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G has a "swell" time kayaking

G has a "swell" time kayaking
G has a "swell" time on Lake Michigan in an inflatable canoe

Dawn on the Gulf of Mexico

Dawn on the Gulf of Mexico
Dawn on the Gulf of Mexico

Warren Dunes Sunset

Warren Dunes Sunset
Warren Dunes Sunset

Sunday, September 8, 2024

Back on the Road after nearly two years


2,000 Miles - Route 66!



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Things can occur that make travel difficult or impossible. This post will be different and will be about how my life's plans were altered. In fall of 2022 I suspended trekking. This is a summary of my experience.  I became aware that I had a serious illness, and RV travel became impossible. However, after a long and difficult treatment I was able to resume trekking in late Summer of 2024. Treatment continues, but my medical leash is now longer and the risks are fewer. So, with doctor's approval we took a 4,000 mile round trip in our Roadtrek. 

We returned to our summer "cabin", which is actually a 30 ft travel trailer on a campsite in Michigan.  We had used this as a summer retreat. It is at the eastern shore of Lake Michigan and that location  allowed us to kayak on that lake, and to enjoy the farm stands, local restaurants, the Michigan wine country shoreline, and travel as far as the UP, etc. 

Our Michigan campsite

However, we had to suspend travel because I was diagnosed with an inoperable stage IV cancer.  It is a rare cancer, and only about 15% survive.  My hemoglobin (HGB) bottomed at 3.6 and blood infusions were necessary.  We relocated so I could get treatment, and a medical team was assembled.  In 2023 aggressive treatment began. It included chemotherapy, but the drug of choice was unavailable to me because of short supply and my age; it was being rationed to younger patients.  There were blood transfusions to raise my HGB to 7.0 (normal is 11.5-13.5), and chemo could not be administered, nor would I be released from a hospital visit if my HGB was below 7.0.  One doctor suggested I consider hospice care, but I declined.  Using a walker I was mobile, etc. so I wasn't ready for that. There were many sessions of radiation therapy, additional blood infusions, multiple cycles of chemotherapy and finally I began immunotherapy.  

I'll complete one year of immunotherapy in October. One of my kidneys was collateral damage and ceased to function properly.  I was given first one, then a second nephrostomy tube. These require replacement (exchange) every 2-4 months.  That was the end of water and other sports for me. The tubes make certain movement impossible, and any quick twists, bends, etc. tug at the sutures and could displace the catheter in the kidney. That happened, once!  Even stubbing a toe, as occurred today can be painful, if the sutures are pulled.  Bouncing in an RV or car seat can also be painful. 

Typical Nephrostomy tube Exits through the back


Nephrostomy Diagram - tubing exiting through the back

It has been a very difficult two years.  However, my doctors have been incredible.  There have been issues of course.  The disease is debilitating, and my body weight dropped from 170 to 135 lbs. Strength and stamina took a hit. I was on a strict diet. There were and remain some side effects to deal with. At one time I had a pseudomonas infection, and I've undergone seven hospital stays from a couple of days to a week in duration, as well as the many procedures. Each treatment can require a couple of hours, or four or more.  I had radiation treatments 5 days a week for many weeks.  My radiologist told me "you are made of Stern Stuff" as the dosage was increased. A port was installed for infusions; my body had a reaction to this, but I resisted removal, pending the outcome of cultures to determine if there was infection (there was none). There were four chemotherapy cycles; each cycle was nine treatments, one per week. I had reactions to the drugs, but overall, my reactions could have been worse than they were. I'm currently completing a year of immunotherapy.  Throughout I have attempted to avoid being a burden to anyone, but with limited success. I undertook mental exercises to assist me in dealing with this and facilitate healing. 

The financial cost for this has been staggering.  I'm fortunate that my insurance has paid for most of it.

The treatments have been effective.  My weight has recovered to 150 lbs., which my primary care physician tells me is acceptable for my height and frame Most recently I have been on a very short medical leash, with an immunotherapy infusion every other week.  This made travel difficult.  However, because of my response to the treatments it has been possible to occasionally delay an immunotherapy session so that one occurs every four weeks.  That interval permitted some travel.  MRIs and C-Scans do not currently detect the presence of cancer, and my blood work is good.  I'm "stable". However, it is likely there remain a few cancer cells in my body.

