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11/28/14

CURTMFG: SEMA 2014 New Products - Gooseneck Hitches



CURT offers up 30 new applications for our gooseneck line. That almost covers every truck on the road today! Look no further for durability, superior craftsmanship and dependability when it comes to heavy duty towing. Bring IT with CURT!

11/25/14

Clean Your RV's Gray Water Tank & Sensors



Besides water, an RV gray tank (or "grey" if you trend more British) takes in lots of greasy, sticky substances. These include food particles & residue from preparing meals and washing dishes, soap, shampoo, toothpaste & even body oils. After a while, it can gum up your holding tank sensors, causing a false reading on your tank monitors.

Cleaning out the gray tank and sensors is a really simple task, since there's a readily available liquid designed to break up all of the crud that can build up in the tank: automatic dishwasher detergent. The gel type is easy to flush down the drain, and goes right to work breaking down and dislodging greasy build-up.

To calibrate the holding tank monitors in your RV, follow the steps outlined in our video:
http://youtu.be/DvVGBFdJ_vo

To clean your gray tank, simply choose a day when you're about to take a long road trip to a full hook-up RV park. Just start off with about a half-full gray tank, pour about one cup of automatic dishwashing detergent gel into one of the sinks, and wash it down the drain with plenty of hot water. Then spend a few hours on the road, allowing the sloshing action in the tank to work with the detergent to break up any nasty gunk that's accumulated. The longer and twistier the road the better, but a few hours of agitation should be plenty.

Once you arrive at your full hook-up campground (a dump station will of course work fine as well), simply pull the gray valve and dump the tank. All of the greasy gunk that was stuck to the tank will get flushed out with the water.

If your "3/4" or "full" light is the one staying on, start your trip with a fuller tank, which will ensure good water agitation on that sensor. But since the heaviest buildup is generally in the lower part of the tank, 1/2 tank or so should provide a good combination of water and empty space for strong agitation and sloshing as you drive.

If the first try doesn't clear up the problem, just try it again on your next long road trip. It's so easy and inexpensive that another attempt is no big deal. Once your tank is clean, your sensors should work fine and any odors you may have been experiencing should be eliminated or reduced as well (yes, gray tanks can smell too).

The intro music is my own piano performance of Scott Joplin's Maple Leaf Rag from 1899.

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DO YOUR RV SLIDE TOPPERS NEED REPLACING? Tough Top Awnings are thicker and stronger than OEM fabric and cost far less too! Get higher-quality fabric and save at least half the cost by replacing your slide toppers yourself. Watch RVgeeks' Slide Topper Installation Video to see how easy it is - http://youtu.be/7EXgaoRNkYg - and visit http://www.toughtopawnings.com for complete details. Be sure to tell Ray (the owner) "RVgeeks sent me!"

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RV Geeks offers basic DIY (do it yourself) RV service, repair, maintenance and travel tips from full-time RVers who have been handling most of their own maintenance since hitting the road in 2003.

Be sure to confirm that all methods and materials used are compatible with your particular recreational vehicle. Every type of motorhome, motorcoach, fifth wheel, travel trailer, bus conversion, camper and toy hauler is different, so your systems may not be the same as ours.

While we're not RV technicians, we're very mechanically inclined and have learned a lot about RV systems over the years. We handle most of our own minor service, maintenance and repair work on our 2005 43' Newmar Mountain Aire diesel pusher. We also maintained our 2002 39' Fleetwood Bounder Diesel during our first two years on the road.

We meet lots of newer RVers who are eager to learn some basics about maintaining and caring for their rigs. After more than 10 years on the road, we want to share what we've learned (some of it the hard way). ;-)

We hope our experiences can help other RVers go DIY, saving some time, money and effort, while experiencing the satisfaction of a job well done.

We do not pretend to be experts on any particular RV topic, and mostly know about maintaining our own rig. But lots of things are the same on RVs in general, and diesel pushers in particular.

