Portable Ice Makers

By: Raechelle Janzen – RVRepairNOW.com

     One of the things we seem to miss the most when we are out traveling in our travel trailer is having an ice maker. I know it seems like something simple, but sometimes those are the kinds of things that one misses the most when away from home. It can be inconvenient, when you go make yourself something to drink and you don’t have an endless supply of ice like you have in your home’s kitchen. Of course, you can just fill ice trays with water or you can make a trip to buy leaky bags of ice like you have always done in the past. But, if you use your RV frequently, a portable ice maker unit may be something you want to consider buying.

Features

     Today there are a variety of portable ice makers on the market that can make all the ice you might need. They can make 15lb to 40lbs or more of ice a day, depending which model you purchase. This is much more than the average person could use in a day’s time. These ice makers are very efficient and compact enough to sit on a countertop. All you need to do is add tap or bottled water and then plug it into a standard wall outlet. They start making ice in a short period of time – most units in about ten to fifteen minutes. You can get ice makers with modern LED and touch pad controls or simpler models with just basic features. A few ice maker units can also operate on batteries so you can take them to picnics, tailgating, boating, your kid’s sporting events, or maybe a backyard barbeque or party. It is a good idea to make sure the portable ice maker has a water filter built into it to help not only with the taste of the ice but to also prevent hard water problems with the unit.

Prior to Purchase

     Before you purchase your portable ice maker consider how much ice you will actually need and how much space you have for the unit. Another important factor to consider is where it will be stored during travel. Keep in mind that you can also use it at home as an extra source of ice when needed as well as using it in your RV. Portable ice makers are made by many different manufacturers and come in many colors and different features to fit your needs. Some units can produce a lot more ice than others so it is important to research specific models prior to buying so that you get the proper one for you. The least expensive units can run about $130. For about $200, you can find a pretty decent capacity ice maker that would fit most needs. There are units well above the $200 level as well.

Where to Purchase

     You can purchase portable ice making units in such stores like Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, Target and several online outlets. Also, check the camping supply department of sporting goods stores as well as RV supply outlets. Wal-Mart currently has units made by Igloo, Haier, Oster and Magic Chef and others. Their prices run from $129 up to $244 depending on the manufacturer and features you prefer.

“Restauration” – The “little ship that could” was the start of some 800,000 Norwegian immigrants that journeyed to America starting in 1825…

Restauration II Sloop

But this story is more about an American expat’s chance encounter with a bautastein (monument stone) in a park and an entire day spent researching the internet to learn everything possible about that monument.

As I have been doing since we arrived in Stavanger, I set out for a day of exploring with a special interest in all things WWII-related.  I have always marveled at the lengths that armies went through with building giant underground fortresses, roads, bunkers, airfields, etc. and it seems that Norway has had more than its fair share of concrete poured in the name of war.  So I have been out hunting old gun batteries and other coastal occupation architecture.

Yesterday, for example, I went past the entrance of the enormous German built underground bunker currently occupied by NATO and then today headed out in a different direction. As luck would have it, I stumbled upon a stone monument sitting atop a small hill overlooking the harbor.

Restauration Marker - Stavanger Norway

It didn’t take long to hit on several websites that described the little 53ft sloop known as “Restauration” that had carried 52 hearty souls across the Atlantic to America in 1825 and thus became the first of some 800,000 Norwegians to immigrate to the US.

Now, being a kid of German & English decent did not leave a lot of room for discussing Norwegian immigration around our home and frankly I just assumed that all of those “funny sounding folks” in Minnesota had always been there…  Not until much later in life did I understand that they had come from Norway; and much later than that I even ended up living there myself (strange things happen!). So I decided I had better get off my backside and learn some history!

So, a chance encounter in a small park 6,500 miles from “home” has led me to understand that a great deal of time, effort and blood was shed with thousands of people simply trying to better their situation in life and put food on the table.

The story of the sloop Restauration is best documented by the website that is dedicated to the pioneering Norwegian immigrants who ended up in far flung places like Napa, CA and in recent years a bautastein (monument stone) was dug up, carved, transported and dedicated to the pioneers’ grave-sites.  Check out “The Wheelerfolk Project” (link below) for complete details.

After reading through several websites dedicated to the subject I understand that there is a re-creation of the sloop and full details on that project can be found below.  The Restauration II is located about 30 minutes away from my home on the island of Finnøy just north of Stavanger, Norway and you can be sure I am planning a trip to see this painstakingly re-created piece of history.

But first, there was an interesting opening in the base of that small hill and someone has bricked up the opening to… something!? Wonder what could be in there?