Throughout, I received a lot of moral support and prayers. I really didn't know how many people cared about me. I'm on the planet today because of the grace of God, many prayers, my spouse, my incredible team of doctor and nurses, my tenacity, and the assistance friends.  I had led an active lifestyle and dealt with an unusual amount of adversity over the years.  My doctors tell me that these things contributed to my positive response to the disease. I never thought those earlier problems would train me and give me the fortitude to deal with this.

 When the full nature of the disease was revealed, I told a doctor that I wanted the cancer (this "thing") out of my body, although it was inoperable. I had decided to do everything possible for myself, and to empower my medical team.  I reasoned that if they won, I won. I became an advocate for myself.  I studied the illness and became educated about it.  I asked questions when it was prudent to do so and kept notes and a photographic record.  

We had been living in a 41+ ft. 5th wheel, but that became unsafe and impossible to navigate using a walker. We lived in a hotel for a month while we looked for a ranch style house to live in. With the help of friends in the area, we found a suitable home. When we moved in, we purchased a bed and moved some lawn furniture inside.  We began with a clean slate.  The decision to purchase was very difficult, because we (my spouse and I) were dealing with the illness. The future was an unknown.

I progressed from a walker, to using a cane, to walking unassisted. I can take a walk of a mile or so, and I do use a stationary bicycle.  I no longer trust myself on an untethered one.  I've gained 15 lbs. and hope to gain more, although my primary care physician tells me my weight is good for my height and frame.  

We are waiting for the completion of this year of immunotherapy and hope we'll be able to travel regularly.  I've been striving to live a normal life, but I realize it is a "new normal" and may be short. It is likely I'll have the nephrostomy tubes for the rest of my life.  

Note: in March 2024 we drove 7.4 miles to the Pima County Fairgrounds for the annual FMCA RV convention.  I don't consider that to have been a "road trip".

(c) N. Retzke



Thursday, September 5, 2024

Steersafe Steering Stabilizer

 

From Steersafe Inc. website  https://steersafe.com/

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We didn't like the effort it took to keep the 210P from wandering.  We have had new tires installed, front end alignment and even the steering system checked.  So we were reasonably confident the vehicle mechanicals were okay.

However, it took some steering effort to keep the Roadtrek going straight.  Generally, on the highway, the driver needed to wrestle the steering wheel with very frequent input.  This led to fatigue and shoulder discomfort.  

I did two things to help the driver. 1- Add a thick steering wheel cover.  This reduced the gripping requirement. 2- Add a Steersafe (r) steering stabilizer.

After 5,000 miles, both G and I are in agreement that the steering stabilizer is a significant improvement and that much less effort is required. However, as is true with all things, you experience might be different.

The installation was simple.  I contacted Steersafe and arranged an appointment.  They came to our campground in Las Cruces, NM and installed the components in less than an hour.  (Note: There are different versions depending upon the vehicle. the photo above is not of the components installed on the Chevy chassis).

According to the website:

"How Does It Work 

Steer Safe is installed on the vehicle’s front steering arms and clamps on to the front axle. No welding is required. It’s simply bolted on. Steer Safe Stabilizer’s patented oscillatable fulcrum bar makes it the only true steering stabilizer on the market. It provides up to 400 pounds of preset tension on each front wheel working against any outside forces, helping to keep the front wheels pointed straight, even in a blowout situation. 

 Unlike hydraulic shock absorber stabilizers that hook onto a vehicle’s tie rod, Steer Safe offers protection from the front wheels to the steering gear box. No extra steering effort is required lessening driver fatigue. Maintenance is not required because Steer Safe is equipped with Delrin bearings which never require servicing."

For more information:

https://steersafe.com/


(c) 2024 N. Retzke

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

At the FMCA Pima Fairgrounds - Update 1

Our Roadtrek 210P at the Pima County Fairgrounds
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Officially, 1,128 RVs are here!

