As a Florida native and experienced landscaper the second you said something about you generator having issues I knew exactly what it was.... long story short it is the humidity mixed with the heat. the same thing happens to chainsaws and any other gas and oil machine here. Best of luck.
I just recently passed up going into Ocala national forest. A local resident informed me and I also did some researching regarding the fact that there are a lot of homeless people living in that national forest and there have been some missing persons report. Always do your research first.
My friend, it sounds like you should get some tools and access to and learn how to do some basics like a very minor tune-up on a generator etc etc.... This is why there is RUclips
Get a 150-200$ mossburg 12 gauge pump. Have the plug removed, and load it as follows: 00 Buck, slug, 00 Buck, slug, ect... If the initial racking of the action doesn't deter them, you stop em with the 00 buck, and drop em with the slug! JS Stay safe!!!
At least twice in the video I spotted movement in the trees that was definitely a person while you were talking. The one thing I can tell you after growing up near forests is listen to your gut, and don't get cocky thinking you know it all. Your spot was not well hidden, and it'd take one vehicle to block your exit. I know you are tough in spirit and physically, but it takes one mistake. Be overcautious and use common sense. And don't speak too loudly in the woods as you might miss noise. One more thing! If it's too quiet, and you can't hear anything including birds, get out.
Where at? Ive watched it several times lookin for it. The dog was over in the bushes once, and a car passes by on the road just beyond the trees. So....
The likely issue was the humidity with the generator. The fix is to buy new spark plug wires, when it's humid, and the plug wires are aged, they'll ground out to the engine block through the insulation. New wires will fix that pretty cheaply, you can swap them out 1 by 1 yourself and only have the cost of the plug wires.
One of the many things I learned the hard way, was to never let a repair shop know I'm traveling straight through. Always say I'm staying a couple of weeks.
i totally agree , except one time while a young guy in the military, my car was breaking down in Montana as i was traveling coast to coast on my way overseas. A Chevron station right off the interstate fixed my car and only charged me for gas. That was like 35 years ago tho.
I was worried about you being in that forest by yourself Carolyn..i know that area a bit and I never felt good about being out there without a group of people..maybe it is a higher power watching out for you..i love your honesty and determination. I plan to do what you're doing this winter so keep up the great information with these videos! Love and peace to you!
Jedidiah, unless I already know the wooded area is safe I'll take the Wal-Mart parking lot every time. You have security at the lot and can get help quickly if needed. In the woods she's not only exposed to wild animals, but to wild Fl assholes. That garbage dump is a bad sign too - evidence that people that don't care about others or the law use the spot.
Nicole Prosser I'm a Native Floridian and I wouldn't camp there if someone paid me to! Too many druggies in the area. The huge pile of garbage should've been a red flag for her. Better off, considering she's alone, to just pay for the night at a campground where there are other people around.
In regards to your Generator...as it's ran by fuel ..Diesel or petrol in other cars/vehicles. The Diesel/Petrol tanks can get some " dirty fuel". My Rav4 got very sluggish one time...my Mechanic said it just happens somtimes. Maybe Matilda's tank needed a good clean out. An older vehicle..a handy hint to know. 😊 A way of cleaning it, is to get down to very empty before re-fueling .
I was wondering what you meant so I looked it up. I found the event you are talking about Martha. I got shivers up my spine. I actually camped near that exact spot just over two years later. I was wondering why on earth the place was so empty. The funny thing is I went on the camp ground website and could of picked any one in the state. I choose that one! That’s spooky! I wouldn’t of been able to sleep if I had known then.
Another solo FT RV woman, Pippi Peterson, recently did a YT video on how she maintained her generator, changed the oil and put in a new filter by herself, probably saved $100. It looked easy. She does a lot of work herself and likes teaching others. Including cool remodels inside. Check out how she re did her counter space and table, she's very creative and resourceful. I enjoy both your YT channels as FT RV female nomads. Hang in there!
N Smith : That is what I would do! Learn how to do it myself! $150 for some basic maintenance is too much! I have learned how to do lots of things by watching Utube videos! Funny that Carolyn isn't watching other people to figure out some things. Oh, thanks for the name! I am going to go over and watch her channel now! She sounds smart and independent!
N Smith, yes, Pippi has made a job out of DIY RV Repairs and maintenance. It IS a full time job and I already have two of those. I neither have the time nor the interest in doing it myself. I believe in paying professionals to do what they do best and saving my valuable time for either work or fun. I value my time too much to try to learn how to do everything myself.
N Smith umm I don't think she's doing it by herself . On time when she acted like she was by herself I saw a flash of an hairy arm doing the work or right their showing her how .
Its all good, life is not perfect. Learn from it and move on. Buying a new motor home I do not think is a smart choice even though I I bought a new one myself, but buying a 2-3 year old motor home is a smart choice. Anything older than 10 years is not worth the headaches and in the long run it will cost more. Keep your head up and keep going.
How much gas did you have? Your generator usually runs off of your gas tank and once the gas is at 1/4 of a tank, your generator won't work because they want to make sure you have enough gas to drive to the next gas station.
Also check the oil level. There is a low oil shutoff. I bought a generator and they gave me a quart of oil. It would do the same, start and die. Read the manual and it said it takes 1.1 quarts. Added the .1 quart and it ran fine.
Carolyn. Please check your fuel level. Gen will not work under 1/4 tank as safety feature. Also you should check your oil level. Gens use a lot of oil. 15-40 is what I use but any oil will do in a pinch. Hope you get it running but I would go back to that RV repair place and threaten them with a law suit and RUclips blacklist if they don't show you that every thing is running right. 37k Subs gives you some clout!
I live in Australia and would love to see Florida. I live in an area were it gets humid. It gets quite warm to 35degrees (not sure of the conversion but somewhere between 75 and 100 is our average). You get used to it and accimatise. I hate being cold. I find the dry heat ok but it dries out my chest.
@@Toby3610 Coming from the UK and having had a bus-mans holiday in Arizona and Nevada i loved the dry heat, i felt as though i could breath and the vast expanse of land i love. Coming back to the UK at Heathrow i realised how damp and dense UK air is. Like trying to breath treacle. I found Florida very uncomfortable, constantly damp clothes.
I’ve had a man block my car in once at a beach when I was alone on a snowy day. In my non 4x4 car I did drive onto the beach and get out. Be safe! God bless you!
I don't know if this makes you feel any better. I bought my 2003 BT Cruiser this past January. I did not have it inspected *before* I bought it. But, I did have it inspected after. Since then I have done everything the Truck/RV shop said needed to be done. six brand new tires, U-joint, radiator serviced, serpentine belt, brake flush, front shocks, scraped and resealed the roof and side seams. Yet... it seems there is always something. Most recently the arm to my canopy somehow got dislodged! Luckily my ex-husband was able to fix it. I have put in over $7000 now. My hope is that it will be pretty much 'new' by the time I go full time.
Its not just your RV. I have a 2007 with 30,000 miles on it and it seems like I am always putting money into it. I also work as a workcamper from time to time and I see half million dollar rigs come thru here that have issues. I had a person the other day say they bought a NEW WINNEBAGO VISTA, 2016 model, and on its maiden voyage its been nothing but problems. They were so mad they were ready to take it back to the factory and stop making payments on it. The RVs today are made cheap. They just dont hold up. SO I dont think it would matter what year it was or how much you spent, there will be problems.
+Larry Marco Thanks for the public service announcement (I'm not trying to be sarcastic here). I've heard much of the same of what you are saying and that is why I'm getting a school bus and fixing it up. School buses can get up to 500,000 miles and are built like tanks.
Since an RV is private property, not Real Estate, it's easier to walk away and leave the keys. Unlike a permanent home on land where as you walk away, the banks will take the property and sell it, which leaves the IRS to come after you for "Mortgage Relief" debt. If I had the money, I'd buy a used RV and live on my own.
So true. My parents used to own a campground, and in reality, situations like this are not unusual. And like other have said, we had half million dollar (and more)rigs come in with issues and looked pretty much like crap for the price. On our own family camper, when I was a teenager, dad took the motorhome in for a check before we left for vacation. We got to Watkins Glen..just a few hours from home, and going down the steep hill into town, a set of our dual wheels fell off. A wonderful garage in town towed us in, plugged the camper into his electric at the garage and let us stay right there, free, while he waited for a part. Seems as though the place back home who supposedly "checked it over"- didn't put something on correctly. We could have all been killed but dad really had it under control. I think the poor cop who saw it all happen probably had to go back home to change his pants!
Larry Marco It’s all part of our disposable society... Nothing is built to last any longer. It’s made to last just until you finally have it either paid off or close to it and then it wears out so you have to replace it because trying to get it repaired will cost you more than something new’s payments and you get to start all over again... Got to love it...lol...!
Living in an RV has some wonderful advantages, but it is also a high-maintenance type of life. You are at the mercy of repair people who ca rip you off or do bad work. I personally would not mind it it you made $10,000 a month. 1. It is none of my business, and 2. You work long hours traveling, filming and them a lot more editing videos to show us not only your life, but what is outside our homes. We do not get out as our grandparents did (or we did when we were teenagers), I would prefer Carolyn make money then Netflix. She has earned everything she has (and then some). For those of you who complain about this...What are you putting out to your fellow man (except for unwanted criticism and sarcastic remarks that do nothing for the improvement of mankind?) It would do you well to take the time to think about what you are saying BEFORE you post it. Remember that old saying, 'If you can't say anything nice, ... There is a meaning behind the words. Carolyn puts out positive energy, wise advise, shares her feeling, etc. My Gosh, how many of your friends or neighbors will do that for you? I wish her nothing but health, happiness and a hell of a lot of fun. She is such a generous friend to us all.
A lot of generators will not run if the oil is low in the generator. It is to protect your generator from burning up. Have fixed several friends by just adding oil. It's worth a try and cheap and quick.
I was a R.V. tech for a few years and I would "never" buy one. I purchased a second hand cube van and went through everything mechanical and repaired, replaced or rebuilt when it was required. I am now after 17 months of evenings and weekends starting to build the camper. Most R.V.s are held together with staples and glue with garbage craftsmanship and they are under powered .They are a poor investment from the time a person purchases there R.V. and leaves the lot, you are out thousands of dollars. I relize people require R.V.s but I wish the company's would bring up there standards.
My biggest problem with R.V.s is the "poor" workmanship and the poor quality of the materials used in manufacturing them. People invest huge amounts of money and R. V.s are manufactured to break. I have done PDI's on brand new R.V's that have taken days to repair due to poor workmanship and the most company's don't care about the back charges. They are made to fail and the cost of parts to repair them and if your not handy the $80.00-120.00/hr labour starts to add up. I would go with a class b but watch out for the rubber roof they are bound to fail. Many units are under powered which causes mechanical issues and my advise is get dual wheels as there top heavy. I always have thought if a contractor built a home like they build R.V.s he would only build one. Glue and Staples.
I guess we have been quite fortunate. We bought a '92 Ford Four Winds Class C with 50k miles on it for $12k three years ago. We've driven it from GA to Canada and back, also out to California and back, put on 10k miles and been to 28 states. The few issues we had were our own fault. Everything works great... The a/c, the fridge and freezer, the hot water heater, the propane, the generator, the microwave, stove, engine... Everything!! We have been VERY PLEASED with ours and we love it! It's very cozy and comfortable! My only complaint is I want one with a walk around bed. Trying to make this bed that is up against the wall on all sides except for one corner is a freakin NIGHTMARE!!! Oh, and I've had boats before. They are DEFINITELY a hole in the water into which you pour money! Our RV has been nothing like the boats we've had.
