The 360 Siphon RV holding tank vent cap is designed to create an updraft that forces fumes out of the tanks.
November 2016
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Memorial Day is also a day for honoring military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice. The holiday this year allowed my wife, Mary, and me to deepen our memories of those who died in service to the United States.A 50th wedding anniversary is cause for a grand celebration with friends and family. King and Jackie deBord, L16686, reached that milestone in 2002, and they held their golden jubilee during that year’s Northwest Area Rally in Moses Lake, Washington. It showed just how much FMCA meant to the couple.The GMC Greater Midwest Classics chapter celebrated its 25th anniversary at a rally held July 7-10, 2016, at St. Cloud Campground & RV Park in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
Antiglare FilmRVers love electronic devices but despise glare on the screens. NuShield makes screen protectors that are designed to significantly reduce glare. The films are available in sizes that fit GPS, digital cameras, high-definition TVs, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and more.Coachmen Galleria Earns Green CertificationCoachmen Galleria motorhomes have earned the Certified Green designation by TRA Certification, an organization that specializes in green building and energy efficiency programs for the RV industry and others.This year, Jennifer and I have made a concerted effort to stay off the interstates as much as possible. And in doing so, our serendipity style of travel has opened up new sights and experiences that only the back roads offer.Don and Margaret Hoffman, owners of Hoffman Coach, joined FMCA in 1966 and became members of several chapters. But none of them were near the Hoffmans’ northwestern Pennsylvania business and home, so in 1975 Margaret led the way for a new chapter in western Pennsylvania.Privacy CurtainMy husband and I like to take in the view when we’re parked at campgrounds, but if the front wraparound curtains of our Winnebago are closed, we may miss a sunrise or sunset. So, I made a curtain that offers privacy with a view.DIY Tank ReplacementDear RV Doctor:I bought an old motorhome a couple of years ago. It certainly was not perfect, but for an old one, it was in good condition. Last year I noticed the black-water holding tank developed a leak right at the output of the tank.An entrepreneur rents a different type of RV that enables campers to see his beautiful country on their own terms.
The area around Tallahassee, Florida, is often referred to as the “Real Florida.” It’s missing a multitude of condos and parking lots. Instead, large swaths of unspoiled forests and bear-crossing signs are seen, with a few grand old Southern mansions for flair. The crowds in the southern part of the state rarely find their way up here.
On the day his life changed forever — May 15, 1975 — Ronnie Graves, F249255, was working at a fertilizer plant in Council Bluffs, Iowa. To prevent a foreman from being struck, Ronnie stepped between two railroad cars to set a brake. One of the cars knocked Ronnie down, and a wheel ran over his lower left leg.
As witnessed elsewhere in the United States, in small-town Oregon, community renewal has often centered on city face-lifts achieved by painted murals. Colorful scenes decorate aging structures and naked concrete to tell a community’s story.
Eyes orange-red in the glow of headlights, the nighttime marauder creates terror in the hearts of grasshoppers, crickets, grubs, and grapes. Well, not grapes, of course. But there isn’t much a raccoon will not eat.
Hello, My Fellow FMCA Family. Gloria and I finished this summer in really busy fashion. We returned home to Searcy, Arkansas, in late August to find that everything had grown like wild. We spent several weeks working harder than I can remember. Right in the middle of all that, the floods in south Louisiana occurred.Windshield Repair Along The Alaska HighwayDear Editor:As we were driving on the Alaska Highway this summer, a rock went through a window of our towed car. We were in British Columbia, between Muncho Lake and Tetsa River. I discovered the absence of the window while getting fuel at Tetsa River Lodge.Weighing The OptionsI learned a lot from Mark Quasius’ article about proper chassis alignment (“Chassis Alignment Checkup,” June 2016, page 50) and have one question. All manufacturers recommend weighing coaches loaded, but the only place to get this done seems to be at a rally.The following companies have recalls delineated in this month's Recall Corner: Daimler Trucks North America, Forest River Inc., Jayco Inc., Thor Motor Coach, Tiffin Motorhomes, Triple E Recreational Vehicles, Winnebago Industries.In early August, motorhomers from all geographic points descended on western Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley, heeding the call to "Celebrate Your Freedom" — theme of the association's 94th International Convention — August 3-6, 2016.What is the recipe for fun, relaxation, and camaraderie within an FMCA chapter? It’s easy to define. Variety is the one key that will keep existing and new members participating rally after rally. Mix it up! Plan new events! Liven up old events! Make sure all members have FUN.
