RV Improvements: 2006 19' Trail Cruiser

INTRODUCTION: We plan to use our travel trailer quite a bit in the future, so I've been making some repairs and improvements to it. Thought it'd be fun to document them here, and provide ideas for others who are doing the same.

SPECS: The maker of this RV (R-Vision Trail-Cruiser by Trail-Lite) is out of business. We bought the trailer in 2014 from a family in north county who was no longer using it, and it was in good shape. Though we had NOT heard of R-Vision, it was hardly used and seemed to be of good quality, design and layout.

This is what it looked like when we first bought it:

Here's the Spec Sheet that came with it. Note that even though the manufacturer lists the RV at 22 feet, 5 inches, the trailer "box" is 18 feet, 8 inches, leaving a "discrepancy" of 3 feet 9 inches, which is assumedly account for by the length of the tongue. When comparing RV trailer lengths, make sure you are making an "apples to apples" comparison (box length to box length, or full length to full length - including tongue). While shopping, I prefer to use the "box length" for comparison, as tongue lengths can vary a little bit.

Interior headroom is 6' 4" which is sufficient for us. Also, it neatly sizes all 3 tanks at 30 gallons (fresh water, black water, gray water), which makes it easy to remember! Though the trailer is quite light compared to others of the same sizes (dry weight of 3,000 pounds), the trailer frame is stamped with a "Gross Weight" of 6,250 pounds, leaving a theoretical "Cargo Weight" of about 3,000 pounds - more than the weight of the trailer. We were happy that the builders chose a high capacity trailer frame, giving us confidence that they had not "under-built" the trailer. On many RVs, the "Cargo Weight" is much lower, and would be a cause for concern to us. I tow the trailer with a 2006 Dodge Diesel 2500 with a 6 speed manual transmission and a 12,500 pound trailer towing capacity, so the weight is not an issue.

LAYOUT: Our basic criteria for our travel trailer were as follows:

- No slide-outs, but still a functional layout (prefer great "box integrity" by not having slide-outs).

- 2 Beds that comfortably sleep 2 full-size adult couples 

- Large Dinette with room for 4 full-size adults

- As small as possible, but still meets the above criteria

- Dual axle trailer, both for greater safety during a tire blow-out, and better straightline performance (less sway). Good discussion of single vs. dual axle trailers here: Single vs. Dual Axle Trailer

Our Trail-Cruiser met our basic criteria. As we have owned RVs previously, we know from that experience that modifying an RV to fit our needs would be mandatory. Fortunately, I find the mods to be fun to do, so I don't mind, and it sure makes the RV more fun to use!

Project 1: Truck Alternator / Starter Battery Charging  

The truck uses 2 12-volt starting batteries (Costco Kirkland Brand), while the trailer uses 2 12-volt so-called Deep Cycle Marine / RV batteries (also Costco Kirkland Brand). To optimize the life of these batteries, each type requires a different charging regimen. My current setup charges both my truck "starter" batteries and RV "deep cycle" batteries the same. 

Here is a link from an "Energy engineer" that explains why this is bad, and reduces the life of the deep cycle batteries. This makes sense to me, as previous RVs I have owned used deep cycle / lead acid / RV - Marine batteries, and had a short life (about 2 years) despite keeping them charged. Here's the link: Deep Cycle Charging with your Alternator

Check out this web site for a solution to charging our RV batteries from the tow vehicle using a DC-to-DC 12 volt battery charger: How to Efficiently Charge our RV Trailer Batteries While Driving This article uses the "REDARC Electronics Dual Input 40A in-Vehicle DC Battery Charger", which costs about $450 on Amazon. Here is the link on Amazon: REDARC DC to DC Charger (Amazon) Note that with this installation, the actual charger is mounted in the RV, and NOT in the truck as I might have presumed. Wonder how I'll find room for it in my RV? Note that there is a 40 Amp DC to DC Charger that is much cheaper: Renogy 40A 40A DC to DC Battery Charger

Questions: 

(1) What is the actual max output of my alternator? I have always believed it was 130 amps, but I do not know for sure, and perhaps other "same year" Cummins truck models came with a higher output alternator? Note for the future: whenever my alternator craps out, I'll want to upgrade it to a higher output unit.  

(2) Circuit breakers: is it practical to use an in-line auto-reset circuit breaker? 

(3) Is my built-in converter (110 A/C input to charge 12 volt batteries) any good, or should it be replaced? How do I know it is properly charging my current deep cycle lead acid batteries? What is the charging profile for flooded lead acid deep cycle batteries? 