Carolyn make sure you keep at least a 1/2 tank of gas in Mitilda or it ( generator)won't start . Sounds like the same thing that happened with mine until I learned that lol . Safe travels youngster !
Billy Badbutt mine did the exact same thing , as long as you held the switch it stayed running somewhat . Yes it could be the oil pressure too or loose wire . But Carolyn said she just got the generator looked at by a shop which means it might be getting low on fuel , as Lu's Travellars suggested. I've always kept my RV with at least 1/2 a tank if I was going to use my Generator . It will be interesting to see what the problem was as I hope it's as simple as low gas and not something major, Carolyn is such a giving and beautiful person. Hang in there hon ! ( and Capone :) !
One of the things I've always liked about your vids is that you demonstrate the fact that a healthy portion of learning about RV/camping is experiential. One cannot possibly anticipate everything and sometimes experiential learning steps in. Gah! It kind of reminds me of learning about car mechanics via problems I've had with older vehicles. I probably wouldn't have learned anything about radiators or engine blocks [or whatever] had I not been faced with needed repairs. As to buying new or used RVs, I don't think there is a panacea. Further, figuring out that line of diminishing returns with a used vehicle of any kind is always something to be wrestled with...the question is complex and the answer could vary based on the circumstances. I laugh to myself thinking "nothing is ever easy, is it?" Ah well. As you always do, carry on Carolyn, carry on (and continue to be well)!
I appreciate your adventurous spirit! In my experience after a few years of full timing, I’ve learned to adjust my expectations on the quality of rigs out there. I’ve also learn how to fix just about everything on my 5th wheel, out of necessity . If you’re going to be boondocking by yourself and don’t have years of mechanical experience, then use the skills you do have, such as logistical planning, organization, networking with campers in the area, learning about mobile mechanics in the areas you’re going to be visiting, etc. In this video it looks like you’re 2 issues away for suffering a horrible death. Always have a plan B and a Emergency plan, be safe out there and have fun.
I just ran across your channel. This was my first video of yours. I was like, "Hey! Another kindred spirit!" Thanks for sharing. I'm older but in the process of getting a CIS degree so I can work remotely. I want to buy some land and start a permaculture food forest, and go for an RV road trip across old Route 66 and up to see Alaska. People like you are inspirations to me and teach me a lot. Thanks again for the videos! Going to watch more now....
Don't be so hard on yourself about the problems you are having with a used motorhome. If you do a little looking online about people who bought new ones you will find many nightmare stories there too. The amount that you have spent in maintenance is tiny compared to the enormous depreciation on new ones. Count your blessings. You have done well and are way ahead financially.
Summer in Florida is no joke. Too hot to be out there and good thing you left. With the torrential downpours multiple times a day, your camper could have gotten seriously stuck in the sand.
Hate to say it BUT this is where some real life mechanical experience comes to the fore.......anyone on a budget needs to know how to do their own fault finding and maintenance because having "repairers' do work will break you and cant help you out in the middle of nowhere.......... it may have been as simple as a bit of dirt in the fuel line or a blocked filter that cleared itself over the rough roads??? People with little or no aptitude in mechanical repair die in the outback of Australia because they cant get themselves out of trouble when they break down and have no idea how to fix something or even Gerry rig it to get them out...... time for a crash course in vehicle maintenance and repair, save you money and maybe even your life!
@@jennifermoreland5933 This my third attempt at this and im fr frustrated my pc is doing some crazy tricks ,and i get to the point where i send and lose everything that being said Ill skip details and just give you my 2 cents in condensed form . An Rv especially those based on a particular van or truck style cab or van with the living quarters as an addon , they are usually based on o1 or 11/2 ton factory truck chassis with engine in the largest cubic inches made by either Ford (460 Ci 0 , if Chevy usually a(454 ci I) if dodge a (440ci ) find you a Chiltons repair manual for whatever engine size related to what ever van or truck model made by it's particular make and model , it will cover everything from trouble shooting a particular problem to the steps it takes to figure ouit the problem and the repair of that problem , If you have an RV made by sech ex. Winnebago , Pace , Allegro etc , in other words there is no hood on thev thing , It is still based on a particular truck frame and Engine find or know the engine size which will leadvyou to the model for that particular frame engine combination and buy the manual for that model they are basically all the same but theres more knowledge in that one single manual than you' ll likely ever need and problem by problem you get your hands dirty fixing ,the more vthings will become familiar to you and you'll become more handy at figuring out what causes what to do what or not do something , there's information on everything from tires and wheels ,brakes and running gears to trans . and everything engine related including doing complete overhauls but im just saying Id start there and videos are cool but you cant take a video underneath a truck frame or in the dirt like you can a book and you can keep coming back to the page in the book ,keep that book with you in your Rv all the time . As for generator engines they are all basically your average lawn mower engine some might have a fuel pump or twin cylinder or other more road proof type variations of a lawn mowers basic design but they are all the same . and a quick reference if an engine doesnt start go to the simp0lest of problems first , fuel delivery getting fuel from the tank to the engine or carb check that there is fuel flow past iuts filter simply pull the line off at the carb turn the fuel on at its shut off valve or in case of a big engine do the same except point the fuel line away from the enginev or spark mplugs and with in your sightb from insdide the cab spin the motor and if fuel shoots out the open end eliminate filter and pump as your proble ..Thers other little follow ups from there like stuck needle valve if carb equipped or stuck float sometimes a few pops with the plastic end of screw driver at the base of the carb will free up ,or a spray of carb cleaner combined with a few raps against the carb will help too, if that butterfly thing in the mouth of the carb is closed then your choke is stucksimply push down on the other side to open it or if it doesnt want to move dont bforce it just look on the side of the carb forv a black plastic cup loosen the 3 screws until you can twist that cup simply twist it until that butterfly thinjg opens about 1/3 open and tighten the screws back . Two riuules of thumb if the engine runs but is stalling or not taking throttle or missing thats a sifgn of fuel depravation or carb related vissues , if you smell a strong oder of gasoline when around the engine ,thats a sign of flooding the engine getting too much fuel ,. sometimes that is caused my driver error ,patting pumping the accelerator too much trying to start it , if you smell gas either give it a few minutes to drain from the carbs throat , or just put the accelerator to the floor holding down and spin the motor over until it begins to start and keep spinning until it wants tyo run on its own do this with the air cleaner on the carb just in case you get a back backfire thru the carb and a flash of fire , if that does happen at anytime dont freak out ,keep a towel or othe cloth big enough to put over the carb it will smother out any flame that isnt out of control ,just dont spray a fire extinguisher especially a dry type into that curb or your screwed . Theres more but thats the basics ,if your engine runs but is back firing and missing then that a sign oif ingnition problems , start by checking for crossed plug wires ,or spark emitting from the boots over the plugs or plug wires if old and bad touching each other jumping and killing each others spark to its designated plug . if ac dead cylinder its usually a fouled plug or bad plug wire in the best scenarios or aq burnt or stuck valve in thev worst scenarios ,Im not a mechanic per se Im just someone who's never had a vehicle in the shop since 1974 into some pretty easy to understand simple troubleshooting tips on various fuel related issues but Ive reached my point ofv aggravation with my machine but I'll get back to you on this with some hopeful helpful information
@@jennifermoreland5933 btw forgive the typos im a one finger type and never look at a screen until i'm finished , I didnt feel like editing , but i hope its legible enough to understand whatever i was intending to get across, just trying to help
Welcome to Ocala! I have spent a ton of money on my home and it has not been a happy experience. I really try to go with small companies to help out the little people but I have had more "bad" work done by pretty much all of them. They say they have repaired and then I find out they didn't or they did a half "A" job. Then I have had to hirer a person to come in behind them to fix and still not done right. I'll be so happy to get out of this place.......Stay cool and ((hugs))
I’m in Land O Lakes and the exact same thing is happening to me. I’m going to try to see if they’ll be honest when I ask them if they’ve ever done this before I have to get better at reading these people. I guess I’ve paid for a lot of work and it’s not done.
It sounded like gas, if your tank was below 1/4 the generator can't get any fuel. I can't see you running it that low so the pick-up might be higher in your tank. If it happens again mark where the gauge is.
lmao I live in the forest and drive a 4x4 but when going deep in the woods the humidity and heat with no wind tends to make to truck run hotter and the moisture makes the alternator fail or give low power readings.
In case someone sees this and has the same problem with generator check the oil level. If oil is low the low oil sensor will keep it from running. Just a thought
😩I'm sorry the generator didn't work but I really didn't like that camping location for some strange reason so I'm kinda glad you left that spot. I hope the generator gets fixed and everything works out.
Carolyn, It was fate! For some odd reason, you weren't supposed to be there! Glad you're safe! We all have a guardian angel ! Please if finacis is feasible, please get yourself a different R.V.! I'll be praying! ~ Esther from N.Y.
I just love you. So very sorry you are going through this! You deserve better! Ask the universe a better question. What else can go right? Pull positive energy to you my beautiful friend. You are a powerful warrior that deserves the best. Sending you love and light ❤
++slim in da hood sunshine++ As you say, ppl in the usa waste... Yes generally speaking the average american certainly is the biggest polluter and the biggest waster of resources in the universe. All to do with his biggest ego, biggest level of ignorance and biggest mouth no doubt
What gets my balls in a bunch is when I am in a pristine Aspen forest in the mountains and a nice fire pit. Only to find the surrounding area I want to pitch my tent is full of broken beer bottles or ruts of mud dug out by 4x4's. The scariest thing I encountered was someone deliberately buried face up a full canister of Coleman Propane in the center of a fire pit. I was clearing it out when I spotted the valve attachment end poking a little out of the dirt. Some sick folks..
Welcome to the real world of any rv . You are living in a vehicle relying on a lot of mechanical things. I do it but am a retired person with the skills to repair all of these systems. I spent an entire life time learning how to . Good luck but it is what it is.
never know, tell us Carolyn, did the generator decide to behave after you got the heck out of there? you never know about these things, even if she didnt decide to stay kicked in, there could very well be a darn good reason.......
Bass Tournament cheaters to homeless camps in Anaheim then Walmart watch dogs and now to Carolyn's RV life. Luv it. Never a dull moment on random RUclips.
I live in Ocala and the Forrest is a strange place, should be safe, but sometimes isn’t. Come back in the winter and stay somewhere close to highway 40, out near Astor. Juniper springs/Salt Springs are great safe areas, just make sure someone normal is near. God bless.