(Note: This blog is best viewed on a PC, there is a list of topics on the right, visible by scrolling down)

Hello Everyone!  We made it to the FMCA International Convention at the PIMA County Fairgrounds in Tucson, AZ.  Nice weather and we were able to park with a group of Roadtrekkers.  We are members of the FMCA and the Roadtrek International Chapter.  Our scheduled arrival was on March 18th and this date was assigned by the FMCA.  With hundreds of RVs arriving, it is critical to stagger the entry dates, which are officially on the 18th and 19th. We have 30A hookup, with water and sewer connections nearby. It's a great location and we can walk to showers, etc.  We're parked on asphalt and get some shade, too. 

We had some difficulty getting into the group, but the FMCA staff at the fairgrounds were extremely helpful.  Our thanks to the staff and volunteers. 

Not every Roadtrek at the fairgrounds is parked with the group.  

Our Roadtrek group at the Pima County Fairgrounds

This is our first RV trek since November 2022.  We're having a good time and we hope to travel more in 2024.

Update 1 March 21

There is lots to do. We have attended coffee and donuts at 8am, the opening ceremonies, various entertainment, exhibits, some sessions including "Ask the Experts" which is about all things RV.  G attended the Ladies Luncheon (ticket required). We also went to the karaoke and took turns at the mike.  The astronomy group had set up telescopes and as it got dark we looked upon the craters of the moon, the cloud bands of Saturn and we could observe four of its moons. The Orien Nebula was a treat through an 11-inch Celestron reflective telescope.  We shared birthday cake with the Roadtrek Chapter president, too. Thanks to the many volunteers in their golf carts who gave us rides!  Nevertheless, we got a lot of walks in.   

Opening Ceremonies at Sunset


Comedian Mark Cordes

Sharing Birthday greetings with the Chapter President

Quite a Karaoke setup at the Cantina

Celestron 11-inch reflector telescope

G with the Celestron - it is quite large

Me using the Star Map (r) App to determine which stars and planets I was observing



(c) 2024 Norman Retzke 

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Redwood Cypress 38BHR for Sale

Standard Floor Plan


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We are selling one of our "lily pads".  We lived in it about 3-4 months of each year.  It was brought to the resort by the dealer in 2015 and has never been moved. It is a 2015 Redwood Cypress 38BHR. Circumstances (physical limitations) made living in it no longer possible.

 Currently at a resort in Tucson, AZ.  The site is covered and includes a shed with hot & cold running water, A/C and (2) 20A circuit breakers. Concrete pad except under the 5th wheel.



Retail Sheet



Redwood Cypress 2015 38BHR Factory explanation of Options 

"RESIDENTIAL CEILING FAN ADDED - Enjoy a cool and steady breeze on your next RV'ing adventure with the residential ceiling fan we have added to this Cypress fifth wheel by CrossRoads RV!

 * CENTRAL VACUUM SYSTEM ADDED - The Central Vacuum system we've added to this high class Redwood Cypress fifth wheel makes keeping your RV clean and easy! 

* WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM ADDED - Most parks and campgrounds do little-to-nothing to treat their water. The water filtration system we've added to this Redwood fifth wheel will certainly help!

* 30,000BTU A/C SYSTEM UPGRADE - For maximum cooling power we've outfitted this RV with a total of 30,000btu's of cooling power! That's more than double of what you'll find in the average fifth wheel! Ideal for extended stay camping in the hotter regions of the country!

* MAXXAIR FAN ADDED TO KITCHEN - Not only will the power ceiling vent fan we've added to this Redwood fifth wheel's kitchen help exhaust heat and smells from cooking, but a simple wall-mounted control panel means you don't have to get a ladder to turn it off and on or raise the vent lid! 

* HEAT PUMP ON A/C UPGRADE - For yet another way to keep your fifth wheel RV warm and comfortable in every room and every zone of its interior we've upgraded the A/C system to feature a heat pump!

* REAR BUMPER RECEIVER HITCH ADDED - If you want to add on a bike rack or something like a small RV cargo or accessory tray, then this Cypress fifth wheel by Redwood RV is perfect for you. We've added a 2" rear bumper receiver hitch for just that reason!

* OUTSIDE GAS GRILL HOOKUP ADDED - This CrossRoads Cypress fifth wheel by Redwood RV has been built with a propane quick-connect. This allows you to quickly and easily plug in things like RVQ Grills without lugging along a big heavy propane tank!

