Jeff McPherson

We live in the SF Bay Area, so, as far as minimum temp goes, most winters we get a few nights in the mid to high 20s; every couple years we might get a couple nights in the low 20s . . . That being said, we have always used the simplified blowout method (first method in the following link). With that method you don't put any pink stuff in the fresh water side, only down the drains/toilet tank, etc. There is a some risk that low spot water in a valve or some other place, might not get blown out, but we are very, very thorough with our blowout until absolutely no water mist at all is being blown out of any fresh water outlet. We've been using that method for 12 years with our Toyhouse and, in our mild climate, we've never had a problem. Again, it's the first method here: http://rvroadtrip.us/library/winterizing.php

Since you say you're new to RVing, be sure your motorhome is level before you try any troubleshooting tips. Being unlevel will not affect whether the unit will start cooling when you troubleshoot . . . but it can quickly cause other serious problems once cooling starts.

We have the 21ft Warrior. We've used this cheapie "rope and pole" awning for years. It fits great into the Warrior awning rail. Plusses are 1) it's cheap, 2) with the five ropes, it's more wind resistant than most permanently attached awnings, and 3) it's not premanently attached so you only take it with for trips when you need it. Cons are 1) the ropes and poles are trip hazards (especially at night) and 2) efficient setup takes 2 people. (Inefficient setup can be done with 1 person and much cussing) http://www.jcwhitney.com/p2002617/sku-272682.jcwx?filterid=c18279u0j1 It doesn't come with a storage bag. If you don't have something lying around, you may have to buy one from Whitney or on Amazon/Ebay. As with most staked sporting goods, the stakes that it comes with are inadequate. You'll need an upgraded set like these: http://www.harborfreight.com/10-inch-steel-tent-stakes-set-of-six-96534.html JeffM 93 Warrior V6

Don't you just love those 18-20mpg ads! Since we bought our V6 Toyhouse in 2003, every May we take off for 4-6 weeks for a 3,000-4000 mile trip. I drive conservatively 60-62mph on the open road, (or lower as conditions restrict). My overall average mpg each year on those long trips, with 20-30 fillups, has always been low-to-mid 14s mpg (never 18-20mpg). This year as an example over the 3000+ mile loop trip, my low fillup was 12.2mpg, my high fillup was 16.7mpg and my average was (just like every other year) low-to-mid 14s mpg -- 14.6 mpg. I guess the people that compose those ads must only drive downhill with a tailwind.

We also have the Adco. They now have their leftovers on closeout for between 120.99 and 129.00 for the 20 ft. size. The best deal right now seems to be the 20ft. Class A cover with the Tyvek top for 129.99. The cheaper ones don't have the Tyvek top. I usually buy either the Class A or the Travel Trailer models as they seem a little more spacious that covers specifically designed for our Class Cs. Shipping is $20: http://www.adcoprod.com/Closeout-Store

I think nearly all of our hitch receivers have been installed aftermarket. So I think there is no "one" rated tongue weight. It depends how the receiver is attached (bolted, welded, both, etc) and to what it has been attached. If you have a hitch shop in your area, you might stop by and have the installer look at your receiver installation and give you an estimate of acceptable tongue weight.