Oh, What Fun...

We have been having an interesting series of days.  The washing machine mentioned in a previous post, has been removed from the rig and stored under the nose behind the skirting. (Ken would like to look at it and see if it can be repaired).

In the removal of said machine we discovered part of the issues causing malfunction.  We enter dealership matters rather highly at this point....

Most significantly, the dryer vent was installed too low, so when the machine spins out, the water easily spills out of the dryer hose as well as the normal drain hose. Because of this, the lint, which would normally drain with the water, clots in large soggy mats around the dryer hose port, preventing proper venting.  This would be why it took 3 cycles to dry anything...

The lesson is to ensure that you have your vent higher than the port on your washing dryer.  That way, any water that attempts to leave via the dryer hose will back wash into the drum, and out the proper drain.  A normal dryer doesn't have this issue since the bulk of the water is removed before the air tumble begins.

The dealership, who expressed grudging willingness to split the repair cost in half, is balking heavily because we are choosing to replace the machine.  They figure that if we reconnect the machine now that we removed the soggy lint clots, it should run just fine.  My response was that it wouldn't solve the grinding that the drum does when it struggles to reverse the tumble direction.  Also, with all the effort it took my husband and I to pull the machine out of the compartment (rather like delivery of a baby ... breach), I didn't appreciate them implying that the matter was resolved.  Are we supposed to pull it out every couple months???

... We will hear tomorrow if they will spring for half the cost of the new machine. 

I called the manufacturer today and confirmed that the vent hole was cut after it was shipped to the seller.  This confirms that yet again incompetence of the dealership facilitated the problem.

We will pick up the new machine tomorrow, and hope for a partial refund of the cost by the dealership.  Either way, we are getting the machine.  When we install it, we will be adding a bit of length to the dryer hose to ensure a high point so we won't re-encounter the drainage issue.  I know that ideally, one should use as short a length as possible to reduce the catching points of the lint that does enter the hose as it is highly flammable.  In the spring we will have the vent raised and then patch the lower hole, or (the manufacturer suggested) perhaps put in a spot light to utilize the hole and cover the error in a less expensive format.  Once the vent is at a higher point, we can shorten the hose to a better length.

As for the weather, it has been overcast and dips below 0 C nightly, but it does edge above 0 in the daytime, and my neighbour and I have gone for the last 4 days on a 4 mile walk that takes about 1-1/2 hours to walk.  The roads have been rather mushy, slushy, and icy, but we do get through and feel quite refreshed for the effort.  Usually we go in the morning, but tomorrow I hope we will go in the afternoon on account of our need to get the machine in the morning.

Because of the dips at night, the thaw is taking a bit longer, but we remain hopeful that we will be able to see the unslicked asphalt very soon and hope that it remains exposed for what's left of the season.

I will let you know how the dealership leans on taking their share of the cost on the replacement of the washing dryer.

It has been a long, but productive day, and I bid you...

Adieu

What Do You Get When...?

... you have a ton of snow, a one day thaw, and then freezing the next day??

That would be a skating rink - in this case, on a slope - just to make things interesting.

So yesterday was absolutely gorgeous, and sunny.  I went with a friend for a really long walk (pedometer says 9500 steps), then went out to clear the snow as the melt was making it more movable.  Neighbours questioned the logic, saying it will melt on its own you know...  

And then the mercury dipped during the night (a few spills resulted from people returning from games night at the club house) and the entire complex is nearly completely covered in black ice.  Fortunately, as I shoveled the snow, I also dug a trench into the roadway in so that the water would at least run off my driveway.  

This morning, my friend and I did go for the same walk today, but there were road patches where, short of the very middle of the lane or the tire tread space, there was no traction at all.  I think we added 15 minutes to the time it took to the walk circuit ....  but I digress ...

I then braved carrying a large arm load of laundry up the slippery slope to the on site laundrymat to get caught up.  ....  Which leads to my next matter of consideration.

A post or so ago, I mentioned washers, dryers, and combination machines.  I also mentioned that though many disagree, I prefer the all in one.  This opinion remains the same, however, I am noting that in Canada, there are apparently 2 main producers of these machines.  One I am told is a good option (Splendide) within their capabilities. The other, through the mistake of again trusting the dealership to make a wise decision for us, we discovered to be a very less favourable option.  (Majestic)

There are lemons in every product, no matter how reputed the item in question is.  The problem with the one we were provided in our purchase of the rig is that it did defect on us, but even though we have used it only 3 months, we have owned it for more than a year so - the warranty expired.  We attempted to find a repairer, but no one can get parts. The Splendide has a reasonable reputation, but more importantly, parts are readily available, so warranty, or not, it can be repaired.

So off we go, and we will be picking one up in the next couple days. - Hopefully at least half covered by the dealership.  

(& BTW, the proper repair of the roof will wait for proper drying of the underneath components.  the temp is holding well)  :-)

So that is my world at this time, I bid you...

