What is a full hookup RV site? Let's get straight to it. If a campsite has a full hookup, it means you'll have access to:

• Water
• Sewer
• Electricity

These are typically known as the “big three” of utilities.

You may see that some RV parks say they have "full service" or "full connections." Typically, it all means the same thing.

So, if you see any of those terms, just understand that if you choose to camp at that site, it usually means you'll have access to the "big three."

One important thing to note is that some campsites claim to have a full hookup, and they really mean they have electric and water hookups, with a dump station on site.

Additionally, there are different types of electrical connections, and they may or may not have the one you need.

Once you verify a campsite has a full hookup, you still need to do some extra research to make sure they can meet your specific needs.

What is a partial hookup?
If a campsite has a partial hookup, it means they don't offer one or more of the "big three" utilities.
Typically, they'd offer electricity, but no water, sewer or both.

That said, each site could be different, so you should always do your own research to verify what's available and what's not.

Should I choose a full hookup or a partial hookup?
We can't give you the answer, as it depends on your wants and needs. But we can give you some things to consider:

Full hookup sites can make things easier.
When you're at a full hookup site, you don't need to worry about things like water consumption or a dying RV battery.

All the water and power you need are provided for you.

That means you can focus less on those things, and more on the adventure.

Modern conveniences can change your camping experience.
This is not necessarily good or bad. It all depends on who you are and what type of experience you're looking for.

Location may affect what's available.
For example, some campsites that are close to bodies of water (like a beachfront site) may not offer sewer connections.
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Only you can determine if you think the tradeoff of a site's location is worth not having a sewer connection.
Happy camping!

Springtime is almost here! The weather is beautiful, the water is inviting, and your boat is looking better now than when you first laid eyes on it. The only thing that would make your marine beauty even better is a gorgeous body of water underneath it. But not so fast…

Before you take your watercraft out on the water, complete the actions on this de-winterizing checklist-created for you by Foremost® Insurance.*

1. Check engine and fluid levels.
   To keep your boat running smoothly, remember to check engine and fluid levels. This includes engine oil, oil filters, power steering, coolant, and transmission fluid. If you didn't change your engine oil, oil filter, and drive lubricants before winter, you can do this now. For everything else, check for any leaks and repair the source first. Once this is addressed, refill the fluids.
2. Inspect your battery.
   If your vessel has been idle for a long period of time, it's likely the battery is dead and will need to be recharged. Additionally, the water in the battery can freeze in the winter. When this happens, the water can expand and cause cracks in the battery creating irreversible damage. If there are no issues here, ensure that your battery is filled with the proper amount of water. Be certain to use distilled water and not tap water, which can diminish performance. Next, check for any corrosion and clean the battery with a mix of baking soda/distilled water. If you discover your battery is damaged beyond repair, replace it.
3. Examine the boat's exterior.
   When checking the exterior of your seagoing machine, look closely for any cracks and holes. Check all around the hull and underneath it. If you notice any damage, repair them immediately. Always remember: "boats don't sink because of water around them, boats sink because of water that gets into them."
4. Check the belts.
   Lack of use during winter can cause belts to crack and break. This happens because of the stress and tension placed on the belts. If any belts are cracked, replace them. You will also need to replace your belt if it's loose or if you notice black soot around the pulley.
5. Examine fuel lines.
   The cold winter weather can cause damage to your watercraft's fuel line. Damage to your fuel line can stop fuel from reaching the engine, and your boat won't run. Be sure to check this when you pull your watercraft out in the spring. Pay close attention to your fuel hoses and replace them if you see any leaks. Replace any section of your fuel system that show any leaks, cracks, or structural damage.
6. Inspect the sails (if applicable).
   Winter weather can cause considerable damage to your sails. Take note of the shape of your sails. If your sails don't maintain proper form, you could have issues when boating in strong wind. Lookout for wear, chafing, and other structural damage. Inspect your bolt rope and replace it if it is fraying or weak. If your sails are damaged, replace them.

It is important that you perform each action in this checklist with as much attention to detail as possible. Properly de-winterizing your watercraft is crucial to your performance and safety out on the water.

*Please note: You should also follow the manufacturer's recommendations for any other maintenance requirements not mentioned in this article.
 
Looking for marine insurance? Get a quote today by calling 936-327-4364 to speak with a licensed agent

Content courtesy of Foremost.com.

Towing a tiny house can be a daunting task. However, knowing what to expect in advance can make the process much easier. To help customers out, Foremost® a Farmers Insurance® company is providing information about tiny house towing. Of course, any guidance provided by one's trailer, hitch, and vehicle manufacturers should take priority.

Best vehicles for towing tiny houses.
Choice of tow vehicle is one of the most important things to get right when towing a tiny house. If the vehicle couldn't handle the load, the situation would be over before it started.

