John & Diane Svatek (21793)
New York State Directors
Here is a heads up to all Newmar owners of wheelchair accessible “xx11” models. We are happy to report that you have another option when choosing a wheelchair accessible toad. As you read in the last issue of the Legacy, we now have a 2023 Chevy Traverse, our third toad since 2011. The other two were an ‘07 Honda Pilot and an ‘14 Honda Odyssey, both which were technically not towable ‘four down’. The 2800-mile trip to Sarasota, Florida and back this winter was our shakedown cruise with the Traverse. Previously, we had stopped every three hours or so to run the engine for five minutes to prevent damage to the transmission and keep the battery charged. Despite having a separate charge line, it was always a crapshoot as to whether the battery was dead and needing the jump box to start. Not a happy wife. Does this sound familiar? But not this time! The owner’s manual calls for three easy steps for flat towing behind a motorhome and running the engine only once per day. What a pleasant change! Not having to deal with the toad at all during the day was amazing and much more mentally relaxing. And there was no question that it would indeed start right up 10 or 12 hours later. So, to recap, you can choose something other than a Jeep for your toad: a flat-towable, large 4-door SUV with Front Wheel or All Wheel Drive, and wheelchair-accessible versions. Our 2021 Bay Star with the V-8 tows it just fine at 65-70 mph getting 7-8 mpg and not downshifting at every little hill or overpass.
The New York State Rally is scheduled for June 6-9 at the Finger Lakes RV Resort in Hector, New York. At this time, we are fully booked, so let us know asap if you’re interested in case of a cancellation.
We can be reached at: John: 518-928-6268, jdsvatek@gmail.com or Diane: 518-928-1020, svatekdc@gmail.com.