Many basic single-stage converters, typically found in older and lower-priced coaches, are still in use. They don’t have the sophisticated internal circuitry to properly charge and condition batteries. Some converter models supply only a fixed voltage of around 13.2 volts, which prevents batteries from reaching full charge and also shortens their service life. Modern multi-stage charging circuits typically include four operation modes: boost, normal, equalization and storage (or float). ACTION: test the converter on my trailer with discharged batteries to see what output the converter puts out.

Many owners don’t even know where their converter is located. Typically it’s a metal box a little bigger than a large box of facial tissues and is situated adjacent to the fuse panel, near where the wiring comes into the coach. When it is powered up, it gives off a humming sound, which can help you locate it. Usually the make and model and power ratings are written on the case. You can also look up the ratings in the manuals that come with the RV.

Less Than Human: Why We Do Not Really Want to Help the Homeless in SLO

ENDING HOMELESSNESS IN SLO COUNTY: There are plenty of effective, affordable solutions out there, once our community realize that the homeless are people like you and me - I truly believe they are still seen as "Less Than Human" which is a major factor in our lack of desire to help them. What is the matter with us? NIMBY-ism rules! I've got mine - screw them!

I read this book "Less Than Human: Why we Demean, Enslave, and Exterminate Others" (by David L. Smith) in search of an answer to how we can treat fellow humans so cruelly. Obviously, not just the homeless, but slavery, indentured servitude, genocide, etc. - how can we do it to a fellow human? In large part, it is because we can convince ourselves that the homeless are "less than human". 

Book (link to Amazon): Less Than Human

The homeless are the last group where we feel free to demean them without guilt or public criticism. Oh wait - there is one other group - white males (especially those with "toxic masculinity) - but that is a topic for another time... 

I hear it constantly. Lazy. Stupid. Made bad decisions. They deserve to live in squalor and disgusting homeless camps. Why should we help them? They should just leave and go somewhere else.

Outside of SLO, many west coast municipalities at least recognize the seriousness of the problem and are trying to address it — here in SLO? Not so much. Sad. Makes me cry, because I love these people.

PHOTO: Blue Heron, Avila Beach

FACEBOOK: I Don't Care What You Think!

I guess this is the new trend, so here goes:

Dear Face Book Friends,

This is where I stand. Period. I make no apologies to any or all of my FB friends for this. 

I don't listen to what politicians SAY - instead, I pay attention to what they DO (WHICH IS ALL THAT MATTERS).

 

I believe in:

- Reducing INCOME INEQUALITY (California has the highest in the nation) - "the rich get richer, and the poor get poorer" here in California. - Reducing POVERTY (California has the highest poverty rate in the nation). - Create GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION POLICIES that do not disproportionately burden the poor (California leads the nation in this one too: our "Climate Change" laws disproportionately increase living costs for Latinos, African-Americans, and American Indians.) - Increasing INCOME OF PERSECUTED CLASSES. - Reducing COLLEGE COSTS and BRUTAL STUDENT LOAN DEBT. - Allowing AFFORDABLE HOUSING to be built. - Feeding those who are HUNGRY. - Housing those who are OUT IN THE COLD TONIGHT. - Addressing the OPIOD CRISIS that is now KILLING 70,000 people in America each year. - Addressing the SUICIDE CRISIS that is now KILLING 40,000 people in America each year (mostly the young). - Addressing the CHINESE THREAT posed to America (Russian is a shrinking power, while China is a rapidly growing one); the Chinese people are OPPRESSED and have FEW FREEDOMS. - Addressing the FEDERAL DEBT, climbing towards $22,000,000,000,000 (that's $22 trillion dollars) - that means LIVING WITHIN OUR MEANS AND STOP SPENDING LIKE DRUNKEN SAILORS. - Helping the MENTALLY ILL and the PHYSICALLY DISABLED. - Removing American Troops from perfectly capable countries like Germany and Japan, who are rich and can defend themselves. - Removing American Troops from various quagmires across the land (mostly the Middle East): Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen, Jordan, Pakistan (I can't think of them all right now) where we spend $TRILLIONS$ of dollars and thousands of lives, and end up causing NOTHING BUT PAIN AND DESTRUCTION. - Provide our military veterans with appropriate MEDICAL TREATMENT that they have earned. - Ending CORPORATE WELFARE like the billions recently heaped upon AMAZON and primary owner and $160,000,000,000 (that's $60 billion) Jeff Bezos, who clearly does not need welfare. - Addressing (lowering) Health Care Costs to make them more affordable for more Americans. - Institute TERM LIMITS for all politicians, and remove their massive permanent pensions for life after one term served in office; they should be working for the people and not to line their own pockets. - The MEDIA and POLITICIANS seek to divide us to serve their own petty interests: we have much more in common than we have in differences, but in our "click bait" world, conflict is what "sells", so that is what we get - PLEASE KNOCK IT OFF - IT BRINGS OUT THE WORST IN EVERYONE. - Change the laws to allow AMERICAN INDIANS to have more say over how their reservations are run, and let them do what they have to do to reduce the POVERTY of their tribal members (American Indians have the highest poverty rate of any group in America by far - and nobody seems to care). - Parents: control your children's Smart Phone, Computer, and Tablet use, which studies are showing to be EXTREMELY DETRIMENTAL to their health and their futures. - Compromise and Resolve IMMIGRATION ISSUES, and bring back things KIND OF LIKE the Bracero Program of the 1940's - 1960's. - Move the world towards ZERO POPULATION GROWTH; there are no Worldwide problems that can't be reduced by LESS PEOPLE! The world is still expanding the human population across the planet like cockroaches! - Businesses Employing FELONS when they get out of prison so they don't RECOMMIT CRIMES AND GO BACK TO JAIL (ban the box!). - Ensuring equal access to PUBLIC EDUCATION FOR ALL, especially in the inner cities. - Removing Unconstitutional Laws that MAKE BEING HOMELESS A CRIME.

