If you’re interested in potentially towing a vehicle on your next trip, learn what it takes to tow a vehicle with your RV.

1: MAKE SURE YOU WON’T EXCEED YOUR RV’S CAPABILITIES

Before you hitch your car to the back of the RV, take the time to find your motorhome’s tow rating. Your maximum towing capacity can be found in your owner’s manual and will indicate the total amount of weight your RV is capable of hauling. Never exceed this amount when you hook up a vehicle to your motorhome.

You also need to pay attention to the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of your RV. This number indicates the maximum weight your RV can safely transport. You don’t need to count the weight of the vehicle you are towing towards this number, but you do need to include the weight of the trailer tongue, as well as anything else that your RV will be holding.

The next step is to check how much your RV is capable of hauling by looking for a plate on your RV’s hitch that lists this number.

2: DETERMINE HOW YOUR VEHICLE OR “TOAD” CAN BE TOWED

Just as you need to be careful to ensure that you do not exceed your RV’s towing capacity, you also need to make sure that you understand the best way to tow your secondary vehicle.

Please note that not all vehicles can be pulled behind an RV using the same method. For example, many all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles cannot be flat-towed — towed with all four wheels on the ground — behind an RV. This is because it will cause damage to the transmission.

In other cases, there may be critical cooling systems or protections that only kick on when your vehicle is running. Towing these vehicles with all four wheels on the ground can permanently damage major components.

Be sure to consult your owner’s manual to find the manufacturer's recommendation for towing. This should indicate whether you can tow your vehicle on all four wheels, with two wheels down, or if it must be towed on a flatbed trailer. If you cannot find this information readily, speak to your mechanic about the best option based on your vehicle's make, year, and model.

3: CHECK YOUR HITCH

Once you understand how much weight your RV can tow and how your particular vehicle should be towed, it is time to inspect the hitch on your motorhome. Most RVs come equipped with a hitch featuring a ball and a receiver.

If your RV does not have a hitch, there are options for adding a custom hitch to the motorhome. However, be sure to read over any warranty information before adding a hitch to your RV. In some cases, adding a hitch can invalidate your warranty.

4: CHOOSE YOUR STYLE OF TOWING

There are three main methods for towing a vehicle behind your RV. Depending on your toad, you might be limited in which options you can use. Before you try any of these methods, be sure to speak with your mechanic.

FOUR-DOWN OR FLAT TOWING

One of the easiest ways to tow a vehicle behind your RV is using the four-down method, also called dinghy towing or flat towing. This method uses a small tow bar to connect your vehicle to the RV. All four tires rest on the ground, and the vehicle simply trails behind your RV.

This method is a popular choice due to the ease of connecting and disconnecting the vehicle and the limited amount of equipment needed. However, it is not a valid option for all vehicles and causes the most wear and tear on your toad.

TOW DOLLY

Another option for towing your vehicle is to connect a tow dolly to your RV. With this method, the front two wheels of your toad are loaded onto the dolly. The rear wheels roll on the ground. This is a good choice for vehicles with front-wheel drive transmissions. It is a little more complicated to load your vehicle on a tow dolly than to simply use a tow bar, but tow dollies are still a relatively affordable option.

TRAILER

For all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicles, you’ll most likely need to tow your vehicle with a trailer or car hauler. In this case, you will drive your vehicle onto the trailer and tow the vehicle with no wheels touching the ground.

Trailers are the most expensive option. However, they offer the best protection for the vehicle you are towing. Because the wheels are not touching the ground when in transit, you will not wear down the tires, and there is no risk to the components of your vehicle.

Source: transwest.com

So, you’ve finally taken that big step and purchased that recreational vehicle you’ve been dreaming about. Now, how do you plan to insure your new home on wheels?

Even if you’ve had your RV for years, it’s a good idea to review your insurance coverage and make sure that you have all of the coverage you require, at the best price possible.

