List of RV Problems

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The reason I purchased a 2018 Thor Class C Toy Hauler was to eliminate the probability of dealing with unscrupulous sales people, whose main purpose in life seems to be pushing defected trade-ins or flood damaged vehicles on unsuspecting customers. However, my desire to purchase a 2018 mobile home with little to no repair issues were dashed by MHSRV Dealership and Thor Manufacture employees, who had to be drunk when my mobile home was built. My problems are as follows:

(1) Leveling Jack: Leveling Jack on rear of driver side – won’t retract. As a result, I’ve been stranded in Sioux Falls SD at a campground since my March 15th arrival.

(2) Hole in Floor: A short-cut floorboard was installed under couch which has a hole large enough for rodents, snakes and cold air to enter the mobile home. I stuffed a washcloth in the hole.

(3) Slider: Slider joints are not sealed. I purchased a large rug to block air (cold and hot).

(4) Control Panel: Wall control panel is not working properly. It shows propane tank is full when it’s not; black and gray tanks empty when they are full. I noticed unconnected hanging wires under my mobile home.

(5) Xantrex/Pro Panel: Panel above entrance steps is always flashing “E05.” It’s hard to sleep with light flashing. So, I pressed the off button to permanently turn light off.

(6) Kitchen Sink: A water leak from sink pipe was hidden by an under-sink trash can. This leak resulted in the collapse of under sink shelf and warped boards in front of the sink. I called my salesmen, Jordan Buckley’s attention to the warped boards on March 11th. It never dawned on me to open the cabinet door under the sink and remove the trash can. I am sure Buckley was aware of this problem based on his response. “It would take a lot of time to repair that area right now. “I’ll note it on your VIN for it to be repaired in the future.” I don’t believe you, I replied. Yes, I will, he said. A check a few months late confirmed Buckley is a lair. The only item on my VIN was a repair made prior to me purchasing the mobile home which was not shared with me.

(7) Kitchen: Crack in wall – left of lower stove drawer

(8) Doors and Drawers: Both swings open and slam shut while driving. Some drawers won’t close completely. There are gaps between the frame and doors on wardrobe and silverware door.

(9) Bathroom: Shower Enclosure fell-out. I had to purchase a plastic curtain and hooks to use shower.

(10) Dash Board Indicator Lights: Two hours into my trip from Alvarado TX after purchasing my mobile home. A warning light came on my dashboard. Because I was concerned, I pulled over on the shoulder of the road and called my AAA RV Plus service and explained the situation. While waiting for a transport truck. I called my salesmen Jordan Buckley and described the indicator light problem and informed him, I was bring the mobile home back to his dealership. “No! Wait let me check something.”

Buckley’s search of the internet identified the light as a gas cap issue. So, he had me unscrew and re-screw the cap on the side of the highway. The light is still on, I said. “The light should go out after a few more hours of driving; it’s a new vehicle you know. But, if the light does not go out – you need to replace the gas cap. Believing him, I cancelled my AAA Service.

The indicator gas cap light remained on; later it was joined by the engine indicator light. I called Thor Warranty Center and described both lights on my dashboard. “That’s a Ford issue. You need to call Ford and make an appointment for service.

Upon calling Ford and describing the lights on my dashboard. The Ford Warranty Center Representative said, “Ma’am, we built the chassis which is the base-frame your house was built on. Since chassis aren’t sold with gas caps or engines. Your dashboard lights are on because of something Thor manufacturer did when building your house on the chassis. Therefore, the diagnosis to identify and repair your problem is Thor’s responsibility. Even after relaying Ford’s comment to Thor Warranty Center employees continued to use unscrupulous business practices; blaming Ford for shoddy work performed by Thor Manufacturer employees.

Later, I started smelling gas fumes in my mobile homes. So, I informed Thor of the gas fume smell and the dashboard lights were still on. Thor did absolutely nothing to resolve my dashboard or gas fumes issues.

(11) Awning: While at Cedar Hill State Park in Texas, I let the Awning out for the first time. When I attempted to retract it. It would not retract. So, it remained out for three days until I called the office for help. Two grounds men showed up (one on each side of the awning arms); supporting and slightly pressing the joints until the awning slowly retracted. I have not used the awning since that time.

