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Let’s discuss using the Lippert Level Up as a means to change a tire and safety practices. Lippert’s hydraulic system is more than capable of lifting and holding a trailer up off the ground, even for extended periods of time. I lifted my empty Cyclone off the ground at a storage lot for 8...

The morning after Memorial Day 2017, I became aware of a horrific tragedy in Lincoln County, Kentucky. It was caused by a travel trailer that unhitched from a truck. The trailer then moved into the opposite lane and met head-on into an SUV. The SUV driver was killed, and six-month-old Colt Tuff...

Point 1: Often, I see posts or comments stating that it’s illegal to exceed the vehicles’ weight safety ratings. In some states, as part of the registration process, one has to declare a max weight they intend to haul or tow. From discussions with others, that weight declaration can be...

I shouldn't be doing this while I'm on heavy doses of Vicodin. Delete this post.

I recently discovered this portable tabletop reloading bench. It could be the best choice for RVers who'd like to reload ammo while traveling. THEC4M3RON Watch a video HERE.

Here is a new webpage showing 5th wheel and conventional tow ratings for four half-ton brand trucks. It includes realistic towing capacities obtained from the RV Tow Check app. http://goo.gl/P2HIGF I'd like to read your thoughts on towing a 5th wheel with a half-ton truck. [UPDATE] The page...

Hello Heartlanders, I've toyed around with the idea to add the additional option of selecting the 5th wheel national pin weight average of 20% in addition to the safest 25% margin. Please check out and play with the following two test pages and let me know your honest opinion. Testing and...

UPDATE BELOW! 5/22/14 I discovered this apparently little known federal law: 49 CFR 567.7 - REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONS WHO ALTER CERTIFIED VEHICLES. What do you make of this? I have few questions for NHTSA and will be calling them this week for answers. § 567.7 Requirements for persons who...

The more I’ve read RV forums about tires blowing, and too many times within 6 months of purchase, I'm becoming more convinced these tires were damaged by the commercial RV towing professional. But if that is true, then he or she is not performing the job professionally. Amy and I were...

One of my business philosophy teachers, Seth Godin, answers the question in his blog: "In fact, most people switch for better. Without a doubt, there's a slot in every market for the cheap enough, good enough alternative. But rapid growth and long-term loyalty come from being better instead...

As of this posting: 1. 37 complaints have been filed at the NHTSA. 2. Zero recalls, investigations or service bulletins have been issued by the NHTSA. 3. Out of the 37 complaints, 10 where filed by Heartland owners as follows: a. Four in 2013 b. Five in 2012 c. One in 2010 4. 36 HOC Forum...

I have had two wheel failures in 5 months. Both failure points are at the same location on the wheels. The failure is a single hairline crack. See the attached pictures of the whole wheel and the closeup. This wheel model is on the Cyclone as shown below. Failure symptoms: Wheel #1: Over a...

At least for a while. Firstly, Amy and are expecting our first two grandchildren in May and July this year in California. Speaking of California, we were in Montgomery, AL last week and on Wednesday night I learned that my late first wife's father passed away. So we left AL Thursday morning...

Weigh in on this discussion if you so desire. Hypothesis: GCWR in modern 250/2500 series trucks has nothing to do with the diesel engine and transmission combination capabilities. Background: In recent months there have been considerable discussions on various forums stating that exceeding...

We may never know. "Susan Clark was driving the RV and her husband, Steven Clark, was sitting on a couch behind the driver's seat when a front tire blew about 5:45 a.m., causing the oversize vehicle and trailer to veer off I-15 and into the neighborhood below, according to the Utah Highway...

It's official. the class is listed in the LTA Schedule. Thursday, June 20, 1:45 – 3:00, Introduction To Reloading Introduction to Reloading will cover component selection, reloading equipment, the basic reloading process and reloading safety. You’ll learn terminology, selection, primers...

Full-timers especially carry more in their RV than most. Those plastic storage bins are fantastic. Well, that is if you know which bin has the blue scarf or cowboy boots you haven’t used since last year and you need it now. First size up the area you will be placing the storage bins. Based on...

The Trailair EQUA-FLEX suspension enhancement (7-8K) was recently installed on my triple axle Cyclone. Yesterday while parking in our new space, Amy noticed that the rear and middle axles were so close together, the tires were rubbing. I just inspected the round rubber cushions and most of them...

