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November 2024 Newsletter


5 Mistakes when towing a trailer You see them on the highways, back roads, lakes, coastlines, and worksites every day: trucks with attached trailers. However, many a driver will make embarrassing and potentially destructive errors while towing a trailer. Still, you can stay ahead of these problems by using these tips when towing your trailer with your truck, SUV, or sufficiently torquey car. Making any of these five mistakes could spell disaster for even the most typical instances of towing a trailer Knowing the ins and outs of towing a trailer may not be necessary for every driver. However, for workers and good-timers alike, being able to hitch a trailer up to a truck and pull a boat, load, or car is indispensable. Overloading your trailer or neglecting to keep your trailer in working order Using an incompatible hitching setup Forgetting to keep hitching surfaces lubricated and tight Improperly loading a vehicle or vehicles on your trailer Not checking your surroundings when backing or tightly turning with your trailer Most drivers with access to a pickup truck and trailer know they shouldn't overload their vehicle's towing capacity. However, overloading your trailer is also a major no-no. The weight on your tongue should be no more than 15% of your trailer and load's mass. Failing to do so can result in catastrophe. Tragically, some trailer towing situations don't even begin due to an improper hitching setup. Ensure that your trailer and tow hitch are compatible and you use safety chains to further secure your trailer. Beyond overloading and neglecting to hook up properly, drivers interested in towing a trailer must keep their coupler and hitch lubricated to avoid premature wear. It might not be as essential as other guidelines, but it's imperative for the health of your trailer. Moreover, not entirely dissimilar to overloading, drivers must make sure their load is properly secured and distributed. Not doing so could, at best, result in a bumpy ride or loss of your payload. Finally, use towing mirrors to stay aware of your surroundings to avoid ...


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November 1st, 2024

October Newsletter - 2024


Organizing your RV is pivotal to enjoying a stress-free, efficient life on the road. As someone who treasures the freedom and adventure that RV living offers, I understand the importance of maximizing every inch of space in your rolling home. With limited square footage, each area of your RV needs to serve a purpose, and finding creative ways to store your belongings can make all the difference. Over time, I’ve gathered a collection of organization tips that can help any RV enthusiast transform their space. Whether it’s crafting multi-functional furniture, utilizing vertical spaces, or uncovering hidden storage opportunities, there are numerous strategies to keep your RV clutter-free. Staying organized not only makes your RV feel more spacious, but it also simplifies daily tasks, allowing you to focus on the joy of your journey.As we dive into these organization methods, remember that effective RV organization is about smart use of space and minimizing belongings to the essentials. I’ll share practical ways to achieve these goals, ensuring you can make the most of your home on wheels. From the kitchen to the closet, each area of your RV can be optimized for maximum efficiency, making life on the road as enjoyable and unencumbered as possible. Organizing your RV is pivotal to enjoying a stress-free, efficient life on the road. As someone...© Provided by I'll Just Fix It Myself RV Organization Basics In RVing, efficient use of space is critical. I’ll guide you through the basics of RV organization, focusing on evaluating your available space and understanding different storage categories. With limited space, it’s important to be strategic. Assessing Your Space When I examine my RV, I start by assessing the available space. Here are the steps I follow: Empty the RV: Remove all items to get a clear view of the storage areas. Measure: Use a tape measure to record dimensions of drawers, cabinets, and other storage spaces. Inventorize: List out all the items that need storage, determining their size and frequency of use. My goal is to identify spaces and how ...