In most cases, it's best to use a truck. The chosen truck should be one that can handle the weight of the home. Typically, there is a sticker on the driver's side front door to find its towing capacity. If it's not there, a dealer or manufacturer can be contacted for assistance.

Using a truck that can handle the weight of the tiny house, is a good start. If one is not available, consider renting one, and it may be helpful to confirm whether there'd be coverage.

Hooking up a tiny house.
According to Tiny Home Builders, when towing a tiny house, it is recommended that the trailer to be level to the ground. It will take a bit of manual work to determine the desired hitch height. The front jack on the trailer can be used to get it level. One can measure the height from the coupler to the ground. Experts recommend that hitch height be higher than this measurement. Patience will be needed to find the right height. The weight of the load will cause the springs of the tow vehicle to compress, so it may need a few adjustments to remain level. Once the desired hitch height is determined, either a ball mount with the correct drop, or an adjustable ball mount can be used, by simply changing the height.

Checking the weight at the tongue of the trailer is a good idea. Tongue weight scales, which can cost $100 or more, are available for the task. The Tiny Life says that the ideal tongue weight is between 10-15% of the trailer's gross weight. If it's more or less than this, a weight distribution hitch may need to be used. Because most tiny homes are pretty heavy, it may be safer to use one.

Connecting a trailer generally requires one to put the coupler in place and use a lock pin to keep it from disengaging. Then, the chains can be crossed in an 'X' form and attached to both sides of the tube receiver. Typically, the left chain crosses over and attaches to the right side of the tube receiver, with the right chain crossing over and attaching to the left side. Next, the wiring harness on the trailer is attached to the tow vehicle. The towing truck should have a compatible plug. If it doesn't, an adapter may be available. For example, if the truck has a four-pin connecter and needs a seven-pin connecter, a seven-pin adapter may be able to be used.

Trailers with electric brakes should have a breakaway kit with instructions on how to attach the kit to the trailer.

Pre-tow checklist.
Before towing a tiny house, the tires on the truck and the trailer should be checked to be sure they're properly inflated, and all lug nuts are tight. Additionally, there should be no wear and tear, such as worn tread. If the tread is low, the tires may need replacement before towing. All external lights on the vehicle and trailer should be working as intended. The battery for any breakaway kit should be fully charged. Lastly, the gas tank should be filled before hitting the road and the spare tire available and properly inflated.

To prepare the tiny house for the journey, the windows and vents should be closed. All doors and countertops should be clear. The refrigerator should be latched, and utilities should be disconnected. Lastly, jacks should be up or removed, storage compartments should be secure, wheel chocks should be removed, and doors should be locked.

Towing the tiny house.
While towing a tiny house, the added length and height to the vehicle needs to be considered. Drivers need to pay close attention to any overpasses and be careful when turning or changing lanes. Drivers need to start breaking earlier than usual, since the added weight will make it harder for the vehicle and home to stop. When moving in reverse, it should be remembered that the trailer will move in the opposite direction that the wheel is turned. So, if one's wheel is turned to the right, the trailer would move to the left. Lastly, drivers should appreciate that stopping for gas may need to occur more frequently, as the added weight will cause the vehicle to consume gas faster.
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It may feel like an intimidating process, but with planning and prep, you can work towards a safe and smooth towing process. Safe travels and good luck with your move!
 
If you need insurance for your tiny house (or the trailer and/or vehicle you're towing it with), you can get quote from Foremost, a Farmers Insurance® company today!

Did you learn how to get better gas mileage in your driver's education classes? If it's been a few years since you earned your driver's license, you may not remember what they taught you or if they even covered the topic of getting better gas mileage. When headlines report "record high gas prices," nearly everyone wants to know how to improve fuel economy. If a commute to work or school is a requirement in your life and you want to stretch those precious gallons of gas each week, the tips we've gathered below may be helpful.

Let's start with the basics first. What is gas mileage or fuel economy? The National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) sets the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard for auto manufacturers, regulating how far vehicles must travel on a gallon of fuel. CAFE standards apply to passenger vehicles and light trucks (collectively, light-duty vehicles). Current standards are 28 miles per gallon.

In April 2022, new CAFE standards were announced that will require new 2024-2026 vehicles sold in the United States to average at least 40 miles per gallon.

The NHTSA along with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also regulate the fuel-economy window stickers on new vehicles that tell consumers how many miles per gallon the vehicle will get under general driving conditions.

Now that we've covered the basics, let's get to the ways you can improve gas mileage for your vehicle.

