Air bags vs Leaf Springs - Turbo vs NA - Dirt Roads
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09-18-2008, 12:32
Post: #1
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Air bags vs Leaf Springs - Turbo vs NA - Dirt Roads
Hi --
k - I think I have read way too much to be able to make a good decision now, but wanted to ask a direct question. Goal - have something that can pull my 24ft trailer with 4 4 wheelers and 3 motorcycles (7500#). I would prefer to go into the back country a bit (ie, down some dirt roads). Once I get there I would prefer to stay in the back country for a week or more (no hook-ups and enough H2O to keep my wife happily showered after riding around on her 4 wheeler). So, the questions - first, I have been told that I want leaf springs as opposed to air bags if I am to spend any time on dirt roads (something about the dirt getting into the compressors). Is this true? Same goes for the type of Wanderlodge - I hear you want the FC so the engine is up front; thus, won't feel the effects of the dust as much. ??? Second, I have seen all the debate on turbo vs na. On the one hand it seems to make sense that if it isn't there it won't break down - but on the other hand the argument that if you are at 190hp usage it is 190 usage whether you are na or turbo. Anyone have any numbers or real experience with both and have an opinion? The whole 35mph over a mountain pass is okay with me as long as I can go 65-70 on the flats. Third - towing. I hear of folks pulling 16 foot cargo trailers and their toads - but am I going to be okay in a FC w/ a 3208 na pulling a 7500# trailer? (Not to mention the whole narrow dirt road with a 31-35' coach and then having another 30' of trailer behind me. Not too many national parks will like the idea of me pulling into camp. Thank you . . . Jim |
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09-18-2008, 16:38
Post: #2
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Air bags vs Leaf Springs - Turbo vs NA - Dirt Roads
Any motorhome with airbrakes is gonna have a compressor. I see many dumptrucks running offroad with airbag suspension but they do rip the bags often. Out in California the first trailer in a combination of two has to be a fith wheeler. how is dust an issue, isnt dust and dirt what going off road is all about?
a GregoryO'Connor 94ptRomolandCa --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "barneja4" <barneja4@...> wrote: > > Hi -- > > k - I think I have read way too much to be able to make a good > decision now, but wanted to ask a direct question. > > Goal - have something that can pull my 24ft trailer with 4 4 wheelers > and 3 motorcycles (7500#). I would prefer to go into the back > country a bit (ie, down some dirt roads). Once I get there I would > prefer to stay in the back country for a week or more (no hook-ups > and enough H2O to keep my wife happily showered after riding around > on her 4 wheeler). > > So, the questions - first, I have been told that I want leaf springs > as opposed to air bags if I am to spend any time on dirt roads > (something about the dirt getting into the compressors). Is this > true? Same goes for the type of Wanderlodge - I hear you want the FC > so the engine is up front; thus, won't feel the effects of the dust > as much. ??? > > Second, I have seen all the debate on turbo vs na. On the one hand > it seems to make sense that if it isn't there it won't break down - > but on the other hand the argument that if you are at 190hp usage it > is 190 usage whether you are na or turbo. Anyone have any numbers or > real experience with both and have an opinion? The whole 35mph over > a mountain pass is okay with me as long as I can go 65-70 on the > flats. > > Third - towing. I hear of folks pulling 16 foot cargo trailers and > their toads - but am I going to be okay in a FC w/ a 3208 na pulling > a 7500# trailer? (Not to mention the whole narrow dirt road with a > 31-35' coach and then having another 30' of trailer behind me. Not > too many national parks will like the idea of me pulling into camp. > > Thank you . . . > > Jim > |
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09-18-2008, 16:39
Post: #3
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Air bags vs Leaf Springs - Turbo vs NA - Dirt Roads
