I picked up a great flat screen TV about a week ago on a weekend trip to North Dakota. It got installed in the motorhome, mounted at the base of our bed on a ledge in front of the window. We have been able to watch DVDs for evening entertainment, but we miss the daily news. When travelling, we like to keep informed on local, regional, and international affairs. And it is always recommended to stay informed on weather conditions. So, being able to get TV reception was one of those things we were interested in getting.
When my husband and I were at the RV show at the Convention Center in Winnipeg last month, we were talking to some of the local RV companies about TV reception and Satellite Dishes. We were told a self tracking Satellite Dish could cost us as little as $1000, and we could pick up a Bell TV package which provides coverage as far south as Arizona. That all sounds great, we would have tons of channels to choose from, but would have a hefty initial cash outlay along with monthly fees. Another option that was mentioned was to just get an antenna and hook it up to our digital TV. Thanks UncleBob.
A few days ago we started pricing antennas around town. I had already been on the internet checking prices on ebay and other sites and thought I had a handle on things. Our first stop was one of the RV joints, GNR over on Dugald Rd. I wanted to see what sort of things they sold there anyway, and this was an excuse to drag my husband over to check things out. I started wandering through the shop and was soon approached by one of the employees. She was very friendly, and willing to go check on prices for antennas. It seems the cheapest antenna they have was about $250. That seemed a bit high, and I said that. I mentioned that I thought I found RV antennas on the internet for around $50. Not knowing a lot about them, it was possible that I found antenna parts, or upgrades, and not a complete antenna for the price, but I was not prepared to spend that sort of cash just yet. I thanked her for checking, and my husband and I continued looking through the shop at the items they had available.
We picked up a new cap for the sewer. Ours was broken on one side. And we priced a few other items we need to get eventually.
Yesterday, we went to The Source in St Vital Center. I wanted to see if they had any TV antennas that might work in an RV. They have several different indoor TV antennas ranging from simple rabbit ears for $10 to more high tech HDTV antennas for $80. The employee who helped us said they do get a lot of people trying these antennas out and returning them. Some models get returned more than others. She said we could try one out and bring it back within 30 days if it did not work for us. How can you go wrong with that. So, we went for one that was priced at $40. It was a flat digital antenna, about a foot square and half an inch thick. And if it didn't work, we would just take it back.
This morning I hooked up the antenna. I just attached the coax cable from the antenna to the back of the TV, and leaned the antenna against the window. It perched itself in the window track and stayed in place quite easily on its own. Then I turned the TV on, set it to TV instead of DVD, went to the menu, selected SETUP, then AutoChannel. The TV quickly scanned and found 5 digital channels. Its just like the days before cable TV. We get the french channel (3), CBC, CTV, Global, and a new channel. I think its a local Punjab station. The reception is great. CTV gets a bit pixely sometimes, but in general, the reception is awesome.
All I got to say is, we don't need no stinkin' RV antenna! This cheap RCA indoor antenna is just fine for me.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Friday, April 13, 2012
Testing Systems, Thermostats, and Leaky Propane - Part III
My husband replaced the thermostat in the motorhome. It was locked up solid, so that was very likely the issue with it overheating. Then we took a road trip in the car to Fargo, ND on a mission to find deals on items on our great list. I found a 45 watt solar panel kit at Harbor Freight for $189.99. It was a bit cheaper than the one at Costco, and looks a bit more sturdy. We also got a new flat screen HDTV for the RV. It was $128 (great deal), 22" (beats the old 12" we were using), and is more energy efficient (57 watt - instead of the 70 watt old 12 inch model). It's all about the watts now with me. That ended our spending limit for duty free border crossing, and back to Canada we went.
I set the solar panels up in a room at the Bat Cave, our secret lair. They have an eastern view, and have sucessfully charged a battery, even while tucked inside a building. Next step, take the solar charged battery, hook it up to the inverter and see how long it lasts in the motorhome. I only have a 400 watt inverter, so we will use it for home entertainment (tv, dvd, radio, and recharging of the phone and laptop). I have also been checking the internet to see how to mount the solar panels on the roof of the motorhome. Oh, and I have to buy a couple of batteries, AGMs I believe. And we will need a generator for the high wattage items (air conditioner, furnace fan, fridge possibly). So far, the 4000 watt electric start generator at Costco ($369.99) is the one to get.
The motorhome is back from the propane people. Two leaks were repaired in the line, and we are awaiting a valve that should be delivered by the end of next week. In the meantime, a small tank from our BBQ will keep us in propane.
While awaiting the new propane valve I will see about mounting the new solar panels to the roof of the motorhome. Again, I went to youtube looking for insite on how to mount the panels. I will need to ensure all screw holes are well sealed, and give the panels a slight slope for water run off, and better sun exposure.
I thought the home renos would stop when we sold the house. How wrong I was!
