Newcomer Questions

[bluebirdsp36]

When it comes to RV laundry, my method is efficient, economical, and
productive. When my wife goes to the camp laundry, I take a nap!

Paul
90 SP-36
VA




--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Don Bradner"
wrote:
>
> The usage pattern with a Splendide is definitely different than
when you have high-capacity W/Ds available, but it is not hard to get
in a habit of one or two loads per day that don't interfere with
anything else you might be doing (except driving!). The zero minutes
waiting for wash and zero minutes waiting for dry are concurrent,
since the machine does both automatically.
>
> Don Bradner
> 90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
> Posting on the road by satellite from
> Portland, Oregon

[Leroy Eckert]

I have heard people gripe about the Splendide. If I through it out, the wife
would have a cow. We just got back form a 3.5 day trip, three adults?? and 3
children on board. Never hooked up to water or emptied the tanks until we parked
at home base. The black tank is squeeky clean now because the wife and
step-daughter put the clothes in daily. We do fine with the Splendide.

Leroy Eckert
1990 WB-40"Smoke N Mirrors"
Niceville, FL


----- Original Message -----
From: Rob Robinson
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2007 5:40 AM
Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Newcomer Questions


Ryan I agree with you except for the washer/dryer. We have never had to wait
at a laundromat. In fact we use campground facilities and there has never in
our three years of full-timing been a problem in that regard. The first
thing I did was throw that Splendid out the front door. I now use the
available space for storage and a large laundry hamper. The hamper, like my
tanks, let's us go a long time between 'wash Mondays' and when we chose to
do a wash it is done much faster in a campground laundromat. Having said
this you could put an apartment style washer/dryer in but I believe the
dryer would be slower than taking it to a regular laundry.

On 20/05/07, Ryan Wright wrote:
>
> Allen,
>
> I haven't had my bird a month yet and have never full timed in an RV,
> so take everything I say with a huge grain of salt. That said:
>
> I bought a PT-40 and I'm very glad I did. I wouldn't want anything
> smaller, to be honest, not for the weekend warrior type camping I plan
> to do and certainly not for full timing. I'm the type who likes to be
> prepared and independent. I don't like looking for a laundromat and
> then waiting around several hours to wash my clothes. I like having
> huge storage tanks so I can fill up once and not deal with it for the
> next thousand miles. I shop at Costco so I always have thirty extra
> rolls of toilet paper handy and eight huge, juicy steaks in my
> freezer.
>
> If we didn't have kids at home, my wife and I could full time in this
> RV (as soon as I add that washer/dryer). No problem. Anything smaller,
> no way. This one's big enough for two people and their stuff and all
> of the amenities and it has amazing fuel, water, & holding capacities,
> not to mention more storage than I know what to do with. Now, I know
> many people full time in smaller vehicles and use laundromats and so
> on but I'm not one of them. I like my privacy, my independence, and
> the feeling of security I get from being fully stocked up and able to
> last for long(er) periods of time without help from the world. (It's
> part convenience, part paranoia.)
>
> Certainly there are downsides to the larger vehicle (more expensive to
> buy and operate, can't get in to some parks, slightly more difficult
> to maneuver, etc) but for me, the pluses far, far outweigh the
> minuses.
>
> BTW, I talked to a guy down the street who has been full timing in a
> PT-40 for several years and he loves it. After having mine, even for
> such a short time, I can fully see why. This size vehicle is very
> livable with few, if any, sacrifices necessary.
>
> -Ryan
> '86 PT-40 8V92
> Tri-Cities, WA
>
> On 5/16/07, skip_slade <skip@... <skip%40ajarvis.net>> wrote:
> >
> > Hello to All,
> >
> > My wife and I are now in our early sixties and are seriously
> > contemplating full-timing for a few years. We anticipate spending
> > much of the winter well south of the Mason-Dixon and summers in the
> > northeast. We'd probably put approximately two to three thousand
> > miles a year on any rig purchased.
> >
> > I have long admired the BlueBird approach to RVing; however, I must
> > admit that my knowledge in this area is shallow at best. My wife and
> > I would greatly appreciate any comments from current full-timers
> > regarding years and models to look for as well as features that are
> > considered truly indispensable. When considering any used unit, are
> > there problem areas that consistently appear and for which we
> > definitely should be on the lookout?
> >
> > Also, we are determined to avoid purchasing more vehicle than is
> > necessary. Generally speaking, what minimum size seems to function
> > properly for most full-timers and provide the best compromise between
> > convenience and maneuverability? Anyone wishing to offer rough
> > estimates on annual utility costs are encouraged to do so.
> >
> > Thanks in advance to anyone willing to take the time and make the
> > effort.
> >
> > Allen Jarvis
> > Merchantville, N.J.
>
>

