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banditrider776@gmail.com

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Posts posted by banditrider776@gmail.com

  1. Posted · Report reply

    We would like to go into Mexico to Baja and then to San Carlos entering in from Tucson. Has anyone had any experiences with safety or warnings?

    We traveled to mexico last year, no problems other than that part at the border.. Too many people there. Loved it way down in Hermasillo.

    :rolleyes:

  3. Posted · Report reply

    I entered the U.S. Army in 1969 and retired from the Air National Guard in 1990. After retiring I went to work for the U.S. Air Force as a Quality Assurance Specialist at Boeing. After a number of reorganizations, mergers, and finally an agency designation I retired from contract management in 2007. Wife's name is Pat. This poor woman had the misfortune to marry me in 1973 while living in Germany with her parents. She followed me around from post to post until we finally endinged up in Nebraska where she attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney receivng a BS in Education. Pat was hired by the school district in Concordia, Kansas. After one year she followed me down to Wichita where I hired on with the Kansas Air National Guard as an aircraft technician, Phase Inspection. She was hired to teach special education in Rose Hill and did this for four years, she then went to work for Rose Hill Schools teaching fith grade. She has since taught third, fourth, and ninth grade earning a Teacher of the Year award in the process. Pat will be able to retire when I hit the lottery or 2012, which ever occurs first. Now Mike wants to take Pat all over the country in a motorhome. After I retired we bought a 2000 40' Beaver Contessa motorhome and started seriously making plans to fulltime in it.

  5. Posted · Report reply

    I am in the market for a used 2007 Country Coach Affinity. I have found one for a decent price, but am wondering about them. The only reviews I have read are negative. Can anyone help?

    Welcome to FMCA and the forum. I to looked at the Country Coach, didn't much care for the dealer though so I bought a Beaver instead. If this coach is close by go take a look and try out all the systems, drive it around town and on the freeway. Then get yourself an RV inspector to really look it over.

    What kind of deal are they offering? Are they going to do a complete PDI? Are they going to fix the problems they find? If you're out in the western part of the country I can recommend these folks:

    http://www.rvsurvey.com/

    I used an inspector listed on the website and was, and still am, happy with the service I received.

    Happy trails.

  6. Posted · Report reply

    We want to pick up a good road atlas, but also want one that's the most up-to-date and useful. The FMCA store road Atlas & Travel Guide looks great, but indicates its 2008? Also, is the 2009 RVer's Friend worth purchasing? Thanks.

    Greg and Diana, On our 1st real adventure

    I'd recommend one of these.

    http://store.randmcnally.com/category/road...s%27+atlases.do

    In this one you will get bridge clearances, restricted routes (propane), and much more. It's worth the money, I have one and use it extensively.

  7. Posted · Report reply

    Haven't done that one. My coach has a position on the switch that leaves the step out when the engine isn't running and closes it when the door is closed and the engine is running. Otherwise the step will be going in and out every time the door is opened and closed.

  8. Posted · Report reply

    My son:

    CHRISTOPHER MINER - Runner | Bib 6859 | STAFFORD, VA - USA | Male|

    Age 45 <http://live.activeresult.com/my_runners.tcl?id=35&bib=6859>

    Start 5K 10K 15K 20K

    8:05:39AM 00:27:50 00:54:30 01:20:53 01:47:16

    Half 25K 30K 35K Finish

    01:53:08 02:14:52 02:41:16 03:07:45 03:49:34

    Time Chip Time: 03:49:34 Clock Time: 3:53:12 Pace: 8:45

    Place Overall: 3087 Gender: 2444 Division:

    He done gooder. Pass along my congrats for a good finish.

  11. Posted · Report reply

    MIke,

    This is directly from the Texas Drivers License book, and is based on Texas Transportation Code (Section 521)

    "1. Class A driver license permits a person to drive any vehicle or combination

    of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or

    more, provided the gross vehicle weight rating of the vehicle(s) being towed

    is in excess of 10,000 pounds; including a vehicle included in Class B or

    Class C, except a motorcycle or moped."

    As I read the above, I interpret the paragraph as such: ...any vehicle or combination..... with a gross combination rating of 26,001 pounds...provided that the towed vehicle is 10,000 pounds or more. So the statement "any vehicle," and my interpretation is any single vehicle weighing 26,001 pounds or more requires at least a class A, but only if the towed vehicle is 10,000 pounds or more. If the towed vehicle is less than 10,000 pounds then the next paragraph applies.

    "2. Class B driver license permits a person to drive the following vehicles,

    except a motorcycle or moped:

    a. a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001

    pounds or more, and any such vehicle towing either a vehicle with a

    gross vehicle weight rating that does not exceed 10,000 pounds, or a

    farm trailer with a gross vehicle weight rating that does not exceed

    20,000 pounds;

    b. a bus with a seating capacity of 24 passengers or more, including the

    driver; and

    c. a vehicle included in Class C."