More information;

Wheelerfolk.org Slooper Monument Project - “The Norwegian Mayflower”

Restauration II – Recreated sloop located on the island of Finnøy just north of Stavanger, Norway

Credit for the Restauration II photo goes to Gunleif Seldal of Klepp, Rogaland, Norway

You can see the monument yourself on Google Earth at “Restauration Marker” lat=58.9776814364, lon=5.71952714713

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Today I started looking around the area and wondering where all of the RV’s that I see are coming from?  And as I started to approach drivers/owners to make inquiries and discovered that while 91% of all Norwegians are fluent in English, they had no idea what I meant when I said “RV” or “motorhome”!  So I scampered back to my trusty computer and discovered the word “bobil” that means “Mobile Home”, “Camper-van” or “RV”.

We live very close to the harbor and the ferry terminals and are very fortunate to see so many BOBIL’s congregate here waiting for a ferry or whatever.

Here and in most of Europe they say they are going “Caravan” and are the most efficient compact units I have seen.  More on that later!

Compact and easy to drive through narrow roads.

More information;

Norsk Caravan Club – English FAQ

Norway RV Rental Info

I am beginning to wonder what I may be in for though, as I have not seen a single Arizona sunny day or cactus anywhere…

Does it snow here?

What is the issue?

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Just some quick-n-dirty pictures of our first couple of days in and around the area… more to follow!

Old Sailing Ship!

"Old Town"

Caravaning Norway

All Electric - So Cool!

Nice Place to Park!

LED Replacement Light Bulbs

By: Shane Skinner – RVRepairNOW.com

       LED lighting isn’t new technology, but it has really become popular in many industries over the last few years. It has many benefits, including energy efficiency, extended usage and more. I’m always looking for ways to “Go Green” as well as ways to save a few bucks. LED light bulbs are a great way to accomplish both of these goals. Bulbs such as the Revolution 1141-150 from Star Lights, Inc. are extremely energy efficient. In fact, ten of these bulbs use the same amount of power as one single conventional bulb! In addition, their life expectancy is an astonishing 60,000 hours!

       LED bulbs cost more than a conventional bulb initially, but they are still reasonably priced. The savings you’ll experience by reducing energy consumption and replacing the bulbs far less often, if ever, and the betterment of the environment make LED’s a worthwhile investment. They are a necessity for Full Timers, and I absolutely recommend them for all RV’ers to use in their RV’s and at home as well. With the life expectancy, most RV’ers will probably never have to replace them. So the real question is: can you (and the environment) afford NOT to use LED bulbs?

To view other LED lighting options for RV’s, click here.

The Danger of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

By: Shane Skinner – RVRepairNOW.com

                As I was browsing the internet, I came across this article from The Mirror in the UK. It’s a sad story of a camper who was found dead in his tent, presumably from carbon monoxide poisoning. Apparently he had brought his gas barbeque into his tent at some point during the night to heat it up. He did take it back out of the tent after he and his wife were warm enough, however he still got carbon monoxide poisoning from the lingering fumes. I am attaching the link below if you’d like to read the full story.

                This tragedy serves as a reminder for the rest of us regarding camping safety. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, highly dangerous hazard. You should never use any type of heating source that isn’t specifically designed and approved to be used inside a trailer or tent. Also be sure to pack extra blankets and sleeping bags to help you stay warm during cold nights.

                Remember, thinking of safety first helps ensure you have a positive experience and return home safely with good memories, rather than tragic stories.

Happy Camping!

Shane

Feel free to read the full story here.

Today we start our new life and adventure in Norway as we are moving overseas to the city called Stavanger, Norway.  Traci has taken a great job and I am going to contemplate being an exceptional house hubby.

We are currently at 12k feet as Delta offers peanuts and cokes…

Waiting for the taxi...

More to follow!

Jeff

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Where should I put this sleeping bag?

By: Shane Skinner – RVRepairNOW.com

     One of the first questions people ask themselves when they decide to start camping is whether they should buy a tent, a camper (pop-up or slide-on), or a motorhome. Excluding those envied lottery winners, not many people jump into camping by purchasing a motorhome. There is normally some type of progression leading up to the big rig. Therefore, the question for people who are new to camping is narrowed down to whether they should buy a tent or a camper? Three things to consider when choosing between a tent and a camper are expenses, comfort, and safety.

     As with many purchases, the first thing for the new camper to consider is their budget to see what they are comfortable spending, as well as what costs are involved in each of the options being considered. Tents are much less expensive than purchasing a camper. Small tents can be purchased for under $50 and high-quality, family-sized tents for under $200. There will be minor expenses associated with using a tent such as a hammer or mallet to drive the tent stakes into the ground. This is highly recommended, as it would be very embarrassing to return to the campsite after a hike or a swim to find the wind-blown tent wrapped around a tree. Campers have a much wider and higher price range. They start at just a few thousand dollars for an older, used model and up to $30,000 for a brand new model. More than simply making a purchase, buying a camper is an investment. However, this investment comes with additional expenses. Campers will lower the tow vehicles’ fuel efficiency during the drive to and from the campground, increasing fuel expenses. Pop-up campers will require tire maintenance or replacement over time. With all the moving parts in a camper, such as door hinges and knobs, wear and tear will create expenses for replacement parts as well.

