ToddF

I drive into Minneapolis often in the Spring and Summer to ride my bike around the Chain of Lakes. The faces on the street corners have become familiar to me. They sometimes have a stash of signs behind a pillar and grab one as they make their way to the corner. We make eye contact and they know me now, I've given them a resource sheet listing every imaginable place to get help. What I get are dirty looks! How dare you not give me cash for cigs and beer! They don't need money for transportation, housing, food, or medical care because in Minnesota all of those things are paid by one government program or another! I've worked as a tax preparer for 30 years serving the mainstream. At least 50% of the people on disability could work if they wanted to. Sometimes they come in dressed for their "cash jobs", or to go hunting, fishing, snow mobiling etc. There is an underground economy that the government doesn't know about. Those who are abusing the system are essentially stealing from those who genuinely need help. We are in a great economy, people have money to give, there are jobs out there, lots of organizations willing to help. The outlook is bright if you want it to be. If you want to help, write down the phone number for the local salvation army office and give it to these folks. (Don't give them money). Truthfully, most of these folks know more about the resources than I ever will. None of this discussion is intended to minimize the difficulty many of us face in life at times. It's okay to need help!

I should add 12 Step Group info (web links) to my resource sheet. Alcoholics Anonymous exists everywhere, usually meetings at least 1 every night of the week. I believe if most people sober up, they can work at least part-time. They will then be eligible for a nice tax refund in many cases and have the mental lift of being productive members of society. If you can stand on a street corner in the hot sun, you can stand in a retail store or in a factory and do a job. For goodness sake, get a job as a security gate attendant at an RV park.

My understanding from reading about the homeless population is that a large percentage suffer from chemical dependency and mental illness. Clearly, giving these folks CASH is not the answer.

Just returned from a 4 month/ 7500 mile adventure. Encountering homeless and beggars everywhere, even Deming New Mexico (Walmart)! In Las Vegas, one gentlemen rode on his scooter with dog on front "step" up and down the lanes in between the cars stopped at an intersection. Here in the Twin Cities, they bring their children! (I've seen mothers with 2 or 3 out in the summer sun). Suggestion to self for next trip (and anyone else interested in helping), carry "resource sheets" with contact information For Salvation Army and United Way in the vehicle and hand out to those asking for help. I also look up the local branch of the Salvation Army online and make a donation. I do not give cash to these folks. ( I have a Minneapolis resource sheet with all the services and contact info listed and I give it out when I encounter these folks in the city. There are usually at the freeway exit as I make a stop to turn.) Veterans get tax free benefits and or taxable pensions. The feds have subsidized Sec 8 housing vouchers. Every town has a food shelf. Churches all try to help. Parents in this income bracket pay no income tax and get the earned income tax credit if they have wages. The Salvation Army in Phoenix has a day center where they can go to take a shower, make phone calls, get a cup of coffee etc. The feds give out Social Security Disability to anyone with a bad back. Encountering these folks not only on the street corners, but in public libraries, casinos, bus stations, on the buses. Happy to get home, we don't have this problem in my town of 60,000. It is possible here to get subsidized housing, free health care (much better than what I have), many food shelves, cash assistance, tax refunds if you work a little . I've lived in New York City area, and grew up with what we called "pan handlers" encountered on the street corners and subway stops. My pastor used to always reach into his pocket and give them change. Here in Burnsville, MN, I've never once encountered one in 20 years of living here. I know "its tough out there" but I am doubtful many of these folks aren't just lazy and taking advantage of the kindness of strangers. Thanks for listening.

First time camping in Las Vegas. The Thousand Trails campground is a pleasant discovery...well located in the center of the Las Vegas area, so convenient to the strip, downtown, and Boulder Highway area. There are many RV parks in the area...Road Runner, Kings, Arizona Charlies, Sam's Town KOA and the Thousand Trails Park. Rates in the private parks seem quite reasonable. I've been coming to Vegas for 30 years and always flew in and stayed in a hotel either on the strip or downtown. I like this Boulder Highway area...good access to everything, seems like an area for the locals primarily. Those deals that are almost impossible to find on the strip or downtown, are here!! ($3.99 breakfast, cheap rooms, etc). Near Walmart Supercenter, Albertsons, Sprouts etc. Plan to come back for a longer stay in '21 when we are doing a Western tour. The Thousand Trails park has tight sites but that was expected and doesn't affect me here. Friendly staff, small pool and hottub, lounge with TV, newspaper, and free coffee. etc. "Thumbs up" Thousand Trails. There are sidewalks and bike lanes outside the park and a bus line for those who prefer that option.

