| |
Subject |
Author |
Date Posted |
Forum
|
 |
RE: HELP CAN'T GET FRONT JACK TO RETRACT!!!!!
Mine are HWH and if you find the selanoids that control the jacks (they have a T-Handle on the end you simply turn a bit and it will retract. I don't know if "powerhear" are electric or hydraulic. My selanoids are located under the front steps on my vectra.
|
JTHarley
|
09/06/10 11:24am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Dead batteries
IMHO, yes it is normal. The parasitic drain on both sets of batteries over a two week period will kill the batteries. It happened to me once long ago and since then I turn off the chassis batteries and coach batteries in storage and it has never happened again. Lots and lots of things to drain batteries and two weeks is a long time.
|
JTHarley
|
09/06/10 05:50am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: RV taxes
Michigan does not treat all RVs equally. My daughter with a TT pays for a license one time and it is good for life. I pay for my MH license every year on my birthday, based on the MSRP. There is no reduction for age. With my birthday in November I used to get a license in May for 6 months but they eliminated that a few years back. 12 months or nothing. The state motto is "Trust me, I'm from the government and I'm here to help you."
They will let you get a one or two month tag now in michigan. but no longer. I do it once in the summer for 2 months and once before we leave in the winter for two months. I am sitting at Traverse bay RV resort and it is amazing how many "montana" plates are here. In the class A section there are probably 50 rigs and I counted 14 Montana plates, about 30 from Florida and other states and only 6 with michigan plates. Perfect example how a state LOOSES money because of it's terrible policies.
|
JTHarley
|
09/01/10 06:59am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Where to stay in Detroit, MI?
Another Michigander, stay at Harbortown and drive into Detroit. You won't be sorry. I wouldn't even stay in a Wal-Mart in detroit!
|
JTHarley
|
08/31/10 06:49am |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
|
|
RE: RV taxes
JT,
States in the Northeast require you to pay state tax on any vehicle that stays in the state for 30 consecutive days.
So every 29 days, you'd have to take a trip and cross a state line :)
Jim
I had my attorney contact the Bennett law firm in Montana (I think that's the name) and we determined that looking at Michigan law I felt it would not be a problem to meet the requirement. The worst part was the coach could not come back to Michigan for 90 days after purchase.........is there really a downside to this? So we plan an extended vacation after we purchase. In the next few years, my plan is to be in Michigan at the lake house for 4-5 months and then spend the rest of the time on the road.
|
JTHarley
|
08/28/10 01:56pm |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: RV taxes
In our wonderful state of Michigan you pay 6% sales tax. Even if you have a trade in you still pay the entire sales Tax on the final price, not the price less the trade in like in Florida.
Now the plates.........they are based on the original sale price. In my case the coach was $189K and that translates into over $1,200 per year just to get a plate. They are nice enough to let us tag it month by month but no longer than 2 months and that cost is $120 per month. Even though the coach depreciates each year the price of the tags never goes down.
Now you know why my next coach will be titled in Montana. Heck, I'll spend a month in Montana, two months in Florida and then take a couple of out of state trips each year on top of that and I've met all the criteria making this "legal" in Michigan.
|
JTHarley
|
08/28/10 12:09pm |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Class A Ride/Comfort
That is exactly the reason we got our first class A. In the C, my DW and I had to just about shout to hear each other. In the A you can whisper and be heard. If the A has IFS and is a diesel pusher it's like driving on a cloud compared to a C.
|
JTHarley
|
08/28/10 12:04pm |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Freightliner Service
For those in Michigan.....I have used the freightliner Oasis dealer in Traverse City and found them to be very good. My other choice is Diesel Sales in Saginaw. More of a big truck shop but I do see lots of RV's in there. Cat, Allison, Freightliner, Mack ect....They did this last maintenance.
Here's the summary
Oil change & filter
Air filter change
Valve Adjustment (first one)
Replaced valve cover gasket
Replaced oil pan itself and gasket (under warranty)
Complete Lube
Coolant system check
Checked Ride height
Air Dryer service
Air Filter
51 point check.. (ie belts, tires, water pump, road test ect....)
Ran a diagnostics on the onboard computer and gave me a print out. (very interesting)
Power wash and clean the engine.
My total......$1,200.00
|
JTHarley
|
08/26/10 04:43pm |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Freightliner Service
I agree with the scheduled PM's......do it at a certified dealer. I am simply wondering if my perception from a buyers stand point was accurate. If and when I get my next coach it most likely won't be new as my previous 4 where. I for one would pay a little more or if I had to choose between 2 coaches, one service by the owner and the other serviced at an oasis dealer (same / same other than that) I would choose to pay more for the records. I understand that if you do it that way the new owner can use the vin # to look up all the service and repairs done by freightliner.
As I said the look on the buyers face when I pulled out the maintenance log said it all but is that the exception?
|
JTHarley
|
08/26/10 07:26am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
Freightliner Service
Picking up the motorhome today from the freightliner service center. 28K miles, purchased new in 2007. Took it in for the 51 point PM....fluid levels changed, filters changed, valve adjustment (recommended between 25-30K miles) Noticed a small leak in the valve cover but a new gasket is put on with the valve adjustment so that should be fine. The dealer called and said the gasket on the oil pan was also leaking so they replaced that. Checked some error codes I was getting while driving, ride height, the works. Gotta get her ready for the big winter trip.
Since new, I have always taken the coach to freightliner for ANY service and maintenance. I know I could save some $$ and do this myself but I found with my last coach that the buyer was really sold on the point that I had these documents showing how well the coach was taken care of. How many folks do these maintenance items themselves? The last time I took it in the total bill was $1,100, Not sure what the bill will be this time because they are checking if the gaskets are covered under my cat warranty (they should be).