- I am in favor of "Peaceful Protest", and I believe that all rioters, looters, and terrorists should be apprehended, prosecuted, and punished, as fits the crime. 

- Freedom of Speech, and believe that the Tech Giants that now control public speech should be treated as a part of the government, and therefore have to confirm to free speech guidelines.

NATION: Gender Pay Gap - A "Peek" at the Truth?

The current "Gender Pay Gap" (GPG) currently reported in America is in the 78% to 82% range. Many studies have shown that the gender pay gap in America is smaller than what is reported, once male and female "work dynamics" are taken into account. A recent study, summarized below, reinforces that dynamic.

DEFINITION: "gender pay gap" (Cambridge English Dictionary)
noun, also "gender wage gap"
​...the difference between the amounts of money paid to women and men, often for doing the same work:
The Government's aim is to enable women to know whether or not their employer has a gender pay gap.

An interesting new study offers compelling evidence that the choices and priorities of women account for much of the pay gap disparity. Information for this article comes largely from the Wall Street Journal article cited immediately below:

ARTICLE: Wall Street Journal -  "Parsing the Gender Pay Gap"
https://www.wsj.com/articles/parsing-the-gender-pay-gap-1542917969
Appeared in the November 23, 2018, Wall Street Journal print edition.

The study examined data from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) union shop. The MBTA has uniform hourly wages in which men and women adhere to the exact same rules and enjoy the exact same benefits. Workers are promoted based on seniority, not performance. Male and female workers of the same seniority have the same options for scheduling, routes, vacation and overtime. These rigid work rules would appear to give little to no latitude in providing men preferential treatment.

Nonetheless, in the MBTA study, female train and bus operators earned LESS than men. Harvard economists looked at time cards and scheduling from 2011 to 2017, factoring in sex, age, date of hire, tenure, and whether an employee was married or had dependents. 

SOME OF THEIR FINDINGS:
• Male train and bus operators worked about 83% more overtime hours than their female colleagues.
• Men were twice as likely to accept an overtime shift on short notice.
• Twice as many women as men NEVER took overtime, which pays time-and-a-half.
• Male bus and train operators also took 48% fewer unpaid hours off under the Family Medical Leave Act each year. 
• Female employees were far more willing to take less preferable routes if it meant working fewer nights, weekends and holidays.

MARITAL STATUS FINDINGS:
• Married fathers wanted more overtime cash.
• Married mothers wanted more time off. 
• Single mothers took 59% fewer last-minute overtime hours than did single fathers.

NATION: Co-Living (aka Cooperative Housing) Coming to a City Near You?

This article came up recently in the Wall Street Journal: "Co-Living Takes on Bigger Spaces". I have been discussing cooperative housing as a solution for some time now. Indeed, I lived in a cooperative housing unit called the "Co-op" while attending UCLA. In fact, the "Co-op" (as it was unimaginatively called then, and is still called now) is still standing, and you can check on their rates. The co-op is sited on some of the most expensive land on the planet (Westwood, California), yet charges some of the lowest rates for housing anywhere.

Read about the coop as it operates today: https://www.yelp.com/biz/university-cooperative-housing-association-los-angeles-2

Here's the article (if the WSJ will let you read it): https://www.wsj.com/articles/co-living-buildings-going-big-in-brooklyn-and-bay-area-1539687600

'At co-living buildings, tenants lease tiny rooms in larger apartments shared with strangers. Renters have access to living rooms, kitchens and other common spaces, while amenities like cleaning services, dog walking and cooking classes are part of the deal.

This product, which is less than 10 years old and found primarily in large U.S. cities, represents only a tiny niche in the multibillion-dollar apartment industry. But developers are now preparing to build some of the largest new co-living properties in North America, a sign that the appeal of this type of housing could be broadening.

