Campground Review - Webter Park Campground

The second part of my June vacation, I visited a friend in Rochester, NY. I was looking for something close, and found a County campground in the town of Webster. As I do with every campground, I look at both the campground map and Google Earth images. I saw that all sites had 30 amp electric, with some having 50 amp electric, I decided to give it a try.

Google mapping had the location of the facility about 1/4 mile or so East of where it was. Pulling into the facility, I noticed how clean and well cared for it looked for a county campground. I was quite impressed.

Drove up to the camp manager's office and was greeted by a friendly couple. They gave me a choice of sites, and I picked a random one. Price was $25 a night, which was about $5 cheaper than the KOA and half the diatance to my friend's residence.

Sites pretty much looked fairly level, needing minimal blocking. My site was a little tight to back into but others looked a bit easier.  The sites were 100% grass, lined with trees on the sides.  Electric pedestals look fairly modern and in good condition. Campground rules also allowed you to tie into the water spigots that line the road every few campsites as long as you use a wye adapter.   Also, depending on the site, a lot of hose may be required.

There was one comfort station in the center. Facility was exceptionally clean and well maintained. There was a large wash sink outside for doing dishes. One negative was that there was no hot water to this sink or the bathroom sinks. There were also 3 large unisex showers on the opposite side of the facility. These showers were token operated costing 50 cents for 5 minutes. Once again, very clean and well maintained.

There was a nice playground facility for the kids next to the comfort station. Once again, well maintained.  There was also a nice large open field for the kids to play in also.

I most definitely would camp here again if I visited Rochester. The campground is located not far off Lake Ontario. There is a waterfront park just down the road. Overall, a very nice facility.

Campground Review - Greenbelt National Park

For my vacation on the railroad, one of my destinations I decided was to head to Washington DC to visit some friends and their new baby. Campgrounds near their house went for $60+ a night.  So, I decided to give my first try to camping without hookups and save myself at least $45 a night.

When I arrived, first thing is a big hiway sign warning about ticks. And yes, they were right as I found a few on me the three days that I was there. As I followed the signs towards the camping area, I realize how wooded the place is. I pull up to the camping area and see that the ranger station is under construction and the guard house is locked down with signs pointing me to self registration. Of course, there were no envelopes there, and got lucky and found some outside the ranger station.

There were signs directing scouts only to loop A, large campers to loop D, tents only to Loop C. So, I decided to give Loop B a try. I found myself a site next to the comfort station.  The place to me was pretty dead for a Saturday in June.

Sites in Loop B were small to me, as my 21 footer and Liberty barely fit with the wheels on the back edge of the pad. Sites on the inside of the loop were fairly level, but on the outside would require blocks. Lucky for my short tow vehicle and trailer, I was able to back up into the tight fit. Other sites had a little more room to maneuver.

Comfort facility was old and could definitely use refurbishing. They were somewhat clean, probably due to the lack of patrons. I would hope they do a better job when more people use them. There was one large shower in the facility. Shower was free and the hot water was ok. The facility had lots of bugs due to people leaving the door open and I also saw a salamander crawling around.  Outside of the facility, there was a large washing sink for dishes.

One thing I liked was that the place was well wooded. When checking the place out by Google Earth, I had a hard time finding the campsites. This thick forest is good for keeping the camper cool, but would make a solar power system almost useless and also satellite TV.

The camp host for my loop was friendly. They stopped by checking to see if you registered.

The dump station was located by Loop D. It was your basic dump station with a hose on a pole for rinsing your hoses. Of course it leaked at the top giving you a cool shower. There was also a potable was spigot and also potable water spigots around the loops.

If I was going on a cheap vacation to the DC area, I would go here again. Especially in cooler weather, as I like my creature comforts. But if it was going to be hot and muggy, I would probably stay at a nearby campground with hookups.

Tow Vehicle Maintenance - Tires

I feel one of the most important parts of any vehicle are the tires.  Last year, when we towed our rental, I felt like I was driving on marshmallows.  I thought an LT tire was going to be in my future, but in the size that I wanted, 245/70R16, the choices were slim.  Then, this winter, when I went to pick up the Roo, I had my Firestone Winterforce P245/70R16 tires on.  I noticed no marshmallow feel over my stock Goodyear Wrangler ST P225/75R16 tires.  That is when I opened up my search to both P rated and LT rated tires.  My tire finalist were Falken Wild Peak LT, Cooper Discover AT3 LT, BF Goodrich Rugged Terrain P-Rated, Firestone Destination AT P Rated, and the Hankook Dynapro ATm P-rated XL Load.  All seemed to be good by the reviews.  But, some of the best reviews went to the Hankooks, and that is what I got.