After all, an RV is a huge investment for any family, whether it’s a small pop-up trailer or a mega motor home.

Here are a few things to consider:

• Travel Trailer Insurance: Your car insurance likely covers your RV travel trailer, right? So why buy specific RV insurance? Well, regular insurance only covers a trailer when it’s hooked up to the car or truck that’s pulling it, and won’t cover a motor home at all. Get that special RV insurance to be sure your RV is covered, even when it’s not hooked up.
• Medium Trucks: If you’ve got a truck bed camper on a truck over 10,000 pounds, you are likely not covered under your normal auto policy. Get that RV insurance.
• RV Replacement in Case of Accident or Theft: When shopping for insurance, ask if your quote includes Actual Cash Value (ACV), Agreed Value or Total Loss Replacement. ACV is the market value of the RV as decided by third party sources. Agreed Value means that the company agrees to an amount up front with the policy holder; and TLR means the company will provide the insured with a replacement RV if yours is lost or stolen when it is under 5 years old.
• Emergency Expenses: If you are living in your RV full time, you’ll want to be sure you have a policy that reimburses you for living expenses should damage occur.
• Emergency Roadside Assistance: In case of an accident or mechanical failure, an RV can cost up to 3 times more to tow than a normal vehicle. Having an RV road assistance plan is a good feature. Kampgrounds of America has a special agreement with Allstate to provide the Allstate RV Roadhelp Program to our KOA kampers at a special reduced rate.
• Collision coverage while in storage: If you store your RV for extended periods, you may need to be sure your policy includes coverage during that storage.
• Liability Insurance: RV owners can be held liable for injuries that occur as a result of an accident in or around their RV. Most RV insurance gives an owner higher coverage limits on incidents of this sort.
• Replacement of Stolen Property: Your RV holds a lot of specialized equipment, including stereos and televisions. Be sure your policy has a replacement option for your property.

So, how do you get started on your quest to find the very best option when it comes to your RV insurance coverage? Kampgrounds of America has also partnered with Progressive Insurance to provide our KOA kampers with quality coverage at very competitive prices.

Contact Lallis & Higgins for more information.

Every year it seems like everyone is much happier in the summertime. When we picture a summer scene, it includes kids running around laughing with joy. Here are ten ideas bound to provide kids that summertime joy.

1. Make your own popsicles

There’s nothing like enjoying an ice-cold popsicle on a sweltering hot day. Elevate your popsicles by making them homemade. Not only will this be a healthy and fun activity for the kids, but you also can’t beat the fresh taste.

2. Run a lemonade stand

If you have a little one with an entrepreneurial spirit, help them start their first business venture with a lemonade stand. All you need is a table, a sign, a box for that hard-earned cash, lemons, sugar, a pitcher, and ice. Serve refreshing lemonade in disposable cups, or for an eco-friendly option, put out some chairs and serve glass cups instead.

3. Collect seashells

Take the kiddos for a beach day and walk along the water collecting seashells. This makes for great conversation, creativity, and some home decor the kids can cherish forever.

4. Do a cannonball

Make sure an adult is watching at all times, tuck in your knees, jump into the pool, and make the biggest splash possible.

5. Play on a slip and slide

You can rent a slip and slide or buy one for under $20 and you’re in for hours of happy screeches and belly laughter.

6. Tie-dye shirts

Have any old t-shirts lying around? Upcycle! Grab a non-toxic tie-dye kit and get creative. Tie-dye never goes out of style.

7. Fly a kite

You’ll need some good wind for this one. The beach or anywhere near the water is usually a good bet. Kites come in every shape imaginable and create the best memories.

8. Plant flowers

A green thumb is a great skill to have, so start them young! There’s something really special about planting flowers in the summertime and watching them grow.

9. Run to an ice cream truck

Who doesn’t love ice cream in the summer? When you hear the music playing, don’t walk, RUN!

