In today’s fast-paced world, it’s too easy to let distractions invade our time behind the wheel. Distracted driving is a growing concern that poses a significant risk not only to the driver but also to passengers and others on the road. As technology becomes more embedded in our daily lives, understanding the dangers and consequences of distracted driving is more important than ever.

What is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving refers to any activity that diverts attention from driving. This includes using your phone to text or call, eating and drinking, adjusting the radio, or even having a conversation with passengers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 390,000 injuries occur each year due to accidents involving texting while driving.

Why It Matters

The consequences of distracted driving can be severe. In 2021 alone, nearly 3,500 lives were lost due to accidents caused by distractions. A moment of inattention can lead to devastating outcomes, affecting not just the distracted driver but also innocent people on the road.

Tips to Stay Focused

1. **Put Your Phone Away: ** If possible, silence your phone and store it out of reach. Use apps that block notifications while driving to minimize temptation.

2. **Plan Ahead: ** Before getting on the road, set your GPS, adjust your music, and ensure everything you need for your trip is within reach.

3. **Limit Passenger Distractions: ** Encourage passengers to keep conversations light and avoid engaging in activities that could distract you while driving.

4. **Stay Calm: ** If you 're feeling stressed or anxious, take a moment to breathe and focus on the road. Pull over safely if you need to regroup.

5. **Educate Others: ** Share knowledge about the dangers of distracted driving with friends and family. Raising awareness can help create a culture of safer driving practices.

Distracted driving is a preventable hazard that demands our attention. By staying focused behind the wheel, we can protect ourselves and others on the road. Let’s commit to safer driving habits and help reduce the alarming statistics around distracted driving. Remember, when you operate a motor vehicle, nothing should divert your attention from the road ahead. Safe travels!

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.
​
Only you can determine if you think the tradeoff of a site's location is worth not having a sewer connection.
Happy camping!

You probably don't want to go camping in a camper infested with mice.
They can cause all kinds of trouble, including damaging your furniture or belongings, chewing wires or even getting into your food! Not to mention, they can carry parasites and diseases too. But how you do keep them out?
This article will provide some suggestions.
How to mouse proof a camper.
Before trying to mouse proof your camper, it's important to know how they get in in the first place.
Here are a few places a mouse could squeeze through to nest in your RV:

• Holes in the floors
• Cracks in the doors
• Cracks in the walls
• Gaps around wires and plumbing

Mice can squeeze through almost any small opening.
Mice are said to have flexible rib cages which allow them to flatten themselves out and fit through small spaces. Typically, if their head can fit through a space, the rest of their body likely can too. Knowing where those openings are in your camper is key to keeping mice out.
Here are some strategies you can use to keep mice out of your camper:

​Close up any access points.

You'll have to examine your entire camper very carefully, both inside and out.
When you find access points, you can close them up with:

• Steel wool
• Spray foam
• Mesh screens

 
Keep your food put away.

This one might be a given, but you should never leave food out if you want to keep mice away.

If you're in your active camping season, it may be too much work to keep taking 100% of your food out every time you leave your camper. But removing anything that you can’t reseal is a good idea.
And sweeping up crumbs off the floor can go a long way.

Use mice deterrents

Mice deterrents are solutions with smells that mice don't like. Some options include:

• Mothballs
• Peppermint oil
• Fabric softener sheets
• Professionally made products

Professionally made products may work best, but consider doing in-depth research on multiple solutions to determine which one(s) you want to try.
 
Keep it light and bright.

Mice are nocturnal, meaning they enjoy the dark.

You can consider using small nightlights in your RV, to make it less attractive to them. You can also consider having bright lights on the outside of your RV, so they never want to come near in the first place.

Now you know how to keep mice out of campers (or at least how to try), but what if they're already in?

How to get rid of mice in a camper.
Some options include:

• Mouse traps
• Rat poison
• Glue traps
• A professional exterminator

These methods, like many others, each have pros and cons.
For example, some of the ones listed above can be cruel and even fatal for mice. We recommend using humane mouse traps or calling in a professional exterminator whenever possible.
And of course, you should always do your own in-depth research to decide which one you want to use.

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.
​
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!

​When it comes to protecting your home and belongings, understanding your insurance options is crucial. Two common types of coverage are replacement cost value (RCV) and actual cash value (ACV). 

To help clarify your options, we've prepared an overview of these coverages. Swipe through to learn more. 

Contact us today to discuss your coverage needs and find the best solution for your peace of mind.

When it comes to towing trailers, whether for work or recreational purposes, having the right trailer hitch is crucial for ensuring safety and efficiency. Trailer hitches are devices that enable a vehicle to tow another by providing a secure connection between the two. There are various types of trailer hitches available, each designed to suit different towing needs. In this guide, we'll delve into the world of trailer hitches, discussing the various types, their classifications and some things to know to help you choose the right one for your specific requirements.
What types of trailer hitches are there?Trailer hitches generally come in three basic styles: receiver, fifth-wheel and gooseneck.
It's said that receiver hitches are the most common, and they're broken up into five classes.
What are the classes of trailer hitches?Some experts in the field explain the five classes as follows:

1. Class 1 Trailer Hitch:Designed for light-duty towing and typically used for small trailers, such as bike racks and lightweight cargo carriers. They have the lowest towing capacity among all classes, making them suitable for compact cars and sedans.
   
2. Class 2 Trailer Hitch:Offers a step up in terms of towing capacity. They are often used for towing small trailers and boats. Vehicles with a Class 2 tow package can tow a bit more weight than those with a Class 1 hitch. This class is suitable for midsize cars, SUVs and crossovers.
   
