kalynzoo

Since it is working fine, that's a good thing. Your profile does not give a location, so if you can, I would turn off the frig, open the window, and wash the inside of the frig and freezer. Personally I would wash first with something like Scrubbing Bubbles, a scented cleaning foam, or Soft Scrub. I would then repeat the cleaning process with a solution of Baking-Soda. I would leave everything open for 12 hours or so, then close it up and leave a couple of open boxes of baking-soda in the unit, one in each section, I have two freezer sections and one frig section. If you are back East, where you can't leave the RV open for hours since it might freeze or flood, I would just do the cleaning thing, then start the frig back up. I would still use baking-soda in the holding tanks, in case the odor comes from that area. Just a thought, pull out all the draws and look carefully behind each, just in case a food product fell behind the draw. Good luck.

I'm not an expert, but I have had some experience. Look for yellow powdery stuff in the outside frig compartment...bad if you find it. Put a water bottle in the frig and freezer, if they get cold and freeze respectively you know at least the unit is working. Odors are hard to track, a strong cleaning solution may have been used in the holding tank, or in the drain lines. Mixing cleaning solutions can give off a variety of gasses, including chlorine gas and ammonia gas, both by the way can be toxic in confined spaces. You might try to make a baking-soda solution and pour it down all the drain lines. The drop some in the toilet. This might neutralize some of the cleaning solutions used to detail the RV. Good Luck, and hope it is not a refrigerator problem, that can be expensive.

I am intrigued by your suggestion of a bell or a beep. Consider an active campground with dozens of bells and multiple beeps first thing in the morning as people go for their morning air. Add to that the crescendo of dogs responding to the bells and beeps outside. Safety is indeed a reasonable expectation, but awareness of surroundings, bright colors, and perhaps carrying a big stick might receive greater appreciation from neighbors. Happy Trails and travel safe.

Indeed. My favorite RV destination magazine photo was the Class A with the slideout patio, camping beside the beautiful river. My first thoughts were how did it get there, how did they find a level spot, and where is everyone else? But it was a pretty picture. Although I have many lovely pictures of places we have stopped, since we prefer full hookups, seldom have I been able to take a picture of my MH secluded in a campground.

Problem with turning the "goose egg" upside down in protest is that some friendly camper will offer to help you right-side the motorhome. I understand the frustration of constantly rising cost of living, between taxes, postage, and taxes (repeated for emphasis) it is hard to keep up. Living in California, I don't see the benefit from the taxes. At least I enjoy FMCA. Happy Trails.

Wow that's a hard one. I understand CampingWorld now has rentals. CruiseAmerica. There appear to be dozens of major rental portals. As for expensive, compared to car rental and hotels, or just hotels and meals. But that is another essay. My children have looked into rental, but it was beyond their ability...we just offer our rig to them, works for us. You may find private rentals, but unless you know the person offering the motorhome I would be hesitant. You are basing the entire vacation around a sound, well maintained vehicle. If something breaks you want a contract that specifies action, whether it is hotel accommodations, a replacement unit, or whatever...and get it in writing. About 40 years ago we considered renting a motorhome for a family vacation. Then, there were no major rental agencies. After looking through the available inventory, finding disgusting coaches, units with low mileage and high live-in usage, units smelling of smoke and fish.....etc...yeck. Long story short, we purchased our first unit, an Establishment 28ft C, and have been taking motorhome vacations ever since. Happy Trails.

A $5 a year increase (42 cents a month totaling $3.33 a month) -- I think I can handle that. I really don't think the increase is unreasonable. Just my opinion, for what it's worth. Happy trails to all.

Sorry to have offended you. The column came up on the opening page of the forum of active topics. Normally I would have not participated in the pet section. Have a nice day. Happy Trails.

