bizsmith@yahoo.com

I would like opinions on the best portable gas grill suitable for the RV.

Stopping at a WalMart is a privilege, not a right. Check before you park. Those who encourage the Newbie to just pull in and do his own thing are doing a disservice to the Newbie, to WalMart, and to those who recognize that it is a privilege. Sure, you can run your generator, put out your slides, etc. Those who think it is their right to do as they please will eventually ruin the privilege for those who follow the rules of common sense.

In my opinion Taco Bell would have no liability. I'm sure many of us have had "arguments" with posts, water hydrants, rocks, etc. The RV driver has to keep his/her eyes open but obstructions still sneak up and bite.

This has been suggested before but an excellent guide to adjusting mirrors can be found at: http://www.betterrving.com/Article/RV_Tips/RV_Driver_Confidence_Course_Part_1_Mirrors_Low_Bandwidth_Version

Coach Net is not a repair service. They do the leg work to provide service. If you didn't understand that when you signed up then I suggest you read what you sign up for. They provided what they were supposed to for two flat tires and an air pressure regulator problem. They ask the questions to determine your situation. They do provide for tow service when required.

I have towed a '03 CRV since '03. I don't really notice a lot of difference but I know it's there. Perhaps you are sensitive to the difference because you are new to it and I am insensitive because I have done it so long. If it is a big difference then there must be something amiss. Take it to your tow package installer and have it checked out. Always be sure to follow the CRV setup to the letter.

There is a resort a few miles east of La Belle and just east of the Ortona Corps of Engineers campground. I don't know if this is the one you are in now but if seemed fairly nice when we overnighted there. It is sort of in the middle of nowhere. We always stay in state parks and corps of engineer parks so I don't know too much about private camp grounds.

Another topic about a bad road in Oklahoma prompted me to ask the forum, where are the best and worst highways in the country? In my opinion the worst highways is easy. Oklahoma wins it hands down followed closely by Colorado. The third ranking for worst is a little harder but my home state of Minnesota is right up there in the running. I haven't traveled to every state by motor home so I'm sure there are many opinions out there. Best roads are harder to pin down. In the 50's Texas would have had my vote, but not so anymore. We mostly avoid the Interstates because we are usually not in a hurry to get somewhere. Charles Kuralt said it best, "The interstate highway system is a wondrous thing. You can go coast to coast and border to border and never see a thing." In my opinion the interstate system is falling apart faster than it is being kept up. My vote for the single most RV friendly road is the Natchez Trace Parkway. No commercial vehicles are allowed, gentle curves, absolutely no trash on the right of way, and no billboards. It runs 400+ miles from Nashville, TN to Natchez, MS. If you are in a hurry forget it, speed limit is 50 and strictly enforced. It is mostly limited access but only two lanes comfortably wide. It follows the historic trail of the boaters that took their goods south on the river and then walked back to Nashville. I would like other opinions.

I always rate the highways in Oklahoma as the worst in the nation and I am originally from Oklahoma. Even some of their toll roads are rough enough to shake a coach apart. Number 2 is Colorado and my own state of Minnesota might be 3.

Silver River State Park has a very nice campground. It is located just a mile or so south of Silver Springs and right on the outskirts of Ocala. Best way to get there traveling south is exit 358 off I75, travel east on 326 maybe 5 miles to SR 35, go south about 3 miles crossing SR 40, Silver Springs Amusement Park is on your left, Silver River State Park is another mile or so on your left. Beautiful park, several pull thru's, some 50 amp, but no full hookups. Very easy and roomy dump station. We've stayed there several times. I recommend backtracking to exit 358 when you leave and you will never get into the city of Ocala traffic. There is a travel center right at exit 358 if you need fuel. I recommend using the Turnpike as you continue south and consider Lake Louisa State Park on US 27 near Clermont. 12 miles to Disney, some pull thru's, some full hook ups, very nice park, but not much chance getting in unless you make reservations 11 months in advance. We always use state parks when in Florida so I can't recommend a private park.

Honda will not honor the warranty if the Honda Element after 2006 is towed. The drive train is almost identical to the CRV which Honda says can be towed. Towbar manufacturers make brackets for the Element and Camping World says the vehicle can be towed. Does anyone out there have any experience towing the Element?

I usually go to the truck pumps because even though the signs direct you to the auto or RV pumps, it can get tight or impossible especially if you are 40 feet and towing.

Try allstays.com If you have an iPhone or iPad Allstays also has an app which is interactive. I am just beginning to use it and so far it has been kind of neat.

I am firmly convinced that any model of Honda can be safely towed using the procedure prescribed by Honda to tow the CRV or Fit. Otherwise, why would tow bar manufacturers such as Roadmaster make base plates for the other models? Camping World, who is one installer says they can be towed. However, Honda will not "bless" the towing of models except the CRV and Fit. I was interested in purchasing an Element and while Honda would not flat out say it could not be towed, the power train warranty would be void if it was towed.

I see at least one reply that one poster is towing an Element. Are there others with experience towing an Element? I suspect that the manual says you can't because as another poster said people did not follow the procedure. I have towed a CRV for many years and I am thoroughly familiar with the set up procedure. I am considering a new Element and would like feedback from others with experience.

I agree that if your schedule allows don't get in a hurry. That trip would take us at least 5 days. If there is that much rush, stay in a hotel. There are numerous publications to help find places to stop. Use the Internet.

We have a Verizon 5 spot (mifi). Works well and accesses 4G where available. Very fast in the few 4G areas and the 4G is expanding gradually. Can connect both laptop and iPad at the same time. We hedge our bets by having ATT on the iPad. Sometimes (rarely) it will work better than Verizon.

We too use a curtain behind the pilot/copilot seats. The dash air keeps that area cool plus the dash heater keeps the area warm in cold weather.

We like the state parks in Florida.

If you travel north on I35, Terribles Casino at Osceola is good for an overnight. Large paved sites with full hookup but narrow. Be careful if it rains a lot. Many rigs get off the pad and the ground really gets soft. Food at the casino can vary. We've experienced from great to poor at the several times we've stopped. Winter set has a city park that is pretty nice with some big rig sites. The birthplace of John Wayne and the center for touring the Covered Bridges of Madison County. Not too close to your route but a suggestion. Lake Okoboji area is nice but we have never stayed there. Saylorville lake around Ankeny has Corp of engineer parks.

This just proves that the best barbecue just might be the next place you try. I hope this discussion continues. There will be as many favorites as there are posters.

Yes, check for proper fluid type. I was told to use hydraulic jack fluid by Monaco service but others may be different.

A problem with any Monaco jacks is that the level of hydraulic fluid in the reservoir gets low and the alarm goes off. Not really a big problem, as there is always a very slight leakage every time the jacks are extended. Just locate the reservoir and top off with hydraulic jack fluid available at almost any auto supple store. The level does not have to drop much to cause the alarm, on mine only a cup or two.

The Georgia Pig at Brunswick, Ga is mediocre in my opinion. Drive about six miles west to Gary Lee's. Their meats are so much better with a lot more variety and great sides. They do a huge business with lunch takeouts by the locals. The locals know.