10. Make homemade PlayDough

Making PlayDough is not only fun, but you also know exactly what ingredients are going into it, and likely into your little one’s mouth. Pro tip: skip the food coloring and use juice from your favorite berries instead.

joincake.com

Bed bugs are great hitchhikers. They can move from an infested site to a new home by traveling on furniture, bedding, luggage, boxes and clothing.

Although they typically feed on blood every 5 to 10 days, bed bugs can be quite resilient; they are capable of surviving several months to a year without feeding.

A few simple precautions can help prevent bed bug infestation in your home:

Inspect the luggage rack in your hotel room for bed bugs.

• Check secondhand furniture, beds and couches for any signs of bed bug infestation before bringing them home.
• Use a protective cover that encases mattresses and box springs to eliminate many hiding spots. The light color of the encasement makes bed bugs easier to see. Be sure to purchase a high quality encasement that will resist tearing and check the encasement regularly for holes or a cover that has been pre-treated with pesticide to control bed bugs.
• Reduce clutter in your home to reduce hiding places for bed bugs.
• Vacuum frequently to remove any successful hitchhikers.
• Be vigilant when using shared laundry facilities. Transport items to be washed in plastic bags (if you have an active infestation, use a new bag for the journey home). Remove from dryer directly into bag and fold at home. (A dryer on high heat can kill bed bugs.)
• If you live in a multi-family home, try to isolate your unit by:
  • Installing door sweeps on the bottom of doors to discourage movement into hallways.
  • Sealing cracks and crevices around baseboards, light sockets, etc., to discourage movement through wall voids.

• Consider purchasing a portable heating chamber to treat any items that you believe may have bed bugs.
  • Be sure to read and carefully follow the directions if you use one of these units and be aware that they are not regulated by EPA or other federal agencies.

Source: epa.gov

Whether it’s a boat, a house trailer or your trash to the dump, safely towing a trailer requires attention to...

Safety tips for towing a trailer

Here are nine key points for safe trailer towing and long vehicle life

1) Know your weight limits

Make sure your trailer and whatever you’re hauling fall within the towing or hauling capacities of your vehicle. Check the owner’s manual to find the trailer types that your vehicle can haul and the maximum weight it can pull. Use the right trailer hitch and make sure it is hitched correctly.

2) Distribute weight evenly

If your trailer fishtails, back off the gas and see if it stops. If it continues when you accelerate again, check to see how the weight is distributed on the trailer. It may not be distributed evenly from side to side, or else it’s too far back to place sufficient load on the hitch ball.

Pro Tip: Try to carry 5-10% of the trailer load on the hitch. Redistribute the load as necessary before continuing.

3) Ensure the trailer lights work

Connect the brake and signal lights. Double check to make sure the trailer’s brakes, turn signals and tail lights are synchronized with the tow vehicle.

4) Properly inflate the tires

In addition to staying within weight limits for your rig, be sure the tires are in good condition and properly inflated. Be sure to check your wheel bearings, too. An overheated bearing will sideline your rig as fast as a flat tire. Check out this video on bearing maintenance.

5) Know that your vehicle will handle differently

When towing, you’re operating a vehicle combination that’s longer and heavier than normal. Be sure to adjust your driving practices accordingly.

Backing up is tricky, but it’s a skill you can learn. Until you’re experienced, have someone direct you from outside in those tight spots or places where you have limited visibility.

Avoid sudden turns.

When it comes to towing accidents, don’t say, “It can’t happen to me.” Say instead, “It must not happen to me.”

6) Buckle your seat belt

In case your tow vehicle ends up upside down.

7) Trailer towing requires increased stopping distance

It’s a simple matter of physics. When towing, you have more momentum than you would without a trailer. Remember that stopping requires more time and distance. Avoid tailgating and pay attention to what’s happening a little farther down the road than you normally would.

8) Keep your head on a swivel

Maybe you forgot to fasten a chain, secure the hitch or tie down your payload properly. If you’re in a hurry to get home after a long trip, things like that can happen.

