Best BBQ EVER!

Monday, November 23rd, 2015

Early in the morning, I woke up and it seemed a bit cooler than it should. Sure enough, the tank of propane had run out, and since tank #2 wasn't on, it did not switch over to the other tank. The heat was not running! it was 57 degrees inside! We huddled together, including the cats. When Tony finally got up, he took this pic of me and the boys, I was sandwiched in.

sealed with a cat!

After breakfast we took it easy, and I did some work. The boys enjoyed new sights and sounds out the window.

OOOH! Look! We are in a Texas State Park!

We ate lunch in the rig, did more organizing and such, and after lunch we made a quick repair to the D-seal over the living room slide. It had slid out of the channel as we drove, about 3 feet. We pushed it back in and Tony secured it with screws again.

We had agreed to meet up with Jay & Stella again to go eat at Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, ranked #2 Barbeque in the state of Texas by Texas Highways Magazine. We jumped in Jay's truck again, and away we went. We had a terrific meal, and even had leftovers for the next day.

The outdoor pit where you select your meat

Our choices: pork ribs, brisket and jalapeño cheese sausage.

After dinner, we all four headed back to the park to sit around a campfire, for a gathering of the Park Hosts. There were about 12 or so already there when we arrived, and they gladly widened the circle and welcomed us in. We had a great fire, and enjoyed the visiting, until the chilly wind decided to encourage us to go home about 8. It was enjoyable! Something we typically do not do ourselves.

Here are some better daylight pics of our site:

We parted ways again with Jay & Stella, and figured we'd get together tomorrow sometime. Tony wanted to go to Marble Falls for pie!

Thanksgiving Trip for the Mammoth

Sunday, November 22, 2015

Back a few months ago, we had talked about going to Pagosa Springs to ski and visit our Heartland friends, Dan & Ann. Unfortunately, we didn't plan very well and decided that with all the things necessary to make a long-distance trip happen and be prepared to ski -- we just weren't ready. We also didn't take into account how busy the month of October was going to be for Tony, working nearly every weekend (marching band contests). So we were sad to have to postpone our visit with them.

Tony still had the week off, so we decided just a few days before, that we might consider taking Mammoth to Terrell to visit family. However, we had to wait to see the outcome of the Cisco playoff game, to see when we needed to return.

Sadly, Cisco lost the game in a heartbreaker in double over-time. The good news was that we wouldn't have to rush back to Cisco for a football game.

We decided to take a trip instead down to Inks Lake State Park, near Burnet, for a few days before heading to Terrell. Our Heartland friends Jay & Stella are park hosting there, so we were able to coordinate with them to get a spot nearby.

It took quite a bit of work to find travel locations for all our stuff. We did not pull out until 2PM! I think with all that work, we realized it was probably a very good thing we didn't try to go for a long trip. We also realized we were more out of shape and out of the practice of traveling than we thought!

On the road again!

The drive was uneventful -- I don't think we even stopped except a quick restroom break. We arrived at Inks lake about 4:45PM.

Trying to set up before it gets dark!

We went to the spot that Jay and Stella had recommended, and had a bit of a challenge to get into it. It was a pull through, but the turn into it was a little sharp for a rig our length. We decided to pull past the "exit" of the site and back in. It took a little bit, but Tony made the Mammoth fit. The site, surprisingly, was sloped much like our site in Cisco!

We got set up enough and turned on the furnace, (it was dropping into the 50s) and Jay & Stella offered to take us out to eat pizza buffet at Mr. Gatti's in Kingsland, for supper. Jay was driving, and going slow on the dark Park Road. He said he was watching for deer. Sure enough, one did jump out in front of us, but Jay was able to slow and avoid it.

We had a good meal and visit, then returned to the park. We parted ways, and we did a little to get the living room livable, watched a little tv, then went to bed. A long day, but glad we are here!!

Washer Dryer Combo Duce!

