windchaser

Hi I am going to try to answer some of your questions. The Santa Fe is it a front wheel drive car? If it's a rear wheel drive car then on a dolly you will need to tow it backwards. on the dolly (because the straps will be the only thing holding the car on the dolly) If it's a front wheel drive car the car will be in park while on the dolly, (more support while traveling) Tow dollies have electric brakes or momentum brakes which help stop your car. You can mount a front wheel on the tow dolly to help you move it around. Most RV resorts have storage places for tow dollies. However some don't I used one to tow a an Acura for 2k miles It was great, However when I bought a Tracker, I needed to tow the tracker backwards on the dolly. I got the dolly on Craigs list, with brakes for $950.00, my RV can with a mounted electric brake unit. Shop around. I now use a Blue Ox to tow my Ford Ranger, I tow it flat four down, It's a stick shift and made to tow with everything in neutral, with the key on, however I need and use a brake buddy to help stop the truck. (2k#). Cost of blue ox >$900 + adapter for truck $350. Brake buddy $750. It may be a better tow. I will tell you this, it is far easier to unhook a Blue Ox then removing a tow from a dolly, You can't back up with either the tow dolly or the blue ox. unless you are a great great driver. Any way you look at it, its a toss up and your choice. If your Santa Fe is a front wheel drive car I would get a dolly with electric brakes and a front wheel.

Hi all: Just one question, do you have insurance? My brother-in-law had the same accident with his trailer. His insurance company replaced the roof for the deductible. Would contact my agent. to see if you are covered. I know a new roof is not cheap, and it looks like you need a whole new roof. Jim Moore

Hi All: I have two slides on my motor Home, the front slide has a sofa on it, and is quite large, It has left me in a lurch twice once and one out. What happened is the pins on the shaft of the spider gear brakes, the first time while the slide was in, which means I could not slide out the slide. the other time It broke while the slide was fully out. this was the worst. as I was just leaving my CG in Fla for home. I and some fellow campers picked up the slide and pushed it back into place. I braced the slide from the inside with a broom stick. and took off for home. We got on a ruff road and the slide started to slide out. Pucker pucker, Had to stop and push it back in. We had planed to stop at a company which sold screening material, They gave me some dunage (2x4"s) which I cut to tightly fit behind the inside fram and the out side wall at the side and top of the slide. This kept the slide in until I could get home and to my RV dealer for repairs. I might add this repair was not cheap. One note I keep the 2x4 in my storage compartment. Also there are two breakable pins on the slider gear. I managed to brake both. You need to be a very small person to get into where the motor/shaft is to replace them. I am not a small person. I would suggest you be very gentle when you slide out your slides. JIM MOORE

Hi All: 1. I am a veteran, insured by USAA for 39 years. auto, home and at one time a large sail boat. (no boat now). 2. They will insure any and all honorably served veteran no matter how long the length of service or what branch. 3. They do not insure Motor home or boat now as in the past. They farm this out to Progressive thru their General Accounts firm (USAA Progressive Branch). 4. Progressive has " 0" deductible after four years of no claims. 5. My motorhome cost $55K four years ago (No claims so far). Originally my insurance was $500.00 for several years with $250 deductible. My insurance this year is $431.00 for 55K for 12 months, with "0" deductible. However, this is only because I have had no claims for the past four years. 6. A final note you will find out more about your insurance company then you want to know after you have a major claim. After "Hugo" I had claims on home, boat and two cars. USAA made no hassle at all and paid up nicely. 7. In insurance I think you get what you pay for if you are with a good company.