--
Rob, Sue & Merlin Robinson
94 WLWB

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Ryan Wright]

On 5/20/07, Don Bradner wrote:
>
> The washer/dryer argument will never end, but being on the Splendide side I
find it
> amusing that the slowness of its dry cycle is ever an argument. I see it this
way.
>
> Laundromat: Dry in 20 minutes
> Splendide: Dry in 60 minutes
> Laundromat: Wait 20 minutes for it to dry.
> Splendide: Wait zero minutes for it to dry.

Right, Don, that's my point of view on it. I understand why people
chuck 'em - if you like to stay in campgrounds and prefer to use their
laundry facilities, why not. Myself, I like to boondock; to just pull
in to a truck stop or Wal-Mart or what have you, park, eat and sleep.
So, there aren't always laundry facilities nearby. If I can get up in
the morning and throw in the laundry, it can run while I'm going down
the road. Doesn't take any of my time.

-Ryan
'86 PT-40 8V92 - no Splendide yet, but will be the first major thing I add.
Tri-Cities, WA

[Don Bradner]

We have done that, but only rarely. Don't like to run the generator for such a
single-purpose reason.

Don Bradner
90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
Posting on the road by satellite from
Portland, Oregon

On 5/21/2007 at 4:33 PM Ryan Wright wrote:

>If I can get up in
>the morning and throw in the laundry, it can run while I'm going down
>the road. Doesn't take any of my time.

[runnerful]

Hi Leroy,

I'm curious to read that your washer is plumbed into your black
tank. Is this the rule with BBs?

I'd also like to make a couple of comments regarding onboard laundry
equipment.

One, the Splendide, if I remember correctly, is a one-piece
washer/dryer. It can do only one thing at a time - wash or dry.
The entire cycle, depending on how heavey the clothing is, can take
over two hours, for some, three hours. Stacked units, obviously,
are two pieces and the dryer dries while the washer washes = double
the throughput but doubles the space it takes up. (And you must
transfer the load from the washer to the dryer so there is a bit
more labour.)

Two, some campgrounds charge extra if you have/use your own laundry
equipment: some do not allow the use of onboard laundry equipment.

Three, you will still have to go to public laundries for big stuff
like sleeping bags, duvets etc.

Four, you are adding weight to your rig and every pound costs fuel
efficiency. I know, I know, 200# doesn't figure very large as a
part of 30 - 40,000#, but it all counts. Two hundred pounds here
and two hundred pounds there... well it's kinda like being nibbled
to death by ducks. They'll get there eventually.

Five, if you intend to boondock, you are limited as to time by your
supply of fresh water and/or your storage of used water. Doing
laundry onboard will have a significant negative impact on your, um,
staying power.

Six, the campground laundry is frequently an important part of the
social activities at the campground. And if you are a little
reluctant to approach strangers and strike up a conversation, like
me, chatting while doing laundry is an easy way of easing into new
friendships, not to mention finding out what's happening.

Seven, not having to hike over to the laundry in the pouring rain
because you've run out of clean "whatevers" is priceless.

Ginger
BB wannabee

PS: Leroy, is there _really_ a place named "Niceville" in Florida?

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Leroy Eckert"
wrote:
>
> I have heard people gripe about the Splendide. If I through it
out, the wife would have a cow. We just got back form a 3.5 day
trip, three adults?? and 3 children on board. Never hooked up to
water or emptied the tanks until we parked at home base. The black
tank is squeeky clean now because the wife and step-daughter put the
clothes in daily. We do fine with the Splendide.
>
> Leroy Eckert
> 1990 WB-40"Smoke N Mirrors"
> Niceville, FL

[Leroy Eckert]

I don't know. My prints show the plumbing different than it actually is. That
is nothing new in a Royale Conversion. I am elated the Splendide enters the
Black tank. Keeps is squeaky clean.

