Thursday, September 29, 2011

Introducing the Canyon Cat by Palomino


For a long time now, we have been asking the people from Palomino for a light weight travel trailer suitable for sport utilities, sedans, and light weight pick ups.  They finally delivered the Canyon Cat.  Palomino's Canyon Cat comes in three different models: the 12-RB, 15-UD, and the 17-FQ.  Dry weight is not going to be a problem with the 12-RB at 2360lbs, 15-UD at 2938lbs, and the 17-FQ at 3847lbs.  One look at this new line of trailers, and you'll know that the quality and feeling of a Palomino has not been compromised- these trailers have it all.  Many brand names are entering this market, but none have the style and comfort of the Canyon Cat. Some of the standard features include a 45 GAL fresh water tank, 30 GAL grey water tank, 30 GAL black water tank, flush toilet, 20,000 BTU furnace, DSI water heater, rubber roof, tinted safety glass, and 3 CU FT refrigerator.  Compare these to the competition, and you'll be blown away.  The 12-RB is a classic floorplan that has been made since the 60's.  The 15-UD has the family in mind with bunk beds in the back, and a queen sized bed up front for mom and dad.  The 17-FQ is for the more seasoned RV'er, who want the versatility of a light duty tow vehicle, without sacrificing the comfort of an rv.  Really the Canyon Cat can allow most campers to say "No" to tents and tent trailers. Click on the model to see photo's and pricing: 2012 Canyon Cat 12RB2012 Canyon Cat 15UD and 2012 Canyon Cat  17FQ.
 

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Don't Forget to Winterize Your RV

Every spring at the dealership we get a lot of people looking for faucets, toilet valves, fittings and water heaters. This is due to improperly or not winterizing their motor homes, trailers or campers. Replacing a water heater can be quite expensive. We hear all the time "I drained out all the water" and still they face freeze up damage. Their are basically two methods of RV winterizing: blow out the lines with compressed air or run RV Antifreeze through the lines. The first step is to ensure the black, grey and fresh water tanks are drained. Then you will need to by-pass the water heater and drain the tank. A water heater by-pass kit is a standard feature on most RV's these days, but a male/male 1/2" connector works as well. With the blow out method you would now connect compressed air to the city water inlet with a compressed air adapter. Next you would turn on each faucet one at a time to allow the air to force the water out of the lines. Don't forget the outside shower. The toilet should have the water forced out as well. Now you should pour a couple of ounces of RV Antifreeze down each drain to prevent the traps from freezing. To Winterize with RV Antifreeze you would still drain tanks, by-pass water heater and drain it. You would then look for the water pump, identify the inlet side, disconnect and attach a length of line that can reach a gallon of RV Antifreeze. Next you would turn on the water pump and pump the pink liquid through each faucet, the toilet and showers. To prevent freezing of the check valve, it is wise to depress it with a pencil at the city water outlet. It is very inexpensive to have you unit professionally winterized, we charge $29.95 for units that take 1 gallon of anti-freeze and have a water heater by-pass. To contact Hub City RV to book your appointment click here http://www.hubcityrv.ca/contact_us.asp

Friday, September 2, 2011

Steam Trains and Saw Mills

We've had so many amazing adventures in the almost 20 years we've lived on Vancouver Island, one would think there's nothing more to see.  We were pleasantly surprised recently, when we decided to check out the Port Alberni Steam Train.  We had heard about the Beaufort Gang Train Robbery and thought it sounded like fun.  We boarded the train at the Port Alberni Quay, and were soon joined by some interesting characters in period costume.  The volunteer actors did such a great job of involving and entertaining the passengers along the route. Suddenly, the train stopped and we were surrounded by bandits on horseback!  They boarded the train and proceeded to rob our costumed friends, as well as making off with the contents of the safe, and the payroll!  After some hilarious antics, the bandits exited the train, and took their bows.  We then proceeded to the McLean Mill.  Thinking that was the end of our entertainment, we were further surprised to find an enthusiastic group of actors from the Tin Pants Theatre awaiting our arrival at the mill.  We were then treated to demonstrations of the steam donkey, sawmill and live theatre, in a historic setting.  This was one of the best adventures we've had on Vancouver Island and we would recommend it to anyone.  The Alberni Pacific Railway, along with the Alberni Valley Heritage Network, has done an amazing job of capturing people's interest in the history of Port Alberni and the McLean Mill.  They also offer other adventures, including a wine tour train trip to the Chase and Warren Estate Winery, and a Santa Train.  We'll definitely be back!

http://www.alberniheritage.com/