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Thought I would share My first experience with GEICO ERS here also. ERS responses have always been of interest. I have had GS ERS, CN ERS, and Progressive ERS in the past. Used Progressive ERS on 3 occasions with satisfactory results. Never had to use the major ERS companies. On May 28, while preparing to leave an RV Park in NY, and checking tire pressure on the inside rear dual, the steel valve stem broke off. I contacted GEICO ERS, and the ERS wanted to have the Motorhome towed to a repair facility. I explained a roadside tire company could make the repair on-site. They would only tow the Motorhome, which I declined. I requested and received a roadside assistance company referral from GEICO ERS. The company contacted me and arrived on-site and made the repair in a reasonable time frame. They also removed another outer dual so I could install an additional TST sensor. I paid for the total service out of pocket. I filed an ERS Claim and submitted all documents to the GEICO ERS office. I only requested reimbursement for the service call and 1 hour labor per my ERS policy. I did not request reimbursement for the new steel valve stem or additional labor to install the TST sensor. I recieved a check for the total amount of the bill instead of just the service call and labor. Total Cost $205.20, Total reimbursement $205.20 I am waiting for a response from GEICO regarding the ERS desire to tow at greater expense to GEICO and possible damage to the Motorhome instead of providing roadside assistance. Towing just was not necessary. If there is a next time, I will request to talk to a supervisor, or even call GEICO CS. This was clearly an on-site repair. Anyway, I have had great CS from GEICO Insurance. Hopefully, they will work with their ERS branch, and provide some training, guidance for ERS assistance. The tire specialist determined that the valve stem had an old crack and it just gave when the tire pressure was checked. The bottom line is GEICO did not leave me on my own, but did contact a company to respond. I'm satisfied that GEICO stood behind their ERS policy, and and surprised that they settled the claim in total including parts and taxes. I use to carry GS and CN in the past. However, my GEICO ERS is less costly. Think I will continue my GEICO ERS.

Installed TST in May, made the trip from NY to SC. They worked as described. The tire pressures increased as the heat built-up on the road. Peace of mind for the Toad. No repeater needed for the 35' MH with TST on the Toad. Easily installed and programmed. Ordered additional TST Sensors, and they programmed easily. Glad I now have them on all tires. Followed the directions.

I just installed 6 TST 507RV Tire Sensors on the Toad and 2 front tires of the MH. I will install sensors on the rear tires next week when the weather clears. After a little learning curve on setting the sensors to be read by the monitor, I tested the sensors on the Toad by using the monitor while driving a couple hundred miles around the area going different locations on the Interstate and city roads. Once set, it works great. Now while towing I don't have to be too concerned about the tires, if i pick up a nail etc. I received the initial shipment from tst in 3 days at a temporary address. I will receive the additional 4 sensors today 3 days after placing the second order. The car has short rubber valve stems. They are situated with enough clearance that they do not rub against the wheel covers while running down the interstate. However, when I get a chance, I will probably change out the rubber stems for metal. The MH has steel tire stems. It was a little challenge getting them on the front wheels due to the location of the tire cover. I needed about 1/4" to be able to install them without hitting the wheel covers. I talked to a tech at a local trucking company, and he told me I could carefully bend the stem. He indicated that is what they do all the time on the big trucks when installing them. I used a rachet and socket as he suggested, and very carefully bent the stem the 1/4" needed for clearance. The monitor picked up all 6 tires within seconds and as I monitored them during the day, the heat from the sun caused a change which was recorded on the monitor. I am convinced and confident that the system works as advertised. One more toy, but an important one. I did a lot of research on tpms systems over the last year. I think they all may be comparable, but I went with the tst for the ability to change the batteries myself, and their reputation for customer service. The sensors are lightweight and easy to install with the special wrench sent with the package. They sent 2 wrenches, I keep one in the car and one in the MH. Good Luck with your choice.

