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06-11-2017, 05:14 AM
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#61
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1 Rivet Member
2014 25' FB International
Oxon Hill
, Maryland
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by majorairhead
I've had a wee bit backing experience with farm equipment. Our 25' airstream responds rather quickly to steering wheel turn.
Best advice I could give is find a decent open area and practice backing it up in a straight line. That'll let you get the feel of how quick the trailer responds to turning the steering wheel of your tow vehicle....plus, the rate of trailer response in relation to how much you turn the steering wheel.
Also when backing, if a jack knife situation ensues, if you sense it coming on, you often have to throw the steering wheel the complete opposite direction to attempt to get the trailer to straighten out....or, pull up a few feet and straighten things out a bit.
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Great advice. We went out yesterday and I had the "ah ha" moment. My realization came when I understood that this is less about turning the trailer while backing up and more about mastering the ability to make sure the tow vehicle can follow the trailer while adjusting the trailer direction.
When backing 45 degrees, smaller steering adjustments were the key for me. And yes, I am getting a feel for throwing the steering wheel in the opposite direction if there is to much bend in with the trailer.
Thanks again for everyone's feedback.
Dave
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06-11-2017, 06:18 AM
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#62
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Rivet Master
2015 30' FB FC Bunk
Ayer
, Massachusetts
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,114
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Go camping a lot.
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06-11-2017, 10:21 AM
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#63
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Living Riveted since 2013
2016 Interstate Lounge Ext
Green Cove Springs
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 8,201
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ted S.
Go camping a lot.
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This.
Oh, and be daring! Don't take the pull-through spots unless they are actually better than the back-in spaces. In campgrounds we usually find that back-in spaces offer more privacy, peace and tranquility than pull-through spots. Not always, but often. In RV parks there is no real difference in most factors, but pull-through spots are often priced higher for no other reason than the ability charge a bit more for convenience.
__________________
Rocinante Piccolo is our new-to-us 2016 Interstate Lounge 3500 EXT
(Named for John Steinbeck's camper from "Travels With Charley")
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06-11-2017, 10:53 AM
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#64
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Rivet Master
2008 22' Safari
Spicewood (W of Austin)
, Texas
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 2,950
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Quote:
Originally Posted by USAtraveler
"No booze campsite"???? Where do they have these? I'll be sure to stay somewhere else.......D
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We camped at the Navajo Reservation...where the LAW says "No Alcohol...NO Firearms." The brochures were very clear that POSSESSION is an offense and that their reservation POLICE will enforce their laws. It's a foreign country as far as matters go...so beware. (I don't know how one rids themselves of forbidden items when already on a long trip and far from other civilization. Driving onto the reservation is a bit late to be informed...and why I'm posting this for others.)
Let's just say... I was discrete. (While Canyon de Chelly was interesting... it's not on our list to be revisited. The Navajos will have to enjoy it for themselves. The stores, gas stations, and other facilities were few, far-between, poorly-stocked, and over-priced. It's no wonder they live near poverty...their own purveyors take advantage of them.)
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06-11-2017, 11:30 AM
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#65
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Rivet Master
2017 26' Flying Cloud
Tampa
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 7,638
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Quote:
Originally Posted by USAtraveler
"No booze campsite"???? Where do they have these?
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I thought most state parks ban alcohol. Wink, wink.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Freqman
When backing 45 degrees, smaller steering adjustments were the key for me. And yes, I am getting a feel for throwing the steering wheel in the opposite direction if there is to much bend in with the trailer.
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It's like learning to drive a stick shift. It seems impossible, then suddenly it's manageable.
Trying to correct a jackknife is too late. Pull forward and take another swipe at it. Mini-corrections.
I had a motorhome with a long overhang, and sometimes towed a short motorcycle trailer. That thing jackknifed by just looking at it. Sloooow.
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06-12-2017, 11:31 AM
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#66
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4 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Vintage Kin Owner
Sonoma Co.
