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Date Posted |
Forum
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RE: Route Planning Question
Hi All,
I'd like to find a better way to plan my driving routes. The maps feature on smart phones like iPhone are optimized for the fastest route. That often isn't a good route when you are in an RV. In too many cases, it will lead you down narrow or winding roads that just aren't safe or comfortable.
I tried the Good Sam Trip Planner. It has an option to avoid highways. What I'd like to see is an option to show the easiest route - even if it takes a little longer. In many cases, that might mean using highways or interstate rather than smaller roads.
What do you recommend for finding the best RV driving route?
Thanks.
I use GARMIN.
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MarkTwain
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11/02/22 03:41pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: Can 'O Worms: how long can I expect my 5er to last?
Mine better last another 5 to 10 years as I want to really step up traveling once I retire. So far no structural issues... knocks on wood.
I make a point to avoid the parks with a 10 year rule.
16 years old is stretching to expect to get 10 more years??. Just expect to spend some $$$ to keep up the regular maintenance and unexpected break downs ie broken rear spring, replace tires every 4 to 5 years, repack bearings once a year, replace batteries every 4 to 5 years. Be sure and buy the Good SAM Roadside assistance plan to use when you due have a truck or trailer breakdown.
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MarkTwain
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10/14/22 10:16pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Toyo tires
I have seen a few post on the toyos. I am a fan of toyos but I noticed this new set I have says 125psi cold. But the dealer only put about 95psi? What should I run in them to get the best performance? 2003 DS 42ft Dp
When I am towing my 5th wheel 12K loaded, I run 110lbs. when not towing, i run 75 lbs.
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MarkTwain
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10/13/22 09:10pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Help with trip planning from San Diego to San Francisco
I live in northern Ca and want to take my 5th wheel on a southern CA coastal RV trip. I'm starting from the SF bay area and I'm willing to make a long, one-day trip to San Diego, staying maybe at Campland on the Bay at San Diego for a couple of nights. I'd like to start north along the coast and maybe stay one or two nights at a couple of locations on the way back north.
Has anyone made this trip and have any recommendations on where to stop over on the way back north along the coast? I know it's crowded down there and will require reservations in advance. I'm thinking my last stop might be Pismo Beach, Avila Beach or Morro Bay. Any tips or suggestions?
I recommend taking I-5 south to Hwy. 46, west to 101 to San Diego. I would also try to go through the L.A. area in the evening or very early in the AM and not on the weekends.
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MarkTwain
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10/12/22 01:49pm |
RV Parks, Campgrounds and Attractions
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RE: Routing/trip planning app ???
The Garmin map and route is the best. Buy the one made for truckers. It has a larger and easier to read as you are bouncing down your RV trip.
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MarkTwain
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09/25/22 10:00am |
Roads and Routes
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RE: Travel Trailers vs Motor Home
I don't think the poster asked about the 5th wheels. I have owned and towed many TT, etc plus owned Class C, and Class A motor homes and have switched back and forth between Claa A and TT at least 10 times in the over 60 yrs of towing RVs. I have a 34 ft TT at the present time but I am thinking about going back to a Class A.I have had no problem with towing TT or driving a 36 ft Class A
Interesting observation! I thought that tow trailers and 5th wheels were both trailers:)
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MarkTwain
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09/24/22 05:08pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Travel Trailers vs Motor Home
I know this has been discussed before, but I am going to bring it up again. I have 2000 Winnebago diesel pusher that needs some work. I am thinking of down-sizing to a 28-foot 2017 Vibe travel trailer. I would appreciate some opinions from people who have made a similar switch. Right now, I am leaning towards the travel trailer. I would like to thank you all in advance.
I towed a travel trailer 32' Holiday Rambler for 10 yrs. and a Big Horn 5th. wheel for 10 yrs. I would recommend a 5th. wheel without question. They are easier to hitch and unhitch and are much more stable with driving down the road. i.e. when strong winds and big 18-wheelers pass you will hardly notice.
