eric@babin.com

I was not aware. Where might a guy like me find such a thing?

I was curious as to about how much diesel my Onan 10000 RVQD used. I finally got a chance to run the numbers. Usually, since it uses the same fuel tank as the diesel engine, I really could not judge how much the generator used. This past weekend I ran the generator for 80 hours, with only 31 miles between fill ups. Doing the math, the generator used 1/2 gallon of diesel per hour. (under semi-heavy load on average) With diesel running about 3.10/gallon where we've been, that makes it about $1.55 per hour to run the generator, plus maintenance. So, including maintenance (oil, oil filter, air filter) every 250 hours we're looking at like almost $2.00 per hour... (really about $1.90)…. so, if you run your generator for the entire day, about $45. Is this about what others have been experiencing?

Each year we "Karavan to the Keys" the 3rd weekend in October from just outside San Antonio! We party in Floresville TX Oct 19th then head to Key West making stops in Kemah TX, Henderson LA, Gulf Shores AL, Kissimmee FL, and Miami FL before we hit Key West for Meeting of the Minds! If you like live music, travel, and the tropical laid back lifestyle this caravan is for you! See the schedule here: https://donnybrewer.com/karavan/

I'll check them out. Thank you. I wish prices were still that low!

I'm going having a cover for my RV built in Pipe Creek TX. I do NOT want one of those cheap looking metal covers..... I'd love to see some of the things FMCA members have done that is useful and that looks nice. If you could include the cost of what you have pictured, and maybe break it down to how much the "pad" (drive/concrete etc) cost and the cost of the actual structure. Lastly, if there is some one you could recommend in the north west San Antonio area (Pipe Creek, Banders etc) that would also be very helpful.

I went with EEZTire….. seems to be working fine.... one thing of note though.... they come with 3 spare batteries.... of the 8 sensors, 5 had dead batteries. I contacted EEZTire and they are shipping 5 new batteries at no charge.

Texas Custom Coaches in Pipe Creek can do service work and PMs. Carl can tell you about tires there. What brand of tires are you looking for. Have you looked at FMCAs Michelint/Continental program? Herman Good news.... it seems Texas Custom Coach CAN do everything on my list.... not sure why I was told otherwise when I called. I must have miscommunicated somehow????? and.... dang it... yet, I should have said North WEST, not EAST of SA. Appointment made for October 8th!

When I owned a 2017 Pace Arrow I had that exact same problem. Every 20 seconds, they'd go out for about a second and a half. I never got it fixed.... I traded the coach in.... but, from the research I did it could very well be the fact that Fleetwood switched to LED lights in the dash cluster but did not do it correctly.... by that I mean, LED from what I am told, requires a very stable voltage.... if it's not just right, the lights will go off.... or something to that affect. I think there may be a recall for this issue.

I searched this forum but couldn't find a good TST vs EEZTire comparison... maybe I missed it. I'm looking at the TST: https://www.amazon.com/Truck-Systems-Technology-Pressure-Flow-Thru/dp/B07FKWPHZF/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1534611913&sr=8-1&keywords=tst+8+sensor#customerReviews and the EEZTire: https://www.amazon.com/EEZTire-Tire-Pressure-Monitoring-System/dp/B009BFOHRC/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1534611750&sr=8-13&keywords=eeztire I'm having trouble figuring out which may be best for me. Safety is the main concern. We have 2014 Itasca Ellipse 42. Any input would be appreciated.

Yes.... didn't consider that could be a problem until searching for GFCI for an hour. It was quite strange.... 7 volts was coming through on L1. Agreed. Time for an investment to be made.

OK... seems the park power was missing a hot line.

I have a 2014 Itasca Ellipse (Winnebago Tour) 42QD. The dishwasher and the dryer have no power. Both have a 15amp circuit breaker, and the breakers are side by side. Both are NOT tripped. I reset to verify. My guess is that a GFCI circuit it tripped. I have found 2 of these. One is in the 1/2 bath, the other is in the master bath. There must be a third one. Where the heck is it? I've searched the operator's manual but it is very vague as to the location of the outdoor GFCI.