I can't tell you right now how they tow, since I only have less than 50 miles on them.  But initial impressions are good.  No noticeable increase in road noise over my stock tires (sound of the diesel may be drowning it out).  The tire feels good.  And, I like the fact that it is good for 50PSI and 2403lbs of load (Load Index of 111)

 Nice aggressive tread pattern.  Good for a bit of off road trails.

 I wanted the white lettering out.  That was my preference.

 Extra Load Baby, with LT high pressure valve stems.

 Rated at over 2400 pounds!!!  My gross axle rating is 3150, and the CAT scales says I am about 3000 while towing.  More than enough.

I got a 5th tire on the way to replace the spare.  But, the spare marshmallow is rated at less than 2000 pounds.  And, there is a 6 pound difference between the tires.  It will suck for fuel mileage, but I didn't buy the Diesel just for the fuel mileage.

Trailer Mod - MaxxAir II Roof Vent Cover

One thing that I wanted for my trailer was roof vent covers.  First one to be put on was the one for the bathroom.  Since this one already had a high powered fan, I decided to put on a MaxxAir II cover.  Installation was simple, and was complete in less than one hour.  Any handy RV person, who is not afraid to get on his/her roof (yes, I am afraid, but grew a set and got on there) should be able to complete this project.

I was hoping that this was going to be more simple than it was, since the previous owner had roof vent covers and had removed them.  WRONG.  Difference brand/style of covers, and the holes didn't line up.  So, I had to make my own holes.

 First, attach the hinged side.  I took my time, making sure everything was correct.

 After 2 screws, I took the cover off to get to the other 2 screws.  The instructions said to use the self tapping screws for installation in a Fan-Tastic fan installation.

 I then put the cover on, and mark where the brackets lined up for the clip side.I then drilled and installed the 4 self tapping screws.

Finished Product.

My other roof vent will get a MaxxAir TurboMaxx fan.  That, is a bit more expensive, and a bit more work.  I hope to have that installed by the end of summer.

RV Maintenance - Cleaning the Roof

One thing that has to be done a few times a year, is cleaning the roof of your RV and inspecting the seams.  This being my first RV with a rubber roof, I asked Rousseau's RV what to use.  They recommended BEST Rv Roof Cleaner with UV Protectant.  Just say, it worked quite well.  I am going to do it a few times a year, especially since I park under a tree at either my house or Jen's.

I used a spray bottle to spray it on at full strength.  The bottle suggested full strength for annual or semiannual applications, and 1:1 dilution for more frequent use.  I will be using the 1:1 for the monthly and/or pretrip washes. 

 Rinsed the roof off first.  The shine from the water makes it look better than it was.

 Good example of how dirty it was.

 Here is a 50/50 look.  Top is unwashed, bottom is washed.  Damn, what a difference!!

Another look at the clean side.

 This is the dirty side, looking over at the clean side.

 Finished product!!!

So much better looking now!!!

Trailer Mod - Range Hood Exhaust Vent

Last weekend, I washed and waxed the Roo.  While washing it, I noticed that the flapper for the range exhaust vent was missing.  Come to find out, the Heng exhaust vents are known for it, and they sell replacement flappers.  I was happy that it was going to be a sub $10 fix until I cut and cracked the housing while trying to cut and pry the caulking.  So, it turned into a $20 fix..plus cost of the mod.  Luckily, these were in stock at my Friendly RV Supply, Rousseau's RV.

I saw on the Forum that someone used mini hinges to fix theirs.  Well, I took that person's idea.  I cut up a brand new Hengs Range Vent and modded it to last.

While shopping for the hinges, I had to pick up a rivet gun, since I didn't have one.  A good rivet gun is a must for RVing.  There is so much that can be riveted in an RV.  But, my local Ace, Schwartz Hardware, had everything I need.  Actually, I prefer them 99% of the time over the Big Box Stores.

Here are some pics and explanations of what I did.  Sorry about the poor quality, as all my cameras were being borrowed, and I had to use my DROID Bionic.

 Here is the Flapper for the Heng's Vent.  Those 2 little hinge tabs are very weak.

 This is the flapper after I did some cutting.  I had to make notches for the new hinges. 

 Flapper installed onto the main part of the assembly.