, California
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 297
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Boxite
We camped at the Navajo Reservation...where the LAW says "No Alcohol...NO Firearms." The brochures were very clear that POSSESSION is an offense and that their reservation POLICE will enforce their laws. It's a foreign country as far as matters go...so beware. (I don't know how one rids themselves of forbidden items when already on a long trip and far from other civilization. Driving onto the reservation is a bit late to be informed...and why I'm posting this for others.)
Let's just say... I was discrete. (While Canyon de Chelly was interesting... it's not on our list to be revisited. The Navajos will have to enjoy it for themselves. The stores, gas stations, and other facilities were few, far-between, poorly-stocked, and over-priced. It's no wonder they live near poverty...their own purveyors take advantage of them.)
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I was at Cyn de Chelly myself about 2 months ago. True what you say, brochure sez booze is forbidden ( BIA claims alcoholism is a big problem on many SW Indian reservations). However, the law appears to be aimed more at larger gatherings of noisy campers and picnickers than individuals. Navajo camp rangers frequently patrolled thru the campground, but appeared to have no interest in hassling campers who were not causing a problem or being obvious scofflaws. I enjoy an alcoholic beverage or two in the evening around the campfire, so I first made sure the Navajo rangers were not gonna bust me for incidental infractions. I never tried to hide my actions. Always make an effort to stay on good terms with the prison warden wherever that might be.
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06-12-2017, 01:11 PM
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#67
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Rivet Master
2008 22' Safari
Spicewood (W of Austin)
, Texas
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 2,950
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Quote:
Originally Posted by USAtraveler
I was at Cyn de Chelly myself about 2 months ago. True what you say, brochure sez booze is forbidden ( BIA claims alcoholism is a big problem on many SW Indian reservations). However, the law appears to be aimed more at larger gatherings of noisy campers and picnickers than individuals. Navajo camp rangers frequently patrolled thru the campground, but appeared to have no interest in hassling campers who were not causing a problem or being obvious scofflaws. I enjoy an alcoholic beverage or two in the evening around the campfire, so I first made sure the Navajo rangers were not gonna bust me for incidental infractions. I never tried to hide my actions. Always make an effort to stay on good terms with the prison warden wherever that might be.
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I was discrete in that I only consumed inside the Airstream, but I wish to emphasize once again...the official Navajo Reservations Visitor Brochure clearly stated that POSSESSION was a violation of law... not consumption or use. I could more easily understand a policy where locking the booze or firearm away in the trunk might be a defense to prosecution... but NO..... merely arriving on reservation with the items is a violation. (Reminds one a bit of the old policy prosecuting the attempt to pass thru airport screening with a forgotten item in luggage the same as actually using the item onboard. In Texas, if one has a permit to carry and absent-mindedly arrive at check-in having forgotten to remove it from luggage.... if one immediately departs the area back to the unsecure area....no violation has occurred. Only if one still attempts to pass security or does not possess a permit, does a violation occur. )
I would think that if the Navajo nation wished to encourage tourism they'd find a method of accommodating visitors... such as locking the booze/firearms up/away from ready access and prohibiting their USE... rather than declaring the visitor a law-breaker for possession without recourse.
Just sayin....
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06-12-2017, 02:58 PM
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#68
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Half a Rivet Short
2017 30' Classic
2022 Interstate 24X
Carlisle
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 15,684
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Hi
Right now I'm sitting in an ever popular "camp site" in Lakewood NJ. I'm not going to ask what their policy on booze is. I also am a bit unlikely to to out practicing backing the trailer past a tightly packed block of 100 or so brand new Airstreams .... we'll save all that for later.
Bob
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06-13-2017, 10:34 PM
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#69
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Rivet Master
Tavares
, Florida
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,052
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Quote:
Originally Posted by uncle_bob
Hi
Right now I'm sitting in an ever popular "camp site" in Lakewood NJ. I'm not going to ask what their policy on booze is. I also am a bit unlikely to to out practicing backing the trailer past a tightly packed block of 100 or so brand new Airstreams .... we'll save all that for later.
Bob
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I've camped there before.
Only problem was keeping my wife out of the new 30' Classics on the lot.