I will throw in my two cents worth. Dan Williams 81fc33rb Jackson, MS From: Hi -- k - I think I have read way too much to be able to make a good decision now, but wanted to ask a direct question. Goal - have something that can pull my 24ft trailer with 4 4 wheelers and 3 motorcycles (7500#). I would prefer to go into the back country a bit (ie, down some dirt roads). Once I get there I would prefer to stay in the back country for a week or more (no hook-ups and enough H2O to keep my wife happily showered after riding around on her 4 wheeler). So, the questions - first, I have been told that I want leaf springs as opposed to air bags if I am to spend any time on dirt roads (something about the dirt getting into the compressors) true? Same goes for the type of Wanderlodge - I hear you want the FC so the engine is up front; thus, won't feel the effects of the dust as much. ??? Second, I have seen all the debate on turbo vs na. On the one hand it seems to make sense that if it isn't there it won't break down - but on the other hand the argument that if you are at 190hp usage it is 190 usage whether you are na or turbo. Anyone have any numbers or real experience with both and have an opinion? The whole 35mph over a mountain pass is okay with me as long as I can go 65-70 on the flats. Third - towing. I hear of folks pulling 16 foot cargo trailers and their toads - but am I going to be okay in a FC w/ a 3208 na pulling a 7500# trailer? (Not to mention the whole narrow dirt road with a 31-35' coach and then having another 30' of trailer behind me. Not too many national parks will like the idea of me pulling into camp. Thank you . . . Jim |
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09-18-2008, 16:57
Post: #4
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Air bags vs Leaf Springs - Turbo vs NA - Dirt Roads
Jim, I'm not too certain any bb is a good pick for your application but 7500 PBS
is too much for my coach way too much and I can not carry more then about 50 gal of water. Not able to suggest what would work but my coach isn't nearly enough to do what you are planning John Heckman Center pa 1973 fc 3208na > > k - I think I have read way too much to be able to make a good > decision now, but wanted to ask a direct question. > > Goal - have something that can pull my 24ft trailer with 4 4 wheelers > and 3 motorcycles (7500#). I would prefer to go into the back > country a bit (ie, down some dirt roads). Once I get there I would > prefer to stay in the back country for a week or more (no hook-ups > and enough H2O to keep my wife happily showered after riding around > on her 4 wheeler). > > So, the questions - first, I have been told that I want leaf springs > as opposed to air bags if I am to spend any time on dirt roads > (something about the dirt getting into the compressors). Is this > true? Same goes for the type of Wanderlodge - I hear you want the FC > so the engine is up front; thus, won't feel the effects of the dust > as much. ??? > > Second, I have seen all the debate on turbo vs na. On the one hand > it seems to make sense that if it isn't there it won't break down - > but on the other hand the argument that if you are at 190hp usage it > is 190 usage whether you are na or turbo. Anyone have any numbers or > real experience with both and have an opinion? The whole 35mph over > a mountain pass is okay with me as long as I can go 65-70 on the > flats. > > Third - towing. I hear of folks pulling 16 foot cargo trailers and > their toads - but am I going to be okay in a FC w/ a 3208 na pulling > a 7500# trailer? (Not to mention the whole narrow dirt road with a > 31-35' coach and then having another 30' of trailer behind me. Not > too many national parks will like the idea of me pulling into camp. > > Thank you . . . > > Jim > |
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09-19-2008, 05:33
Post: #5
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Air bags vs Leaf Springs - Turbo vs NA - Dirt Roads
Jim,
