Xplorer

Made first online reservation today, everything went smooth and within minutes received confirmation for 5 nights. Anything over 4 nights, will require one week out for the next reservation. Total cost of the reservation $0.00 The only additional charge may be when I get there and upgrade to a 50 amp site, which should be $3-5. This time of year need both AC's and the additional umph in electric power. I'll post updates as I use the Zone Pass, see how it goes. So fur, so good, yeah, I know fur......just like there's gold in them thar hills. 5 nights @ $25-$35 a night, recouped on this trip $125-$175 Reconstructed cost of Zone Pass = $267-$317 after the 5 nights. Based on the Zone Pass cost of $399 + Uncle Suga's $42 take.

That's one thing we all have in common, the best way to get it clean. What finally has worked for me, which has taken some time, accomplished a little here and a little there. On all white gelcoat areas, I have used Barkeepers friend to ensure no stains, and applied the promax red. In the last year and a half it has worked great, not yellowing, etc. All I use is protectall waterless wash when stopped, easy to keep clean, etc. The last trip accumulated alot of suicidal bugs on the front of the MH. Had to make a trip without MH and was gone for about 3 months. The bugs were then cleaned off, using the waterless wash at the house; easiest debugging I have ever done, and no bug stains or residue. After 6 years MH still looks like new, painted sections, etc. I like the MH clean and shining, but too lazy to continue wax on, wax off...\ The above works for me and I still get the 6-9 mpg,,,,you may get more or less.

I read their contract. They require automatic renewal from year to year unless they receive a letter 30 days prior to the renewal. Has anyone had an issue with cancelling before the renewal date? Does anyone have a concern about the automatic renewal requirement? The other issues seem to be similar to most, in that they can make changes, increase fees based on insurance costs, etc. Just curious if anyone has has read the contracts/requirements and have any concerns. Here is my final conversation with Thousand Trails regarding the Zone Pass LIVE CHAT Operator Maggie has joined the chat. Maggie1:12:23 PM Hello, thanks for inquiring about the Zone Camping Pass! How can I assist you today? John1:12:56 PM Once you sign up online for a zone pass, how soon do you receive your card to use for camping? Maggie1:13:31 PM Have you signed up already? John1:13:59 PM Doing some research first Maggie1:14:14 PM It should take only 30 days however I can sign you up and you may use this immediately John1:14:45 PM Is there a Thousand Trails forum? Maggie1:15:38 PM There isn't you may look on our www.thousandtrails.com site however we do have a 30 day money back or 2 night stay whichever comes first for refunds John1:16:34 PM If it takes 30 days to get the documets, what is the effective start date on the zone pass? Maggie1:17:01 PM It only takes 30 days for your cards the docs you will have immediately at sign up 1:17:10 PM You will have a member # as soon as we sign you up 1:17:34 PM Today we are offering $100 off the Pass so its only $399!! 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. 1:21:38 PM If we sign up today, all I have to pay is the $399 for the zone pass. Maggie1:26:15 PM That is correct...great deal!! John1:27:06 PM I agree, and thanks for your patience in answering my questions. Maggie1:27:08 PM John, we definately work with all of our RV'rs and know you will want to continue staying at our Parks , I would be happy to walk through this with you 1:28:31 PM Patience is my middle name amongst having teens..lol John1:28:55 PM What's our next step to work with you? Maggie1:29:29 PM I would just need to speak with you to get the information and what Zone you would like and payment. 877-610-7623 John1:29:45 PM Are you really Maggie? Maggie1:30:01 PM Yes 1:30:10 PM Last time I checked I am real John1:30:16 PM I'll call and ask for Maggie Maggie1:30:36 PM That is my direct line John The cost for the Southeast Zone was $399. However, the Gubberment does collect taxes on the purchase. Overall, with the $100 discount and less taxes on the lower purchase price, it's over $110 savings. Instead of the Gas Card, deducted the $100, which I preferred. I was going to by the Zone Pass anyway, after getting all my questions answered, along with the personal research. Helluva deal for me. If used for only the 30 days free, it's about $13 a night. If I use it for 90 days it's about $6.43 a night. For me considering the locations of the Parks, it's a good value and will probably get used more than the 90 days. If you have questions, or interested, give Maggie a call. Low Key, NO pressure. A very pleasant purchasing experience. The contract, rules, etc, can be read at the thousand trails Zone Pass website.