3. Class 3 Trailer Hitch:One of the most common types and ideal for towing larger loads. They are often used for towing medium-sized trailers, including travel trailers, larger boats and small campers. Class 3 hitches are commonly found on SUVs and trucks and offer a significant increase in towing capacity compared to Class 2 hitches.
   
4. Class 4 Trailer Hitch:For heavy-duty towing needs, a Class 4 hitch might be the way to go. These hitches are meant to handle larger trailers, such as heavy-duty campers, horse trailers and larger boats. Trucks and full-sized SUVs are usually equipped with Class 4 hitches due to their substantial towing capabilities.
   
5. Class 5 Trailer Hitch:The biggest of the bunch, Class 5 trailer hitches are made for super-duty purposes, and they're commonly found on commercial work trucks. If you need one of these, you should also look into whether you need a commercial auto insurance policy.
   

What class hitch do I need?The type of hitch you need depends on the specific trailer you plan to tow. For most midsize SUVs and trucks, a Class 2 or Class 3 hitch may get the job done. However, if you have a larger travel trailer or plan to carry additional cargo, upgrading to a Class 4 hitch might be necessary. That said, if you still don't know, consider contacting an expert.
Will my car insurance cover my trailer?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to that question. If you want to make sure you are financially protecting your vehicle, trailer and belongings, it may be best to speak with a licensed agent who knows the ins and outs of insurance. And if you don't know where to look to find reputable agents, consider searching through our agent locator tool. This tool gives you the option to enter your ZIP Code and find insurance agents near you. And the best thing is, if you have other toys that you tow like a boat, motorcycle or even an ATV, they can help you find coverage for those too!

Content courtesy of Foremost Insurance Company. 

You probably don't want to go camping in a camper infested with mice.

They can cause all kinds of trouble, including damaging your furniture or belongings, chewing wires or even getting into your food! Not to mention, they can carry parasites and diseases too. But how you do keep them out?

This article will provide some suggestions.

How to mouse proof a camper. Before trying to mouse proof your camper, it's important to know how they get in in the first place.

Here are a few places a mouse could squeeze through to nest in your RV:

• Holes in the floors
• Cracks in the doors
• Cracks in the walls
• Gaps around wires and plumbing

Mice can squeeze through almost any small opening.

Mice are said to have flexible rib cages which allow them to flatten themselves out and fit through small spaces. Typically, if their head can fit through a space, the rest of their body likely can too. Knowing where those openings are in your camper is key to keeping mice out.

Here are some strategies you can use to keep mice out of your camper:

1. Close up any access points. You'll have to examine your entire camper very carefully, both inside and out.
   When you find access points, you can close them up with:
   • Steel wool
   • Spray foam
   • Mesh screens
2. Keep your food put away. This one might be a given, but you should never leave food out if you want to keep mice away.
   If you're in your active camping season, it may be too much work to keep taking 100% of your food out every time you leave your camper. But removing anything that you can’t reseal is a good idea.
   And sweeping up crumbs off the floor can go a long way.
3. Use mice deterrents. Mice deterrents are solutions with smells that mice don't like. Some options include:
   • Mothballs
   • Peppermint oil
   • Fabric softener sheets
   • Professionally made products
   Professionally made products may work best, but consider doing in-depth research on multiple solutions to determine which one(s) you want to try.
4. Keep it light and bright. Mice are nocturnal, meaning they enjoy the dark.
   You can consider using small nightlights in your RV, to make it less attractive to them. You can also consider having bright lights on the outside of your RV, so they never want to come near in the first place.
   Now you know how to keep mice out of campers (or at least how to try), but what if they're already in?

How to get rid of mice in a camper. Some options include:

• Mouse traps
• Rat poison
• Glue traps
• A professional exterminator

These methods, like many others, each have pros and cons.

For example, some of the ones listed above can be cruel and even fatal for mice. We recommend using humane mouse traps or calling in a professional exterminator whenever possible.
​
And of course, you should always do your own in-depth research to decide which one you want to use.

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Many memories in Texas are made camping, and a lot of those might include being in a tent or even a camper. Travel trailer camping is popular for good reasons such as space, towability and accessibility. But whether you're new to the concept or have already had a few adventures (including tailgating!), these handy tips can serve as reminders for a better outdoor experience:

• Park it - Have your travel trailer parked in your driveway or lot a couple days before the trip. This will allow for easier packing, plus getting things such as a refrigerator up and running.
• Pack it - As mentioned, you can start packing early to save time in the long run. Items such as clothing, bedding and non-perishable food items can be stored ahead of time. Using tote bins to pack and stack items can be a great space saver! Also remember to bring a tool kit and first-aid kit, which you might need in case of an emergency.
• Run it - Turn things on and make sure brake lights, appliances and other essentials are all in working order.
• Practice it - Hook your travel trailer up to your tow vehicle and take it for a test run before you leave for your trip. Be sure to practice backing up, driving on small inclines and making turns.
• Research it - In other words, know where you're going. Whether it's to a tailgate party or straight to the campground, be sure to research which amenities may or may not be available, including electric/water/sewer hookup, restrooms, laundry room, tables and fire pits, cell phone and/or Wi-Fi service and even a nearby general store.
• Place it - Once you get to your destination, get the inside of the trailer set up and make sure everything has a place. Make beds, organize food, stack items such as towels and shoes where people can get to them - you get the picture. You'll be happy you did, saving time and space!
• Camp it - Finally, enjoy your time away!

And before you head out on the road in Texas and abroad with your travel trailer, remember you can always speak with us at First Community Financial Group to shop for coverages so you can protect the things you tow.
​
We are a Foremost and Progressive agent!