Adieu

Sitting On Top Of My World

If you caught the comments back and forth between Raven and I recently, you will notice that today's post was a planned episode.  This facilitated by God's planning my day for me. (lol)

Today was indeed catching up with the elusive beautiful thaw that we have been anticipating since a week before Christmas.  In honour of the day's arrival, we were informed the night before that we needed to spend time outside and on the roof.  How was said message conveyed?  Well, a dripping ceiling was the primary cue to that affect.

So first thing this morning (in positive integers - YEAH!!) I got up on the roof to clear the snow and ice off the roof and slides, as well as the eves troughing, and awning roll. (The awning was not extended, but ice and snow collected in the pocket behind the roll.)  We used gentle brooms, and windshield brushes as we did not want to add to the problems in the rubber roofing.  

Also note well, the roof was extremely slick, being wet and icy.  I mostly worked kneeling to reduce my sliding.  Kneeling assisted me in 2 ways:

1. It lowered my center of gravity, making me more stable.
2. It also distributed my weight more, reducing the direct weight application on any given spot.

Remember, you need to work on your roof at varying times and for varying occasions, but over all, the roofs are not meant to take a lot of excess weight over an extended period of time.  The less time on top, the better for extending the roofing life expectancy.

Having cleared the debris we inspected the roof, and wonders of wonders, the leak appears to have come from right above the leak. (For those unfamiliar with leaks in trailer roofing, it is almost NEVER that easy to find.  The source is usually on the far side of the roof following some obscure crack through nooks and crannies and eventually through no logical means, reaches the spot which revealed the problem).

We cleaned and dried off the location (just above the eves trough, in the rubber portion, but right where the rubber meets the gelcoat.) and covered the quarter sized tear in the rubber with Red Green's favorite tool, Duct Tape.

Hole temporarily covered, we dashed off to the nearest trusted RV shop for a patch kit.  We now have the kit, but will do the repair tomorrow when we can properly clean, prep and patch the hole at a warm enough temperature to allow proper sealing of the gluing agent.

Never under-estimate the handiness of the old duct tape and bailing wire.  It has rescued us from many a bind  over the years, until proper repairs can be completed.  Also good advice is to carry an 8' X 8' tarp with string.  It takes up minimal space when folded properly, but can be anything from a cover over, to a sheet underneath in unforeseen dilemmas.  

So today was very fruitful, and general activities beyond the roof involved movement of snow and ice in general.  It was a wonderful day to be out .... and tomorrow, it promises to continue the same.  Glory be!  (and about time !!)  :-)

Now off to cook dinner, so I bid you,

Adieu

Tantalus In Charge!

Think back to your school days....Do you remember studying mythology?  I have a flashback to one lesson, a fellow being punished for some crime I forgot.  His punishment was to be placed where the aroma of fruit was overwhelming, but every time he reached for it, it would remain just out of reach......

The scene is now set for my scenario.  Since about a week before Christmas, Oliver's weather forecast has had a thawing trend looming in the close future. (about 3 - 4 days out)  Although we did have one day - New Year's Eve slightly above 0, the actual thaw has eluded us, and still remains at least a day out.

One does begin to wonder if one is walking around with a personal rain cloud after a while.   Before taking on the full-timer title, we had been living for 2 years on a farm in a tiny community in Alberta called Cereal.  (Half way between Calgary and Saskatoon - Population 200)

After living many years in Victoria, it was quite a change.  The summers were very hot, the winters very cold, and the wind nearly never stopped.  Yet while there, every season we arrived at, the local folks always said," This is very unusual weather" so in theory, after 2 years, we still had no idea what the weather was "usually" like,  but I digress...

To hold us over until the warming trend hits (in a day or so......) we are being given the weather channels now common occurrence, the Red Screen Of Death.  In computer circles, most users are familiar with the Blue Screen Of Death - the recovery from which lies in total system reboot. 

In the weather world, the Red Screen Of Death means hold still, and go no where.  We are again under snowfall warnings (and unfortunately, no reboot option available).  I think it hasn't left for more than a day for the last 3 weeks.  I suppose when the thaw comes, it will give the warmth a job worthy of its arrival.

Several of our site mates have headed for southern climes across the border.  I still stand by our choice though.  Looking nation wide, the weather all over Canada is no better, and short of crossing the 49th parallel, we could not have landed any better for a wintering spot.  Even Vancouver and Victoria had it worse - and without the proper equipment to clear the snow.

We are now fully prepared for hunkering down, and we look forward to the elusive warming trend.  With all the winter boots, coats, scarves, gloves, hats, long underwear, shovels, space in the rig is at a premium.  It will be nice to see bare asphalt again, and truth be told, I could really use a good walking regiment re-instated - the holidays did me now favours.  :-)

Anyway, the snow continues in preparation for a thaw out there in the realm of Tantalus.  Maybe tomorrow ....  But for now, 

Adieu.

Seeking of Ultimate Power - The Quest To Find A Generator

Well, last night was supposed to be a hum-dinger of a storm with snow and wind enough to concern the locals about if their generators were ready in case of power outage.  