The reverse mortgage doesn't make sense for the OP. (Planning to sell home and go FT). A HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) would make much more sense, involve very low fees in most cases, and would simply be paid off at closing when the home is sold. A HELOC with a loan to value ratio of less than a certain %, will usually not require an appraisal. Closing costs are a fraction of those involved in a reverse mortgage or traditional mortgage. Reverse mortgages involve steep fees and come with the unpleasant experience of getting a monthly mortgage statement showing an ever increasing balance due to the lender. As long as the homeowner keeps current on real estate taxes and insurance, the homeowner can usually stay in the home until death. For a retiree with limited resources, who absolutely wants to stay in their home, it's an option worth exploring, when staying is otherwise not financially feasible. There are no commissions paid to the originator of a home equity line of credit. On the other hand, mortgage originators get a big fee when a reverse mortgage is sold because of the high fees and potential profit to the lender. Wings Financial is a good place to start for a HELOC if you have the ability to join them.

This is our 4th season in our bought new 2017 Minnie Winnie 31D. We knew from our 4 years in our Lazy Daze Rear Bath (1999) that we wanted more space. I do most of the driving and was apprehensive about the increase in length (from 27 to 32). It turned out to be a non-issue and with the rear air bags, the 31D handles like a dream. Our biggest disappointment was the # of issues that cropped up during the first year or two of ownership. Winnebago was very good about fixing anything we had trouble with and we think we might be out of the woods now (knock on wood). We are in the 4th month of a 4 month trip and haven't had a single problem. The 6 speed Ford E450 (V10) with tow haul feature is easy to drive. We haven't done any climbing yet but based upon our very positive experience with the Lazy Daze, we have no apprehension about it when we do get out West in 2021. The 31D is a great floorplan and filled with features for under 100K. We have done most of our service in Forest City and would highly recommend the Minnie Winnie series. The build quality if very high, something we became accustomed to with the finely built Lazy Daze. However, the Minnie Winnie was $86K vs well over a $110+K for a smaller Lazy Daze with fewer features. Lazy Dazer's tend to be fearful of slides and jacks, both fears unfounded in our experience. In 4 years (not FT but 3-4 months a year) we've had a few issues, and while never fun to deal with, minor in the bigger context of the pluses. (Our Lazy Daze was never a trouble free unit either). We like the extra space and ease of leveling with the HWH jacks. Features of the Minnie Winnie that continue to dazzle us include the comfortable beds (we have 3 not including the dinette), gas/elect hot water heater, ducted air, swivel front seats, 3 nicely mounted and positioned flat screen TVs, MCD solar shades, gas range with oven and glass cover, solid surface countertops, stainless sinks, abundant pantry space, abundant closet and drawer space, a "desk" area where I have my printers and computer set up, opposing slides which create a large living space, and comfortable and durable upholstery. Easy in and out with an inside step, no annoying mechanical step that moves every time the door opens at a rest stop! And we're Class C'ers for life as we love the Ford cab, 3 doors, bed over cab for soft storage, naps, nieces and nephews etc. We travel with full water and do come up right up against the GVWR at 14,500. Here is a link to a you tube tour of our rig!

I recommend looking for a dealer (auto/rv service tech) familiar with RVs who can install permanent valve stems that come out of the wheel cover for easy access. It takes some doing...many Ford dealers have no idea how to do it! We found Kremer Services in Inver Grove Heights MN who was familiar with the process and ordered the parts. Now checking tire pressure is a breeze. Not happy with our $500+ Tiretracker system. Sensors fall off the radar. Sensors give inaccurate readings. The display terminal inside the RV doesn't sound an alarm if a tire is suddenly deflated. (tested it). They have a lifetime warranty so we have to pack it up and send it back to them. Junk as far as I am concerned. AVOID THIS COMPANY: https://www.tiretraker.com/

I signed up with Dialcare (Telemedicine simplified). I wanted an app that I could use nationwide to find and consult with Doctors around the US in case I need one while traveling outside my home area. Not sure if this is something that would interest you...I haven't had occasion to use it yet. I pay $159 a year and the service includes free consultations if I need them.

Isle of Capri (Lake Charles) is a good overnight with the option of a paid hookup site with elec only. They allowed free overnight parking in the overflow lot which is what we chose. The parking lots are directly below the huge bridge on I-10. Lots of noise and worry about that bridge which has seen better days. I put a price of 1B to replace that monster. Every time a truck hits a certain spot, you hear a pronounced thud like something is loose. Scary. I am not a complainer, but the seafood buffet was $72 for 2 and not worth it. 2nd night stopped at Katy RV Park in Katy, TX. $53.10 for the night. It was worth it not to have to hassle with parking in a busy WM overnight. Katy RV Park has a very unique setup, I would recommend anyone looking at the Houston area to stop there and check it out. When I am retired, I would gladly spend a month there during the winter. Tonight at TT in Columbus, TX, no charge for TT members. San Antonio...here we come! (I-10 is still very rough through LA and East Texas. Drop your speed as you cross the LA/TX line to reduce the odds of disaster).

