Xplorer

The first trip towing the Sonic 375 miles was problem free. I learned that once the DLIS fuse is pulled and the tranny is placed in Neutral and the key is still in the acc position with the instrument lights on. If left in this position, the Sonic adds miles to the odometer. However, turn the key to the acc position without the instrument lights on, the Sonic does not add towed miles to the odometer, this position still displays the digital odometer reading . The owners manual has limited information about towing the Sonic, and the Service Manager had a little less knowledge than the manual. Setting the Sonic for towing has seems to be as easy if not easier than the Liberty, accept pulling the fuse, which is easily accessible under the dash. Using a fuse puller and small light makes removing the DLIS fuse an easy task. We'll see how it tows long term, initial experience indicates that it is a nice little toad, and about 1200 lbs lighter than the Liberty. Around town mpg runs between 25 and 27 mpg. Haven't made any trips over the road, so no report on highway mpg. The last fill-up was nice when it came in under $30 instead of the $50 plus.Sometimes I miss the Liberty.

Texas Tops completed the install of the Blue Ox BX1703 base plate and BX8869 independent wiring kit. I provided both parts. BX1703 $326 BX8869 $42 Texas Tops Install of both, $216 including plug, tail light bulb and Taxes Total Cost $ 584 An RV Dealer wanted $1200 for parts and Installation. It pays to shop and ask around. I was able to watch the Texas Tops installation. They did a great job at an excellent cost. They started at 9 finished by 3 with lunch break. I figured they worked about 5 hours. Installation pictures; before, during, and after:

Received written notification that my TT membership will expire at the end of my current date, and additional membership fees will not be charged. Glad to see the system worked according to the contract. Makes it easier for me to reconsider another membership in the future.

Unfortunately banks can't or won't place blocks on the CC. Dealt with something similar in the past. What can be done is a lost card, reissued with a new number, no future charges on the old card. Last Resort if I determine they will charge the card. However, with the certified letter and TT acknowledging receipt of cancellation, I believe I could successfully dispute any charges. Unless there is a loop hole I missed, but it would not be in TT best interest to play those kind of games. At this point I will assume they are reputable, and have honored request to cancel. Time will tell.

To start, we consider TT Zone Pass a good value for us under normal circumstances; However... Next year our plans have changed and we will be doing non-stop volunteering, and the TT Zone Pass will not be a good value for us next year. We won't be able to use it. I knew when I purchased the Zone Pass: I suspected cancelling the Zone Pass with TT may be a hassle; otherwise why would they require automatic renewal? I READ THE CONTRACT BEFORE PURCHASING, so no surprise.; which is why I want to ensure I comply with the provisions of the contract relating to cancellation, and document my efforts towards this end. In accordance with the contract I sent a letter (certified) to TT parent Corporation in Chicago on September 19, 2012. I didn't want them to have the opportunity to deny receiving the letter when renewal time arrived. I also sent a message through the TT website requesting confirmation of my cancellation request. I have also sent 3 emails to the Sales Agent, without any acknowledgement or response. Contact with the Sales agent is based on the following excerpts from our online chat prior to purchasing the TT Zone Pass: John1:18:24 PM ok, one more question, or rather comment. I'm not too excited about the automatice renewal., and having to send a letter at least 30 days prior to renewal if I choose not to renew for any reason, health, etc. Maggie1:20:36 PM you can call in if you decide not to renew John we have many that do that, we are here to work with you John1:21:12 PM Oh, ok that makes me a little more comfortable, because what TT is offering is a good value. Although I have sent the 3 emails; My next step is to contact the Sales Agent by Telephone to request acknowledgement and confirmation of my request to cancel. However, a telephone call would not necessarily document a request for cancellation. In all fairness, I started this process about one month ago. Hopefully, they will process and handle the cancellation request professionally and in accordance with their contract. HOWEVER, I do have a backup plan in the event I do not receive acknowledgement of cancellation. I will give them the benefit of some time to respond, before implementing my backup plan. Although I still consider the TT Zone Pass a good value for us, when able to use it: how TT handles my request for cancellation will determine whether I use TT in the Future. I'll report the final results regarding my cancellation of the TT Zone Pass. It may help others in their decision. Response received from Thousand Trails as result of Email request as followup to certified letter. Your cancellation request has been received and is being processed. Thank You! Member Services Equity Lifestyle Properties Thousand Trails - Naco - Leisure Time - Outdoor World - MidAtlantic Po Box 26 Gautier, MS 39553 Our Call Center is open Monday thru Friday 8am - 6pm CST Phone: 800-388-7788 Fax: 228-497-8560 Email: Member_Services@Equitylifestyle.com It appears as though the cancellation will be accomplished painlessly, as it should. At least now, I know their process appears to work. It won't be necessary to do a followup call with the Sales Agent, per our original conversation as noted above. I still don't like the automatic renewal for anything. Although it has gone smoothly, the auto renewal policy may cause me to reconsider renewal of the Zone Pass in the future. It could still be a hassle to fix if the CC is charged even though cancellation is processed. It will depend if the value outweighs the auto renewal. End of Story, unless a problem arises during the cancellation process.

