Curtis
Greetings, I’m Curtis and this is my wife Mary.
I’ve been involved in RVing for about 40 yrs -- including camping, building, repairing, and even selling RVs. I’ve owned, used and repaired almost every class or style of RV made. I do all my own repair work, including the complete interior refurbishing of our last used 35-foot fifth wheel trailer that we lived in for 2 years.
We spent 3 years full timing, working many different jobs a few years back. Right now we’re stationary, but that’s subject to change. We still do a lot of local weekend traveling around Minnesota.
Another long time interest has been computers which led me to the Internet 10 years ago. Eventually I started writing, and now I’m able to combine the two. If you can combine a grease monkey with a computer geek, throw in a touch of information nut, and organization freak, combined with a little bit of storyteller, you’ve got a good idea of who I am.
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Alex, I've seen gaps as small as 6", though I'd like to see a gap of 12" myself. The time of concern is when you go off the pavement say to back into a less then perfectly level campsite. When the truck goes up an incline or down a dip rigs with a small gap will pinch together. Keeping the trailer level with the truck usually means the gap is what it is and you can do little to alter it. If your gap is small be sure you have someone outside watching closely when you are moving off pavement and watch out for driveway and parking lot entrances.
Exactly how much clearance should one have between the top of the truck box and the fifth wheel?
Hartley, My personal experience is with Reese though I'm sure many other brands are of good quality. Reese offer hitches from 15,000 lbs to 20,000 lbs so you can choose as high as you thing your next trailer will weight. The best advice I can give you is what ever hitch you buy never pull away without all safety devices in place and locked. I dropped a 37' trailer once because I forgot to secure the safety lock on my Reese hitch. I was just going around the corner and thought I could get away without it. Fortunately my truck was a flat bed and no damage was done other then to my ego. http://www.reese-hitches.com/product_categories/fifth_wheel
Hi, Mr. Curtis, I have a new used 5th wheel what is the best hitch size and brand you recommend for a 3500 4x4 Silverado '09 long bed, Diesel trailer GVWR 14,000. Maybe upgrading to a lit'l larger trailer in future. Thank you for your help
Dean, You might talk to any RV dealers in your area and get their recommendations on body shops in your area that may be qualified to do this kind of repair. Be prepared though that unless the delamination is contained to a relatively small area there is probably little that can be done to repair it and the cost will be high.
Curtis
I bought a delaminated southwind at price that plummeted and felt pretty good about it until I read your march article that described 'structural integrity' Can you lead me to a few good Minnesota repair shops?
Thanks
Dean
Ron, Instructions for installing a new water heater should be included with the new replacement water heater.
Curtis, I need to replace the water heater on our class a champion motor home. where may I find a manual or instructions for doing so.
Thanks! Ron
pkt, Though it probably could be assumed that the round or arched shape of an airstream may tolerate more snow load then a flat surface you also need to be concerned about leakage. With excessive snow left to sit often the layer closest to the RV will stay wet and will find any seams that might not be sealed properly.
what about snowload on an airstream? do you still need to push it off.
Martha, You list your interest paid for your motorhome in the same space as you list your home mortgage interest paid. Just list both financial institutions and the total paid to both. As an RV is considered a second home it is also considered a home mortgage.
Curtis: Where on 1040A do I list the interest on my motorhome. Please reply by email. Thanks.
Paul, Your very welcome, good choice, taking the corners apart can be quite a job. Glad you found my input useful.
Thanks Curtis for the info on resealing the rear corners of my 5th wheel WE have decided to do a temp. fix to get us thru the fla winter then turn it over to the experts in the spring Thanks again God Bless
Ted, Yes you will need a CDL, probably a class "A". It depends on what company you sign on with. Yes most drivers tow an economy car with them, I towed a Ford Festiva. The Freight (Your Pay) is figured by the distance. It will include the cost of fuel and any other driving expenses. Fuel comes out of the money they pay you. Arriving at your destination running on vapors is how you limit your costs as you don't get refunded for fuel left in the tank. You can get a portion of your freight (Pay) up front so you have money for fuel. The remainder will be paid when you finish the trip. Hope that helps Ted, good luck.
Hello Curtis..My gal and I have a hobby farm in West Central Mn. We are semi-retired, I being a flooring installer for the past 45 years, I am slowing down and am looking to travel and earn at the same time...How does one get started with RV DELIVERING and do I need a special license? I am 71 and very energetic still, so would enjoy this I believe. We have been wintering in Az the past 3 years, so we do know what it's like to move around the country..Do most of the drivers attach their own vehicle so they can return to their homes? Is this the fisable way to do it without a major travel expense to return? How is the pay determined? By the mile and do we pay any of the fuel costs?
Thanks for your attention
Ted and Joanne
Curtis
I just read your blog. I am getting out of RVing due to illness.
I have a 04 Jeep liberty we pulled with our Bounder. This Jeep is equipt with tow bar, elecfront bra, etc this jeep is in perfect condition and for sale. any Transport driver in need, this would be perfect.
If you know of anyone in need spread the word Thanks, Ken
kcarrier1@att.net