I wish escapees could start a database of RV friendly service providers. Previous RV was a '99 also on E450 chassis and was more maintenance intensive. But at about 130K, it was still very reliable and after cleaning up some neglected items by the previous owner, it was great. Have had good luck finding providers but it takes some work on the internet and the frustration of being turned away or ignored by some. In the Twin Cities (MN), Apple Valley Ford will happily service the E450 (commercial division). Now that the 3 year Ford warranty has passed, I will switch to Kremer services in Inver Grove Heights, MN for my primary annual service. (Kremer is friendlier and lower in price). Here in Summerdale found nearby Express Oil (across from Target) that was fully equipped for routine oil change and other routine maintenance. It just takes searching around on the internet (read reviews) and phone calls work better than online inquiries which often go unanswered. ( I always get an oil change in the Spring and Fall and that means at least once having to search for an "out of area" provider.) https://kremerservices.net/ https://www.expressoil.com/stores/daphne/al/1901/

Thanks for reminder about Louisiana, my hopes are dashed that it has been resurfaced since I traveled it last year. 6,000 miles into this trip from MN (out East, down to Florida and now in Summerdale) the interstates and secondary roads have been fantastic. (I-95 through SC was a bit rough).

Starting year 4 in my bought new Minnie Winnie. The maintenance has been very minimal so far, oil changes, and most recently had the trans fluid topped off and the air filter changed out. I check the oil periodically, added less than 1/2 quart over the course of a year of travel. I'm at 27,000 on the odometer. Is there anything I'm missing? Seems too easy. Checked Ford manual that came with the rig and doesn't look like much to do until 60 or 100K? (I did have a tire go bad (caught it before it blew) and replaced with the spare and bought a new spare.)

Thank you...will stop at Stephen Austin on night #2 and Hondo night #3 before backtracking into San Antonio for 4 nights at Travelers World. This is what I love about RVing...the 3 nights between Rainbow Plantation and San Antonio will be an adventure and with this plan, the first night is free, the second night is about $20, and the 3rd night $5 (boondock). Got 25% off at Travelers World (special by Sun Resorts thru the end of Dec Promo code 19STAYTX25VR)...it's a nice park right on the bike trail. Looking forward to checking out another Escapee coop park. 19 STAYTX25VR

Any recommendations on good overnight stops on this route? It is approximately 750 miles from Rainbow Plantation to Traveler's World in San Antonio. I am looking at Isle of Capri in Lake Charles (W of New Orleans) for stop #1. That is a few more miles than I'd like for the 1st day but doable. Isle says yes to overnight parking (their rv lot is booked) with 24/7 security roaming. Welcoming. Don't need any hookups for 3 nights. Thanks for any suggestions. I would like to take advantage of being able to play slots in Louisiana as I don't think there are any in Texas.

Situations constanting come up where I am glad I own a Class C... We stopped in at Grayton Beach SP in Florida without a reservation and were able to get a back in site that we fit into with no problem. The park had very few sites that would accommodate a longer Class A and of course those were full. Just pulled into an Express Oil business in Daphne Alabama that I noticed had high doors. They took us right in for an oil change, top off of trans fluid, and replace air filter. The bill was $65. Just spent the day at the USS Alabama for a tour of the battleship (awesome) and a 3:00 Veteran's Day Event (Thank you Veterans!!). With our Class C, we could easily have parked anywhere in their lot. (They did have overflow area for larger vehicles, but that is not always the case). For a day trip like this, we take the RV instead of the toad, and find take down and set up to be a pain but really only takes 15 minutes for each. Certainly couldn't do this with a 5th wheel or trailer. Probably a "push" Class A vs Class C. Lots of trees here at Rainbow Plantation and the lower clearance makes it that much less of an issue. My complaints are few. The Minnie Winnie is DARKER inside than our previous Lazy Daze (a company known for big windows and slides). I am used to it now. What you gain in large screen tvs mounted on the wall and slides, you lose in window space and interior light. And the shower stall is flimsy (plastic insert) compared to the solid fiberglass unit that comes with a Lazy Daze. Otherwise happy.

Wave on your way South! We'll be leaving Arizona on Dec 26 and heading back to the Twin Cities to start the 2020 tax season. We have similar concerns in reverse. We winterize at Winstar Casino across the TX/OK line on I-35 with a stop at the Red Roof Inn in Cameron, Missouri. You only need a 2-3 day window of good weather to make the trip without any precip. I will wash our rig and store it inside upon our return to Minnesota.