There Is a relay that senses voltage from the generator that then holds the run relay in once voltage stabilizes. 15 or 20 minutes then died? If you fuel gauge for the rv s main engine is down to a 1/4 of a tank you need to fill the fuel tank before you park for the night or a few days. My rv 1976 35 footer the generator died just like yours and I immediately thought oh great! I was at a campground when it died and the couple in the next spot came over when they heard me mumbling under my breath. He asked me to turn the key on and it was just under a 1/4 of a tank, walked back to his rv and came back and poured in 5 gallons of gas and the fourth time we tried to start it it stumbled grumbled and coughed then smoothed out and ran fine. That's how I learned like someone said before me all RV's the fuel pickup off the main tank stops about 2 to 3 inches above the bottom so you don't go to leave where your parked only to find out your outa gas. After that I always filled the tank that feeds the rv and the generator so the generator didn't run out of gas. Second item the relays that onan used on my 1978 generator I discovered were prone to burning out and at $35 a piece I found out one night when the third relay died from another rv owner who I found out was full timing it. He and I replaced the original Onan relay with a standard Ford starter relay. The Ford relay was still doing working fine when I sold the rv 12 years after replacing the relay. I also bought an surplus military Jerry can to carry gas in as it holds 5 gallons is made of real steel and has a detachable spout. The US military switched over to plastic gas cans years ago but you can still find them. First time fill with water and set on a dry space after capping it to check for leaks. I've got three of the metal US Army cans I still use today, they use a threaded about a 2 1/2 inch opening and generally don't come with the spout. That's a separate purchase but well worth it. Have a rack built by a welders shop so you can carry 2 or 3 cans. Just make sure the rubber gasket isn't dried out and tighten the cap and it will be fine. Of the three I still use one is date stamped 10/44 meaning it was manufactured in October 1944. It was in unissued condition when I bought it in 1980 and the owner of the surplus store I bought it at told me he had 2500 more identical to its condition out of a military warehouse the Army was closing. I paid one dollar for it and the other two cans. I kinda doubt you'll find such a deal today but they have been rock solid since I bought them. Best of luck.
gOOD ONE i FORGOT VTO MENTION MYSELF AFTER DOING A LONG DESCRIPTION OF OTHER FUEL DERLIVERY POSSIBILITIES AND I MENTIONED THAT SOME WILL TRY AND RUN AS LONG AS YOU HELD THE STARTER ENGAGED BUT LOSE VOLTAGE WHEN YOU RELEASE THE SWITCH, mY ONLY OTHER oNAN EXP. WAS on a much bigger unit i ran on my big rig back in the 90's .sorry about the typos too tired to correct
Very true about the min 1/4 tank fuel level. There's also an electric fuel pump that can fail creating a similar symptom. I had an Onan that would keep up for 10-15 minutes then the engine would run lean and stall. Eventually would just start/stall such as this one. A new pump fixed it.
If your gas tank is below I think it is a quarter of a tank, your generator will not run. This is a safety feature so that you don't run your gas tank dry and end up stranded. If you we're at or below a quarter of a tank and got gas on your way to your friend's house, then that would explain why it started working again.
Carolyn, Thank you for doing these videos. I'm learning alot from you & your experiences. Also love the Great tips. Just an oberservation, seems to be a common thread , from a slightly uncommon viewpoint. Like when you were having repair issues REPEATEDLY! Perhaps it should be viewed as an opportunity to step back & let our Lord guide you. Remember he has a grand plan for each of us ! Perhaps he wanted you at specific places AT SPECIFIC times,,,? Anyway that's just IMHO 💖
This state is no place to be without A/C. I'm building a small Vardo style camper trailer and had considered using Ocala National Forest as a place to try it out. Your video reminded me what it's like away from an A/C here. I'll wait until December.
BBeen there, done that, as far as the generator is concerned. I faithfully started mine every two weeks, and let it run for 1/2 hours for almost five years. We never had to use it, but I changed the oil, fuel filter, and spark plug every spring, none-the-less. But I never knew, until I REALLY needed it, that you're supposed to run it with a "load." So, there we sat, no power, with the generator humming away as if it actually worked! Just bought a new "dual fuel", 7500W a couple of month's ago. I haven't run it with gasoline yet, just propane, but I let it run while powering two 1500W heaters every two weeks! This was all on me though, not some "professional repairman."
I just now found this channel. Carolyn is really cute/pretty and easy to listen to, and I really like her personality; even when she's upset. And this show/series gives good insights into RV life; which I still want to be into, even despite all the problems I see happening. I plan to buy an RV after the season is over, for a better deal. From what I read, manufactures can barely meet the demands this year.
I have to agree as I lived in Astor for 15 years after moving there from Ocala to enjoy the sleepy little river town. If I had a little heads up she could of parked her to home on our 10 acres where she would of been safe and comfortable. We had more problems on holiday weekends when Orlando, and other out of towners would party too much. I loved our home in Astor but my husband bought us a new home with less land, only three years old as an anniversary gift for me.
Chose not to stay in either of the dispersed camping areas earlier this year after being told to expect a crowd and that a gun was needed to provide personal security!
sucks to hear you bought a lemon... my solution to that exact problem when I was younger was to learn AS MUCH AS I POSSIBLY COULD about anything mechanical and anything with an engine or anything with wheels... and it turned out that I really enjoyed it and ended up making a career out of it.... and I no longer get ripped off
My Dad and I lived as Carnies so we had to live in our RV 24/7. My Dad would never buy an RV but instead always said that a travel trailer was better because you had more room to live in and you did not end up pulling a car behind you.
Make sure that you got more than just a quarter tank of gas in the RV is designed for the generator to quit so you can still drive the RV away and not be stuck so the RV will not run on a very low tank
It was a fuel draw problem. Possibly dirt in fuel line and was pushed out while running and now its ok..Mechanic had NOTHING to do with it at all....Good luck
"A landlord evicted someone and dumped their belongings out here rather than paying a $20 dump fee" LOL I'd like to see the last date on those tax returns left behind, could it have been 2007-2008 maybe? Ever heard the word foreclosure? Thousands of families lost their HOMES and JOBS left with anything they could pack up in a truck and look for a place they could safely sleep. I didn't happen to me but if it did I'm sure my tax returns and what I thought to be important documents or even weird pictures my kids made for me would be packed up. Let us not assume all who camp out in the "FREE ZONES" are doing it by choice.
I won’t pretend to know what was wrong with your generator, but something I do is run premium grade fuel, preferably from one of the big oil companies. I use Shell V power, and have zero issues.
How much gas did you have when you were parked in the park? A lot of people don't know that the generator sucks from - usually - about the 25% level in the gas tank. This is to stop you being able to run the gas tank down to where you can't drive to a gas station. If the gas gauge is reading somewhere around a 1/4 tank, the generator will be getting fuel starvation - it'll likely start, but won't stay running.
Sorry to hear of your troubles, understand your frustration.That said, your a smart and capable gal, you should really study up on mechanics, so you can assess and do some of this work yourself. Changing the air filter and oil in your generator is definitely something you should be able to do, and getting your hands dirty will help you understand how some of these systems work, so you can get ahead of some of these problems. $159 is excessive for an oil and air filter change, the oil and parts would probably run you just $30 if you did it yourself. If you want to be independent, you cannot be so dependent on others. You are not likely to get anywhere with the shop, unless they have a good heart. You asked them to do basic maintenance, which they did. Just listening to the generator, its definitely a fuel problem, either you didn't have much in your tank and the angle at which you were parked didn't allow enough fuel to flow to the generator (which is why when you were parked later it did work), or its likely a problem with the carburetor (a stuck bowl or needle or clogged fuel filter.) There is no way the shop could know the carburetor had problems, when they were just doing basic maintenance. You didn't ask them to do an overhaul. Lastly, as a retired law enforcement officer, (I don't mean to sound paternal or sexist, but facts are facts) and my experience makes me worry about some of the remote, areas you choose to camp in alone. Most people are good, but there are some truly evil men--and women--in this world. And such men will see a woman alone, in the middle of nowhere, with no witnesses, as a very easy target. Being aware of your surroundings is great, but it doesn't necessarily mean your safe. Obviously, you make your own decisions, but I would hate to see you get hurt.
Depends on how much gas you have in the tank the generator tube doesn't go to the bottom of the gas tank so you can't run yourself dry. Just a suggestion.
My 1995 has not been a money pit....that being said, when I purchased it, I had my RV guy go over it with a fine tooth comb. Yes, he found issues, so while I went to work every day, he worked on it. (We were parked in his backyard) Such a deal. By the time (6 months later) I retired, "Big Bertha" was ready to go. Now, after driving back and forth from Florida to Maine the last couple years....AND no issues! We will be headed west to CA to visit friends. Happy Trails!
you could be making payment on a new RV with what you spend fixing your old one. That's my rule for knowing when to move up to something new. Its going to cost the same, with far less problems.
a few thousand in repairs does not equate to $50,000+ for a new rv. people tend to give up on things too fast. but that benefits me because I always buy used stuff that "needs work" I properly repair them and get to have years of reliable service from things people thought weren't worth putting money into. so I have owned and enjoyed using a few differant motorcycles, off road vehicles,a camper van, a couple different trucks and a boat all for less than it would have cost me to buy one new truck or one new boat and thats including what I paid for them and what it cost to get them up to par and reliable. only once did I run into a vehicle that once I got it I decided it would cost more to fix than was worth doing. People need to learn to repair there own stuff and understand how things work rather than run out and buy something on payments because they think somehow thats going to cost less than to just fix something.Making payments is no good unless you just absolutely have to do it.
I overhauled my van and replaced $5000 in moving parts, (parts cost, did it all myself). Literally every moving part, spring, roller, bushing, pulley, etc etc etc etc from ground up. I've broken down twice due to the TWO things I did not replace!!!! LOL (fuel pump, rear drum brakes lost a spring). Good luck! It is always fixable though, no worries there's always a way.
Have your fuel filter changed, it sounds like it is not getting enough gas and stalls out. You may have shaken things up on the back roads. Good luck!! Watch the video below...
it is definitely a fuel problem, it starts to run then just dies out. if it was electrical the starter would not be working to start the thing to begin with dude. it is probably low fuel or petcock turned off and she is gonna realize that and feel like a dummie.
you just proved you dont know what you are talking about. She let go of the start switch when the motor started to run but then it stalled shortly after. you would not just continue to press the start button after you hear the motor start to fire. the motor started to run then shit out within a second or two that is without a doubt a problem of not getting fuel flow. I have been working on cars and generators and lawn equipment for my entire life I am not some idiot that is talking out my ass. her problem was a fuel issue and I can guarantee there is indeed a fuel shut off for the generator somewhere, it would be nuts to not have the ability to cut the fuel to the generator for repairs or long term storage without use.in this case it sounds like it did start working on its own later on so that lends even more to the believe there was a fuel flow issue, if it was electrical it would not have fired at all but it clearly did. You are the one who is making yourself look like a fucking fool.It is a fuel flow issue without any doubt anyone who knows anything would spot that in a second flat.
the ignition switch would have nothing to do with anything once the engine fires,the ignition switch only runs the starter motor, it had clearly fired up and she let go of the stater switch but it didnt continue to run because it wasn't getting fuel for some reason.has nothing to do with the fucking starter button you fucking moron.
the switch has nothing to do with spark.that starter switch only initiates the starter motor which cranks the engine it has nothing to do at all with the rest of the process. all it does it turn the motor and give it push start until it fires and runs itself, after that the starter and starter switch have ZERO to do with the running of the engine. how are you guys so clueless yet you want to argue with me.if it was an electrical problem, as in there was no spark at the plug it would not have turned over at all it would just have cranked. but it did turn over, which means there WAS spark at the spark plug and there was combustion, the combustion did not continue...so why would that be? because there was not enough fuel to keep the internal combustion going. Come on guys this is elementary mechanics here.I have decades of experience troubleshooting mechanical problems, there is nothing here to indicate an electrical problem at all and all the evidence points to a lack of fuel to continue the combustion that DID start. if there was no spark it could not have turned over at all, all you would hear would be the starter cranking, it would not have fired at all.
billy .... lets break this down. what does the starter button do? answer: supplies power to the starter motor..... what else does the starter button do? answer:nothing. it only supplies power to the starter motor.... what does the starter motor do? answer: starter motor cranks the engine,it physically moves the engine a few revolutions until it fires and runs .... what do you do when you hear the engine fire up? answer: let go of the fucking button. at this point the movement of the engine is generating a spark at the spark plug which is igniting the fuel which propels the piston(s) and keeps the cycle going. the starter button is not what provides spark for the engine to fire. the mechanical motion of the engine is what creates the spark. an engine can not fire AT ALL if there is no spark. so if the starter was cranking the engine and there was no spark it would not turn over. it DID turn over it just didn't continue to run. so the problem is not that it isn't generating spark for internal combustion it is that is does not have enough fuel to continue the internal combustion. which is why it died right away. if you have 20 years of experience working on onan generations and dont understand these fundamental basics you are a total fucking moron.I have over 30 years of working on engines large and small and I have a very good understanding of how they work and im telling you this is a fuel supply issue. either there ,a clog/restriction in the fuel filter, closed petcock, not enough fuel ect, something was preventing fuel from reaching the combustion chamber. period end of story, not even a doubt in my mind.
