We're newbies

[smeyer9353]

Hello All,
We just bought our first motorhome - a 2013 Forest River FR3. We are going to have a lot of questions!
First one: we were going to tow our little Kia, but it turns out it can not be flat-towed and my husband doesn't want to mess with dollys or trailers. We have a Ford Flex that can be towed, but I'm wondering, what does a 2,000 lb difference in weight do to the ride and/or gas milage?
Second one: does anyone know if motorhomes can use the HOV or Express lanes when going through Atlanta?

[NXR]

Originally Posted by smeyer9353

Hello All,
We just bought our first motorhome - a 2013 Forest River FR3. We are going to have a lot of questions!
First one: we were going to tow our little Kia, but it turns out it can not be flat-towed and my husband doesn't want to mess with dollys or trailers. We have a Ford Flex that can be towed, but I'm wondering, what does a 2,000 lb difference in weight do to the ride and/or gas milage?
Second one: does anyone know if motorhomes can use the HOV or Express lanes when going through Atlanta?

I tow a 3,700 lb Sonata on a dolly and noticed zero impact on the mileage. I plan on it being 6 MPG and sometimes it's a little better and sometimes a little worse.

My understanding is No on Express and HOV; just cars are allowed. We came through Atlanta on I-75 on a Wednesday about noon with a Georgetown and had no problems. We stay in the second lane from the right because some right-hand lanes become exit-only lanes. The pavement is painted for which lanes are for what interstate as you get close to a junction. We had plenty of time to be in the correct lane.

I believe those lanes are only 11' wide instead of 12' but that wasn't a problem and it was our first time through.

Ray

[momdoc]

Welcome to the forum and congrats on the new rig. Check your wt limits as to being able to tow your Ford Flex. You may find your combined wt is too much. Assuming you can tow you should not notice much in the way of performance.

You are joining a good group of folks here with good info to share. Read the various forums and ask questions as they come up or add info if you can.

Good luck and enjoy the adventure!

[NXR]

Since you have an older FR3, take a magnet and hold it against the striker on the door handle, the moving part that goes into the frame to secure the door, and see if it is magnetic or not.

If the magnet won't stick, you probably have the old pot metal Trimark door handle assembly that is prone to breaking and locking you in or out of the motorhome. I think Trimark may give you a new one or you could buy a new assembly yourself. That would be a lot cheaper than having someone come out to open the door and have to pay for the new handle assembly also. Or you damaging something trying to get the door open.

See for other's experiences: http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ut-150405.html

And in case you haven't found this yet: http://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/f232/

The same username and password you use here will work on that FR3-specific forum.

FWIW,

Ray

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Congrats on the new rig! Have fun and keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[Waiter21]

Welcome to the forum. The FR3 is a good MH and you should get years of enjoyment out of it.

[smeyer9353]

Thank you for the welcomes and the advice!