One Goal Today

And that is to get the Razor into the shed.  So with a crow bar, hammer, saw and a screw driver I set forth.  This is the before and after.

I didn’t even have any nails or 2X4s.  When we return and their are some experts around it can be finished.  It took me about 3 hours and of course it was hot.

At 7 PM the temps were still in the 3 digits.  This was our first day that I had the windshield cover on, the awning partially out and we figured out the running of the ACs.  The big awning we put out just to cover the top of the slide out (sunny side) to reduce the heat.  The wind kicks up ever so often as to not to want to put the awning all the way out.  The inside temps were around 78 degrees.

It’s 5:30 AM the next day and the sun’s up.  I gotta go put other stuff in the shed to include the back seat of the Jeep.  We’re gonna leave it here.  Don’t need it.

See ya………….

Fuel Prices & Full Timing

Some big company farted and now the gas prices are going up quick.  I know it was a refinery fire on the west coast.  That’s the reason but not an excuse.  Same Ole, Same Ole – greed.  Gas went up here 6 cents in one day.  Diesel went up 8 cents. I filled the Beast up here because it’s not getting any cheaper heading west to California.  I needed only about 60 gallons so I saved about $30.  In about 5 weeks or so I will fill up near the California border.  Then up near Lodi (Sept) I will get enough fuel to get me out of California (Oct).  That’s the game I play to stay just a little ahead of the game.  Yes, as a full timer we spend more money for fuel but we try to save money at the same time.  We are professional tourists (cheap) so we can spread the money around.  We are trying to help the economy.

When we eat out we don’t get the most expensive items on the menu and water is fine.  That’s another pet peeve of mine.  The price of drinks are getting out of control.  Two bucks for coffee – not for me.  Maybe get it at Cracker Barrel  because you can get one to go for no additional cost.  Two bucks for ice tea – give me a break.  Then it’s not uncommon you have to ask to get a refill.  Hey, water is fine.

We wanted to upgrade our RPI membership to Preferred RPI.  It’s a $30-40 a year increase in their dues.  TTN who we have RPI with and they own RPI, won’t give us an upgrade of just RPI.  They want us to buy a $4,000.00 upgrade package.  Use to just take a phone call and it was done for an RPI upgrade.  Instead of getting a little money they want the big package or nothing.  Now that’s greed! OK they get nothing!

OK..I got it out of my system…..well, at least some of it.

We left about 9 AM and had a big 100 miles to go to North Ranch near Congress, AZ.  I filled up with diesel at Fry’s at $3.51 a gallon.  I took on 65 gallons.  The Beast averaged 6.5 for the last 3 fill ups.  Next time I get fuel it will be over $4 a gallon.  We filled up the Jeep yesterday and two 5 gallon containers (for Razor).  Gas was $3.27 at Fry’s. 

I doubled towed again.  Last time probably.  All went well.  It was something else double towing thru Prescott’s busy traffic.  That was an adventure.

We arrived at Denny & Susie’s lot at North Ranch and it was friggin hot.  It was 109 about 2 PM and stayed in the three digits the rest of the day.  Very few people here.  We blew a main circuit on the lot.  Denny/Susie,  sorry, we are still learning about this heat.  It was heading for 90 degrees inside the Beast.  We didn’t know what it was at first.  Jim Kimmins and Tom Sharp (?) came over to help and did.  We got it back down to the low 80’s inside the coach later on.

We went for an evening walk (7:30) that lasted about 40 minutes.  It’s kinda of a nice eerie feeling being only a few people here especially in the evening.

See ya….

41 Years Of Marriage Today

41 YEARS, damn, that’s pretty good for us.  We usually don’t keep anything more than a couple of years.  Everyday’s been an adventure for sure!  Happy Anniversary poopsie number one.  I do have several. 

Today we started off with another one hour walk.  Then I cooked the corn of the cob outside on the grill.  Yes, in the morning and then we refrigerate it for when ever.

Then we were off to George’s for breakfast.  It was delicious and the young lady I took was even more (brownie points).

