AL-KO Wheel Bearings

AL-KO Wheel Bearings

    Wheel bearings create a certain haze in my mind.  I understand their value and function but please don’t ask me to explain their design.  I’m leaving that to the engineers.  The proper maintenance is important to the life of your bearings… and the savings in your wallet.  You can  “repack the inner and outer bearings easily, without disassembly” according to the company.  Repacking of the bearings with grease is important to their function and longevity; so repacking bearings quickly and easily without disassembly seems like a money saver to me.  Referred to as “Ultulube” and available for trailers from 2,000 lbs to 8,000 lbs with either rubber suspension or leaf spring axles.  Here’s the deal, don’t over grease them (I did that) and my dealer gave me a polite lesson ($150) in cleaning up my over greasing.  The company says the hubs and components should also be disassembled yearly and inspected for worn and otherwise damages parts.  That seems to me to remove the ease… and cost of hub greasing if I’m ask to  disassembled yearly.  I’m not sure what to make of all of this.  Their side of the story can be found at www.al-kousa.com.  I like the idea of saving maintenance money but I’m not sure I’m accomplishing that with this product.

George Bogosian       

Pittsfield, NH 

ADCO RV Cover-up

ADCO RV Cover-up

    This will be our fifth year with our ADCO cover, but it took some repairs using a sewing machine and some backing material to keep it functioning properly.  The worst culprit was the water spouts on the roof at each corner that protrudes out 4 inches.  Overall the cover has done its job and I would recommend it to others and we will purchase another once this one comes apart and is no longer being functional.  It cost $165 in 2011 from RV Wholesalers.  There are different models offered by the company and you choose your model based on your location and the weather conditions your RV will be subjected to during your off season. We purchased an Aqua Shed model designed for our climate with moderate UV.   ADCO says the cover is not waterproof.  They say that in order to prevent mildew from moisture penetration the cover needs to be breathable.  It is a breathable cover concept.  They make covers for all type or RVs’.  The website (www.adcoprod.com) allows you to view their products and find your cover options and model; but you’ll have to purchase from one of their dealers and there are many of those nationally.

    The zippered entry doors create access when I need to enter the RV.  I do like the nylon straps and buckles that go under the rig and helps in securing the cover.  It does come with a two year warranty.  That at least is showing confidence in their product. 

    Be careful of using a non breathable tarp as it may cause more damage with trapped moisture.  A breathable cover is your best bet unless you have inside storage, but that only makes me envious.  This has been an RV cover-up.

George Bogosian

Pittsfield, NH 

AC Capacitor Upgrade

Air Conditioner Capacitor upgrade

    When I was considering a generation for my trailer to run my air conditioner I changed the capacitor to help with start up. It’s referred to as a “hard start capacitor kit” priced around $15.   Its purpose is to reduce the load on the generator and get the air up and running quickly.  With higher temperatures and humidity there is more stress on starting the AC unit.  The capacitor creates a boost of current to the compressor while reducing less wear and tear on the electronics of your equipment.  The capacitor simply kit creates more power to start the unit.  I’m not an AC expert and this info came from my research of this issue.  I knew that underpowered generator could cause damage to my AC unit and one solution other than a larger generator was changing out the capacitor on the AC.  My Champion 3100 watt inverter generator runs the 13,500 BTU AC with no problems and I hope to think that the hard star kit is helping to start up my AC and reduce problems.  I like to think it’s helping.  I did the install myself.  You can find information on the schematic info sheet found under the cover hood of the AC on your RV roof.  It will outline where the capacitor can be attached.  You need to size the capacitor based on your unit and BTU output.   The capacitors can be purchased on line. I used the capacitor from Supco company. I wanted to bring to your awareness this possibility of upgrading the capacitor and there is amble information on line dealing with installation.  