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MarkTwain
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09/24/22 09:36am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Pulled to the left when being passed by Big Rigs
I'm towing 10,000 bumper pull Toy Hauler. I'm under my Gross weight in both the truck and Toy Hauler.. My TW is 1440 pounds including the hitch.
My trailer sits level when being towed. But everytime I'm passed by a big rig or a big box truck I get sucked over.
Is there anything I can do to deal with this or is it just then nature of the beast!
I use the Reese Dual Cam hitch and have little or no swaying when big trucks pass me.
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MarkTwain
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08/19/22 11:52am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: What is the best route out of Brookings?
Hello,
We are in Brookings,Or with a 43ft 5th wheel. We are heading to Bakersfield.
Map shows 299 to I5 but there is a fire warning and 299 seems not to be too friendly for large rigs. It is the shortest route.
Any known fire delays?
Any advise on a more RV friendly route out of Brookings?
MC
Skip 299, fires, road construction, and many delays:( Take 101 south to Hwy. 20 then east to I-5.
South on I-5 to Hwy 46. East to hwy. 99 then south to Bakersfield. 5 miles east on hwy 58 for a number of good RV Parks. Instead of I-5 you can take hwy 99 south to Bakersfield.
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MarkTwain
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08/14/22 04:01pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: Pulled the trigger...What can I expect?
I have had and used both GS and AAA. I also have had Coachnet but never used them. The general breakdown that I have found is as follows:
GS/Coachnet - when you call for service, the first thing they will want to do is send a mobile mechanic to your location to fix the problem. If the mobile mechanic cannot fix the problem, or you can convince them that sending one is a waste of time, they will then attempt to locate a shop that will accept your rig. Once they have a shop confirmed to accept your rig, only will they then start calling to find a tow truck to move your rig.
That means they won't schedule the actual tow until the shop is confirmed.
On weekdays, this is usually not a problem as the shops are open. But late nights, weekends, and holidays, they are unlikely to be able to reach a shop to get confirmation, so you will be sitting for a long time while they confirm a shop, and then even more time for them to then engage a tow truck.
However, if you are in an area unknown to you, they do all the work for you in locating a shop that will take your rig. You do not have to make the calls yourself.
AAA - they do not care where you have it towed. You call, you tell them where to tow it, they send a tow truck.
If you are fairly local and have a known shop or want it towed to your home, this works well. Simply because AAA isn't concerned with locating a destination, but just obtaining the tow. If you are in an unknown area, then you have to find a destination before they will tow you.
The AAA Premiere will tow you up to 200 miles. HOWEVER, that mileage is based on a standard tow truck rate. The tow truck required to move a motorhome has a higher rate - so you may get less than 200 miles. Each company has its own rates, and they can vary greatly. In addition, some will charge the mileage from their home base, to you, to the destination, and back to their home base - significantly reducing the actual tow mileage.
Personally, I suggest getting both. AAA Premiere runs about $120-200 (for 1 or 2 members) per year and you can use it for any of your vehicles or any vehicle you are driving. It gives you one 200 mile tow and three 100 mile tows per year. GS/Coachnet is more expensive but offers unlimited towing.
Between the two different types of roadside service, you are most always able to get towed by one of them. Between GS and Coachnet, Coachnet gets better marks. GS tends to fail at the call center point. If you can get past the call center and actually get the truck dispatched, then you are unlikely to have additional problems.
The other thing to remember with all roadside assistance is that the longer the tow distance, the less likely they can engage a tow truck. That's simply because towing your rig 200+ miles (4+ hours) and then driving back to their home base on the contracted rate doesn't pay enough. They will get more money by making multiple local tows during that 4+ hours. So, the further you want your RV towed, the fewer tow companies will be willing to accept the job.
I hope that helps.
There are areas,cities and states that don't provide AAA towing service. Check with AAA before you make your decision.!!
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MarkTwain
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07/28/22 08:58pm |
Good Sam Roadside Assistance
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RE: Pulled the trigger...What can I expect?
Well, after several years and getting our financial affairs in order, we have finally bought an RV. It was her mom and dad's who have reached an age where they didn't want to travel any longer. It is a 2007/8 Tiffin Allegro Bay 35TSB. It is in outstanding condition (her father is retired Army Aviation and was very meticulous on the maintenance of the RV), and looks almost new.