My generator will not run once the fuel tank goes below a certain level. It is a feature so that a person doesn't run out of gas while running the generator all night. If that happens you may really be "stuck". Since you vehicle didn't look leveled. This may have been the problem even though you "technically" had enough gas to run the generator. Good travels!
If I remember Some RV generators, before starting you have to hold it to stop for a few seconds for the electric fuel pump to to prime fuel then try starting it to
Carolyn, why not go solar? Generators create horrible noise and distract from the song of the forest. They run on dirty fuel and as you experienced repairs are a crap shoot. I say with only Love and best wishes for your journey
@@ven1483 there is a free transfer station near 0220, where all of the trash and furniture could be dumped free of charge. I know this for a fact. Its just lazyness
Carolyn my guess with the last video of the Big Truck in middle of night is, they were harvesting pot plants under the dark of night. Their spot their crop no one to see what their hauling out. Glad you're safe.
I live in Jacksonville Florida not far from that camp site and the humidity here in North East Florida is ridiculous. Whoever wants to move to Florida prepare to stink after stepping outside for just five minutes. You will start sweating as soon as you step outside. The only reason why I'm still in Florida is because of my parents but when they pass I'm getting the hell out of this shit hole state. Good luck with your trailer.
arkansas isnt much better its humid hot ,i moved here to take care of my parents mom passed dads got himself a new lady i can move on now too but dont know where to go!
Two things for you: 1) Beware of rustic camping in Ocala NF. Lots of tweakers living in those woods who wouldn't think twice about doing you harm. 2) www.freecampsites.net Happy Trails
Yeah, John, that's what I was thinking as well. With all the drug users and homeless people in this country, I'd stay the hell out of the forests of Florida.
AAAARRRRGH! I HATE when that happens! Oh, Carolyn, I'm so sorry that you're having this trouble! I'm far from an expert, but from what I read, saw on RUclips, the Onan 4000 Microquiet generators seem to have problems with their carburetors, as in they gum up easily. Since yours wouldn't start until you bounced it along on the road out, I wonder if maybe the float got jiggled loose or something. Either that, or there was an intermittent electrical condition that reestablished itself. I do know that "time wounds all heels". Things age over time, and things begin to go wrong just from age alone. That's a sad fact in this universe ruled by entropy. And BOY! do I NOT blame you for being so frustrated and angry! I would've been yelling my head off, swearing and cursing and doing the "hopping mad" dance. You showed incredible self-control while explaining the situation! (POOR Mr. Capone! Bet he was completely Miserable too!) We love you, and want to see the best for you, a'wanderin' around the country out there. I hope that things work out for the best for you! As always, stay safe, travel well, and stay Friendly (in spite of stupid generators!) --Dave (Hug)
If you plan to be out there for years just guessing, and it seems to make you very happy I think a newer rig is in order. Just to keep money pouring into an old one I don't think it's a great idea why don't you do it while you can enjoy it. Enjoy the rest of your trip and stay near the ocean, maybe you guys would like to play in the surf
daveogarf yes I Third that suggestion.. ..time for a newer smaller rig....something van like...easier to park.. .better on gas...less problems...matilda is old...too big for your needs.. and outdated on its last legs...and hard to park..you said it many times...girl time for a change....
I agree with Billy I have worked on lots of generators it is most likely a safety shut down not letting it run when you hold the switch it overrides safety's it could be low coolant level, low oil level, over temp, low oil pressure all these things will cause safety shut down. Safety's keep generator from destroying it's self. New gens will give you a fault code so you know what is wrong.
Not their yet but correct me if bad idea...I would try living in a van pulling a light enclosed trailer. The van would be the living bed room, the trailer the closet storage and rest room. 20 mpg, Coleman stove, rocket stove, 120v elec water heating element and a small generator, extra battery, 12 volt water pump/hose/spray head, potable shower stall but able to shower in trailer to. A tarp and rope. Could have a 12volt element to heat water if traveling.
I am on my second motor home, before that we always towed our trailer, I think we numbered 4 or 5 before we moved up. Every one of them required some maintenance, but the motor homes require constant maintenance, a fellow told me that his bother worked building these things, he explained that at the factory they figure they did about 90 percent of making it right, that last 10 percent is up to the owner. Generators are the nasty little gremlin in motor homes. What they need is to be run for about 10 to 15 minutes about twice a month to keep fresh fuel in the system so they will start and run when you need them. Also insure that you have no heavy duty electrical things turned on when you start them as they need to get up to speed before you can ask them for full power to run air-conditioners and such. Both my rigs have had fairly big generators, and both were capable of running the two overhead generators in my class A rigs. We use ours extensively when traveling, every night we run the thing for about 2 hours before bedtime beginning at supper then a movie after eating and before bed time. Ya campers are money pits, but when you live in them, you have to think of it this way. Not only are you maintaining your vehicle, but you are also maintaining your house. When you think of it that way, it really is not all that bad. We spend our winters in our motor home, then drive her 1500 miles back to South Dakota for the warm months. Were it not for my family being up there, I would not return that far north but you gotta see the family as well, all part of of life. Enjoy the good life, i know I sure do.
Hey, Carolyn...you are keeping an eye on Capone, and he is keeping an eye on you..you can't read his mind, but he is probably thinking "she is so daring and fearless, I have to keep her safe...this is not an easy job...no time for a nap."
I have heard that motor homes are built to fall apart after five years. That is not true, a new motor home can fall apart after one day, there are no guarantees that it will last five years.
Shady Pine I have a 98 Terry 5th wheel it's 'fiberglass and it's still very solid aluminum rigs fall apart .we received 100 inches of rain last year with no problems
Bobcat snakes alligators and bears then again you might be really lost that is a mind grip good luck hate it every time that happens reach deep he is there, Jesus.
I would say from experience that your generator runs on the top part of you gas tank so you don't completely empty your tank sitting in the campsite. When you went back to the service center you filled your tank on the way.
Carolyn, I hate to say this, but maybe it's time to say goodbye to Matilda. With all the money you are putting into it for repairs could buy you something a little bit newer. There's so much stress in this world that sometimes it's just not worth it anymore.
I went extremely used and got a 30 foot for 1000 bucks and gutted it. Now its got a wood stove gravity fed water and a lot of solar. Going on six years now and I love it. But it's all about the location. None of this works without a good spot.
As a Florida native and experienced landscaper the second you said something about you generator having issues I knew exactly what it was.... long story short it is the humidity mixed with the heat. the same thing happens to chainsaws and any other gas and oil machine here. Best of luck.
I just recently passed up going into Ocala national forest. A local resident informed me and I also did some researching regarding the fact that there are a lot of homeless people living in that national forest and there have been some missing persons report. Always do your research first.
My friend, it sounds like you should get some tools and access to and learn how to do some basics like a very minor tune-up on a generator etc etc.... This is why there is RUclips
Also get a mechanic, for pre-inspection before you buy another rig
Unless you have lots of coin, Florida is just rough! And even if you do have enough coin, dude you're in Florida!
Get a 150-200$ mossburg 12 gauge pump.
Have the plug removed, and load it as follows: 00 Buck, slug, 00 Buck, slug, ect...
If the initial racking of the action doesn't deter them, you stop em with the 00 buck, and drop em with the slug! JS
Stay safe!!!
At least twice in the video I spotted movement in the trees that was definitely a person while you were talking. The one thing I can tell you after growing up near forests is listen to your gut, and don't get cocky thinking you know it all. Your spot was not well hidden, and it'd take one vehicle to block your exit. I know you are tough in spirit and physically, but it takes one mistake. Be overcautious and use common sense. And don't speak too loudly in the woods as you might miss noise. One more thing! If it's too quiet, and you can't hear anything including birds, get out.
I saw that too!
i also caught a glimpse of movement
Where at? Ive watched it several times lookin for it. The dog was over in the bushes once, and a car passes by on the road just beyond the trees. So....
Shaun...good advice especially she could easily be blocked by 1 vehicle.....
Ummmm ya and stay off the meth,everyone
The likely issue was the humidity with the generator. The fix is to buy new spark plug wires, when it's humid, and the plug wires are aged, they'll ground out to the engine block through the insulation. New wires will fix that pretty cheaply, you can swap them out 1 by 1 yourself and only have the cost of the plug wires.
One of the many things I learned the hard way, was to never let a repair shop know I'm traveling straight through. Always say I'm staying a couple of weeks.
Why do you tell them that your staying for a bit?
If they know you are leaving they can take advantage and overcharge you or do the repair poorly.
i totally agree , except one time while a young guy in the military, my car was breaking down in Montana as i was traveling coast to coast on my way overseas. A Chevron station right off the interstate fixed my car and only charged me for gas. That was like 35 years ago tho.
I watched many videos with single ladies living alone in tiny houses, RV, etc, in very secluded places. Always wondering about their safety...
It's safer than many populated areas.
I was worried about you being in that forest by yourself Carolyn..i know that area a bit and I never felt good about being out there without a group of people..maybe it is a higher power watching out for you..i love your honesty and determination. I plan to do what you're doing this winter so keep up the great information with these videos! Love and peace to you!
Nicole Prosser this is not safe, if Carolyn was my daughter I would be freaking out!
Nicole, is there a difference between being in a forest or a Wal-Mart parking lot, I don't think so!
Jedidiah, unless I already know the wooded area is safe I'll take the Wal-Mart parking lot every time. You have security at the lot and can get help quickly if needed. In the woods she's not only exposed to wild animals, but to wild Fl assholes. That garbage dump is a bad sign too - evidence that people that don't care about others or the law use the spot.
Nicole you are damned right about warning her!
Nicole Prosser I'm a Native Floridian and I wouldn't camp there if someone paid me to! Too many druggies in the area. The huge pile of garbage should've been a red flag for her. Better off, considering she's alone, to just pay for the night at a campground where there are other people around.