Once you’re on the road, frequently check your mirrors to make sure everything looks good back there.

9) Upgrade your transmission protection

Towing places enormous stress on a transmission. In fact, because of the intense heat, towing is probably the number-one killer of transmissions.

For this reason, the “towing package” on many trucks includes a transmission-oil cooler. It also helps to use a high-end synthetic lubricant. Synthetics reduce friction and provide better resistance to high heat, helping the tranny run cooler, shift confidently and last longer.

Source: amsoil.com

Being water competent in the ocean requires stronger and different skills than in a pool. Whenever you are at the beach, ocean or other open water environment, watch and prepare for:

• Changing tides.
• Fast-moving currents and waves, even in shallow water.
• Drop-offs that unexpectedly change water depth.
• Unexpected changes in air or water temperature.
• Hazards, such as underwater obstacles, rocks and debris.
• Vegetation, marine animals and fish.
• Other people’s activities in the same waters, such as boating.
• Thunder & Lightning.
  • Leave the water immediately, if swimming off shore.
  • If you’re out in a boat, head back to shore as quickly as possible.
  • If you’re unable to get to shore, lie down in the bottom of the boat or shelter in the cabin if available.

Establish and Enforce Rules and Safe Behaviors

• Enter the water feet first for your safety!
  • Always enter unknown or shallow water cautiously.
• Only dive in water clearly marked as safe for diving, at least 9 feet deep with no underwater obstacles. Never dive head first into surf!
• Do not enter the water from a height, such as a bridge or boat.
• Be careful when standing to prevent being knocked over by currents or waves.
• Swim sober.
• Supervise others sober and without distractions, such as reading or talking on or using a cell phone.
• Swim with a buddy even in lifeguarded areas.

Take These Water Safety Steps

• Employ layers of protection including barriers to prevent access to water, life jackets, and close supervision of children to prevent drowning.
• Ensure every member of your family learns to swim so they at least achieve skills of water competency: able to enter the water, get a breath, stay afloat, change position, swim a distance then get out of the water safely.
• Know what to do in a water emergency – including how to help someone in trouble in the water safely, call for emergency help and CPR.

Source: redcross.org

Ever wonder why your car never looks quite as good as some others after a car wash? It’s all in the details. DIY car detailing starts with a car wash but doesn’t stop there. Its purpose is to get your car looking showroom-new on the inside and out — or as close to it as possible.

1. GET YOUR CAR READY

Before you start, roll down all the windows, remove all loose stuff (change, trash, phone cables, mounts, etc.), remove the floor mats and empty the trunk.

2. VACUUM THE INSIDE

Tire detailing (courtesy Jeff Swain)

Put the soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner, and go over the upper and lower parts of the dashboard, the center console and the fabric or leather parts of the doors. Next, vacuum your seats from the headrests down. Use the wand attachment to clean in between and under the seats. Don’t forget to vacuum out cup holders, change trays, door pockets and the glove compartment. Do the trunk next, and save the carpets and floor mats for last.

3. CLEAN YOUR UPHOLSTERY AND CARPETS

Now that all the loose dirt, leaves and random bits and pieces have been vacuumed up, look at what’s left behind. You’ll probably need to do some upholstery and carpet cleaning. Use a fabric cleaner or a leather-specific cleaner to avoid damaging your seats and mats.

4. CLEAN ANY HARD SURFACES

Use an all-purpose cleaner to wash any hard plastic surfaces, such as the dash, the cup holders and the seat belts. Be careful around any electronics — use more precise tools like cotton swabs to avoid damage.

5. ELIMINATE LINGERING ODORS

If you have leftover odors from mildew, food, sweat or anything else, don’t cover it up with a hanging air freshener. Find the source, and use an odor eliminator. This could be as simple as using a spray or even leaving an open box of baking soda in the car (while parked). For tough odors, some pro detailers use industrial-strength ozone generators.

