New To RVing (all inclusive)

[Madman]

Originally Posted by Titan

So I had heard that 2 six volts were much better than the battery that comes with trailers. Why is that? How much are 6 v batteries and is this something I should be asking the dealer to throw in to close the deal?

I want them to install a 2" hitch to put the bike on as well.

Any other goodies that I should ask for?

Do those LED lights just go into the existing outlets or is there re-wiring involved?

tia

Yes, 2 6v batteries are what you want - there are countless topics by much smarter people than me on the subject but the bottom line is you will receive higher amp hours on 2 6s vs 1 12. 6v batteries are also typically golf cart batteries which are true deep cycle batteries and can take a major shat kicking. And yes, get the dealer to throw them in with the deal, that's what I did with our last purchase.

Other goodies - get them to throw in as many accessories as you can. A good sewer kit, chocks, leveling blocks, water hose, pressure regulator etc etc.

The LED panels come with adapters for multiple outlet types, so no re-wiring is needed. The LED bulbs Ken posted would simply plug in to your socket like a typical incandescent bulb.

[Ace]

Originally Posted by MacDaddy77

Ace, what are you towing that with?

A Yukon Denali SUV

[Ace]

Bump, How do I decide what bulbs to replace my "921's" with. I went to deal exteme, and there seems to be several options. Is there an important stat to look for?

[ken0042]

The biggest thing is the Lumens; which determines how much light the bulbs output. I was trying to balance lumens with watts; because I could have gone with a bulb with more lumens, but then would have used more power.

A regular 921 bulb puts out 264 lumens and use 18 watts. The bulbs I bought put out 185 lumens but only use 2.9 watts. So 70% as bright but only 1/6 the power used.

You could use these bulbs which should be brighter than the 921s, but now you are using 5 watts of power. That is where I found it better to have more fixtures on than one really bright one. Also, these brighter bulbs may not fit in the fixture. The ones I have just barely fit.

The other consideration is the colour temperature. Most LEDs are "bright white"- which is a little un-natural. These are in the 6500 colour range. You can get "warm white" which is a little more yellow; but once again you are paying a lot more to get those.

Edit- just poking around their site and found another option: http://dx.com/t10-3w-12v-304-lumen-3...-48175?item=44 Looks to be OK, but double the price. I have tried to keep my orders under $20 to avoid any customs fees. Not sure if it matters as they always mark it as "gift", but would rather not have to worry about it.

[Ace]

Okay so this is probably a dumb question, but can I get any bulb that 'fits' is this the only concideration?

How do I know that it fits? (compatable with my 921 socket)

[ken0042]

What you are looking for is they all say "T10" base. I forget exactly how it works, but the "921" in the bulb really is more about the power useage. This is probably wrong, but something like it using 21 watts at 9 volts.

When you do get them, unlike your old 921 bulbs the LED bulbs will have a specific polarity. Which means if you plug them in and they don't light up, reverse the bulb in the socket. (You shouldn't be able to damage the bulbs.)

[KielC]

Has anyone seen the Bal Leveler for sale anywhere in Calgary or area?

http://norcoind.com/bal/products/con...eleveler.shtml

[Ace]

So how do you guys keep your black tank clean? Do you flush it every time? What chemicals do you use (if any)?

[ken0042]

I do flush mine every time. However when it's time to leave the campground I usually have to add a lot of water to get it mostly full. Also between the campsite and the dump station I also put in all the leftover ice from the cooler to help get anything that might be stuck to the sides.

For chemicals, I use Calgon water softener. I buy the liquid stuff when I go to the States, but the powder is available here at Superstore. Put in 2 doses in the empty tank at the start of the camping trip. If you are using the powder, dilute it with water.

[slots881]

I'm looking for a small AGM battery for my trailer as I want to keep it inside. What's the best brand? Cost?

[Ace]

This could be a dumb question, but if you fill your tanks to the brim, what is the next thing to happen, would it just be water showing up in the tub (gray)/toilet (black) drains first, then of course an eventual overflow.

