Dear Dr. R.V. Shrink:
I have a weight problem. My husband says my embroidery machine is too heavy to carry with us in the 5th wheel. I was fine with that until he bought a small air compressor to haul around with us. His argument was that we needed it to check our tire pressure and add air when necessary. The thing weighs more than my embroidery machine. I told him every gas station in America has an air hose. For those that cost a quarter I would gladly pay with the money I make using my embroidery machine. I love the RV lifestyle as much as my husband, but if I can't do what I enjoy, I'll stay home and embroider and he can go blow air up his tires. Can you find us some common ground?
--Tired and under pressure in Peoria
Dear Tired:
You should not have a blowout in your relationship over cargo space. You should both be able to find equipment that fits the bill of lading for an RV. With today's technology I have seen both items in a smaller size and capable of doing what you both want to do. I agree with your argument. Most stations do have available air. Often it is not convenient to reach, but often a long air hose will reach all around even a large rig. I can see having a small compressor would make it convenient to check your tires anywhere. If I were you I would compromise and take both. If, after several months, one gets little use--lose it! I think that is good advise for any items you haul. It is a matter of learning what to carry and what to leave behind. Everything should be an option. With so much storage space available in newer rigs people have a tendency to haul equipment they will never use. It takes some sorting out. Be open minded and you will soon lose more weight than you ever imagined.
--Keep Smilin', Dr. R.V. Shrink
##RVT815
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Thursday, September 8, 2011
RV fuel problem
Dear Dr. R.V. Shrink:
I have a problem with trust. I trust my wife, I trust my dog, but I can't bring myself to trust gas station attendants that don't trust me first. I know I should be setting an example for them, but it makes me nervous. Let me explain. I pull the motorhome up to a gas pump in small town America. I get out and the first thing I am greeted with is a sign that says, "Prepay before you pump." I don't use credit cards, so I have to go into the cashier and hand he or she a hundred dollar bill. Nine times out of ten I don't get a receipt unless I ask. When I ask they look at me like I'm a pain in the keester' or that I don't trust them, which I don't. But remember, first they think I am going to fill my motorhome with gas and make a run for it. Am I being unreasonable? Should I chill out, or at least act cool about the whole thing? Should I be optimistic that I won't get ripped off? Should I have more faith in my fellow human beings even if they have pierced lips and a tattoo that says, "KILL"on the fingers of the hand that takes my money?
--Kill Bill in Cody
Dear Bill:
If you have a motorhome, you are surely going to kill most or all of that bill if you fill up today. I know it doesn't seem right or good business to not get a receipt when you hand the clerk a C note. Most large chains automatically give you a receipt to bring back for change, if there is any. You have every right to ask for and receive a receipt if you want to hassle with that. Most people would gamble on the fact that they are going to use most of it in the form of gas. That way if you ever do have a problem with retrieving your change, most of the bill went for the fill. I understand you do not use credit, but you might want to consider a debit card. It works the same way, saves you a trip in to meet the clerk and leaves you a track record of where you've been and what you spent. If you continue with the cash dash, do whatever makes you happy. You should not take a guilt trip every time you ask for a receipt before you pump. It is, in fact, the right way to do business and maybe you are teaching management a valuable lesson in customer relations.
--Keep Smilin', Dr. R.V. Shrink
##RVT814
I have a problem with trust. I trust my wife, I trust my dog, but I can't bring myself to trust gas station attendants that don't trust me first. I know I should be setting an example for them, but it makes me nervous. Let me explain. I pull the motorhome up to a gas pump in small town America. I get out and the first thing I am greeted with is a sign that says, "Prepay before you pump." I don't use credit cards, so I have to go into the cashier and hand he or she a hundred dollar bill. Nine times out of ten I don't get a receipt unless I ask. When I ask they look at me like I'm a pain in the keester' or that I don't trust them, which I don't. But remember, first they think I am going to fill my motorhome with gas and make a run for it. Am I being unreasonable? Should I chill out, or at least act cool about the whole thing? Should I be optimistic that I won't get ripped off? Should I have more faith in my fellow human beings even if they have pierced lips and a tattoo that says, "KILL"on the fingers of the hand that takes my money?