Here is the back side of the assembly. 

Installation onto the camper was not too hard.  Butyl tape and Proflex RV Sealant Caulking is all it takes.  I still am not that good at shaping the Caulking.  But, I am getting better at it.  The finished product works great!!

Campground Review - Jellystone Park, Sturbridge

Upon arrival at Jellystone Park in Sturbridge, MA, I noticed that it was a very wooded park, which I like. I also noticed it appears to be an older campground. It is also very hilly.

Our campsite was on a hill, next to some cabin sites. The site was a decent size for our hybrid. I noticed a black plastic pipe running down the side of our site. I discovered that was the water supply line.  The electric pedestal was high and in the back of the site. Apparently, most sites I saw shared pedestals, so an extension cord is recommended.   Cable hookup was a distance away.  Behind a cabin, there was a cable junction with a splitter to connect to. I would have needed a 50 foot coax to connect.

The handful of full hookup sites were in the open. The road that these sites were on had the dump station, with several sites within feet of the dump station. I looked at one pedestal, and it appears to have just 50 and 20 amp outlets, so a 50 to 30 amp dogbone is recommended.

Sunday morning, with temperatures just below freezing, we were experiencing brownouts. This, in my opinion, should not be happening when people are not running their air conditioners.

This park did have 2 pools including one with a small waterslide. There was also a small lake with beach. Many sites were on this lake, although the best seemed to be seasonal sites. There was also a small bar and cafe on the 2nd floor of the camp store.

The restrooms and shower facilities were cleaned daily, but showed their age. They were also no heated. The water was hot, but shower heads were aimed towards the curtain and was more like a garden hose and not a nice shower spray.

There is a honeywagon and propane service.  I needed my 5lb tank filled, but the office said they could only fill 20 and 30 pounders. In my opinion, anyone who fills propane should be able to fill any size tank.

I think I would try this lark again, although not in the heat of the summer. My main reason is due to the power issues that I was having.

Camping Trip - April 2013 Jellystone Park, Sturbridge Ma

This past weekend, I was able to score the weekend off by being awarded a job that didn't go to work until Tuesday.  So, we took advantage of the free camping available at Jellystone Park, Sturbridge Ma.  This was one of those working weekends, where we had to rake and paint for our campsite.  Not bad, as the "Bill" would have been $140.  Not sure how they came up with that, being off peek, and not fully hookups.  I wonder if the "Other Fees" involved was to raise it up so they could get more of a tax break at the end of the year.

That Friday when we arrived, it was quite warm.  I was in shorts, and sweating.  We arrived, checked in, and noticed this was very different than Strawberry Park.  This definitely an older campground.  And very hilly.  I drove to my site, and we noticed it was covered in leaves.  So, we got the rakes out and raked where we were going to park the camper.  Then, I parked it, maneuvering around some trees that were very in the way.  I got it in the area of where I wanted to park, and took out the level.  WAY OFF.  I figured went 4 "legos" (leveling blocks) high, using all 16 of my legos.  Hah, no go.  So, I repositioned them, and using a steel rake, dug out the high side a bit.  I was able to level off.  But, not without one tire being in the air because I didn't have enough blocks.  I wedged a chock under it as much as I can.  On the list, another set of 10 blocks....maybe more.

That night, we had MAJOR rain, as a cold front blew in.  Woke up in the morning, and saw the floor under the AC a little wet, and a drip coming from the AC.  With some help of my friends on the forum, I decided to tighten my AC down a bit.  Overtorqueing the bolts can be just as bad, but I noticed mine felt VERY loose.  So, I just torqued it by feel.  Also, when I woke up, you can tell a front went though, and I had to turn the heat on.  BRRRRR.

The Saturday, Jennie and I raked, as I sent Julie and Jay to paint.  We must have raked 15+ 60gal bags of leaves up.  We didn't do a perfect job, because this is camping in the woods.  This isn't a championship golf course.

That Saturday night, it got cold, with predicted lows in the just below freezing.  I hooked up the heated mattress in the bunk, made sure the little electric heater was on (why waste propane), and had an extra blanket.

Woke up Sunday to the familiar sound of my camper being energized.  I am still not sure weather it is the microwave of the converter making that noise.  I decided to turn off everything high wattage that was electric.  Checked the voltage at an outlet, and found it just above 100 volts.  Yup, my Surgegard was doing its job and shutting off at low voltage (this brownout will be a part of my campground review).  I can't believe a campground was having a brownout in April, before people are using their ACs.