Saturday, Oct 31, 2015

Today we headed to PPL Motorhomes in Cleburne to see about a washer/dryer combo purchase for Mammoth. They were having a sale, and I certainly didn't want to risk shipping such a large product. After 3 months of using a laundromat, we had decided that having our own machine would be easier -- less time consuming, and easier to get Tony's school band director shirts washed in a timely manner when he needs them.

I had researched and we decided to purchase the Pinnacle SuperCombo, which allows the user to choose between vented and ventless operation. We weren't sure we would install the dryer vent in the Mammoth (which requires drilling a 4-inch hole in the side), so this Combo W/D gave us the option.

We made the purchase, along with a few other things including a pan that goes under the unit to catch leaks, and headed home. The unit slid into the back of my small SUV just fine. Once we slid it out again and got it over to the coach steps, We were able to tip the unit onto the first step, then tilt it into the rig onto its side to get it in. We then uprighted it and took the box off of it. 

We were not able to get it installed right away -- it took a week or so to get time to do it. In that time, we researched where to install the vent, and I ordered the dryer vent pieces from Amazon.

Here's a few pics of the install:

Hole cut for the vent

Installing the vent cover

Vent pipe, pan, and overflow hose ready for the Combo

Pinnacle SuperCombo installed

Getting the unit up the stairs inside was a little easier, as they are carpeted. We tipped the unit onto its side once again to go up the steps, uprighted it, then put furniture-moving feet under it to slide it over to the closet for install (carefully removing the "locking rods" before final placement.)

After a week of use, we determined that the unit was not performing as we expected. The air coming out of the vent did not have much pressure, and the side of the unit got very hot. There was also an funny smell, suggesting something was burning or getting way too warm.

After getting a very challenging response from the manufacturer, (they wanted to send a tech to assess the issue, then send parts for the tech repair -- so two "visits" to attempt to fix, rather than swap the unit out,) we decided to contact the seller and exchange the unit for a Splendide Combo Vented unit, instead. PPL was extremely easy to deal with and helped us make the exchange very easy. (The hard part was of course getting the old unit out and back into the car, then the new unit back in the rig and installed.)

The second install went much easier than the first, because we knew what we were doing. :)

Now we have the new Splendide, and we are far more satisfied with its performance!

New Splendide Combo 2100XC installed

Mammoth gets some upgrades

October 2015

Well, it's November, and time just seems to fly. We haven't been on any trips with the Mammoth, but we have done a few things to her to make living in the RV a little easier. 

Here's a few things we've done:

We decided to get a universal RV stove cover, and now use that surface to place our new NuWave induction cooktop. The cooktop is great! We had to get new cookware to use it, however the cookware is much better than out old stuff and can be used on gas if we want to. The cooktop is just one "burner" so you have to plan accordingly. It heats via the magnetic field through the pan, and digitally controls the temperature to be exact. That's great for me, no more guessing if it's too hot or not enough. 

Stovetop cover and new induction cooktop. We've since turned the cooktop 90* so the cord isn't at a strange angle.

 Another upgrade, not to Mammoth but to the truck, was to finally add running boards! We asked Tony's coworker to do it, as well as new Hawk brake pads. Both definitely help the truck do its job!!

Another addition to the Mammoth was a metal sign. We saw this vendor at the State Fair of Texas last year, but we were not prepared to buy and they only sell in person --they are strictly a traveling vendor -- no online sales. So, I was prepared for what I wanted, this year! It's entirely custom, they design it while you watch, then it's cut out of colored vinyl and applied to a white metal shape. It looks great over the door. 

Another project was to replace the motor for the fireplace. We had a replacement part sent under warranty last spring, but had not got around to installing it. It takes removing the fireplace and disassembling the top to get to the innards. It's not hard but it takes two people to do it. We did the work in about an hour, and we have supplemental heat again!  The fireplace is great for chilly mornings that eventually warm up, so you don't have to run the big ol' furnace. 

