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Date Posted |
Forum
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RE: Which sewer hose?
Just don't get a cheap one. you are dealing with raw sewage here and you don't want some cheap hose to have holes pop up or spring leaks around the fittings. Sometimes you may need more than 1 Hose too. I've been places where I've used all 20' of hose. I picked up the Camco RhinoFLEX 20ft RV Sewer Hose Kit last time. It comes with the 90 degree elbow and adapter for the sewer dump. I like that you can bend it pretty much how you want to and it stays in that position. If you don't have a slunky get one of those too.
Rhino FLEX are great. I have a 15' and a 10' length hoses.
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MarkTwain
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08/09/20 04:09pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Tow Truck Policy Update from Good Sam
Weeks back, I posted this topic:
This morning we had to call to order a tow truck for one of our vehicles. We have the Platinum Roadside Assistance and have been customers for 15 years. We have always serviced our vehicle at a specific dealership and in this case, it had to go back to the dealership due to a possible problem with the way the oil filter was seated the last time the oil was changed. When we started it, oil leaked all over. When we called, we asked to tow it to the dealership, but they wanted to tow it to the nearest repair facility which happens to be WalMart! That's ridiculous! Because we have to go to the dealer, it's an extra $45!!! We asked what happens if WalMart does not have the parts needed to deal with the repair since they are not a Jeep dealership. She said it would then need to be towed to the dealership. We asked, who pays for that tow? She said, we would still have to pay the extra $45 since they are not the nearest facility. Why does there have to be this extra layer of complexity? Our dealership is 11.5 miles away and WalMart is 1.5 miles away.
I submitted a claim for reimbursement and yesterday, we received a check in the mail reimbursing us the $45. Good job Good Sam. Thank you!!!
An additional note: After I posted this, I checked if the WalMart repair facility was even open. It wasn't due to Covid19. I stated this in the claim.
Good Job for calling Good Sam on their screw up!!!! I had to do the same on a towing issue when I was told GS would tow both my truck & 5th wheel because I was not broke down on the side of the road on the freeway. I was able to coast into a Ca. Rest Stop and they said GS would not tow me. I called another tow truck co. Cost me $850. I called and talked to a service complaint administrator. He sent a check for $850 in 2 days and told me the agent was TOTALLY wrong and would be dismissed.:):):)
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MarkTwain
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08/06/20 05:17pm |
Good Sam Roadside Assistance
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RE: How does RV Insurance work? How to get around my Catch-22?
Hello, Hopefully there is a simple answer for this but I am scratching my head right now. I ran into a cyclical problem when I thought about trying to attain RV insurance and RV license. I can't buy or drive my RV without first getting RV insurance. I can't get RV insurance unless I have my RV license (I think??). And I can't get my RV license without first having an RV.
With a car, it was easy to rent or borrow someone else's vehicle to practice and pass the driving test. With an RV, it doesn't seem like there are many services that let you rent and practice a 42' fifth wheeler... What is the order that people usually accomplish this? Am I missing some part of this equation?
(Relevant only to those with RV license requirements in specific states & weight restrictions). FYI - this isn't related to financing requirements, we are buying cash. But we definitely don't want to drive around without insurance coverage either.
Thanks!
Never heard of needing a RV license to pull a 5th wheel.:h
Not even in California.
Who told you that you needed a "RV" license?
Personally, I would find the 5th wheel I wanted to buy, get all the specific information i.e. model,yr. lic. #, Vin # which is stamped on towing hitch for a 5th. wheel, then call your insurance company and tell them when you want the insurance to start. Then hook up your 5th. wheel and practice. The RV license you are referencing to is called a Class A commercial Lic. that 18 wheeler truckers are required to have. I personally would not bother with the Class A Lic. just use your regular car license. Ask your insurance Company if your regular lic. is ok to drive your 5th wheel. You could also call your local DMV office for a final clarification. I have a 35' 5th. wheel weighing 20 K when loaded and I just have a regular car License. Getting a Class A commercial lic. is a much more difficult test to pass and has to be renewed every yr. or so and requires a physical health exam from a Doctor and cost more money. To register your 5th wheel, you have to drive your 5th wheel to the DMV office just so they visually check the Vin number. I would avoid getting a Class A license if at all possible. Just my 2 cents from Calif.
