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An oil change is a cheap preventative step to take to safe guard your engine. The little you save by not doing it is small compared to what you are risking. Dan

I will bring this up when we have our captains meeting. Sounds like a good idea to me. Maybe it's a matter of finding space. Hopefully we can make this happen. If there is a space problem maybe we could set up a sign out sheet. That way people could leave contact info and sign up to play games. A great way to meet new people. Dan

Yep dog gas... been there! Hair spray, body spray, deorderants, etc. We keep the bedromm door closed and the fan on when using them. Dan

I'm from MA and for a full service campground you can't beat Normandy Farms in Foxboro, MA. It is a little pricey but you get what you pay for. As far as DC when I went there two years ago we stayed at Cherry Hill In College PArk, Maryland. The subway tickets can be bought at the campground and a bus picks you up there and takes you to the subway station. You can also take your car right to the station and park there. Both great parks. How long are you in Boston area and what do you want to see? There is so much to see and do. Whaling museum in New Bedford, to dozens of places of interest in Boston, the mansions in Newport, Battleship cove in Fall River, etc.etc. Let us know what interest you and we can give you some thoughts. Dan

Excellent advice! There are way too many idiots out there and whenever I run into one I just count my blessing that I'm not married to her or related to him etc. Don't pet the sweaty stuff and don't sweat the petty stuff! Dan

Yes, you should have two small credit card size orange/brown id cards. ( But much thinner than a credit card ) Dan

Judy it's great to hear you say you are going to follow that dream. I have five more years till retirement, but when that happens the DW and I will be part timers. We are planning on about 6 months on the road and 6 months in the stick house. Most of our trips will be about 2 months in length then some time home to see the kids/grandkids etc. then back on the road. I'm sure you enjoy writing while you're traveling. ( Just pull the rig over first! ) Have a blast and let others who can't, see things through your words. Dan

Should have mentioned that as soon as you get it to a safe place put the jacks down to take pressure off of that lone dual. Dan

I agree. Drive a few hundred feet not an issue. Drive at normal speed is asking for a NIGHTMARE. Dan

I really like this idea. Sounds like it should be an option when you join. Dan

Never have been a fan of repair insurance. Put that money in a bank and when you need a repair you have it. Yes a few people make out but the majority find it more trouble than its worth. JMHO Dan

Herman's advice is spot on! ( and I love the analogy to the military! ) Renting will tell you if you really do enjoy the lifestyle. Of course everyone here will say got for it... WE DID and love it. But like all things it's not a one size fits all. I hope you find your answer and do truely enjoy the lifestyle. I have a Tiffin Open Road that I bought new in 2008 and love it. Lots of good used rigs out there epecially some from people who bought and then found out that they really don't like it or health issues forces a sale. Best wishes with your search. If you do decide on a Tiffin i would suggest joining the Tiffinrvnetwork. A group of tiffin owners that help each other out. I learned alot there about my unit. Dan

Mike I tow the Honda Fit 4 down and it sounds like that would be your best bet because it has a curb weight of only 2,500 # and it sounds like total weight might be an issue for you. Plus with less weight your rig will be able to make it up hills easier. I have the Blue Ox base plate but for a tow bar I used the Ready brake by NSA. It uses a surge braking system built into the tow bar to activate the cars brakes for towing. Works like a charm and is easy to hook and unhook the toad. I did a 7 week tour last summer and hit some 9 % grades with no issues what so ever. So far as should you tow.. I always bring mine with me even if only going for a weekend. Nice to have along. Dan

On a hot day you'll want the 50 amp sevice for sure. I'm staying at a site with only 30 amps, but it's also only going to hit 80 degrees. If the temp was going to be in the 90-95 range I would want both ac's cranking. As far as getting your questions answered, perhaps going on a forum that is dedicated to that product line or at least has boards that are. I have a Tiffin and if I have any questions they get answered right away on the tiffinrvnetwork. I know IRV2 has sub-boards dedicated to various manufacturers. The FMCA board is great with questions of a general nature, but not as good with unit specific questions. Just a thought. Dan

Of course CT. My 36 years in the restaurant business will force me to taste test a large sampling of the product. I just want to make sure that what we serve ( if there is any left!) is of the highest quality!!!! That's my story and I'm sticking to it... Donuts??? There were donuts here????? I can't seem to remember what happened to them! Maybe I'll have a case of donut induced dementia! Dan

Just got the rally documents. YEAH!!!!!!!!! Looking forward to meeting new friends and having a great time. We are going to Normandy Farms in Foxboro, Ma. for Memorial Day weekend. Time to kick off Summer! Dan

I will mention the one negative with this toad. It is very low to the ground. As you enter driveways that are steep you will scrape the plastic spoiler under the car. I knew this going in and it wasn't a problem for me but just wanted you to know. Dan

They were multi-colored water proof led lights. the strips were a little over 16 feet. Installed two of them. I zip-tied them to the rails under the chassis. The controller is installed in one of my bays. I plugged the power pack into the same outlet as my vacuum. Looks good at night and not so bright that it will bother other campers. Dan

I have been towing my 2010 Honda Fit for over a year. It is a great toad. First it's light weight. Has a curb weight of just over 2,500 #. Second the storage when you put the back seats down is great. Third the gas mileage is about 30 mpg so when your using it to tour you won't pay an arm and a leg. You won't be disappointed. Dan

Keith/Carol Thank you for those very kind words. Yoy certainly don't go into teaching for the money! But the look on a student's face when they get it is priceless!!!!! We are looking for a camping group. We belong to one with some great people, but they don't go out too often and we love to travel. We just volunteered to do the morning coffee and donuts at the FMCA Vermont rally. Another chance to meet new people. Rv'ers are the best! Dan ( the worse part of the Dan and Donna team )

Glad to help. We stay at Normandy a 3-4 times a year. It's a great campground. Let me know if your in town. Who knows I might be there! ( This year April vacation, Memorial Day, Father's day, Labor Day ) haven't decided on fall camping yet. If you need ideas about what to do in my neck of the woods feel free to drop an e-mail or post. Have a great day! Dan

Donna and I are a few years away from retirement. (2 for her and 5 for me). Since we are both teachers we love our summer road trips. Getting out and seeing this great country of ours and all it has to offer. The hardest part is finding other couples that can take the summers off and share the experience with. If there are any other rving teachers out there drop us a line. Maybe we can meet up. In my meantime if you are ever heading to the Cape Cod area of Ma. drop me an e-mail. I'd be happy to share some of the gems of our neck of the woods with you. Wishing you many happy miles and smiles! Dan

Hi Don and Deb. First of all sir thank you for your service. That can not be said often enough! I hope you are enjoying the life style and all that goes with it. Whenever you find a closed mind just move on down to that next campfire. Have a blast and do not spend one second of your time worrying about other foolish people. Although my dw is white, when we got married back in 1975, the maid of honor was black. The best man was also. Never gave it a single thought even back then. They were our best friends and are still in touch with them to this day. (No they are not a couple...just best friends from school.) Wishing you many HAPPY MILES AND SMILES! dAN