RE: Truck Stops in CA
After leaving Las Vegas stop in Lenwood to top off. If that's too early then just south of Victorville before the Cajon pass. I will assume you are taking the 210 west to the 118 and then take the 23 to the 101. Then take the 101 north to Beaulton, just north of Santa Barbara. About 215miles. A few very large fuel stations, not truck stops, in Beaulton. Then it is only about another 100 miles to Santa Maria. Not to many "truck stops" in the SoCal area off the major interstates off the 5 and 99.
RE: recomendation for rv site at grand canyon south rim
I prefer to stay in Williams, my current favorite is KOA Circle of Pines. Williams is about an hour south of the rim. The road up is straight, 2 lane, and a constant slight grade. Easy with the toad, also easy in the MH, but parking is a problem. I stayed in 2 different campgrounds near the rim in the past. Each for only one night. First thing in the morning, at first light, the helicopters start, and it is like "Apocalypse Now" until sundown. The heliport is next to the campgrounds. Williams KOA is well shaded, lots of older trees, well kept, easy access, not far from Williams and decent restaurants, and a good basecamp for Flagstaff, Sedonna, and the Grand Canyon.
Just my opinion, but where ever you stay, it should be a great trip.
Happy Trails.
RE: Break Buddy
I have the older non-proportional Buddy Brake. Works fine for me. Driving slow the way I do, it seldom initiates, but it is nice to know it's there.
RE: Gas Class A advice
If you find a bunk unit that fits your needs great. The Winnebago auto sofa bed will easily sleep two when the foot section is raised. Then there is the dinette. My kids always preferred to set up a dome tent under the awning. They preferred the independence of being outside the rig. I would suggest going to an RV show or one of the displays at an FMCA or Good Sam rally. I think you will find that counter space is rarer than bunk beds in a class A.
Happy Trails.
RE: Wal Mart CG, I thought
True indeed. It will only be a matter of time until a barbecue damages a parking lot surface, of customers become tired of trying to find parking spaces while maneuvering around the "campground."
RE: SEEKING GUIDANCE REGARDING MY 454.........
When I traded in my 12 year old Holiday Rambler with 454 it had 80K miles and truly ran well. I would expect many more wonderful miles on your coach.
As for the generator. One of our great joys in MHing was taking the rig to the high school football games and supporting the snack bar, or taking it on Scouting trips and supporting the camping units. In this capacity the generator ran constantly. With a little tender loving care and routine maintenance all should be fine. Check your oil level regularly, the generator does burn oil.
Enjoy, and Happy Trails.
RE: 50amp service verses 30amp
I note your base is Nevada. 30amp service will operate ONE air roof airconditioner at a time. Some rigs have auto switches that shift front and rear air on in sequence. This is less than adequate when the temp is over 100. 50amps means both roof airs can operate at the same time, or the single basement air unit can operate at 50amps. In the past, with previous rigs I found summer in Las Vegas, LA, along the Colorado River just too hot. With 50amps it is hot but manageable.
RE: Tow Dollies
I used a Demco towdolly for better than 25 years. My first Demco dolly did not have surge brakes, when I purchased my next coach I also purchased a new Demco dolly with brakes, as living in SoCal I usually cross mountains on every trip. During the time I used the dolly, my family grew in size, and then some grew old enough not to travel with us on every trip. We purchased and towed many different cars, even though we only used 3 MHs during that time. A drive to San Diego would see us towing a full size wagon, or even a van (sure that's overweight but it was a 120mile flat trip). A trip to Las Vegas without the kids would have us towing a smaller car. I have nothing bad to say about dolly towing, and only once did the trailer present a problem in an RV park, but we worked around that. Now it is usually just my wife and I on the road. My back is not what it used to be, neither are the knees (or anything else for that matter). Using the tow bar is much easier. I have the Demco Alumilite (or something like that) which weighs in at 25lbs.
My opinion, for what it's worth, if your going to keep the car for a long time as the toad, tow 4 down. If your going to keep the MH for a long time, but might change cars every 2 years or so, use the dolly.