“Co-living’s institutional moment is now upon us,” said Chris Bledsoe, co-founder and chief executive of Ollie, which also recently opened a large co-living project with 422 bedrooms. “There’s no more flying by the seat of your pants.”'

Overturn the Electoral College, Lifetime Seats for Judges and Senate - NOT SO FAST!

https://www.nationalpopularvote.com
https://www.cnn.com/2017/09/14/politics/electoral-college/index.html
https://www.britannica.com/event/Constitutional-Convention

ELECTORAL COLLEGE
• The winner of the popular vote loses - that's not fair. However, that's what the "Framers of the Constitution" wanted. We don't have a "pure" democracy and never will.
• To eliminate the Electoral College (EC) requires:
(1) 2/3 vote in Senate;
(2) 2/3 vote in the House;
(3) 3/4 of all State Legislatures - 38 states as of now. The EC was designed to protect the small states from getting "trampled" by the big ones - that has not changed.
• Without the EC, national candidates would NEVER campaign or even care about the small states. Instead, they would just campaign in the large population centers of the country.
• With the EC, in a close race, all votes in the ENTIRE COUNTRY would have to be recounted! Remember Al Gore and Florida? That was only 3 counties, IIRC. The EC, by its very nature, avoids such a calamitous recount that could take months or even years!
• A recent effort to end the EC is trying to get states totaling 270 electoral votes to pass a bill in their legislatures pledging that the candidate who wins the national popular vote gets those states' electoral votes. It's been signed into law in 11 states, totaling 165 electoral votes, meaning they need another 105 to make it a reality -- which is very unlikely to happen. Should it happen, it is likely to be ruled Unconstitutional by the US Supreme Court as subverting the will of the constitution.
• FUN FACT: The winner of the popular vote has lost the presidency five times: 1824, 1876, 1888, 2000 and 2016.
• IMHO, the Electoral College was one of the most brilliant governing structures put into place in the constitution. It keeps the lowest population states from leaving the United States, because they feel that this structure gives them some say in their federal governance.
• The party that gets the popular vote but loses the Electoral College ALWAYS comes out against the EC. And then the tide changes, and they are on the winning end, and then the EC is a brilliant part of the constitution. Politicians!!!!! Politicians might enter politics for the "right" reasons, but power corrupts everyone in the end, and preserving power becomes their primary motivation, which explains this type of "flip-flopping", IMHO.

EQUAL SENATE REPRESENTATION PER STATE
• To eliminate the "2 Senators per State" structure is even more stringent, and would require ratification by all 50 states (Article V of the Constitution) - that's NEVER going to happen.
• The 2 Senators per State structure was necessary to get the small states to sign on during the Constitutional Convention in the summer of 1787.

LIFE TENURE FOR JUDGES
• Life Tenure for Judges: Madison wrote that life tenure for judges is the best way to secure steady and impartial administration of laws - that is still true today. Kind of like tenure for college professors.
• Side note: Kavanaugh cannot be impeached for conduct BEFORE he became a Supreme Court Justice. Also, Kavanaugh can only be investigated by a referral to federal prosecutors from the Senate, which is the only government entity to have judicial "Advise and Consent" powers.

Posts without a photo are no fun. Here's Brian in Beverage after a challenging hike up to Cove Spring. The funny part is that Brian is sitting in a "butt shaped" cut out in that rock. It was a very hot and very thorny, but very rewarding hike!

In Memoriam: Bev Morgan - Diving Pioneer and Founder of Dive N' Surf

https://divensurf.com/blogs/news/body-glove-history

http://www.internationallegendsofdiving.com/FeaturedLegends/Bev_Morgan_bio.htm

https://www.scubaboard.com/community/threads/bev-morgan-a-pioneer-has-passed.562550/

I worked as the head instructor of Dive N' Surf in Redondo Beach in the late 80's and early 90's.  Part of the Dive N' Surf / Meistrell / Bev Morgan legend is described at the Dive N' Surf web site:

"In 1953, Bev Morgan offered Bill the opportunity to buy in to his local marine / dive shop, Dive N’ Surf. Bev owned the shop with Hap Jacobs, who later pioneered the modern surfboard. Jacobs wanted out and Bill accepted the offer on the condition that his brother Bob be brought in as the third partner. Bev agreed, Bob and Bill borrowed $1800 from their mother and each bought one third of the business. To keep themselves afloat, the twins continued lifeguarding on a part- time basis."

PHOTO: Me and Bev Morgan in 2006 at Bill Meistrell's memorial service at the famous Seaside Lagoon in Redondo Beach.

PHOTO: Me and Bobby Meistrell - I was honored to have known him. One of the greatest watermen EVER.