84 degrees and 100% humidity is what we call fall weather in FL.
never had A/C or even a dryer till I left Palatka Florida
Ugh. I don’t miss that....😂😂😂. The ocean...completely. The heat...Not at all!
right lol i was like 84 ? that's beautiful an its cloudy hahah, an I bet that AC just had the choke on since it sounded like in was suffocating
Yikes! I call it hell 😫
In regards to your Generator...as it's ran by fuel ..Diesel or petrol in other cars/vehicles. The Diesel/Petrol tanks can get some " dirty fuel".
My Rav4 got very sluggish one time...my Mechanic said it just happens somtimes.
Maybe Matilda's tank needed a good clean out. An older vehicle..a handy hint to know. 😊
A way of cleaning it, is to get down to very empty before re-fueling .
That was divine intervention. I have heard of a lot of bad things happening in Ocala to campers.
Martha Alexander Bad things happen everywhere, don’t let that stop you from living your life!
FlynFish777Crew yeah but common sense will keep you safe. This is a dangerous area.
I was wondering what you meant so I looked it up. I found the event you are talking about Martha. I got shivers up my spine. I actually camped near that exact spot just over two years later. I was wondering why on earth the place was so empty. The funny thing is I went on the camp ground website and could of picked any one in the state. I choose that one! That’s spooky! I wouldn’t of been able to sleep if I had known then.
Another solo FT RV woman, Pippi Peterson, recently did a YT video on how she maintained her generator, changed the oil and put in a new filter by herself, probably saved $100. It looked easy. She does a lot of work herself and likes teaching others. Including cool remodels inside. Check out how she re did her counter space and table, she's very creative and resourceful. I enjoy both your YT channels as FT RV female nomads. Hang in there!
Yup. I love that counter and table and am thinking of doing the same to mine. Pippi is very good at teaching and is mechanically inclined.
Cheers!
N Smith : That is what I would do! Learn how to do it myself! $150 for some basic maintenance is too much! I have learned how to do lots of things by watching Utube videos! Funny that Carolyn isn't watching other people to figure out some things.
Oh, thanks for the name! I am going to go over and watch her channel now! She sounds smart and independent!
N Smith, yes, Pippi has made a job out of DIY RV Repairs and maintenance. It IS a full time job and I already have two of those. I neither have the time nor the interest in doing it myself. I believe in paying professionals to do what they do best and saving my valuable time for either work or fun. I value my time too much to try to learn how to do everything myself.
I love pippi!!!!!!!!
N Smith umm I don't think she's doing it by herself . On time when she acted like she was by herself I saw a flash of an hairy arm doing the work or right their showing her how .
Its all good, life is not perfect. Learn from it and move on. Buying a new motor home I do not think is a smart choice even though I I bought a new one myself, but buying a 2-3 year old motor home is a smart choice. Anything older than 10 years is not worth the headaches and in the long run it will cost more. Keep your head up and keep going.
How much gas did you have? Your generator usually runs off of your gas tank and once the gas is at 1/4 of a tank, your generator won't work because they want to make sure you have enough gas to drive to the next gas station.
Also check the oil level. There is a low oil shutoff.
I bought a generator and they gave me a quart of oil. It would do the same, start and die. Read the manual and it said it takes 1.1 quarts. Added the .1 quart and it ran fine.
Lu's Traveller True👍. Some don't know that, good safety feature to...
Have you checked the 3 amp fuse? I runs as long as your finger is on the start button. Thinking the fuse.
Carolyn. Please check your fuel level. Gen will not work under 1/4 tank as safety feature. Also you should check your oil level. Gens use a lot of oil. 15-40 is what I use but any oil will do in a pinch.
Hope you get it running but I would go back to that RV repair place and threaten them with a law suit and RUclips blacklist if they don't show you that every thing is running right. 37k Subs gives you some clout!
If it was the fuel, why is it still running when she turns it over? Perhaps it is just sipping at the quarter tank level.
I don't understand why anyone with the ability to move around in a vehicle aka RV would be anywhere near Florida in the summer
Then apparently, you aren't paying attention
Florida is the place to be for sun n fun what planet are you from
I live a little inland 1 county away from ONF and positively agree.
There are. And shes got a bum Gen Set so no A/C
I live in Australia and would love to see Florida. I live in an area were it gets humid. It gets quite warm to 35degrees (not sure of the conversion but somewhere between 75 and 100 is our average). You get used to it and accimatise. I hate being cold. I find the dry heat ok but it dries out my chest.
@@Toby3610 Coming from the UK and having had a bus-mans holiday in Arizona and Nevada i loved the dry heat, i felt as though i could breath and the vast expanse of land i love. Coming back to the UK at Heathrow i realised how damp and dense UK air is. Like trying to breath treacle. I found Florida very uncomfortable, constantly damp clothes.
I’ve had a man block my car in once at a beach when I was alone on a snowy day. In my non 4x4 car I did drive onto the beach and get out. Be safe! God bless you!
I don't know if this makes you feel any better. I bought my 2003 BT Cruiser this past January. I did not have it inspected *before* I bought it. But, I did have it inspected after. Since then I have done everything the Truck/RV shop said needed to be done. six brand new tires, U-joint, radiator serviced, serpentine belt, brake flush, front shocks, scraped and resealed the roof and side seams. Yet... it seems there is always something. Most recently the arm to my canopy somehow got dislodged! Luckily my ex-husband was able to fix it. I have put in over $7000 now. My hope is that it will be pretty much 'new' by the time I go full time.
Its not just your RV. I have a 2007 with 30,000 miles on it and it seems like I am always putting money into it. I also work as a workcamper from time to time and I see half million dollar rigs come thru here that have issues. I had a person the other day say they bought a NEW WINNEBAGO VISTA, 2016 model, and on its maiden voyage its been nothing but problems. They were so mad they were ready to take it back to the factory and stop making payments on it. The RVs today are made cheap. They just dont hold up. SO I dont think it would matter what year it was or how much you spent, there will be problems.
Agreed. There are a few well made models but not many.
+Larry Marco Thanks for the public service announcement (I'm not trying to be sarcastic here). I've heard much of the same of what you are saying and that is why I'm getting a school bus and fixing it up. School buses can get up to 500,000 miles and are built like tanks.
Since an RV is private property, not Real Estate, it's easier to walk away and leave the keys. Unlike a permanent home on land where as you walk away, the banks will take the property and sell it, which leaves the IRS to come after you for "Mortgage Relief" debt. If I had the money, I'd buy a used RV and live on my own.
So true. My parents used to own a campground, and in reality, situations like this are not unusual.
And like other have said, we had half million dollar (and more)rigs come in with issues and looked pretty much like crap for the price.
On our own family camper, when I was a teenager, dad took the motorhome in for a check before we left for vacation. We got to Watkins Glen..just a few hours from home, and going down the steep hill into town, a set of our dual wheels fell off. A wonderful garage in town towed us in, plugged the camper into his electric at the garage and let us stay right there, free, while he waited for a part. Seems as though the place back home who supposedly "checked it over"- didn't put something on correctly. We could have all been killed but dad really had it under control. I think the poor cop who saw it all happen probably had to go back home to change his pants!
Larry Marco
It’s all part of our disposable society...
Nothing is built to last any longer.
It’s made to last just until you finally
have it either paid off or close to it
and then it wears out so you have to
replace it because trying to get it
repaired will cost you more than
something new’s payments and you
get to start all over again...
Got to love it...lol...!
Living in an RV has some wonderful advantages, but it is also a high-maintenance type of life. You are at the mercy of repair people who ca rip you off or do bad work. I personally would not mind it it you made $10,000 a month. 1. It is none of my business, and 2. You work long hours traveling, filming and them a lot more editing videos to show us not only your life, but what is outside our homes. We do not get out as our grandparents did (or we did when we were teenagers), I would prefer Carolyn make money then Netflix. She has earned everything she has (and then some).
For those of you who complain about this...What are you putting out to your fellow man (except for unwanted criticism and sarcastic remarks that do nothing for the improvement of mankind?) It would do you well to take the time to think about what you are saying BEFORE you post it. Remember that old saying, 'If you can't say anything nice, ... There is a meaning behind the words.
Carolyn puts out positive energy, wise advise, shares her feeling, etc. My Gosh, how many of your friends or neighbors will do that for you? I wish her nothing but health, happiness and a hell of a lot of fun. She is such a generous friend to us all.
I'm so proud and envious of you!
A lot of generators will not run if the oil is low in the generator. It is to protect your generator from burning up. Have fixed several friends by just adding oil. It's worth a try and cheap and quick.
I was a R.V. tech for a few years and I would "never" buy one. I purchased a second hand cube van and went through everything mechanical and repaired, replaced or rebuilt when it was required. I am now after 17 months of evenings and weekends starting to build the camper. Most R.V.s are held together with staples and glue with garbage craftsmanship and they are under powered .They are a poor investment from the time a person purchases there R.V. and leaves the lot, you are out thousands of dollars. I relize people require R.V.s but I wish the company's would bring up there standards.
I appreciate your comment. What about Class B's? They seem like a better choice because they are just extended work vans. I would love your opinion.
My biggest problem with R.V.s is the "poor" workmanship and the poor quality of the materials used in manufacturing them. People invest huge amounts of money and R. V.s are manufactured to break. I have done PDI's on brand new R.V's that have taken days to repair due to poor workmanship and the most company's don't care about the back charges. They are made to fail and the cost of parts to repair them and if your not handy the $80.00-120.00/hr labour starts to add up. I would go with a class b but watch out for the rubber roof they are bound to fail. Many units are under powered which causes mechanical issues and my advise is get dual wheels as there top heavy. I always have thought if a contractor built a home like they build R.V.s he would only build one. Glue and Staples.
Thank you so much for your helpful information. I appreciate your expertise.
kelly larson if you see this, what about a tow behind trailer?
I guess we have been quite fortunate. We bought a '92 Ford Four Winds Class C with 50k miles on it for $12k three years ago. We've driven it from GA to Canada and back, also out to California and back, put on 10k miles and been to 28 states. The few issues we had were our own fault. Everything works great... The a/c, the fridge and freezer, the hot water heater, the propane, the generator, the microwave, stove, engine... Everything!! We have been VERY PLEASED with ours and we love it! It's very cozy and comfortable! My only complaint is I want one with a walk around bed. Trying to make this bed that is up against the wall on all sides except for one corner is a freakin NIGHTMARE!!! Oh, and I've had boats before. They are DEFINITELY a hole in the water into which you pour money! Our RV has been nothing like the boats we've had.
Carolyn make sure you keep at least a 1/2 tank of gas in Mitilda or it ( generator)won't start . Sounds like the same thing that happened with mine until I learned that lol . Safe travels youngster !
Billy Badbutt mine did the exact same thing , as long as you held the switch it stayed running somewhat . Yes it could be the oil pressure too or loose wire . But Carolyn said she just got the generator looked at by a shop which means it might be getting low on fuel , as Lu's Travellars suggested. I've always kept my RV with at least 1/2 a tank if I was going to use my Generator . It will be interesting to see what the problem was as I hope it's as simple as low gas and not something major, Carolyn is such a giving and beautiful person. Hang in there hon ! ( and Capone :) !
