akadeadeye

We tow a Toyota Sienna (the widest and heaviest of the two), and a Buick Rivera. Don

We have a Master Tow 80HD. We needed the width of 80 inches for one of our cars. We tried some others but they were too narrow. Something to think about. See if your car fits so there is sufficient room between the car and the fender of the dolly or you will have some body damage on some sharp turns. We are happy with our Master Tow. However, I had to change the bias tires for radials as the bias were wearing very unevenly and I have had a brake job after only about 8,000 miles. The pads are thin but this is common among dollys I am told. We have surge brakes. I have to say that I am impressed with the quality of our dolly. It is very well made. Don

There are lots of great tips here. If I were you I would make a long list of things you think you need to know and go to a Class A dealer, tell them you would like to pay for a few hours of their time to teach you some things about the various systems, etc. It would be like the orientation when you buy a new motorhome (PDI). We did this since we were short on time when at the dealer originally. Don

I am not familiar with the length of a gas coach behind the rear axle but our pusher (mid-engine) is 14 feet. Don

Herman is correct about the length and "swing out". That extra 8 feet will take some getting used to because it can clip fuel pumps, stop signs, etc. if you are unaware. Don

We have a Newmar but no kitchen slide. Some good friends have a Dutch Aire with a kitchen slide and have had no problems. Don

We are planning a trip which includes southwestern Colorado. I have heard pros and cons about Highway 550 from Durango and beyond toward Silverton and Montrose. Some people with big rigs like ours say the shear drop offs are too much for them to handle. Is it that bad? Also, is early September too early to catch the Aspen Fall colors? Don

We have been to both the South Rim (stayed at Trailer Village RV Park in the Park), and the North Rim. Both are wonderful. If I were to choose just one it would definitely be the South Rim. Have fun. You are planning too much in my opinion but you can adjust as you go. If you keep to your schedule you will be rushed to get to the next place without fully enjoying the place you just left. Been there, done that. Have fun. It is great you are going to have a memorable family vacation. Hope your name isn't Griswald! Don

Brett is correct, and that area of I 10 that will make you stutter is around Lafayette. We were in the area for Mardi Gras. Don

When a salesman starts offering free steak dinners it's time to run out of the dealership before you get food poisoning!

I agree that the maintenance issue is not a Class A versus any other type. ALL RV's will have a maintenance issue from time to time. They are "condos" on wheels. There will be some issues, the vast majority of which will be minor and easily corrected. Think squeeky door, rattling window shades, stubborn door latch, etc. In our experience most of the issues on a new RV will appear in the first year and once taken care of probably will not keep appearing. The advice to keep the trips short and easy at first is well founded so that the "kinks" can be ironed out while near a good RV tech or a handyman. Some up-front insurance is to be sure you buy a reputable brand with EXCELLENT customer service. This is essential when a problem does crop up and you are on the road and need advice. We have used the Newmar customer service line several times, even after warranty expired, and the service and advice was accurate, prompt, and there were even unexpected follow-up phone calls to be sure we were OK. If we paid a few more dollars for Newmar quality, so be it. A few other brands have a similar reputation. I am only familiar with our brand since this is the only motorhome we have owned. Good luck in your search and don't worry about your parents. They will be fine and they will have the time of their lives. Don

We have a 2009 Allstar mid engine but it is not a toy hauler. Don

Must be a different RV park than the Oak Grove in Branson. This one is not on the lake and no golf course. Thanks for replying though. http://www.oakgrovervpark.com/

I get my inspection at my RV supply and repair store. They charge $14.50 which is the same amount as our other vehicles. Don

I think that is a good idea. Don

I guess I agree that what you did might be a little intrusive. "Advance detective work" might seem innocent enough and your intentions were good but few people expect to be greeted by name by a total stranger and they would have to wonder (these days) how in the world you came by that information and what are you going to do with it. On the other hand I think they over reacted by retreating into their "cave". I would have asked you how the heck you knew my name. The whole experience does make one wonder about displaying the FMCA number since there is a directory available to look up your name, then google your address, etc. etc. Hmmmmmmmm......... Don

I have read on a couple of forums about the "fix" for the module red light coming on and shutting down the frig. That is what it is supposed to do if there is a dangerous condition. Now, I know there have been many instances where the module has malfunctioned and has been replaced. But, why would you want to take a chance with magnetizing, or wiring around the module, etc., if it is there to try to protect you from burning up? Just shut it down and get it fixed. Don

Anyone stay at Oak Grove RV Park? Don

We are planning a trip to Branson, MO in late September/Early October. I grew up near Branson but never dreamed I would someday need a place to park a motorhome. Any RV park recommendations would be appreciated. Thank you. Don

Camping World, Walmart, most Auto Parts Stores, RV service centers, on-line.

Thanks for the input. It seems like a good backroad alternative to the Interstate which we like. Don

Is anyone familiar with Highway 9 which runs along the border through Columbus, NM? It intersects with Highway 80 south to Douglas, AZ where you can travel on to Tombstone and Tucson. Are Highway 9 and Highway 80 good roads for motorhomes? Google Earth Street View shows it to be a two lane road with no shoulder. Is it like that all the way? Thanks Don

Thanks to all for the replies. Met with builder and engineer today and the problem is solved. Will install a trench drain with heavy metal grates which will allow the clearance to come up 3 inches from 1 inch which is fine. Herman, that would be easier but I have a sewer dump installed and water and electrical hookup on the driver side in the garage so backing in is my only option if I want to use the "facilities". Don

Brett, With that in mind, does it matter that everything will be 5 inches higher when the concrete is poured, or does the same problem follow the elevation? Right now the hitch receiver is about 2 inches below the garage floor level as shown in the photo. Do I gain 5 inches after the pour or does the same problem just shift upward? Don

Brett, the door is high enough. 14 feet. We are 12' 10". The issue is that with the current slope down from the garage apron to a low point before it starts sloping up again to the house the rear bottoms out on the garage door apron. They are exploring moving the low drainage point from where it is now (about 1 1/2 ft. behind the rear wheels as shown in the photo) to about 1 1/2 ft. in front of the rear wheels so that I bottom out and then start climbing toward the garage door opening. I am thinking we can eliminate most of the slope down from the garage door by installing a trench drain, thereby having more of a leveling effect instead of a low point dip. Depending on where that low point dip is, without a trench drain I am concerned that while we have have solved the trailer hitch/rear end issue, we may create a front bumper issue. Or, I may just not be seeing it like others. That is the input I need. Thank you for your reply. There is a better side view photo I could supply but it is over the limit in size for this forum. Don