Hi All: 1. You will need your passport. 2. You need to see the falls at night and in the daytime. 3. Parking at this time of the year is difficult on both side of the border. 4. At the falls there are fees for everything. 5. When I visited the falls I stop at the Greyline tour site and purchased a day and night tour, when we arrived s in the afternoon, we asked to stay at the parking lot, Greyline allowed us to stay the night because we would not return from our tour until 11pm. they also have a electric plug (15amp). we dry camped. 6. We saw all the major sites at night, great light show, then stayed in the parking lot and did the day tour the following morning. I think the cost for two seniors for both tours was $300~. If we where to drive and park and get in line for all the sites we took in, we would have had to spend several day on both sides of the border and just about the same price. With the tour there was no hassel. Enjoy your trip. Good luck JIM MOORE

Hi, Sort of a new question for the experts. I have a 2011 for Ranger XL. I hope to tow this Ranger with my Geogie Boy. The XL is 5 speed manual trans. My questions is, will the mileage add up on the flat tow and if so how do I stop the odometer from registering? The message ign before stated a Ford list for towing. Jim Moore windchaser

Hi All, We have a leak in the passenger side front, we have tried all the methods listed on this post with little or no success. The leak happens only when it rains. After an Internet search we have discovered a method of leak detection which we are thinking about using. Its the Sealteck 430r system in which the unit is pressurized and a leak detector is sprayed (soap) on the outside of the coach. Has any one on the forum used this method before and how successful was it? We do have several RV service dealer in the area that use it. This leak has stumped us Jim & Ina Moore

I also have a leak in my passenger side footwell and have tried all the suggestions on this post, have resorted to asking help from the Internet and found a system called Sealteck 430R for detecting leaks. In researching it I found that Campingworld uses this system as well as two others RV repair facilities in my area and am thinking about trying it but would like to know of someone that has used this system and how successful it was and what was used for sealants when leak found. Thanks for info Ina

Boy o Boy you guys have the info. I just called Ramco and I am in the process of ordering a switch. Thank You Brett JIM MOORE

My wife just found the name Ramco engineering, number is GLS 601 12v This was on the mirror. JIM MOORE

Hi All I have a switch problem. My outside mirror control switch on the dash board of my Geogia Boy Landau has failed i.e. will not function, and appears to be stuck on the drivers side. I can adjust the drivers side mirror but not the passengers side. I don't think I can repair the switch so i need a new one. I have called several RV dealers with little success. Does any one on the FMCA have a source for such a switch? Thank You. Jim Moore Catawba, NC

Hi Welcome to FMCA forum . We are going to the 2 nations rally on the 4 th and then heading to Prince Edward Island after the rally. We will probably following on the same path as you will be following. We have looked up several camp ground on US route 2 ( our primary route, from VT) and the Canada routes also) and made some contacts with several CG on the routes. However we too would be interested in any info the membership has an rest areas and pull outs along the way. This will be our first trip out of country with our RV so any other tips about border crossing and such would be greatly appreciated. This FMCA travel forum has help us prepare for this trip. Thanks. Jim & Ina Moore Catawba, NC

Hi All: I have all my insurance thur USAA: They insure my cars, home. and my RV is innsured by USAA thur their RV carrier" Progressive". I was a naval officer, I have been with USAA for 38 years. This is not an ad for USAA, but you might check them out for all your insurance needs. (1-800-531-8111). USAA will now insure any vet who served honorably. Jim Moore georgia boy class A 24.5' Catawba, NC 28609

boy my finders slipped they are MICHELINE XRV 225/70R 195. RADIAL one of the back tire had a strange number pattern PV 147 06-55026-01 in the area of the dot date. my front tires are HJYB AV 9 DOTX 3802 and DOT 4602 I think I will have my tires removed on the back and check for the dot dates next time i am in a rv shop however my other concern is I have a tire insurance policy. I wonder if the insurance company will cover me if I have to need them? As they are colsed for business today i will call and report back--i.e. i can report the need for emergency repain but not the business side. thank you again for your concern. Hppy trails fair winds and following seas jim moore squid,

Hi All: Thank you for your concern. I crawled under the coach and you'll never guess No numbers on the inside tire either.so both tires are with the dot date of manf. on the inside of the tires but your right they are the same tires