One of the things I've always liked about your vids is that you demonstrate the fact that a healthy portion of learning about RV/camping is experiential. One cannot possibly anticipate everything and sometimes experiential learning steps in. Gah! It kind of reminds me of learning about car mechanics via problems I've had with older vehicles. I probably wouldn't have learned anything about radiators or engine blocks [or whatever] had I not been faced with needed repairs. As to buying new or used RVs, I don't think there is a panacea. Further, figuring out that line of diminishing returns with a used vehicle of any kind is always something to be wrestled with...the question is complex and the answer could vary based on the circumstances. I laugh to myself thinking "nothing is ever easy, is it?" Ah well. As you always do, carry on Carolyn, carry on (and continue to be well)!
I appreciate your adventurous spirit! In my experience after a few years of full timing, I’ve learned to adjust my expectations on the quality of rigs out there. I’ve also learn how to fix just about everything on my 5th wheel, out of necessity . If you’re going to be boondocking by yourself and don’t have years of mechanical experience, then use the skills you do have, such as logistical planning, organization, networking with campers in the area, learning about mobile mechanics in the areas you’re going to be visiting, etc. In this video it looks like you’re 2 issues away for suffering a horrible death. Always have a plan B and a Emergency plan, be safe out there and have fun.
I just ran across your channel. This was my first video of yours. I was like, "Hey! Another kindred spirit!" Thanks for sharing. I'm older but in the process of getting a CIS degree so I can work remotely. I want to buy some land and start a permaculture food forest, and go for an RV road trip across old Route 66 and up to see Alaska. People like you are inspirations to me and teach me a lot. Thanks again for the videos! Going to watch more now....
Don't be so hard on yourself about the problems you are having with a used motorhome. If you do a little looking online about people who bought new ones you will find many nightmare stories there too. The amount that you have spent in maintenance is tiny compared to the enormous depreciation on new ones. Count your blessings. You have done well and are way ahead financially.
And that's one reason why I'm looking at getting a van next year for my future life.
Summer in Florida is no joke. Too hot to be out there and good thing you left. With the torrential downpours multiple times a day, your camper could have gotten seriously stuck in the sand.
Sometimes, things happen for a reason??? Maybe it was unsafe You being there??? Just a thought😊 Be safe❤️
Texas Lady 😊
Hello! When you push the Start switch on your generator, release it as soon as it starts. Holding it longer can burn up your starter :)
My thought exactly, I'd say she has a fuel line blockage somewhere especially as it's just had an oil change.
Hate to say it BUT this is where some real life mechanical experience comes to the fore.......anyone on a budget needs to know how to do their own fault finding and maintenance because having "repairers' do work will break you and cant help you out in the middle of nowhere.......... it may have been as simple as a bit of dirt in the fuel line or a blocked filter that cleared itself over the rough roads??? People with little or no aptitude in mechanical repair die in the outback of Australia because they cant get themselves out of trouble when they break down and have no idea how to fix something or even Gerry rig it to get them out...... time for a crash course in vehicle maintenance and repair, save you money and maybe even your life!
Can
ha HA i JUST SPENT AN HOUR GOING OVER JUST THAT THEN LOOKED DOWN AND READ YOUR COMMENT lol
Where would you go to learn this crash course in mechanical trouble shooting?
@@jennifermoreland5933 This my third attempt at this and im fr
frustrated my pc is doing some crazy tricks ,and i get to the point where i send and lose everything that being said Ill skip details and just give you my 2 cents in condensed form . An Rv especially those based on a particular van or truck style cab or van with the living quarters as an addon , they are usually based on o1 or 11/2 ton factory truck chassis with engine in the largest cubic inches made by either Ford (460 Ci 0 , if Chevy usually a(454 ci I) if dodge a (440ci ) find you a Chiltons repair manual for whatever engine size related to what ever van or truck model made by it's particular make and model , it will cover everything from trouble shooting a particular problem to the steps it takes to figure ouit the problem and the repair of that problem , If you have an RV made by sech ex. Winnebago , Pace , Allegro etc , in other words there is no hood on thev thing , It is still based on a particular truck frame and Engine find or know the engine size which will leadvyou to the model for that particular frame engine combination and buy the manual for that model they are basically all the same but theres more knowledge in that one single manual than you'
ll likely ever need and problem by problem you get your hands dirty fixing ,the more vthings will become familiar to you and you'll become more handy at figuring out what causes what to do what or not do something , there's information on everything from tires and wheels ,brakes and running gears to trans . and everything engine related including doing complete overhauls but im just saying Id start there and videos are cool but you cant take a video underneath a truck frame or in the dirt like you can a book and you can keep coming back to the page in the book ,keep that book with you in your Rv all the time . As for generator engines they are all basically your average lawn mower engine some might have a fuel pump or twin cylinder or other more road proof type variations of a lawn mowers basic design but they are all the same . and a quick reference if an engine doesnt start go to the simp0lest of problems first , fuel delivery getting fuel from the tank to the engine or carb check that there is fuel flow past iuts filter simply pull the line off at the carb turn the fuel on at its shut off valve or in case of a big engine do the same except point the fuel line away from the enginev or spark mplugs and with in your sightb from insdide the cab spin the motor and if fuel shoots out the open end eliminate filter and pump as your proble ..Thers other little follow ups from there like stuck needle valve if carb equipped or stuck float sometimes a few pops with the plastic end of screw driver at the base of the carb will free up ,or a spray of carb cleaner combined with a few raps against the carb will help too, if that butterfly thing in the mouth of the carb is closed then your choke is stucksimply push down on the other side to open it or if it doesnt want to move dont bforce it just look on the side of the carb forv a black plastic cup loosen the 3 screws until you can twist that cup simply twist it until that butterfly thinjg opens about 1/3 open and tighten the screws back . Two riuules of thumb if the engine runs but is stalling or not taking throttle or missing thats a sifgn of fuel depravation or carb related vissues , if you smell a strong oder of gasoline when around the engine ,thats a sign of flooding the engine getting too much fuel ,. sometimes that is caused my driver error ,patting pumping the accelerator too much trying to start it , if you smell gas either give it a few minutes to drain from the carbs throat , or just put the accelerator to the floor holding down and spin the motor over until it begins to start and keep spinning until it wants tyo run on its own do this with the air cleaner on the carb just in case you get a back backfire thru the carb and a flash of fire , if that does happen at anytime dont freak out ,keep a towel or othe cloth big enough to put over the carb it will smother out any flame that isnt out of control ,just dont spray a fire extinguisher especially a dry type into that curb or your screwed . Theres more but thats the basics ,if your engine runs but is back firing and missing then that a sign oif ingnition problems , start by checking for crossed plug wires ,or spark emitting from the boots over the plugs or plug wires if old and bad touching each other jumping and killing each others spark to its designated plug . if ac dead cylinder its usually a fouled plug or bad plug wire in the best scenarios or aq burnt or stuck valve in thev worst scenarios ,Im not a mechanic per se Im just someone who's never had a vehicle in the shop since 1974 into some pretty easy to understand simple troubleshooting tips on various fuel related issues but Ive reached my point ofv aggravation with my machine but I'll get back to you on this with some hopeful helpful information
@@jennifermoreland5933 btw forgive the typos im a one finger type and never look at a screen until i'm finished , I didnt feel like editing , but i hope its legible enough to understand whatever i was intending to get across, just trying to help
Welcome to Ocala! I have spent a ton of money on my home and it has not been a happy experience. I really try to go with small companies to help out the little people but I have had more "bad" work done by pretty much all of them. They say they have repaired and then I find out they didn't or they did a half "A" job. Then I have had to hirer a person to come in behind them to fix and still not done right. I'll be so happy to get out of this place.......Stay cool and ((hugs))
I’m in Land O Lakes and the exact same thing is happening to me. I’m going to try to see if they’ll be honest when I ask them if they’ve ever done this before I have to get better at reading these people. I guess I’ve paid for a lot of work and it’s not done.
It sounded like gas, if your tank was below 1/4 the generator can't get any fuel. I can't see you running it that low so the pick-up might be higher in your tank. If it happens again mark where the gauge is.
lmao I live in the forest and drive a 4x4 but when going deep in the woods the humidity and heat with no wind tends to make to truck run hotter and the moisture makes the alternator fail or give low power readings.
In case someone sees this and has the same problem with generator check the oil level. If oil is low the low oil sensor will keep it from running. Just a thought
Hi Carolyn,the best I could tell it was at about 1:06 min. on video,something white slithered fast into bushes.It was moving away from your rig.
😩I'm sorry the generator didn't work but I really didn't like that camping location for some strange reason so I'm kinda glad you left that spot. I hope the generator gets fixed and everything works out.
Carolyn, It was fate! For some odd reason, you weren't supposed to be there! Glad you're safe! We all have a guardian angel ! Please if finacis is feasible, please get yourself a different R.V.! I'll be praying! ~ Esther from N.Y.
I just love you. So very sorry you are going through this! You deserve better! Ask the universe a better question. What else can go right? Pull positive energy to you my beautiful friend. You are a powerful warrior that deserves the best. Sending you love and light ❤
Amazing you're able to maintain composure and still be positive. But I'm glad you left that area,it looked a bit creepy for a solo lady camper.
Yes, a woman alone in a remote area with so many dangerous possibilities; I would not.
Don't people who dump their trash anywhere when no one is looking just infuriate you? It's too much!!
ppl in the usa waste 8x more energy on bs than the avg world population. it all starts with the leaders!
++slim in da hood sunshine++ As you say, ppl in the usa waste... Yes generally speaking the average american certainly is the biggest polluter and the biggest waster of resources in the universe. All to do with his biggest ego, biggest level of ignorance and biggest mouth no doubt
SwampCritter why don't you take your hate back to the swamp. ;)
SwampCritter I'm tired of people running down AMERICA as well. They hate it but want to live here. Leave if you don't respect it.
What gets my balls in a bunch is when I am in a pristine Aspen forest in the mountains and a nice fire pit.
Only to find the surrounding area I want to pitch my tent is full of broken beer bottles or ruts of mud dug out by 4x4's.
The scariest thing I encountered was someone deliberately buried face up a full canister of Coleman Propane in the center of a fire pit. I was clearing it out when I spotted the valve attachment end poking a little out of the dirt.
Some sick folks..
Welcome to the real world of any rv . You are living in a vehicle relying on a lot of mechanical things. I do it but am a retired person with the skills to repair all of these systems. I spent an entire life time learning how to . Good luck but it is what it is.
I think someone was watching out for you..and didn't want to you park there..You just never know about these things!
never know, tell us Carolyn, did the generator decide to behave after you got the heck out of there? you never know about these things, even if she didnt decide to stay kicked in, there could very well be a darn good reason.......
I agree. It was not a safe place for you to be. Thank the Universe for causing you to leave for whatever reason!
Thanks for giving us a realistic view of RV life in an old RV
Bass Tournament cheaters to homeless camps in Anaheim then Walmart watch dogs and now to Carolyn's RV life. Luv it. Never a dull moment on random RUclips.
I live in Ocala and the Forrest is a strange place, should be safe, but sometimes isn’t. Come back in the winter and stay somewhere close to highway 40, out near Astor. Juniper springs/Salt Springs are great safe areas, just make sure someone normal is near. God bless.
There Is a relay that senses voltage from the generator that then holds the run relay in once voltage stabilizes.