    Let's rule out b. or c. as non-applicable for recreational use. In para. 2.a. - a single unit vehicle with a goss vehicle weight rating of 26,001 punds or more. That pretty much says it all in a nutshell that a Class B license is required for any single vehicle that weights 26,001 pounds or more. (in Texas) Since the vast majority of towed vehicles for recreational purposes are less than 10,000 pounds, most licenses for a RV weighing 26,001 pounds, and a TOAD less than 10,000 pounds would require a Class B license. (In Texas) If your prime mover is 26,001 pounds and the TOAD weighs 10,000 pounds you would need the higher license, Class A. (In Texas)

    Let us not forget that the only law is what is written in the state's law books and not a magazine or other publication. Also, those clerks that sit in the driver license bureau are just clerks and most that I have talked to when quoting the above regulations have to go and find an inspector for an answer.

    Anyhow, everything is up to interpretation. Should a situation arise that one finds themselves in a court of law then the lawyers and judges will hash it all out. I know that I am covered for any non-commercial vehicle, other than a school bus, that is on the highway. (Even motorcycle - which I don't ride anymore)

    Happy trails. Stay safe.

    So, we agree.

  13. Posted · Report reply

    Hello to everyone from a couple of greenhorns from High Point, N.C. We have just recently, within the last two months, bought our first motorhome: a 2008 Winnebago Tour. We pulled a camper for a short time before we took the plunge and bought the coach. My lovely wife just fell in love with the motorhome life and now wants to go full-time when she retires in a couple of years.

    We have made some great friends in the last month or so, some of them our neighbors who have motorhomes. Our travels to date have been confined to the Carolinas, but soon we hope to extend our range and go to other parts of the country. We look forward to seeing many of you in the future.

    Sorry about taking so long to welcome you here. WELCOME.

    May our travels bring us together.

  14. Posted · Report reply

    Hello. We are new Tiffin Phaeton motor home members. Just wanted to say hello. Headed back to Phoenix, with stops in Minden, Nev., and probably more places in between. Never know where we might get the bug to stop. Most of our decisions are good-food based. Just left Newport and Florence, Ore., and what great fish restaurants.

    Food is good.

    Welcome to the forum and FMCA.

    May our travels bring us together.

  15. Posted · Report reply

    Please note that there are no exemptions for standard Class A, B, or C licenses in the section I mentioned above, only for CDL.

    Also note that a Class A or B license is only required if the primary move is 26,001 pounds or greater, and the Class A is predicated on the fact that a towed vehicle will weigh 10,000 pounds or more, and a Class b is predicated on a towed vehicle being less than 10,000 pounds. I would say that the majority of towed vehicles being towed are less than 10,000 pounds so if your coach is 26,001 pounds you would need at least a Class B license to drive it, towing or not towing.

    I had some time this evening.

    Happy trails.

    As I read the requirements for the Class 'A' I found that the prime mover (tow vehicle) and the towed (trailer) combined must exceed 26,001lbs "and" the towed (trailer) must exceed 10,000lbs. If the combination does not exceed 26,001lbs the towed (trailer) can weigh 20,000lbs and if the prime mover does not exceed 6,001lbs you do not have to get either a Class 'A' or 'B' since the combination does not exceed the 26,001lbs weight limit. For a motorhome that weighs 26,001lbs or more you are required to get a Class 'B', but if you hook up a towed (trailer) that exceeds 10,000lbs you must have a Class 'A' license.

  16. Posted · Report reply

    Susan and Charles,

    Someone else should be along with more information, but here is my take on it. Those "resorts" that take Class A only motorhomes will typically post those restrictions on their web site. You can search on the words: "motorhome only resort" and get several results.

    I have not seen a campground that restricts usage to only high-end motorhomes, like Prevost. After all, how many high-end users are traveling near those "resorts" and wish to spend the night. Although there may be many, many high-end coaches, the possibility that a "resort" would have enough staying there to support their system would be far and few between. And who would make the list of the cutoff for allowing a coach to stay? Who would make the determination of what a "high-end" motorhome would be?

    I, as you most likely are, am as proud of my motorhome as the next person. I hold no envy for what others have. I'm not sure I would frequent campgrounds that would only allow high-end motorhomes. , like you, have many acquaintances and friends that have fifth-wheels. I would not want to stay where they were not welcome also.

    With that said, I have seen campgrounds that specifically state nothing over 10 years old. Even then, people have sent pictures and have received an exception. There are many vintage RVs that are as close to being in the same shape as when they were purchased new.

    When in doubt, call and ask specific questions. The worse you can get for asking is a "No!"

    One of my sayings is: "It doesn't matter what you camp in, you will be having just as much fun."

    Isn't it great that that sort of thing isn't done at Cherry Point or Ft. Huachuca or Holloman AFB??? And the price is a lot better.

  17. Posted · Report reply

    The tanks are 45 gallons each with a 75 gallon fresh water tank. It is a 2008 38' Georgetown motorhome. I would like for info like that to show up on my post like yours and other members but I haven't figured out how yet. I really appreciate all the info I get from this forum. Thanks to all who share their knowledge. ccmsm

    Go to "my controls." Then find edit signature. You will find a box to put almost anything you want in. Click on submit and the sig should show up right above the box.