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MarkTwain
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08/06/20 04:53am |
Beginning RVing
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RE: Washing RV while traveling
Curious what others do when it comes time to washing their RV while on the road. (Motor home, fiver, TT). A lot of campgrounds do not allow washing your unit on the site, and a lot of campgrounds don't have the means to anyway. I know some folks who camp at campgrounds where it is allowed, but its not in all cases. Driving hundreds or thousands of miles on the road dirty's the RV and I would like to wash it before parking it on a campsite for a week.
Fire away with suggestions and experiences. Thanks!
Truck Stops can wash your RV. BUT I would ask them to hand wash/brush wash your rig and not to use the high pressure wash gun as it could peal off your decals.
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MarkTwain
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08/04/20 01:01pm |
RV Lifestyle
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RE: How to empty fresh water tank without pump?
But seeing if I can empty it before for better gas mileage
let's assume a 40 us gallon tank. About 300 lbs of water
The weight (measured) of my RV is 13750 lbs. But let's round that down to 13000 lbs.
300/13000 = 2.3%
I think you may be hard pressed to measure the difference in mileage.
Totally agree:) I run with about 50 gallons of H20 with a 70 gallon tank. my Milage doesn't vary with tank 1/4 full or 1//2 full about 1 mile per gallon. I always want water to use bathroom when traveling and on occasion Have pulled over in a rest area in the summer and taken a shower when the weather is hot:) All trailers have a drain peacock or valve on the bottom of the tank. Some valves extend a little below the tank.
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MarkTwain
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08/02/20 02:22pm |
Beginning RVing
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RE: Trailer length - does that influence spot availability?
35' trailer size.
When I arrive at a RV Park, I always do a "walk & look" at the site before I try to park my trailer. Look for tree limbs and room to maneuver when backing up.
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MarkTwain
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08/01/20 09:39am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Trailer length - does that influence spot availability?
Hello All-
My family is new to RV camping, and looking to invest in a new or new to us trailer. We are looking at trailers that vary between 30-35 feet in length.
My question, is whether a 35' trailer will put us in a length category where we start to find limited spots at a typical campground? I know each campground will vary, but generally, does 35' put us in a category where there are limited spots that will accommodate? If so, what maximum length would you recommend to ensure we have the most choices?
Thanks in advance!!
Dave
At 35' you will generally be ok. Above 35' you will have some issues. Some of the older RV parks could be limited. State parks in Calif. are limited to 30'. Try to get pull through sites.
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MarkTwain
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07/31/20 05:54pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Zion to Grand Tetons trip (part 2 )
We left Zion NP July 3rd for the Grand Tetons...
Great trip with great pictures!!!! Keep on Trucking:)
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MarkTwain
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07/30/20 08:09pm |
Toy Haulers
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RE: Oregon Coast in September
Oregon trip.
suggest you start making all your reservations today. Oregon State Parks are upredictable as far as being open due to the virus. I would suggest you start with private RV Parks to guarantee your reservations.
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MarkTwain
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07/30/20 02:14pm |
RV Parks, Campgrounds and Attractions
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RE: Kind of a dumb question, but I'm new
Adding the hitch is a simple and quick deal. Camping World might not be your best choice of shops to do it. Buying from the dealer you buy the camper from is good advice. CW has a less than stellar reputation.
Totally agree100%
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MarkTwain
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07/27/20 02:28pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Kind of a dumb question, but I'm new
Y'all were so gracious to help me with my last question, so here goes #2.
The only thing I have on my truck right now is a hitch cover. Therefore, I need to get a hitch, weight distribution, sway control... essentially the whole 9 yards. I'll be going to Camping World locally to have the equipment installed.