We tried to pick up the Razor on the way back.  Nope not ready.  The repair shop has made 3 attempts to stop the leak.  The guy wanted wanted one more try.  OK……

Today was another lazy day.  I put a quart of oil in the Beast.  Toped off the radiator  just a little and checked the hydraulic fluid.  Usually on big diesels you don’t add oil until it’s two quarts low.  The Beast only needed a quart. They carry about 20+ quarts.  I had about one quart left in a gallon jug so I figured what the hell.  I use only Rotella.  I think it’s been about 13K miles since the last oil change.  The Cummins book says change at 20K.  Yes, that’s a lot of miles.  I will probably use www.speedco.com this time.  A great many full timers use Speed Co for oil changes for big rigs.

The Razor holds only 2 quarts and I use Mobil One synthetic 0-40W.  Polaris oil is $20 bucks a quart.  NO THANK YOU FOR MORE THAN ONE REASON. The book calls for the 0-40W.

The Jeep will need it’s 1st oil change in another 800 miles (3K).  Not sure but will probably use what ever a Jeep dealer puts in it.  It holds 6 quarts.  I might take it to Wal-mart to get it done.  I might switch to synthetic there but not at a dealer.

We are packing up for our 100 mile trip tomorrow.  Let’s see.  We’ve been in this area 3 weeks and are moving 100 miles.  Oh no…we’re slowing down!  Carol is going, “YEA”.  It’s suppose to be hotter in Congress, AZ.  Oh no!  Denny & Susie has offered us there lot to stay on for now.  Our lot don’t have any hook ups yet.  That’s one of the things I have to check out the details on when we are there.  That’s along with getting the Razor in the shed some how.

Paul’s Mobile Repair, 928 634-0423, stopped by to fix the middle AC by replacing the start up capacitor.  I went up on the roof with him.  The old part was burnt like it was fried hard and black crisp.  From the time he pulled up, BS a little and got “r” installed and left – less that a half hour.  I said how much and he said $40.  I nearly ripped my pants pocket getting the cash money out.  I talked to him about other jobs he was doing.  He does a lot like in replacing roofs, frigs, brakes, ACs, etc.  This guy I will travel out of my way to get the next THING fixed if possible.

Next thing you know the ATV repair place, Dave –owner, called and said that the leak is not leaking in the Razor fuel tank.  I went and picked it up.  It appears not to be leaking at this time.  I fixed it once and it didn’t leak for a couple of months.  My hopes are not real high.  They’re effort was commendable for sure.  No additional charge from the first $40 charge.  What's with the $40 amount especially the mobile repair guy.

I skipped lunch because I was still full from breakfast.  I think I will drink lunch today…..I can do that…

It’s 107 degrees in the shade next to our rig at 2 PM.  It’s 75 degrees in the Beast and dropping.  I might have to move the temp up on the thermostat.

Diner was at our now favorite little Mexican restaurant called…………

We did our evening walk but not our usual half hour du to the high temp.  It was 97 degrees at 7 PM.

We were going to do some outside loading but we decided to do it tomorrow in the early AM when the temps should be in the low 80s.

It was a HOT day and another good day.

See ya…

What Is NHTSA ?

This morning we started out with another 1 hour walk.  Then it was off to Wal-mart to got some goodies.  There went $125 for food.  I tried to stay away from the real good stuff (fatty).  I did have some weakness though.

About 2 PM it reached 104 degrees in the shade.  I went outside to do some tinkering but only lasted about 10 minutes.

I got emails about me hitting on Polaris so hard.  They all agreed.  Greg even referred me to the NHTSA to make a safety complaint against Polaris and their leaky gas tank.  The NHTSA took my complaint.  They gave me a report number and will send me a letter.  NHTSA stands for National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  then I sent an email to Polaris telling them of such.

NHTSA are located at 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, West  Building,Washington,DC20590USAWork 1-888-327-4236 . 

NHTSA took the Polaris Rzr VIN and the complaint.  I told them about Polaris had a bulletin on other 2008’s with the same problem (leaky gas tank) but they wouldn’t cover mine nor was the original owner notified of a possible safety concern.  They said they would investigate.

I don’t really expect anything to come of all this but I feel better.  OK…I feel a lot better.