Anyway, just wonder how many folks here think service at certified freightliner dealers is a good selling point in the future or just paying too much to maintain your coach?
|
JTHarley
|
08/26/10 06:13am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: DW does not want to travel!
My wife and I always take a 6-8 week trip in the winter. She can tell that at times, I need to get away and she doesn't really want to. She encourages me to take the MH on a "short" trip by myself to clear my head. Take the dog she says and just drive to a destination.....what a sweetheart!
I would not consider taking a trip longer than 5-7 days without her. She makes travel fun and she IS my best friend.
JT
|
JTHarley
|
08/24/10 12:03pm |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Dream Class A?
When I buy my "final" coach...(yea right) it will be a tag axle foretravel, texas edition.
|
JTHarley
|
08/22/10 04:04pm |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Northern Michigan Seasonals
Tawas city park is very nice....a bit tight but right in the middle of everything.
If you want to go as far at TC, Petosky or Harbor Springs then check these out.
Traverse Bay RV Resort
Petosky KOA (believe it or not it is nice)
Hearthside Petosky
Bay Harbor RV resort (harbor springs)
|
JTHarley
|
08/18/10 12:41pm |
RV Parks, National Parks, State Campgrounds & More
|
|
RE: Florida Keys Campsites
We looked at Bluewater. It was lovely, but we chose Boyds because it was on Stock Island so close to Key West.We could drive in for the day or evening evening and didn't have to drive 30 miles to get back to camp. Staff is great. Little Mexican restaurant nearby has best salsa ever. Our destination was Key West, and the campground was the venue to get there. Also be sure to see Cat Man (Flying House Cats) on the square in front of the Hilton. You won't see that anywhere else.
BWK is at mile marker 14.4 so 30 miles is a bit inaccurate. I drove thru and toured Boyd's while we where there last winter. Lets be fair.....you can't even compare the two. Boyd's certainly is the closest to key west but we wanted a true RESORT to come back to when the days activities where done. Compare the price and then compare the campground and I guarantee you the conclusion will be that the difference is well worth it.
|
JTHarley
|
08/18/10 12:37pm |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Florida Keys Campsites
Now you can see why BWK is the best in the keys. It is a bit pricey but worth it.
|
JTHarley
|
08/17/10 09:38am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Florida Keys Campsites
Blue Water Key is by far the nicest, cleanest, prettiest campground in the keys! We've been to several and none compare.
JT
|
JTHarley
|
08/17/10 07:04am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: campground add-on fees - a wave of the future?
As long as the fees are disclosed when you make a reservation or register without one I do not have a problem with RV campgrounds charging fees. Of course I will do what I always do and that is to compare rates and if it seems too high you just go elsewhere. We have a big motor home with 3 top airs. I would not mind paying a bit more than a 24' Born Free with 1 air. Just tell me up front and I can choose to pay or not. .......
Only problem is...economics dont allow that sort of thing. Lets say in a 100 space CG...an extra 1$ is tacked onto everyone to allow for "free WiFi". In your scenario...no one would buy it except for 1 guy...and he has to shell out $100 a night for WiFi.? I dont think so. The cost has to be spred across the board for ANYONE to be able to use it.
My motel has a 150' beach. The beach is for all my guests to use and is a very expensive (property taxes, insurance) and must be spread out in my room rates for all the guests. I guess if you don't want a beachfront motel then you should choose a motel that is cheaper and doesn't have a beach. I guess the same could be said for a campground. I've been to lots of less expensive campgrounds that don't have a pool or wifi or wonderful landscaping for that matter. They serve their purpose for a quick overnight. I can't imagine staying for any length of time in a campground without wifi.......
|
JTHarley
|
08/16/10 07:16pm |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: campground add-on fees - a wave of the future?
Those darn multi millionaire campground owners. Campgrounds are sooooo lucrative they are tearing down condo's and walmarts just waiting to build them. Poppin' up everywhere just like McDonalds.....
I see the owners sitting outside their prevost's puffing cuban cigars and sipping cognac while grilling a few filets.
Really folks, you have lots and lots of choices.....from free (truck stops, rest areas, walmart ect) to top end fully loaded RV resorts for $100+ per night and everything in between. Myself, charge me one price and include it all. If I don't want or need the amenities that the owners have PAID FOR and offer that is my fault. We all hate being nickeled and dimed. I think some of us "complaining" about prices just remember everything goes up and it gets passed onto the consumer....it's the american way!
|
JTHarley
|
08/15/10 06:21am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Help!!! Jack stuck down. What do I do?
If it is the hwh system you have to loosen the T handle that is on the solinoid under the hood next to the oil resivor a couple of turns. This relives the pressure. My solinoid is the 2nd one in from the left.
Exactly, had to do this once. My coach has 4 solenoids located under the entrance steps.
|
JTHarley
|
08/14/10 06:56am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: campground add-on fees - a wave of the future?
I own a small motel in northern michigan on lake huron. For the last 5 years we have kept our rates the same. Over that same period of time it isn't very difficult to calculate my increase in costs. Electric, (and yes when people leave the room with the air on it really racks up the cost), fuel & maintenance costs, costs of employees, taxes, insurance ect.......
Just like you, everyone of these costs go up each year. I'm trying to hold down prices but at some point simply looking for more internal cost cuts just doesn't do it and prices will need to go up. I don't mind paying for well managed campgrounds that obviously take the time and effort to keep them nice.
I think about the campgrounds in the south where it is 90+ degrees and the air conditioners in our coaches are running 8-10 hours a day non-stop.....$$$$$. If they are on municiple water, those rates are skyrocketing so they charge to wash your coach. It's a tough call but I can see both sides.
|
JTHarley
|
08/14/10 06:54am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