Not discrimination, good business practice. The campground posts that all dogs must be on leash at all time, only to find the loving four legged creatures break free, or run through the open door, or are just not contained, and chase something. If they attack, play roughly with, or sit on someone elses little dog, properly contained, all **** will break loose. There will be court action, police action, medical costs, etc. Even though the park posted the rules, if it had prior knowledge that rules were not being followed, they accept liability. Big dogs scare people. Live with it. Older school buses converted to motorhomes scare people. They think redneck possum eating gun packin folk. Thus, many parks restrict older coaches....discrimination. No tents outside of rig...discrimination...afraid unattended children will run around the park. Parks are private businesses, they may set their own standards and rules. Seek out the parks that best meet your needs and don't complain about the others, that meet the needs of others. If they don't get enough patrons they will change their rules, or go out of business, their choice. Not important, but I am one of those who is afraid of big loud dogs with aggressive attitudes, and I will not camp next to or near such an environment.

I towed happily on a Demco dolly for over 30 years. Now, because the back and knees are not what they used to be, we have opted to tow 4 down. The main advantage of the dolly, in my mind, is that you can change vehicles regularly. You tow the van, but for a trip with just the two of you, you may wish to take the smaller car. Heading into Yellowstone, maybe you can borrow the kids convertible. Really. Just a point, the van is probably at or beyond the capacity of most tow-dollies. You will need a larger, heavier dolly, naturally with brakes (a must) to safely toodle down the road. This mean harder on the back and knees to push it around at the campsite. Just some thoughts from someone who has been there. Happy Trails.

First let me say that I too am a fan of Startrek, and I want my computer to boot up instantly at the sound of my voice. A command of "computer find the route" should be sufficient. Now back to reality. Cyberguys.com has a few WiFi booster that might help. When we make our reservations, If I will need the WiFi, I usually ask for a spot with known access. Usually we use our Verison air car. But I totally agree, I can't imagine that creating adequate WiFi coverage would be a major capital expense, and it is becoming as important or even more important than a clean pool and spa or exercise room to many guests. Hope some park owners are reading this.

We are thinking of Puerto Penasco the end of February. This would be our third trip down in five years. However, the last report from fellow RVers in the area implied that the town was very quiet, with one person reporting they were the only group in a popular restaurant one evening. Really don't like going to a restaurant and finding I am part of the only small group. We would probably try to get back to Playa Bonita with at least one other couple, since the Reef also appears rather empty. Would appreciate any reports from anyone RVing in Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point) Mexico. Thanks, Gary

Hope your visit with the Border Patrol added to their holiday spirit and made their holiday more pleasant, away from their families. I do follow the thoughts of all who have posted, and I do appreciate your input. As for me, I just know that if I had an extra engine belt on hand I would: A) not be able to find it. B)remember that we had used it as a clothes line at the beach. C) finally found the belt to realize that it had rotted in storage or been damaged by adjacent tools. But thanks anyway. Best regards, Gary

Welcome. We also enjoy scenic camping and travel, not necessarily group or club activities, but I enjoy reading about the travels of others. It gives me ideas for future trips, it brings back memories of past trips, and the helpful hints are always appreciated. Looking forward to your future posts. Gary

A very important threat, but it must be viewed from two viewpoints: are you a fix-it person or are you a cell phone person. Personally, although I enjoy woodworking, I am a cell phone person. Over the years I have collected a few pounds of assorted nuts and bolts, which can be used in a temporary repair. I also carry a few feet of fence wire, useful in fastening loose parts. An assortment of tools that can be used in "gross repairs" and duct tape, the universal fix all. As for parts, we carry an unmounted 22.5 tire, purchased for our Mexico trip 2 years ago. Although the tire is beyond date of 5 years, I hope it will do in a pinch to keep me going for a few hundred miles. I have no misconception that I could ever change the tire by myself. As for fluids, a container of oil for the generator and engine, but if needed I would probably purchase a new container from the campground or service station and keep the old one forever. Thus, my most important spare part is my cell phone and my Emergency Roadside Assistance membership. Hopefully I will be in phone range for help, or I will be capable of unhooking the toad and driving to a high spot to get phone reception. I do not and will not every knock those who fix their own rigs. I salute you, and hope you will come to my assistance if it is ever needed. But I question those who carry extra parts they have no idea what to do with, such as an extra battery, extra belts, spare fuel pump, etc. In the hands of a mechanic items of value, in the hands of a fellow traveler, paperweights. Happy Trails to all and a wonderful New Year.