__________________
“Character is doing the right thing when nobody’s looking. There are too many people who think that the only thing that’s right is to get by, and the only thing that’s wrong is to get caught.” - J.C. Watts Jr.
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06-14-2017, 07:45 PM
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#70
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Half a Rivet Short
2017 30' Classic
2022 Interstate 24X
Carlisle
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 15,684
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Llando88
I've camped there before.
Only problem was keeping my wife out of the new 30' Classics on the lot.
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Hi
You are about 30 days late with that advice !!!!
Getting back to the original topic of the thread (I know it's a bizarre idea): Pulled the 30 footer out of the lot *without* trashing $10 million worth of inventory sitting there. Had the obligatory "encounter" with an idiot on the turnpike, yes the brakes *do* work when you lock up all eight wheels. Got here to a cute campsite in PA. (I *will* get back on topic .. I PROMISE ...)
Pulled up to the campsite and yup it's a back in. At this point I've absolutely never ever backed this 30' beast once. I've also never backed anything quite like this before. Pull up, rats, it's backing into the passenger side. Line up look at where I am. Get the obligatory "help" from the wife. Back in in pretty much on the second try.
It's not all that hard. Relax, take your time, check things out. You will get it back in there. I've had far more hassle with smaller tow's.
Bob
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06-15-2017, 10:14 AM
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#71
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Rivet Master
2014 20' Flying Cloud
Sag Harbor
, New York
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 17,523
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Quote:
Originally Posted by uncle_bob
. . .
It's not all that hard. Relax, take your time, check things out. You will get it back in there. I've had far more hassle with smaller tow's.
Bob
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Glad it worked out! With your towing experience, the eye-hand coordination for backing a trailer was locked in to the bio-computer a while ago IMO.
Length does not really matter . . .
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06-15-2017, 12:44 PM
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#72
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Rivet Master
2008 22' Safari
Spicewood (W of Austin)
, Texas
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 2,950
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OTRA15
Glad it worked out! With your towing experience, the eye-hand coordination for backing a trailer was locked in to the bio-computer a while ago IMO.
Length does not really matter . . .
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I think length does matter. The shorter trailers have a shorter "arm" between the hitch and the trailer axle. This makes a small correction by the TV a HUGE change in direction of the trailer. A longer trailer is not so sensitive to steering inputs from the TV.
I have 5 trailers (3 utility, 1 boat, and the AS) and the shortest one is the most difficult to back up. Some trailers which are short and low (out-of-sight in rearview) can quickly jackknife when backing...much more troublesome to the longer trailers.
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06-15-2017, 09:53 PM
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#73
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Rivet Master
2017 23' Flying Cloud
Parker
, Colorado
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,772
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Boxite
I think length does matter. The shorter trailers have a shorter "arm" between the hitch and the trailer axle. This makes a small correction by the TV a HUGE change in direction of the trailer. A longer trailer is not so sensitive to steering inputs from the TV.
I have 5 trailers (3 utility, 1 boat, and the AS) and the shortest one is the most difficult to back up. Some trailers which are short and low (out-of-sight in rearview) can quickly jackknife when backing...much more troublesome to the longer trailers.
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This.. 100%... short is wayyyyyyy harder
__________________
Thanks,
Troutboy
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06-16-2017, 02:52 AM
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#74
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Rivet Master
2018 27' International
Southeastern MI
, Michigan
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 2,344
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Troutboy
This.. 100%... short is wayyyyyyy harder
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I'm about to switch to a 25' from a 19'. The short trailer can be jackknifed if you don't watch the angle, but you can stop anytime and reduce the angle by going forward. I can get that thing around a ridiculously tight corner without too much trouble. We'll see about the dual axle when I get it.
I usually have to refuse "help"backing up because everyone has their own way of "helping". Pointing left or right or making "steering wheel"gestures is only confusing. If it's that tight, I stop, get out, and look every few feet. My wife's instructions are "yell if I'm about to hit something, and stay in my mirror view". Works every time!