15 or 20 minutes then died? If you fuel gauge for the rv s main engine is down to a 1/4 of a tank you need to fill the fuel tank before you park for the night or a few days. My rv 1976 35 footer the generator died just like yours and I immediately thought oh great! I was at a campground when it died and the couple in the next spot came over when they heard me mumbling under my breath. He asked me to turn the key on and it was just under a 1/4 of a tank, walked back to his rv and came back and poured in 5 gallons of gas and the fourth time we tried to start it it stumbled grumbled and coughed then smoothed out and ran fine. That's how I learned like someone said before me all RV's the fuel pickup off the main tank stops about 2 to 3 inches above the bottom so you don't go to leave where your parked only to find out your outa gas. After that I always filled the tank that feeds the rv and the generator so the generator didn't run out of gas.
Second item the relays that onan used on my 1978 generator I discovered were prone to burning out and at $35 a piece I found out one night when the third relay died from another rv owner who I found out was full timing it. He and I replaced the original Onan relay with a standard Ford starter relay. The Ford relay was still doing working fine when I sold the rv 12 years after replacing the relay.
I also bought an surplus military Jerry can to carry gas in as it holds 5 gallons is made of real steel and has a detachable spout. The US military switched over to plastic gas cans years ago but you can still find them. First time fill with water and set on a dry space after capping it to check for leaks. I've got three of the metal US Army cans I still use today, they use a threaded about a 2 1/2 inch opening and generally don't come with the spout. That's a separate purchase but well worth it. Have a rack built by a welders shop so you can carry 2 or 3 cans. Just make sure the rubber gasket isn't dried out and tighten the cap and it will be fine. Of the three I still use one is date stamped 10/44 meaning it was manufactured in October 1944. It was in unissued condition when I bought it in 1980 and the owner of the surplus store I bought it at told me he had 2500 more identical to its condition out of a military warehouse the Army was closing. I paid one dollar for it and the other two cans.
I kinda doubt you'll find such a deal today but they have been rock solid since I bought them.
Best of luck.
James Shanks great advice, thank you!
James Shanks Thank you for sharing helpful information . This data can save headaches and money!
gOOD ONE i FORGOT VTO MENTION MYSELF AFTER DOING A LONG DESCRIPTION OF OTHER FUEL DERLIVERY POSSIBILITIES AND I MENTIONED THAT SOME WILL TRY AND RUN AS LONG AS YOU HELD THE STARTER ENGAGED BUT LOSE VOLTAGE WHEN YOU RELEASE THE SWITCH, mY ONLY OTHER oNAN EXP. WAS on a much bigger unit i ran on my big rig back in the 90's .sorry about the typos too tired to correct
Very true about the min 1/4 tank fuel level. There's also an electric fuel pump that can fail creating a similar symptom. I had an Onan that would keep up for 10-15 minutes then the engine would run lean and stall. Eventually would just start/stall such as this one. A new pump fixed it.
i think u were being 'looked after' in that forest by an overlooking angel. ...i sense it was good u got out of there!
It was an alien not an angel
If your gas tank is below I think it is a quarter of a tank, your generator will not run. This is a safety feature so that you don't run your gas tank dry and end up stranded. If you we're at or below a quarter of a tank and got gas on your way to your friend's house, then that would explain why it started working again.
Great attitude it's good to see people who can manage a smile without a good reason 🙂
Carolyn, Thank you for doing these videos. I'm learning alot from you & your experiences. Also love the Great tips. Just an oberservation, seems to be a common thread , from a slightly uncommon viewpoint. Like when you were having repair issues REPEATEDLY!
Perhaps it should be viewed as an opportunity to step back & let our Lord guide you. Remember he has a grand plan for each of us !
Perhaps he wanted you at specific places AT SPECIFIC times,,,?
Anyway that's just IMHO 💖
Everything happens for a reason... God bless you.
This state is no place to be without A/C. I'm building a small Vardo style camper trailer and had considered using Ocala National Forest as a place to try it out. Your video reminded me what it's like away from an A/C here. I'll wait until December.
BBeen there, done that, as far as the generator is concerned. I faithfully started mine every two weeks, and let it run for 1/2 hours for almost five years. We never had to use it, but I changed the oil, fuel filter, and spark plug every spring, none-the-less. But I never knew, until I REALLY needed it, that you're supposed to run it with a "load." So, there we sat, no power, with the generator humming away as if it actually worked! Just bought a new "dual fuel", 7500W a couple of month's ago. I haven't run it with gasoline yet, just propane, but I let it run while powering two 1500W heaters every two weeks! This was all on me though, not some "professional repairman."
I just now found this channel.
Carolyn is really cute/pretty and easy to listen to, and I really like her personality; even when she's upset.
And this show/series gives good insights into RV life; which I still want to be into, even despite all the problems I see happening.
I plan to buy an RV after the season is over, for a better deal. From what I read, manufactures can barely meet the demands this year.
Aw, you are very kind. thank you James and I'm glad you decided to come along on my journey
I live near Ocala.. The Ocala National Forrest is not altogether a safe place.
I have to agree as I lived in Astor for 15 years after moving there from Ocala to enjoy the sleepy little river town. If I had a little heads up she could of parked her to home on our 10 acres where she would of been safe and comfortable. We had more problems on holiday weekends when Orlando, and other out of towners would party too much.
I loved our home in Astor but my husband bought us a new home with less land, only three years old as an anniversary gift for me.
Never go back there !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chose not to stay in either of the dispersed camping areas earlier this year after being told to expect a crowd and that a gun was needed to provide personal security!
Glenn H in Ocala or somewhere else?
I've been living in Ocala most of my life and I'm 56 and you definitely need personal protection when you're out in the forest
When you were trying to turn on your generator, there was a toggle switch at the bottom that said off. Could that have had to do w/ it?
sucks to hear you bought a lemon... my solution to that exact problem when I was younger was to learn AS MUCH AS I POSSIBLY COULD about anything mechanical and anything with an engine or anything with wheels... and it turned out that I really enjoyed it and ended up making a career out of it.... and I no longer get ripped off
My Dad and I lived as Carnies so we had to live in our RV 24/7. My Dad would never buy an RV but instead always said that a travel trailer was better because you had more room to live in and you did not end up pulling a car behind you.
Make sure that you got more than just a quarter tank of gas in the RV is designed for the generator to quit so you can still drive the RV away and not be stuck so the RV will not run on a very low tank
Matilda did not want you to stay there overnight.
It was a fuel draw problem. Possibly dirt in fuel line and was pushed out while running and now its ok..Mechanic had NOTHING to do with it at all....Good luck
"A landlord evicted someone and dumped their belongings out here rather than paying a $20 dump fee" LOL I'd like to see the last date on those tax returns left behind, could it have been 2007-2008 maybe? Ever heard the word foreclosure? Thousands of families lost their HOMES and JOBS left with anything they could pack up in a truck and look for a place they could safely sleep. I didn't happen to me but if it did I'm sure my tax returns and what I thought to be important documents or even weird pictures my kids made for me would be packed up.
Let us not assume all who camp out in the "FREE ZONES" are doing it by choice.
Great job Obama.
I won’t pretend to know what was wrong with your generator, but something I do is run premium grade fuel, preferably from one of the big oil companies. I use Shell V power, and have zero issues.
How much gas did you have when you were parked in the park? A lot of people don't know that the generator sucks from - usually - about the 25% level in the gas tank. This is to stop you being able to run the gas tank down to where you can't drive to a gas station. If the gas gauge is reading somewhere around a 1/4 tank, the generator will be getting fuel starvation - it'll likely start, but won't stay running.
Sorry to hear of your troubles, understand your frustration.That said, your a smart and capable gal, you should really study up on mechanics, so you can assess and do some of this work yourself. Changing the air filter and oil in your generator is definitely something you should be able to do, and getting your hands dirty will help you understand how some of these systems work, so you can get ahead of some of these problems. $159 is excessive for an oil and air filter change, the oil and parts would probably run you just $30 if you did it yourself. If you want to be independent, you cannot be so dependent on others.
You are not likely to get anywhere with the shop, unless they have a good heart. You asked them to do basic maintenance, which they did. Just listening to the generator, its definitely a fuel problem, either you didn't have much in your tank and the angle at which you were parked didn't allow enough fuel to flow to the generator (which is why when you were parked later it did work), or its likely a problem with the carburetor (a stuck bowl or needle or clogged fuel filter.) There is no way the shop could know the carburetor had problems, when they were just doing basic maintenance. You didn't ask them to do an overhaul.
Lastly, as a retired law enforcement officer, (I don't mean to sound paternal or sexist, but facts are facts) and my experience makes me worry about some of the remote, areas you choose to camp in alone. Most people are good, but there are some truly evil men--and women--in this world. And such men will see a woman alone, in the middle of nowhere, with no witnesses, as a very easy target. Being aware of your surroundings is great, but it doesn't necessarily mean your safe. Obviously, you make your own decisions, but I would hate to see you get hurt.
Jim Bob, very well said thankyou.
Divine intervention!!!! You were not supposed to stay there, but that was a GOOD rant.
Don't know if you can afford to but if you can get a "new" slightly used RV instead?
Depends on how much gas you have in the tank the generator tube doesn't go to the bottom of the gas tank so you can't run yourself dry. Just a suggestion.
My 1995 has not been a money pit....that being said, when I purchased it, I had my RV guy go over it with a fine tooth comb. Yes, he found issues, so while I went to work every day, he worked on it. (We were parked in his backyard) Such a deal. By the time (6 months later) I retired, "Big Bertha" was ready to go. Now, after driving back and forth from Florida to Maine the last couple years....AND no issues! We will be headed west to CA to visit friends. Happy Trails!
you could be making payment on a new RV with what you spend fixing your old one. That's my rule for knowing when to move up to something new. Its going to cost the same, with far less problems.
a few thousand in repairs does not equate to $50,000+ for a new rv. people tend to give up on things too fast. but that benefits me because I always buy used stuff that "needs work" I properly repair them and get to have years of reliable service from things people thought weren't worth putting money into. so I have owned and enjoyed using a few differant motorcycles, off road vehicles,a camper van, a couple different trucks and a boat all for less than it would have cost me to buy one new truck or one new boat and thats including what I paid for them and what it cost to get them up to par and reliable. only once did I run into a vehicle that once I got it I decided it would cost more to fix than was worth doing. People need to learn to repair there own stuff and understand how things work rather than run out and buy something on payments because they think somehow thats going to cost less than to just fix something.Making payments is no good unless you just absolutely have to do it.
This is really only applicable if you aren't able to fix things yourself. The money is really in taking it to the dealer to have it fixed.
I knew there was a reason I live along the Pacific coast. 70 degrees in the summer and 50 degrees in the winter.
It's like 100 degrees in Long Beach right now.
God, there are a lot of "experts" commenting on here. Just sayin.
Life... glad your still smiling the face of adversity. Sending you some peace ❤
I overhauled my van and replaced $5000 in moving parts, (parts cost, did it all myself). Literally every moving part, spring, roller, bushing, pulley, etc etc etc etc from ground up.
I've broken down twice due to the TWO things I did not replace!!!! LOL (fuel pump, rear drum brakes lost a spring).
Good luck! It is always fixable though, no worries there's always a way.