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October 15th, 2024

August Newsletter


Protect Your Vehicle With LoJack | A Comprehensive Guide Are you worried about the security of your vehicle? With the rise in vehicle thefts, it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect your vehicle. One of the best ways to do that is by installing a LoJack system. In this guide, we’ll explain how LoJack works, the benefits of using LoJack, and why it’s a smart investment for your vehicle’s security. Let’s dive in and see how to protect your vehicle with LoJack! How To Protect My Vehicle With LoJack And What Is It? LoJack is a theft recovery system that uses both cellular and GPS frequency technology to track stolen vehicles. When you install LoJack in your vehicle, it sends out a silent signal that is picked up by the vehicle’s owner and the police. Once the police receive the signal, they can track your vehicle’s location and recover it quickly. Benefits of Using LoJack There are several benefits of using LoJack to protect your vehicle: Fast Recovery Time: LoJack’s radio frequency technology enables the police to track your vehicle’s location quickly, resulting in a faster recovery time. Nationwide Coverage: LoJack has coverage across the United States, meaning you’re protected no matter where you are. Reduced Insurance Costs: Many insurance companies offer discounts for vehicles equipped with LoJack because they are less likely to be stolen. Peace of Mind: Installing LoJack in your vehicle gives you peace of mind knowing that if your vehicle is stolen, it can be recovered quickly. “The Importance of LoJack Security for Vehicle Protection” underscores the significance of installing LoJack as a reliable and proven stolen vehicle recovery system, enhancing the security of your vehicle and increasing the likelihood of recovery in case of theft. Why LoJack is a Smart Investment for Your Vehicle Installing a LoJack system in your vehicle is a smart investment because it not only protects your vehicle from theft but can also save you money on insurance costs. In addition, LoJack can increase the resale value of your vehicle ...


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August 6th, 2024

July Newsletter


15 Best Barbecue Joints in Texas By Happy To Be Texas Everybody knows the absolute best barbecue restaurants are found in Texas!No visit to the Lone Star State is complete without trying this world-renowned fare!But with so many options to choose from, you may need some help narrowing down the top Texas barbecue spots!  If you’re wondering where to get the best barbecue in Texas, this list has you covered!Looking for more fun Texas food and drink guides? Check these out! 1. Cattleack Barbecue Named as one of the Top 10 barbecue restaurants in Texas according to Texas Monthly magazine, Cattleack Barbecue is worthy of the prestige! With ribs that fall off the bone and perfectly smoked brisket, the food here is worthy of a wait in the Texas heat!And that’s just what you can expect when you visit Cattleack – a wait in line! Only open two days per week, Thursday and Friday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., the long line forming before opening time speaks for itself! But don’t let the line scare you away – it tends to move quickly!And you’ll enjoy the murals of BBQ legends and heroes that adorn the walls of the alley where the line forms. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying one of the best barbecue restaurants in Texas with plenty of picnic table seating to choose from! Only a half hour outside of Dallas, this is a spot not to be missed!Make sure to try the mac n’ cheese with hatch chilis – a unique flavor combo you’re sure to love! 2. Franklin Barbecue You simply can’t make a list of the best barbecue restaurants in Texas without mentioning Franklin Barbecue! A Texas barbecue icon for locals and visitors alike, wait times have been known to get up to four hours long! But as any BBQ enthusiast will tell you, there’s no better place to “risk it for the brisket” than right here at Franklin! The love they have for BBQ is evident from the taste of the food to ...


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July 1st, 2024

May 2024 Newsletter


WINE TRAILS IN TEXAS TO FOLLOW DID YOU KNOW THERE ARE 14 WINE TRAILS IN TEXAS THAT OFFER WINE TASTINGS?  The Texas Hill Country is not the only area in Texas to offer a wine trail. There are at least twelve others all over the Lone Star State. Here at Texas Travel Talk, some of us long to follow all these wine trails in each region. See below the fabulous wine trails in Texas, when they happen throughout the year, the areas, and ticket prices (if any). 14 WINE TRAILS IN TEXAS TO FOLLOW From north to south to central and the hill country, and don’t forget the one in the east, these wine trails are open and waiting to serve you. Some are scheduled at certain times of the year, but most are self-guided. You will save money on scheduled tours because, in my experience, most wine tastings are $20-$25 each.Like Beer? Follow this link to the Beer Festivals in Texas. NORTH TEXAS REGION • NORTH TEXAS WINE TRAIL Full Month of FebruaryDrink North Texas has at least 35 wineries spread out all over the north. That’s a large area, so you may want to take a couple of days to scoop it all out. The North Texas Wine Trail is hosting a Valentine Wine Trail in February (2024 link coming soon).Area: This area is spread out far and wide. See the website for the entire area and road trip drives.Tickets: $49 • WAY OUT WINERIES This is not a scheduled wine trail but rather a path of wineries south of Dallas-Fort Worth to the north of Austin.Way Out Wineries is a group of eight boutique wineries that are a bit off the beaten track with fabulous scenic by-ways for the road trip and small, quaint Texas towns to meander through. Each winery is family-owned and operated, and you may meet the winemakers behind the counter pouring the wine. They call their wine trails “Road Trips,” but I don’t see any scheduled. They did have a ...


