LoneStar RV Mobile Medic

02/15/2026

02/14/2026

Good read to get the pros and cons of slide covers… 

Slide toppers are one of those RV upgrades people feel very strongly about.

Some RVers swear they’re essential.
Others say they’re nothing but extra fabric and extra problems.

After years of full-time RV living, here’s how we actually think about slide toppers—and why our answer isn’t a simple yes or no.

🧢 What slide toppers are supposed to do
Slide toppers are basically mini awnings that roll out automatically when your slide extends. Their main job is to cover the top of the slide so leaves, sticks, pine needles, and rain don’t sit up there.

Without a topper, anything that lands on top of the slide has to be removed before you pull it in—or it gets dragged inside against the seals.

🍂 The biggest benefit: less debris
This is the strongest argument for slide toppers.

They do a good job keeping most debris off the slide roof. That means fewer times climbing a ladder to sweep or blow things off before travel days.

If you camp in wooded areas a lot, this benefit is real.

🌧️ Extra help with rain
Slide toppers can also keep water from pooling on top of the slide. While properly built slides should be watertight, toppers add an extra layer of protection—especially if you ever have to pull slides in during or right after a rainstorm.

They’re not a fix for bad seals, but they can reduce risk.

🌞 Minor insulation bonus
Because toppers block direct sunlight, they can slightly reduce heat coming through the top of the slide. It’s not a dramatic difference, but on hot sunny days every little bit helps.

🔧 The maintenance trade-off
Now for the downsides—and this is where opinions change fast.

Slide toppers are one more thing that can break. The fabric can rip in high winds, sag over time, or grow mildew if not cleaned regularly. The arms and rollers also need occasional maintenance.

So while toppers reduce slide cleaning, they don’t eliminate climbing a ladder altogether.

💦 Potential leak points
To install a slide topper, rails are screwed directly into the RV. Every screw is a potential leak if sealant fails over time.

That means another area you need to inspect regularly—especially as the RV ages.

🍃 Debris still happens
Slide toppers aren’t sealed on the sides. Leaves, sticks, or pine needles can still blow underneath them.

And if debris does get trapped under the topper, it’s actually harder to remove than if there were no topper at all—especially if you assume the topper “handled it” and don’t check.

💰 Cost adds up fast
Each slide topper costs hundreds of dollars before installation. With professional install, it’s easy to spend over $1,000 per slide.

For rigs with multiple slides, that price climbs quickly.

🪜 Why we chose “no”
After weighing everything, we decided not to add slide toppers to either RV we’ve owned.

We already travel with a ladder. Checking and cleaning slides is part of our routine. And for us, the added cost and maintenance didn’t outweigh the convenience.

That said—this is important—our answer isn’t universal.

🧠 When slide toppers do make sense
Slide toppers can be a great choice if:
• You have mobility limitations
• You don’t feel safe using a ladder
• You camp long-term in heavily wooded areas
• Your RV already came with them installed

In those cases, the convenience can absolutely be worth it.

🚐 The real takeaway
Slide toppers aren’t a must-have upgrade—but they aren’t useless either.

They trade one type of work (cleaning slide roofs) for another (maintaining fabric and seals). Whether that trade makes sense depends on how you camp, how you travel, and what kind of maintenance you’re comfortable with.

For us, it’s a no.
For others, it’s a clear yes.

So now I’m curious—are you Team Slide Topper, or Team Ladder and Broom?

02/05/2026

Do you own a Grand Design RV — or know someone who does? Please share this important safety information.

Grand Design has issued multiple recalls affecting certain Solitude and Momentum fifth wheels due to potential step failures that could create a fall hazard.

🔹 Interior Step Recall (Solitude & Momentum)

Some 2019–2024 Solitude and select Momentum models were recalled because interior step treads may detach, loosen, or break under load. If a step fails while in use, it can cause a serious fall or injury.

🔹 Exterior Step Receiver Recall (Momentum)

Certain 2024–2025 Momentum fifth wheels were recalled because the removable exterior step receiver bracket may not be securely attached. This could allow the step to detach during use.

⚠️ Safety Risk

In all cases, a step or step component could fail when weight is applied, creating a significant risk of falling while entering or exiting the RV.

🛠 What Grand Design Is Doing

Owners of affected units will be notified by mail and are eligible for free repairs through authorized Grand Design dealers. Repairs typically include replacing or reinforcing the step assembly and related components.

🧭 What You Should Do

• Check for recalls by entering your VIN in Grand Design’s recall lookup tool or contacting customer service• Avoid using any steps that feel loose, cracked, or unstable• Schedule recall repairs with your dealer as soon as possible

Stay safe and spread the word to other Grand Design owners.

02/05/2026

Customers often ask how long a tank of propane will last when running their RV heater. Keep in mind, your furnace doesn’t run continuously — it cycles on only when the interior temperature drops below your thermostat setting and shuts off once the desired temperature is reached. In colder weather, your RV loses heat faster, which means the furnace will cycle more frequently to maintain that temperature.

