NL Caravan 2016

[honda03842]

We've left our Escapee Park in Florida and are proceeding north towards Labrador. We should reach New England in a couple of weeks and leave from their around May 10th arriving in NL around the 15th, about a week before the rest of the participants.

We started with 23 rigs asking to join the Newfoundland Caravan. Not counting Scouter Dave and us, we're down to 7 rigs. We were told by friends from Adventure Caravans to expect significant attrition and it happened.

Of course Ginny and I are very excited about going, even if it were just the two of us. It remains our favorite place. There's a quiet and a separation from the normal world that makes it special to us.

Wishing all a healthy summer and fall.

By the way I mentioned earlier that we were considering trying T-Mobile as a phone service. Ginny kept her Verizon account and I purchased a Samsung Note 5 from T-Mobile. The phone's been great and so far the service excellent.

We purchased a T-Mobile because it has Data service and phone service in Newfoundland at no extra charge. Data service is available for Verizon but very expensive. As well T-Mobile in the USA allows unlimited down loading of Netflix and other streaming sources. We used it quite a bit in FL and found it worked well.

Though we've only been in FL and GA T-mobile has been available everywhere we've gone.

[1Puremature]

Good luck with T-mobile I have heard they are good but they don't have great coverage. I don't have any experience so I am quoting what someone told me. We have Verizon. I have signed up for a new thing with them where you can use your phone in Canada and Mexico "like you do anywhere in the US" for two dollars a day. You are supposed to only be charged the additional two dollars on days you use the phone. As Paul Harvey used to say, "Stay tuned."

[honda03842]

Originally Posted by 1Puremature

Good luck with T-mobile I have heard they are good but they don't have great coverage. I don't have any experience so I am quoting what someone told me. We have Verizon. I have signed up for a new thing with them where you can use your phone in Canada and Mexico "like you do anywhere in the US" for two dollars a day. You are supposed to only be charged the additional two dollars on days you use the phone. As Paul Harvey used to say, "Stay tuned."

When we go to Canada we get extended coverage for $12 a month with Verizon. This allows unlimited calls to the States and 1000 minutes a month in Canada.

The Verizon deal does not provide data/Internet. The concern is the Data and the reason for T-Mobile. As well T-Mobile has unlimited calls and unlimited texts to the states, no charge.

We'll see how the coverage goes as we travel to Canada. Of course Ginny always has Verizon.

Verizon certainly has great coverage. As we travel up the east coast we'll be away from the Interstates and will see how the coverage is.

[honda03842]

Another day traveling with T-Mobile. So far a strong signal up the east coast.

We are going to purchase a small generator to take to Newfoundland, deciding between the Honda 1000 or 2000. Any comments appreciated.

[Ken C]

EU2000 is super quiet.

[Briantb]

I'd go with the 2000 especially if you are thinking of using your microwave. The cost differential isn't much. It's like a tow vehicle , you may never need the extra power but it's nice to have if you need it. Now if all you want is lights, charging battery etc the 1000 is fine.


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[honda03842]

Originally Posted by Briantb

I'd go with the 2000 especially if you are thinking of using your microwave. The cost differential isn't much. It's like a tow vehicle , you may never need the extra power but it's nice to have if you need it. Now if all you want is lights, charging battery etc the 1000 is fine.

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Brian,

We don't have a microwave. Actually use very little power. We do have a 100 watt solar panel. I was considering the generator for the caravan for people who might have a CPAP.

Of course you know about our 4 cylinder tow vehicle....

I agree it may make sense to go for the 2000 watt. It would handle our home fridge in an emergency. Thanks.

[Briantb]

I was surprised when you were talking about generators having followed your adventures for years! The 1000 is considerably lighter. I have the 2000 and 3000 at home (off grid) but never take on the road camping.. Like you we use very little and solar is sufficient.

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[David B.]

Norm, don't you have an air conditioner? If you do wouldn't you need the 2000 watt?
Dave & Paula

[theresa p]

Not in Nfld and Labrador!!


More likely to need heat than A/C.....

[theresa p]

Norm and Ginny----sure hoping you plan on stopping here on your way!!!

[AandB]

Norm: If you ever considered running the gennie off propane there is a place in Maine that does the conversions. I believe they're outside of Bangor..

Generators for Portable Power or Home Backup Power

Bob

[honda03842]

Originally Posted by theresa p

Norm and Ginny----sure hoping you plan on stopping here on your way!!!

We will plan to stop by on our way to NL. I would say sometime between the 10th and 15th of May. I let you know more accurately as the time approaches. Thank you.

Norm and Ginny.

[honda03842]

Originally Posted by David B.

Norm, don't you have an air conditioner? If you do wouldn't you need the 2000 watt?
Dave & Paula

We've had the air conditioner for about 4 years. I think we may have run it to cool us down about 20 days during those 4 years. I run it more for exercise than cooling. It's a 5000 btu AC and draws about 5 amps running.

As Theresa suggests we'll need heat more than cooling though I'd be happy if it were reversed.

Today we woke up and it was 53 in Charleston, SC. The heater had been put away. I got up and turned a burner on the stove on and minutes it was 69F in the trailer.

Really the only reason for getting the generator is that others are coming with us. At least one other person is bring a generator, 2500 watts.

We have considered getting a generator for our FL place, mainly for hurricanes. The park we're in has backup generators for the water plant and sewer plant. As well we have a gas fired professional kitchen that could feed the park if necessary. We'd need something for our home fridge... I imagine 2000 watts would be enough for the Fridge..