     Comfort is another important factor to consider for new campers. Tents are viewed as uncomfortable, especially for longer trips, and therefore avoided by many people. Using an air mattress is a great way to increase comfort while sleeping in a tent. Otherwise, lying on the hard ground will oftentimes result in a poor nights’ sleep. Campers are viewed as much more comfortable since they include a bed to sleep on. While this is true, some above-average height people have trouble sleeping in a camper because they cannot stretch out. Some models also include a bathroom, eliminating the need to use public restrooms, therefore increasing many owners’ comfort level. In addition, campers help block outside noises, providing for a quieter atmosphere (and possibly a better nights’ sleep) than a tent.

     A third factor to consider while determining what to purchase is safety. Campers need to consider what types of areas they will be camping in and the possible dangers. Tents provide shelter from some weather elements, such as rain and direct sunlight on a hot day. Tents can also provide some safety from potentially dangerous animals by serving as a hiding place to stay out of their sight. However, any large threat such as a bear or cougar could easily claw or chew their way into a tent. A camper provides a safer camping environment as it will protect from most types of weather, including wind, as well as provide much more protection from wildlife.

     Considering the available budget, comfort needs, and safety risks in potential camping areas will help new campers determine whether to purchase a tent or invest in a camper. For an affordable way to get outdoors and try out camping, a tent is a good way to start. However, if a new camper has the financial means and plans on camping for extended periods or in potentially unsafe places, a camper would be a wiser investment.

I have been staring at this blank blog post off and on for several days now and still have no idea what to say. So many thoughts and emotions come to mind when tragedies like this happen. I can’t pretend to empathize with Norwegians, especially those loved ones of the victims. I do however sympathize greatly. I am a fairly logic-based person. What I mean is, whether I think somebody’s thoughts, actions, decisions, etc are right or wrong or good or bad, I can typically determine their paradigm (the way they view the world or a situation) and understand their thought process. However terrorist attacks such as this absolutely baffle me. I can empathize with idealists who have very strong beliefs and think that differing believes and innovative ideas are needed to continue advancing our world. However, to what end are these types of attacks carried out? What was this gunman trying to accomplish? It’s not going to stop a political party from believing their beliefs and being who they are. Just like the U.S. did after 9-11, I’m sure Norwegians will get back up. They will most likely never forget this, and they shouldn’t. However it won’t keep them down. I need to research to see is Norway has a death penalty. Does anyone know?

To our friends and followers in Norway: Keep your heads up. The actions of one evil being doesn’t define who you are. You’re in our thoughts.

Shane

     I recently started attending college so I could increase my level of intelligence and earn a Bachelor’s degree. I had an assignment of writing an argumentative essay regarding national healthcare here in the U.S. I am going to post it here so it can be discussed and debated. (Not the writing, although I’m always open to feedback. I have already completed this class and received my grade. I’d like to discuss the pros and cons of national healthcare in general and the ObamaCare plan.)

Disclaimer: Please understand that the viewpoints within this essay or the forthcoming comments do not necessarily reflect those of RVRepairNOW.com or Wild Tangent Ventures, Inc.

     The Assignment was specific: Write a 3-4 page essay that answers this question: Would national healthcare result in better health care for U.S. citizens? (This is important as I had a small defined amount of space to answer a very specific question, so I had to leave out so many aspects of national healthcare. I’d be happy to discuss other aspects in our forums!)

National Healthcare – Will it Provide Better Healthcare for Americans?

By: Shane Skinner

     How would an honest, tax paying American citizen feel if they were denied important healthcare coverage due to their prior medical history, even if the history was seemingly irrelevant to their current medical situation?  How would anyone feel in this situation?  According to a congressional committee investigation, the four largest for-profit health insurance companies, Aetna, Humana, UnitedHealth Group, and WellPoint, refused to issue health insurance coverage to more than 651,000 Americans, equaling 1 out of 7 applicants, from 2007 through 2009 based on their prior medical history. (H.R. Rep., 2010).  This inhumanity put well over half a million American taxpayers in the unthinkable situation of having to decide between absorbing costly out of pocket expenses for the necessary services or remaining ill or injured.  President Obama is not the first American president to introduce a national healthcare plan, as it has been discussed in one form or another for several decades; however he is the first to get one approved.  In many ways the United States is behind the times, being the last developed nation to implement some type of national healthcare system.  Opponents to the “Obama Care” reform plan are attempting to lead people to believe that there will not be enough doctors to treat everyone in a timely manner and that the quality of healthcare and choice of doctors will be jeopardized.  Is the possibility that current patients may have to wait longer to receive basic care a reason to prevent a reform that will create new medical care possibilities for many taxpayers?  On the contrary, implementing the national healthcare reform which prevents insurance companies from denying or cancelling coverage, offers preventative services at no cost and retains the freedom of choosing your in-network physician is an effective way to ensure American citizens receive better quality healthcare.

