Woodall's Monthly Tips and Wisdom — March 2007
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Issue Contents
Tech Tips for Bad Weather
Wisconsin's Lakeside Lady
Mark's Q&A
Personal Travel Adventure Journal
Camping Blooper
RV Recipe: Motorcoach Stew
OPTIMA Battery Review
RV Buying Tip
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Hi! Welcome to Woodall's Wisdom, our monthly eNewsletter. Last month I asked you to tell me what you thought of our new look, and you responded…thank you! Many of you asked for some wisdom regarding traveling with pets. Stay tuned! Starting with our April edition we're introducing a new column by Julee Metzer (author of Camping and RVing with Dogs)! I’d tell you more, but I don’t want to spoil the surprise!
Ann
Tell me what you think!
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Travel Tech
RV Tech tools for Traveling in Bad Weather
By Alan Lidstone
While RVers don't usually plan on RVing during bad or dangerous weather, it is important to keep informed about dangerous situations, whether driving or in the campground. RVers frequently cover several hundred miles a day. You can start out on a mild, clear day and possibly encounter heavy rains, tornados, high winds or hurricanes, fire conditions, snow, and icing conditions along your route or at your destination. The tornado season is currently in full swing. Disastrous storms hit Volusia County, Florida in February damaging more than 1500 homes with approximately 21 fatalities and an even larger set of storms that ranged east on a rampage as far north as Wisconsin and as far south as Louisiana, causing fatalities and extensive damage in Missouri, Georgia and Alabama in early March.
RVers traveling or staying near the coast from Texas to New England need to monitor the hurricane season that runs from the 1st of June through the end of November. While people in proximity to the coastline have the most danger from hurricane–force winds, it is possible for extensive flooding, high winds, and widespread utility outages to extend hundreds miles or more inland.
- Select a mobile wireless phone and service that provides weather information
- Use one of the buttons on your radio to set the Road Information station posted on selected high traffic Interstate roads (they advise drivers of road closures, delays, and construction)
- Always travel with an emergency radio that has the 7 NOAA weather channels. Keep the radio turned on at all times, whether driving or parked.
- Stay at RV resorts and campgrounds that have cable–TV with the Weather Channel even if you have a satellite dish because trees or heavy clouds may prevent getting an adequate satellite–TV signal
- RVers with satellite dishes should monitor weather conditions along their route, stopping points, and destination on the Weather Channel. In–motion satellite dishes enable a passenger to check the Weather
Channel while the RV is traveling
- RVers with satellite radio can check weather conditions from the appropriate news and weather stations
- Bring your laptop computer and accessories (telephone cord, modem, Wi–Fi card, etc.) for Internet access at RV resorts, campgrounds, and hot–spots, such as Flying J, to check weather along your route and sending/receiving E–mail.
Being Prepared – We suggest the following suggestions to help RVers handle delays or being temporarily stranded while roads are cleared and utility services restored:
- Travel with a wireless mobile phone and charger.
- Carry adequate maps and a good road atlas to find alternate routes.
- Use a GPS navigation system. RVers that travel with a computer should consider a good mapping and routing computer program such as DeLorme Street Atlas, and a GPS device to track and determine your actual location.
- Keep the RV and toad fuel tank, propane tank, and fresh water tank filled.
- Make sure your RV antenna, cable connection and satellite hookups are working properly.
- RVers who do not have automatic awnings that retract in high winds or flexing situations should retract awnings while they are away from the RV.
- Travel with an adequate supply of prescription medications.
- Travel with a campground directory to find accommodations (check for cable access to receive the Weather Channel).
- Maintain the correct air pressure in the RV and toad tires.
- Make sure that the flashlights, batteries, tools, and protective weather apparel are in the RV
- Do not set up an RV site in canyons or next to creek or streambeds subject to flash flooding. If you can see a nearby hill, you may be in a potential flood area.