For diner I decided to use some Zatarain’s New Orleans style Crab Cake Mix.  I used the fake crab meat.  I had to add some Old Bay crab seasoning.  We don’t eat crabs unless we have some Old Bay.  Spending a lot of time near Baltimore we were brought up on Old Bay seasoning. The crab cakes looked good but they weren’t up to my standards.  Carol said they were OK.

The ATV repair place never called me and I didn’t want to bother them plus I really didn’t need the Razor.

Tomorrow (8th) we will go to George’s for our last eat out breakfast in Verde Valley and our 41st Wedding Anniversary.  Yes, 41 years.  On the way back from breakfast we will stop and hopefully pick up the Razor.

Polaris Company Sucks

I was up very early.  Carol wanted me to wake her if I decided to go for a walk.  At about 7:15 we went for a walk.  Don’t know the mileage but it was about an hour.  She cooked me breakfast when we got back.  I might have to start walking every morning.

At 9 AM I was at the nearby ATV repair shop.  They screwed up the repair job they did last Friday.  Now I have fuel leaking all over the place bad. The owner and I went back and forth for a few minutes.  I had a hard time convincing him to look at it.  He wanted to justify the work that a worker (very young) did on it.  I think he got the idea that he really needed to look at it to convince me I was wrong.  He looked at it and agreed his worker blew it.  He said that he himself would work on it and make it good.  We will see.

I got back to the Beast and it was time to clean and check the six house batteries.  Two positive terminals had started to corrode.  All of the batteries had gassed to the surface or what ever you call it.  It meant that the water had vented out of the batteries.  I had to disconnect most of the cables to check the water levels because the cables were short and laid over the caps.  None of the batteries needed fluid.  I have always keep them about an 1/8 of inch below the ring until this past year.  I never had any excess venting of gas/fluid.  I filled them to the bottom ring earlier this year.  Now that they are at my level I won’t get anymore gas/excess venting.  Now I will need to get longer cables so I can check the levels easier.  Bottom line that are checked and are OK…….Denny..smile!

By 1 PM it was 103 degrees.  The two ACs kept the inside temp in the Beast a little above 80 degrees.  We will just have to deal with it.

I got a call from Polaris Hq (surprised me)and they verified that our Razor was not on the recall list for 2008 (others were) fuel tank replacement but acknowledged the leak.   No goodwill what so ever, no discount on any parts on the tank replacement, etc. The fuel pump (inside tank) has to be replaced with the tank.  About $700-900.  Bottom line they said it was out of warranty have a nice day.  No problem..if we  there is ever another side by side after this one it will be another brand and not Polaris.  Our friend here Allen has a 2008 Razor with the identical leak.  What’s up with that?

I went up to the ATV shop about 4:30 and talked with the owner again.  He said that they were able to remove all the JB Weld and install a new gasket.  He wanted to keep it over night to make sure it wasn’t leaking.  No problem.  I told him that I had talked with Polaris about the leaking problem.  He said that he has made repairs for other 2008’s side by side with the leaky problem.  He too had no help from Polaris and they do have a problem but just won’t admit it because of the time lapse.  Sounds like the Ford Pinto tank explosions for those that remember that.  Thus I say, Polaris Company sucks.

I called the AC repair guy.  He said the part is being shipped to him and he should have it any day.  He has made plans to install it Wednesday.  We leave Thursday.

Then a thunder shower came through in the early evening or was it late afternoon?  The temps dropped almost 20 degrees in less than 15 minutes.  That’s nice.  It’s starting to go back up now.

About 7:30 PM Carol & I did about a half hour walk.  I want to lose 15 pounds in 12 weeks.  That will be a total of 40 lbs since April.  It was kinda easy at first but now it’s getting harder.  A lot of it is just not eating as much and a little exercise.  My weight varies as much as 3 lbs in one day.  What’s up with that?  Let’s see – no holidays coming up, won’t be with a bunch of friends, no birthdays and one anniversary.  No excuse to over indulge.  I just might be able to it.  Time will tell.

See ya…………..

Another Scenic Ride

Four of us ATV’s went for a ride near Sedona.  We trailered our ATV’s there.

