Archive for February, 2010

Larry D. Spears offers us this tip

I recently had a real near miss with an outdoor electrical extension cord at my home.

I had been using the cord while it was still rolled up on a storage spool.

Extension Cord Reel

Many times in the past I have unrolled only enough cord to reach the appliance I need to power. I felt this was a good practice in order to prevent a tripping hazard, and keep everything looking tidy and neat. However, electrical cords are rated in large part by their insulation factor. They are designed to be used in environments without extreme ambient temperatures such as what we normally experience on a day to day basis.

By not un-spooling the entire cord before each use, I had unknowingly altered the temperature the cord was exposed to tremendously.

The temperature in the center of this cord bundle became hot enough to melt all of the insulation from portions of the wire.

The first thing I looked for when I discovered this was a caution on the spool indicating the proper use of the device and there it was, molded right into the side of the spool “Caution: Unreel cord before use”. I am attaching pictures so you can see what I am talking about. Also, I am asking you to please send this to everyone in your distribution list so they will realize this is a very dangerous practice. So many people I have talked to about this do the exact same thing.

Melted Extension Cord

As you can see in the last picture, the portions of the wire that were exposed (that I could see) were not damaged. It wasn’t until I was unreeling the entire cord that I found this.

PLEASE stop someone if you see them doing something you know is wrong or unsafe. Even if they have much more “experience” than you. There are many ways you can respectfully explain to someone they are doing something unsafe, so use one of them and let’s watch out for each other.

Thanks.

Larry D. Spears

LSpears@Dow.com

That most romantic of holidays, Valentine’s Day, has nature lovers packing the champagne and roses and heading for the great outdoors in their RVs.

El Monte RV Rentals, one of America’s leading motorhome and RV rental and sales companies, offers these ten tips for making a Valentine’s Day RV adventure even more romantic.

1. Choose an Inspiring Setting: Look for somewhere naturally beautiful (and private!)
2. Bring Along Sumptuous Linens: Bring along luxurious linens for your RV love nest.
3. Scent the Night: Scented flameless candles or fresh flowers can add spice to your night.
4. Share a Sunrise or Sunset: Take a front row seat to a sunrise (or sunset) with the one you love.
5. Let Special Tunes Set the Tone: Pack music that will set a romantic tone in your motorhome.
6. Dress for the Occasion: Comfortable, attractive clothes are the dress code for your special Valentine’s RV trip.
7. Plan Easy, Romantic Meals: Forget complicated gourmet cooking; stop by your local deli for prepared entrees and desserts.
8. Ask About Local Amenities: A romantic couples massage or a walk along a private beach can make your RV trip even more special.
9. Don’t Forget the Valentines! Whether your custom is to share sweetly romantic cards or expensive gifts, double check they’re packed in the RV.
10. Relax and Enjoy! Simple, thoughtful plans are less stressful than complicated surprises.

El Monte RV is the only nationwide motorhome rental company to offer the larger Class A luxury vehicles for rent. For more information about El Monte RV, contact 800-337-2141 or visit our website El Monte RV Rentals.
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Visit HowToRentAnRV.com for tips on renting the right RV for the right price and getting the most from your RV rental vacation.