The folks a SwiftHitch.com sent me a SwiftHitch model SH02 wireless backup camera system for review.

The SH02 is the deluxe system which includes: 10-Hour Run-Time Weather Resistant Camera, Hi-Resolution Color Display, Foam Lined Storage Case, Suction Cup Mount, 12 Volt Charger Cable and Video-out Cable.

In this video I cover the individual parts of the system before I talk about the system as a whole.

The driver of an RV didn’t realize the pickup he was pulling was in PARK! The person who shot the video didn’t get the first part on tape, but said it sounded like a continuous wreck with 2 screeching tires when he drove by, so he followed the motorhome and finally caught up to him.

The crew at Diesel Power Magazine attempts to set a world record beyond 140 mph.

The truck is a 2006 GMC 2500 with a modified 1000 horsepower diesel engine.

The trailer is a factory stock unit and does not inlcude any internal bracing. The factory did upgrade the tires.

After buying a used school bus for $3000, Richard and Rachel drafted autoCAD plans and began to design every detail of their new home, something that was important in their decision not to simply buy a used RV or mobile home (which they view as flimsier than a steel-framed bus).

Their furniture is all hand-built and much of it becomes a bed. They also hacked some IKEA pieces to fit their space: a shoe cozy holds their trash and recycling bins and rolling drawers that snap into place became their cupboard.

To create a totally off-grid dwelling they mounted 6 solar panels (bought off ebay at $200 a piece) on the roof for a total of 770 watts. Propane feeds their catalytic heater and will soon feed their stove and oven, though for now they are using a butane camp stove for cooking.

Within the village of Eagle Nest, N. M., RV dumping areas are few and far between.

To increase the availability of these cleanup areas, Eagle Nest Village Council member Bill Lowery introduced the possibility of constructing pay-for, automated dumping sites within the village, the Sangre de Cristo Chronicle reported.

“I thought I’d entertain the idea and see what council thought of it,” Lowery said. “It could be a revenue source, and it could be put just about anywhere. It’s operated by solar power.”

The dump stations would go straight into sewer systems, so they must be strategically placed.

“The travelers have been asking about it, and they want to dump their sewer storage tanks,” Lowery said, adding there are no dumping stations within Cimarron Canyon State Park. “Most of the RV parks don’t have a place to do that.”

Lowery said he came across a sales and marketing representative with Sani-Star, the maker of the RV dump stations, and became interested by the product.

“He said he could work with us whatever way we want to use facilities,” Lowery said. “They have a one-time charge $1,250 to set it up and offer a system, plus they freight the system.”

The implementation of these systems is in its infancy, but Lowery said he intends to speak to many people about the possibility of bringing them to Eagle Nest, as the village would be able to reap some of the benefits.

“We’re probably going to talk to the (New Mexico State) Parks people,” Lowery said. “If this thing could take place, and the access for travelers and campers would be a convenience for them, it could supplement Eagle Nest itself.”

Lowery said the service charge is about $5 to $10, and that money could go straight into the general fund. Eagle Nest RV parks see hundreds of visitors during the Fourth of July weekend alone and a stream of visitors throughout the year.

“These tanks are about 50 gallons. And you take 100 of these a day, that’s only 5,000 gallons. And you take 30 days, 150,000 gallons a month that’s put into the sewer system,” Lowery said. “It’s up to be entertained, but we want to make sure we’re using the right stuff and all that stuff has to be researched.”

Lowery said he has seen the stations in Tucumcari and Albuquerque.

“I’ve been as an RV user myself, and I’ve seen some of these stations but not with the credit card,” Lowery said.

Lowery said he intends to look into more costs and fees and more financial inquiries, but he said there are still a lot of questions that need to be asked.

“Everyone seemed to like the idea, but we’ve got plenty of time before now and next spring,” Lowery said.

openroadoutfitters.com

Timberline Resort on Murfreesboro Road near Interstate 40 was flooded after water spilled out of Sinking Creek and into the campground.

Jonathan Witt and Katie Vanoeffelen, of Michigan, were in town for work. They were not at the site when the water began rising, but their truck and recreational vehicle were parked within a few yards of creek bank in Lot 6.

“We got a phone call that said, ‘The camper’s going to get flooded. You need to get here immediately,’” Vanoeffelen said.

Within minutes, Vanoeffelen and Witt arrived back at the campsite, but the water was rising quickly.

“When we got here, water just started to get on the rear jacks of the RV,” Witt said. “By the time I was done, my trailer is three [to] three-and-a-half feet plus my truck and the water was already up to the running boards of my truck which in on the uphill side.”

WKRN, Nashville News, Nashville Weather and Sports

Across the globe, military and law enforcement agencies are using drones for security and surveillance purposes. But did you know that there are now personal drones that tech savvy consumers can use?

David Bott is one of a growing number of radio control hobbyists who has discovered the ultimate high tech toy – a personal drone. In Bott’s case, it’s called a quadcopter, a miniature helicopter with four rotors, a camera and virtual reality video goggles that give him a live video feed as his flying robot travels the land.