(12) Microwave: The microwave sweats whenever I use it which requires me to leave the door open for it to dry-out after each use. Later, I discovered items cooked in the microwave tasted and smelled funny. A review of the microwave indicated the heat coil was rusting. As a result, I stopped using the microwave.

(13) House Door Glass: Window glass fell out of side-door while closing door. Currently, the glass is being held in the frame by duct tape. A review indicated, no caulking or glass framer was used to install the window glass.

(14) The Stove: Stove burners are protected by a fold-down cover, when it’s not in use; you need additional counter space, or the mobile home is in motion. The hinge screw that holds the cover up or down broke.

(15) Hole in Roof: Hole in roof near air-condition vent. It was patched.

(16) Gear Shift: During my return to Alvarado Texas on July 20, from Sioux Falls South Dakota. There was an ongoing issue with shifting gears.

(17) Refrigerator: Prior to my rv being serviced by Rich Ford. I had no problem(s) with my refrigerator. Upon picking up my vehicle on Oct 4 to return to MHSRV in Alvarado Texas, my mobile home smelled of spoiled foods. Requiring me to stop at a roadside picnic area to depose of foul foods and clean the freezer and lower areas with soapy water.

(18) Radio: I live on the road; travelling from State-to-State. Therefore, I was irritated to find my radio flickering which is indication of a shortage. For me, proper operation of my radio is a safety need. Not only does music, news and talk shows help keep me awake. The radio show GPS maps, and allow me to answer or make telephone calls without having to take my hands from the steering wheel.

(19) Televisions: All three televisions have a listening volume issue. Even, is volume is 100% the volume is low, and the sound does not play through designed speakers.

(20) Bathroom: Board under medicine cabinet is dropping.

Fort Stanton, New Mexico

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In 1855, the U.S. Army established Fort Stanton as an Infantry and Cavalry Post in the East-Central New Mexico Territory to protect settlers in that region. Later, the Fort was a Military Reservation.

Today, the Fort is known as Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area (NCA) which was established in 2009; to protect, conserve and enhance the unique nationally important historic, cultural, scientific, archaeological, natural and educational subterranean cave resources of Fort Stanton’s River Cave System.

The Cave spans over 31 miles and is the second longest cave in New Mexico. The 14th longest cave in the United States and the 62th longest cave in the world managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Additionally, Snowy River is a noteworthy water passage within the cave; approximately 15 miles of previously unknown passage have been mapped without reaching the end.

The Fort grounds contains two public 14-day campsites in different locations. Rob Jagger campground in Lincoln, NM is considered a developed camp area because it is graveled and includes five-parking sites with electric and water hookups; five additional sites only offer electric hookups. There are three shareable fire-rings, two picnic pavilions and 12-horse corrals to accommodate horse owners; corrals are used on a first-come first-served basis.

Payment for developed sites are based on the honor system as follows:
Water: $5.00 daily
Electric: 30 amp. $5.00 daily
Water only: $5.00 daily
Rv Dump Station: $15.00
The Group Shelter is $25.00. Contact Roswell Field Office to make reservations.
Note: Seniors pay half-price based on membership passes.

The second camp area is a smaller primitive campground near the entrance to Fort Stanton Cave which I never got the opportunity to visit. It is my understanding that the cave is closed due to a problem with bats residing in parts of the cave. As a result, I made Jagger campground my home from September 13-27.

Recreations: Hiking, biking, horseback riding, caving, cultural and historic sites, picnicking, wildlife observation, nature studies and photography.

I can’t end this article without sharing this: I met two awesome females. They were friendly, hardworking, conscientious women. Who were temporary Campground Hosts until a full-time host is hired. In the past, every campground, I have ever used or visited was manned by men.

I swear, watching these women rise early every morning to check, clean and restock bathrooms; shovel and remove horse manure; then use logs to level-out dirt in corrals and other areas. Pull trash from garbage cans throughout campgrounds and transport it to larger dumpers; use a nail gun to re-enforce a recently installed wooden fence, as well as, maintain and mow grounds. Yes, I really mean…Mow grounds.

Although both women were hard workers in every task I observed. One female’s job performance, creativity; use of tools and equipment – I’ve only seen men use was beyond reproach. There is no one skill category this woman falls under rather than jack-of-all-trades. I look forward to staying at another campground hosted by Frugal Rv Gal and her best friend, Kim in the future. Be Safe-RVing Sisters.