    Personal Profile

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    nav_m_dark.gifEdit Personal Portal Information

    nav_m_dark.gifEdit 'About Me' page

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    Oops, it didn't show the box.

  18. Posted · Report reply

    This is what happens when you tow your toad at 60 MPH in first gear. Checklists really do save time and $$$. This happened in Arizona outside Sierra Vista (Ft. Huachuca) on our way to Mexico. Got in a hurry and didn't check the gear shift or steering, or anything else inside. Got about 1/2 mile out of town. Took three months to fix and about $14,000, my share was $500. :rolleyes:

    100_0120.jpg

    Anyone else have a story they wouldn't mind sharing?

  19. Posted · Report reply

    I think the willingness of the State Truck Enforcement Division/DOT to weigh has less to do with the state than the individual you talk with and how it is presented.

    Asking the "head guy" if you can bring your coach to THEIR LOCATION at the beginning or end of a shift change to get individual wheel position weights usually gives positive results. Most are impressed that someone is interested in operating their coach safely.

    Brett Wolfe

    Since have had LEO experience in both Nebraska and Kansas I knew that this was done for the public. In my example for Kansas I talked to the local State Patrol office who refered me, by phone transfer, to the folks that do the weight enforcement. They told me they would be happy to come to my house and do the weight, and they did. They log it as a public service. The guy that came out told me he wished more people would take advantage of this service. I was also advised to not go into the scales as they don't have time to deal with folks who are not familiar with it. It couldn't hurt to give the weight enforcement folks a call and see what their take is.

  20. Posted · Report reply

    So where do you live GreenBeaver? Tell us all what state gives such great service! We'll all have to stop there and get weighed when we go through!

    Sorry for taking so long. :rolleyes: I currently live in Kansas. I have had the DOT enforcement folks do weights for me in Nebraska (NDOT) and Kansas (part of the Highway Patrol). I think most states do it as a public service, they do in NE and KS. I would give them a call and find out, couldn't hurt. I do know that most states do not want you crossing the fixed scales, there are probably some exceptions, since you would more than likely hold up the trucks trying to get through. I know that Kansas doesn't want RVs doing that.

    :)

  22. Posted · Report reply

    Hi. This is my first post (I just joined your site a short while ago). I did a search in the forums for this topic, but couldn't find anything on it, so I'm posting this.

    I am purchasing a Class A motorhome from a dealer. Although it is a 2008 model, it has not been sold before (other than to the dealer). The dealer is pushing an extended warranty as well as something called an Environmental Protection Plan. Basically, this involves a Teflon "Scotchguard" type application on the interior and some type of applied chemical (also Teflon based) on the exterior to provide "UV protection and original factory luster" for seven years. The price for all this $1,795 ($1,095 for just the exterior).

    I'm skeptical. My wife and I feel we can take care of any interior treatments ourselves; however, the exterior treatment as described to me is beyond my capabilities.

    What do you think? Is there any value in this? I figure if I keep it washd and waxed and use a cover when feasible, I should be OK. Nonetheless, I don't claim to be an expert, so your input would be appreciated.

    Thanks,

    Mike

    One last thing. I'd be very careful about using a cover on the RV. Any cover will cause chafing of the paint in areas where it is loose and moves or flaps. I think there are as many negatives as positives to using covers. (Quoted from TBUTLER)

    I would like to add my second to his motion. I did the cover thing last winter, not good. My awning has a spinnythingy that senses wind speed and retracts the awning. Well, I still have the thingy but the spinny is gone. Replacement cost??? $298 + installation. That and the cover was shredded from a winter of Kansas winds.

  24. Posted · Report reply

    Military Campgrounds are a great option and opportunity for those of us who have military ID Cards.

    Eligibility and authorized users includes Active duty, Retirees, Reserve, Dependents, 100% DAV, Unremarried surviving spouses of personnel who died while on active duty or while on retired status.

    Some military campgrounds do allow "sponsored guests." When allowed, your guest is allowed to stay in the campground with their own RV. Rules vary for allowing guests, and guests usually pay more than the military rate. It's best to check directly with the military campground(s) you're interested in to find out any special rules for guests.

    A bonus of being on a military base is the savings in purchasing fuel and access to MWR discount coupons & packages for local area and sites, etc., PX, BX, commissaries, clubs, pools, theaters, and eating establishments.

    Here is a good list to go by:

    http://old.armymwr.com/portal/travel/paths/

    And here is a good one for reviews of those campgrounds:

    http://www.militarycampgrounds.us/

    Some campgrounds allow DoD civilians (of the branches) to use the facilities.

  25. Posted · Report reply

    This look like a typical off road light. They have them at WalMart, Autozone, O'Rileys, NAPA or you might try your local 4X4 Off Road accessories Store. If all else fails try looking at J.C. Whitney. Hope this helps.

    Hadn't thought of those since they are usually chrome with metal housings. Good catch.

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