I set the solar panels up in a room at the Bat Cave, our secret lair. They have an eastern view, and have sucessfully charged a battery, even while tucked inside a building. Next step, take the solar charged battery, hook it up to the inverter and see how long it lasts in the motorhome. I only have a 400 watt inverter, so we will use it for home entertainment (tv, dvd, radio, and recharging of the phone and laptop). I have also been checking the internet to see how to mount the solar panels on the roof of the motorhome. Oh, and I have to buy a couple of batteries, AGMs I believe. And we will need a generator for the high wattage items (air conditioner, furnace fan, fridge possibly). So far, the 4000 watt electric start generator at Costco ($369.99) is the one to get.
The motorhome is back from the propane people. Two leaks were repaired in the line, and we are awaiting a valve that should be delivered by the end of next week. In the meantime, a small tank from our BBQ will keep us in propane.
While awaiting the new propane valve I will see about mounting the new solar panels to the roof of the motorhome. Again, I went to youtube looking for insite on how to mount the panels. I will need to ensure all screw holes are well sealed, and give the panels a slight slope for water run off, and better sun exposure.
I thought the home renos would stop when we sold the house. How wrong I was!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Testing Systems, Thermostats, and Leaky Propane - Part II
Our motorhome went on it's maiden voyage during the last few weeks. We drove up to Riverton and then out to Portage la Prairie. It was a shake down trip, to make sure all systems worked and get the feel of being on the road, away from the amenities of home. For the Riverton side of the trip, we were testing the motor, how it handled on the highway, and getting a feel for gas mileage. It was quite windy for this leg of the trip but the motorhome was fairly smooth on the highway. Our milage worked out to about 13 miles to the gallon (American). Figuring mileage was an important step for us because the fuel gauge is busted. It's on the list of things to fix, but it isn't getting done yet. In the meantime, we need to know how far a tank of gas will get us, and knowing mileage is a big part of that equation. The other part of the equation is the size of the tank. That is still unknown, but I know it took $100 to top up the tank. I think we need to carry a gas can, it may come in very handy with this vehicle.
Enough on the gas issue, back to the test trip.
The second leg of the voyage was out west as far as Portage la Prairie. We pulled in to the Flying J / Shell just on the east side of Portage and the engine was smoking. Not a good sign. We stayed for a bit, to let things cool down, then stopped in town, setting up camp at Walmart. You know you are welcome in the parking lot if semi trailers are stopped there, and they were. So, we picked our spot, away from the overhead lights, not too close to any of the semi trailers, and far enough away from the store to avoid crowded conditions during the day. We took the opportunity to check prices on generators and other useful items in the hardware, camping and electronics sections. We have been pricing a variety of items over the past few weeks, making purchases as we come across deals. Before this voyage, we were at Costco, pricing the generators, solar panels, etc. We picked up a 400 watt power inverter for $24, looked at the Coleman solar panel kit recommended from one of the comments (thanks Anon.), and priced the generators. We found a 400 watt power booster at Walmart in Portage on sale for $20, and grabbed it. For that price how could we go wrong. It is currently charged and tucked under the bed.
We hung out in Portage for a couple of days. With the motorhome overheating, we decided not to go any further west. Things were checked out as much as we could in our parking lot camp site. The radiator was still filled with fluid, leaving the thermostat to be the probable culprit, and that was not getting changed out in Portage. The decision was made to spend a few more days where we were, to continue the shake down of systems.
With Walmart near at hand we had easy access to food on a daily basis, but limited access to electricity. My coffee maker was put away, being replaced with boiled water from the stove and a coffee filter cone. Morning toast was replaced with oatmeal and fresh milk from the store. Unfortunately, we were unable to light the propane on the fridge, so limited electricity from our auxillary battery was used to keep the fridge reasonably cold. Electricity was an issue, as we needed the fridge to remain cold but wanted entertainment (tv/dvd and radio/cd). We recharged the auxillary battery a bit by running the motorhome, and taking a scenic drive through Portage, visiting its island park and driving along the river. But you could only do that for so long. Then, on the third day, we ran completely out of electricity on our auxillary battery. I took it as a sign, so it was time to go back home.
Enough on the gas issue, back to the test trip.
The second leg of the voyage was out west as far as Portage la Prairie. We pulled in to the Flying J / Shell just on the east side of Portage and the engine was smoking. Not a good sign. We stayed for a bit, to let things cool down, then stopped in town, setting up camp at Walmart. You know you are welcome in the parking lot if semi trailers are stopped there, and they were. So, we picked our spot, away from the overhead lights, not too close to any of the semi trailers, and far enough away from the store to avoid crowded conditions during the day. We took the opportunity to check prices on generators and other useful items in the hardware, camping and electronics sections. We have been pricing a variety of items over the past few weeks, making purchases as we come across deals. Before this voyage, we were at Costco, pricing the generators, solar panels, etc. We picked up a 400 watt power inverter for $24, looked at the Coleman solar panel kit recommended from one of the comments (thanks Anon.), and priced the generators. We found a 400 watt power booster at Walmart in Portage on sale for $20, and grabbed it. For that price how could we go wrong. It is currently charged and tucked under the bed.