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May 3rd, 2024

April 2024 - Newsletter


April’s Total Solar Eclipse In Texas: Maps, Times And Best Places Where the best place to see the 2024 total solar eclipse in Texas is has long been on the minds of eclipse chasers. A total solar eclipse may be visible from parts of 15 U.S. states on Monday, April 8, but it’s to Texas that a large number of eclipse-chasers will head. With the chances of clear skies the highest in the U.S, many travelers are targeting the Lone Star State to experience a rare totality.In fact, according to GreatAmericanEclipse.com, between 270,000 and over a million visitors are expected to travel to Texas to witness totality. That’s on top of the almost 13 million people that live in the path of totality in Texas. Its first total solar eclipse since May 28, 1900 and the last until August 12, 2045, what's assured is that more people will experience totality in Texas than in any other U.S. state.Here’s exactly what you need to know to be one of them, from eclipse maps of the path of totality and eclipse times to climate predictions, traffic advice, how and where to find accommodation, and all about festivals, events, and the best places to view. A total solar eclipse results when the new moon completely blocks the sun for a few minutes, casting a narrow dark shadow across Earth’s surface. This is the path of totality, and on April 8, it will be between 121 and 118 miles wide as it surges across Texas, going southwest to northeast, entering the state at the U.S.-Mexico border at 13:27 CDT and exiting at the border with both Oklahoma and Arkansas at 13:49 CDT. That’s just 22 minutes.MORE FROMFORBES ADVISOR Where you need to be to see the total solar eclipse is paramount. You must be within the path of totality, which cannot be stressed enough. There is no level of totality, as some of the maps suggest. Within the path, you’ll see a total eclipse of the ...


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April 1st, 2024

March 2024 - Newsletter


Hill Country Spring Break Destinations in Texas For those looking for a relaxing and scenic spring break destination, the Texas Hill Country is a must-visit. This region is known for its rugged landscape, natural beauty, and charming small towns that offer a ton of things to do in Hill Country outdoors. Here are some of the top Hill Country towns to consider for your spring break getaway.The Texas Hill Country is a region of rolling hills and valleys that is home to numerous Texas state parks, nature trails, and scenic drives. We recommend choosing a town or two to book lodging and then making day trips to check out the area on a mini road trip. You can enjoy hiking, picnicking, wildlife watching, and of course seeking out the Texas bluebonnets that bloom each spring! Concan Concan is home to the gorgeous Frio River which is crystal clear and GORGEOUS. Tubing the Frio River is a popular activity in Hill Country, but Spring Break could be a bit early for that activity. Many outfitters are open year round but you’ll want to double check the water levels for safety and expect the water to be quite chilly. Nevertheless, this area is a beautiful place to go for spring break in Texas even if you don’t swim! Garner State Park is one of the best Texas Hill Country State Parks and is nearby with plenty of hiking trails, wildflower covered hills, and picnic areas, as well as camping. There are adorable Frio River cabins that are perfect for a family getaway in nature. New Braunfels New Braunfels is a charming town located in the heart of the Hill Country that offers a mix of cultural attractions and outdoor activities. Explore the town’s historic district, which is home to numerous buildings and landmarks dating back to the 1800s.The town is also known for its water activities, including tubing and kayaking on the Guadalupe River and Comal River. Families with children may especially enjoy a visit ...