6. WASH THE BODY OF YOUR CAR

Find a shady spot and get the car wet before you get it soapy using the two-bucket method: Use one bucket for clean, soapy water and one for rinsing, dipping a microfiber cloth in the first bucket and cleaning it in the second bucket. Wash your car a section at a time, starting at the top and working downward, so dirty water doesn’t run over an area you just cleaned. Use a soft chamois cloth to dry the car.

7. CLEAN ANY GLASS AND TIRES

After you’ve cleaned every crack and crevice of your car’s body, move on to washing the windows, windshields and mirrors with a glass cleaner. Finally, scrub the tires and possibly apply some tire blacking as well.

8. POLISH AND WAX YOUR CAR

Before you apply wax, see if the finish looks dull after you’ve washed and dried it. This could be oxidization, especially if it’s an older car with a paint job from before the advent of clear coat. This is where a polisher pad would come in. Once you’ve got that perfect shine, protect it with a good wax.

Make DIY car detailing part of your seasonal routine to keep your car looking great between washes. You’ll appreciate the time it took when you see your everyday vehicle looking like it just rolled off the lot.

Source: napaonline.com

Make sure you and everyone else in and around the pool are safe with these tips!

Many electrical fires can be prevented by following some simple electricity safety tips. In this home electrical safety checklist below, there are 10 precautions every homeowner should know and follow. Always remember to ask a professional if you’re uncertain about the safety of an electrical outlet or appliance.

1. Always follow appliance instructions for improved electrical safety.

"Read the instructions" should top the list of electrical safety tips at home. Understanding home appliance safety improves both the performance of your device and your personal safety. Should any appliance give you even a slight electrical shock, stop using it until a qualified electrician checks it for problems.

2. Watch out for overloaded outlets to protect your home.

Overloading an electrical outlet is a common cause of electrical problems. Check all outlets to ensure they are cool to the touch, have protective faceplates and are in proper working order. According to ESFI, you can follow these electrical outlet safety tips:

• Do not use extension cords or multi-outlet converters for appliances.
• Only plug one heat-producing appliance into an outlet at a time.
• Hot outlets should be checked by qualified electricians.
• Remember that power strips only add outlets—they do not change the amount of power the outlet receives.
• Smart plugs can be used to monitor outlet power loads and even shut off appliances should an outlet begin to overheat.

3. Replace or repair damaged electrical cords to keep your home safe.

Damaged power cords are a serious residential electrical safety risk, and they are capable of causing both fires and electrocution. All power and extension cords should be checked regularly for signs of fraying and cracking, and they should then be repaired or replaced as needed. Power cords should not be stapled into place or run under rugs and furniture. Cords under rugs pose a tripping hazard and can overheat, while furniture can crush cord insulation and damage wires.

The use of extension cords on a regular basis may mean that you don’t have enough outlets to fit your needs. Have a qualified electrician who understands electrical safety rules install additional outlets in rooms where you often use extension cords. When purchasing a power cord, consider the electrical load it will carry. A cord with a load of 16 AWG can handle up to 1,375 watts. For heavier loads, use a 14 or 12 AWG cord.

4. Keep your used and unused cords tidy and secure to prevent damage.

Electrical safety tips don’t just apply to power cords when they’re in use—cords also need to be stored safely to prevent damage. Keep stored cords away from children and pets (who may chew on or play with the cords). Try to avoid wrapping cords tightly around objects; this can stretch the cord or cause overheating. Never rest a cord on a hot surface in order to prevent damage to the cord’s insulation and wires.

5. Unplug all your unused appliances to reduce potential risks.

One of the simplest electrical safety tips is also one of the easiest to forget: when an appliance is not in use, unplug it. Not only does this save you power by reducing any phantom drain (the amount of energy the device consumes even when not actively in use), but unplugging unused appliances also protects them from overheating or power surges.

It’s often difficult to remember to unplug unused appliances, but the new generation of smart plugs offers a solution, allowing you to set power schedules for each outlet.