     The GOP website states, “We oppose government-run health care, which won’t protect the physician-patient relationship, won’t promote competition, and won’t promote health care quality and choice.” (Issues, 2011).  Reform promotes competition because the insurance companies will have to compete for the new customers (those currently without coverage).  Furthermore, losing the ability to deny coverage and cancel non-fraudulent plans will drive the companies to identify new profit making methods (customer acquisition and retention), further sparking competition.  In addition, the GOP’s speculation that the reform will not promote health care quality and choice is absurd.  Patients will retain the right to choose from any in-network doctor and the overall quality of care provided will be greatly improved because insurance companies cannot rescind coverage or place limits on the amount of coverage provided.  Americans will also be eligible to receive certain preventative services (which they otherwise may not be able to receive) at no cost.  All Americans deserve the right to receive affordable health insurance and healthcare treatment without worrying that the insurance companies could take away that right.

     One of the primary benefits of the national healthcare reform is that it will protect patients from having insurance companies refuse coverage based on what they determine to be pre-existing medical conditions.  The sheer number and wide age range of citizens who were denied healthcare coverage is shocking, and even more unfathomable are some of the specific cases cited.  A Google search for “Children denied health care” shows several cases in which a young child was in need of care and his or her parents were denied coverage because the insurance company claimed there was a pre-existing condition.  One of the most blatant cases of abuse of the system by an insurance company is the case for newborn Houston Tracy.  He was born with a birth defect in his arteries and required life-saving surgery shortly after birth.  However, his parents’ health insurance provider, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, denied their medical claim for his surgery, claiming it was a “pre-existing condition”. (Health Care Reform, 2010).  How does a newborn have a pre-existing condition?  Being denied healthcare coverage puts people in a difficult predicament.  They have to choose between absorbing out of pocket expenses for treatment (oftentimes these services are very cost prohibitive) or electing not to receive the treatment and risking worsened health complications later.  The assurance that American Citizens will be eligible to have health insurance coupled with the inclusion of preventative services being offered free of charge to eligible patients sets a very strong foundation for the national healthcare reform.

     Another way nationalized healthcare will lead to better quality healthcare is by offering preventative health services at no charge.  “If your plan is subject to these new requirements, you may not have to pay a copayment, co-insurance or deductible to receive recommended preventive health services, such as screenings, vaccinations and counseling.” (Preventative Care and Services, n.d.).  The article then goes on to list some of the benefits of preventative care.  The first benefit focuses on early detection of possible health problems, such as cancer screenings and diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol tests.  Another benefit is prevention, such as flu and pneumonia shots and routine vaccinations against other diseases.  The third benefit, counseling services, covers such topics as pregnancy, smoking, alcohol use, weight loss, eating healthily and depression. 

     A national healthcare reform, which entitles every American citizen the opportunity to have affordable health insurance and the ability to receive important preventative health services, among many other benefits, is a necessity for the growth and continuing development of this great nation.  “America is a country built on productivity; healthy citizens contribute to society, in large part, by working.  These working individuals pay a substantial portion of their income in the form of federal, state, and local taxes, thus funding important governmental programs and paying for such services as public school systems.  Viewed in this context, the healthcare reform act is an investment in the health of Americans–primarily working Americans–that otherwise are unable to afford or procure health insurance.” (Walter, 2010)  Every citizen should stand up for their families’ rights and make sure that their state representatives know that they support the national healthcare reform.

References

Health Care Reform  (2010, March 26).  Newborn with birth defect denied coverage.  Retrieved from http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/03/26/health/main6335430.shtml

H.R. Rep.  One Hundred Eleventh Congress, (2010).

Issues.  (n.d.).  Retrieved from http://www.gop.com/index.php/issues/issues/

Preventative Care and Services.  (n.d.)  Understanding the affordable care act: Provisions.  Retrieved from http://www.healthcare.gov/law/provisions/preventive/index.html

Walter, A.  (2010).  Counterpoint: The patient protection & affordable care act fulfills a natural right of all American citizens.  Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pwh&AN=55821067&site=pov-live

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