I don't think the use of the word should offend anyone. Given the fact that a new DP costs 4x what my Class C cost, I think the word is appropriate. It's not intended to offend those who choose to go that route. Just my observation. Definition of extravagant 1a: exceeding the limits of reason or necessity extravagant claims b: lacking in moderation, balance, and restraint extravagant praise c: extremely or excessively elaboratean extravagant display 2: extremely or unreasonably high in pricean extravagant purchase 3a: spending much more than necessary has always been extravagant with her money b: PROFUSE, LAVISH

I've seen you tube videos on installation of the sound deadening material. That would seem like a good first thing to try without a lot of cost. I've thought of doing it in my Minnie Winnie Ford E450 but haven't gotten around to it. The noise level is not bad enough to prod me into action at this point.

Money is a big part of my decision to go Class C. My new Minnie Winnie was $92K inc sales tax and license. 3 slides and HWH levelers. A comparable Class A Diesel would have been more than double this, a figure I couldn't afford. If I win the lottery, I will buy a Class A to try it out. I'm sure it would be fun to try on for size! Especially now that I know it won't tip over in the wind.

If a back in site is officially 26 or 27' deep, I can still back into it with my 33' rig. There are often curbs or boulders in the back or a soft area behind the "pad". Yes, on rare occasions, the issue of bottoming out the back in is a problem. But my lower to the ground Class C with the big back side, handles just fine and because it is lower to the ground, is SAFE to drive. Much less chance of being blown over or tipping over in an accident. Center of gravity is substantially lower than a tippy Class A.

Here's why I have stuck with the Class C...(I've never owned or operated a Class A). Ford E450 - easy to maintain, drive, park, and get in and out of. 3 Doors instead of 1. Lower to the ground, clearance is seldom an issue. (I'm 1-2 feet shorter than most Class As). It's not as intimidating to climb up on the roof, so I can wash my own rig and sweep leaves off the slide toppers with ease. Bed over cab. Use for guests and as a daybed. Lots of soft storage space. Adds a feeling of open space. Rear overhang means I can back in to almost any campsite. Class A owners report a great view out the front. I prefer the "shade" as I don't like driving in the hot sun. My Class C has an 80" queen bed in the bedroom, a huge dinette, a full size couch that turns into a 3rd bed, and 3 TVs. A Class A might have a bigger fridge, a washer and dryer, more underneath storage, and a marble shower. (These are things I don't need). Hope this helps you think about what is important to YOU, since after all, that is what matters.

Just arrived in Flagler Beach Florida (S of Jacksonville) and will spend 3 weeks in Florida before working our way West to Gulf Shores State Park, Travelers World in San Antonio, and Arizona. Transient by nature so just upgraded my Thousand Trails zone pass to an Elite contract which has 9 home parks in Florida on the contract as I want to spend much more time in Florida testing the waters. With the Trails Collection add on, I'll have a huge selection of parks I can move through "park to park" in the sunbelt states. Not interested in boondocking except maybe for a few days inbetween parks. Initial impression of this area is that it is AMAZING!

We are based in the Twin Cities and enjoy Minnesota and the surrounding states from early May - Labor Day. We spend a lot of time on the North Shore (Lake Superior) and down in the Driftless Zone (Lanesboro, Root River Trail). I also do a lot of biking around the lakes and other paved bike trails in the Twin Cities metro area. And we enjoy the shopping, arts, sports venues, dining, parks, farmer's markets, fairs etc of this region. We have indoor storage in MN where the RV rests out of the elements during the time we are in our town home. Indoor storage is hard to find, but not impossible. Our town home lends itself to "lock and go" so we can go anytime..except during tax season when we work FT. Our low real estate taxes, maintenance fees, and utilities give us little financial incentive to look at full-timing, although one can't help consider the option given the number of folks who enthusiastically embrace it. It is not for us. We recenty sold our lake home, embracing the RV life style on a "half-time" basis. We much prefer the RV and lifestyle compared to a fixed vacation home. By traveling south later in the year, we shorten our winters. But we return in late Dec (early January this go around) for the tax season which we start in early to mid January. So we've learned how to winterize on the road, typically when we cross the TX/OK line and spend a night in a motel en route back to MN. Last year we got back and the RV into storage before the first snow flakes so no trouble. Not looking forward to driving in snow but it's possible with our time line, and we'll deal with it when it comes. We learned how to winterize the rig ourselves which eliminates the need for an RV service appt. Most campgrounds have storage areas for the time you would be back in MN. Also, lots of storage lots and other facilities especially down in the larger snowbird destinations like Mesa etc. We do sometimes fly home and try to position ourselves in cities that Sun Country services, as their fares are very low and they allow one way tickets on short notice. Orlando, Harlingen, and Mesa are 3 good places to be if you need to fly home to MSP.

Yes, all fulltimers beware. The IRS is out looking for you. LOL (Because they have nothing better to do.)