I believe under the statute of "full faith and credit" drivers licenses are honored by all 50 states.

A trip to Nashville is about 800 miles. Lots to see there and lots to see along the way.

There are so many wonderful places. However, you do not list any information in your profile, so I don't know where your starting point may be. Lots of great places out here in the West for a February trip.

Check with Arizona DMV, if you certify that the vehicle is being taken off the road you may be able to suspend the registration. Never hurts to ask.

Ok, I'll bite: "Why did the elk cross the road?"

In preparation for a Tracks Copper Canyon trip I purchased a used 22.5 tire from a local truck dealer who had just replaced all the tires on a motorhome. At the time of purchase it was within the 5 years of acceptable dating to me, and had reasonable tread and a good sidewall. It is stored unmounted deep in the storage bay, center coach. My travel friend purchased an extra serpentine belt, since we both have similar rigs (not the same but close enough) we were covered. Never needed either. But I now have outdated rubber, which I can use to get me on the road till I can purchase a new tire. Still, to get roadside service, then to mount the tire, I bet I would lose at least a full day of vacation, if not two. But that is all in the fun of motorhoming. Having watched my tires being replace this year, as I purchased new when the old were over 5 years, I realize that I could never, in my wildest dreams change my own on the coach. Happy Trails.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and have a wonderful New Year. May your travels be safe and merry. from the Kalyn family.

I would have lots of questions. Did they check the oil during this epic vacation? I would think your unit is now due for routine service at the very least. I would be curious how many times the rig was logged through customs. Certainly you post reinforces the views of those who feel that motorhome rental is not for the weak at heart. I truly hope that final inspection shows that it was just a "cruising" vacation and all works out well. Merry Christmas.

We used a Demco towdolly for better than 25 years. We changed to flat towing now only because the back and knees are not what they used to be, and I no longer have the kids (adults) traveling with us to help with the tow hookup. From personal experience, you must check the straps at least once, after you are all hooked up and have traveled one mile or so. As the car shifts on the dolly the forward back motion takes some of the tension off the straps and they will loosen. A bit of tightening at that point cinches things down real tight. I then check the dolly and all connections and tie-downs every time I stop for a break. I like to stop every two hours or so for a stretch, and a walk around the rig is good for the rig, good for my circulation, and is well liked by the dog. After riding on a truly horrendous piece of road, like a street with lots of speedbumps or a long dirt access to a fairground I will make it a point of walking around the rig checking doors, hookups, anything and everything with a glance. But these same precautions apply with the toad 4 down behind the motorhome. In short, I do not and have not made it a practice of stopping every 50 miles to check the dolly. I do make it a practice of checking everything, tires (visually), tow cables, doors, dog and bladder (mine and hers) every 2 hours, approx. Happy Trails.

When on the road with the MH convenience at the pump far outweights the cost of fuel. I tend to look for Flying J because they have made it a policy to be RV friendly. That said, some Flying J's have a less than wonderful layout for a MY with toad. I've had to wait for customers to move their cars from the store parking area to make a clean turn. One J, can't remember which one, seems to have had a disagreement with the neighbor, and a concrete abutment blocks the exit if you make a wrong turn. But then again, you can't have everything. They do try. When it is time to search for fuel I will look up a location of a Flying J, however, once off the freeway, if the other truck stops appear to have an easier access and egress, I will use the most convenient. At a nickel a gallon difference in neighboring stations, it is not worth making tight turns to save $5. Just my opinion. Happy Trails.