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 12RB, 2012 Canyon Cat 15UD and 2012 Canyon Cat  17FQ.

 

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

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/

Hub City RV's RV Maintenance Schedule

ROOF


Clean and Condition Rubber (Every Year) Use a Rubber Roof Cleaner and Conditioner

Inspect Vents, Stacks and AC (Every Year) For Cracks and Missing Pieces

Inspect Roof Sealants (Every 6 Months) For Cracks, Lifting or Peeling

ELECTRICAL

Check Battery Fluid Level (Every 6 Months) Refill as Necessary

Check Signal, Brake and Clearance Lights (Each Trip) Repair as Necessary

Check Interior Lights, Switches and Electrical Accessories (Each Trip) Repair as Necessary

Check Battery Terminals (Every 6 Months) Use Sandpaper to clean

WATER SYSTEM

Flush Fresh Water System (Every Year) Use Tank Cleaning Product

Flush Holding Tanks (Every Year) Use Tank Cleaning Product for Sensors

Use Waste Digester Black Tank (Each Trip) To Avoid Solids Building Up

Winterize (Every Year) To Avoid a Costly Freeze Up Water System

APPLIANCES

Water Heater (Each Year) Flush To Expel Mineral Deposits

Refrigerator Burner (Every 6 Months) Clean Rust and Debris from Burner

Furnace Exhaust (Each Year) Look for Bee Hives and Spider Webs

Have Propane Inspection (Each Year) To Check for Operation and Leaks

EXTERIOR

Inspect Window Sealant (Every 6 Months) Look for Lifting, Cracking or Peeling

Inspect Exterior Doors Sealant (Every 6 Months) Look for Lifting, Cracking or Peeling

Inspect Edge Mouldings (Every 6 Months) Look for Lifting, Cracking or Peeling

Inspect Exterior Lights (Every 6 Months) Look for Lifting, Cracking or Peeling

Chassis

Repack Wheel Bearings (Every Year) Or as Necessary

Adjust Brakes (Every Year) To Ensure Proper Operation

Check Tire Pressure (Each Trip) To Ensure Long Life

Torque Wheel Nuts (Each Trip) So Your Wheels Stay On

Lubricate Stabilizer Jacks (Every 6 Months) To Ensure they do not Seize

SAFETY

Check Smoke Detector Battery (Each Trip)  Change as Necessary

Check CO2 Detector Battery (Each Trip) Change as Necessary

Check Fire Extinguisher (Each Trip) Change as Necessary

SLIDES OUTS

Check Operation (Each Trip) For Binding

Check Seals (Every 6 Months) Check for Loose or Gaping Seals

Lubricate Rollers and Glides (Every 6 Months) To Ensure Operation

Pachena Bay Campground on Vancouver Island British Columbia

The best thing about Pachena Bay Campground is certainly not the drive in. From Port Alberni B.C. it is about a 80 kilometer drive down an active logging road that takes 2 hours. Can you say washboard ! Parts of this road you need to slow down to 10km/h to not destroy your rig. I think a lot of units start to leak from twisting and flexing too fast down roads like this. Important Note: To units with poor tires or wheel bearings that have not been re-packed, this will be the ultimate test of your luck. Now really if you drive slowly and sensibly this road is totally do-able, but make sure your rig is up to snuff. I think what makes Pachena Bay Campground popular is it's location, right at the head of the Westcoast Trail. There is a constant flow of people starting and finishing the famous 7 day trek. Today is Canada Day 2011 so my youngest and I thought we would do a day hike of the trail. She was quite impressed with the bridges and 4 and 6 story ladder systems. This trail is quite challenging in it's entirety and a day hike will give you an idea of what a 7 day trek would be like. Last year some friends and I did the trail, but that's another story. After dinner we went out for a tear on our mountain bikes. We ran into what we think is the most scenic campsite, R1 has an ocean view and is right on the beach. The next morning we spent the day exploring the expansive sandy beach. You can see eagles in their nests and the tidal pools are full of nature. No trip to Pachena Bay would be complete without visiting Bamfield. Bamfield is a destination for ocean kayaking, sport fishing, the Westcoast Trail and is home to the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.

RV Electrical Systems

Recreational vehicles operate primarily on 12 volt (battery) power. This battery can be charged by the power converter or the tow vehicles alternator. When the RV is plugged into AC power, the power converter converts it to DC power. The tow vehicle charges the battery through a charge line off the starting battery. The charge line must have an isolator to prevent drawing the starting battery. The fridge, air conditioner and 110 power outlets have direct AC power when the RV is plugged in. Most of the newer units have gas and electric hot water tanks and microwave ovens which get direct power as well. All appliance ignitors, pumps, stereos, fans, interior and exterior lights run on 12 volt power. Trailers that have 12 volt electric brakes, are equipped with a break-away switch that is connected to the tow vehicle. If this switch is pulled, it will lock up the trailer brakes to stop the trailer in the event of a break-away. The brakes are activated by an electronic brake control, located in the tow vehicle. Lastly, the 12 volt system has a fuse box (similar to automobiles) and the 110 system has breakers.

RV Water Systems

RV Water Systems



Recreational Vehicles have two connected water systems.  The fresh water tank supplies a 12 volt demand water pump, which pumps water through lines when the taps are open.  The city water connection supplies the water lines with pressurized tap water.  When in fully serviced campgrounds, you would use city water and only use your fresh water tank when water service was not available.  Be sure to always use a non-toxic water hose for drinking water.  You should carry a water pressure regulator to prevent over-pressurizing the water lines which causes leaks.

The water system also includes two separate waste tanks.  These tanks are known as the grey and black water tanks.  Grey water is a combination of sink and shower water.  Never store valuables in the bathtub, as this is where the grey water will back up when the tank is full.  Black water contains only toilet waste.  Chemicals are available to break down solids and control odour in the black water tank.  Both have gate valves which can be pulled to drain the tanks.  Be sure to connect a sewer hose to the outlet and into the dumping station drain before pulling the valves.

Winterizing the water system is fairly simple.  First, get a gallon of non-toxic RV antifreeze, and then by-pass the hot water tank (some units have a by-pass kit).  With a by-pass kit, simply turn the taps to by-pass the tank.  Without a by-pass kit, disconnect both water lines at the back of the hot water tank and join them together.  Once the tank is by-passed, unscrew the tank's drain and pull the pressure relief valve to drain the tank.  Make sure fresh water and waste tanks are now completely empty.  Next, disconnect the main water line at the fresh water tank (this is the line that feeds the water pump).  If this is inconvenient, pull off water line at inlet side of water pump, then fasten a length of hose to it.  Now place the hose in RV antifreeze, turn on water pump and beginning with the closest taps to pump, turn on taps one at a time.  Let the taps run until the colour of antifreeze is visible.  Run every tap in the unit, hot and cold separately.  Don't forget to flush the toilet until the colour appears as well.  Once this is done, all the water in the system has been forced out, leaving none left to freeze. 

We are not responsible for any damage that may occur by following these guidelines.