My question is this. If I know the style and approximate weight of the travel trailer I'm going to get, is it appropriate to go ahead and get this done THEN look for trailers OR do I need to buy/get the specific trailer first, then hit up Camping World? I guess what I'm asking is, does "one size fit all" when it comes to hitches and trailers weighing around 5,000 lbs dry (a little over 6,000 with people/equipment)?
We're probably not buying until September; however, as a teacher, I've got a couple of weeks of free time before reporting to school. I'd just as soon go ahead and take care of the stuff I can do now, but don't want to buy and get something installed that, ultimately, doesn't fit the trailer we buy.
Number 1! STAY AWAY FROM CAMPING WORLD FOR ANY SERVICE OR PARTS!!! Camping World gets terrible reviews from just about all RV.net members.
Do some research and find a reputable RV Shop in your town that has been in business for years. No!, one size does not fit all. Hitches are labled I, 2, 3 ,4 based on weight capacity the hitch will carry. You want a hitch that will carry more weight that you actually need. I used the Reese Dual Cam hitch and found it very stable while towing. Go on line and search for trailer hitches and then start your evaluation and comparison. Do not try to save money on a hitch, buy the best you can afford . If you buy a new trailer, throw away the tires and buy some good 10 ply tires. Buy the Good Sam premium road side assistance plan.
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MarkTwain
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07/27/20 02:24pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Northern Calif in October - wildfires, COVID, etc
Wanting to spend about a week seeing Lassen, Shasta, Castle Crags SP, Lava Beds, etc. In mid October. We’re mostly into hiking, and we can mix dry camping for up to 3-4 days with full hook ups.
However that is potentially wildfire season, so any tips to deal with that? I thought we’d split our trip in two, so 3-4 nights in each of 2 different places, so if one gets closed due to fire, the other would be open. Even now Lava Beds NM has been closed for four days due to fire.
Also, COVID. California SP only reopened for camping July 12 and as of July 21, Castle Crags closed again due to a ‘surge in visitation.’ It sounds very unpredictable whether we’d be able to count on a camping reservation.
And I supposed California could order all campgrounds closed at any point. Who can say what October will look like?
Any insider viewpoints? If we do go, are there any other must see sites in the area?
At best I would make tenative plans:( Call all the local fire service agencies for conditions of fires a week before you will be in the areas and which hwys. are open. Bottom line, wait until the virus count numbers are under control. Today there are fire conditions in most of the areas you want to visit.
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MarkTwain
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07/26/20 05:57pm |
RV Parks, Campgrounds and Attractions
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RE: Urgent need help
question??? won,t GS only tow you to the close repair shop? can,t see them towing 100miles but I really don,t know.
There is no milage limit but the nearest repair shop MUST be able to complete the needed repair not just temporarly patch the damage.
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MarkTwain
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07/26/20 09:06am |
Good Sam Roadside Assistance
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RE: Urgent need help
What should I do here? I bought a 2020 Starcraft Telluride 3 weeks ago. We’ve been in the road with it for the last week no problems. Well today we were sitting in the trailer and heard extremely loud pop! We went outside to inspect and found nothing. 30 minutes later we get an louder pop and crash noise. This time when went outside we found the fresh water tank on the ground!!!!! How and the hell does the fresh water tank just fall out of the trailer? What should I do? The closest Starcraft dealers is 100 miles and they want $2800 to load it and tow it? Should I just cut the tank out and screw the under belly up or have it towed to the dealer? ??
If you have GS Road Side Assitance plan, call them and have tow your trailer on a flat bed trailer to the dealer. If not then buy the GSRSA plan today.
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MarkTwain
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07/26/20 04:43am |
Good Sam Roadside Assistance
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RE: Cross winds
A Google search yielded the information that 30 to 40 mph winds will push trucks off course; possibly into the next lane. 60 mph winds will tip a truck over. I'm thinking that trucks are more stable than Truck Campers and I would start looking for an exit if the wind got to 30 mph CROSSWIND. Headwinds or tailwinds would not be as big a problem.