Mark Polk of RV Education 101 wrote this excellent article: Trailer Towing – ST Tires vs. LT Tires

OP: According to a lot of information on the internet, the K&N oiled air filter passes too much bad particles. After 3 years and 71K miles, I decided to remove my K&N system and reinstalled the OEM system. As far as the power advantages of the K&N, the removal was a major mistake. I noticed...

Poll ended. May be removed. Thank you.

The "Before You Buy RV" is a free web based app formatted for Smartphones & other mobile devices. BYBRV ensures RV purchase compatibility & it's designed expressly for vehicle buyers & dealers. Bookmark your mobile device's internet browser for: http://BYBRV.com

If you experienced total loss of air or a blowout on your SRW or DRW, tell your story. Please don’t share your opinions about the two drive trains. A couple of years ago, my outside dual on the driver’s side had a complete loss of air while towing my 18,000 pound toy hauler. (Not a blowout.) I...

Okay, I’ve read enough RV related forum comments and viewed enough RV dealers’ websites to cause me to want to rant. Rather, I’ve come up with a better approach. I’m about to revise my article, Before You Buy That RV, Truck or Other Tow Vehicle, by adding a second equation that is overlooked...

In recent months while I was researching for the best information about tire care for my website, I discovered a blog written by tire expert Roger Marble. We have had more than a few conversations. I encourage you to read some of his thought provoking posts. Below are some his post links that I...

Hello my fellow Heartland owners, This is an exclusive offer to you only. I'm looking for 10 iPhone owners who are willing to beta test my new app called "Fifth Wheel St." The app is for those who tow fifth wheel and gooseneck trailers. It's a towing weight calculator that shows you a safety...

Here is the AF2011-A1 Double Barrel Pistol from Arsenal Firearms.

I just came across this today. I'll consider this during my next truck purchase. http://www.mountainmaster.net/smartcarloaders.html

Amy and I have been staying at St. Vrain State Park located near Longmont, CO nearly 2 months. Today we looked at property the state park owns that has an old two story ranch house, a large red barn, a smaller work shed and a pond on about 100 acres adjacent to the main park. We'll move into the...

I'd like to read some recent personal experiences of those who have Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) and the Tire Pressure Temperature Monitoring Systems (TPTMS). Did you have one model and switch to another? Have you experienced a real difference between the two models?

Here's an interesting article with several comments. Buckshot: Overkill for the Home Defense Shotgun?

I've encountered a problem. See next post. Our High Pointe stopped working so the search was on for an upgrade to a convection microwave. We visited a local RV Center and we were promptly told "do not to buy the Apollo." The strong recommendation was GE or Sharp. After reading reviews and...

Amy and I stayed for two weeks at St. Cloud Campground & RV Park, near St. Cloud, Minnesota. This campground is one of the best places we've been to. They have everything you need for a great chapter rally. The grounds are well maintained. There's a swimming pool, volleyball area and horseshoe...

Although I'm a Cyclone owner, this could apply to all models. While washing my smart car recently, the thought occurred to me, why not plastic siding instead of fiberglass? Just about all the exterior of a smart car is replaceable durable high gloss plastic. I'm sure the plastic is much lighter...

Granted, the .50 BMG and the .338 Lapua Magnum has it place in the sniper arsenal, the Army still keeps its primary choice, the .300 Winchester Magnum. The appropriate cartage will put down any deer up to the size of an elk as well as any sniper designated target out to nearly 3/4 of a mile...

The new smartUSA.com website debuted today. Scroll down about two thirds and you'll see our Cyclone and Amy. I took this picture at the national rally in Goshen, IN this year. http://www.smartusa.com/

I performed some routine maintenance on my hitch yesterday and discovered I have a bigger problem than I recently thought. Near the end of June I took my Cyclone to Lippert in Goshen, IN for some upgrades. While there I decided to lower the pivot arms. While doing so, I noticed that two...

If you have had your hydraulic system upgraded for landing gear or level up, check all connections for leaks a day of so after the installation. I discovered a minor fitting leak after I had new landing gear installed. The best way I found to confirm there is a leak, is to clean the suspected...

I have available five 15% discount codes to anyone (one per person) who is interested Self-Defense SHIELD. Below is a link to learn more about it. PM me for a code only if you are serious about purchasing this special insurance like I did. Offer ends August 2nd but I hope they will extend it...

I posted a new article on my website. I provided simple information to answer the question "Is my truck big enough to tow this RV?" I'd appreciate any feedback you may have. I've looked at one calculator in particular on the internet and found it to be inaccurate. Here is the URL...