It drizzled all morning but we were not going to let a little rain stop us.  We stop under rocks when we got a chance. 

Waiting…waiting..

A little slippery on the edge..  

Yep that’s our trail.

Some people will do anything for a good shot.

“These guys are crazy.  Are they gone yet?”

The Razor’s gas tank leaked really bad.  I’m going back to the so called repair place tomorrow.  It’s a lot worse after they worked on it.  It just ain’t right.

Non Motorized Day

Yep, toady was a non motorized day.  Couldn’t take the Jeep to do any four wheeling.  We were told not to do any four wheeling for a couple of days due to the new windshield. 

I picked up the Razor from the repair shop.  Boy did they screw that up.  They said they couldn’t repair the leak due to the JB Weld that was already on it.  They tried to take it off (poor attempt) but it was tearing the plastic tank.  So, they put more JB Weld on.  Get this.  They couldn’t repair the leak, they tore the tank and they charged me $40.  I very calmly informed them about Good Will when they blow it.  Bottom line I couldn’t take the Razor out due to the JB Weld hadn’t dried 100%. 

At 2PM it hit 103 degrees in the shade at our site.  I don’t remember the last time we were anywhere with those temps.  Our two AC’s ran all day which they have been doing since we got the 50 AMP.  Oh, I read the electric meter.  We used 42 units in a 24 hour period.  That’s not really a lot all things considered.  Let’s see at 8 cents a unit that’s under $3.50 a day.

 

About 4 PM these clouds starting rolling in.  The temps dropped about 5 degrees but it never rained

I got a call last night.  We’re invited for a big run up near Sedona tomorrow.  We have to trailer the Razor and leave about 8 AM.  Great……..

See ya..

We Did What?

We ended yesterday’s blog with, “Tomorrow we will be doing something that we normally don’t do………no not that!”

No we didn’t get another vehicle.  We moved to another site with 50 AMP.  We have to pay $5 plus tax  for it.  I’m a little pissed about the $5 and then to charge tax on top of it is in insult.  We’re already paying for 30 AMP, which is not 30 AMP, and to upgrade to 50 AMP is an increase of $5 plus tax.  This big rig doesn’t burn $5 (plus tax) a day in electricity TOTAL and they are charging me MORE.  That’s price gauging and we (RVers) are letting parks do this.  $2 is OK but then to go higher is more profit for the greedy.  I’m sending an email to TTN tell them.  It doesn’t really help but I will feel better.

We can only run one AC on 30 AMP.  If it was a true 30 AMP service we can run two ACs and be at 28-29  AMPS.  But since 30 AMP is not a true 30 AMP (about 26 AMP) in almost all parks we will get the 50 AMP.  It’s been border line of being miserable inside the coach.  It’s time to move to a 50 AMP site.

We decided to put “stuff” on the trailer for the move.  It added up quick.  

The site even has a paver block patio that another person put in.  One of those long term sites probably.  No shade but we can put the awning out here plus still park all of our vehicles on the site.

 

We got the front and rear AC’s running fine.  The middle one is still waiting on the repair guy to do his thing.  I’m getting a gut feeling that says something is wrong with this situation. 

The Razor has had a fuel leak from day one. I was told about by Jean when we bought it so it isn’t no surprise. I tried JB Weld and that didn’t hold. A friend and fellow 08 Razor here said to take it this motorcycle place just a few miles down the road. They just fixed his and no leak. I'll give it a try, what the hell.

We had two creature buddies at our old site.  One was a young Robin that hangs around a lot.  It has that curious baby look the other is a big toad.  He hangs around the water spigot.  PLUS A LOT OF ANTS.  We got them on trees, the ground and our “stuff”. They are tiny and they are big.  I saw several big husky ants carry a class C over towards their ant hill. Who knows what our new site will have for us.  Here’s a nearby hawk that Carol got a picture of.

I called the repair facility that had our Razor.  I got the old line “I was just getting ready to call you.”  They put a hole in my gas tank trying to chip the JB Weld off.  They asked me if I wanted them to “TRY” and repair it with JB Weld or take it as is.  I was really tempted to cut lose on this guy but didn’t.  Now I’m suppose to pick it up first thing tomorrow morning.  It won’t have a new gasket on it plus a repaired whole in the tank now.  I went from a leaky gasket to a whole in the tank.  This will be an adventure!