Okay, he recommended that we get the Roadside Assistance from GS. He said that the two times he ever had to use it, they came through with no problems. Now, I've been in the forums for several years and have read both the Good and Bad concerning GSRA. As the RV is a class A, I purchased the Platinum Complete Package. The cost wasn't that much more and it covers almost everything (yes, I know it doesn't cover stuff like the fridge, water heater, A/C's, etc)
So, what should I expect from the coverage? The customer service person I spoke with while mostly knowledgeable about the subject, kept referencing the Platinum + version was the top tier of the packages offered. Although, reading about it in the email I received, The Complete package is the top tier of service.
Yes, I have read the horror stories of being stuck on the side of the road for 3 weeks waiting for the agent to try and get someone to come out, or that after the tire was replaced and the customer didn't keep the tire and only took pictures of it, GSRA would not reimburse them for the repair/service (I asked the CS agent about this very thing and she affirmed that only a picture was necessary).
I know that there are other Roadside Assistance programs offered by other companies, but my concern is "what should I expect" when and if I need the service.
Sorry for the long post...Thank you all for any info.
"YOU HAVE EVERY THING TO GAIN AND NOTHING TO LOOSE" IF YOU ARE BROKE DOWN ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AT 9 AT NIGHT, WHAT IS YOUR ALTERNATIVE:):)
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MarkTwain
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07/28/22 01:54pm |
Good Sam Roadside Assistance
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RE: Driving from Ventura to Palm Springs through Pasadena
Hwy. 210 to 10 is the most direct. BUT!!!! the time you make the trip is critical. I used to start a 3AM in the morning or 10PM at night on Sat. or Sun. to avoid all the daily commuters going to and from work. Be sure and run with your lights on and allow 3 times the distance behind cars to avoid rear ending anyone.
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MarkTwain
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07/21/22 07:47pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: TT When Solo....OR Truck Camper?
A truck camper with a toilet and shower would meet all your needs for solo camping.
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MarkTwain
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07/10/22 01:06pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Two tires: A tough decsion
Yesterday we returned from our most recent trip, and seven miles into the trip ... kapow! Blowout. :-(
I'm at the point where I want to get fresh tires all the way around before our long trip at the end of the month, but I can't quite decide which tires I should get.
The trailer's GVWR is 7660. The tires are 205/75R14.
The original tires are Kendo Karriers, rated to 2200 pounds at 75 psi.
It seems like the big favorite around these parts is the Goodyear Endurance, but they're rated at 2040 pounds at 65 psi.
Both are load range D, both are 8-ply, so it seems the most significant difference comes down to the load capacity.
Pros and Cons:
* Pro for Karrier: Higher load capacity.
* Pro for Endurance: Seems to be a favorite of many.
* Con for Karrier: I've alraedy replaced two prior to yesterday's blowout. Confidence in Karrier is declining.
* Con for Endurance: I'm giving up some load capacity if I replace all four.
So ... do I get the "better" tire and sacrifice some carrying capacity?
Or, any other tire suggestions? (etrailer.com shows Westlake as another option, which I've never heard of.)
Good Year "G" tire is what have used for years:)
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MarkTwain
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07/06/22 11:15am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: New Member, need your advice!
Good day everyone! I just signed onto this site to educate myself and look into options.
I live in Texas but work 6 days in a row here in San Jose California and I fly back to Texas for the remainder of my eight days off. My current rent is $1500/month renting a room and I figure it would be worthwhile to invest that $1500/month on a RV, trailer, camper, or any mobile vehicle I could use as a temporary housing while I work my 6 days here in California.
Thus I am seeking advice and recommendations as to what is available out there. I would need a unit that has a kitchen, bathroom, shower, heating and cooling, fridge, power source, etc.
I currently drive a 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road 4x4 that I do take on overlanding trips and I use a ground tent so I am not new to off the grid lifestyle.
Lets hear it guys! Thanks in advance!