The Splendide that we have is a two function single hole machine. It works well.

I've never been in a campground that prevented us from using the W/D. Besides
how are they to know?

I do not own a sleeping bag or tent, that is why I purchased a BB. I needed a
place to sleep.

I don't have a weight problem, excepting myself, to much beer over the years.

If you are boondocking you can be clean or dirty. That is a personal choice. I
personally do not consider WalMart or Jimmy's Truck Stop boondocking. lol You
can cheat and add water.

I prefer Friday's or Hooters as a social location as opposed to the laundromat.
I find it difficult to believe you will have any difficulty starting a
conversation. lol

Rain won't hurt. If you are out of water it is a way to get clean, free.

Niceville---Yes, it is here next to the Choctawhatchee Bay in the panhandle of
NW FL. It is where a lot of nice people live. lol Excepting myself. lol The
HOA stays on me, especially if I plant the BB in the street, in particular if
the trailer is hooked up to it.

Regards:
Leroy Eckert
1990 WB-40"Smoke N Mirrors"
Niceville, FL
----- Original Message -----
From: runnerful
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, May 22, 2007 9:40 AM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Newcomer Questions


Hi Leroy,

I'm curious to read that your washer is plumbed into your black
tank. Is this the rule with BBs?

I'd also like to make a couple of comments regarding onboard laundry
equipment.

One, the Splendide, if I remember correctly, is a one-piece
washer/dryer. It can do only one thing at a time - wash or dry.
The entire cycle, depending on how heavey the clothing is, can take
over two hours, for some, three hours. Stacked units, obviously,
are two pieces and the dryer dries while the washer washes = double
the throughput but doubles the space it takes up. (And you must
transfer the load from the washer to the dryer so there is a bit
more labour.)

Two, some campgrounds charge extra if you have/use your own laundry
equipment: some do not allow the use of onboard laundry equipment.

Three, you will still have to go to public laundries for big stuff
like sleeping bags, duvets etc.

Four, you are adding weight to your rig and every pound costs fuel
efficiency. I know, I know, 200# doesn't figure very large as a
part of 30 - 40,000#, but it all counts. Two hundred pounds here
and two hundred pounds there... well it's kinda like being nibbled
to death by ducks. They'll get there eventually.

Five, if you intend to boondock, you are limited as to time by your
supply of fresh water and/or your storage of used water. Doing
laundry onboard will have a significant negative impact on your, um,
staying power.

Six, the campground laundry is frequently an important part of the
social activities at the campground. And if you are a little
reluctant to approach strangers and strike up a conversation, like
me, chatting while doing laundry is an easy way of easing into new
friendships, not to mention finding out what's happening.

Seven, not having to hike over to the laundry in the pouring rain
because you've run out of clean "whatevers" is priceless.

Ginger
BB wannabee

PS: Leroy, is there _really_ a place named "Niceville" in Florida?

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Leroy Eckert"
wrote:
>
> I have heard people gripe about the Splendide. If I through it
out, the wife would have a cow. We just got back form a 3.5 day
trip, three adults?? and 3 children on board. Never hooked up to
water or emptied the tanks until we parked at home base. The black
tank is squeeky clean now because the wife and step-daughter put the
clothes in daily. We do fine with the Splendide.
>
> Leroy Eckert
> 1990 WB-40"Smoke N Mirrors"
> Niceville, FL





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Don Bradner]

On 5/22/2007 at 3:48 PM Leroy Eckert wrote:

>I don't know. My prints show the plumbing different than it actually is.
>That is nothing new in a Royale Conversion. I am elated the Splendide
>enters the Black tank. Keeps is squeaky clean.

We plumbed ours to the blackwater because it was much easier, given where it
was. I'm not unhappy about it either.

>The Splendide that we have is a two function single hole machine. It works
>well.
>
>I've never been in a campground that prevented us from using the W/D.
>Besides how are they to know?

I've been in one in the last 100K miles of travel with the majority of nights
spent in RV parks (Elkart, Indiana). We used it anyway.

