RE: Did you go from Coleman/Fleetwood to hybrid?
We went from a Jayco 12FK pup to a 17 ft. Trail lite Bantam. When our sons camped with us we had everything set up in 20 minutes. Then it was just the hubby and I and it took more like an hour and sometimes it didn't go so well. We went to a Hybrid and enjoyed it tremendously, set up took 20 minutes at most, the only down side is it always rains when we pack up. After a couple of years we decided to get the hard side Jayco because neither of us wants to make the time to open up the Hybrid when we get home to let it dry out and close it up when its dry.
This year we bought the hard side so when we get home all we do is empty the fridge and remove the dirty laundry. Life is busy and time is precious so it made sense at this stage of life.
Good luck with your decision.
RE: traded in HTT for TT
I fully understand, that's the same reason we moved to a hard side this year also. I was the one who once we were home had to open things up to dry out and then find time to close it up.
When we come home I just want to gather the dirty laundry, empty the fridge and walk away. None of this closing it up later hoping it doesn't rain while its drying out. For us its about convenience.
Enjoy the new trailer.
RE: Not just another aimless, inane fuel saving tip! Really!
It is amazing the amount of stuff we keep, in our cars, campers or houses.
Our eyes were opened to this when we moved both sets of parents to smaller homes, we came home and started finding other homes for anything that we haven't used in a couple of years. It is amazing, we carried around a cast iron dutch oven in two pups and two hardsides and only used a couple of times 15 years ago, when we tented.:o
RE: Sad decision.....
It's only sad if you have no options, or attainable goals. Sounds like you have both, move on and don't look back other than to the pleasant memories you have created. Good luck on the adventure of finding that next unit that will fit your present needs. Life is an adventure, enjoy it to it's fullest. :B
RE: what is the best 17' or 19' hybrid out there??
We had a Bantam 17 with options weighed about 2500 lbs. Our Astro van did fine on flat terrain but I could not imagine the noise if we had attempted mountainous terrain. (Traded for a Jayco 199, for those momma never satisfied reasons also.) :B
Towing something taller than a pop up is a lot of work for any vehicle, its quite common here to hear stories of tranny and motor issues with those that pull with most of the front wheel drive mini vans. They are great people movers, towing was an after thought for perhaps a utility trailer and that occasional run to Home Depot.
Good Luck in your search.
RE: Not your basic gas vs. diesel question
The one thing I didn't see brought up was its very common to see diesels with 300,000 and more miles. I've only heard of a few gas trucks that were pampered reach that kind of mileage. Just another thing to think about, there are a lot of old diesel trucks still on the road towing big stuff. :B
RE: women who tow
Confidence comes with practice. Just make sure the mirrors are positioned for you, most men are taller meaning us shorter drivers are looking at mirrors that are a bit to high, you want to see the pavement behind your trailer as well as the roof line.
We have a rule in our house if DH has a phone in his ear and one in hand he is texting with, I drive. I drive much of the time while he solves work challenges.
The mirrors are our best friends, and with right turns hug the left part of the lane and take it wide to ensure you clear the curbs. When backing get out and assess the situation first then back slowly watching your mirrors and correcting gradually. Pull a head to straighten it out if you need. Just don't let things rattle you. It's not rocket science, just takes practice.
As for driving just keep it between the lines, keep plenty of distance from the car in front of you, and focus on driving not sight seeing, and you will do just fine.
Good luck, and remember it just takes time to be comfortable.
RE: How much value does "clean" add to average retail?
It's still a much better deal than buying new. We all know once the new unit is off the lot is depreciates far more than the amount of what you would pay for that used clean one at a premium price. Just another way to look at it.
RE: Putting up towel racks and stuff
Depends what you want to hang on those hooks. I use the 3M hooks with the sticky tape. I have hung rain coats, dog leashes, keys, small flashlights, just about anything under a few pounds that I want quick access to. I even have them by the bed for my glasses and flashlight. Very handy little invention.
The only holes I have drilled in our campers are under the hanging cabinets for a paper towel holder or on the side of the cabinet for a key rack. I knew there I would not run into wiring or plumbing.
Good luck.
RE: What are your opinions?
I think people will be more creative.
We parked the tow vehicle and use it rarely, bought a new car with 35 mpg and both of us use our motorcycles a lot more, we also are combining far more trips and have even pulled out the bikes and cleaned them up. We now are consuming half the gallons of gas we were 2 months ago. It's easier justifying that $100 fill of the tow vehicle if its only once or twice a month rather than every 5 to 7 days. At this point we will not let the price of gas dictate our destination. Suppose that could change at $6 a gallon.
RE: Upgrade Nightmare
We always pay extra each month, Feb. we threw an extra $1000 towards it. I haven't seen a statement from Associated in years, I have yet to have success in establishing on line access to our loan. As for calling, it's usually a 15 to 60 minute wait.
Last I knew, we owed $5000, that was a year ago, if that info was correct. So the $3500 we were verbally told should have been in the ball park.
Trust me its not the money its the fear that with any purchase this could happen. Two weeks after the paperwork is done is not when things like this should surface. It's unnerving that if this could happen with a camper why not a house and why not $15,000? Same institution could be involved.
When is information factual and when is it fictional? Should it take 3 weeks for a financial institution to determine your correct balance on their loan? and is it truly the correct balance? If they can't decide what our balance is, is there any hope we can be absolutely certain of it? especially when the bank has the final say.
Lesson learned, if you haven't a statement on bank stationary dated and delivered to you, it is not necessarily accurate, and weeks later a new balance can and in our case did surface.
Associated promised that this would have no impact on our credit rating, it is their mistake, we just feel the pain and bewilderment.