It was nice to have two AC’s running, hot water, & frig running at the same time.  We could even use the microwave without turning anything off.   The outside temp hit 100 degrees and the inside temp was in the high 70s.  That’s fine for us…..

See ya……

The Dollar & Window Tinting

The U.S dollar and the Canadian dollar are about equal now.  Last year we were losing.  We were up in Canada and the U. S. dollar was worth about 10 cents less.  Something else is going on too – fuel prices.  They went down there for about two months or so.  Now they are sneaking back up and no one is questioning it.  The big oil companies and politicians say it’s this or that.  B.S. – it’s friggin greed.  That’s all I’m saying.  Stupid is - is stupid does…Run Forest, run Forest!

Windshield – we got to Akiva Glass about 8:30 and Ron & Larry were ready for us.  Ron is a big guy.  I think Larry does the interior work.  They started and we walked down the road.  We walked by two other restaurants to get to George’s place where we ate before.  It was about a half hour walk to get there and it was worth it.  I had the chili riano (?) omelet. It was pretty good.  Carol had waffles or something.  On the way back we stopped at the library to kill time.  We got back to Akiva’s and it was ready.  We really like the dark tint. They did an outstanding job. Akiva Glass & Tinting here in Cottonwood did a real nice job.  I would seek them out again for sure.

Since it so hot in the rig we decided to get pizza from Little Caesar’s for diner.

Wow, this time last year we were in Alaska.  That’s still hard to believe.  Seems like it was a long time ago.

Here are some stats from our Alaska trip taken in part from our blog of August 7th, 2011..

It started with “I gained 15 lbs…..what’s up with that?

Average MPH 48

Driving hours 138

Avg miles per day – usually 100 to 150 when moving

Miles traveled from U.S. border and return 6650

Number of days border to border 87

Gallons of fuel used 879 (incl generator/heat)

Average MPG 6.4

Avg Diesel prices after converting US/CA $4.69

Avg camping per night for 86 nights - $16

Eat out - Meals are about 35% more overall

Groceries – 30% to 50% more depending on item

Cost of tourism – unknown…..will vary per desires

Over all trip cost – priceless….

Damage to vehicles (ours) – RV lost 3 hubcaps, few minor chips in paint at lower panels, cracked (12”) windshield just inside U.S., Car – few minor chips in front of car.

2014 Alaska Plans---Next time we will go to Kodiak Island, Juneau and nearby islands. More dry camping, less eating out, more days overall, more days in Anchorage, more halibut fishing, no kayaks, and a few other ideas.”  end of quote from the entry….

Tomorrow we will be doing something that we normally don’t do………no not that!

See ya……………….

Getting Into Things

I’ve been wanting to get one of these two into one plug’s (50 AMP) for awhile now. No one would buy me one so I decided to get one.  The cost was $51.  Our electrical pedestal has a 30 AMP and a 15 AMP outlet.  I figured I would get about 45 AMPS out of it.  That was correct thinking except for one thing.  The 15 AMP outlet was a GFI outlet.  They’re like the ones in bathrooms with the little button in the center.  These two into one plugs don’t work with GFI’s.  Opppps.  Maybe next time.

Next project.  We bought (Kmart) this 10X10 canopy just before the Hatch HOP in mid June.  We figured we would need the extra shade.  The thinking was right but the application wouldn’t work – way too windy.  Then we figured we would use it Moab.  Wrong – too windy.  Now here in Verde Valley it’s been too windy or I’ve been too lazy.  The instructions said two people to set it up.  Well, Carol was out getting her feet washed and toes painted like an Indian.  I put it up and didn’t even break anything.

When Carol got back from getting prettied up she helped me move it.

Later on I took the canopy off and just left the base there.

Anybody want to buy a set of hardly used ramps?

About 5:30 we (3 ATVs) went out riding.  It was fun trails.

We got back just about dark and it didn’t rain.

Tomorrow is windshield replacement time and ???

See ya….