* CYPRESS PARKS PACKAGE - Insignia LED HDTV, BlueRay DVD/CD Player, Sound bar in living room, pre-wired for Winegard satellite system, LED recessed ceiling lighting, Carefree electric adjustable patio awning w/LED Lights................. Gold Collection furniture's premium dinete chairs, faux leather Visionary sofa w/Tri-Fold hide-a-bed, free standing dining table, iCool master bedroom mattress. 

* CYPRESS FULL-TIME LIVING PACKAGE - High gloss fiberglass, slam latch baggage doors, knro frameless windows, Falcon-Integrated-Technology's 12" to 10" I-Beam Drop Frame Chassis, Equa-Flex suspension, Falcon Axles, Roto-flex Pinbox, 4-Step Entry, Aluminum Wheels, E-Range Nitrofilled Tires, 50 AMP service, 90 amp converter/charger (dual coach batteries), heavy duty drawer glides, hidden hinge cabinetry, day/night shades in living area, night shades in bedroom, stainless sink with high-rise faucet, stainless steel appliance package, pre-wired & braced for a 2nd A/C unit, Washer & Dryer Prepped and ready! "

Factory Specifications sheet

Reverse Osmosis System

We made other additions, including ceiling fan covers, and we added a reverse osmosis system. Spare filter included. Waterdrop D6 Reverse Osmosis Water Filter, 600GPD, Under Sink Reverse Osmosis System, Reduce PFAS, 2:1 Pure to Drain, Tankless RO Water Filter System, Smart LED Faucet.




 (C) 2024 N. Retzke

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Grounded

 

 

Part of a wellness package sent by my employer

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In 2022 I discovered that I had a life-threatening illness.  Well, that put a crimp in our trekking.  We travelled from the Midwest to Arizona in December 2022 and became residents of that state in 2023.

Medical treatments became my primary activity.  At one point my hemoglobin was 3.7.  My primary care doctor couldn't believe that I could walk into her office.  Shortly thereafter I was in the emergency room of a hospital where I was administered two units of blood.

My life in 2023 has focused on dealing with my medical condition.  We never made it to our summer location, a Caliber travel trailer on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, but plan to do so in 2024.

Caliber at Michigan campsite

After achieving some medical stability, I underwent several surgeries, radiation treatments and then chemotherapy. I'll begin immunotherapy on October 30. How am I doing?  My radiologist told me that I'm made of "stern stuff".  However, it has been difficult, with about 17 units of blood administered since April, and numerous hospital stays and surgeries. After a recent surgery it was determined that I had sepsis with a pseudomonas infection. I've been on some serious antibiotics and am currently about 11 days into 13 days of taking cipro (Ciprofloxacin).  This necessitated removing my nephrostomy tubes and installing new ones. 

We are planning on resuming trekking in 2024.  We signed up for the FMCA's 108th International Convention & RV Expo Pima County Fairgrounds, Tucson, AZ.  This will be held March 20-23, 2024. 



We'll be selling our 5th wheel.  Our primary trekking RV will be via our Roadtrek 210P.


I found maneuvering in the Cypress to be difficult, so G and I decided to purchase a home in the resort.  This had been our long-term plan.  My sudden change in health afforded the opportunity to make this change. G had been monitoring available homes and friends in the resort alerted her to one that was about to come on the market. She compared it to several others that were on the market and decided it was the best choice.   

After we both looked it over, we decided to make a bid and voila' we are once again homeowners.  So it seems we are official Arizona residents. 

We are currently furnishing the home.  This has afforded the opportunity to do things over.  For example, we purchased a steamer-convection oven rather than a microwave.  The Roadtrek and Cypress have microwave convection ovens, but we decided the convection oven feature was more important. 


Steamer-Convection oven


I've resumed my financial writing and blogging, but I'm not sure how frequently I'll be blogging.

Note:  The resort we are at has been described as a "Mega-resort".  It has RV sites, Park Models for sale or rent, and homes.  Some RVers sell their rv's after a few years and move into a park model.  These are 400 square ft. or larger.

