jblo

Just did my MH and just had to say I was out of state. Requirement of 3 days after in state to get inspection. I do this each year as usually not in state at renewal time. And, yes, been posted that TX is doing away with the physical inspections in 25, but some money-hungry counties will keep the emissions testing.

While not as complicated as yours may be--we are full-time Tx domiciled, and have SS/pension income, along with some consulting income yearly. I used to save every receipt and take the sales tax off them and add them up. We are fortunate to not have large medical expense. Sometimes, a large purchase (fiver, then MH) and interest on loan all added together would come close to the standard deduction. Then, the deduction rose faster than expenses (imagine that!) and it was a waste of time to keep all that paper. Now, soon as forms arrive, its done in 2 days using TurboTax. Hope you got it figured out by tomorrow...

Very informative reply.

I just added a '1' to the +80 group...

Do you already have a Livingston address thru Escapees?

I am on quite a few online RV related forums--whenever this subject comes up, due to a bad experience or just inquiring, most of those responding recommend Coachnet as the service that is less likely to leave you stranded. I checked and it is about $219/year if I looked it up correctly--I currently have GoodSam and about 75% incidents have been ok. But there are dissatisfied customers on all services, it seems. Just noticed a post further down that mentions Coachnet has been sold...

Lot of info here, and tried to figure out what I actually need for my 35400 GVWR (45400 GCVWR) Tiffin MH + Jeep at 5500GVWR. Currently have the Class A that I got when I had fiver and 450. The way I read the table is an A allows for more GCVWR than does the B. I have a letter from the DPS saying I am legal with the A for the above. What I am asking is--does an A cover more weight than the B? Am I actually ok with the A? Got an appt 1/2 with DPS for the required old age 'in person' renewal. Wondering about what will the process be? Thanks. Joe

Thank you, very in-depth statements. If I understand you correctly, an RVIA inspection has little to do with quality control, and/or operation of various systems?

Have had the TST since about 2010, first for tires on fiver, upsized the fiver and tow, went to 10 sensors--6 truck, 4 trailer. Have upgraded to the color monitor and now have the 10 sensors on a 6-wheel motorhome and 4-wheel tow. Once you get used to them, they work very well. Will not travel without them now.

Tremendous news in this day/age of deteriorating customer service. Not sure how the Tiffin/Thor deal will play out...

Mr. Funk, Thank you for taking the time to make these posts, not an easy deal. I personally feel that "having/adhering to a standard" does not cross over to quality control, which seemingly is the basis for most complaints about RV construction. Until mfgs find it more cost-effective to improve quality than to rebuild/repair units under warranty, nothing will change on that front. "conducts more than 2,000 unannounced inspections of member company RV manufacturing plants annually" Would really be interested in knowing the extensiveness of these inspections and the qualification of the inspectors. How many inspectors do they have?

When I have found the drain line clogged (for whatever reason) but the valve opens--have had good luck filling the sewer hose with water, elevating it and opening the valve. Has never failed to work. Worst thing can happen, clog doesn't clear and you have to put the hose full of water back in the septic opening...Also worked for thawing a frozen valve using hot water...

As a camphost, many opportunities arise to assist campers in locating their units. But it is not always the best thing to do. If damage occurs, who is at fault? I don't do this unless asked to help, too many things going on and not always the best result. One thing that I have noted that works best, is to stand in front of the driver with angled side in view and direct from there--that way, hand signals are in the same direction as movement needed, not a mirror image.

FreeCampsites.net is a good place to find some low-cost campgrounds. RVParky has icons along your travel route to check into. Might try to find a list of free county/city campgrounds that have electricity--several in Texas that I use.

Stuff happens, no matter the service used. I always request a tracking number on anything I need, may not get it, but know where it went astray...Escapees has been perfect and often they make the extra effort on something that has my name on it, but an odd shipment.

Not to advocate ignoring regulations, but sometimes logic should override obedience. The inspection is a joke, and a loss to the inspecting shop. $7.00 to have a MH pull in, block a drive/bay, and wait for someone to walk around and find the VIN, then sign off the "inspection"--now, for a gasser, I believe it requires an emissions check? I am out-of-state each year when due--renew reg by email and get the sticker forwarded to me. Then drive around for months and if back it TX, try to find a shop to do it within the '3 days' If saying this on the forum gets the me in trouble, so be it...maybe the IRS will be 'taxed' with the chore.

Priest Gulch was not too far, did you consider that one? Up hwy 145.

After winter in cen TX, we have made it to Ridgway SP, Colorado, to camphost for 4 1/2 months. Little need for diesel during this time, and no campground fees. Going to be another great summer, not sure what fall/winter will bring. Looking for another camphost gig in warm clime.

As Kirk said--call Polk County tax office, bet they can help you. As to inspection, I have gone way past the 3 days to get an inspection but not the registration--handle it each year online as I am not in state when due. I know around Houston, have seen police in the u-turn lanes under overpasses watching for expired registrations--you would be surprised how busy they were.

Had Natl General, then Progressive, now back to Natl General. Seems you have to change every so often to opt out of increases in premiums. Have always gotten a smaller premium for same coverage to change when current policy raises rates at renewal...

Surprising if this is Escapees in Livingston--never had either a magazine problem or an attitude. Always a bubbly person on the phone and quick to look up mail. Getting all mags I have coming....

I used to use GasBuddy without fail, but after getting fooled seriously (some posted prices for diesel were at stations that did not sell diesel--some were at mom/pop stations with no hope a getting a 55' setup in) I changed to using GasGuru. Not as many bad leads with that one. I also have the OpenRoads card and it works just fine at most truck stops--my basic problem with truck stops is lack of cleanliness on the drives and the usual stack of semis moving about. Whenever I travel in TX, I now try to hit the Buc-ees stations--lots of room, plenty of pumps, clean drives, no semis. 'Course half the traveling world also likes them.

Will be in Huntsville next week for 2 weeks, was just wondering...

HAVE YOU CONTACTED VANLEIGH DIRECT? LazyDaze is not spoken of well for service after the sale. VanLeigh is in MS, not too far from Red Bay, the Tiffin plants. Saw lots of VanLeighs around there in various stages of painting. From VanLeigh website--might try this guy... First of all, I never post comments, good or bad, but I have been working with Mr. Hilton Riggins, Regional Sales Manager, for Vanleigh and he has been so fantastic to work with I had to post this. I have never had a more pleasant and effective interaction with any manufacturer's representative. Kudos to Hilton and the Vanleigh team! Oh, and they make fantastic 5th Wheels too...

Just finished 4 months in Colorado at a State Park. All of the above is good, useful advice. We knew ahead of time we were interested in CO (tired of summer heat) and had visited several parks prior to retiring and having time available. Suggest you check out any State Parks website for opportunities. Research carefully to be sure what is being asked for fits with what you can/want to do. Time frames are usually listed in the opportunities.