arhayes
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Joined Mar 24, 2013
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Re: Getting Warranty Service While Living In Your RV
We have been FT 9 years and ours was also Grand Design. I a tually avoid dealers if at all possible because they usually cannot get you in. Depending on the issue, a tractor/trailer repair can fix most suspension issues. Also had one redo some hydraulic hoses that leaked. Much easier than getting into a dealer. We had once where the dealer actually had Rv space with water/electric. They’d pull the rig over to work on during the day, then we’d sleep in it at night. Also had GD pay for mobile techs and overnighted parts to us for the tech to install. Of course we are now long out of warranty, but even some non-dealer repair places have had water/electric on site where we let them work on it during the day, and we still slept in it at night. On little stuff, it is often easier to fix it yourself if you are capable. Let them send you the parts. Another option is to attend a rally. Most companies will have repair folks on site and fix relatively minor things for you in warranty or not.1.3KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Blow outs and tires
We’ve been on the road full time for over 8 years now, have pulled the TH 65,000 miles, and have had 6 tire failures. I have always used a TPMS system and check pressure every travel day. Thing is, these rigs are heavy, our nation’s roads are in very sorry condition, and stuff happens. I carry a full spare plus always carry an extra unmounted tire because roadside assistance can mount a tire on the road. I have had 2 failures at the same time before. The front tire delaminated and the trash from it ripped the steel valve off the tire behind it. Btw, the myth of China bombs is just that. I’ve run into many full-timers and they have had failures with American made brands. Anyway, good luck and check your tires at each stop. You may spot an upcoming failure before it happens.473Views0likes0CommentsRe: Medicare For Full Timers
Medicare plans avbl are state specific, so important you closely review MA plans in your state. In our case, TX does not offer any that are in network nationwide, so we have used Part G plans which have worked out very well. Costs more, but I need no referrals and the coverage is excellent. We’ve been FT for 8 yrs (3 while covered under Medicare) and it has worked for us. Choose wisely.352Views0likes0CommentsRe: Automatic Transfer Switch problem
The breakers was also my first thought, but since you bypassed the AT switch and it worked, that’s probably not it. I’m assuming your Genny puts out 44amps and you’re not exceeding capacity? Mine will only run 2 of my 3 AC’s. If you’re comfortable digging into the ATS, you can cut off power and look at the Genny side solenoids to make sure the contacts are clean. Barring that, it’ll need replacement. I had to replace mine 2 yrs ago (rig was 6 yrs old) got the same one installed in my rig off Amazon. Pretty straightforward replacement.722Views0likes0CommentsRe: Covid in RV Parks
The reality is, we are all eventually going to get Covid and may not not realize that’s what it is. We are fully vaccinated and boosted, yet recently caught covid from a friend we had over for dinner. She had tested negative that week so had no idea. We are beginning our annual 6 months of travels Monday and I have no intention of living my life in fear.477Views0likes0CommentsRe: Towing a 40’ weekend warrior 4005 flt.
Agree with Russ. On a 40’ TH, you may find an SRT 1 ton might appear to pull it okay, but not actually have the pin weight capacity. My 43’ TH has a 4000+ lb pin weight when loaded which, at least in 2014, required 1T DRW. It’s been our daily driver for almost 8 years now.539Views0likes0CommentsRe: Best resale value toy hauler or tt
I believe condition rather than type is far more important for resale. RVs are like most cars….the original owner takes a beating on depreciation. As for the TH discussion, while we full-time and haul our motorcycle, I’ve been seeing an increasing number of THs not hauling toys, but being turned into living space for kiddos, or offices for those still working. As for predicting the future, remember that the current market will change once covid is over and people have to settle into a more traditional lifestyle. I’d expect there to be a glut of used rigs on the market in 2023 and behind. We will see.882Views0likes0CommentsRe: Placement of motorcycle for towing
Have to assume you’re getting a towable and not a 5ver. I’d assume their tie downs are placed for optimal loading.I’d think it’d be set up more over the axles. On my 5ver, I keep it in the center of the garage and the weight is behind the axles. However, pin weight is essentially the same whether the bike is loaded or not.120Views0likes0CommentsRe: Down Sizing
We began full-timing in 2014 in a 43' 5th Wheel Toy Hauler. Based on over a year of perusing FT forums and asking questions, we decided to get rid of virtually everything we could not take with us. We had the kids come get what they wanted, gave family heirlooms to other family members, then had an estate sale and sold the rest. We did save a few tubs of items we knew we wanted to keep and those are stored in my wife's sisters attic. It is primarily family memorabilia. I digitized all of our home movies, pictures and photo albums and gave the hardcopies to the kids. I built a tool collection of ones I felt I'd need (to which I've added over the years) and the wife did the same with her craft stuff. All in all it has worked out well. We were both all in on the new lifestyle and downsizing from 3000sf to 450sf has been no issue. If you are going to use a storage building, make sure to not let it go too long. You'll find most of it was just "stuff" and you'll be paying to store things you really are not invested in. We have zero regrets and our first 7 years has been wonderful. Good Luck.321Views0likes0Comments
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