(c) 2023 N. Retzke


Saturday, December 24, 2022

Portable and stationary supplemental heat

 


Early morning coffee in an all-electric Class B

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We've found that adding supplemental, portable heat to our RVs adds greatly to our cool and cold weather comfort. Our first trekking experience was in an all-electric Class B RV.  It had all the whiz-bang stuff including solar panels and lots of batteries. That fall camping experience taught us the limitations of 30A of electricity and the limitations of relying solely upon electrical appliances.

We do camp during 3-1/2 seasons of the year.   Our lowest overnight temperature experience was about 5F, with other nights as low as 20-35F.  

An overnight stay off the grid at 20F - just about to leave for the day

We've found methods to supplement the built-in heat sources in our RVs and create a more pleasant experience.  I should add that having a backup heat source is helpful in cold weather. In the Roadtrek we could run the engine in an emergency, but I won't do that to heat the coach in cold weather.

Rise and shine at 9F

One thing to bear in mind is that these RVs have little insulation and a lot of glass area. Glass has an insulating, or R-value of just about zero. Single pane glass keeps the elements out, but that's about all.  There are exceptions, but we don't have double pane windows and the Roadtrek 210P has very little insulation. Because of this our RVs can get quite cold when the outside temperature is below freezing. We selectively use Reflectix on the windows and floor carpets as aids, especially in the Roadtrek. We also use an electric blanket.

I also added a floor heater pad.

One thing we learned in the all-electric coach we rented was that 30A goes only so far.  Add up the requirements of the charger-inverter (at night), an electric cook top, a hot water heater and a 1500W space heater and something has to give.  In cold weather (20F) it provided an above ground camping experience and to cook we had to turn off the hot water heater and space heater. (see 6am photo above).

Because of that experience, today all of our RVs are dual fuel.  Propane and electricity (12VDC/120VAC) and the Roadtrek has a generator, too. In fact, if I had my preference all of the water heaters would be dual fuel propane/electric, but that isn't the case with the Roadtrek, which is only propane. Why this preference? Primarily to conserve propane so it is available for the hot water heater and for the furnace. 

In the Roadtrek we are more cautious about energy expenditure and we do our best to conserve propane, which is a necessity for the hot water heater, furnace and range top.  If we want hot water we must have propane or heat a bowl in the microwave. 

Other electric heat sources include the heat pump down to about 40F. For cooking with electricity we also carry a portable electric stovetop burner and inductive burner,  Works well with cast iron.   Another reason for the electric burner is to minimize water vapor inside the Roadtrek.  Burning propane releases H2O into the interior. This moisture is added to that we exhale with each breath and readily collects on cold surfaces, such as windows.  We do use Reflectix to minimize this. 

Condensation has not been a problem for us.

One thing about a Class B is that side door.  Open it for egress and one allows much of the interior heat to escape, and winter in.

We carry a small 750-1500W electric heater in the Roadtrek.  This puts heat in the front of the van and reduces the reliance on the propane furnace.  We use it primarily at night and in the morning, and direct heat to the rear.

Portable heater for the Roadtrek

Other heaters for the lily pads

Our MI lily pad is a 30 ft. travel trailer with 30A electric service.    It is equipped with a propane furnace, dual-fuel hot water heater and dual-fuel refrigerator. I've added a portable 1500W adjustable heater with digital thermostat and an electric blanket.  The heater is at the rear of the RV and is usually set at 65F.  If it is chilly in the morning, I'll increase the setting to 70F or so. We may be at the campground from May to October, and both May and October can be cool and damp.


30 ft. travel trailer in MI

At the 5th wheel in AZ we have a built-in heat pump and propane furnace.  We use the heat pump for temperatures down to 40F and then switch to propane.  Winter nighttime temperatures can be as low as 25F at the extreme.  A  few nights in January the low is 35F.  However, early cold snaps can occur as did in December 2022 with nighttime lows of about 35. With full sun daytime temperatures peak at about 65F-75F.

Our Arizona "lily pad"

The 5th wheel is about 42 ft long and I've added several portable heaters.  The main living space has a radiator style heater. The ceiling fan helps to distribute the heat.  This type of heater is available in various sizes/wattages.