6. Keep electrical devices and outlets away from water to prevent shock.

Water and electricity don’t mix well. To follow electrical safety rules, keep electrical equipment dry and away from water prevents damage to appliances and can protect against personal injury and electrocution. When working with electrical appliances, it’s important to have dry hands. Keeping electrical equipment away from plant pots, aquariums, sinks, showers and bathtubs lowers the risk of water and electricity coming into contact.

7. Give your appliances proper space for air circulation to avoid overheating.

Without proper air circulation, electrical equipment can overheat and short out, and can become an electrical fire hazard. Make sure your appliances have proper air circulation, and avoid running electrical equipment in enclosed cabinets. For best electrical safety, it’s also important to store flammable objects well away from all appliances and electronics. Pay especially close attention to your gas or electric dryer, as these need to be situated at least a foot from the wall to function safely.

8. Ensure that all your exhaust fans are clean to prevent fire hazards.

Some appliances have exhaust fans, which can get dirty or clogged with debris and make the appliance work harder. This can shorten the life of the appliance and can cause a risk to the home due to overheating, or even cause a buildup of dangerous gasses that can lead to an electrical fire hazard. Cleaning exhaust fans regularly helps prevent such hazards.

9. Check that you’re using the correct wattage in all your fixtures and appliances.

Using the right bulbs can prevent electrical problems, so check all lamps, fixtures and appliances to ensure you’re using the correct wattage. If a light fixture has no wattage listed, use 60-watt bulbs or less. For unmarked ceiling fixtures, choose 25-watt bulbs.

10. Be aware of heaters and water heaters to prevent potential accidents.

Combustible items should be kept away from portable heaters and built-in furnaces. For furnace safety, store combustibles far away from any heating appliances. Portable heaters should not be operated close to drapes, and to prevent tipping, they should only ever be placed on a stable surface.

Source: constellation.com

Support Anthony, and Lallis & Higgins Insurance’s mission to raise $50,000 to help support families battling blood Cancers by donating here. Anthony Lallis of Lallis & Higgins Insurance has accepted the nomination of running as Boston’s 2023 Leukemia and Lymphoma All-Star Visionary of the year to raise funds to help with patient support. Anthony is the 2017 LLS New England Chapter Man of the Year winner, and raised over $50,000 thanks to his hard work, support from friends, family, and business partners. This year Anthony’s mission as an All-Star is to raise another $50,000 to help with patient support.

Safeco Insurance/Liberty Mutual helped kickstart Anthony’s mission by donating $10,000 through their Make More Happen Award. Anthony, and Lallis and Higgins Insurance were recognized for their work with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and presented with the $10,000 check in May.

LLS provided $241 million in financial assistance to over 42,000 patients in 2021 alone. The challenge to keep funds available to those in need has become greater with LLS seeing a 30% increase in requests for assistance last year.

Families need to adjust their life – most times it means a parent will need to stop working so they can be available for their child that is going through treatment while the other Parent works (often times picking up a second job). LLS not only provides funding towards medical studies helping cure cancer, they also help assist with co-pays, deductibles, transportation, parking, food, and hotel stays while a child is going through treatment.

Anthony was two years old, and the youngest of three when his Parents found out he had Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). “My Parents had no idea how much their lives would change. My mother stayed with me in my hospital room while my Dad worked long shifts to make up for the lost income. We didn’t have much money before my diagnosis, so expenses for food, parking, gas and transportation were limited. Our family received assistance through programs like the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and it is my mission to continuing to help families like mine that have their lives flipped upside down.”

Follow this link to learn more about the LLS Co-Pay program.

Please consider supporting this organization by contributing to Anthony’s campaign, and by sharing the link to Anthony’s page with your network. All donations are greatly appreciated and tax-deductible. For more information on LLS, please visit www.LLS.org.

On behalf of blood cancer patients everywhere, thank you for your support!