When we stopped for the day, had a chance to do some research. The J1850 seems to be as elusive as the infamous Leprechaun. Called Allison, (didn't realize they had 24/7 tech referral folks working) Allison sincerely interested in helping, said best solution was a local Allison shop. They gave me numbers, and said if they location is not open, they will have a 24 hour emergency road number. Sure enough called, and had a way to contact their emergency road response. Didn't need it because the code is now normal. Sure is good to know that in the event it is a roadside issue, there may be help available, depending on the location. Anyway thanks for the info. I started checking fuse boxes last night, will continue later today. Thanks again for your interest in helping.

Thanks Wolfe. I had Tiffin's number handy, didn't have the Allison number, but do now. Thanks Tiffin usually has a mechanic available, but he was off today. I'll call Allison tomorrow. Drove another 200 hundred miles the message did not reappear, and no problems, everything remained normal. Tiffin, thinks it may have been an electronic brain-fart and suggested I call Allison also. I Wasn't sure if it was a Workhorse or Allison issue. About 6 months ago, the entire dash lights, etc, went crazy flashing, etc. Stopped turned off the motor, restarted, and has not reoccurred. At that time, a Tiffin mechanic thought with the rough roads, may have jiggled a fuse enough to cause the problem. I checked and ensured all the motor fuses, etc, were well seated. Sure enough a couple were seated but not completely pressed in. No more dash problems. After I talk with Allison about the message, I'll post their response. Thanks again.

While driving the hills of WV this am, the Allison downshifted from 4th to 3rd and back to 4th. The following message displayed on the dashboard where PRNDL is usually displayed and lasted for 10 minutes before returning to normal display. Code displayed: No J1850 Activity Any idea what this message means and do I need to have it checked? Thanks for any input.

Well, after reading and reading and reading, and researching, finally, decided to go with the TST TPMS, which I ordered today. Won't get it to install until we arrive in NY next week. Then a 1k mile trip to test them out. I sure hope they work without any headaches. One thing, it appears that the customer service with TST is outstanding. Customer service is the most important consideration for me, along with product quality. If they can be equalized, then it's a no brainer. Along with Value, hopefully it is a win, win. There were less expensive and more expensive tpms units out there, but tst kept coming to to the surface. Since 0'76, we have had a blow out on one TT, and 2 blowouts on a former class c. Luckily, no vehicle damage occurred on either. We were approaching a Semi on I65, and before we caught up to him, a trailer tire blew. Not much traffic, and we ended up dodging flying tread, etc until we could get out of the way. Tires get a lot of my attention, now I will have another MH toy and a sister for the GPS to play around with.

I have been using the Nuvi 465LMT since February 2012 in both the RV and the Auto. I enjoy the map updates and traffic. The 465 has worked well for me. I previously used the Nuvi 680 since 2006, which worked fine except the cost of map updates. Never updated the maps, worked ok, but getting old, like someone else I know. Recently compared the Desl 560LMT and the Desl 760LMT. Decided on the Desl 560. First use has been with the auto for familiarization. Next week it will get it's first use in the MH. I like the features on the 560. The split screen sign feature is nice, along with other warning notices. Just planned a 1k mile trip using streets & trips as a guide of the routes I was interested in taking, with many stops between start and finish without any issues. Paired Bluetooth without any issues, and the 560 has a voice dialing option, which worked the first time. Garmin needs to send ole Jill to English language classes. Voice commands are better than the 680, and some improvement over even the 465. The volume and brightness adjustments are more than adequate. The speaker sound is a lot better. See how it goes in the long haul. Been using Garmin for years in boats, autos, and RV's. Another nice function on the 560 is traffic avoidance options, which can be rerouted using miles or a different route. The 465 has the auto traffic avoidance which rerouted us on one occasion around an interstate traffic tie up on a different route which worked great. Now with the 560, I can choose how far and/or the route to avoid the traffic. MH toys sure are fun. Gps takes stress free traveling to a new level. Trust with Verification is the only caveat!

I would recommend spare tire strap(s). They can and do wear. I felt comfortable having a spare tire and rim locked to the tongue of the Dolly. Just for my own piece of mind. The cost was negligible considering if I ever needed it. I didn't, but it was there, and I knew it was there if I did. Like a previous post, dollies tow better with weight on them. Slow down and you should be ok, jmho. Good Luck.

