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10-26-2023, 08:53 PM
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#1
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Sioux Falls
Posts: 664
M.O.C. #10985
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Slow learner but lesson learned tonight
We got to a campground after dark and in the rain. Pulled the Monty over a electric pedestal. Totaled thet and put a dent in side of camper. Camper is repairable for a few hundred. Insurance will have to pay for campground pedestal. zmsfr s voe to not try to set up after dark. DW agrees and says she will hold me to it.
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10-27-2023, 06:18 AM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Anderson
Posts: 2,596
M.O.C. #22835
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Yes, setting up after dark can be a real challenge. That is the reason why we make it a point to travel, at best, 250 miles a day and stop early. We arrive at the next overnight spot in time to set up camp before dark. We've had our share of misfortunes also. Rain AND dark is the worst combination, add to that a new campsite or a new campground you've never been to, and well .... yea ... it's tough!
As the daylight hours are getting shorter right now, until December 21 / 22, it makes driving time tight. It means leaving later in the day, so there is light, and it means stopping earlier in the day for the same reason. The "shortest day" (of light) for most of the Lower 48 US states is right at 7 and 1/4 hours.
Unless planning on driving "straight through all night", all you can do is plan ahead to stop earlier.
Sorry about your woes. Count your stars that you have good insurance though!
__________________
Who you are right now is a sum total off all you use to be.
2019 Montana High Country 375FL
2014 Chevy Silverado Duramax, 6.6L Dually
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10-27-2023, 08:44 AM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Lake Gaston
Posts: 8,773
M.O.C. #12156
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When pulling in after dark, also have to be watchful for low hanging limbs.
__________________
Mike and Lorraine
2002 3655 FL, 2005 3650RK
2010 3665RE, 2015 3910FB
F350 crew cab dually 6.7
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10-27-2023, 03:58 PM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Shingle Springs
Posts: 2,236
M.O.C. #30417
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1retired06
When pulling in after dark, also have to be watchful for low hanging limbs.
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Hell do that all the time. I got brushed last weekend at noon. 
__________________
Tony & Donna
2022 Montana HC, 295RL, Solar Flex 400, Onan 3600 LPG, 2K inverter, 200AH Lithium. 2020 GMC Denali 2500 6.6 Duramax, Demco 21K Auto Slide
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10-28-2023, 09:28 AM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: New Bern
Posts: 4,372
M.O.C. #8728
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Apparently, you didn’t have a spotter backing you in. We never back in without a spotter.
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10-28-2023, 10:12 AM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Hagerstown
Posts: 866
M.O.C. #16013
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no 3rd a/c heat pump
Quote:
Originally Posted by NCFischers
Apparently, you didn’t have a spotter backing you in. We never back in without a spotter.
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I`ll bet the hair issue got in the way of that.
__________________
2018.5 3791 Rear Den Montana, on the lake  no 3rd A/C, Mini Split, just do it
Electric Brakes  ..... Disk Brakes, it`s the only way
F350 Ford Dually 4:10`s w/bags (payload 5595 lbs) Sumo Springs 63 gal aux tank
Reese Goosebox Mor/Ryde SRE 4000 X Factors Monroe shocks.... real smooth ride
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10-28-2023, 10:24 AM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Austin
Posts: 2,423
M.O.C. #21044
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Our previous RV was a 2017 Laredo 330RL travel trailer - my first long-long trailer. We picked it up at a Dealership in Fort Worth late in the day and headed to The Vineyards campground in Grapevine TX. It was dark by the time we were headed to camp spot. The right turn in the pic below does not look difficult in the light of day - but it was dark, no street lights and the RV was 37' long. I cut way to close to that pipe rail and the pipe post (red X) raked/scratched the skirt from the door back to the tire. $3500 to fix it. If I had just swung out 12" more I would have missed the pipe. That is how I learned wide turns for long rigs.
__________________
MikenDebbie Aggie ‘77 in the sticks near Austin TX
2019 Chevy 3500 High Country DRW
2018 Montana 3921FB
Aussie Gus + Texas Heeler Jimmy
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10-28-2023, 09:56 PM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: Northeast TX
Posts: 944
M.O.C. #30262
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mikendebbie
Our previous RV was a 2017 Laredo 330RL travel trailer - my first long-long trailer. We picked it up at a Dealership in Fort Worth late in the day and headed to The Vineyards campground in Grapevine TX. It was dark by the time we were headed to camp spot. The right turn in the pic below does not look difficult in the light of day - but it was dark, no street lights and the RV was 37' long. I cut way to close to that pipe rail and the pipe post (red X) raked/scratched the skirt from the door back to the tire. $3500 to fix it. If I had just swung out 12" more I would have missed the pipe. That is how I learned wide turns for long rigs.