Here’s a quick snapshot of estimated run times for common furnace and propane tank sizes.

20 lb tank, 20,000 BTU furnace = 21.5 hours
20 lb tank, 30,000 BTU furnace = 18.3 hours
20 lb tank, 35,000 BTU furnace = 12.3 hours
20 lb tank, 40,000 BTU furnace = 10.8 hours
30 lb tank, 20,000 BTU furnace = 32.3 hours
30 lb tank, 30,000 BTU furnace = 21.5 hours
30 lb tank, 35,000 BTU furnace = 18.5 hours
30 lb tank, 40,000 BTU furnace = 16.2 hours
100 lb tank, 35,000 BTU furnace = 61.5 hours
100 lb tank, 40,000 BTU furnace = 53.8 hours

01/31/2026

Great advice…😊

If you’ve ever taken a long RV road trip, you already know the feeling.

You’re tired. It’s late. Full-hookup campgrounds are expensive—or booked—and all you really want is a safe, easy place to park, sleep, and get back on the road in the morning.

That’s why Cracker Barrel has become such a popular overnight stop for RVers.

But here’s the part many people get wrong: overnight RV parking at Cracker Barrel is not automatic. And treating it like it is has caused some locations to shut the option down entirely.

So before you pull in and assume it’s allowed, here’s what every RVer needs to know.

Cracker Barrel restaurants are known for homestyle meals, gift shops full of road-trip nostalgia, and locations conveniently placed near highways. Many locations do allow overnight RV parking and even have long parking spaces designed for buses and RVs.

However, permission is always up to the store manager, and local laws and space availability matter. That means one Cracker Barrel may welcome RVers, while another down the road won’t allow overnight stays at all.

There’s no fee to park overnight—but approval is required.

The easiest way to plan ahead is to check reliable tools before you arrive. Apps like AllStays Camp and RV list Cracker Barrel locations and include notes about overnight RV parking. It’s one of the fastest ways to see what’s likely allowed—but it never replaces asking the manager directly.

You can also check the Cracker Barrel website. Locations that list “Bus/RV Accessible” usually have room for large vehicles, but that still doesn’t guarantee overnight permission.

Once you arrive, etiquette matters more than anything.

Always ask the manager before staying the night. Ideally, call ahead while you’re still driving. If it’s last minute, park and go inside to ask at the hostess stand. Never try to stealth camp. That’s how privileges get revoked.

If approved, ask where they’d like you to park and follow their instructions exactly. Many locations have specific areas for RVs—use them.

Keep your RV as compact as possible. That means no awnings out and slides kept in, unless they fit completely within the parking lines. If you absolutely must extend a slide briefly to access the bathroom or kitchen, do so minimally and retract it once you’re done.

Remember: this is a parking lot, not a campground.

No chairs. No grills. No leveling blocks. No looking like you’re settling in for the weekend. Cracker Barrel offers overnight parking so travelers can rest—not so RVers can set up camp.

If you stay overnight, support the business. Eat dinner or breakfast, grab takeout for the road, or buy something from the gift shop. This small gesture goes a long way toward keeping RV parking available in the future.

When morning comes, leave at a reasonable hour. Once you’re rested and fed, it’s time to move on. Lingering all day increases the chance that policies change for everyone.

And it should go without saying—but unfortunately doesn’t—never dump gray or black tanks. Not ever. Not even “just a little.” Dumping waste in a parking lot is the fastest way to ruin overnight parking for RVers everywhere.

If you’re traveling with pets, ask where they prefer dogs be walked and always clean up after them.

For a more comfortable night, plan ahead. Bring light blockers or an eye mask since parking lots are well-lit. Earplugs can help with road noise. Try to arrive after the dinner rush and closer to dusk so you’re not taking up space during peak hours.

It’s also smart to have a backup plan.

Some Walmart stores allow overnight RV parking with manager approval. Many Cabela’s locations welcome RVers and sometimes even have dump stations. Casinos are another popular option, often offering large lots and a quieter overnight experience.

If you want something more scenic, Harvest Hosts offers overnight parking at wineries, farms, museums, and other unique locations across the country.

Cracker Barrel RV parking can be incredibly convenient—but only when it’s done respectfully.

Ask permission. Follow the rules. Support the business. Leave things better than you found them.

That’s how this option stays available for the next RVer who’s tired, hungry, and just needs a place to rest for the night.

12/06/2025

Cool people 😎

11/03/2025

Alright, here’s one: Daylight savings is chaos-let’s fix it with a 30-minute time shift. More evening light, easier mornings, happy farmers, RV’ers AND golfers. Who’s with me?

10/21/2025

Only RVs will understand this, I can’t stop laughing…! 😂 😂😂

10/10/2025

Enjoying some R&R at Purtis Creek State Park 

08/29/2025

08/29/2025

Working on a cool RV this week!