Just my $.03
Agree! When winds hit 30mph I start looking for a rest stop or any safe place to pull over and wait for the wind to lower. "you have everthing to gain and nothing to loose by pulling over"
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MarkTwain
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07/24/20 08:15am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Reno, NV to Medford, OR
Middle of next week I plan to do a leg of a longer trip involving Reno to Medford. Was going to go up to Susanville, then take 44 to Old Station then 89 to I-5. BUT, I just found out online that there is a fire near Susanville which is causing the closure of 44.
So if 44 is still closed the day I travel this leg, I'm thinking of an alternate route...for which I would like comments.
How about 395 north (including Standish cutoff to avoid Susanville) to Alturas, then 299 west to 139 (39 in Oregon), then take Hwy 140 west over to Medford. I actually think I did this route one year, but want additional confirmation that all roads included make up a good RV route.
Or any other suggestions?
Because of the unpredictable of fires in the areas you are wanting to travel, I would suggest you consider I-80 from Reno to I-5 in Sacramento then north on I-5 to Medford.
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MarkTwain
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07/23/20 08:28pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: Good route from Denver to Newport, Oregon
Be sure and check with the Oregon Health Dept . regarding the New Port numbers on the Virus. Last I heard Newport was a real hot spot in the number of virus cases.
Compared to most Arizona counties, Oregon is quite low.
Roll the dice and take your chances!!!!
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MarkTwain
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07/22/20 01:45pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: Good route from Denver to Newport, Oregon
Be sure and check with the Oregon Health Dept . regarding the New Port numbers on the Virus. Last I heard Newport was a real hot spot in the number of virus cases.
1.Take a look at Hwy.80 straight to Sacremento. The go north to Hwy. 20 at Williams then west to 101. Then you have straight drive north along the Oregon coast to Newport Or. This route is the most RV friendly going around Clear Lake.This is my prefrence if I am looking for a leisurely RV friendly route. Normally I take I-5 to Oregon 138.
2.Or, you could keep going north to Redding Ca. taking Hwy 299 west to 101 at Acarta ca. Hwy. 299 can be a little slower if there is construction going on.
3. Or, you could continue north of I-5. You have 1 big hill but is not that long over to Ashland Or. then take Hwy. 138 west to Florence. Suggest you stop at the Canyonville Casino RV Park. Super nice park.
4. The route you posted. The Dalles along the Columbian river can get a little windy.
I have driven all the routes in a 34' 5th. wheel. Be sure and check the CARR (California State Road conditions) application on your iPhone.
Let us know what route you choose.
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MarkTwain
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07/21/20 06:22pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: Tow Truck Policy
This morning we had to call to order a tow truck for one of our vehicles. We have the Platinum Roadside Assistance and have been customers for 15 years. We have always serviced our vehicle at a specific dealership and in this case, it had to go back to the dealership due to a possible problem with the way the oil filter was seated the last time the oil was changed. When we started it, oil leaked all over. When we called, we asked to tow it to the dealership, but they wanted to tow it to the nearest repair facility which happens to be WalMart! That's ridiculous! Because we have to go to the dealer, it's an extra $45!!! We asked what happens if WalMart does not have the parts needed to deal with the repair since they are not a Jeep dealership. She said it would then need to be towed to the dealership. We asked, who pays for that tow? She said, we would still have to pay the extra $45 since they are not the nearest facility. Why does there have to be this extra layer of complexity? Our dealership is 11.5 miles away and WalMart is 1.5 miles away.
PURE B_ _ _ S_ _T!!! Call customer support and ask to speak with a supervisor to resolve this issue. You just happened to make contact with a person at the service center who is incompetent or poorly trained.:)
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MarkTwain
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07/17/20 07:29am |
Good Sam Roadside Assistance
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RE: Anyone use Quick connect for water hose?
Just be sure and use the white plumber tape for the quick connect connectors.
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MarkTwain
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07/17/20 01:10am |
Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)
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