- Make sure you know at least two ways out of your RV site in the event of downed trees, downed electrical lines, or flooding.
- Carry sufficient cash to cover expenses (gas, food, accommodations, etc.) for at least several days.
Seek an approved shelter immediately if you are caught on the open road during the approach of severe conditions such as tornados, high winds, poor visibility, fires or flooding. If you are unfamiliar with the area, call 911 to advise Emergency Services you are on the open road and need directions to a safe location or shelter. An RV offers very limited protection and can be extremely dangerous to life and limb during severe weather.
Remember, Safety First, and Happy RVing!!!
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Destined to Travel
Wisconsin's Lakeside Lady
By Kimberly Button
Lake Geneva offers abundant cold–weather fun as well as idyllic waterside pastimes for warmer days.
There's something about water that changes the dynamic of a town, even when the water has turned to ice. Lake Geneva, Wis., is just such a place. She is small, no more than a village really, with a lake as the centerpiece. Be it in T–shirts and flip–flops or woolly hats and boots, we're drawn to the waterside. Close to both Milwaukee and Chicago, those seeking R & R have known about this little corner of the world for decades.
Another showpiece is the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, which sits on its own scenic lake, adorned with fountains. The "official" Lake Geneva is in town, only two minutes drive away.
From nearby restaurants and shops, it's clear the area is a prosperous place, happy to welcome visitors. Approximately 7,000 residents call Lake Geneva home.
Era of Opulence
Once, Playboy bunnies strutted their stuff at the Grand Geneva and Hugh Hefner walked the halls. Was he already in the bathrobe–wearing stage by then? The resort opened in the swinging '60s as The Lake Geneva Playboy Club Hotel. Small town or not, this resort was "on the map." Headliners such as Bob Hope, Ella Fitzgerald and Sammy Davis Jr. performed in the resort's nightclub.
There was golf or snow skiing, depending on the season, together with pretty girls, good food and plenty to drink – what more could a guy require?
But the times were changing and the bright lights of Los Angeles beckoned to Hefner. He sold the resort in 1981, but I've noticed he kept his bathrobe.
Lake Geneva's Evolution
It was bye–bye bunny ears, hello families. The current owners have transformed the resort into a family–friendly place, while retaining the high–end atmosphere.
You need not be an expert in architecture to recognize the building style. The overhanging roofs and natural earth tones all reflect Frank Lloyd Wright's prairie–style school of design. The long, low structure blends neatly into the landscape with its rolling hills. Dark wood is combined with stone to produce a rustic, although sophisticated, exterior.
At Lake Geneva today, 5–year–old snow bunnies in pink snowsuits and knit caps have replaced the Playboy bunnies on Mountain Top, the ski resort situated on the property. You see baby strollers everywhere, while teen snowboarders fly down the double–black–diamond slope as only fearless 14–year–olds can do. Extra large windows in the chalet allow comfortable viewing of all the action with hot drinks and warm snacks close at hand.
We visited during the final week of December. While there was no snow on the ground during our visit, Mountain Top was able to make its own white stuff, thus a half dozen slopes were available. There are 18 slopes in total. Lessons are available. Ice skating and tobogganing are two additional cold weather activities at the Grand Geneva.
For those making plans now to visit at the holidays, the resort has an annual celebration called Christmas in the Country, with a lengthy schedule of special events. For 2006, there were intricate scenes from the "Nutcracker" throughout the lobby. Assembled with painstaking care, youngsters were mesmerized by the detail. I can imagine they will not soon forget their Christmas resort experience. Outside, vignettes from The "Twelve Days of Christmas" twinkled in red, green and white lights. Lords were a–leaping and pipers were piping, as the song goes. You need not stay at the resort to partake of their holiday events.
Luxurious Lake Mansions
Hefner wasn't the only person to appreciate the peaceful lake setting. The first large mansion on the shore was built in 1871, and construction continues to this day – although only those with deep pockets need apply.