Happy Trails.
RE: California Highway 1
Did that route this summer with MH and toad. No problem driving North, at a slow pace. Between Cambria and Monteray will be a 10mph nightmare, but truly beautiful
RE: Pull behind vehicle for a friend
I am very happy with my 2005 Saturn Vue. Why you may ask: light weight about 3000lb. V-6 so enough power. Hatch-back is great for shopping and picking up those odds and ends while sight-seeing. The SUV-like front seats are easy for entry and exit for us old folk with knee replacements and bad backs. Towable friendly, needs only a baseplate and towbar, no modification required and still under warranty. However; it will agree that Saturn is an orphan, as the nameplate is no more. My Saturn has the Honda engine, and is a lovely drive. I am sure many other forum members have lots of great suggestions. I only write from my experience. Happy Trails.
RE: Motorhome stuck in mud
I'd be afraid to let the ground dry into concrete, besides I don't have the patients to sit and wait. Think I would use ply re-enforced with 2/4s or thicker under the jacks to raise the tires and then glide a platform under the tires. Might even call a construction rental company and rent some steel squares. Wish you the best.
RE: Anyone make a mistake buying first MH ?
Sure, mistakes were made on the first MH, and the 2nd, and the 3rd, and the 4th, and I am sure with all my current knowledge and experience, and all my friends to assist I will find hindsight problems with the next MH. Happy Trails.
RE: SNAG....**UPDATE***seller wants deposit to his account...
I'm an optimist. But run from this deal. A good con man is the nicest guy in the world. A business deal is a business deal, so change of title goes with change of funds. Hot topics: if this is the way he does business, how many times has he done this before and to whom? If there is another buyer, why are you not bidding against one another? In today's buyers market, who is he kidding?
RE: Engine misses then quits when hot 454
When I had my holiday rambler with a 454 a similar problem developed. After many trips to many mechanics, a truck center, after giving emergency assistance found a 3rd fuel filter above the propane tank. One filter on the carb, one in line filter, and this third filter near the tank hidden by the propane tank and covered with grit. Once found and serviced regularly the problem never reoccurred. Hope you are as lucky. Happy Trails.
RE: TOAD 65 MPH Limit
California has a tow speed max of 55 mph. It is enforced. But that's Calif and there are a few other states out there. That said, I am comfortable driving at 55 to 60mph. Just my thing.
RE: Shared ownership
Much depends on your point of view. You have named your RV Elvis. It is not a possession, it has become something much more personal to you. How would you handle an accident, a breakdown, a water ring left on the table. I personally have no hesitation letting my children borrow the RV. I want them to enjoy RVing as much as I do, and have the benefits of the rig. I know from many previous postings that many RV owners have significantly contrasting views. People share assets all the time...business partnerships, condo developments, marriages. But if you do not want to make a friend into an enemy contact a attorney, form a partnership, LLC, Corp, whatever, and sit down and anticipate all the worst. Cost, repairs, obligations to maintain, resolution of date disputes (flip a coin, rock/scissors/paper, etc). End of contract resolution. What if one of you becomes ill or worse.
Personally, among family or friends (sometimes closer than family) I think it can work, but only if both parties enter with open eyes, all conditions are discussed in advance, and no one takes any thoughts for granted. Get an attorney and make this a working business relationship. Just my opinion. Best of luck and happy trails.
RE: I-80, 70, or 40 from Indianapolis to Sacramento in November?
If you have the time, the 40 or even the 10 and up through California on the 5. I personally would not want to chance having to use chains. Also, the 10 miles of the 80 between Reno and Sacramento are the WORST stretch of paved road in the country. Construction has concrete barriers with nine foot wide warning on much of this road. The barriers are clearly marked with paint where many wide vehicles have scratched the sides. The pavement is broken and pocked. I drove it in a car 2 weeks ago and found it stressful. The snow on Donner Pass can get rather high (remember the history lesson).