Ditto the rest of your post

Don Bradner
90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
Posting on the road by satellite from
Portland, Oregon

[Leroy Eckert]

Don:
My only concern long-term is whether laundry detergent will eat away at the
level probes in the blackwater tank. It would do the same in the greywater. I
rarely get a bad reading on level because it stays clean.
How do you snip the comments and insert the response? Can't figure that out. I'm
a gear head, not a computer guru. I usually post from Outlook Express as opposed
to Yahoo.

Leroy Eckert
1990WB-40"Smoke N Mirrors"
Niceville, FL

----- Original Message -----
From: Don Bradner
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, May 22, 2007 4:21 PM
Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Newcomer Questions


On 5/22/2007 at 3:48 PM Leroy Eckert wrote:

>I don't know. My prints show the plumbing different than it actually is.
>That is nothing new in a Royale Conversion. I am elated the Splendide
>enters the Black tank. Keeps is squeaky clean.

We plumbed ours to the blackwater because it was much easier, given where it
was. I'm not unhappy about it either.

>The Splendide that we have is a two function single hole machine. It works
>well.
>
>I've never been in a campground that prevented us from using the W/D.
>Besides how are they to know?

I've been in one in the last 100K miles of travel with the majority of nights
spent in RV parks (Elkart, Indiana). We used it anyway.

Ditto the rest of your post

Don Bradner
90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
Posting on the road by satellite from
Portland, Oregon





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Don Bradner]

On 5/22/2007 at 5:11 PM Leroy Eckert wrote:

>My only concern long-term is whether laundry detergent will eat away at
>the level probes in the blackwater tank. It would do the same in the
>greywater. I rarely get a bad reading on level because it stays clean.

I would be surprised if it was worse than the "natural" stuff that goes in!

>How do you snip the comments and insert the response? Can't figure that
>out. I'm a gear head, not a computer guru. I usually post from Outlook
>Express as opposed to Yahoo.

I'm using an e-mail client called Courier (Used to be Calypso). When I hit
reply, it is set to start out with a full quote of everything that came in.

From there I just delete, add blank lines, type, etc. Nothing special. In many
cases I top post, but there are times that in-line contextual posting makes more
sense. I try not to be wedded to one posting style to the exclusion of logic.

Don Bradner
90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
Posting on the road by satellite from
Portland, Oregon

[Jon]

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Don Bradner"
wrote:
>
> The usage pattern with a Splendide is definitely different than
when you have high-capacity W/Ds available, but it is not hard to get
in a habit of one or two loads per day that don't interfere with
anything else you might be doing (except driving!). The zero minutes
waiting for wash and zero minutes waiting for dry are concurrent,
since the machine does both automatically.
>
> Don Bradner
> 90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
> Posting on the road by satellite from
> Portland, Oregon
>
> On 5/20/2007 at 9:33 AM Rob Robinson wrote:
>
> >I hear ya Don but you got to admit to do a large wash in a
Splendid you
> >have
> >to spend all day with many loads or many days with single loads
waiting
> >zero
> >minutes to do the wash. Then you have to do the zero minute thing
all over
> >again to accomplish the drying. At least you get your exercise I
guess VBG.
> >You are also right that the washer/dryer thing is like tires and
batteries.
> >A never-ending source or conjecture.
> >
> >On 20/05/07, Don Bradner wrote:
> >>
> >> The washer/dryer argument will never end, but being on the
Splendide
> >> side I find it amusing that the slowness of its dry cycle is
ever an
> >> argument. I see it this way.
> >>
> >> Laundromat: Dry in 20 minutes
> >> Splendide: Dry in 60 minutes
> >> Laundromat: Wait 20 minutes for it to dry.
> >> Splendide: Wait zero minutes for it to dry.
> >>
> >> Same for the wash part, not to mention the time to haul the
clothes
> >> somewhere. When the W/D is in your own house, it takes up none
of your
> >time
> >> to wash and dry, regardless of the chronological time spent by
the
> >machine.


Hay you guys you have it all wrong with this Washer Dryer thing! Just
get one of these as a present for your wife and your washing machines
worries will be over! And while your at it you can get a peice of
rope and make a washing line on top of the old rig! Jon
http://www.redhillgeneralstore.com/B32851503.htm

Jon
Up in Bremerton
"Where there is allways plenty of fresh water"
78 Wanderlodge
>