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Sorry you had to learn that lesson the hard way. I learned long ago to never be timid swinging wide for right hand turns even when pulling onto a four lane. Doesn't bother me one bit to wait on traffic and pull partially into the oncoming lane if conditions dictate doing so.
__________________
 Lee, Edith, Lil' Bit & Cuddles
22 MHC 331RL, Surge Guard 35550, SumoSprings, Kodiak disc brakes, 412Ah Lithium, Gen 3 Goosebox, Sailun 85s
22 Ram 3500 CC DRW 6.7 CTD Herrin Hauler Classic Bed, 45 gal AUX tank
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11-01-2023, 02:14 PM
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#9
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Established Member
Join Date: Oct 2023
Location: Boiling Springs
Posts: 18
M.O.C. #33461
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Dear Shovelhead,
Years ago, Wife and I bought pair of Law Enforcement quality 2 Way Radios. If you don't already have 2, consider them. They are unbelievably helpful when parking, fueling in a small Station, etc. Yeah, they're a little pricey but we tried the El Cheapos. You can find local Police Bands if you need but we just use one of the virtually vacant channels. Oh, yeah. If you order directly, they will program the best channels for your needs at no additional cost.
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11-01-2023, 02:25 PM
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#10
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New Member
Join Date: Oct 2023
Location: Souix Fall
Posts: 5
M.O.C. #33433
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Always...use a spotter w/ light near objects to illuminate
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11-01-2023, 02:51 PM
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#11
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Established Member
Join Date: Oct 2023
Location: Boiling Springs
Posts: 18
M.O.C. #33461
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Yes. That why I suggested the 2 Way Radios. My Wife gets out any time needed and can talk with me.
Sometimes it's hard to see both sides when in a sharp backup -- or even a tight turn with other vehicles in your path. And I hate to ask someone to come out and move their vehicle. Matter of fact, I never have. But I've been pulling trailers for a long time. That and my Wife with a Radio. I'm good! Everybody take Care!
Ern
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11-01-2023, 05:05 PM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Shingle Springs
Posts: 2,236
M.O.C. #30417
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Curious why spend money on radios when a phone through the truck Bluetooth works amazingly 
__________________
Tony & Donna
2022 Montana HC, 295RL, Solar Flex 400, Onan 3600 LPG, 2K inverter, 200AH Lithium. 2020 GMC Denali 2500 6.6 Duramax, Demco 21K Auto Slide
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11-01-2023, 06:45 PM
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#13
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Established Member
Join Date: Oct 2023
Location: Boiling Springs
Posts: 18
M.O.C. #33461
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To Foldbak. Just joined Montana Club. Wàs trying to help. Been camping long before Bluetooth. Thought everyone on Montana Owners Club wàs nice and courteous. Then you chimed in. Sorry I met you at this late stage of my life.
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11-02-2023, 06:46 AM
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#14
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Anderson
Posts: 2,596
M.O.C. #22835
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Foldbak
Curious why spend money on radios when a phone through the truck Bluetooth works amazingly |
We use our phones when backing into campsites (day or night), they are priceless. But, my truck does not have the Bluetooth set up for phone calls. We used a set of walkie-talkies years ago (before cell phones were readily available) and they worked great.
But, sometimes cell phones have no reception. Last Summer we purchased some new Walkie-Talkies. We've found MULTIPLE uses for them since.
__________________
Who you are right now is a sum total off all you use to be.
2019 Montana High Country 375FL
2014 Chevy Silverado Duramax, 6.6L Dually
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11-02-2023, 08:01 AM
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#15
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Shingle Springs
Posts: 2,236
M.O.C. #30417
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Good point Dutch. No reception would be a problem. Might have to dust off the walkies and keep them on board just in case.
__________________
Tony & Donna
2022 Montana HC, 295RL, Solar Flex 400, Onan 3600 LPG, 2K inverter, 200AH Lithium. 2020 GMC Denali 2500 6.6 Duramax, Demco 21K Auto Slide
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11-03-2023, 04:54 AM
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#16
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Aug 2022
Location: southern
Posts: 61
M.O.C. #31539
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DutchmenSport
We use our phones when backing into campsites (day or night), they are priceless. But, my truck does not have the Bluetooth set up for phone calls. We used a set of walkie-talkies years ago (before cell phones were readily available) and they worked great.
But, sometimes cell phones have no reception. Last Summer we purchased some new Walkie-Talkies. We've found MULTIPLE uses for them since.
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Our truck so old it doesn't even know what bluetooth is, Ha ha
Three of the Indiana state parks we typically camp in have very bad cell service. I need to get a good set of walkie talkies to use in that case.
Any suggestions ? I bought a nice weather radio from Midland. Maybe I'll see what they have.
__________________
2011 Montana Mountaineer 295RKD
2005 Ram 3500 Dually
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