We took a drive around the lake perimeter to check out the historic homes. I'm not prone to bouts of house–envy, but could see how others might wish for such splendid lodgings. Grand is the word to describe these structures. Early on, the community began earning its two nicknames: "The Newport of the West" and "The Hamptons of the Midwest."
Stone Manor, an Italianate palace with a 250–foot veranda and vast lawn, is visible from several vantage points, including downtown. When built, Stone Manor featured gold–plated fixtures, a basement bowling alley and a third–floor miniature golf course – extraordinary by any standards and a kid's dream come true.
The estate was constructed in 1900–01 by a gentleman named Otto Young, who made his fortune buying real estate along the now–famous State Street in Chicago. Stone Manor remained a single–family home until 1939.
The summer cottage, which became known as Black Point, had 13 bedrooms, (hence stretching the term cottage!) and 20 rooms overall. Its distinctive four–story tower stands out from other, more traditional buildings.
Black Point was designed to accommodate a large family, as a summer retreat. Over the years, the property has expanded to 100 acres, along with a thousand feet of wooded lakefront.
Originally Black Point was reached only by boat. The guests were brought over by steamboat and then returned a week or more later. Black Point is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Main Street, 1880
Housing a treasure trove of information and artifacts of the Lake Geneva area dating back to the 1880s, the Geneva Lake Museum will keep history buffs happy. Take a step back in time via the Museum's authentic "Main Street," depicting days gone by. The museum keeps shorter hours in the winter, so it's best to confirm hours in advance.
Shopping is always an option during colder weather. Main Street Memories has a variety of nostalgic games, toys and old–fashioned candy. Fleming's in downtown features apparel for both men and women, along with a selection of handcrafted items from Ireland. The store We Love Dolls, says it all.
The stately Riviera Ballroom rests on a prominent spot on the water. She, too, is grand – an elegant lady keeping watch over the village on one side and the lake on the other. This civic center has been the gateway to summer fun and a backdrop for winter carnivals. For residents, it's a storehouse of special memories, from high school prom time to weddings and more. I was happy to see this historic structure survived the wrecking ball.
Even the public library has an attractive location on the shoreline, with plenty of lake views. Land was donated by a wealthy family, with the stipulation that the library remain forever on this spot.
Cold–Weather Crafts and Pastimes
Every winter the nation's top snow sculptors convene in Lake Geneva for the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championships, building their three–ton creations in the shadow of the proud Riviera. These creations are the centerpiece of the Winterfest, a popular event held every year during the first weekend in February. Working from smaller models, the artwork gradually takes shape.
The event is a "labor of love" for the participants, who come from as far as Alaska. At times, they work in harsh conditions over a three–day period. The championships offer no cash prizes, just bragging rights. The biggest crowds arrive Saturday morning to review the finished art and take part in judging the People's Choice award. Team Wisconsin's meticulous sculpture depicting a giraffe nuzzling her baby was selected as the top finisher in the 2006 contest.
Winterfest also offers ice skating, horse–drawn carriage rides and the Great Meltdown sale, sponsored by local merchants.
If you come in March, try to take in the Nielson Enterprises SnoCross Grand Finale, Championship Snowmobile Racing, at Grand Geneva Resort, March 17–19. It is strongly advised to reserve ahead. The annual stop on the World Power Sports Association's tour promises plenty of up close, high–flying snowmobile action. The track is laid out on Grand Geneva's Mountain Top ski hill and allows for both indoor viewing and exceptional outdoor seating in the grandstands.
When you visit Wisconsin, you'll find that cold weather isn't the time to hibernate. Gear up, find your favorite comfortable hat and get in on the action.
