StellersJay

I have the Power Gear leveling system on my coach. It is not fully automatic, in that it has four switches, front, back, rt. side and lt. side. On a recent trip, I had one afternoon when only the front or only the back jacks would go down. After a few tries, I turned off the main battery switches (coach and starting), left them off for a short time ( a minute or so) turned them back on and the jacks then worked as designed. Haven't had a problem since. Ctrl, alt, delete seemed to work that time. Sam

Be aware that the JetPack is limited in monthly data usage for the basic fee (mine 5GB for about $50). It is easy to exceed the monthly data allocation if you do not keep track of your usage. There is a Verizon App that shows your usage, but it is 24 hours or so behind on actual usage. If you exceed your data allocation for the month, you will be charged $10 for another GB. With some searching on the Verizon site, you can get an estimate on how much data is required for various Internet activities. On a recent trip across the US on I-10, we had Internet access everywhere we tried it on the Verizon JetPack.

You could look at this site: http://www.casinoqueen.com/rv-park.aspx I have not stayed there and know nothing about the park beyond what I have seen on the Internet. Sam

We have stayed in this park for a number of winters: http://www.landyachtharbormelbourne.com/ It is a no pet park and has length restrictions. It is very clean, has lots of activities, and is close to ocean and shopping. It is just off I-95 in Melbourne, FL. Sam

Buddy199, I recently purchased a Jetpack from Verizon. It came with a 4GB monthly data plan. Price for a two year plan is about $50 per month. It is good anywhere there is Verizon phone service. Most of the other carriers have a similar device and plan. On a recent trip across the southern US, I found service each time I tried from CA to FL. Much of the service was at 4G LTE, but some was at 3G or lower, but I did have service. This portable device enables up to 10 wi-fi enabled device to connect to the Internet. So one can be connected with computers, iPhones, iPads, iPods, or Windows/Android wi-fi devices. The 4 GB limit seems to be ample for e-mail, but could be quickly exceeded if downloading movies, Skyping, or any other high data usage downloads/transfers. As an alternative, wi-fi is available at many retail outlets such as a Sams, MacDonalds, and many others. There is an APP available that lists the nearest wi-fi hot spots. I found many campgrounds in the south with free wi-fi service, but many in AZ and CA had a service that you had to subscribe to on-line. Sam

I noticed at a recent fill-up at Murphy (at a Walmart) that they had a "no-alcohol" option on their regular gasoline. It was a few cents higher than their gasoline with alcohol option. Sam

If it is the light telling you that you need an oil change, the book should tell you how to turn off the light. As I recall, ignition "ON", then pump accelarator pedal three times.

We find the CB to be of little use, except for when we are travelling with a group. When doing this, we use Ch 17. I do use CH 19 when in a traffic tie up on the Interstate and want to find the best lane to be in. Sam

Way to go, FMCA staff (JYeatts), on resolving this problem. Also, Charlie Adcock went the extra mile to resolve the situation in the field. I call that good (no, excellent) customer service!! Sam

Check out this product, "Fresh Cab Rodent Repellent (4 Pouch Box)". It is sold on Amazon and at some of the big box stores. Some people swear by it and others swear at it. It is said to have a pleasant odor that is pleasing to us, but repels mice. It was developed to keep mice out of stored farm equipment. We haven't tried it, but have heard a lot of very positive comments on the product. We are still using glue traps baited with peanut butter and check the motorhome very frequently. Sam

Oh, yes, don't forget to stop for some throwed rolls at Lamberts in Sikeston! --- Good Suggestion, Tom If you miss Sikeston, Lambert's also has (or did the last time we were there) a restrurant in Foley, AL. Sam

I belong to Passport America and use it frequently. Some parks are "first class" others are pretty bare bones, but all have had full hook ups. I suggest reading the description closely and also the directions to the park. I found that the Map ap on my iPad allows me to find the address and then, if the area has been photographed by Google, you can see a photo at or near the park entrance. Sometime it is a clue to the type of park. Also the map ap photos are good to use for the various intersections where you have to make a turn and help identify land marks for the intersection. Sam

In the RVs I have looked at, the TV signal booster is typically located on the inside of the RV at the point where you connect the TV lead to the RV's internal wiring. The booster switch is typically a slide switch or push button switch. When it is on and there is current to the electrical system, a small light near the switch will illuminate. On my rig, I have a set up for a TV in the living area and bedroom, but the booster is switched on at the living area TV input only. Happy exploring with your new rig. Sam

Ernie, welcome to the forum. Looking forward to your input. What are your thoughts on cork tile for a replacement flooring. I've seen a thin cork layer bonded to a hard underlayment. I've also seen solid cork tiles. I would be leaning toward the solid cork, but would like your expert input. Sam

Just returned from an approx. 2000 mile trip and used Flying J twice. Both were not good experiences. First fill up, the pump would not print a receipt, so had to stand in line inside to get receipts (took two fills to fill tank). Second Flying J (same station on return trip home), in error, I swipped my Flying J reward card first, and the pump message told me to see cashier. Again, long wait in line to get pump authorization. Balance of fill-ups were at Sam's Clubs. Better prices, and no long lines to stand in at fuel islands. Diesel is a little harder to find at Sam's, but we use gas. Flying J, in the past, was always a price leader in their area. Friday in Waddy, KY, their gasoline posted price was about 10 cents per gallon higher than the Loves at the same exit. Flying J has convient facilities, but, in my experience, does not have any basic customer service. Sam