Also I received an adaptor from the dealership to hook up to pressurized water with, it basically just looks like a part with a metal filter on it. Is this the same thing as a pressure regulator, or is that something else?

[j_j]

Originally Posted by KielC

Has anyone seen the Bal Leveler for sale anywhere in Calgary or area?

http://norcoind.com/bal/products/con...eleveler.shtml

I just received the one I bought online from http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/c...px?a=74223&e=Y

$100 all in (or less if you buy a membership). It shipped without duty/brokerage owing.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by Ace

This could be a dumb question, but if you fill your tanks to the brim, what is the next thing to happen, would it just be water showing up in the tub (gray)/toilet (black) drains first, then of course an eventual overflow.

Yes, there is nothing to prevent an overflow. Your grey water will start overflowing into the shower (as that is the lowest point in the grey water drains.) Your black water will start overflowing into your toilet. It is worth noting that the black pipe is 3" thick, so you should really notice the water level coming up as the flush will no longer go down fast. Or worst case scenario; the last flush won't leave the bowl.

Originally Posted by Ace

Also I received an adaptor from the dealership to hook up to pressurized water with, it basically just looks like a part with a metal filter on it. Is this the same thing as a pressure regulator, or is that something else?

The one I got looks like this one. That is needed to make sure the pressure from the city water isn't more than your RV can handle.

If yours is simpler than that; they may have given you the wrong thing.

[Ace]

I hope this talking out loud will benefit someone else, I know this thread is helping me!

2 more questions:
-Anybody get a professional wax or paint protection for their RV, i declined the dealers "diamond kote", but thought I could get 3m or some professional wax done elsewhere

-RV Toilet Paper, do you really need to use special stuff. The Kirkland stuff I by from costco says "septic safe" is this good enough?

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by Ace

-RV Toilet Paper, do you really need to use special stuff. The Kirkland stuff I by from costco says "septic safe" is this good enough?

Yes, buy the special stuff. The difference is how quickly it disolves compared to regular paper.

You don't actually "need" it until it gets stuck to one of your tank sensors, and then you are tasked with getting it fixed. Or worse case; you have an issue with your black tank and the dealer tells you it isn't covered under warranty because you used the wrong paper.

I'm as cheap as they come, but if you buy it on sale or at Wal-Mart it only costs you about $1 per roll; so really about $1-2 per camping trip.

[Diemenz]

I have never ever used the bathroom in my trailer since I purchased it.

Am I the only one who doesn't want to deal with that drama? Lol

[mrbanffgirl]

Just bought a 27' RV (older) and was wondering 1250 v Generator is enough to power a few things in it like Microwave, tv, coffee maker? (not all at same time mind you)
Don't need anything fancy, just something to help out when no shore power is available.
Suggestions? (saw one at Wally World for $245)

[Ace]

Originally Posted by Diemenz

I have never ever used the bathroom in my trailer since I purchased it.

Am I the only one who doesn't want to deal with that drama? Lol

I was thinking about starting a "no #2" policy...but then I started thinking about the facilities at campgrounds. Not sure which is better, using my own clean toilet or not having to deal with "brown" sewage.

From what I've seen emptying your black tank and flushing it clean doesn't seem "that bad", we'll see in practice though.

[Madman]

Originally Posted by Diemenz

I have never ever used the bathroom in my trailer since I purchased it.

Am I the only one who doesn't want to deal with that drama? Lol

Drama?

You'd rather use a smelly and freezing cold outhouse in the middle of the night?

There is so little drama to dumping water tanks it's not even funny.

[Tailgator]

Flushing the black tank is never a picnic but it's been made easier over the years at both the RV and the dump station level.
We also put in a couple packs of the T5 when we go and it doesn't even stink when you dump the tank. We have an outlet on the RV that we can attach the hose to to flush out the tank. As gross as it sounds, I also use a clear elbow at the valve so I know I've gotten it flushed out enough. Once the water runs clear, I know I'm good.