New A122BH Owner! - Page 2

bensinc · 04-01-2014, 10:59 AM

Jester sounds great, we can have an a-frame convention! That's on my list this for the camper year. We actually rented one of their new cabins in May for a group of us.

I have one of those MFJ low power SSB radios for 20M and some end fed antennas that I'll probably use. I did just get an IC-7100 that I use base at home, but it's pretty easy to unhook so I might try bringing it along some time!

I'm also on APRS and typically have a beacon going, but not an i-gate. I think the APRS machine rebooted though and isn't currently up!

bensinc · 04-02-2014, 09:56 AM

I got my brake controller installed yesterday, and the hitch place was really knowledgable about options if I have sway or sag issues. I'm a bit more confident now that I can make it all work well!

thehamguy1 · 04-03-2014, 10:24 AM

Ben - and other new owners - there's a Facebook group for owners of A-Frame style campers. Several of us on this forum also joined that when Handbuilder clued us in on it. It has well over 500 members; that's a huge well of experience to tap. Search for a group named "A Frame Campers (Aliner, Chalet, Rockwood/Flagstaff A-Frames)". You have to ask to join it, but that's just to keep out spambots.

Jsusluvsyou · 04-04-2014, 04:34 AM

Looked for Facebook group couldn't find it

Wojo · 04-04-2014, 06:41 AM

A Frame Campers (Aliner, Chalet, Rockwood/Flagstaff A-Frame)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/184183765028332/

thehamguy1 · 04-04-2014, 10:15 AM

Thanks for posting the link Wojo. Facebook is very picky about how you enter the search terms. If you don't get all the words just right or miscapitalize one, Facebook can't find the group.

While I have everyone's attention, there's a FB group for hams and others interested in electronics: AmateurLogic. The moderators also do regular podcasts about things on the growing tip of the amateur electronics hobbyist's world.

bensinc · 04-07-2014, 04:01 PM

I picked mine up this weekend but haven't opened it up yet!

Does anyone know the opened height? My garage has very tall ceilings, and my old popup when open fit with room to spare. I just want to see if it will fit first, since on the popup I could crank it slowly and make sure. This one requires a bit of a push to open so isn't as controlled.

Also, how level do I need to be to open it up? With a tent popup you need to be very level to make everything work, and I wasn't able to get level enough in my driveway to do it. When camping I'll get it level, but I'd like to be able to open it in the driveway if possible.

My 2011 Murano towed it beautifully! It does sag just a tiny bit, but I have air bags being installed this week.

My average MPG on the way to pick it up was 20, and on the way back it was 22. That's similar to my old popup, as I drive a bit easier when towing. I could tell it was there when accelerating, but just a little. Braking seems very smooth, especially compared to my old camper without brakes.

There was no sway at all at 55MPH with trucks passing on a 2 lane highway. I think it will work well!

thehamguy1 · 04-07-2014, 07:37 PM

Just to open it up it won't need to be level as long as it's not racked. When the leveling comes into the picture is when you run the fridge. It has to be quite level front to back then; not so critical on the side to side leveling, just don't be too far off level.

I'm guessing you'll need 11' of headroom to open it indoors. I never thought to measure it but it's taller than I can reach, and I can reach 8' ceilings--a guess is that it might be 2' taller than that. If you have larger wheels (14" on mine) and a taller suspension, I'm out of the guessing business.

Pooneil · 04-07-2014, 07:51 PM

You piqued my curiosity. I measured 9'9" when set up. It would take a height just above that to separate the roof halves in order to fold it.

bensinc · 04-07-2014, 09:14 PM

It would work, but the garage door opener is in the way.

Here's a photo of it in the garage, with about a foot to spare in length. The water on the floor is from me turning on the shower not realizing it had some water pressure!

thehamguy1 · 04-07-2014, 09:18 PM

That's a beauty!

bensinc · 04-07-2014, 09:24 PM

It really does look nice! I like the tan and black color scheme, and the wheels! My old popup didn't have much style!

We might go to the Adel KOA this weekend just to try it out close to home.

thehamguy1 · 04-08-2014, 08:58 AM

We'll want pics; we're all vicarious campers when circumstances keep us at home.

BTW, I have a couple of ideas for iOS apps re ham radio if you're looking to develop new ones.

bensinc · 04-08-2014, 09:26 AM

I'll make sure to get plenty of pictures! It looks like it might be rainy on Saturday, so if it's too bad we probably won't go. I'd rather try it for the first time in good weather!

I'm always open to new app ideas, though I'm pretty busy with "real" work to do more right now. I'd like to do more radio guides though.

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