They can do the oil change... but nothing else.... (check why coach is pulling right and front right suspension is soft)

OK... Freightliner Austin will not make an appointment and says it would be 2-3 days before they could look at it. I even explained that we don't need an appointment until October and that we live in the RV full time. That doesn't work for us. We must be able to make appointment and have them look at it that day.... we can't drop it and wait for them to "get around to it". Any recommendations for someplace that can look at a Freightliner chassis RV for pulling, soft suspension on one side, new tires, and oil change that will make an appointment so I know they'll look at it the same day we drop it off. (in the San Antonio, Austin area)

I have looked at the FMCA tire program. Michelin would be great, but I've also heard Toyo is great and although not part of the FMCA plan can be less expensive. Regarding Texas Custom Coaches.... I'll give them a call for an appointment. Thank you. -Eric

I'm looking for recommendation for chassis work for Freightliner. (2014 Itasca Ellipse / Winnebago Tour) I need to have air suspension looked at (the right front side seems to be soft) Also will need oil change etc. Needs to be near Pipe Creek / Bandera TX (just north east of San Antonio). We will also need a full set of tires. Long wait for appointment not a huge issue.... we won't be there until early October.

Awesome. Thank you!

This is on our door to our 2014 Itasca Ellipse 42qd. The round thingy is able to go up, but is in the down position in this picture. The little plastic thing on door is cracked and I hope it stays in place until I'm able to replace. I'm just wondering what this does so if I get some sort of alarm I know it's because this broke. Picture 2167 (top) is the thingy attached to the door.... 2166 (middle) is the thingy that is on the door frame, and is able to move up, but stays in down position when door is closed... I don't know when it goes up. Picture 2170 (bottom) is wide shot of both.

OK.... I'm going to join PP. Who wants to be my referral? I'll need your member number to list you as a referral.

I know there is a couple folks that are in the Pipe Creek TX (Bandera / N.W. San Antonio area). We'll be making that area our "home base" soon (we still travel full time). I'm looking to schedule a full set of new tires for our 2014 Itasca Ellipse 42qd. I see using the FMCA / advantage program there is a place in Hondo called "Tire and Wheel Connection". It appears they accept this program. Any of you that have dealt with them? Their shop looks pretty small by looking online at it. Can they handle a 42' Class A? I'm also looking for recommendations for engine oil change in that area..... target date for tires and service is first 1/2 of October. Thanks in advance!

True..... I have sat through one of those before.... when the sales person came out with the "$8,000" price I replied.... "so, I pay that now and I'm good to go for life? I never have to pay anything again?" He says "pretty much... you just pay the annual fee of $585 and that's it". I replied, "wait, I pay $8k of front and still have to pay what I'm paying now annually?" He stopped the sales pitch at that point and let me go on about my day.... I know the $8k gives you longer stays, and more advance reservations... but, for that money, I'd expect to never have to pay an annual fee....

We've stayed at the Lake Conroe park.... we did have a good experience there. We are now at a state park.... Sweetwater Summit.... VERY NICE compared to TT down the road... and only $33/night with full hoo ups / 50 amp. AND.... we actually have cellphone service!

I have heard of the "Elite" contract... and yes... it's difficult to keep track of what contracts are available.... It seems they offer different contracts almost daily. I have the cheapest contract there is.... not sure what it is called, but it's the 14day max (over 4 days, must stay out 7). Reserve up to 60 days out. Also, regarding not reserving exact amps, hook ups etc.... yes, you are probably correct.... it just seems I remember reserving 50 amp etc but could very well be wrong.... I'll take that part out of my letter...… I guess is what I need to consider is if I can't be guaranteed a 50amp, the membership is useless to me. Time to give it some thought!

Very true.... most are good... I guess the disclaimer TT uses of "first come, first served" applies to hook ups also. At Pio Pico you must have stayed at the part that is near the clubhouse etc..... that appears to be where the nice spots are... well, nice compared to this section. You've stayed out TT "every night"? You must have a different membership than we do.... 14 days in, 7 out.