The shear weight of an FC will get you into trouble in any soft ground. If you intend to go down a narrow dirt road I would jump on a 4-wheeler and scope it out thoroughly first. And with a heavy trailer like that I don't know how you are going to get turned around to get back out? Gardner 83FC35 --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "barneja4" <barneja4@...> wrote: > > Hi -- > > k - I think I have read way too much to be able to make a good > decision now, but wanted to ask a direct question. > > Goal - have something that can pull my 24ft trailer with 4 4 wheelers > and 3 motorcycles (7500#). I would prefer to go into the back > country a bit (ie, down some dirt roads). Once I get there I would > prefer to stay in the back country for a week or more (no hook-ups > and enough H2O to keep my wife happily showered after riding around > on her 4 wheeler). > > So, the questions - first, I have been told that I want leaf springs > as opposed to air bags if I am to spend any time on dirt roads > (something about the dirt getting into the compressors). Is this > true? Same goes for the type of Wanderlodge - I hear you want the FC > so the engine is up front; thus, won't feel the effects of the dust > as much. ??? > > Second, I have seen all the debate on turbo vs na. On the one hand > it seems to make sense that if it isn't there it won't break down - > but on the other hand the argument that if you are at 190hp usage it > is 190 usage whether you are na or turbo. Anyone have any numbers or > real experience with both and have an opinion? The whole 35mph over > a mountain pass is okay with me as long as I can go 65-70 on the > flats. > > Third - towing. I hear of folks pulling 16 foot cargo trailers and > their toads - but am I going to be okay in a FC w/ a 3208 na pulling > a 7500# trailer? (Not to mention the whole narrow dirt road with a > 31-35' coach and then having another 30' of trailer behind me. Not > too many national parks will like the idea of me pulling into camp. > > Thank you . . . > > Jim > |
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09-20-2008, 01:40
Post: #6
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Air bags vs Leaf Springs - Turbo vs NA - Dirt Roads
I've been thinkin about Jim's intended use and having owned travel
trailers and a 5th wheel I think he would be better off with a pickup truck and a toy hauler of some type, or perhaps at truck (bed) camper and the trailer he already has. These would likely do the job better for any Class A motorhome. A toterhome built on some type of 4 wheel drive chassis would be the nuts. I don't know of anything like that that out there. Like Gardner suggested getting a BB into a tight situation could be real interesting. I've had a 4 wheel drive truck stuck with a 5th wheel on the back and I do not want to ever have to experience similar with the "Bird" John Heckman central Pa 1973 FC wrote: > > > Jim, > The shear weight of an FC will get you into trouble in any soft > ground. If you intend to go down a narrow dirt road I would jump on a > 4-wheeler and scope it out thoroughly first. And with a heavy trailer > like that I don't know how you are going to get turned around to get > back out? > > Gardner > 83FC35 > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "barneja4" <barneja4@> > wrote: > > > > Hi -- > > > > k - I think I have read way too much to be able to make a good > > decision now, but wanted to ask a direct question. > > > > Goal - have something that can pull my 24ft trailer with 4 4 > wheelers > > and 3 motorcycles (7500#). I would prefer to go into the back > > country a bit (ie, down some dirt roads). Once I get there I would > > prefer to stay in the back country for a week or more (no hook- ups > > and enough H2O to keep my wife happily showered after riding around > > on her 4 wheeler). > > > > So, the questions - first, I have been told that I want leaf > springs > > as opposed to air bags if I am to spend any time on dirt roads > > (something about the dirt getting into the compressors). Is this > > true? Same goes for the type of Wanderlodge - I hear you want the > FC > > so the engine is up front; thus, won't feel the effects of the dust > > as much. ??? > > > > Second, I have seen all the debate on turbo vs na. On the one hand > > it seems to make sense that if it isn't there it won't break down - > > but on the other hand the argument that if you are at 190hp usage > it > > is 190 usage whether you are na or turbo. Anyone have any numbers > or > > real experience with both and have an opinion? The whole 35mph > over > > a mountain pass is okay with me as long as I can go 65-70 on the > > flats. > > > > Third - towing. I hear of folks pulling 16 foot cargo trailers and > > their toads - but am I going to be okay in a FC w/ a 3208 na > pulling > > a 7500# trailer? (Not to mention the whole narrow dirt road with a > > 31-35' coach and then having another 30' of trailer behind me. Not > > too many national parks will like the idea of me pulling into camp. > > > > Thank you . . . > > > > Jim > > > |