Comments welcome! Thanks for watching!

11/22/14

SuperTruck Test Drive Pt 2: The Finer Points



The engineers and suppliers on the Cummins-Peterbilt SuperTruck came up with some very innovative ways of reducing energy consumption. We take you under the hood and between the frame rails for a closer look.

11/19/14

Dump Trucks: Don't Dump Safety Part 1



Dump Trucks are an indispensable part of the construction industry. They are used in the building of roads, highways , dams, malls, housing and just about everything else. They are unique among other vehicles on the job site, due to the variety of trucks, the trailer attachments and their distinctive safety issues.

11/17/14

North Bay Truck Center Repairs Street Sweepers

Johnston Sweepers VT650 Truck Mounted Street Sweeper




A high performance road cleansing sweeper with channel brush, suction nozzle and wide-sweep brush. A dual sweep option is available and a swept width of 3600mm increases productivity. Great environmental features - a water recirculation option, independently operated from the cab. This systems conserves water and reduces dust emissions with longer on station time. Noise sources are soundproofed and the Johnston VT650 has achieved full PM10 test compliance for vehicle emissions.

11/08/14

V3: Fleet GPS Tracking/Vehicle Diagnostics System


Real-Time Vehicle Fleet Management System

The V3 telematics platform provides next generation GPS vehicle tracking capabilities with real-time delivery of vehicle condition and performance data, in one simple-to-install telematics device.

    High Definition GPS Fleet Tracking – Provides the first vehicle GPS system to capture data in five dimensions - latitude, longitude, time, odometer, and fuel consumption. It is a vast improvement over typical fleet GPS systems because Zonar cost-effectively captures higher sample rates and adds fuel and odometer data into the equation. This means greater location accuracy and precise performance metrics.

    Remote Vehicle Diagnostics  – Instantly transmits fault codes from the vehicle to maintenance often before the driver is aware of the problem. Code descriptions and vehicle performance data is interpreted by fleet operations to schedule shop time and maintenance resources to reduce vehicle downtime.

    Reliable 3G Network – Delivers the best coverage, with high bandwidth capability and fast data transfers at a reasonable cost. Vehicle ECM data, mobile device information and GPS readings transmit over the network for immediate and insightful reporting through the Ground Traffic Control application.

    The Combination – Provides a powerful, real-time platform for transmitting precise information effectively. Fleets manage activities more efficiently including travel stops, speeds, routes, excessive idling and specific onboard events. With Zonar, GPS vehicle fleet tracking, remote diagnostics and electronic inspections are available in a single platform.


V3R™: Ruggedized for Tough Terrains
Get the same V3 capabilities for construction and work truck fleets with Zonar’s V3R. This tough telematics platform provides the same, powerful telematics data to vehicles working in harsh conditions including dirt, mud, ice, sand, and rain. The V3R is water resistant, dust tight and can endure temperatures from -40°F / -40°C to 185°F / 85°C. Designed to endure all weather conditions, the V3R delivers data-rich reports and alerts to help fleet managers maximize job site productivity and fleet efficiency.



Remarkable Capabilities and Affordability
All of this advanced functionality and benefits is cost competitive with less capable solutions. Fleets can protect their people, vehicles and cargo all at the same time, in real-time, with the V3 telematics platform. That's the Zonar advantage.

11/05/14

Recreational Vehicles - Loads Of Fun Until They Break!

Well you've bought the beast and it sits in the side yard just waiting to go out for it's next adventure. However towards the end of your last trip you started to notice some things that you thought needed attention.

The first question you have to ask yourself is whether or not you should even attempt some of the maintenance items yourself. Are you ready, or qualified, for do-it-yourself RV repairs? Unless properly trained and prepared, recreational vehicle owners should not attempt to make certain repairs or perform service on any RV, product or component. If you don't believe me I'll give you my father's phone number and you can ask him how much he paid the mechanic after one of his "I can do it myself thank you very much" attempts. I was there. It turned out very badly. It got VERY dark on the side of the road that cold night in Tennessee.