Used the 465LMT, traveling back from VA recently. Although I was driving the Jeep, I set it in Truck mode using an RV icon I downloaded. What I like about the 465 in truck mode. Provides warnings about being off preferred truck route. I drove into a rest area and went to the car side, and received the warning. Also, when entering a shopping area, received a warning about not being a preferred truck route. Also received notices of, truck weight and inspection locations. The traffic information was accurate when in an area receiving traffic notices. What I especially liked was the icon listing the current speed limit on the route I was traveling. On one occasion it was wrong. It posted the current speed limit to be 55, actually it was 65. An error I can live with. I believe the reason for the difference is that the current location was on the fringe of the city, and the speed may have been recently changed. Every other time in city or out, the speed logo changed almost as the exact location when the speed limit changed. I like this feature, now I don't have to ask, did you see what the last speed limit sign indicated. I did enter a height advisory, and the 465 did not indicate a warning, however, the height I set for the RV was probably below the height advisory warning. I would have liked to have had the warning anyway. The info is easily accessible. The dash mount from my previous Garmin 680 works for the 465, except the electrical connection, which is a different plug. Bluetooth was easy to activate and sound was adequate. I have Bluetooth in the Jeep, so won't use it. However, bluetooth will be used in the RV. Overall, I like the 465LMT, and the lifetime map downloads. No major negative issues with the unit after this brief trip.

Received the 465LMT on Monday, a day earlier than promised by Amazon. Setup initial locations, paired the Bluetooth to the Samsung, sound is sharp and coherent. downloaded address book automatically, outlines call history, missed calls, etc. Will take a 200 mile trip this PM, will use on auto and transfer to truck option going and returning to check differences, warnings, weight stations, etc. Interested to see performance in comparison to the previous Garmin with outdated maps. The only problem is most of the trip up and back is by interstate.....The moral of the story is don't get married and have kids, oooops, tooo late. Initial reaction, based on setting the Garmin up, and getting use to the new screen, functions, etc. is positive. Will see how and if it gets me there and back. Have to get used to the slide option of turning on and off. Downloading new updated maps, adding pictures is a breeze.,,,,,ooops lost the address book on the Garmin, back to the drawing board.

What is the latest verdict on this Garmin nuvi 465? Looking at the 465, wondering what folks are experiencing with this unit, now that it has been out for awhile.

Update on the Boat,,,,Progressive designated it a total loss. In 12 years with the boat, it was still almost in like new condition, and glad I had an agreed value on it. They hauled the boat away to Salvage yesterday on a Big Truckkkkk ,,,,,,only thing left is the $ settlement. It was a good boat & trailer, never left me stranded offshore, or alongside the road. Never needed to use Seatow or road service. I'm goin to miss it,,,,,especially when the fever hits....Now have to think about a replacement.....Most likely will go smaller.....Wonder if the DW can row fast enough to do some trolling ......

Hav'n a little fun with a bad situation. At Least he got out of his MH with his life and w/o injury. He can't be too popular with his Allstate Agent about now. Just hope Allstate makes us all whole and does the right thing in resolving the settlements. Maybe he came down to cook up a little gator tail.

We need to get a life, we have wayyyyyyyy tooooooo much time on our hands...... Race you to the Finish Line.... YOU WIN!!!!! OBTW,,,,the helmet Poleeeece are out,,,,lights flashing,,,,,sirens wailing,,,,,,,,,,quick get your helmet.......

Yahoo,,,,,No Bull!

Now, that's a lot of Bull,,, Hey, Wayne, what's that thing with the longhorns?