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09-20-2008, 02:39
Post: #7
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Air bags vs Leaf Springs - Turbo vs NA - Dirt Roads
CurtS is hardcore offroad with his bus. he drives to the limit then
unhooks one of the offroad toys for the balance. the trick is knowing the limit. I see folks setup camp in the desert and beach once stuck. that's just after your limit, not at limit. The bigger the tires the deeper they seem to go and get stuck. Pismo beach cops told me to park the bus in the soft sand or I would be tickeded $35.00 for leaving it in the hardpack tidal path. I paid cash. GregoryO'Connor 94ptRomoland --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "bubblerboy64" wrote: > > I've been thinkin about Jim's intended use and having owned travel > trailers and a 5th wheel I think he would be better off with a pickup > truck and a toy hauler of some type, or perhaps at truck (bed) camper > and the trailer he already has. These would likely do the job better > for any Class A motorhome. A toterhome built on some type of 4 wheel > drive chassis would be the nuts. I don't know of anything like that > that out there. Like Gardner suggested getting a BB into a tight > situation could be real interesting. I've had a 4 wheel drive truck > stuck with a 5th wheel on the back and I do not want to ever have to > experience similar with the "Bird" > John Heckman > central Pa > 1973 FC > > > > > wrote: > > > > > > Jim, > > The shear weight of an FC will get you into trouble in any soft > > ground. If you intend to go down a narrow dirt road I would jump on > a > > 4-wheeler and scope it out thoroughly first. And with a heavy > trailer > > like that I don't know how you are going to get turned around to > get > > back out? > > > > Gardner > > 83FC35 > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "barneja4" <barneja4@> > > wrote: > > > > > > Hi -- > > > > > > k - I think I have read way too much to be able to make a good > > > decision now, but wanted to ask a direct question. > > > > > > Goal - have something that can pull my 24ft trailer with 4 4 > > wheelers > > > and 3 motorcycles (7500#). I would prefer to go into the back > > > country a bit (ie, down some dirt roads). Once I get there I > would > > > prefer to stay in the back country for a week or more (no hook- > ups > > > and enough H2O to keep my wife happily showered after riding > around > > > on her 4 wheeler). > > > > > > So, the questions - first, I have been told that I want leaf > > springs > > > as opposed to air bags if I am to spend any time on dirt roads > > > (something about the dirt getting into the compressors). Is this > > > true? Same goes for the type of Wanderlodge - I hear you want > the > > FC > > > so the engine is up front; thus, won't feel the effects of the > dust > > > as much. ??? > > > > > > Second, I have seen all the debate on turbo vs na. On the one > hand > > > it seems to make sense that if it isn't there it won't break > down - > > > but on the other hand the argument that if you are at 190hp usage > > it > > > is 190 usage whether you are na or turbo. Anyone have any > numbers > > or > > > real experience with both and have an opinion? The whole 35mph > > over > > > a mountain pass is okay with me as long as I can go 65-70 on the > > > flats. > > > > > > Third - towing. I hear of folks pulling 16 foot cargo trailers > and > > > their toads - but am I going to be okay in a FC w/ a 3208 na > > pulling > > > a 7500# trailer? (Not to mention the whole narrow dirt road with > a > > > 31-35' coach and then having another 30' of trailer behind me. > Not > > > too many national parks will like the idea of me pulling into > camp. > > > > > > Thank you . . . > > > > > > Jim > > > > > > |
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09-20-2008, 03:15
Post: #8
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Air bags vs Leaf Springs - Turbo vs NA - Dirt Roads
Smart Man Greg, wouldn't get a bird pulled out for ten times $35.