I have the Blue Ox Aventa LX which is compatible with the BX1703 base plate for the Sonic. CW is no longer in the RGV according to their website. CW would not be an option for me, I do not have confidence in their tech skills. I was told Chevy dealers are not authorized to install base plates due to liability issues.?????,,,,after market products???? Ron Hoover seems to have good reviews, but they are over priced imho. They did take the time to provide a detailed quote by email. R Looking for some other options in the valley to compare costs. The front of the Sonic has to be removed, and portions of the bumper and grill trimmed for the baseplate to fit. The directions says 3 hours to do the work. RH estimates 4 hours for the base plate and 2 hours to install the independent lights that do not tap into the auto, and powered by the MH. Anyway thanks for the input.

Does anyone have a recommendation in the RGV to have a baseplate installed on a Sonic? Did a search on RVServicereviews.com. Thanks for any suggestions. Well, Texas Tops gets the Job tomorrow..........Hope it goes well.

Well, as it seems no one has any experience with the Sonic LTZ, guess I'll find out how it tows after i get it set up for towing. It drives nice for a sub-compact with all the bells and whistles. I know I'll enjoy the gas mileage compared to the Jeep Liberty. Won't be towing it until the end of December, so it gives me time to set it up. The lower front fender and grill is removed and grill trimmed for the Blue Ox baseplate and removable tabs. Texas Legal Tinted Windows makes for a cooler ride......

Recently test drove the 2013 Sonic Sedan. Handled nice, good pickup for entering interstate. An impressive small vehicle. Thinking about swapping the Liberty for the Sonic. No longer need the Lib's towing capacity. According to the Owners Manual the LT 1.8L automatic is tow-able. The RS or 1.4L is NOT. It's the second year for the Sonic, hopefully, GM is not going to repeat the fiasco they had with the Cruze as a tow-able. In order to install the Blue Ox base plate BX1703, the front has to be removed and the grill has to be cut out for the bracket to be fitted. Available reviews for the 2012, are good. Anyone Towing the 2013 Sonic Sedan?

I replaced my Michelins with Hankooks 2 years ago. Can't tell the difference. Have only added air once during that time, less than 5 psi per tire. Ride and handle well. Looked at a new Sonic yesterday, OEM are Hankook.

I have independent lighting in the Jeep, powered by the MH, signals, break lights, etc work in conjunction with MH. Plugs into the MH socket, no hassle, no tapping into the Jeep lighting system, no power drain concerns, nothing else to hookup or install. Four years and no taillight problems. Never used the magnetic lights.

Pecos, Texas - As you can see Santa used Google Earth to find us. Johnson City, Texas Johnson City, Texas

We were at Governors Landing, Amistad National Recreation Area November/December 2011. And, I can Prove it......Big Brother was watching Google Earth caught us, and the White Jeep Liberty and our Allegro. We were surprised when we pulled up google earth when I was working on a blog and discovered, we were caught. When I looked at the image date on Google Earth and looked at the picture,,,,,,my first response was "Holy Crap Batman"! Just glad I wasn't picking my nose, or worse, sunbathing in the altogether,,,,,,,that doesn't present a pretty image. The small black dot in front of the MH is the Camp Host sign. Pull up Google Earth, where you have been, might be surprised......Evidence or Alibi. Maybe!