For More Information
Grand Geneva Resort
7036 Grand Geneva Way
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
(888) 392–8000
(262) 248–8811
www.grandgeneva.com
Lake Geneva Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
201 Wrigley Drive
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
(262) 248–4416
www.lakegenevawi.com
Black Hawk Campgrounds
Blackhawk Road
Milton, WI 53563
(866) 652–2586
(608) 868–2586
www.blackhawkcampgrounds.com
Country View Campground
S. 110 W 26400 Craig Ave.
Mukwonago, WI 53149
(262) 662–3654
Happy Acres Kampground
22230 45th St.
Bristol, WI 53104
(262) 857–7373
Open May 1– October 1
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Note: Call ahead to verify season dates.
Please consult your 2007 Woodall's North American Campground Directory for a complete listing of campgrounds along your route.
Appeared in March/April 2007 issue of
Woodall's Midwest RV Traveler
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Mark… My Words
Do you have questions about RV technical issues, the RV lifestyle
or RVs in general? Ask Mark!
Another mixed bag of questions and answers this month, and an intriguing tip at the end…
keep 'em coming!
Hi Mark,
I have an '89 Bounder 34' class A in literally showroom condition. I also have the great fortune of a leaking gasoline tank. It is a very small leak, and does not hamper my distance range, but I need to fix it, of course, for safety reasons as well as EPA and all that stuff. I have tried searching the net for the part with no luck, all the local repair services say it can't be found, and Fleetwood keeps running me around in circles. Patches don't work anymore, and I am becoming slightly frustrated. Please help a rookie traveler !!!!!
Many thanks,
Mark
Hi Mark. We don't only share names, we share a similar problem: I have a 1989 Southwind with a leaky gas tank! While I haven't repaired mine yet (the rig is not currently in use), I have had tanks repaired in the past, so it's not hopeless. The first step is to locate a welding service in your area that has some tank repair experience. Then, drain as much fuel as possible from the tank and remove the tank from the vehicle. Most vehicle repair shops can do this for you if you're not interested in the do–it–yourself approach. The welding shop should be able to pinpoint the leak and, using special procedures to deal with the presence of potentially explosive fumes, repair the tank. These leaks are often in a seam, and that's why external patches are a poor solution. Generally, repairing a large tank is a lot less expensive than replacing it. Please don't try to weld it yourself, as large tank + gasoline fumes + spark = BOOM!
Hi Mark,
I own a 1988 gulfstream 35 ft.class "A" motor home In real good shape and mechanicly kept up, with a rochester 4 bbl. carb, that I just had rebuilt. My question is, will I have any problems climbing the mts. with this 454 engine? This engine has 2 smog pumps, factory headers that dont leak yet. I'll be towing a dolly with a Dodge Caravan. The coach runs great uses no oil. Some people say I should install an electric fuel pump, but I want YOUR opinion if possible.
Thank you,
Neil Richards
You should be fine in the mountains, just don't expect to climb them at 70 MPH. The best way to tackle a tough grade is to downshift and if you have a tachometer, shoot for around 3000–3300 RPM. That should be close to the torque peak for that big V–8, and is your best use of the power you have without overly stressing the engine. As you climb, watch the temperature gauges. If the engine starts to run overly hot, back off a bit on the throttle until the temperature isn't rising any more. Take your time, and you'll be fine. Most carburetor–equipped class A motorhomes already will have an electric booster pump in the fuel tank, so you probably won't need to worry about that. Once you reach the top, you'll likely have a downgrade to deal with. Similar rules apply for going downhill. Downshift and use the engine to provide some braking effort. Keep your speed down, and don't ride the brakes. If you can't maintain a comfortable speed without constant brake pressure, slow down further and downshift again. The real key here is to start down the hill slowly… it's easier on your nerves and allows you many more options to control your speed. Never be in a hurry!