One more project was to upgrade our shoe racks. We have a place to keep shoes in racks on the peninsula, this helps keep them up off the floor and out of the way. Well, we end up with more shoes than we had rack, so I found some new longer racks. Have to add pic later. 

{well, as requested, here's a pic. Right now the shoes are not in the rack and the rack is relocated due to the Combo w/d sitting where they are until it's installed, but here's a pic I was able to crop so you can see the racks. They are held onto the front of the wall with command hooks. And yes, these are the new ones and we still have too many shoes!!!}

Another couple I forgot! Our propane detector was "out of date". According to the date stamped on it, it needed replacement in June of 2015. We haven't had issues with it, but they say they lose effectiveness over time. We replaced it with the same brand, a Safe-t-alert, but the new one detects propane and Carbon monoxide. We have dedicated CO detectors, but it never hurts to have another one. The model: MTI 35-742-WT White LP and Carbon Monoxide Flush Mount Detector.

  

Tony installing the propane detector

We also replaced the smoke detector with one recommended by Mac The Fire Guy: a Kidde Pi9010 Battery Dual Photoelectric and Ionization Sensor Smoke Alarm, which senses slow smoldering fires as well as fast burning ones. The grea part is it has a HUSH button, to shut it off quickly when the toaster slightly burns the toast!

The month of October we enjoyed a pretty mum hanging on a Shepard's hook at the edge of our site. Here's a few pics as it bloomed:

Our next project will be to install our new Pinnacle combo washer/dryer. Look for that in an upcoming post!  

By the way, we did take a few trips that could have been trailer trips if we wanted:

Trip to San Antonio to watch UIL State Marching Competition. Trip to Terrell to visit, and Dallas to see the Musical, The Sound of Music. 

We had to miss a few Rallies this fall, and we've been sad about that. But it kind of helped us decide to become the West Texas Chapter Leaders of the Heartland Owners Club! We will be hosting our inaugural Rally in Quanah, TX in March. 

So long for now!

Trip without the Mammoth!

Saturday, September 5th

Well, this is an odd post for a travel blog, but because our traveling vehicle is now our home, its role has slightly changed. 

With Labor Day approaching, we decided to take a trip to Durant, OK to enjoy the casino. Normally, we would be taking Mammoth and heading to the Choctaw KOA. This time, we decided tear-down and set-up would be too much for a quick weekend trip, especially with school in full swing and Friday night  football games have now begun. 

 We made reservations at the LaQuinta Inn & Suites in Durant, since they were a pet-friendly hotel. We headed out about 1pm in the truck, kitties in carrier, and back seat loaded with *gasp* luggage! (When we go in the Mammoth, there's no need for luggage.)

We had an uneventful trip there, using the truck's navigation system. The most unfun part was across from Denton toward McKinney on 380. Lots of stoplights! 

We got checked in, then made arrangements to go to eat with Tony's folks who were also staying in Durant for the weekend. We picked them up and went to eat at Chilis. It was good food, great service and visiting! 

After dinner we took them back and had a quiet evening watching tv. The cats were exploring everything. I bet I get no sleep! 

Sunday, September 6th

Well I was right, no sleep. Cats up and into stuff most of the night. Morning came, and Tony got us waffles and sausage at the complimentary breakfast. We had eaten Texas shaped waffles at the LaQuinta in Eastland, but sadly, they did not have Oklahoma shaped waffles here. 

After breakfast Tony headed to the casino and I stayed home with the kitties and rested since I barely slept. After a while he came home with burgers and shakes from Braums, one of our favorites in Terrell, the that we don't get in west Texas. 

Even with just me in bed, they have to be touching me. 

After lunch we went back to the casino and played some more, hanging out some with Tony's folks. I actually did pretty good, playing one slot machine for a few hours. 

Yes, we found the window! Wow, it's high up!

Third floor, center section, kittie watches. 

Late afternoon we headed back and stopped for a quick dinner bite at the Rib Crib. It was ok, not great. We watched tv and relaxed the rest of the evening. 