--Kill Bill in Cody
Dear Bill:
If you have a motorhome, you are surely going to kill most or all of that bill if you fill up today. I know it doesn't seem right or good business to not get a receipt when you hand the clerk a C note. Most large chains automatically give you a receipt to bring back for change, if there is any. You have every right to ask for and receive a receipt if you want to hassle with that. Most people would gamble on the fact that they are going to use most of it in the form of gas. That way if you ever do have a problem with retrieving your change, most of the bill went for the fill. I understand you do not use credit, but you might want to consider a debit card. It works the same way, saves you a trip in to meet the clerk and leaves you a track record of where you've been and what you spent. If you continue with the cash dash, do whatever makes you happy. You should not take a guilt trip every time you ask for a receipt before you pump. It is, in fact, the right way to do business and maybe you are teaching management a valuable lesson in customer relations.
--Keep Smilin', Dr. R.V. Shrink
##RVT814
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Campground Host Post
Dear Dr. R.V. Shrink:
We have been traveling for several years and notice so many parks using more and more volunteers. I don't think the state and national park system could function without them anymore. I am having a problem with information breakdown as the corps of volunteers grow. I tell my husband they are dropping their standards with their dropping budgets. Young and old alike are in positions that require a knowledge of the areas we visit, rules and regulations and safety issues. Many do not seem to grasp the skills to fulfill their responsibilities. My husband thinks I am being too critical. We had to walk six extra miles on a recent backpacking trip because a volunteer in the backcountry office failed to mention a road closing. My feet were talking to me so I think I have the right to let my mouth speak to him. I volunteered not to make a scene. I didn't want to embarrass my husband, but I feel silence could get the next backpackers in trouble. Please give me some advice on how to adjust my voice control button.
--Blisters at Bowman Lake
Dear Blisters:
Think of the less informed volunteers as the "Farm Team." You always need to be developing new talent and that is what the park system is doing. Many new National Park Rangers start as volunteers. Everyone starts out "green" as a volunteer at some point. In your life I am sure you have been the "newbie/greenhorn/wet-behind-the-ears/new-kid-on-the-block/first-timer." It's not always pretty but eventually you become a pro. There are exceptions. The Detroit Lions come to mind. In most cases, volunteers in training are fast learners, efficient, responsible and motivated. Let's face it, they are not in it for the money. I applaud all volunteers and appreciate the fact that without them the budget strapped park system would be a shambles. So whenever you get upset with a volunteer, think like a musket loader. I mean, don't go off half-cocked, keep your powder dry, stand straight as a ramrod, don't be a flash in the pan, and remember the volunteer can't learn everything, lock, stock and barrel, the first day.
--Keep Smilin', Dr. R.V. Shrink
We have been traveling for several years and notice so many parks using more and more volunteers. I don't think the state and national park system could function without them anymore. I am having a problem with information breakdown as the corps of volunteers grow. I tell my husband they are dropping their standards with their dropping budgets. Young and old alike are in positions that require a knowledge of the areas we visit, rules and regulations and safety issues. Many do not seem to grasp the skills to fulfill their responsibilities. My husband thinks I am being too critical. We had to walk six extra miles on a recent backpacking trip because a volunteer in the backcountry office failed to mention a road closing. My feet were talking to me so I think I have the right to let my mouth speak to him. I volunteered not to make a scene. I didn't want to embarrass my husband, but I feel silence could get the next backpackers in trouble. Please give me some advice on how to adjust my voice control button.
--Blisters at Bowman Lake
Dear Blisters:
Think of the less informed volunteers as the "Farm Team." You always need to be developing new talent and that is what the park system is doing. Many new National Park Rangers start as volunteers. Everyone starts out "green" as a volunteer at some point. In your life I am sure you have been the "newbie/greenhorn/wet-behind-the-ears/new-kid-on-the-block/first-timer." It's not always pretty but eventually you become a pro. There are exceptions. The Detroit Lions come to mind. In most cases, volunteers in training are fast learners, efficient, responsible and motivated. Let's face it, they are not in it for the money. I applaud all volunteers and appreciate the fact that without them the budget strapped park system would be a shambles. So whenever you get upset with a volunteer, think like a musket loader. I mean, don't go off half-cocked, keep your powder dry, stand straight as a ramrod, don't be a flash in the pan, and remember the volunteer can't learn everything, lock, stock and barrel, the first day.
--Keep Smilin', Dr. R.V. Shrink
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