Post by Nomad on Jun 29, 2013 13:48:06 GMT -8
Phrannie.org Archive
PHRANIE.ORG phred Tinseth © 1999-2004 Reproduction permitted
Web site: www.phrannie.org (site down)
NOTE: This document is an archived copy from the phrannie.org website.
(phrannie = phred + annie)
phred = phred Tinseth, SKP #394. Recreational Vehicles are the main topic of my side of the site. Most standard RV equipment is unacceptable trash, there's a better way. My magazine articles and Poop Sheets came about from making every mistake an RVer can possibly make during 20 years of Full Timing. I see no point in you doing the same thing (but bet you will anyway.) Retired Army "Lite" Colonel and U of FL grad, I once lived on boat and taught high-school math (briefly and miserably).
annie = Anne Harris, SKP #1052. As a grade school teacher, I loved to draw phonics cartoons for reading skill seatwork (Sammy Snake, Ragged Rabbit). Then I retired, became a fulltime RVer with phred and switched to drawing Little SKPs for Escapees Newsletter for 10 years. Sharing a house now, phred does all the cooking and I play (tenor recorder, handbells) and make web pages.
SKP = Escapees member. The Escapees RV Club is the leading (not biggest) RV club in the world. The club's focus is on being a full support network for RVers, not just a social group. You'll find every possible type of RV and owner personality in Escapees -- millionaires, people on Social Security, oldsters and youngsters, workers and retired, full-timers, part-timers and wannabes. Among the club's many features is an effort to be innovative, not just provide you with manufacturer hype-like "attractive decorator fabrics" and similar silliness (says phred).
The poop sheet updates are shown in red. All of the poop sheets challenge "conventional RV wisdom" (an oxymoron) and, instead, stress doing things properly. See Notes below about printing them out, which you are welcome to do.
The Poop Sheets
1. The Source and Resources List = 18 printed pages (05/2004).
Covers over 90% of the information and product source questions I get. The List has capsule descriptions of key topics that are expanded on if needed in "poopsheets" of their own. Don't settle for RV store crap unless it really is good stuff.
2. Inverters = 11 printed pages (4/2002).
How to interpret manufacturer hype, size an inverter and get what your really need. There's no need to buy more than you need and it's foolish to buy less and have to do it all over again.
3. Macerators and Other Sewer Stuff = 14 printed pages (8/2002).
Things about macerators and sewage problems in general that nobody tells you.
4. Buying an RV = 7 printed pages (4/2002).
With this poop sheet and RV Consumer Group the only person who can screw you, is you.
5. Batteries and Other Electrical Stuff = 21 printed pages (10/2002).
You will control your own power company with this info and the books "Managing 12 Volts" and "RV Electrical Systems" along with other references listed. Covers 12VDC and some on 120VAC and generators not found elsewhere.
6. Water Treatment = 7 printed pages (11/2002).
You may need a lot or just a little water treatment. Don't get ripped off in buying equipment and don't do anything stupid.
7. Electric Surge and High & Low Voltage = 6 & 2 printed pages (6/2002).
Surges can wipe you out, but more often the real culprit is you or your fellow RVer.
8. Is Solar Electricity For You ? = 4 printed pages (4/2002).
Basics for people who know nothing and those who don't know they know nothing.
9. Composting Toilets = 5 printed pages (4/2002).
These are not generally recommended for RVers but can work if you're willing to do what's necessary -- they require elaborate care and "feeding" (pun intended).
10. Storing an RV = 3 printed pages (4/2002).
There's no point in you doing the same dumb stuff most people do.
11. Handling Moisture in RVs = 12 printed pages (4/2002).
Rubber Roofs, venting and lots more than just fixing leaks.
12. Getting along -- Mexico and Elsewhere = 5 printed pages (4/2002).
Not the usual touristy crappola but things RV magazines don't tell you.
13. Communications = 7 printed pages (4/2002).
Cell phones, the internet, satellite TV -- new things happening all the time.
14. Boondocking = 8 printed pages (4/2002).
Not the usual RV magazine oatmeal, but a buncha' important stuff.
Notes:
Approximate number of pages listed is based on Netscape and a typical printer. Depending on your browser and printer setups, the number of your printed pages can vary widely. Go to your browser's File/Page Setup to adjust printing margins, headers and footers. With Netscape/Communicator, I use only Page number and Page total, and 0.50" for all my margins. If your browser is MS Internet Explorer, use the question mark icon on "Headers and Footers" to help figure out its silly codes (lots of luck). Color printing is not necessary if you want to print in black and white.
The poop sheets are full of very useful information and links. You can download what you like and do anything with it you want. You don't have a computer? Then get someone who does to do it for you.
All of the poop sheets are "Reproduction Permitted." Feel free to share them with other people.
Cheers,
phred Tinseth