Like you said it's knowing the limit, which I clearly know the moment I go over. I don't know if I am smarter or lazier then I used to be but the thoughts of taking the BB anyplace that I might even have to back out of is not happy thoughts for me. John Heckman central Pa 1973 FC > > CurtS is hardcore offroad with his bus. he drives to the limit then > unhooks one of the offroad toys for the balance. the trick is > knowing the limit. I see folks setup camp in the desert and beach > once stuck. that's just after your limit, not at limit. The bigger > the tires the deeper they seem to go and get stuck. > > Pismo beach cops told me to park the bus in the soft sand or I would > be tickeded $35.00 for leaving it in the hardpack tidal path. I > paid cash. > > GregoryO'Connor > 94ptRomoland > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "bubblerboy64" > wrote: > > > > I've been thinkin about Jim's intended use and having owned travel > > trailers and a 5th wheel I think he would be better off with a > pickup > > truck and a toy hauler of some type, or perhaps at truck (bed) > camper > > and the trailer he already has. These would likely do the job > better > > for any Class A motorhome. A toterhome built on some type of 4 > wheel > > drive chassis would be the nuts. I don't know of anything like > that > > that out there. Like Gardner suggested getting a BB into a tight > > situation could be real interesting. I've had a 4 wheel drive > truck > > stuck with a 5th wheel on the back and I do not want to ever have > to > > experience similar with the "Bird" > > John Heckman > > central Pa > > 1973 FC > > > > > > > > > > wrote: > > > > > > > > > Jim, > > > The shear weight of an FC will get you into trouble in any > soft > > > ground. If you intend to go down a narrow dirt road I would jump > on > > a > > > 4-wheeler and scope it out thoroughly first. And with a heavy > > trailer > > > like that I don't know how you are going to get turned around to > > get > > > back out? > > > > > > Gardner > > > 83FC35 > > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "barneja4" <barneja4@> > > > wrote: > > > > > > > > Hi -- > > > > > > > > k - I think I have read way too much to be able to make a good > > > > decision now, but wanted to ask a direct question. > > > > > > > > Goal - have something that can pull my 24ft trailer with 4 4 > > > wheelers > > > > and 3 motorcycles (7500#). I would prefer to go into the back > > > > country a bit (ie, down some dirt roads). Once I get there I > > would > > > > prefer to stay in the back country for a week or more (no hook- > > ups > > > > and enough H2O to keep my wife happily showered after riding > > around > > > > on her 4 wheeler). > > > > > > > > So, the questions - first, I have been told that I want leaf > > > springs > > > > as opposed to air bags if I am to spend any time on dirt roads > > > > (something about the dirt getting into the compressors). Is > this > > > > true? Same goes for the type of Wanderlodge - I hear you want > > the > > > FC > > > > so the engine is up front; thus, won't feel the effects of the > > dust > > > > as much. ??? > > > > > > > > Second, I have seen all the debate on turbo vs na. On the one > > hand > > > > it seems to make sense that if it isn't there it won't break > > down - > > > > but on the other hand the argument that if you are at 190hp > usage > > > it > > > > is 190 usage whether you are na or turbo. Anyone have any > > numbers > > > or > > > > real experience with both and have an opinion? The whole > 35mph > > > over > > > > a mountain pass is okay with me as long as I can go 65-70 on > the > > > > flats. > > > > > > > > Third - towing. I hear of folks pulling 16 foot cargo > trailers > > and > > > > their toads - but am I going to be okay in a FC w/ a 3208 na > > > pulling > > > > a 7500# trailer? (Not to mention the whole narrow dirt road > with > > a > > > > 31-35' coach and then having another 30' of trailer behind > me. > > Not > > > > too many national parks will like the idea of me pulling into > > camp. > > > > > > > > Thank you . . . > > > > > > > > Jim > > > > > > > > > > |
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09-21-2008, 01:39
Post: #9
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Air bags vs Leaf Springs - Turbo vs NA - Dirt Roads
Jim:
