DoggyDaddy

I just had to replace my toad as it was totaled courtesy of unlicensed and uninsured 18 year old illegal with CA ID Card. Fortunately my insurance covered some cost for my vehicle. I am still in process of doing the conversion to my Frontier. There are two primary tow bar sources to choose from; Blue Ox and RoadMaster. Then it is a matter of selection. Then there are two different braking systems for the toad that go under the hood; SMI Air Force One (Air) and SMI Duo Vacuum Assisted. I found the prices thru E-Bay and Amazon.com offered a great savings over getting tow bars, Brackets and braking system from a RV/Truck Dealer/Manufacturer. I prefer coated coiled safety cables over chain cause of weight and rust. Wiring cable is also coil cable with plug that matches the RV. Tow Bar w/brackets can be $1,200 +/- and the braking system about $1,600.00 installed. I expect to stay within my budget of $3K.

I looked and examined them at an RV Rally. We all bought or RV's for comfort and looks. If MPG was your primary consideration in a RV, you'd be driving a VW Van with pop-up top. They are ugly, difficult to wash and wax. Since I added anti-sway bars and rear trac bar, wind from passing big rigs is no longer a factor. I figure I can save more then 1/10 MPG by maintaining my tire pressure, watching my speed and reducing weight wherever I can.

Ground has just been broken for a Vietnam Veterans Memorial at College of the Ozarks (near Branson) in MO. Your help is NEEDED if YOU or a friend knows someone from Missouri whose Name is on the Vietnam Wall? Needed is a contact person for each KIA, before the dedication each contact person whether it is a relative or friend will be notified prior to the Vietnam Memorial dedication with an invitation to attend the dedication ceremonies . If you know of someone that lost their life in Vietnam please send their contact information to: Paul Frampton, VFW MO Dept Inspector so they may be notified. You can mail it to Paul Frampton at 105 Southview Dr.. Branson Mo. 65616 Or send him an email at plframpton543@msn.com. Time is of the essence and the need is great. Pictures, drawings and more: http://vfwmo.org/mo-vfw-news/vietnam-veterans-memorial-at-college-of-the-ozarks/

As we know camera systems vary in quality, color, monitor size, lenses [wide angle, narrow, mirror] and other options. I have six hard wired cameras on my RV that are monitored independently. My monitor is 7" and in color. Both side cameras work automatically with the turn signals and alone if desired. Both nose cameras that cover the front and corners of the RV are great in negotiating tight turns and objects in the blind zone. The indoor camera is like a rear view mirror allowing me to look behind me to talk with someone or look to see if a cabinet or refrig opened. The rear camera is flush mount and gives a180 degree view left and right, moves up over the tow vehicle and down to the hitch by a simple button. My camera system is by Total Vision. Photos of the cameras installed on my Outlaw are at the bottom of this site. http://www.totalvisionproducts.com/products/RV.html . These cameras have saves me their cost and more. RV accidents usually begin in the thousands plus an increase of insurance premiums, hotel expenses, lost time, and give you memories and something for your DW to remind you of.

I have a Damon Outlaw Class A Toy Hauler. I moved the exterior b&w rear camera to inside the garage to view my Harley. I added a 7 inch color monitor and a Total Vision camera system. Wiring traveled thru the firewall to the rear and up the rear behind the tail and brake lights to the cap at the roof. Now I have a back up camera that tilts and moves side to side 180 degree view. http://totalvision.qwestoffice.net/ I also have side camera mounted in the mirrors, nose cameras, and on inside like a rear view camera. The cost of a qualifty camera system is less than the body & paint repairs of a OOPs.

In CA there is a 4 second rule and sign requirement of photo camera. While out of my licensed state, a camera caught what could/could not be me and my vehicle in Tucson AZ going over the speed limit. I received a photo and a letter by regular mail saying "this is not a bill" but asking if I knew who the operator and could identify the vehicle, and was asked to call a telephone number or website. I did neither, no self incrimination here or trail back to be on purpose or accident.

I have a 08 Damon Outlaw - Class A Toy Hauler, with a Ultra Classic Harley in the back.

In dealing with Progressive Ins dragging their feet, You might consider contacting the State Insurance Commissioner who controls the license for Progressive to operate within the State.

Some engines have computer chips in them that record information that may be of interest.

Time to read the small print in the contract between you and the motorhome rental company. Some people have a fear of flying and drive long distances in short periods of time. In the United States I do not know of any place you can rent a truck or an RV for more than one day that offers an unlimited milage option. For example: Cruise America RV Rentals applies an estimated mileage charge to all rentals. The charge will be a per night charge based on 100 miles for a local rental and 250 miles for a one-way rental. The rate is 32¢ per mile. At the end of the rental you will be refunded for any excess mileage charges, or be charged at the rate of 32¢ for additional miles in excess of the estimated mileage. Cruise America does reserve the right to modify the estimated mileage charge based on the type of rental. In Canada, the nightly charge will be 160 kilometers for a local rental and 400 kilometers for a one-way rental. The rate is 32¢ per km. Road Bear Rv Rentals offers a "500-Mile Packages" for the motorhomes to be purchased and prepaid in any number at $190 each to suit the individual travel needs. No additional mileage packages will be sold at time of vehicle pick-up and additional miles driven are payable at a rate of $0.39 per mile plus local sales tax, due upon vehicle return.

I know of the ROVER which will break down and ride on the back of a Jeep or any vehicle with a receiver.

It appears the RV Dealer failed to inspect the water system prior to or at time of sale which most likely they documented doing so and provided you a copy. I would put it back in the hands of the dealer if he is still in business ASAP for 100% inspection of testing of the system under pump and shore water keeping in mind other options. Have you contacted Coachmendirect?

I ordered and installed my Clean Dump system months ago. Top of the line and made in the USA. It is a permanent system and it is great. I still keep the old 3-inch stinky slinky as a backup and in case a fellow RVer needs to borrorw it.

If a pet does NOT exit an RV for a walk, I would not declare the animal as a pet. This includes birds, rabbits, and other critters that remain in cages if and when outdoors.