The Red River Rovers chapter is a friendly and caring group open to all motorhome owners. In fact, fellow members are considered family. We gathered for the chapter’s 15th anniversary rally June 9-12, 2016, at Durant/Choctaw Casino KOA in Durant, Oklahoma.
In 1976, three years after General Motors began producing GMC motorhomes, a group of proud owners in Southern California formed the GMC Pacific Cruisers chapter of FMCA. Forty years later, many GMC coaches produced from 1973 to 1978 are still going strong, and so is our chapter.
Jean Pryor, L12913, was presented the Kenneth T. Scott Pipe Dreamer's Award by FMCA national president Charlie Adcock during the annual membership meeting in West Springfield, Massachusetts.
Packable Backpack
Backpacks need not be bulky. The Matador Freerain24 Backpack weighs just 5.5 ounces, or slightly more than a baseball. When packed into its storage bag, the backpack fits in the palm of your hand.Adding such a device provides important information about battery condition and power usage.
Winnebago Begins Production In Oregon
Winnebago Industries Inc. has begun manufacturing diesel motorhomes at the former Country Coach Inc. complex in Junction City, Oregon. However, full-scale production is not expected until all facility modifications are made and testing is complete in the second half of 2017…Up until the past few years, October was a month of dwindling days for RVers as the season came to a close across the cold-weather states. That’s all changed now. These days, it’s almost impossible to find a camping spot on many weekends in October unless you have booked it well in advance.
Suggest fun spots to explore or activities to enjoy with young RVers aboard.
Fifteen motorhomes from the Colorado Columbines chapter arrived on May 11, 2016, at the Holiday RV Park and Campground in North Platte, Nebraska, for the group’s first rally outside the Mountain time zone. What a rally it was!
Rusty Step Repair
When rust caused small holes to appear in my electric steps, I decided to repair an otherwise safe and reliable unit.Water Pump Won’t Shut Off
Something is wrong with my three-way water pump system. The pump will not turn off at any of the switches. The green light goes out when I push a switch, but as soon as a sink faucet demands water, the light comes back on and the pump comes on.Green beans will always be high on the favorite-foods list of Bill and Camilla Szymanski, F443545.
Dayton, Ohio, has a secret and it affects all of us. It is one of the most innovative cities in the country. While the airplane may be the most famous invention by Daytonians, many of their lesser-known creations also affect our daily life.
Some tips to help ensure you’re prepared for a paddling adventure.
An airplane hangar nearly the size of four football fields? It’s almost too large to imagine. Yet it’s real, and it’s the new exhibit area at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.
A sculptor of wood furniture who did not like parallel lines or symmetry — this could be one description of Wharton Esherick. He also made smaller objects from wood, such as board game pieces. Esherick’s artistry extended to the publishing trade, too, in the form of hundreds of woodcut prints used as book and magazine illustrations.
Hello, My Fellow FMCA Family. What a great time we had at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts, in early August. A total of 1,305 motorhomes were on hand for the “Celebrate Your Freedom” event, FMCA’s 94th International Convention, including the 248 motorhomes that were on display and open for touring. And celebrate we did!
Have A Backup Plan
A letter in the August 2016 issue from Don and Martha Copeland (“FMCA Family Is There to Help,” page 12) prompted me to write this letter. In 2001 when my husband and I purchased our first Type A motorhome, I started reading Family Motor Coaching and other RV publications.Low Ground Clearance
I purchased a 2014 Type A motorhome. It was jacked up at the time, and I did not notice the low ground clearance of the 10-foot overhang behind the rear duals. I have talked to the motorhome manufacturer, and they say it is a problem of the chassis manufacturer. I talked to the chassis manufacturer, and they say it is a problem of the motorhome manufacturer. I cannot find anyone who can help.The following companies have recalls delineated in this month's Recall Corner: Entegra Coach, Forest River, Kibbi LLC, Newmar, Thor Motor Coach, Tiffin Motorhomes Inc., Winnebago Industries.
This touring coach is small enough to maneuver easily, yet roomy enough for RVing.
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