I would also suspect that the generator ran out of fuel. My experience with a diesel engine is that if it looses its prime through a loss of fuel, it must be primed before it will start again. Sam

dbeck, A few years ago we stumbled onto a nice section of old Rt. 66 in eastern CA. We had overnighted in a park in the Needles area and a fellow camper suggested that we take Rt. 66 through Amboy instead of I-40. He said the grades were not as steep on Rt. 66, but I cannot confirm this. The old Mother Road was a nice drive. It was a well maintained, two lane road with little to no traffic. Sam

Quote "I would also use some light lubricant on the jacks exposed cylinders to prevent corrosion the jacks are left down for a really long time" Good idea to use a light lubricant to prevent corrosion on the jack cylinder rods, but keep in mind that the lubricant attracts dust and dust can damage cylinder seals. Especially when parked for an extended time, or a short time in dusty conditions, it is a good idea to wipe off the exposed cylinder rods with a clean cloth and WD 40 or something similar. This will clean the rod and help prevent damage to the seals.

Brett, of course, you are correct. The sail switch is on the "clean" air side of the heat exchanger. The air inside and outside the heat exchanger do not mix (unless there is a hole in the heat exchanger due to rust through or another defect). My partial plug-up with dirt daubber nests was on the gas side (side accessable from the two ports on the outside of the coach at the furnace door - on our rig). Thanks for clarifying my post! Sam

Greencurry, I had a similar problem with my motorhome during the first winter I had it. The furnace worked fine when the temps were warmer, but when they approached freezing, the furnace would not light. The furnace went through the same lighting sequence you described. It was too cold for me to work on the furnace, so I took it to an RV service shop near us. They found that the air passage through the heat exchanger was clogged with dirt dobber nests. The previous owner of our motorhome must have stored it in an area with lots of dirt dobbers, since they had build their mud nests in many concealed places on the coach. Apparently, when the ambient temps were warmer and the air lighter, the fan could push enough air through the heat exchanger to activate the sail switch. With the cold, heavy air, the furnace fan couldn't force enough air through the restricted heat exchanger to open the sail switch. The RV shop cleaned the heat exchanger, I installed a screen over the air inlet/outlet on the furnace heat exchanger, and all has worked well since. This may not be your problem, but I pass it on for what it's worth. Sam

I assume that the "automatic log out" may be connected to anti virus software or other "cleaning" software that you are using and the settings you have chosen. I recently started using a cleaner from http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner This free software gets rid of temporary internet files, cookies, etc. Before I used this software, I would stayed loged in for months. After I started using the above cleaner, I am logged out when I run the cleaner. I find the log out worth the price of the good things that the cleaner does. This cleaner also logs me out of other sites and forums that require a log in. Also, now when I log into secure sites, the site doesn't remember my computer, so I have answer the various security questions. Sam

Ken and Sally, before our motor home, we had a 2002 GMC Duramax and had a similar problem with draining the oil. I bought a quick drain valve, with nipple from http://www.quickoildrainvalve.com/ . You need the nipple option to be able to have a place to attach the drain hose. The quick drain valve made it a little slower to drain the oil, but the ease and lack of mess was worth it. You will note that the valve is a 1/4 turn ball valve and you have to lift the valve handle slightly to clear an indent to allow the valve to be opened. I took a small worm clamp and tightened it above the handle to give a little extra security against the valve opening accidently. I then had to remove the worm clamp before I could open the drain valve. The valve will extend below the oil pan further than the OEM drain nut. Be aware of this. You wouldn't want to run over something and break off the quick drain valve. Our GMC had skid plates as an option and they extended below the quick drain valve. Sam

mrboyer, Our favorite place in Gulf Shores is King Neptune's ( http://www.kingneptu...ftoken=31186708 ). We eat lunch there often when we are in the area. They are usually very busy during the main lunch period, so we try to avoid the 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM time slot. They have daily lunch specials. Also, you might want to try Lambert's in Foley. They are the place known for throwed rolls. The wait staff comes around frequently with sample portions of fried okra, beans, greens, etc. The restaurant started in Sikeston, MO and their specialty is home cookin'. Also, as you travel south on Hwy 59, there is a small park with a board walk on the east side of the road just a short distance north of Hwy 182 (Beach Boulevard). It's a good place to walk off the lunch. Sam

Buck, we purchased a new 2010 Toyota Corolla S with manual transmission as a second vehicle and for towing. We have been well pleased with the car both in tow and as a driver. We have the SMI brake system, so getting ready to tow is simple, as noted by JTFree above. With the SMI, it is then necessary to flip a switch (in our vehicle it is located just to the left of the clutch pedal on the cabin side of the wheel well/firewall). When searching for a manual transmission, I found that they were hard to find. As an aside, from what I read, the redesigned 2012 Camry is not being produced with a manual transmission. Sam

Joe, my first piece of advice would be to not get in a hurry (if your schedule allows). Between MO and the Grand Canyon are a lot of worthwhile stops. Be aware that at the end of September you could encounter some cold weather or even an early snow in the high country. Lot of people use Walmart, rest areas, truck stops or such for overnight stops. We prefer campgrounds. Check out Passport America on-line. With their card, campgrounds are 50% off, but there are restrictions in some. Have a great trip! If you are into such things, following Rt 66 would make an interesting trip to the Grand Canyon area. Sam