__________________
2018 International Serenity 27' FB
Michelin 16” tires
Hensley Arrow hitch
Tow Vehicle: 2020 F-350 6.7L Diesel
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06-16-2017, 04:44 AM
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#75
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Rivet Master
2014 20' Flying Cloud
Sag Harbor
, New York
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 17,523
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If anything, the 25' should be easier to back up, as it won't "get wrong" as quickly. We used to have a 25.'
The required eye-hand-rear-view-mirror-only backing method learned decades ago with boats applies to all trailer lengths.
Like riding a larger bicycle . . .
PS -- Good spotter instructions!
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06-16-2017, 06:39 AM
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#76
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Rivet Master
2005 30' Classic
Burlington
, Ontario
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,743
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OTRA15
If anything, the 25' should be easier to back up, as it won't "get wrong" as quickly. We used to have a 25.'
The required eye-hand-rear-view-mirror-only backing method learned decades ago with boats applies to all trailer lengths.
Like riding a larger bicycle . . .
PS -- Good spotter instructions!
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Our 31 ft trailer is certainly way easier to back up than the small luggage trailer that I built to tow behind our motorcycle - even though I had a reverse gear on the bike!
That thing would jack knife in a heartbeat!
In fact if I wanted to back it straight, I found the easiest thing was to back it up
sort of describing a sine wave - ie just constantly weaving either side of the desired path.
Of course the simplest way was to just unhook it and move it by hand!
Brian.
__________________
Brian & Connie Mitchell
2005 Classic 30'
Hensley Arrow / Centramatics
2008 GMC Sierra SLT 2500HD,4x4,Crew Cab, Diesel, Leer cap.
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06-16-2017, 07:05 AM
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#77
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Half a Rivet Short
2017 30' Classic
2022 Interstate 24X
Carlisle
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 15,684
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Hi
I did not go out and try both trailers on the same day, so I'm going by memory. My boat trailer is much shorter than the AS. My memory is that it was quite a bit more "twitchy" to back. It also had the nice feature of being able to push it by hand if I *really* wanted to do something nutty. It seems the AS is not in the "push it by hand" category
Truth in lending: I did more passes to get the thing hooked back up (learning the backup camera) than I did to get it in the space. Sometimes the modern stuff comes with it's own hassles.
Bob
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06-16-2017, 08:42 AM
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#78
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Walnut Creek
, California
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 3,952
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Backup cameras are often just enough off center to make judging position a bit hard for hitch up.
Just a thought for folks who have not had much opportunity to back their vehicle. About a half dozen years ago, I started parking in the home driveway by backing up into the space. The process is more precise than backing out into the street and is a good way to learn to use the mirrors. Reason for starting this practice was the improved safety of pulling out forward when leaving. Win-win and skill improvement activity. Pat
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06-16-2017, 12:20 PM
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#79
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Rivet Master
2008 22' Safari
Spicewood (W of Austin)
, Texas
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 2,950
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It's difficult to see in these pics but this is the result of backing up a 22' Sport single-axle up a 10% grade with an 80-90 degree turn at the end.
One of the most difficult parking spots I've ever encountered, partly due to it being a blind-turn and also due to that boulder in the lower right of the first pic which prevented an early-turn of the wheel...as it would interfere with the front bumper of the truck. This pic was actually taken after the TV was disconnected and we'd returned from an outing. I couldn't simply back straight up the grade because it was too steep to level the trailer and also because chocks were not sufficient to prevent the trailer from rolling downhill and into a huge valley/canyon. This is campsite #13 at City of Rocks, just north of Deming. Most other campsites are better (but they were also already taken.)
Great dry-camping experience, with Gila Cliff dwellings an hour away north. Spent 3 days here.
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06-16-2017, 12:25 PM
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#80
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Living Riveted since 2013
2016 Interstate Lounge Ext
Green Cove Springs
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 8,201
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Looks like a fun camping spot at, perhaps, Joshua Tree. Nice work!
__________________
Rocinante Piccolo is our new-to-us 2016 Interstate Lounge 3500 EXT
(Named for John Steinbeck's camper from "Travels With Charley")
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