Hi Mark,
I have a 1997 Flair, 32 foot, motorhome, with just the couch slide. I e–mailed Fleetwood to ask them if I could install a Surflo 5.7 water pump without any problems. the reason I am looking to install a new pump is ours is located right under the bed under our heads. When we flush the stool during the night, we get the pump running noise and it wakes up the other person. The way the literature reads, is the Surflo 5.7 is a quiet operational pump and it requires 10 to 15 amp service. I e–mailed Fleetwood and they told me to check with a Flair dealer to see if this change would work. I told Fleetwood that I didn't think there would be anyone at the dealership that would remember that long ago how the flair was made. Fleetwoods answer was they wouldn't advise me to make any changes from the original equipment. The directions on the new pump advise that the wiring and pump switch be able to handle minimum of 10, but up to 15 amps of power. Can you help???
Thanks
Kay Perry.
Been there, done that! Those new pumps are great, but they draw a lot more amperage than the older stock pumps. Your rig was probably equipped with the standard pump that draws around 5 amps, and the wiring for that pump was sized accordingly. If you just replace the old pump with the new one, chances are it will draw way too much current through the existing wiring, which can overheat the wires, fry the pump switches, or blow fuses. When I installed a new pump in my rig, I ran new, heavy gauge wire (12 gauge) directly from the 12V fuse panel and used a 12v relay at the pump to control power to the pump. In effect, the existing pump switch now energizes the relay, and the relay switches power to the pump directly from the heavier gauge circuit I added. Works like a charm! Check out this installation manual on the Aquatec pump manufacturer's website. It has a clear drawing in it that shows how the relay is installed, www.aquatec.com/images/IMI152b.pdf. If you aren't sure how to do this, most RV repair shops should be able to handle it.
Hi Mark,
I have a problem with my batteries going dry. Isn't this usually caused by overcharging? Or could the problem be the batteries themselves? If it is overcharging, it is occurring while the motorhome is connected to shore power. Is there an easy way to tell if the converter is overcharging? If it is, can it be corrected or must I just buy a new converter?
Many thanks for all the good answers you give us RVers.
Do the batteries seem healthy? Do they hold a charge? If so, then the problem probably isn't being caused by defective batteries. How long does it take for your batteries to dry out? It's normal to have to add some water every two to four weeks if you are plugged in all the time and have one of the typical "dumb" converter/chargers. If the batteries are losing significant amounts of water in just a few days, then that's not normal. Excessive water consumption is usually caused by too high a float–charge voltage. With the converter plugged in and stabilized (let it run overnight), check the voltage at the batteries with a digital voltmeter. The float voltage should be between 13.0 and 13.5 volts. If it's higher than that, your converter may need adjustment or replacement. Some units have an adjustment for the float voltage, others are non adjustable. If the voltage is off, and you can't adjust it, replace the converter. If you need to buy a new converter, spend a little more and get a replacement that is a "smart" 3–stage charger. These units will not only charge your batteries quickly and completely, they will really reduce water consumption when you are parked and plugged in.
Hi Mark,
I purchased my first RV last spring, a 2003 37' Bounder diesel pusher. I am getting conflicting stories about winter use of the vehicle. An insurance adjuster friend of mine states he stayed in an RV park in Buffalo for two months where the temperature fell as low as –20F. He said he had no freezing problems and only took the one precaution of wrapping the water supply hose with heat tape. Service personal I have spoken with at dealers are skeptical about using the plumbing system much below 25F, a 45 degree gap. Can I safely use the motor home in seriously cold weather?
Thanks,
Keith
Well, it really depends a lot on the construction of the RV. A unit that has insulated and heated tank compartments, arctic insulation, and a really, really big propane tank, might be able to function at –20F, but the average RV? Doubtful! If your RV has exposed tanks or plumbing underneath it, you'll be struggling at 20 above. Even if your RV has enclosed tanks, you'll need to burn a lot of propane to keep everything warm enough to prevent any freeze–ups. Besides, it seems like the best use of the RV when it's –20F is to take you to some place that's warmer! Seriously, if you need to use the RV in temperatures that will remain substantially below freezing, your safest course is to winterize the water system.