... so we had about 4 or 5 cm of snow, and the wind did kick up a bit, but to all intents and purposes, it rather fizzled.  But it does bring our mind to a focus of our next major addition to our set up.  

The Generator

Our generator hunt continues now.  We want to know that if we dry camp - winter or summer, we are prepared to power our needs, and with a 36 foot 5th wheel on 50 amps, it can be thirsty, depending on what you are running.  My husband is working with the theory that he would rather over shoot than miss the mark. 

Since our set-up includes a workshop for Ken (a utility trailer with his tools for pottering and such - a retired millwright does not easily step into idleness), we need a power source that can run his welders as well as standard power tools.   Also, we want a diesel generator for a few reasons.

1. The truck is a diesel and so we only have to store 2 fuels (diesel and propane)
2. Diesel generators don't need spark plugs
3. They have no carburetor or distributor (with points to deal with)
4. They run slower, so they last longer and are more efficient with the fuel 
5. They have less maintenance downtime by far

In general, diesel motors are a better workhorse (whether for truck, or for generators).

Some would argue that diesel is now more expensive that regular gasoline.  I think you will find that the general descriptions above will in the long run, result in lower cost over time to run the diesel.

Whatever you choose, it is important to remember that preventative maintenance is the key to cost efficiency in all machines.  If you are going to go full-time, the effort and time will definitely be well spent.   The old adage of an ounce of prevention being worth a pound of cure truly is applicable.  Only then can you truly attain the Ultimate Power - at least for your personal section of the world... 

Again, the day beckons, so I bid you,

Adieu

Break In The Weather

We are having a reprieve from constant snow, and the temperature, although not in the positive integers yet, is acceptable enough with the sun to allow for a decent walk.  Now back at the roost, it seems to be warm enough under the rays to allow for the sound of snow chunks and such breaking off the structure.  It is a reassuring sound, to be sure.  For now, I can humour myself into thinking it is spring thaw.  The weather network negates that illusion, but I can dream.....

So a matter of consideration that is on my mind right now is an appliance of great value to a full-timer - a washing machine, dryer, or combination machine.  Apparently, the RV industry, or at least the representatives I have spoken to, are leaning toward the installation of 2 separate machines.  Apparently there is a lot of dissatisfaction by owners with the washing driers.  For my part, I have a washing drier, and (although I am debugging it right now and am looking forward to correction) am very happy with it.  The problem with both is that you loose yet again more storage when you have 2 machines. 

The main complain people have with the single machine is that the clothes come out too wrinkly, and it takes too long to run a load.  Although I understand the argument, I still prefer it.  (For one thing, I am not fussy enough to care about a couple wrinkles - I live in an RV - if it matters that much, get an iron, or find a dry cleaner.)  

With being only 2 people, I have no problem keeping up with the laundry doing it every day or 2.  If I start the load at the start of the day and just ignore it until later in the afternoon or evening, what do I care if it takes 3 hours to do a load?  It isn't like I have to hang around to remember to transfer it to the next machine.  Also, since it is a small compartment, putting the load away takes 5 minutes, taking your time.

The machine can only hold about 4-6 pounds of dry material, depending on how much water it absorbs, but it is enough to do as much as a set of sheets, 1 winter outfit (jeans, cotton long sleeve shirt and under garments) or that level of load, but I don't have that much in my wardrobe anyway, and to save up enough laundry to run a $2 wash + $2 dry (which is usually damp at the end) I would nearly be going in my bathrobe.

All in all, for our money, I am content with sacrificing enough storage for 1 machine, and settling for the convenience of having my own facility.  The thought of running to a laundromat or sink scrubbing is just not in my ken.  My friend has a device that rather reminds me of a lettuce spinner.  It is a practical alternative for a single person in a much smaller space.  However for my situation, it is too little for 2 people, and takes up too much space for me when I am more likely for the time and effort to just run my machine.  Also, it is only a 110 V plug, so not to thirsty on the power bill.

Anyway, I hear the call of the kitchen (lunch time), so I will bid you...

Adieu

Welcome to 2009!

I just had a quick thought of 2 items to share.  One is relevant to RVers, and the other is a funky discovery that applies to anyone fighting a cold.

For the RVers, as space is limited, gift season of any kind is challenging.  More things in general is not a helpful idea, but in this case, we found a wonderful mutual gift. We got a nice wood grain framed digital picture frame.  That way, you can have all your favourite pictures in a single frame.

Now as for the funky discovery, I got an email a while back about a bizarre answer to the incurable cough.  Last night I had the unclearable "eh-hum" throat.  I finally figured, what the heck, couldn't hurt...  So as per the directions, I rubbed some mentholated petroleum jelly on the soles of my feet, put on some socks, and tucked in.  Within 5 minutes it was cleared.  Amazing.  It  works the same on any cough, apparently.  

Anyway, Happy New Year and..

Adieu