George Bogosian

Pittsfield, NH

Equal-i-zer Sway Control Hitch

Equal-i-zer Sway Control Hitch

    I own this hitch and recognize the bias I may have in this review.  But I dislike products that don’t function as promised and this hitch is well made and delivers performance.  You chose one of their four units based on the maximum loaded trailer weight and maximum loaded tongue weight.  I realize their reputation is high in the hitch field, but reputation can get lost in the company hype.  This product delivers.  Heavy steel, brackets, bolts, pins make up the parts and I see no short cuts taken in producing this product.  In the world of often marginal products it’s nice to see a company leaving short cuts to someone else.  The hitch weighs 50 lbs and the two spring arms come in at 20 lbs each.  I use a Hitchgrip (another review) to lift the hitch into my tow vehicle.  I leave the spring arms attached (90lbs) when I install the hitch.  A quality sway control hitch can play a huge part of your safety when you’re rolling down the road.  Weight distribution with your tow vehicle and minimizing sway of the trailer is high on my radar for safe travels.  This hitch helps to minimize shake, rattle and roll.  I feel safer… and I am safer.

    These hitches are expensive and I know many of you don’t use one but I ask you to consider the safety it would add to your journeys.  Even though I’m do- it- yourself kind of guy I had my hitch professionally installed.  I didn’t want any oops moments.  The parts installation is easy; it’s the adjustments for your specific trailer and tow vehicle that’s curcial.  That being said the owner’s manual comes with through directions for installation.  The set up is important so you need to be sure that’s done correctly or the function will be compromised.  Enjoy your travels… and be safe out there.

George Bogosian

Pittsfield, NH

Wingman Antenna Accessory

Wingman Antenna Accessory

    Here’s a simple inexpensive TV addition for those of you with a Winegard  Sensar Antenna “bat wing”, antenna.  For around $35 you can add this easy to install accessory that will improve you digital programming that you’re picking up free from your surrounding airway.  It made a difference when I installed one on my antenna.  It says it will increase the UHF performance by 100% and is referred to as a digital accessory.  I was skeptical; I mean, when did you last feel that spending $35 would make much of a difference in your RV.  I took a chance and was delighted with the outcome.  For me, this is one of those times where I just have to accept the magic of simplicity and the electronic signals floating around in our airwaves.  The wingman accessory actually improved my digital signal in my camper.  Impressive!  So those of you that didn’t have the Wingman on your Winegard antenna… you are able to install one for your viewing pleasure.

George Bogosian

Pittsfield, NH

Champion 3100 watt Inverter Generator

Champion 3100 watt Inverter Generator

     The Champion 3100 watt inverter generator with 2800 rated watts will run a 13,500 BTU air conditioner.  OK, this review is over!   Well, maybe a little more information.  I own this unit and it is a great generator for the price ($900 on sale) and function.   As many of us know 120 AC current is needed to run an air conditioner and that is accomplished by being plugged in or using a generator capable of running an air conditioner.   Solar won’t work here!

    The machine is quiet and even quieter if in the economy mode.  Much to my surprise, I can run my air on the economy mode that it offers.  The inverter generator allows you to safely run your electronics. Here are a few specs on the unit.  Model YF166D-331, it’s a 4 stroke OHV with a 171Icc displacement engine, net weight 84 lbs, it holds 1.6 gallons of gas.  

    This machine is substantially priced under the competition.  I’m not naming names here but if you’re looking for a generator you know the cast of characters.   I’ve been impressed with the quality of the machine and it has functioned flawlessly during its two years with me. It’s easy to start.  I t comes with two 120 volt AC outlets and a 30 amp receptacle.  It has a push button circuit breaker, oil warning light, and overload indicator light, output light and 12v DC outlet.  I love the handle! If you’re in the market for a generator with this size capability be sure to check out this generator, you may be pleasantly surprised….I was… and glad I made the purchase.  Do your due diligence and be sure to have this one on your list to check out.

George Bogosian
Pittsfield, NH

NuFinish Polish

Nu Finish Polish

I’ve used this product for years and have found it to perform as advertised.  $10 gets you a 16 oz (473ml) bottle of Nu finish.  It contains no wax.   I’ve used it by hand with a round pad applicator and also with a inexpensive ($30) electric polisher/buffer from Sears.  The water just beads off the RV for months once it’s applied.  Let dry to a haze and wipe off with clean soft cloth.   I have found that bug leftovers can be removed with a little extra elbow crease. The product says application once a year is all that’s needed.   I’ve found that to be true.  When you find a product that does its job and has minimum hype and fairly priced, well…. sharing that find with others is all that’s needed.  Simple is beautiful.  Summation…this is an exceptional product that does it’s job. Enough said.

George Bogosian

Pittsfield, NH