Finally, I just had to pass along this suggestion I received from a reader:
Mark, I have never RV'd but am a 20+ year boater. Winterizing the potable water system is similar & a big PITA. We found a great technique… Instead of RV antifreeze we used cheap vodka. No significant difference in cost & the de–winterizing parties were great !!!!
Bud, N.
Topsail Beach, NC
Thanks, Bud! I'm not sure how effective vodka is at protecting your pipes, but I'd sure like an invite to your next de–winterizing party!
Do you have a question for Mark?
Please submit your question via email to woodalls@escapees.com
Please remember, material will be edited. Because of the large volume of material and correspondence submitted, individual replies will not be possible, nor can we acknowledge receipt of your material. Selected questions will be answered in future issues of the Diamond Club newsletter in the Mark, My Words column. The Mark, My Words column also appears in Escapees magazine, a bi–monthly publication of the Escapees RV Club. For more information visit www.escapees.com/magazine
Submit Your Question
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My Trip Journal
Follow along with RVers and travelers just like you by reading their own personal travel websites. We've selected the best websites of people who have traveled in North America. These travelers have agreed to let us feature their website. Take a look
View this months featured personal website, Sutorka/Winsor RV Adventure or browse other locations.
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Camping Blooper
Porta Potti Blues
We had just finished a nice July weekend with our trusty Starcraft tent trailer, and I decided we'd avoid the hassle waiting in line at the park dump station to empty the porta potti (which only my wife used) and leave it until a later time. The temperature that day was in the high 90's. Two hours later, when we arrived home, I noticed a suspicious liquid dripping out of the left rear corner of the trailer. I opened the trailer up and discovered that the previous time I emptied the holding tank of the porta potti I forgot to screw the dump cap back on. Those little trailers bounce around quite a bit, and the tank virtually emptied itself out on the way home, spreading its contents all over the rear floor of the trailer, looking for a way out. It took me over two hours to clean the mess, in blistering humid heat, but thank goodness I spotted the leak or it could have sat there quietly fermenting! That cap always gets tripled checked now!
Roger,
Oakville, ON
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Cooking on the Road
Donn's Motorcoach Stew
Molly Chappellet
When Donn and Molly are traveling in their motorhome, Donn likes to toss all the following ingredients into his crock pot, go off for the day and come back to a beautiful one–course meal.With this full flavored stew, the winemakers recommend their intensely aromatic Merlot or their impeccably balanced Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon.
Makes four servings
| 1 lb |
beef stew meat, trimmed and cut into 1–inch cubes |
| 1 1/2 lbs |
lamb stew meat, trimmed and cut into 1–inch cubes
Flour for dredging |
| 1/2 lb |
sausage of choice, cut into bite size pieces |
| 3 cups |
unpeeled, cubed new potatoes |
| 1 |
large onion, cut into large chunks |
| 2 |
cups diced carrots |
| 1 |
28 oz can diced tomatoes |
| 1 |
14 oz can beef broth |
| 1 cup |
Chappellet red wine |
| 1/4 cup |
Herbes de Provence |
| 1/2 teasp. |
ground cinnamon |
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Dash of Tabasco sauce |
| 1 teasp. |
Lawry's or other seasonedsalt |
| 1 – 3 |
garlic cloves, crushed(optional) |
| 2 |
bay leaves |
| 2 cups |
mushrooms, trimmed and quartered |
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Freshly ground pepper to taste |
Dust the beef and lamb pieces with a little flour.
Place the meat pieces along with the sausage, potatoes, onion, carrots, tomatoes, beef broth, red wine, Herbes de Provence, cinnamon, Tabasco, seasoned salt, garlic and bay leaves in crock pot or other slow cooker. Set the timer to low and cook for about 7 hours.
Add the mushrooms to the pot and stir to combine. Cover the pot and cook for another 2 hours.