A few questions for you to answer which will help you in your RV world.
1. How long due you plan on keeping your current job and home location?
2. what will you do after your current job stops?
3. will you continue living in your current location?
4. Will you be a solo RVer, if not how many others?
5.Do you see yourself becoming a full time RVer?
6. I would look at Class C RVs to see if it would meet your current needs. If not, then look into Class A RVs.
7. Is $$$ an issue, if so, how much do you want finance?
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MarkTwain
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07/05/22 11:38am |
Beginning RVing
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RE: Winter 2022/2023 trip plans changed!
Have traveled Mexico Mainland / Baja 16 times. Looking for company and joint safety. Send private message for planning the trip if interested.
rocmoc n The Great SouthWest
Contact the Baja Vagabundos travel club in Rio Vista, Calif.
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MarkTwain
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06/25/22 06:24pm |
RVing in Mexico and South America
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RE: Where have all the members gone on this forum?
Couldn't figure any other place to ask this question... I've been here since 2005. Have no idea how many posts I've done during that time. Back a several years ago I could ask a question about something and get numerous answers quickly. In the last couple of years I've noticed a very real decline in the activity on RV.NET. So, where has everybody gone? Other forums, Facebook, etc.
Can't afford the price of Fuel:(:(:(
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MarkTwain
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06/20/22 09:16am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Goodbye China Bombs, Hello Made In The USA
9,000lb trailer with load range D tires which came on the trailer. I just had my second blowout in only a few hundred miles. Time to go to load range E in a Goodyear Endurance. Thinking the D is not heavy duty enough & thinking I need to go Goodyear. It will be nice to tow without worrying about my tires.
:):):):):):):)
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MarkTwain
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06/17/22 09:36am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: New member looking for 1st TT!
JIMNLIN Sorry, total girl here. Thought I'd said, 1500. Also, our trips will mostly be long weekends. Occasional week I suppose. Sadly we have a while to go before retirement, by then I suspect we'll be looking at larger vehicle and tt. ??
With a 1500 truck, I would look at the smaller Lance trailers for weight.
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MarkTwain
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05/24/22 09:33am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: New member looking for 1st TT!
Hello campers! Total newbie here, headed out to what looks like a good place to purchase our first TT on Friday. Truck we'll be using is husbands 2014 Dodge Ram 5.7 Hemi. 2 WD 8 speed. Any general recommendations on brands, sizes? We know ( ok, he knows ) a bit about tow weight etc. Most trips will be him, myself and our dog. Would like ability to take 2 adults along occasionally, also one grandchild. We want at least one slide out and def a dedicated bed, not the table or bunk for us. Husband takes very good care of our vehicles, his biggest concern is transmission and not wearing it out, at least not real fast!
We do plan to be traveling mountain areas sometimes.
Not sure if a signature is added but in case it's not, I'm Dianne, husband is JD.
IMHO, I would recommend you look at the Lance trailers. I would suggest the 24' or 30' trailer. depending on the length of time you normally are out for an RV trip. If longer than 2 weeks I would choose a 30' TT. Trailers can get pretty claustrophobic. In addition the larger the trailer the larger the black and grey tank capacity. Under 30 gal. tanks fill up pretty quick, especially with 3 adults and grandkid which means more frequent dumping unless you have a sewer connection at your site. Recommend a Reese Dual Cam hitch for trailer for stability (wind from 18 wheelers) and ease of hooking/unhooking. You also want 2 propane tanks. New trailers tend to come with low quality tires. Personally I threw away the original tires and bought good tires. Get the biggest tire that will fit your trailer, i.e. E or G rated tires. I would not tow with C or D rated tires. Next buy a good Emergency Road Side Service policy i.e. Good Sam, but there are others. Buy 30 to 50 amp adapters and 50 to 30. Buy a good surge protector for the trailer electrical system, don't buy a cheap one. Buy a 15' and 10' sewer hoses. a stack of 2' levelers and a good sam block ramp to raise a flat tire or just call good sam to change the tire.
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MarkTwain
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05/23/22 10:03pm |
Travel Trailers
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