RE: Upgrade Nightmare
My point being is, people trade in and buy something else all the time. When a dealers finance department decides to work out the numbers it should do so accurately. We gave them the account number and phone number, the title with the lien, a clean trade in, and were available for any additional information needed.
The new trailer sat at the dealer for a week until we could find time to pick it up and sign the paperwork. There was plenty of time to get the contracts in order, to move beyond verbal to something in print, legally binding. Had that been done we still would have had some options, keep the old unit, try to reduce the price on the new or ask for more trade in. As is we had none of those choices. Two weeks after the sale this all surfaces that gee something isn't quite right, facts and figures don't match up. A little late I can not legally return the Jayco, but they can demand more money.
Associated has admitted it gave the wrong amount. The disturbing part is when we the customer inquire for pay off amount the bank in this case can give out any amount right or wrong and are not held accountable. WHO else can do business this way? How does one prevent this from happening again with a house, car, motorcycle, or any other big purchase?
Why can a dealer and financial institution have binding verbal agreements and you and I are held to a higher standard?
There is a whole lot more here than a mere $1500.
Upgrade Nightmare
June 15th we upgraded from our Bantam to a Jayco 199. We had the new Jayco home 2 weeks when the dealer, Hilltop Trailer sales calls to tell us we owe $1500 more on the Bantam. Apparently Associated Bank gave the wrong pay off amount. For the last two weeks my husband the diplomat has been having conference calls with the dealer and the bank. Today it was determined that even though the bank gave the wrong pay off amount we are responsible for the $1500.
Today I got involved, I called the dealer and found out that the pay off amount was verbal, but in "good faith." I questioned why they did not have a fax or at least an email with the amount. Their response was "it still would have been wrong", where I stated though then you would have had a legal leg to stand on, as is you have nothing. We have payments on the new Jayco and will still have payments on the Bantam we traded in.
I told Hilltop that I will be by Friday to pick up the Bantam and have a check for the amount they gave us for trade in.
Seems Hilltop sold the Bantam even though they knew they did not have clear title and were still in negotiations in what to do to release it. I'm no Einstein but something seems seriously wrong here.
Any thoughts on what to do? Don't really want the Bantam back, but there is NO WAY I will make payments on something I don't posses anymore.
Associated Bank will not release the title until we agree to a 0 % loan or pay the balance due.
RE: Flush King..How Many Times Until Tank Is Clean?
Perhaps we are the odd ones here, but I am more concerned with odor rather than the water running clear. Yes we do leave water in the black tank with calgon and tide to slosh around on our way to the campground. Before dumping we add clean water until the tank is nearly full allowing it to slosh on the way to the dump station. We have never had a problem with odor and our last unit did not have AC, so it did get rather hot on occasion. But again no odor, and there is always a few gallons of water in there to prevent anything from drying and becoming a permanent part of the tank.
RE: Max Sport by R-Vision
We just traded our Bantam by R Vision for a Jayco. To be honest with you I do not see much difference in quality. The Jayco offers more amenities, it has bigger tanks, a more comfy mattress and a much better web site. But still has its fair share of staples that are half out leaving rough edges, a shower that needs to be recaulked before we use it, drawers and shelves need to be sanded because of all the rough cuts leaving plenty of potential splinters. We never had to sand edges or caulk the shower in the Bantam.
Bottom line is quality is what your willing to put up with, or do yourself. This Jayco may outlast our Bantam, but did need work to bring it up to our standards, and like many we did it.
It amazes me that no rv manufacture that I'm aware of has a 36 month or greater warranty, they don't even believe in their product.
RE: When Is the Right Time to Upgrade?
When momma is no longer happy with it. :W Our circumstances changed, we wanted a bit more room, had a few extra dollars and both of us felt it was time. The adventure began, we went to a rv show, sat in a bunch, grabbed all the literature we could find and found a few that appealed to both of us.
Enjoy the adventure.
RE: State Park Camping Fees
In MN it's $8.50 reservation fee, a $5.00 daily permit or $25.00 annual permit. Campsites are $18.00 or $20.00 a night, add $4.00 more for electric, and $4.00 more for water and sewer.
Last year most of the parks were packed and you needed a reservation if you wanted a site, often we were not able to get electric unless we had reservations 30 plus days in advance. After Labor day is our favorite time to camp, more sites available.
RE: While You're All Camping . . .
We pulled ours out of the garage and are making sure the furnace and refrigerator work. Brought it home a few weeks ago and due to severe weather in the area put it directly in the garage to save it from potential hail/wind damage.
Our son mentioned late last night he is bringing home his girl friend for the weekend, so it will be her castle for the next few days. Such is life always something, though the DH and I did spend some time in it, checking out the A/C and thinking of some mods.
Soon, hopefully soon we will make the time to use and enjoy it. Until then I'll make the most of the Twins game tonight with the family, but I'll be planning that future trip out of town.
RE: Jayco Slideout Problem
I'm not a serious DIY, however when I do dabble in it, I have had luck getting motor parts at Graingers, being a woman I have found it better to bring the whole motor in with me. I let the guy behind the counter check his big catalogs for what will work. So far they have found something that will work or could direct me somewhere else.
Good luck.
RE: Looking for Eco-Friendly TT
We just purchased an 08 Jayco and boy does it stink, really not a fan of that new smell. My answer is to leave windows open and for a couple hours a day use the fan to rid the unit of the odor. It seems to be working and in time it will be a pleasure to be in, but definitely not yet for those of us sensitive to chemical smells.
We also checked into the Oliver, I was wowed by the fact that they are concerned with the chemicals used in manufacturing. But at this point in time a local dealer who looked forward to our business to purchase AND service a unit was a bit more important.
Good luck in your search, I personally would check out gently used units where time has lessened the harsh chemical odors.