The Two Types of Repairs

There are basically two types of RV service; crisis repairs and preventive maintenance. Preventive maintenance can include such items as the following: checking and sealing the roof, windows, storage compartments and doors, cleaning, flushing and servicing the LP appliances, changing the oil in the generator and chassis engine and checking all fluid levels, cleaning the filters in the roof air conditioners, cleaning and treating your holding tanks, flushing and sanitizing your fresh water system, performing battery maintenance. These can be considered something you do now to prevent something worse from happening later. Call it insurance if you like. Crisis repairs (also known as Holy Cripes what now!), on the other hand, offer no options. The problem is staring you right in the face and if you want to get back on the road it has to be handled now. A few examples of crisis repairs would be an abnormally worn tire, a flat tire, or a blown engine.

Fortunately preventive maintenance will go a long way towards minimizing the frequency and the degree of crisis-type repairs. Routine tire inspection and careful study of inflation pressures, checking and cleaning the refrigerator components and checking the LP pressure, regular oil changes, and periodic cleaning of the air conditioner filters can all prevent the above crisis repairs from happening. Keep in mind the old adage..Penny foolish. Pound Wise. Don't try to cut corners.

Do It Yourself?

Oh yeah, remember that warranty you got along with the vehicle the day you shelled out the bucks to drive it off the dealers lot? Read it carefully before you even attempt to loosen a screw. In some cases, warranties may be voided or manufacturer liability lessened if unauthorized repairs are performed Some maintenance items, though mandated by the product manufacturer, may not be covered by new or extended warranties. Rarely are maintenance items ever covered under warranty. The key is knowing when to actively participate and when to simply make an appointment at your local service facility.

So the warranty is run out and you are in the garage getting the tools out. There a few more considerations to ponder before you dive in.

Am I physically fit and mechanically adept? - Buck up and realize your limitations there laddie or lassie. Ask yourself, "Can I physically perform the steps necessary to do this?" Many items in, under, on and around motorhomes require quite a bit of physical dexterity to access and remove if needed. Physical limitations may prohibit some of us from performing certain maintenance items. If the subject at hand is truly over your head then it's acceptable to back off and call a pro. You definitely do not want to risk converting a simple maintenance task into a costly crisis repair! It will cost substantially more to undo an error than to simply make an appointment with a service center if the subject is beyond your scope. (Again I offer my dad's phone number to anyone who doubts this.)

Do you have a willingness to learn - If you truly want to be able to perform some routine maintenance items, be willing to do a little homework. Servicing LP related appliances and components, for instance, virtually mandates a basic understanding of the sequence of operation of that appliance. Both electrically and with the flow of the LP gas. Each appliance is different, but your advantage is that you only need to learn those that pertain to your RV. And it's not that difficult to learn. Oh, it requires reading and studying the literature that came with your rv, but for the most part, it can be enjoyable.

Have the right tools - Be aware that many maintenance tasks require a selection of tools and that some require specialty tools that you may not have in your tool kit. Here are a few specialty tools you may want to eventually acquire:

Manometer - this device allows you to measure the LP pressure correctly.

Never adjust your LP regulator without using a manometer.

Thermocouple tester - used to bench test LP appliance thermocouples

Battery hydrometer - one that is temperature compensated is more accurate.

Volt, Ohm, multi-meter (VOM) - a digital one is best, but any is better than just a simple test lamp

Consider the time factor - Always plan your approach to any maintenance task appropriately. Realize that all maintenance requires time. Be sure to allot yourself plenty of time to complete whatever it is you are undertaking. Do not rush yourself. You are more likely to omit a step or make a mistake if you are under pressure to complete a task when in a hurry. Remember, the next time you perform that same task, the time element will be reduced. Familiarity and repetition will breed speed.

How to "Do It Yourself"

The following suggestions will get you started.