Find yourself an EARLY 1980 FC 31..........without airbags and levelers,...put a SWINGOUT RADIATOR ON IT....... tell the wife to shower the old fasion way with a DIPPER AND A TUB....AND......you will be happeir then a pig in mud doing your OFF ROAD stuff...... the 1980 is a 210 NA and the culmination of all the best features from 1976- 1980....I had a 1980, leaf springs, 210 NA and 31 ft...it was the GREATEST!..DO NOT GET ONE ANY LONGER FOR YOUR OFF ROAD TOWING NEEDS..........I now have a 1990 SP36 with a 300CAT turbo which is GREAT ....BUT...I DO NOT go OFF road and the fresh water tank is 100 gallons NOT 45 so the wife can shower for a week at WALMARTS.....sure wish WALMART had HOOKUPS!!! LOL.. Hank 90SP36 in Chicago --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "barneja4" <barneja4@...> wrote: > > Hi -- > > k - I think I have read way too much to be able to make a good > decision now, but wanted to ask a direct question. > > Goal - have something that can pull my 24ft trailer with 4 4 wheelers > and 3 motorcycles (7500#). I would prefer to go into the back > country a bit (ie, down some dirt roads). Once I get there I would > prefer to stay in the back country for a week or more (no hook-ups > and enough H2O to keep my wife happily showered after riding around > on her 4 wheeler). > > So, the questions - first, I have been told that I want leaf springs > as opposed to air bags if I am to spend any time on dirt roads > (something about the dirt getting into the compressors). Is this > true? Same goes for the type of Wanderlodge - I hear you want the FC > so the engine is up front; thus, won't feel the effects of the dust > as much. ??? > > Second, I have seen all the debate on turbo vs na. On the one hand > it seems to make sense that if it isn't there it won't break down - > but on the other hand the argument that if you are at 190hp usage it > is 190 usage whether you are na or turbo. Anyone have any numbers or > real experience with both and have an opinion? The whole 35mph over > a mountain pass is okay with me as long as I can go 65-70 on the > flats. > > Third - towing. I hear of folks pulling 16 foot cargo trailers and > their toads - but am I going to be okay in a FC w/ a 3208 na pulling > a 7500# trailer? (Not to mention the whole narrow dirt road with a > 31-35' coach and then having another 30' of trailer behind me. Not > too many national parks will like the idea of me pulling into camp. > > Thank you . . . > > Jim > |
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09-21-2008, 11:03
Post: #10
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Air bags vs Leaf Springs - Turbo vs NA - Dirt Roads
Jim,
I may have found your solution. Look in the pictures section under the "4 wheel drive" album. Gardner 83FC354 --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "barneja4" <barneja4@...> wrote: > > Hi -- > > k - I think I have read way too much to be able to make a good > decision now, but wanted to ask a direct question. > > Goal - have something that can pull my 24ft trailer with 4 4 wheelers > and 3 motorcycles (7500#). I would prefer to go into the back > country a bit (ie, down some dirt roads). Once I get there I would > prefer to stay in the back country for a week or more (no hook-ups > and enough H2O to keep my wife happily showered after riding around > on her 4 wheeler). > > So, the questions - first, I have been told that I want leaf springs > as opposed to air bags if I am to spend any time on dirt roads > (something about the dirt getting into the compressors). Is this > true? Same goes for the type of Wanderlodge - I hear you want the FC > so the engine is up front; thus, won't feel the effects of the dust > as much. ??? > > Second, I have seen all the debate on turbo vs na. On the one hand > it seems to make sense that if it isn't there it won't break down - > but on the other hand the argument that if you are at 190hp usage it > is 190 usage whether you are na or turbo. Anyone have any numbers or > real experience with both and have an opinion? The whole 35mph over > a mountain pass is okay with me as long as I can go 65-70 on the > flats. > > Third - towing. I hear of folks pulling 16 foot cargo trailers and > their toads - but am I going to be okay in a FC w/ a 3208 na pulling > a 7500# trailer? (Not to mention the whole narrow dirt road with a > 31-35' coach and then having another 30' of trailer behind me. Not > too many national parks will like the idea of me pulling into camp. > > Thank you . . . > > Jim > |
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