a plus.
She added red graphics to match truck .
Will replace countertops in kitchen and bath this winter to add some surface area.
Repacked bearings, new tires and house batteries, as well as a WD hitch to reset the confidence level of where things were.



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[Omega Man]

Very nice. Good work Steve.
I’m thinking of buying a toy hauler.
OM

[DennisDarrow]

Realllly Great TRIP Steve........!!!!

For me, can't beat the Texas State Park system.............Even better is making yourself at home in one of those locations. You get to know the sites for sure; but all the folks around in the little restaurants, stores, and yes, the sheriff . That is the way to spend the time....NOT going as fast as you can from one place to the next; but getting that feel for where you are....So glad that YOU know that little secret of life as most it seems, are in to big of a hurry to wear out those delicate tires..........God bless.......Dennis

By the way, Texas is so diverse and spread out that one can easily spend months in traveling from park to park. We did that last year over 2 months from The Big Thicket, down to the coast, and over to Ft. Davis and Big Bend. WOW!! there is still more to see........

[henzilla]

Have been to most state parks here through the years with either parents, Scouts, HS friends, my kids and now H. TX has returned funding back from licenses and such recently and it’s starting to show up in infrastructure repairs. Still a lot of CCC era structures still in great shape but now getting some TLC.

Yeah, being able to base for a few days to weeks opens up lots of exploring options as well as slow the perceived rush of traveling. Having your “ home” nearby is pretty sweet. Rainy days aren’t all that bad

I’ll find some interior shots after construction and H’s efforts

One more mechanical issue was our water heater. I had drained last year at
end of season and thought I got all calcium deposits out... it wasn’t staying hot long and was half full of sediment! I don’t think it had ever been serviced
The gas wouldn’t ignite this spring and the controller back ordered this summer, luckily it is electric as well but I hadn’t looked at anode and element. I couldn’t get the element to break loose in spite of solvent, heat and a breaker bar. Finally got hand impact and worried about breaking tank, got the thing removed after several hard whacks with ball peen. The anode was gone as well. Still waiting on gas valve, but the electric option was back to 100% and worked well.