Update: Well, My insurance carrier, Progressive, finalizes my claim on the boat on Monday. My boat was Deemed a total loss and with an agreed value policy, my settlement works out great. Progressive handled the claim without any aggravation or glitches. They are efficient. This was my second Comprehensive claim in 10 years, both handled by Progressive with great satisfaction. Progressive discovered that the gentleman responsible for the fire, was with Allstate. He did not have insurance on his stored motorhome. However, as his truck burned also, Allstate and Progressive are discussing applying the insurance coverage on his truck to settle claims. I am not affected, as my comprehensive is with Progressive and the claims adjuster told me, no worries, as I was not at fault and they would deal with Allstate and will settle my claim with me based on my agreed value policy with them. Which is significant, and they didn't even blink. Progressive gets another A+ for Claims service. Also, my claims adjuster told me that after settling the claim on Monday to contact Progressive Policy Center and they will refund the entire annual cost of my prepaid annual boat policy to me, due to the total loss of the boat. I head to the claims office on Monday to pick up my check and sign the paperwork. As I am in another state they are expressing the papers to the closest office. Alls well that ends well for me, hope others do as well also. The End. Not even safe in storage. No one was hurt. Here's the Story: An elderly gentleman was having difficulty starting his older motorhome today while in storage. He removed the battery from his truck, installed it in the MH to start it. It almost started...well, he removed the dog house located between the seats inside the motorhome. Yep, he was pouring gas in the carburetor while trying to start the engine,,,,,POOOOOOF! Now, there may be some here that do not remember or do not know what a carburetor is,,,,,,carburetor Results of pouring gas into the carburetor,,,POOOOF! 2 Motorhomes Totaled My Boat Totalled,,,,the cuddy cabin,,,,I was told if you rub your hand along the fiber glass,,,I could fish from inside the cuddy. 1 other boat damaged, the sierra. 1 Truck,,,,,His..... He couldn't move the truck, yep, the battery... He's from Ohio, staying in a Motel.. Those Gators just won't let go of those Buckeyes.....

When it gets deep on the forums, you know it's deep, and flung far.

My Sister in Law from New York was impressed with Texas,,,,,oh, she liked the Horse too! Alamo Village, Brackettville, Texas

TexasGoodTime

See, Wayne, I keep tell'n you, it's a Dog's World out there....ya gotta watch it,,,,, Is it Purina Time, yet!,,,Come on, it's 5 o'clock somewhere,,,,,pant, pant, pant

Use to have problems with the Chassis battery. It is not charged when plugged in. I installed a bayonet disconnect, and when sitting for a few months, I disconnect it. No more problems.

A Sad time for her daughters and Ranger Husband. They are in our thoughts and prayers. http://apnews.myway..../D9S0F7NG0.html Park Ranger Margaret Anderson 34 y/o mother of two daughters.

There are 2 rules for any forum.... 1. They can do what they want,,,,, 2. They can do what they want..... Haven't been banned or received any warnings on any forum.... And,,, each forum has it's own culture,,,,people, organizations,,,,etc... They change with Time.... And,,,like people, organizations, etc..... They forget where they came from..... As for me,,,,this opinion like most is worth about the time it takes to click on Post........

Just for the Record,,,all the years I've been watching Forums,,,, I have never known either of you to Be Wrong..... You can send the Checks to the address I provided......on second thought, I don't want to appear to have a commercial interest,,,,NO CHARGE! Happy New Year!!!!!!!

Through the Spirits,,,, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Everyday use, just made a trip from Tejas to North Carolina,,,,it's been a comfortable ride. I'll use the Lib for a toad until the axles fall off. My next car will be a Jeep,,,,IF,,,,Fiat doesn't scrooge it up..... Don't expect great mileage,,,16-21 mpg.

Been towing the Jeep Liberty for the past 3 years,,,,,will never leave home without it. Towing capacity of the 08 Lib is 5k pounds, comfortable, 4 wheel, fun to drive and plenty of room, 4200lbs. Seems to me it was designed for RV'n...

