[A/S] Re:The Grounding Thing

["Viking" <drighten@xxxxxxxxx>]

> So is there anything to this grounding thing?  If so would
> it work for a trailer.  I've never even considered
> grounding an issue.

I don't think it really is an issue for most vehicles.  Some seem to shock 
more than others.  Yes grounding straps would work for a trailer.

> Are those stringy things that are on the back of some
> motorhomes for grounding?  They look like shredded mud
> flaps all the way accross the back of the motorhome.  I've
> always wondered what they were for because they don't look
> like they would be very effective in stopping anything.

No, those are exactly what they look like.  They are dust and dirt flaps so 
to speak.  Yes they do work at what they were designed for.  They are to 
keep sand and dirt from blasting the paint of whatever is being towed.  They 
also work for wet situations.

The ground straps are about one inch wide (sometimes more and sometimes 
round) and attach to the rear underside of the vehicle or bumper, and drag 
on the ground.  When travelling, they lift due to the wind, and when you 
stop, they touch down again and drain off the static.  They work very well 
in climates such as the midwest in summer, where it is hot and dry.  They 
are not, however for electrical grounding.  They are purely for static 
grounding.  Please do not take this posting as an advertisement for these 
grounding straps, as I have never personnally owned one, and have never felt 
the need of one.  A little 'crack' when touching a vehicle is no worse than 
the one I get in my home in summer when the Air Conditioning removes all the 
humidity.

Tom
Canada