Monday, September 7th

The cats did much better last night, finally settling into sleeping with us most of the night. Even in a king sized bed, they sandwhich me in! Tony got us breakfast of eggs, sausage and biscuits this morning, then went to play the free money he got from the casino. He returned about 10, and we finalized our packing and checked out at time, 11am. 

We decided to go home a different way, more countryside driving: Sherman to Gainesville to Bowie, (ate lunch) then Jacksboro to Graham to Breckenridge and home. It was a much more pleasant and scenic drive. As we approached the town of Saint Jo, we were met with large amounts of toy haulers, jeeps, and trucks pulling trailers with a variety of muddy off road toys, including a number of "monster trucks". With a little research, I figured out there was an event outside Saint Jo over Labor Day, called "Rednecks with Paychecks", apparently geared toward having a blast with off-road vehicles. It must have been fun, lots of dirt on those we saw "going home". 

We got home just before 4, and had time to relax for the evening. Although I don't mind this kind of travel, I sure missed MY bed, MY bathroom, MY towels and sheets. But the kitties do fairly well, so we may entertain it again in the future.

It was good to be home in the Mammoth again. 

Electricity is in the air...

Monday, August 10th

Today, we had a bit of excitement, so I thought it was blog-worthy. While I was working, Tony was relaxing and getting ready to head to work, about 11:00 or so we suddenly heard some cracking/popping sounds, almost like when a small rock hits a glass window. We both had time to say, "What was that?" and "I don't know!" before the AC power went out. I said, "Oh we just lost power!" and Tony said "Oh no, look!" as SMOKE came rolling out of the television!

We quickly un plugged the TV, threw the 50 amp breaker in the coach, and ran outside to throw the breaker at the park pedestal. We started trying to assess the damage. We found that the surge protector, which is plugged into the pedestal, appeared to be Ok at first glance, but the RV's power cord, plugged into it, was melted. We could find no other visible signs of damage.

After some quick evaluation, we contacted the Park to let them know of the issue, and spoke to the neighbor who said he had no problems. We decided since the temps were headed to the 100s again, we needed to take the cats and go get a new power cord and surge protector. I called ahead to verify they had what we needed, and hit the road.

We arrived at Tanner RV, just west of Baird, and purchased their only 50 amp cord and entry-level SurgeGuard protector, and headed back. A quick stop to grab some food, and we returned. Tony checked with the Park owners, who said the Electrician they contacted could not find any fault with the pedestal wiring.

We then decided not to trust the rig wiring at this point... Tony needed to get to work, so I contacted a hotel in Eastland that was pet-friendly, and we headed there.

Tuesday, August 11th

Tuesday AM, we left the cats at the hotel and headed over to check on the rig. We detached the damaged pieces from each other and realized that it appeared the heat there had to be building for a while. I had also done a bunch of research to find out why this happened. We took out the Multimeter and began to assess some of the areas of concern. We needed to verify the plug at the pedestal was wired correctly (Which our new surge protector indicated was OK) and that there was not damage to the rig's connection to the cord. We then checked the breaker panel for loose or damaged wiring. About 10am, we wrapped up as the heat inside the rig was getting bad -- it was up to 94, and climbing, and Tony needed to get back to the hotel and clean up for work. 

Fried 50amp Power Cord

Fried Surge Protector (neutral from Power Cord stuck in it)

Wednesday, August 12th

Today, we left the cats at the hotel and again headed over early in the AM to assess the trailer. This time we started working with the outlets inside the rig. We turned on the 50amp breakers, and verified we had power to the rig, then began checking the outlets with the multimeter. All appeared to be reading as they should. We then checked each breaker to make sure the appliances on those worked correctly. Ceiling fan, Converter, Microwave, Water Heater, ACs, Fridge all tested OK. At 10:30, it was again too hot to continue in the rig, and Tony needed to get to work. I contacted our insurance company to begin a claim, since I was sure this was covered and damaged items were going to be expensive to replace. I also ordered a new Surge Protector that reads the voltage, amp draw, Hz, as well as checks for improper wiring, and cuts power for low and high voltage. Our old one did some of this, but did not give us readings of actual power usage.