The Roadmaster 2" Dual Drop Receiver works great with the Swagman Bike Carrier. The Blue Ox tow bar can be seated and removed from the holding slot with a little maneuvering. There is plenty of turn radius when towing the Sonic. Plenty of room when making turns. Good combination that works well. Thanks for all the input.

I get the cheapo anco blades at Walmart, and drill out the little rivet. Works like a charm. http://www.walmart.com/ip/ANCO-28-Wiper-Blade/16652634 The blades last a couple of years. I started doing this when I could not easily locate replacement blades when I needed them.. Battery operated drill and a drill bit is all it takes. The original blades were 30-32, I get the longest blade available, which last replacement was a 28". It works fine for me.

DW fell in love with the convection microwave that came with our RV in 2006. She did not use the convection for the first 6 months. We recently replaced the black Sharp Convection for the 2nd time. The original black Sharp went south after 3 years, and the 2nd black sharp went south after almost 3 years. The current sharp is silver. The black model was out of stock everywhere. It puts out a lot of heat, most of the heat is vented through the bottom vents See the grill vents below the Convection Microwave. The original Sharp lasted about 3 years, of almost continuous full time use. The 2nd Sharp went south after almost 3 years of a lot of use. We are on the 3rd Sharp. However, on the current Sharp it is plugged into independent surge plug. We hope to get a longer use out of this one. Tried to locate a different brand, but no use for the size we needed to fit the current space without modification. After almost 7 years, the same R820 Sharp Carousel Convection Microwave is still available. I tried to convince DW to just install a standard microwave. I feared my diet would be restricted because she uses the convection for everything and loves it, therefore, so do I. It is a great invention.

A few years ago had somethig similar, except a big tree branch did $5k damage Insurance comp covered claim less deductible. A quarter size hole could cost many times that. I would file the comp claim and let a roofing pro fix it. Insurance companies I had provide warranty on repair if using one of their provided repair facilities. Jmho and what I woud do if it was my problem. Future water damage could far exceed the cost of comp deductible if not repaired properly. Comp claim does not count as an at fault accident. Again, jmho.

Thanks for the Information. This is and will be our history. It looks like they have already done a lot of the heavy lifting to pay off the loan. Hope they make it. Imho, a helluva deal and fun to. We just rerouted our trip for a visit to coincide with their RV Show end of April.

My pleasure, enjoy the info. The National Parks must be a good value, millions of folks keep coming. Safe travels

That's how I had it setup with the Jeep. That was the reason for the XC-2, which has proven to be a great little bike carrier.I liked the setup ok, having the bikes on the back of the MH will be almost as good as a garage. Don't want to install a hitch on the Sonic. I think the setup will work with carrying them on the back of the MH. If not, I'll go to a 4" inch Dual Drop Receiver. OR Maybe I should just buy another Jeep, hmmmm, now there's a thought. The little Sonic tows nice, fun to drive and great mpg, but it's not a Jeep.

I'll know week after next. I have the bike 2 bike rack in storage, and will pick it up in a week or so. Thanks for the feedback.

Most Visited National Parks in 2012 http://www.nps.gov/news/upload/NPS-Visitation-historic-and-top-10-2012.pdf

Compare Your Winter Weather to Del Rio, Texas http://www.weather.com/outlook/driving/interstate/wxclimatology/compare/USTX0689?sfld1=Duluth,%20MN,%20US&sfld2=Del%20Rio,%20TX,%20US&clocid1=USMN0208&clocid2=USTX0346 Where would you Rather Be in January?

Again, thanks for the info. Going to try and match them up in a couple of weeks. Safe Travels

I can see where the 4 bike carrier would be out there. We just need the 2 bike carrier. the sonic sits lower than a jeep and it should be alright for turning. The dual drop hitch has 2 slots for an extended position, which I believe will give me the distance and turn radius. I Just need to clear the notch on top of the tow bar with the bike carrier inserted. The safety cables and the plug will reach in the extended position. Thanks for the info.