I am always looking for sites to make life easier on the RV Road. ebenefits does what it says. As I am also registered with ehealthevet through the VA, and had my account with the VA personally authenticated, I was able to use ebenefits to migrate my VA information into ebenefits, where I can monitor va comp, change direct deposit accounts, access some prior service military information, etc... What is eBenefits? eBenefits is a portal; a central location for Veterans, Service Members, and their families to research, find, access, and, in time, manage their benefits and personal information. eBenefits offers: A personalized workspace called My Dashboard that provides quick access to eBenefits tools. Using eBenefits tools, you can complete various tasks. You can apply for benefits, download your DD 214, view your benefits status, in addition to other actions as needed. This workspace is available to you once you have created an eBenefits account A catalog of links to other sites that provide information about military and Veteran benefits http://www.ebenefits...benefits.portal I came across ebenefits by accident doing research on the VA ehealthevet site. I was researching how to have va comp sent to a different bank and account when I discovered ebenefits. It works for me, as I was able to update address, email, and comp info, as well as research VA history, etc. Again, the site works for me. Pay.gov allows me to make copayments online with the VA. In the past, it was done through the mail. I have been using pay.gov for the past year. What is Pay.gov? Pay.gov can be used to make secure electronic payments to Federal Government Agencies. Payments can be made directly from your bank account or by credit/debit card. http://www.pay.gov/paygov/ As with all government business, I had to closely read, and follow directions for registering. There are support resources for questions, and both sites, have worked for me. I found out about the pay.gov site by accident when talking to a VA Billing rep, who referred me to the site to make va copayments online. Other federal agencies are aligned with this website. Thought other Vets not aware of these sites may find some value in them as well. Merry Christmas Salute To All.....

Here is an rv fire investigation pdf file discussing RV Fire Investigations. It has a couple of pictures, but the one I found most interesting was an xray picture of the back of the fridge. To me it was interesting reading. http://cjbfire.com/ManSample.pdf It doesn't discuss traveling with the propane on or off. That said, when we stop for and extended time, I use a soap/water solution in a spray bottle whenever I use the extend a stay with an auxiliary propane tank. The main reason is if a connection is not complete, threads compromised, I want to know it before it goes bang. Connecting and disconnecting hoses causes wear and I feel better knowing I don't have a leak at the main connection or at the auxiliary tank. Also, I will use the water/soap solution once a year to check other propane connections in the back of the fridge, furnace, stove, and any other location I can find gas fittings. I keep a small spray bottle in the bay next to the permanent propane tank, and I do use it. I sleep a lot better. I have RV'd since 76, yea, I know that's in the last century and have had 8 RV's....I have always traveled with propane and refrigerator on. The Desert can get HOT. Refueling, I always err on the side of caution. Fuels pumps are equipped with anti-explosion devices. That may not mean that fumes while fueling couldn't contribute to a vehicle explosion. Many states now require the rubber ring around the pump nozzle which does not allow the escape of fumes. I always fuel using an outside pump, even with the propane off, and propane devices on my RV are located on the opposite side away from the fuel spout. A number of the recent explosions involving homes and neighborhoods is most likely as a result of natural gas leaks that have gone undetected. Doing gas line surveys, there are many, many gas leaks, most which are harmless, but others can be very dangerous. I'm not advocating one way or the other, folks have to use their own judgement and be comfortable with their decisions. Rv's that I have actually seen burned have been as a result of electrical/battery issues, some sitting at an Rv site in a camground. Traveling through tunnels, etc, there are usually signs that prohibit RV's with propane. Some require the propane to be off. Some even provide escorts. If it's illegal to drive with propane on or off, generally, there should be a sign prohibiting it. Hope this helps, differing opinions can be confusing, and overwhelming in making a decision. Remember, the decision is yours. You have to be comfortable with what you decide to do. After thought,,,,Do propane/natural gas powered vehicles drive with the propane/gas on?