Prepare a proper and clean work area - Having a clean work area for whatever the task may be is vital in order to avoid confusion and also help keep the coach clean if you must traipse in and out of it several times. When servicing the appliances for example, it is best to perform the maintenance tasks with the appliances left in the installed positions. An exception would be the RV furnace. In some instances concerning the furnace, better results are attained if the furnace is removed and the work performed on a bench.

If you will be needing electricity, have your extension cord uncoiled and strategically placed prior to starting. Likewise, if using a drill motor, have the correct size drill bit, or screwdriver tip at hand. Proper preparation will make any maintenance task easier. Did you remember to allow enough time to do the work?

Have all replacement parts ready to go - Have all replacement parts prepared and laid out for easy access. If your maintenance task involves threaded fittings, a handy tip is to apply the correct sealant or Teflon tape before actually starting the work. It's much neater and easier when your hands are relatively clean. Lay the fittings aside and cover them with a shop towel or cloth until needed. If the new parts need any type of pre-assembly, do it now, before you get engrossed in the task at hand. If some parts in a repair kit will not be needed, separate and discard them prior to beginning. This will simplify your repair and avoid any confusion you may encounter later when you realize you have a few parts left over.

Obtain the necessary support materials - As mentioned earlier, have all wiring diagrams, service notes, installation instructions or any other type of resource open and within easy reach before starting the job. If you feel you may need additional help or support information, postpone the maintenance until all the necessary information is in your hand. Remember, preparation is much easier for a preventive maintenance procedure as opposed to an unwanted crisis repair. Also, keep in mind many maintenance tasks are now available on detailed instructional video tapes. Check out our Video Library Page. Additionally, many local community colleges now offer classes for the RVer and RV shows offer seminars on RV maintenance.

Get to know a local service facility - Do Not Leave This Step Out! Even though you may want to perform some maintenance yourself, always get to know a local dealer or service center in your area. Eventually your going to have to swallow your pride and call on them for help and aside from being there to order parts for you, they can also be a good source of information.

Additional tips - Never attempt to adjust your RV generator yourself. This is one area that is definitely better left to your service shop. Many specialty tools are required, as the generator needs to be load tested while making governor and carburetor adjustments. Load banks and specialty testers are beyond the scope of the do-it-yourselfer. Just remember that on the RV generator every mechanical adjustment that is made has an electrical result. You cannot tune a generator by ear. This item is for the professional.

Also never attempt to adjust your LP regulator without the knowledge and use of a water column manometer. Changes in the delivery pressure, though crucial to each appliance cannot be determined by visually watching a burner flame. Too high LP pressure will damage many appliances, while too low of a delivery pressure will result in improper combustion and inefficient appliance operation.

By honestly accessing your technical expertise, learning and gathering a resource library of sorts for those items on your coach, and acquiring the proper tools and parts, you may be just ready to experience the fun of maintaining your investment for your leisure over the road enjoyment. It is hoped that major repair costs are avoided and total enjoyment is realized from the experiences of working on your own motorhome.

Chuck Lunsford is a successful Webmaster and publisher of JustGoDoItYourself.com He provides more tips and advice on accomplishing do it yourself Rv repair

By Chuck Lunsford

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chuck_Lunsford

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/296031

11/02/14

B&W Trailer Hitches “Quietly” Unveils New Patriot 16K Rail-Mounted Fifth Wheel Slider Hitch at 2014 SEMA

Precision engineering techniques and tight manufacturing tolerances allow B&W Trailer Hitches’ new Patriot 16K fifth wheel slider to deliver a quieter, more stress-free towing experience.

HUMBOLDT, Kan. -- B&W Trailer Hitches, a leading U.S.-based manufacturer of heavy-duty, engineered trailer hitches and aftermarket truck/trailer accessories, announced that it will introduce its new 16,000-pound Patriot rail-mounted fifth wheel slider hitch at the 2014 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The innovative Patriot 16K RVK3270 hitch will be shown to the industry for the first time in B&W’s booth (30171) in the Upper South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.