Drive the speed limit. Speeding can lower a vehicle's overall fuel efficiency. According to fueleconomy.gov, gas mileage usually decreases at speeds above 50 mph. Now, that doesn't mean drive below posted speed limits, which can be unsafe. Be aware that vehicles will likely consume more fuel at higher rates of speed.

Mind the brakes and accelerator. Habitual aggressive driving - putting the pedal to the metal and then braking quickly to slow down - can also contribute to lower fuel economy. Avoiding this type of driving can help improve average gas mileage between 15% and 30%.

Use the cruise control. This might be a no-brainer, but using a vehicle's cruise control function, on the highway when traffic allows, helps maintain a constant speed, helping drivers achieve the first two tips we covered and, in most cases, will improve fuel efficiency.

Mind the vehicle's cargo limitations. If you're driving a truck and wondering how to improve your truck's gas mileage this tip is especially important. Each vehicle's manual includes the load carrying capacity for the vehicle itself and for towing, if applicable. This includes carrying things on top of the vehicle in any type of roof-top carrier, including cargo boxes, bikes and kayaks. Check your manual to be sure anything you carry is within the stated limits and realize that when you are carrying or towing more people or gear than normal, your gas mileage may decrease. For fuel efficiency, it's a good practice to not haul extra weight if the items are not needed on a regular basis.

Maintain the vehicle's tires. Underinflated tires can decrease overall gas milage by about .2% for every 1 psi drop in the average tire pressure of all the tires. Checking tire pressure regularly and making sure they are inflated to the vehicle's indicated tire pressure can help. Your car's owner's manual should include this information if you are unsure.

Maintain the vehicle. If a car's engine is not running properly, there's a good chance that it is not using fuel efficiently. It's a good idea to pay attention to the dashboard indicator lights, get routine maintenance and oil changes at the indicated mileage intervals, and have the vehicle inspected by a licensed mechanic to address any issues.

Consider a newer car. As mentioned earlier in this article, auto manufacturers must adhere to CAFE standards for the vehicles they sell in the US. The average fuel efficiency has increased over the years, so it follows that on average a newer vehicle should get better mileage than an older vehicle manufactured when the CAFE standards were lower. Keep in mind though, that the type of vehicle you choose also factors into the overall gas mileage. A smaller compact car and a large SUV manufactured in the same year may adhere to that year's CAFE standard, but the smaller car will most likely get better gas mileage than the large SUV. Make sure you do your research when you purchase a new or new-to-you pre-owned car, so you understand the fuel efficiency of the vehicle you choose.

Go electric or hybrid. This may not be the tip you're looking for, but if you're in the market for a new vehicle anyway, choosing a vehicle that runs on a combination of gas and electric or solely on electric can also help you cut your overall gas consumption. If you go electric, you'll want to be conscious of the vehicle's electric battery consumption. Many of the same tips we've already covered here like following the speed limit and maintaining the vehicle and its tires can also help an electric vehicle's charge last longer.

If you end up changing vehicles in a quest to improve your gas mileage and have questions about insuring your car, speak with a Foremost® agent to shop for auto insurance coverage.

Content courtesy of foremost.com

​As you purchase gifts this holiday season, don’t forget to protect any valuables you buy.  Make it a Happy and Safe New Year!

And as always, do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or for a complimentary coverage review. We’re here to help. 

Today, we’re highlighting an essential coverage option that is perfect for commercial and residential construction projects: builders risk insurance. 

Swipe for more information, and give us a call with any questions or for a complimentary quote. We're here to help you succeed in your next construction venture!

As we gather around the table this year, we want to express our gratitude for your trust and support. To add a little extra flavor to your Thanksgiving feast, try out this simple and delicious recipe: Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Honey and Cinnamon! 🍯

Enjoy your feast! And please note the office will be closed on Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29. We’ll be back and ready to assist you on Monday, December 2.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Restoring a classic car can be a tall task. Whether your beloved classic car has withered over the years, or you've just bought a basket case as a passion project, there's a lot that goes into getting it back in pristine condition.
But the following tips can help your classic car restoration DIY project go smoothly and help make all the work worth it!