I've also added two 250W resistance heat panels.  These include off-on switches.  To control each panel I added a LUX thermostat.  One heater is hung in the bedroom and the other is in the bunk room.  These are for supplemental heat.  I've found that using them reduces the use of the propane furnace while making the RV a more even temperature throughout. I've measured the surface temperature of the panels and it is 161F when these panels are "on" and up to temperature.   

I've hung these panels, as I did not want to drill holes in the walls.  

Electric heat panel


Thermostat to control the heat panel


We added a 20 inch x 60 inch heating pad to the Roadtrek. This covers the floor area in the center space.  I initially set it up in the 5th wheel, and when we are there, we use it in the living space. It is 120V, 300W and because the surface temperature can reach 125F.  I added a control to reduce the surface temperature. G really like it. 

20 x 60 inch heating pad - photo in 5th wheel
currently in the Roadtrek main area


How much to we spend on electricity? Monthly electric bills vary depending upon the weather and how much grilling we do, and we do a lot. We do have two refrigerators. There is an air conditioner in the shed. We use waterless cookware and cast iron on an electric cook-top and we have a weber electric grill.  In February 2022 our electric bill for the previous month (January) was about $126. Over the span of a season, I'll use about 1-1/2 30 lb. propane cylinders.  These were about $25 to fill. This year filling each is about $32. Electricity is more costly, too.

I have a kill-a-watt meter which I use to check the actual wattage consumed by appliances.  I also have a non-contact thermometer which is useful for determining surface temperature of RV walls, floors and the surface temperature of heaters.

This year I purchased water testers for pH and TDS.  The set including batteries was $14.10 delivered. These allow me to check the water softener and the quality of the fresh water when travelling.  These testers are useless for microorganisms and poisons, so I only use them on water that has been declared to be potable.  It is a means for quality assurance.

Kill-a-watt meter

Non-contact thermometer - seasoning cast iron

pH and TDS testers



(c) 2022 N. Retzke

Thursday, December 22, 2022

RV Fresh Water Improvements

 

Regulator and Filter

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Travelling in our Roadtrek we encounter a variety of campground fresh water conditions.  These include high pressure, well water which is hard or contains sediment, and city water which meets much higher standards.

Sediment can be dealt with using a portable filter.  Hard water is not as easily improved.  For drinking one can always use bottled water, but seriously hard water does damage to aluminum, copper and brass faucets and can even leave deposits on check-valves, etc. which hinders their operation. 

There are accessories which can be carried to improve the water condition.  However, unsafe water is not something for the typical RVer to deal with.  If we have any concerns about fresh water safety and purity, we purchase and drink bottled water.  Some campgrounds have public reverse osmosis machines on site, where a gallon of water can be filled a modest cost such as 35 cents each gallon.

We've carry a water pressure regulator and a filter with us in the Roadtrek.  This keeps water pressure in safe limits, protecting the fresh water piping system.  We also carry a portable RV/Marine filter.  We replace the filter each year.  

However, some locations have hard water.  Our lily-pad in the Southwest US is an example.  The water comes from local wells and is mildly alkaline with a pH of about 8.0.  Another measure is Total Dissolved Solids or TDS. Total dissolved solids (TDS) describes the inorganic salts and small amounts of organic matter present in solution in water. "The principal constituents are usually calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium cations and carbonate, hydrogencarbonate, chloride, sulfate, and nitrate anions.  "

One of the issues for treatment of freshwater in the Roadtrek is simply the space limitations for the hardware.  We have used a portable water softener when we stayed in an area known for hard water.  This device is replenished with table salt.  It is currently used in the 5th wheel.

Portable Water softener in our 5th wheel

At our Arizona lily pad, which is connected to resort well-water, we have a more extensive water treatment system.  The water is hard, and there may be occasional sediment. We spend several months at the resort each year and so we decided upon a more extensive water treatment approach. There is osmosis water available at 35 cents per gallon, but this year I added a reverse osmosis system which I installed in the kitchen island. Our system includes:

  • Pressure Regulator
  • 10 inch diameter Filter
  • Reverse Osmosis system
  • Water softener
Big Blue 10 inch diameter filter

Reverse Osmosis Spigot with TDS Indicator
I installed in our 5th wheel

(c) 2022 N. Retzke