Dang it! I have much more fun writing happy / good reviews of places we travel.... this week it's just not possible. Here is a letter I'm working on to send to Thousand Trails corporate. It's just a draft for now, but you'll get the jest of our experience. If anyone knows a good contact email for someone high up in the TT corporation please share that info with me. I'm truly trying to help them know what is going on at this park. THOUSAND TRAILS PIO PICO JAMUL CALIFORNIA JUNE 22, 2018 (APPROX. 2 PM) I MADE RESERVATION FOR FULL HOOK UPS / 50 AMP / WATER / ELECTRIC AT FIRST GLANCE AS WE ENTERED THE PARK IT LOOKED DIRTY, DUSTY, UNKEPT, AND NOT COMFORTABLE. THE PADS WERE IN MANY CASES UNLEVEL DIRT TRAILS NEAR SOME BEAT UP ELECTRICAL BOXES. AT THIS POINT, IT’S NOT LOOKING LIKE WE’RE GOING TO ENJOY OUR STAY… BUT, WE WILL GIVE IT A CHANCE. YOU NEVER KNOW. WE FINALLY FIND A PLACE TO PARK THAT WE CAN FIT, RIGHT NEXT TO THE “BROWN BOXES” THE RANGER SAID WOULD WORK FOR OUR RESERVATIONS….. WELL, GUESS WHAT… THEY ARE ALL 30 AMP. NO 50 AMP AVAILABLE. OF COURSE THE RANGER STATION DIDN’T OFFER THAT INFO WHEN WE CHECKED IN. WE ASSUMED WE WERE GETTING WHAT WE HAD A “RESERVATION” FOR. WHEN I RETURNED TO THE RANGER STATION TO REQUEST HELP FINDING A 50 AMP SPOT, WHICH I HAD RESERVED, THE REPLY WAS “OH…. THOSE ARE ALL UP HERE… AND THEY ARE FULL. YOU ARE NOT GUARANTEED ANYTHING WITH YOUR RESERVATION… NOT SEWER, NOT ELECTRICITY, NOT WATER.” YES, THAT WAS THE QUOTE FROM THE PERSON IN THE RANGER STATION. AT THIS POINT I’M WONDERING WHAT THOUSAND TRAILS BELIEVES THE DEFINITION OF “RESERVED” TO BE? I DECIDED TO ATTEMPT TO SQUEAK BY WITH 30 AMP. I HAD TROUBLE FINDING A 30 AMP THAT DID NOT HAVE THE “L1 & NUETRAL” REVERSED. 9 OF THE 12 I TESTED WERE WIRED INCORRECTLY. OF THE 3 I FOUND THAT WERE NOT WIRED INCORRECTLY THE TREES WERE SO BADLY OVERGROWN ON 2 OF THEM WE COULD NOT FIT IN THE SPOT. THIS IS VERY COMMON… WHILE LOOKING FOR OUR INITIAL SPOT, WHICH ENDED UP HAVING REVERSED WIRING, MORE THAN HALF OF THE OPEN SPOTS HAD OVERGROWN TREES MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO ACCESS TO THE PAD (WELL, NOT REALLY “PAD”, AS MENTIONED, MORE OF AN UNLEVEL DIRT TRAIL BETWEEN GRAVEL ROADS.) IF YOU DON’T MIND TREE SCRAPS DOWN THE SIDE OF YOUR RV, OR A BRANCH KNOCKING OFF AN A/C UNIT… THEN YOU MIGHT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SQUEEZE IN. HERE IS THE BEST OR WORST PART OF THIS ENTIRE STORY, WHEN I WENT TO EXPLAIN TO THE RANGER I HAD TO PLUG INTO AN EMPTY SPOT NEXT TO ME, WHICH I COULD NOT FIT IN, BUT THE WIRING WORKED, HE TOLD ME I COULD NOT DO THAT, AND I MUST MOVE. HE WAS NOT CONCERNED ABOUT THE REVERSED WIRING WHICH HAS THE POTENTENTIAL TO DAMAGE SOMEONE’S RV, INJURE THEM, OR EVEN WORSE. NOT THE BEST COSTOMER SERVICE. ALSO, THINK OF THE LAWSUIT THAT WOULD HAPPEN IF SOMEONE IS INJURED BY THE WIRING PROBLEMS AFTER THOUSAND TRAILS HAS BEEN NOTIFIED OF IT AND THE RANGER FAILED TO ACT ON IT. I CAN ONLY IMAGINE IF A FIRST TIME THOUSAND TRAILS CUSTOMER ROLLED INTO PIO PICO ASSUMING ALL OF THE PROPERTIES WERE OF THIS POOR QUALITY. YOU’D NEVER HAVE A REPEAT CUSTOMER. IT’S THIS TYPE OF PROPERTY THAT HAS ME CONSIDERING CANCELING, AND SHARING MY EXPERIENCE WITH ANYONE WILLING TO LISTEN. WE HAVE TRAVELED THE COUNTRY, AND HAVE STAYED AT NUMEROUS THOUSAND TRAILS. OVERWHELMINGLY IT’S BEEN A GOOD EXPERIENCE, AND IN SOME CASES GREAT. THIS IS SO BAD, IT OVERSHADOWS ALL THE GOOD. THIS PARK IS TRULY A “WORST CASE SCENERIO”. I ENCOURAGE SOMEONE HIGH IN THE THOUSAND TRAILS CORPORATION TO MAKE A VISIT AND SEE FOR YOURSELF HOW POORLY THIS PARK IS REPRESENTING YOUR NAME.