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Family RVing Magazine

Readers’ Forum: September 2002

October 1, 2002

Dolphin Transmission Clarification

The June 2002 issue of FMC contained an article about the 2002 Dolphin motorhome by National RV (“A Dolphin For The Road,” page 74). The article noted that the five-speed Allison transmission was equipped with a feature that enabled it to automatically downshift in downhill situations when the brakes were actuated. After publication, it was learned that this is not the case; the transmission must be downshifted manually to maintain holdback when traveling downhill.

FMC regrets this error.


Towing Kit Correction

In response to a letter that appeared in the August 2002 “Technical Inquiries” column (“Towing A TrailBlazer,” page 24), Reese Products inadvertently was given as a source for a wiring kit that allows the towed vehicle’s brake lights and taillights to be used while it is being towed behind a motorhome. Although Reese sells numerous towing products, it does not sell a kit of this type.

Blue Ox, C2903, however, does offer such a kit, the Tail Light Wiring Kit (part number BX8811), which includes a diode block to protect the towed vehicle’s electrical system. Representatives at Blue Ox also suggest the Bulb and Socket Tail Light Wiring Kit (part number BX8869), which bypasses the towed vehicle’s electrical system altogether and operates directly from the motorhome’s power. To purchase either of these kits, call Blue Ox’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 425-5382 to find a dealer in your area. You also can order these kits from Towing World by calling (800) 566-9869 or by visiting www.towingworld.com.

 


Older Coach Needs New Latch

Dear Editor:

We are new FMCA members. We own a fully restored 1982 Foretravel motorhome and are in desperate need of a latch assembly for the entry door. Foretravel no longer stocks this part but told us that GMC motorhomes used the same latch. However, a photo of it that I saw on a Web site does not look the same as mine.

Can any fellow FMCA members help us with contacts that may stock older parts or recycle older motorhomes? Any help would be appreciated, as the latch handle is holding on only by its imagination.

Dan & Norma Jurgens, F310822
Rhinelander, Wisconsin
(715) 282-5293
E-mail: mstngdan@newnorth.net


Reader Chooses Camper’s Choice

Dear Editor:

We RVers sit around the campfire and talk about how service is not what it was years ago. No one cares if we buy their products or go elsewhere. So, I was very happy about the service and care I got from Bob at Camper’s Choice Inc. I needed a backup camera and no one had a new one that would fit my 1994 motorhome. Bob found a rebuilt one for me at a reasonable price, and when I told him how much I appreciate it, he said he was just doing his job. I am glad to hear that that job is still filled somewhere. I recommend Camper’s Choice — (800) 833-6713, or www.camperschoice.com.

Tom Aiken, F186420
Conyers, Georgia


Florida Turnpike Tolls

Dear Editor:

We own a 24-foot motorhome (single axle). When we travel on the Florida Turnpike, we are charged the same rate as an auto. But if we have our Saturn station wagon in tow, we are charged triple the rate. On a recent trip to the Keys, I argued with every toll taker, but none would relent. Should I have my companion drive the car separately, so we’ll pay double, rather than triple?

I would like to understand this logic.

Tony Sciolino & Reta McCoy, F308953
Wellington, Florida

Editor’s note:
We received the following information from a spokesperson in the Florida Turnpike’s public information office:

“The toll rate on Florida’s Turnpike is applied according to a vehicle’s total number of axles. Florida’s Turnpike has converted to the coin system of toll collection in the urban areas of South Florida and Orlando. The Turnpike is committed to the coin system of toll collection in urban areas as the most expedient means to increase traffic flow and reduce delays.

The current toll rate structure coincided with the conversion to the coin system and the installation of new toll collection equipment. These changes have greatly improved the speed and accuracy of our toll collection system. The ticket system of toll collection is used between mileposts 88 and 236, typically a more rural area of the state.

Under the coin system of toll collection, two-axle vehicles pay $2 at the Leesburg interchange. Vehicles with more than two axles pay an additional $2 per axle. The vehicle monitoring devices installed in the roadway at our toll plazas are able to “count” axles. To these devices, a four-axle semi-truck and a two-axle motorhome towing a vehicle look the same. Using the standardized formula, every toll collector knows that all vehicles with four total axles will pay the same toll. There are no “unusual or unique” transactions to reconcile.

Our desire is to process vehicles through our toll plazas with the minimum delay, and to guarantee the accuracy and integrity of our toll collection system. If you have any further questions, please call our Public Information Office at (800) 749-7453.”


Any Other Skiers Out There?

Dear Editor:

We have used our motorhome the past two winters on ski trips throughout the western United States. Try as we might, we rarely come across other RVers who spend the winter enjoying the slopes.

In the warmer months we like to cycle and hike. If you enjoy the same activities, we hope you’ll contact us.

Don & Linda Gurry, F283245
3590 Round Bottom Road
Cincinnati, OH 45244
E-mail: gurrygroup@earthlink.net

previous post
RV News & Notes: August 2002
next post
Installing A Motorhome Ceiling Fan

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