Here is another location to post Service Experiences: RV Service Reviews

I learned that a couple of years ago, and added my Insurance carrier ERS to my policy. When my independent ERS coverage expired, I did not renew. Now with my insurance policy ERS, covered for both situations. Again, at less cost. Just talked with Insurance Rep today viewing policy changes, and She brought up My ERS coverage. We discussed the ERS coverage. Good point, a lot folks may not realize.

X2 When I had the Class C, my ERS was with Progressive. During that 6 years, I had 2 blowouts (back to back the same day). Had 2 fuel pumps expire. All in Rural locations. Progressive ERS was excellent. I believe they contracted with Coach-net at the time. The only problem I had was not with progressive, but with their contractor. I was towing a uhaul, and they did not want to cover towing it. I knew my ERS contract and professionally explained to them that towing the trailer was covered, they back-downed and towed it along with my MH. I talked to Progressive about it, and they agreed. They also told me, if anything arises in the future to call them and they will ensure the contractor abides by their contract. I have had both GS ERS and Coach-net ERS. I never had to use either while under contract with them. I now have ERS for both the Jeep and MH with my current Insurer. After researching their contract, my policy, etc,,,,it provides the same coverage at less cost. Value for the $. I'm confident that should I need ERS, they will come through as did Progressive ERS. That's my mileage, yours could be different. What a Country,,,,,,we still have choices. Freeeeeedom!

That's interesting. I was under the ASSUMPTION, there's that Mother again; that only distilled water could/should be used to top off a battery. May need to make a future trip to the Golf Cart Battery Company Honcho, and see if they carry the Acid......not sure that's something I would want to carry around.. If it leaked,,,,,,could it/would it,,,,,make a nice scenic hole in the bottom of the Bay? If so, it would be easier for the Coons, as in Rac access to a nice little bed. OBTW, Batteries still doing great

Ditto,,,,,,We don't use private campgrounds often, but when we do, rvparkreviews.com is the first stop. It has been a great resource. Also, rvservicereviews.com is another good resource when trying to locate service facilities while traveling.

I switched to Geico 2 years ago after being insured by Progressive for several years. Progressive rates climbed. I research and compare quotes each rating period, and I could not find anyone that provides the same coverage compete with Geico. Also, I researched their ERS and carry it for both the Jeep and MH. My Geico policy increased $4 over the last 2 years. What I like is I can schedule any payment when I want right on the Geico Site, receive alerts by email, etc. That said, I had great customer service and Comp claim settlements with Progressive on 2 occasions totaling $21K. A tree limb did $5k damage, and another RV'r burned my boat $16K The only claim experience with Geico has been a windshield repair, which went smoothly, and without cost for the repair and no deductible. Good Luck, don't think I could tolerate your problems more than once. I like insuring with companies that I can have direct contact with online, telephone, etc. I no longer use an intermediary Agent. An Agent made a mistake years ago on a Vin# on a new RV, which created headaches that I had to correct. I figured I could create my own headaches, and save the additional cost of going through an Agent. I have not had a problem since. That's what I like about Progressive and Geico. Don't need an Agent as a go to, direct contact with the Insurance company saves that policy fee.

After a month, New Batteries seem to be working fine, maintaining charge, etc...... Again, thanks for all the great advice and troubleshooting assistance. One of the good things, is I now have a digital volt meter. Sure is nice when things work as intended. Again, thanks for all the help. John

Good to hear a positive come out of a negative. Here is another location where this information would be of value: http://rvservicereviews.com/

I have used a Swagman xc2 for the last 4 years. Outstanding Bike Rack, fits the Jeep Liberty Hitch. Easy to hookup, load bikes, folds up and down. We never leave home without it. Got it from Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B0001VO1YY/ref=dp_image_z_0?ie=UTF8&n=3375251&s=sporting-goods