All in all, I would go back there again, but due to the brown outs, not in the heat of summer.  Here are some pics of the weekend.  Here is what I found out this weekend.

• 16 Leveling blocks is not enough, because it takes a lot to make a ramp
• Looking at some sites, a 25 foot 30amp extension was needed, future purchase
• 50 foot water hose may also be needed
• 50 foot cable TV wire could have been used, but we managed with no TV
• A patio rug is needed
• An extra step could also be used when the curb side needs to be raised

 

Julie happened to take a pic of me heading to the store for the supplies for raking.  Raked at least 15 bags worth of leaves.

 

I love this an the next few self pics of Julie.  She is growing up WAY too fast.

 Jay sporting the pink gloves...

 Jennie and Julie

 Ex Lynn, MA pumper with the cast of Jellystone

 Me with Jordyn, all 3.8 pounds of her.

 Our folding stool (purple and green) came in handy as it was needed due to raising the curb side up to level.

 The permanent site across had this face on a tree...staring at us all day.

Campground Review - Strawberry Park Resort

This past weekend, we spent the weekend at Strawberry Park, located in Preston, Ct.  They had a special that weekend.  Camping for the entire weekend was $40, with early arrival and late departure.  And, to add to it, you participated in sprucing up the place, you get a $40 credit on your account for a future stay.  That is like camping for free.

I arrived at the campground to see they were in full swing getting ready for summer.  Additional drainage was being installed, and roads were being prepped to be paved.  To me, paved roads are not necessary at a campground, but this is more of a resort.

This place had a lot of seasonal sites.  Also, the sites were sort of close together, but not uncomfortably close.  My site in particular was the perfect size for my 21BH.  I guess that is why they ask for RV size and if it has slideouts.  They knew my unit would fit in my site.

I also noticed that the sites were not all the same.  My site appeared to be a small seasonal site, complete with meter, 20, 30, and 50 amp hookups.  My water hookup was very close to the ground, and I had difficulty hooking up my water regulator.  My site also had a brick patio, which I saw many others didn't.

Because it was early season, not all activities were available.  Surprisingly, one of the pools, which was heated, was open.  We didn't bring our bathing suits.

One plus, they changed their pet policy.  The old policy was that you had to drive your pet to the pet play area.  That would be impossible if you had a coach with no toad.  But now, you can walk your pet around the park as long as you're responsible.

Because the park seems to be great, and it is a little over an hour from home, we would most likely stay there again.  Staff was great and friendly.  There seems to be a lot of activities for adults and kids alike.  I would recommend this park to my friends.

Camping Trip - April 2013 Strawberry Park

Our shakedown trip in or Rockwood Roo 21BH went GREAT.  We went to Strawberry Park in Preston, CT.  They had a special this weekend, where it is $40 to camp for the entire weekend.  Then if you do some cleanup, you get a $40 credit for a future stay.  I will do a review blog on this campground sometime this week.

On the way there, we stopped at Pilot Station in North Stonington, CT, to be weighed.  That, will be another blog.  The weather stunk on the way.  We had rain and wind on the way there.  I had readjusted the weight distributing hitch before leaving, since the dealer did not adjust it.  It towed pretty well.  I may need to adjust the cams a bit more to make sure they are centered in the bars.  Everytime I make a minor change, I should make sure that they are centered.

We had a nice relaxing weekend.  That was our intent.  We did have to make a trip to the local Wal*Mart to pick up a few things.  We also have started a list of things, including things NOT to forget.  Yes, we forgot something big...CHAIRS.  We get to the campsite, and we are like "Oh $&*$(, we forgot the chairs!!"

Repairs -
- Recaulk bathroom shower
- Front tent bunk snap pulled out
- Fix snap on bunk end
- Check breakaway -  can't hear the brake magnets when pulled.

Mods -
- Add a switch and dimmer to control 1/2 the outside plug for my Globes. I have the Polymer Products globes with 8watt LEDs (40 watt equivalent). They are great for cooking, but too much for relaxation
- Change the plumbing so that the water filter only filters a dedicated spigot on the sink.  Too much loss of pressure with the good filter, which isn't needed for the whole camper.
- Install a black tank flushing system

Here are a few pics from the weekend.

 Julie having fun on the jumping pillow

 Julie getting her face painted

 Night shots of the camper

Movie night at the neighbor's camper

 Jen enjoying her dinner

 Campfire with the neighbors

Jennie's birthday cupcakes.