Recipe taken from Cooking On The Road With Celebrity Chefs
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Gadgets & Gear
OPTIMA Batteries for the Tough Jobs
If the batteries in your RV, tow vehicle, towed vehicle or boat live a tough life, consider installing an Optima battery. By tough, I mean lots of vibration, high temperatures or maybe sitting idle for months.
Optima batteries are well up to the demands of an RV or 4x4 driven under extreme off–road conditions, or in a vehicle or boat used just once or twice a year. They are ideal for powering electrical accessories, lights, a high–performance stereo/AV system or electric winches. And they're just the ticket for cranking over a diesel engine in cold weather.
What distinguishes an Optima?
The answer is its Spiralcell design. Ordinary lead–acid batteries use flat lead plates, where the Spiral design features two thin lead plates tightly wound into a spiral cell. Absorbent glass mat (AGM) separators between the wound plates contain the electrolyte held like a sponge to preclude any chance of acid spillage. Cells are surrounded by durable, weather–resistant plastic, and completely welded together. Immobilized and locked–in–place plates mean improved vibration resistance.
The bottom line is that neither bumps, vibration, collisions nor sudden temperature changes will interrupt power supply or result in the battery leaking. According to the company, the Optima battery's resistance to vibration is more than 15 times that of ordinary batteries.
The thin lead plates provide more lead surface area than in traditional lead–acid batteries, for faster recharging. The spiral design also allows lead to be used in a 99.999% pure form. This design minimizes resistance and gives even pressure over the entire lead surface, providing fast energy availability and an extra–long life span.
In a traditional flooded lead–acid battery (the one to which water is added), heat can cause increased acid density due to gassing, which can shorten battery life. Also, since there is no shedding of active paste material, there is no gradual loss of power and capacity as the battery ages. The company reports the Optima has twice the life expectancy of typical batteries.
Some alloys in conventional batteries are more prone to electron transfer, resulting in self–discharge, than the materials used in the Optima. The low self–discharge rate means they can go unused for up to one year without recharging, if kept at or below room temperature. In tests, Optima batteries have started large diesel engines in outdoor temperatures down to – 40 degrees F.
The technique of winding the cells, which are linked with solid connections, yields maximum performance with minimum size and weight. This makes the battery compact, robust and easy to mount. Indeed, it can be mounted at virtually any angle, even on its side. Because acid cannot leak or spill, the batteries are clean and environmentally and user–friendly. The sealed case design is completely maintenance–free and eliminates the need to add water or clean terminals. Corrosion cannot form around the posts. Loss of water, leading to plate dry–out and failure cannot happen.
Optima batteries come in three series. The Optima RedTop is designed for SLI (starting, lighting and ignition) and should not be used for deep–cycle applications.
The Optima YellowTop is a dual–mode battery for both SLI and deep–cycle service.
The BlueTop batteries for marine applications come in SLI and dual–mode versions. Incidentally, Optima deep–cycle batteries use a different chemistry for the active paste on the plates, and a slightly stronger acid. This allows for a much longer life in deep–cycling with only slightly reduced power.
I have installed an Optima YellowTop in place of my regular deep–cycle battery, which usually lasts only for about 18 months in my Class B, mainly because of vibration issues. I connected my YellowTop to a solar panel charger to maximize the energy available when needed. I installed a RedTop battery under the hood for normal SLI duty.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Appeared in April 2007 issue of Woodall's CamperWays
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RV Buying Tip
Buy or Sell an RV:
When evaluating size requirements for your RV, consider privacy of the occupants as a major factor. Time spent in the unit is another important item. For very short periods of time, most of us can tolerate too little space. But as time periods extend, the amount of space required by each person increases — both in the area of comfort and privacy, and also when it comes to storage.
Featured RV:
2006 Itasca Ellipse
Price: $233,952 $169,990
Description: Brand new 40', triple slide out. Power Roofvent,Power Slide–Out Room, Hydraulic Leveling System… continued
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