Custom Motorcycle Loader

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I am so excited. After months of searching it seems I’ve found the one and only custom builder for all types of loaders (i.e. rv’ s, pickup trucks, 18-wheelers, fifth-wheelers, vans, trikes, 2-wheel motorcycles, cars, etc.)

I spent two days with Jerry Piercy, the company’s owner, who is also the custom designer, welder, patent register, shipper and receptionist. As well as Mark, Jerry’s custom builder who is just as amazing in what he does.

These two guys can design and build anything which are shipped to customers all over the world or installed in/on customer vehicles on site.

It was amazing watching the building process for my motorcycle loader and breath-taking to see it load and unload my 1080-pound trike. Jerry’s design and build of my loader were beyond anything I could envision. The loader was custom built to load/unload a 2-wheel bike or 3-wheel trike.

This is a dream come true; no more struggles or pleads for help to get my motorcycle up and down a steep ramp. Now…All I do is push a button.

I recall a few RV’ing Women of my organization asking, “how and where to purchase loaders.” I hope this helps.

If you need a loader contact Jerry Piercey and tell him, Edith E Brown referred you.
Company: Mountain Master Truck Equipment L.L.C.
Website: www.mountainmaster.net
Phone: 888-686-6278

Motor Coach Resort, Chandler AZ

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Although my stay at this resort was 3-days as I poked-along for an Sept 10, appointment with Jerry Piercy in Phoenix AZ, who is a builder of custom motorcycle loaders.

I found this campground to be very different because the entire area was pretty much paved, except for gravel filled areas around a central located picnic area and utility connection sites for individual rv hookups.

The area appeared to be created for adults because I didn’t notice a playground for children. Also, occupants were scarce due to AZ’s 104-degree heat. As a result, the grounds were extremely noiseless; other than occasion traffic on a near-by roadway.

I wish I could have spent more time here to take advantage of rv services (i.e. power washing, roof check and application of sealant if needed.)

I found the manager and office staff to be friendly and helpful. In fact, when I arrived on Saturday I made reservations to stay one-day; thinking Saturday was Sunday, and Sunday would be Monday.

The manager laughed and extended my stay. It’s hard to remember days when you are changing locations every 3 to 14-days. I paid $86.00 for my three day stay.

San Antonio KOA – A Special Trip

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Not being comfortable driving a 30-feet mobile home around in San Antonio to access the neighborhood of a long-time dear friend, I parked my rv at a KOA Campground from Sept 5 to Sept 7.

Lillie Ammann, an editor and I became fast friends in 2002 while creating informational eBooks for an online group-owned venture. This was an exciting opportunity for me because I had never written or published online eBooks before this venture.

During this time, Lillie and I were constantly talking on the telephone about one thing or another and talked about meeting for the last 16-years. However, life issues and making a living always took center stage for both of us.

I supported her on the telephone during her husband, Jack’s illness and death. She supported me on the telephone during my son, Keithalon’ s death. As well as, edited my book, “No-Not Again” a memoir about Keithalon and his oldest brother Patrick.

Meanwhile, the desire for us to meet was always a fleeting plan. After purchasing my mobile home, the trip to visit Lillie was #1 on my list of things to do which occurred on Sept 6, when I called to inform her, “Lillie I am in your driveway.”

When she greeted me at her front door with a smile of excitement and disbelief; I laughed. At that point, all we could do was hug – which made me feel like I had won the lottery. Finally…I met my dearest, supportive, long-time telephone friend, who is now one of my dearest, closest friends by voice and physical form.

Neither of us knew how to take a selfie. So, I took many awful pictures. Finally, the one which showed both of our eyes closed was a winner because we know its us and the cheek-to-cheek is real friendship.

Life is short. Honor all your promises and make time for your friends. One day, they might not be present in your life.

Steele Creek Park Campground, Morgan Texas

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This campground is also managed by the Army Corps of Engineers and allows community residents, sight-seeing visitors and travelers passing though the State of Texas to live at the park 14-days for free. The entrance and roadways throughout this park are paved.