Amistad National Recreation Area, Del Rio, Texas will be looking for experienced boondocking folks next winter as Camphosts for several small Amistad NRA Campgrounds around the Lake. Amistad National Recreation Area Spur 406 Campground - 6 Campsites with ramada, picnic table, Grill - Some dispersed camping available(limited) Septic Storage Tank, pumped by Amistad NRA Staff Paved road to campground, gravel/dirt sites Amistad NRA may be able to provide 50 gallon Water tank OR, potable water is available 10 miles away at Governors Landing. No Electric - Plenty of Solar Approximately 20 miles to Del Rio & Super Walmart San Pedro Campground (Spur 454) - 35 Campsites, ramada, picnic table, grill Septic Storage Tank, pumped by Amistad NRA Staff 1/2 mile graded gravel road with gravel/dirt campsites Amistad NRA may be able to provide 50 gallon water tank OR potable water is available about 3 miles and 7 miles from campground. Approximately 7 miles form Del Rio & Super Walmart No Electric - more Solar Rough Canyon Campground - 4 Campsites, ramada, picnic table, grill Septic Storage Tank, Potable water hookup at campsite, 30/50 amp electric (Full Hookup Site) Still plenty of Solar About 15-20 miles to Del Rio & Super Walmart Paved road to campground, camp sites gravel/dirt 277 North Campground - 17 Campsites, ramada, picnic table, grill Septic Storage Tank, pumped by Amistad NRA staff. Amistad NRA may be able to provide 50 gallon water tank OR potable water available 7-10 miles from campground. No Electric - Still Solar Del Rio & Super Walmart about 7-10 miles Governors Landing 15 Campsites, ramada, picnic table, grill Full Hookup RV Volunteer Campsite with 20/30/50 amp electric with paved site. Paved road, campsites gravel/dirt Del Rio & Super Walmart 10 miles. Vault Toilets at each location. RV Volunteers do not clean restrooms. Iron Ranger handles all the money, so no collecting of fees. Amistad NRA maintenance division cleans restrooms and stocks with TP. However, RV Volunteers are provided emergency TP issue for restocking vault toilets when needed. There isn't any corncobs in the area, and the prickly pear cactus is a little too prickly. Amistad NRA does require fingerprints for background. They reimburse any costs in obtaining prints. We have been printed last year and again this year. Painless for us. Amistad NRA reimburses propane costs with a receipt. Between November and April the Campgrounds have not been completely full. The only time they come close to being full is Easter. Governors Landing is the most popular and fills up fast for Easter. It was the only campground completed full this year. This is laid back Texas at it's best. 24-28 hours a week. We record more, just because we are here. We are around on weekends and holidays, and take off during the week when we want or need to. Typical NPS, great folks to work with. If anyone has a burning desire to boondock at Amistad NRA, and have more questions, please feel free to pm me. OR contact @ Park Ranger Andrew McGahan at: Andrew_S_McGaha(at)nps.gov There are also 6 Full hookup sites available in the maintenance storage area at Diablo East if anyone is interested in other RV Volunteer Positions or activities, i.e. visitors center, etc. The bass fishing is great!, even though the lake is historically low, bring a boat and go after stripers; the depth is still 60-100 foot in the main channel and 200 foot at the dam. 2- 7 pounders were caught over the Easter weekend from the shorelines. Ciudad Acuna, Mexico has a population of 100 -120K. There are several English speaking Dentists in general dentistry, implant specialist, and oral surgeon. Also, they have at least one good Mexican Restaurant. Easy walk across the border, everything is close to the Mexico port of entry.

Posed this ??? on another Forum. Not sure if many or anyone is using this combination to haul bikes around on the back of the Motorhome. So, Here's one I haven't seen. Does anyone use a Blue OX Aventa LX Towbar, with a Roadmaster 2" Dual Drop Hitch Receiver with a Swagman XC-2 Bike Carrier installed. Does the Swagman XC-2 Bike Carrier clear the top of the receiver (notch) where the Blue OX Aventa Tow Bar sits when not in use? It looks like the angle of the Swagman elevates enough to clear the Aventa LX Roadmaster 2 "Dual Drop Receiver