Have your fuel filter changed, it sounds like it is not getting enough gas and stalls out. You may have shaken things up on the back roads. Good luck!! Watch the video below...
it is definitely a fuel problem, it starts to run then just dies out. if it was electrical the starter would not be working to start the thing to begin with dude. it is probably low fuel or petcock turned off and she is gonna realize that and feel like a dummie.
you just proved you dont know what you are talking about. She let go of the start switch when the motor started to run but then it stalled shortly after. you would not just continue to press the start button after you hear the motor start to fire. the motor started to run then shit out within a second or two that is without a doubt a problem of not getting fuel flow. I have been working on cars and generators and lawn equipment for my entire life I am not some idiot that is talking out my ass. her problem was a fuel issue and I can guarantee there is indeed a fuel shut off for the generator somewhere, it would be nuts to not have the ability to cut the fuel to the generator for repairs or long term storage without use.in this case it sounds like it did start working on its own later on so that lends even more to the believe there was a fuel flow issue, if it was electrical it would not have fired at all but it clearly did. You are the one who is making yourself look like a fucking fool.It is a fuel flow issue without any doubt anyone who knows anything would spot that in a second flat.
the ignition switch would have nothing to do with anything once the engine fires,the ignition switch only runs the starter motor, it had clearly fired up and she let go of the stater switch but it didnt continue to run because it wasn't getting fuel for some reason.has nothing to do with the fucking starter button you fucking moron.
the switch has nothing to do with spark.that starter switch only initiates the starter motor which cranks the engine it has nothing to do at all with the rest of the process. all it does it turn the motor and give it push start until it fires and runs itself, after that the starter and starter switch have ZERO to do with the running of the engine. how are you guys so clueless yet you want to argue with me.if it was an electrical problem, as in there was no spark at the plug it would not have turned over at all it would just have cranked. but it did turn over, which means there WAS spark at the spark plug and there was combustion, the combustion did not continue...so why would that be? because there was not enough fuel to keep the internal combustion going. Come on guys this is elementary mechanics here.I have decades of experience troubleshooting mechanical problems, there is nothing here to indicate an electrical problem at all and all the evidence points to a lack of fuel to continue the combustion that DID start. if there was no spark it could not have turned over at all, all you would hear would be the starter cranking, it would not have fired at all.
billy .... lets break this down. what does the starter button do? answer: supplies power to the starter motor..... what else does the starter button do? answer:nothing. it only supplies power to the starter motor.... what does the starter motor do? answer: starter motor cranks the engine,it physically moves the engine a few revolutions until it fires and runs .... what do you do when you hear the engine fire up? answer: let go of the fucking button. at this point the movement of the engine is generating a spark at the spark plug which is igniting the fuel which propels the piston(s) and keeps the cycle going. the starter button is not what provides spark for the engine to fire. the mechanical motion of the engine is what creates the spark. an engine can not fire AT ALL if there is no spark. so if the starter was cranking the engine and there was no spark it would not turn over. it DID turn over it just didn't continue to run. so the problem is not that it isn't generating spark for internal combustion it is that is does not have enough fuel to continue the internal combustion. which is why it died right away. if you have 20 years of experience working on onan generations and dont understand these fundamental basics you are a total fucking moron.I have over 30 years of working on engines large and small and I have a very good understanding of how they work and im telling you this is a fuel supply issue. either there ,a clog/restriction in the fuel filter, closed petcock, not enough fuel ect, something was preventing fuel from reaching the combustion chamber. period end of story, not even a doubt in my mind.
"I'm not superstitious, I'm just a little stitious" - Michael Scott
yeah, I agree with most, you were not suppose to be there, it was creepy to me.
My generator will not run once the fuel tank goes below a certain level. It is a feature so that a person doesn't run out of gas while running the generator all night. If that happens you may really be "stuck". Since you vehicle didn't look leveled. This may have been the problem even though you "technically" had enough gas to run the generator. Good travels!
If I remember Some RV generators, before starting you have to hold it to stop for a few seconds for the electric fuel pump to to prime fuel then try starting it to
$150 and they didn't change the fuel filter???? Sounds like it is starved for gas.
Carolyn, why not go solar? Generators create horrible noise and distract from the song of the forest. They run on dirty fuel and as you experienced repairs are a crap shoot. I say with only Love and best wishes for your journey
People dumping things is a disgrace
Especially when they dump personal information. I was poking around a pile of garbage and out came a bunch of personal photos.
Privatizing landfills that end up charging $130 for taking a pickup truck of trash to dump is a disgrace. THAT is what encourages illegal dumping.
It is gross. Its rampant here in the Ca desert
The really sad thing is, is that there is a free transfer station near there, where they could dump all of it.
@@ven1483 there is a free transfer station near 0220, where all of the trash and furniture could be dumped free of charge. I know this for a fact. Its just lazyness
Carolyn my guess with the last video of the Big Truck in middle of night is, they were harvesting pot plants under the dark of night. Their spot their crop no one to see what their hauling out. Glad you're safe.
I now this is an older video but when our generator did that it was a clog. The valves were gummed up. So cleaned them and it ran better than ever.
I live in Jacksonville Florida not far from that camp site and the humidity here in North East Florida is ridiculous. Whoever wants to move to Florida prepare to stink after stepping outside for just five minutes. You will start sweating as soon as you step outside. The only reason why I'm still in Florida is because of my parents but when they pass I'm getting the hell out of this shit hole state. Good luck with your trailer.
arkansas isnt much better its humid hot ,i moved here to take care of my parents mom passed dads got himself a new lady i can move on now too but dont know where to go!
Same
You're over 100 miles from Ocala shut the fuk up
Two things for you: 1) Beware of rustic camping in Ocala NF. Lots of tweakers living in those woods who wouldn't think twice about doing you harm. 2) www.freecampsites.net Happy Trails
JOHN E BOB .. what's a tweaker?
someone who does amphetamine and methamphetamine, or crack, coke, stimulant addicts
Thanks for the heads up. I live in Florida and I was thinking about camping in the Ocalla National forest. Guess I will skip that one 😐🤑
Yeah, John, that's what I was thinking as well. With all the drug users and homeless people in this country, I'd stay the hell out of the forests of Florida.
I was thinking that maybe God or the universe was trying to get you outta there. Ya never know..
AAAARRRRGH! I HATE when that happens! Oh, Carolyn, I'm so sorry that you're having this trouble!
I'm far from an expert, but from what I read, saw on RUclips, the Onan 4000 Microquiet generators seem to have problems with their carburetors, as in they gum up easily. Since yours wouldn't start until you bounced it along on the road out, I wonder if maybe the float got jiggled loose or something. Either that, or there was an intermittent electrical condition that reestablished itself.
I do know that "time wounds all heels". Things age over time, and things begin to go wrong just from age alone. That's a sad fact in this universe ruled by entropy. And BOY! do I NOT blame you for being so frustrated and angry! I would've been yelling my head off, swearing and cursing and doing the "hopping mad" dance. You showed incredible self-control while explaining the situation! (POOR Mr. Capone! Bet he was completely Miserable too!)
We love you, and want to see the best for you, a'wanderin' around the country out there. I hope that things work out for the best for you! As always, stay safe, travel well, and stay Friendly (in spite of stupid generators!) --Dave (Hug)
Then you would know. Thanks for the correction, Billy Badbutt.
If you plan to be out there for years just guessing, and it seems to make you very happy I think a newer rig is in order. Just to keep money pouring into an old one I don't think it's a great idea why don't you do it while you can enjoy it. Enjoy the rest of your trip and stay near the ocean, maybe you guys would like to play in the surf
Although easier said than done, I second Barbara Menell's suggestion.
daveogarf yes I Third that suggestion.. ..time for a newer smaller rig....something van like...easier to park.. .better on gas...less problems...matilda is old...too big for your needs.. and outdated on its last legs...and hard to park..you said it many times...girl time for a change....
I agree with Billy I have worked on lots of generators it is most likely a safety shut down not letting it run when you hold the switch it overrides safety's it could be low coolant level, low oil level, over temp, low oil pressure all these things will cause safety shut down. Safety's keep generator from destroying it's self. New gens will give you a fault code so you know what is wrong.
Not their yet but correct me if bad idea...I would try living in a van pulling a light enclosed trailer. The van would be the living bed room, the trailer the closet storage and rest room. 20 mpg, Coleman stove, rocket stove, 120v elec water heating element and a small generator, extra battery, 12 volt water pump/hose/spray head, potable shower stall but able to shower in trailer to. A tarp and rope. Could have a 12volt element to heat water if traveling.
I am on my second motor home, before that we always towed our trailer, I think we numbered 4 or 5 before we moved up. Every one of them required some maintenance, but the motor homes require constant maintenance, a fellow told me that his bother worked building these things, he explained that at the factory they figure they did about 90 percent of making it right, that last 10 percent is up to the owner. Generators are the nasty little gremlin in motor homes. What they need is to be run for about 10 to 15 minutes about twice a month to keep fresh fuel in the system so they will start and run when you need them. Also insure that you have no heavy duty electrical things turned on when you start them as they need to get up to speed before you can ask them for full power to run air-conditioners and such. Both my rigs have had fairly big generators, and both were capable of running the two overhead generators in my class A rigs. We use ours extensively when traveling, every night we run the thing for about 2 hours before bedtime beginning at supper then a movie after eating and before bed time. Ya campers are money pits, but when you live in them, you have to think of it this way. Not only are you maintaining your vehicle, but you are also maintaining your house. When you think of it that way, it really is not all that bad. We spend our winters in our motor home, then drive her 1500 miles back to South Dakota for the warm months. Were it not for my family being up there, I would not return that far north but you gotta see the family as well, all part of of life. Enjoy the good life, i know I sure do.
It sounds like the generator is running out of fuel. It is probably shut off after it was serviced.
Hey, Carolyn...you are keeping an eye on Capone, and he is keeping an eye on you..you can't read his mind, but he is probably thinking "she is so daring and fearless, I have to keep her safe...this is not an easy job...no time for a nap."
I have heard that motor homes are built to fall apart after five years. That is not true, a new motor home can fall apart after one day, there are no guarantees that it will last five years.
Shady Pine Home - Capricorn,😂😂😂😂
Shady Pine I have a 98 Terry 5th wheel it's 'fiberglass and it's still very solid aluminum rigs fall apart .we received 100 inches of rain last year with no problems
i often sense that I am being watched or listened to when I walk in the woods alone
Bobcat snakes alligators and bears then again you might be really lost that is a mind grip good luck hate it every time that happens reach deep he is there, Jesus.
I would say from experience that your generator runs on the top part of you gas tank so you don't completely empty your tank sitting in the campsite. When you went back to the service center you filled your tank on the way.
Carolyn, I hate to say this, but maybe it's time to say goodbye to Matilda. With all the money you are putting into it for repairs could buy you something a little bit newer. There's so much stress in this world that sometimes it's just not worth it anymore.
Maybe you got saved, and you were not meant to be staying there? Sometimes when the energy fights me that badly, it's time to move on out if possible.
A hassle indeed!
But Maybe a blessing from God. ♡
Last week a kind group of folks went out cleaning that area. I saw the same stuff in their Facebook posts. Nice to know its gone.
I went extremely used and got a 30 foot for 1000 bucks and gutted it. Now its got a wood stove gravity fed water and a lot of solar. Going on six years now and I love it. But it's all about the location. None of this works without a good spot.