The versatile new 16,000-pound Patriot rail-mounted slider complements B&W’s full line of hitches and is built to exacting specifications for smooth, flawless and virtually inaudible operation. Unlocking the slider hitch is made effortless, even on irregular terrain, via the locking mechanism’s gear-reduced cam ratio design, which gives the user mechanical advantage.

The Patriot’s two, solid one-inch tubular steel carriage rails are designed with sturdy center supports that prevent the rails from deforming or binding as a result of flexing under load. Hourglass-shaped rollers convey the carriage mechanism with fluid motion, regardless of topography. Once unlocked, the hitch is free to slide back into its maneuvering position and afterward, it glides up to its locked position just in front of the rear axle.

“Traditional slider hitches are known to make a bit of noise, and this can be disconcerting to some operators,” Don Collins, president, DC’s RV Centers, said. “With its precise fittings and smooth, quiet operation, B&W’s Patriot 16K slider will enhance the end-user’s towing experience.”

B&W’s new Patriot 16K slider hitch accommodates 12 inches of slide and is perfect for popular short-bed pickup trucks that allow less travel distance to the cab. Vertical adjustments can be made from 17 inches to 19 inches, allowing ample clearance for taller truck-bed walls. The Patriot 16K slider will fit on all industry standard mounting rails.

The Patriot 16K slider makes it easy to engage and disengage a trailer, as well. Thanks to its cam-lock design and three-quarter-inch-thick wrap-around jaws, an operator can couple or uncouple any trailer, regardless of the lay of the land. Pivot arms feature tough polyurethane bushings that allow the engaged coupler head to pivot smoothly, and the fully articulating head is cushioned by an integrated leaf spring.

“The Patriot 16K rail-mounted fifth wheel slider hitch is an American-made alternative to the offshore-manufactured slider hitches that have proliferated in recent years,” Travis McCall, product engineer for B&W Trailer Hitches, said. “Our hitch is engineered to operate as a finely tuned system, and we think users will be very impressed with the fit, finish, operation and overall ergonomics of our newest hitch design.”

B&W’s new Patriot rail-mounted slider is made of top-quality, American AISI 1018 steel and is powder coated for a tough, durable finish.

The 16K Patriot RVK3270 rail-mounted fifth wheel slider hitch has been tested and meets or exceeds the J2638 standard for a 16,000-pound vehicle tow rating (VTR). As in any towing scenario, B&W strongly recommends that users never exceed the Patriot 16K slider’s VTR.

B&W Trailer Hitches specializes in designing and engineering trailer hitches and aftermarket truck/trailer accessories, and is proud of its reputation as an exceptional U.S.-based manufacturer and innovator. The company’s workforce makes all of its products entirely in Humboldt, Kan.

The Patriot 16K RVK3270 rail-mounted fifth wheel slider hitch can be purchased through members of B&W’s extensive dealer network and a dealer locator is available at: http://www.Turnoverball.com/find-a-dealer

To access high-resolution images of B&W’s Patriot 16K RVK3270 rail-mounted fifth wheel slider hitch, please visit: http://www.turnoverball.com/media

About B&W Trailer Hitches
Based in Humboldt, Kan., B&W Trailer Hitches engineers and manufactures trailer hitches and aftermarket truck/trailer accessories. B&W offers a broad selection of products designed to seamlessly integrate with and enhance the use of trucks and the vehicles and equipment they tow. All B&W products are proudly manufactured in the USA, in a state-of-the-art facility that houses a skilled workforce of craftsmen and the most technologically advanced equipment available. B&W is recognized as an innovator and invented the Turnoverball gooseneck hitch, which revolutionized the industry in 1992. To learn more about B&W Trailer Hitches, please visit: http://www.Turnoverball.com

Turnoverball and Patriot 16K are trademarks of B&W Trailer Hitches.