Recent content by GypRat

To keep it simple and easy: use a 5 amp automotive fuse. Read the explanation below: A fuse is not always sized to protect the wiring. In your case it should be sized to protect both wiring and the plug. If the female "sig. lighter" socket is rated for 5 Amps and based on your load requirement...

Thanks for the replies, y'all.  I did think about relocating the black water vent but it will make it look like a large weird contraption on the roof because there is very little flat roof space available. I will probably do this anyway and install a cabin vent cover for the main roof vent fan...

You'll be fine.

Your best choice is to leave the dog with someone or to skip the areas where dogs are not allowed. Say you found a small cooled animal crate and left the dog in it. What happens of something goes wrong with the cooler and you are not coming back any time soon? The dog will die miserably from...

Swamp coolers only work in very dry climates like in Arizona or Nevada. It's nearly worthless in humid areas with humidity levels over 20%.

We bought a used 2010 R-pod 173. The interior has a strong chemical smell. I'm guessing it's coming from the materials used to build it.  Just curious if any of you guys had a similar problem? I can't keep the windows open when in storage, for obvious reasons. I can only leave the roof vent...

I run a 13,000 BTU roof AC on my camper with a Honda EU2000. No problems. Yamaha couldn't handle the starting current.

It's tough to buy an old RV and to expect everything to be in good shape. It happens but very seldom. Honestly, if you can't repair things yourself, it will cost you A LOT of money. Your only choice is to either learn to fix it yourself or to find a friend who will help you. Generator repair is...

The more expensive Companion model has an RV receptacle and a 30A breaker. This does not mean that it will put out 30Amps. The RV receptacle is only useful when two generators are connected in parallel.  It's worth buying a Companion ONLY if you plan to run two generators at the same time (for...

Cool post. I was wondering what resources people use to find places to boondock. Unfortunately we live in South Carolina. Most of the land is privately owned and fenced. I absolutely hate staying at campgrounds. I'd rather camp in the back of my property surrounded by acres of forest on our land...

SF area is very nice with wonderful climate but keep in mind that you won't be the only one doing this. Research it thoroughly before you decide to move.  I would suggest to drop the idea of going 100% electric unless you are willing to spend a lot of money on batteries, inverter and solar...

Generator's frame CAN'T replace a grounding electrode. Vehicle's frame and body can't act as a grounding electrode either, for obvious reasons. If the generator has an exposed metal frame and it's permanently installed on the vehicle, then bond the generator's frame to the vehicle frame/body...

I used to travel in my 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee a lot, when I lived in AZ. I simply remover portions of the rear seats and folded them to make a nice bed. I had to move the front passenger seat all the way forward to clear enough room for my 6'3" frame. A 4 inch thick foam piece made a nice...

I assume RTR is some kind of a get together? Unfortunately I'm in South Carolina. I used to live in Phoenix. Loved everything there except the heat. I could never get used to the heat. Cold does not bother me. Too much Russian blood in me, I guess. LOL. Arizona is a 3 days drive from here. It...