This is a huge twenty-site campground which is the largest property I have stayed at. Also, privacy space between campsites are large enough to accommodate three additional mobile homes and/or ten-primitive tents.

Otherwise, this property is like Soldiers Bluff Park Campground. Campers have access to city water faucets, public bathrooms, boat ramps, a beach, private fire-rings and covered picnic tables with benches but does not include grills. Argentina Ants have infested this park too, but not as vast as Cedar Hill State Park.

I love the quiet serenity and stunning views of this campground; seeing deer on and near campsites presents its own wow factor. I am sure, the sight of so many deer on this property have caused heart-burn for many hunters, because BLM property is federal land and hunting isn’t allowed.

Furthermore, the deer seems to know they’re protected from hunters and park visitors because they are everywhere and not fearful of humans or pets. For instance, I was visited my next-door neighbor, who owns Jacob, a hound dog mixed with blue-tick.

Two deer were slowly strolling by his campsite. Jacob starts to whine; barked several times then went into charge mode. The deer stopped; looked at Jacob as to say, “you’re on a lease – tied to a post. What are you going to do about us passing by?” These deer stood there looking at Jacob for a while then looked at each other. Finally, they continued their stroll to the lake. Jacob whined in disappointment as his owner and I laughed.

This campground is patrolled by the grounds’ host, police, a ranger and sheriff on a regular basis until security gates close at 10pm.

Soldiers Bluff Park, Clifton Texas

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I decided to try my hand at Boondocking on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) properties managed by the Corps of Army Engineers.

It doesn’t matter what term you prefer to use: Boondocking, dry camping or single parking neither provides home comfort such as electricity, cable, city water and sewage system hookups. However, a few BLM properties do provide common area water faucets where patrons can fill fresh water tanks or containers for use on their campsites.

Soldiers Bluff Park is extremely quiet at night. Has its own park host and grounds are regularly patrolled by police. This park is open to community residents, out-of-state visitors, swimmers, boaters, cookouts, Rv’ers, group and solo primitive campers.

There’s an extra level of protection for night patrons once gates close and security systems are activated to prevent public access. Overnight patrons can stay FREE for 14-days.





Cedar Hill State Park Texas

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Since there is no time like the present, rather than stay at campgrounds in Alvarado Texas to wait for parts to be shipped to my Texas service center from various manufacturers to repair my mobile home. I decided to homestead at Cedar Hill State Park in Texas which is my first State Park.

During my trip to the park Google map lost its connection after telling me to take an upcoming exit and pass shell. I quickly transferred over to Waze where a mickey-mouse sounding female said, “Make a loop; make a loop; make a loop.” However, there was no place to make a loop to the left-side of the street because traffic was heavy. So, I kept driving and looking for a place to turn around, but I saw nothing!

Finally, there was only one vehicle on the left-side of the street heading towards me. I quickly swung my mobile home out to my right, then back to the left through the turn and bumped the curve on the shoulder which closed the turn-lane and blocked three other lanes now filled with traffic. “god-dammit Danny Boy what a fine mess you got us into.”

No one blew his/her horn; pumped fist, yelled hurry the hell up or let me get in; I’ll turn you around or back you in – like Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC residents. Instead, these Texians patiently waited and watched as I repeatedly backed-up; turned my steering wheel to inch forward until I could clear the far-left curve. Then, I did three taps on my horn as a thank you and took Exit 67-North. Many folks honked back. Honestly, this is when I realized a 30-foot mobile home is long.

It was dusk when I arrived at the park-just in time to hookup my electric and water. I connected my sewer pipe 3-days later. However, prior to entering the park, the Ranger at the entrance informed me the park had an ant problem and recommend I purchase Sevin5 Ready-to-Use 5% Dust to sprinkle a circle around my rv to deter these pests from infesting your residence. The next morning, I discovered lines similar to magic marker lines along many exterior seams of my rv and discovered they were ants. I sprayed these areas with Hot Shot Spray and went to purchase the recommended product from Wal-Mart garden section which kept the ants out once applied.