Thursday, August 13th

Today we weren't able to spend much time testing due to work obligations, but we did a little. We checked all the items that were plugged in at the time of the "surge" to see if they worked or not. I had always heard to worry about surges and low voltage, so we did have some inside plug-in protectors for a variety of items. The TV and devices plugged into it did have a surge strip, but it was not a very good one. The computer and printer had their own surge devices, as well as the upstairs tv, and a few more around the rig for other things. We determined that a few of these surge protectors had obvious "burned plastic smell", so we did not plug them in again. 

Based on this assessment and more internet research and talking to an RV tech and other knowledgeable RV friends, we decided that the problem rested with our power cord, and the surge was minor. We decided that we could probably safely move back into the rig, and continue our testing. 

Friday, August 14th

We moved back into the rig mid morning. We had left the ACs running 24 hours, and everything seemed to be working fine. Tony picked up some new surge protectors for inside the rig, and we began plugging in necessities and testing multiple things running at once, carefully checking our read-out on the Protector. We felt we were back in business! We did some more research to locate a replacement TV, a sad loss since it fit the space perfectly and was only 2 years old. We found a replacement, and made that purchase. 

The weekend was spent checking things over some more and additional research. The adjuster comes on Monday.

Monday, August 17th

Mid afternoon, the Insurance Company's RV specialist/adjuster came to see the damage and determine applicable reimbursement for our losses. We are happy with the numbers they came up with, replacing our damaged cord, 50amp surge protector, TV and 2 interior surge protectors. Based on his experience, it looked like a typical surge to him. Possibly the power cord had some issue (loose wires?) Heat buildup melted the connection, and caused a momentary surge before the power cut out. Since the failure was already past our Surge Protector, it could not catch it to stop it.

We have resumed our daily living, hopefully this kind of excitement is far behind us!

Finally Settled

Sunday, July 26

Today was moving day all over again. Because of the flooding potential, and the daily drive, we decided that living in Cisco would be better for us, even though we loved the lake and the view.

It too a while to get the rig ready for travel with all the extra stuff we now had. I managed to find a place for most everything, and some stuff we put in my car. 

We finally pulled out about 12. 

Tony pulling Mammoth ahead of me as we drive through the park. This spot was completely covered in 1ft or more of flood waters just a few weeks ago.

A look back across the pond in the park, towards our old site.

We stopped at the Shell station before getting on I-20 to check tires and make sure everything was ok. The drive is not far, but the Mammoth is pretty heavy, I can tell!

We got to the new park in Cisco about 12:45, and it was already pretty hot outside. We got the AC going and decided to wait to unhitch until after we ate. Tony ran and picked up some food, and we ate in the bedroom under the dump of the AC. 

After resting for about 15 minutes, we began to tackle unhitching and leveling. We discovered the site is very unlevel, it slopes down front to back and is a little higher on the door side. With our Ground Control System and some trial and error, we finally got her set up. We had a little issue unhitching the pin, too, because of the tilt and slope. The jaws did not want to open. Finally with much up and down and angled adjusting, the jaws opened enough so we tried to drive out. Yay, it worked! Since this hitch is still new to us, it was a learning experience. 

Finally, we got the slides out and set up. 

See how high she is in front? 

Our little cul-de-sac. At least we have green to look out on from the door side.

This is not the same area we were in last time here, it's actually behind the office area almost the next block.thats good because there are trees and buildings between us and I-20, so you don't really hear the road noise. Right now we are the only ones in this area of the park. Potentially we could have 4 or so more.

Tony starts band camp tomorrow, so I'll start working and settling in. Good news is the cell service is excellent, within sight of a tower less than 1/4 mile away. No wifi at the park yet, but it's coming, they say.

Whew! Good to be HOME. Now to make it that!