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March 1st, 2024

February 2024 Newsletter


How To Back Up A Trailer The Easy Way The Ultimate Guide to Towing RV Camping Information You Need To Know It’s inevitable. At some point, you’re going to have to back up a trailer. Whether you’re hauling a little cargo or a camper, knowing how to back up a trailer is essential. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of backing up a trailer and share some tips that will make the process simple. How To Back Up A Trailer Use The Bottom Of Your Steering Wheel - Your hands are now aligned with turning the wheel in the same direction you want the trailer to go. This is much easier than turning from the top of the steering wheel, which frustrates many drivers who are new to towing a trailer. Put Your Flashers On - Always engage your 4-way flashers or hazard lights while maneuvering a trailer. Use Your Mirrors - Adjust your mirrors to give you a good field of view. Choose 3 Reference Points When Backing Up Straight - Line up a point of reference on your vehicle and on your trailer, such as the fenders on each. Choose your target as the third point of reference, and line these up as you back up your trailer in a straight line. Keep An Eye On Your Surroundings - Whether you’re backing up in a straight line or around a corner, always be aware of what’s around, behind, and in front of your tow vehicle and trailer. Look Over Your Left Shoulder For Left Turns - If you are backing up a trailer with a left hand turn, look over your left shoulder. Focus on your trailer wheel’s placement until you have it lined up with your target. Once your trailer wheel is in place, straighten everything up and back the trailer in. Look Over Your Right Shoulder For Right Turns - If ...


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February 1st, 2024

January 2024 - Newsletter


Best ATV Accessories 1) Oxcart Utility Trailer It is a cargo trailer with a 12-cubic-foot capacity and a half-ton weight limit. That means this is a seriously tough and heavy-duty cart. Plus is has gas-assist dumping, so you can drop your heavy load where you need it. The dump box also swivels for even more versatility. Oxcart sells accessory wheel kits that give the cart a taller stance and more aggressive tires for adventurous conditions. Our favorite add on is the wheelbarrow kit that turns it into a monster of a wheelbarrow. Pretty helpful around the farm! Easily the best dump cart for your ATV and a great accessory. 2) Poly Shield PL ATV Covers Getting your ATV dirty is a big part of the fun. For some of us, it is the main reason we ride. But a dirty machine only means we need to clean it, and that can be a long and somewhat tedious process. Once you have your machine all spiffed up, keep it that way with a protective cover from Car Covers. The Poly Shield PL 250T polyester covers keep your machine clean and away from rain, snow, ice and even those nasty, harmful UV rays. These covers fit machines from 85-95 inches in length and come with a two-year warranty. Better still is the price. They’re on sale right now for more than half off, making them a budget-friendly product you simply must have. 3) Acerbis Uniko Handguards Handguards do a great job at deflecting wind, mud, rocks and light brush from impacting your hands and controls while you’re riding. If you’re looking for a light-duty guard to give you some protection, these universal-fit guards from Acerbis do a great job, and at a great price. Acerbis has been in the game of making handguards for longer than anyone. The Uniko handguards come with a plastic clamp that is adjustable, and fit near your controls on your handlebars. Being universal, they’ll work for just about any ATV, from ...


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January 1st, 2024

December News


Winterizing an RV Plenty of RV owners look to winterize their vehicles as soon as the summer ends in preparation for the upcoming cold months. Unless you live somewhere with a mild climate or a heated storage facility, winterization is a must, especially if you don’t plan on traveling during the winter season. Below are a few basic steps you should take to prepare your R.V. for winter. · Clean living areas, bathroom, and kitchen thoroughly · Prepare the sewage and water systems with antifreeze · Disconnect the cord powering your RV from the battery · Seal all cracks and install high-quality weather stripping around doors and windows · Do essential maintenance to prepare for the next season · Check all areas to ensure your vehicle is well protected from rodents and bugs. There you have it – the basic steps you should take to prepare your RV for winter. However, snowbirds have a different set of steps to take to get prepared. Preparing an RV for Winter Travels If you’re someone who travels from colder to warmer climates during the winter, the first thing you must do is a W.E.S.T. check-up. (Water, Electric, Sewage, Tires) · Water: Ensure you flush your water system before leaving. Pack extra hoses and consider getting an in-line water filet and pressure regulator. · Electric: Check if your RV power system is in its best condition before leaving. If you notice any signs of weathering, burns, water damage, or rust in your connectors, you should upgrade immediately so that safe shore power is delivered throughout your travels. Consider getting a few extra extension cords and voltage adapters. · Sewage: Flush your sewage system and check if everything is working correctly. · Tires: Verify all tires are in great condition for optimal RVsafety when you hit the road. For example, double-check that they’re free of leaks and inflated correctly before leaving. Now that you completely understand what you must do, you and ...


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December 1st, 2023

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