I decided to research the parks ants problem and discovered, these ants were invasive species called Argentina Ants because they are native to Argentina and Brazil. These ants vary in color from light to dark brown and measures 1/8 inch long. Since their discovery in New Orleans in 1981, it was determined the ants had spread to Texas by 2016. Further, Argentina Ants colonies are huge and support multiple queens which explains the quick infestation throughout many parks and residents in Texas. Trust me, these ants are everywhere. If they enter your dwelling they are extremely hard to get rid of; short of setting-off Hot Shot Foggers or similar products.

Now about the park: Prior to becoming a State Park this land was owned by the Penn Family for over a century and known as Penn Farm an agricultural property used to raise cattle, horses, crops of wheat and/or cotton which is representative of small middle-class farmsteads that once occupied the border of Dallas County.

Do you remember the 1970-1980 Little House on The Prairie tv series? I hadn’t thought about that series or heard the word prairie mentioned until I moved to Sioux Falls South Dakota. This is when I begin to wonder why residents were calling unkept areas with tall weeds, grass, bushes and trees prairies.

Today a Park Ranger told me, “The word Prairie means Meadow which is a French word.” In keeping with that definition, there are many family and solo traveler things to do at this park such as hike and bike on trails; learn about plants and wildlife. Bird watch, fish, attend annual events, swim, sit by the water and dream, use private crafts to go boating or kayaking and enjoy a cookout or favorite meals with family and friends. This park is worth visiting or homesteading if Texas is your destination or a cut-through route during your travels.

On the Road Again

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                              Edith’s homestead at Tower Campground

I had no idea I would spend four months stuck at Tower Campground in Sioux Falls South Dakota because of a magnitude of problems; the whopper was a devilish rear leveling jack on the driver’s side that wouldn’t stay up. Although, various Thor Warranty Center Customer Support staff attempted to walk-me-through jack recalibration on the telephone which didn’t resolve the problem.

The fact there aren’t any rv electronic mobile service units in Sioux Falls; my mobile home could not be driven with one or more leveling jacks sitting on the ground.

A new Camping World Store opened in Sioux Falls South Dakota on May 25. While picking up supplies on July 7, I shared my rv problems with the service manager, who confirmed they weren’t offering mobile services either because of the high cost to stock and maintain a service truck. However, the manager did provide the name and telephone number for me to contact an acquaintance that worked at another RV Service Center, who might be able to get to me quicker and resolve my problem.

After two attempts (July 10 and July 14) to recalibrate the rear jack that kept dropping a few minutes after adjusting; it was determined the control panel wasn’t communicating with the jack properly. On July 17, the problem jack was finally removed by a vehicle mechanic. Currently, the remaining three jacks are still retracted and my rv is now drivable. As a result, I have a warranty repair appointment scheduled for July 24 in Alvarado Texas.

I am so excited to be leaving Sioux Falls South Dakota on July 20; residents refer to Sioux Falls as the country. Meanwhile, I’ve been humming and singing Willie Nelson’s song “On the road Again.”

Garden of the Gods Park

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“Are you still planning to visit Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs after visiting the Air Force Academy,” a friend asked. I certainly do. In fact, I am excited and looking forward to visiting that garden. The name, ‘Garden of the Gods” make me think it’s a special place.

In my mind’s eye, I see a beautiful garden filled by an array of blooming flowers; benches placed throughout the garden with spectacle mountain views allowing visitors to rest and talk to other visitors or just watch as folks pass by. Further, I hear running water in the distance which is caused by a nature waterfall flanked by gentle flowing lakes.

“My God…Take a lot of pictures – I can’t wait to see them. By the way, how did your attraction magazine describe the garden?” I haven’t read any attraction publications as yet but will grab and review one at some point tonight or tomorrow.

So, prior to exiting the Air Force Academy grounds I told my GPS: Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs Colorado. “Got it let’s go, my GPS replied. Thirty minutes later my GPS said, “You have arrived at your destination.”

You have got to be kidding! All I see are different colored mountains, trees and bushes, I replied. This is when I finally took the time to read the attraction magazine which pretty much states: In 1859, two surveyors from Denver City Colorado were appointed to locate and layout the design for a booming township, when they stumbled upon Sandstone Formations which became the background for the town and designed to become a capital place for a beer garden; once the country grew up.

Based on the discovery and future intent for this land, the surveyors named the area Garden of the Gods. As a result, the name was accepted and remained, but the garden never materialized. In 1979, Garden of the Gods became a registered National Natural Landmark.