Tree trimming - a profitable sideline?

Tom · Oct 1, 2015

As we left this morning, our driver decided to take the circuitous route around the campground, rather than the direct route to the exit. Half way around, I heard the telltale sound that told me I'd forgotten to lower the batwing antenna. Got out and looked skyward, and the batwing had taken on a new shape, thanks to a low-hanging tree that now had a haircut.

The gears on the batwing were replaced just before we left on this trip, and now need replacing again. This morning I'd made a mental note to stow the antenna, but got distracted when the hose connection to the macerator pump gave way as I began to dump.

I removed and lowered the antenna and its now-floppy arms. The cable entry through the roof of the coach was exposed, and it was raining. The only sealant I had available was a tube of "marine goop", but this stuff is not meant for this purpose, and each time I applied a large blob, it merely flowed away. I figured we'd eventually escape the rain, which we did. Meanwhile, I have a few more items on my fix-it list.

Rene T · Oct 1, 2015

Don't feel alone Tom. What I did was I hang on the crank some type of small trinket suspended a couple of inches using a piece of yarn. When we extend the antenna, we take it off the crank and hook on a small eye hook above one of the slide out switches. Come time to leave and while closing the slides, this is a tell tale reminder to retract the antenna then we rehang the trinket again on the crank.

Tom · Oct 1, 2015

Aye Rene, I normally either hang a bungie on the crank handle, or clip a reminder on the steering wheel. I guess I was too lazy to do either one yesterday.

BoomerD · Oct 1, 2015

http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/antenna-saver/69164

Mine hangs from the driver's sun visor. When the antenna is stowed and we're driving, it gets tucked under a sunglasses clip.

Tom · Oct 1, 2015

Since we were passing Camping World today, I thought we'd stop and pick up antenna parts, but no go; There was no room to park, because their parking lot was full of RVs waiting for service. I'll probably get them online.

Betty Brewer · Oct 1, 2015

Oh Tom, your recent batwing event reminds me not to be so frustrated with my hubby as he requires BOTH of us do a complete walk around rig before departure , every time. Last departure I just looked down one side of rig (kinda like being lazy) Much to my dismay he asked me to look the whole way around looking up and down. I guess he is right.

Takes so little time and you are right ANY distraction in the routine can leave out a critical step! Good luck on the fix.

56safari · Oct 1, 2015

Tom, I feel your pain! A list of my "errors" would rival "War and Peace" for length. Fortunately, our RV has a red warning light on the dash that lights when you turn the ignition key with the antenna raised. Since you have to spend some time on the roof, you might think about putting a similar warning system in yours. A switch, led light and a little wire "fishing" while your on the roof and you would have to ignore the glowing red light to have a repeat of the "antenna art."

Regardless, you can turn this into a funny self deprecating story with just a little embellishment!

Jim

bucks2 · Oct 1, 2015

Yep. Easy to do. I have a red light on the dash for the batwing also, but when I put the Travler antenna on, I started the habit of storing the ignition key under the control box for the Travler. I don't put it up without putting the key "away", and I don't take the key without putting the antenna down. So far I've been lucky.

Ken

Tom · Oct 1, 2015

A switch, led light and a little wire "fishing" while your on the roof and you would have to ignore the glowing red light to have a repeat of the "antenna art."

I'll certainly give that some thought Jim, thanks.

... you can turn this into a funny self deprecating story with just a little embellishment!

I thought I already did ???

Tom · Oct 1, 2015

Aye Betty, Terry is right on. The Ruwards were sticklers for checking and then checking each other.

Neal · Oct 1, 2015

I put a close pin on the antenna crank handle when the antenna is down and move it to the air brake release when it is up. A sure reminder.

Utclmjmpr · Oct 2, 2015

Must be an age thing.>>>Dan

Jeff · Oct 2, 2015

utahclaimjumper said:
Must be an age thing.>>>Dan

Just joining the forgetful club Dan. The one we all join sooner or later.

Tom · Oct 2, 2015

Here's how forum member George Mullen managed to avoid forgetting things before moving off (see photo).

The annotation "one for Shayne" is a reference to passed forum member Shayne who left his wife behind at a fuel stop

Utclmjmpr · Oct 2, 2015

George may not have a memory problem!.>>>Dan

Utclmjmpr · Oct 2, 2015

Jeff, I think you don't understand that "boat people" can't grasp the concept of a TREE growing in the very spot they wish to travel.>>>Dan

Tom · Oct 2, 2015

Jeff, I think you don't understand that "boat people" can't grasp the concept of a TREE growing in the very spot they wish to travel.

Let me take you on a tour of our local waterways and show you the receipts for the repair of numerous bent props

OTOH some of those unexpected "trees" stopped growing some time ago.

Utclmjmpr · Oct 2, 2015

That because they burnt down.>>>D

Tree trimming - a profitable sideline?

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