1. Exercise patience.Even if you have every piece laid out in front of you - with a set of detailed instructions - restoring a classic car can take a lot longer than you expect.
   There are countless things that can go wrong. And many times, they do.
   Sometimes you might find that it's difficult to source some parts you need.
   Other times, the parts can be delayed.
   Further, as you become more proficient throughout your classic car restoration project, you may start to notice some of your earlier efforts don't match your updated standards.
   If (or when) that happens, you may decide to redo a few things - which can be a whole day's worth of work, or longer.
   If you go into the project expecting unexpected delays, you might not get as frustrated when they inevitably happen. You may even embrace them!
2. Know your skillset.Classic car restoration requires a diverse skillset. And it's very rare for one person to be able to complete every job at the highest professional standards.
   If you're one of those people, great!
   If not, that's ok.
   Do as best as you can. And remember, there's nothing wrong with outsourcing a few tasks to experienced professionals.
   But if you're confident enough to literally do it all yourself, cut yourself some slack if some of your work is average.
3. Stay organized.Your classic car restoration can get hectic. If you aren't keeping track of everything, you can easily double the amount of time it takes to complete the job.
   When you strip the car down, consider labeling each part.
   Additionally, it may help to take pictures of everything so you can see how all the various components fit together, as well as how all the wires and pipes are run.
   For small parts, consider placing them in freezer bags (and labeling them).
   Labeling everything and taking pictures is well worth the time you'll spend doing it.
4. Have fun!If you're taking on a classic car restoration yourself, you're probably exceptionally passionate about your vehicle.
   But once you start experiencing the ups and downs that come with the process, you can easily get frustrated and stop enjoying the process.
   Remember that there's always someone out there that has solved the problem you're facing now.
   There are countless tools, quality parts, tutorials and even trainings to help you out.
   And once you finally get your classic car out on the road, your sense of fulfillment will likely far outweigh any frustrations you experienced during the restoration process.

Good luck with your classic car restoration!

content courtesy of Foremost Insurance.

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Getting into the food truck industry can be a nice way to achieve your entrepreneurial dreams, but it’s not as easy as buying a truck and food supplies, then hitting the streets. Here are tips from fellow food truck owners on how you should get started!   

61 Owners Share Secrets to Starting a Food Truck Business
roaminghunger.com/blog/13208/advice-for-starting-a-food-truck-business

10 Things to Do Before Opening a Food Truck
www.businessnewsdaily.com/8595-food-truck-tips.html

tail·gate /'tālˌgāt/
Verb Informal/NORTH AMERICAN

1. host or attend a social gathering at which an informal meal is served from the back of a parked vehicle, typically in the parking lot of a sports stadium.
   "Lot 16E is reserved for alumni who wish to tailgate before the game."

Texas is synonymous with Football and Tailgating! Here at First Community Financial Group, in addition to insurance policies for auto and home, we also offer insurance policies for things you hitch to your vehicle like campers, boats or recreational vehicles. We know that in addition to being useful for towing things, your vehicle's tailgate can also be the location for a fantastic gathering of family and friends before a big game!

To help you plan, we've gathered some tips on how to throw a great tailgate party.
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• TicketsSeasoned tailgaters likely don't need the reminder, but if you're new to tailgating or are traveling to a new venue to see your team, make sure you have the proper game day ticket or tailgate ticket in addition to a parking pass for the designated tailgate area for the big game.
• Safety and first aid gearWhile there may be medical personnel stationed nearby for the game, bring your own first-aid kit, so you're prepared for any minor injuries or ailments. Make sure you also have a fire extinguisher.
• Generator and grill checkIf it's allowed at the venue and you plan on bringing a grill and/or a generator, it's a good idea to check both prior to your event to make sure they are in safe, working order. Also, make sure you have enough fuel for your grill and the generator so you can run them for as long as you'll need.
• Weather checkNobody wants to be soggy or cold, so check the weather leading up to game day and plan for the weather conditions, including any inclement weather. Think layers for warmth, raincoats, rain ponchos, suitable footwear for cold or wet conditions, gloves, hats, etc. Don't forget the sunscreen. And obviously, whatever you wear, be sure you're sporting your team colors!
• Chairs, tents and team swagOnce you know what the weather forecast is, you can plan what you'll need in terms of your tailgate party set up. Some people use their RV as their tailgate vehicle (make sure you check with the venue to see if RVs are allowed), some use their car, SUV, van or truck as the main gathering point. Whatever vehicle you use, you can easily position chairs, a portable table with your grill, coolers, and any other gear you may want like a canopy tent around the back of the vehicle. And don't forget to bring along your team's flag or other team paraphernalia so you can properly rep your team on game day!
• SnacksAccording to Foremost snack enthusiasts, this might be the most important element to a tailgate party! Think of foods that are easily prepared in advance and that travel well, like handheld and small-bite snacks that you and your guests can enjoy with minimal mess. If you're meeting friends or family at the game, you can organize and assign who will bring what snacks, so you have all your food and beverage bases covered. There are plenty of recipes to check out online - here's a round-up of over 50 tasty-looking tailgate recipes from the Food Network. Maybe you'll find a new recipe to try.
• EnjoyFinally, it's game day and all your planning will pay off. Once you arrive at the designated tailgate area and get set up, it's time to enjoy the festivities and the game.

Foremost® Insurance has policies for your motor home or travel trailer. If you're looking for for A Better Insurance Experience®, you can start a quote with us today!