We hung out in Portage for a couple of days. With the motorhome overheating, we decided not to go any further west. Things were checked out as much as we could in our parking lot camp site. The radiator was still filled with fluid, leaving the thermostat to be the probable culprit, and that was not getting changed out in Portage. The decision was made to spend a few more days where we were, to continue the shake down of systems.
With Walmart near at hand we had easy access to food on a daily basis, but limited access to electricity. My coffee maker was put away, being replaced with boiled water from the stove and a coffee filter cone. Morning toast was replaced with oatmeal and fresh milk from the store. Unfortunately, we were unable to light the propane on the fridge, so limited electricity from our auxillary battery was used to keep the fridge reasonably cold. Electricity was an issue, as we needed the fridge to remain cold but wanted entertainment (tv/dvd and radio/cd). We recharged the auxillary battery a bit by running the motorhome, and taking a scenic drive through Portage, visiting its island park and driving along the river. But you could only do that for so long. Then, on the third day, we ran completely out of electricity on our auxillary battery. I took it as a sign, so it was time to go back home.
Testing Systems, Thermostats, and Leaky Propane - Part I
We have been fairly busy the last few weeks, learning how the motorhome works, testing systems, getting the home tuned up, and figuring gas mileage.
It seems all of the fluids were either low or non-existant, so that was quickly rectified by my handy dandy husband. We booked an appointment with our favorite mechanic to give the engine a quick going over, and have the plugs and rotor changed out. Once that was done, the propane tank was filled, with the intent to test all propane systems. But, after the tank was filled, it seemed to develop a leak. I mean, propane spilled out right there, and would not stop for some time. Finally we got it under control, and chalked it up to a stuck valve that should correct itself. As it turns out, the issue did not correct itself. Over the past few weeks we have had propane leaking off and on. So, we are having the issue investigated by professionals as we speak.
Regarding the propane systems, we have sucessfully tested the stove top. We tried lighting the propane on the fridge, but so far have had no success. The oven has not been tested to date. The motorhome also has a propane furnace in it. And with the cold weather we have been having over the past few weeks, that system was definitely tested. The cover was taken off the interior furnace vent and we looked for the pilot switch and place to light the furnace. Neither my husband nor myself could find either. We took the 'basic instruction' pages that the motorhome was kind enough to come with, and read them over. I looked over the area behind the furnace vent. I read the extremely tiny writing that was the instructions on the furnace, including the words that said 'if your system has this' and 'if your system has that'. Then I went to the internet. I googled motorhome furnaces, and I viewed youtube videos on the subject. Then one video mentioned the fan, and talked about a switch that would turn the furnace on. At this point we decided to see if the fan worked on the furnace. So, we turned the furnace on, we flipped the switch on the thermostat to the left, or 'on' position, and sure enough the fan went on. Then a minute later we heard the propane turn on and heard the pilot light go on. Next thing we knew we had heat. After all the reading, worrying, and googling we did, we found the furnace could just be turned on with a simple flip of a switch. Sometimes the easiest things take the longest time to learn.
It seems all of the fluids were either low or non-existant, so that was quickly rectified by my handy dandy husband. We booked an appointment with our favorite mechanic to give the engine a quick going over, and have the plugs and rotor changed out. Once that was done, the propane tank was filled, with the intent to test all propane systems. But, after the tank was filled, it seemed to develop a leak. I mean, propane spilled out right there, and would not stop for some time. Finally we got it under control, and chalked it up to a stuck valve that should correct itself. As it turns out, the issue did not correct itself. Over the past few weeks we have had propane leaking off and on. So, we are having the issue investigated by professionals as we speak.
Regarding the propane systems, we have sucessfully tested the stove top. We tried lighting the propane on the fridge, but so far have had no success. The oven has not been tested to date. The motorhome also has a propane furnace in it. And with the cold weather we have been having over the past few weeks, that system was definitely tested. The cover was taken off the interior furnace vent and we looked for the pilot switch and place to light the furnace. Neither my husband nor myself could find either. We took the 'basic instruction' pages that the motorhome was kind enough to come with, and read them over. I looked over the area behind the furnace vent. I read the extremely tiny writing that was the instructions on the furnace, including the words that said 'if your system has this' and 'if your system has that'. Then I went to the internet. I googled motorhome furnaces, and I viewed youtube videos on the subject. Then one video mentioned the fan, and talked about a switch that would turn the furnace on. At this point we decided to see if the fan worked on the furnace. So, we turned the furnace on, we flipped the switch on the thermostat to the left, or 'on' position, and sure enough the fan went on. Then a minute later we heard the propane turn on and heard the pilot light go on. Next thing we knew we had heat. After all the reading, worrying, and googling we did, we found the furnace could just be turned on with a simple flip of a switch. Sometimes the easiest things take the longest time to learn.
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