Hi all: I have 2004 Goegia boy Landua. (24.5 CLASS A) After all this talk and info about tires I went an checked the date of manufacture and to look for side wall cracks. I have mich 270rv 19.5 tires, the front tires dates are 3602 and 4202 -so this means the tires where made in the last weeks of 02- the back tires on the out side( cn't see the inside) have had the dot dates remove with a grinder/sander. I guess the date where removed to hide when they where made. Is this legal? I halso noticed that the tire tread on the back tires are like mud tires and the front tires are smooth straight line like a steering tire, is this normal? i have had my tire/mechanic look at the tires, he said for me to keep an eye on them and check often. I think the manufacture of my unit cut corners on my unit. Do I have any recourse with the seller (dealer)of my second hand unit? Or am I just screwed over. Jim Moore Catawba, nc

My 2004 Gorgie Boy Class A 24.5-foot RV has a Samsung microwave insatlled over the stove. The unit is in recall due to the unit starting up without programming. Kind of scary having your microwave start without anyone progranming the unit to start. The recall is on the Internet under the Samsung microwave recall. It is on units installed in RVs from 2000 to 2009. Better check the units in your RV NOW. If you have one of these units listed, don't leave it plugged in until it can be repaired by Samsung. I am still awaiting for Samsung to tell me where to take it for repair or replacement. JIM MOORE Catawba, NC

Hi. Ya got me i noticed it after the post. it not pm it's am.\dody daddy for you dog faces it the big hand is on the 12 and the little hand is on the 3. Also the navy never rings bells after taps, if you hear bells after lights out you have realy got troubles, get dress and head for your battle station, the ships is trouble. alls well in Sodena, nice red rocks, next week Scotsdale, the the desert. Jmes M. Moore Jr Lt,USN, USNR a former CSC

Hi all: sea stories sea stories, all sea stories start with This ain't bull sh@t. My first real cruising ship was the AF 10 USS Aldeberan. I was the night baker (CS 3) baking bread, ans fat pills all night. well one night about 0300 for you USMC that's 3 pm. I need to get down to the chill box for some milk, as a refree supply ship we never ran out of fresh food or milk, if we did the chief got a new command. so I get to the refeer deck and i see four snipes BT< MM removing the chill box door (about 500#) I nearly sh@# my pants, I asked wha t the **** are you'll doing? Well we got hunnger and wanted some chow. I asked well why didn't come see me? instead of taking off the chill box door. and almot getting killed. mean while ai'll get you a canned ham. well one thing came to another and I told the them I had hot bread coming out of the oven in about an hour put the door back on and I'll fix you up. enough said. they came up in a hour and i split loaves or hot bread and donated butter, well after that the word got out to the night crew in the engine room, and I was baking extra bread the rest of the cruise. However we never had a stuck drain or done with out water and if any thing broake it got fixed right soon.\ That was the oldest ship in the Navy at the time and we bunked in the #4 hole 210 men in worst thatn prison conditions but I was young and it was and adventure.I made 4 med cruised on that ship and wished i never got a tranfered. I served on many other but that was the best crew and the best time. Lt James M. Moore Jr USN, USNR 1961 to 1984

hi all compelete knee replacement. I've been there, done that, ( 1 june). I am still in rehab, the first week its going to hurt like h--l, do the pt and more. strech that knee as much as you can, take the drugs on time don't try to be a hero, the drugs let you do the pt. if you don't do the pt you will be back to the operating table very soon. Good luck and god bless. JIM MOORE

James M. Moore Jr USN- USNR USN -^ July 1961- 30 Sept 1973 enlisted e-1 to e-7 Chief Petty officer commissarymen USNR commissioned 30 Sept 1973- to sept 1984 Lt enlisted belly robber (ommissrymen cook- baker-butcher) commissioned - Comphibron 10 staff- ops dept - USS Mamitowoc LST 1180 CIC- JOOD-Legal officer, Personnel officer- postal officer, electronics Officer, SLJO. My primary job on staff and on the Manny was putting Marines on the beach-- Ole Navy saying " you can always tell a marine- but you can't tell them much" I was on the AF-10 Aldebran and got shot at in Bayrute Lebanon in 1962- I was a cook then and some turkey was shooting at our ship from a hotel. we shot back with a 5" Only Major ops was the Oct war 1973. the staff which se up the clearing of the Suez cannal. I retired from Charleston Naval Ship Yard Jan 1995 highest grade gs-12 health physics (rad contols) I retired as a nuclear engineer GS-11 (pro pay) more moneythan a gs 11 hp In the ship yard I worked on all the types of Navy ships from carrier to admerals gigs, Nuclear subs, battle ships ( Iowa- NJ ), deep divers and hydofoil, engine rooms - deep tanks to the flight decks and the yard arms. nuclear reactors to turbines and recipracating steam engines. I could tell you more but then I'd have to kill ya. LOL Uncle sam sent me to a lot of schools and paid me well to go. learned a lot.

HI Mike; I towed a 1993 Acura ( 3500#) for over 3.5K miles with a a Master T80 (850#) for a total of 4350# towing weight. I have since switched to a flat tow for a tracker using a blue ox. You must remember your hitch need to be equal to or better in size to the total weight you are towing which includes the dolly and the toad. You will also need a brake system for the dolly and the sender for the RV. I don't have a lot of experiences with other tow dollies. but the Master tow T80 with electric brakes did well for me. what you need to look at is the weight of the toad (tow vechile) and what you are towing it with. but mostly the weight of the toad is very important in choosing a dolly. You will also need a set of mag lights to put on the top/back of your toad. the lights on the dolly are not enough, you need a better lights for signaling and such. Also get a spare tire before you need one. and a tongue jack is helpful also in moving the dolly around. Most RV parks don't like dollies because of the space for storing them is limited. If you look on the internet you will find dealers for Master tow and other like road master. If you are close to me i have my Master tow dolly up for sale. However, I do have several buyers looking . Jim Moore CAtawba, NC

Hi, all. Well, you'll have convinced me to flat tow my tracker with a Blue Ox and Brake Buddy. I have the dolly up for sale as we speak. My question tonight is safety chains/cables. How much play do you need? How strong should they be? And where? Spread far apart, on the toad, and RV? When I used the dolly, the chains hooked right to the hitch block and where on the tongue. Should I hook the saftey chains/cables parrallel or cross the hitch as I did with the dolly? The dead man braking system seems like a double edged problem. If I loose the hitch, the saftey chains should carry the toad, without setting off the deadman. However, if by losing the hitch and pulling the deadman switch, will my braking system make it worse by slowing the toad and maybe braking the safety chains and lossing the whole load? I guess I am asking a lot of questons. And this forum is one of many reasons why we joined. You guys/ladies are a wealth of much needed info. I am very happy that you'll care enough to provide the very best infomation for us newbies. Jim Moore Catawba, NC

Thank you all for your replies; I didn't think i could just slip the connectors in to the toads trailer hitch lights but it was worth an ask, if you don't ask you won't know. I have desided to use the Mag lights. and to connect the toads battery to the MH with seperate line and fused and knife switches. Again thank you Brett for your quick responses. JOY jim moore

Hi, all. My toad vehicle has a tow hitch and a connection for trailer lights. I plan to tow the toad 4 wheels down, wiith a Brake Buddy. I plan to have the toads battery charged with an open-fused line from the motorhome directly to the battery of the toad, to keep the battery fully charged. I want to have the stop and signal lights of the toad work off the motorhome lights. My questions is, can I hook up my motorhome lights directly to the toad's trailer lights using the toads trailer lights connector? So the toads light are used kind of like backwards through the trailer lights connection? Could this cause any damage to the toad's electrial system? If I can't use the toad's trailer lights hookup, I guess I would run signal lights directly from the motorhome to the toad's tail lights with seperate bulbs and wire. I have a set of Mag signal lights but don't like what they do to the finish on my toad. JOY Jim Moore Catawba, NC