Readers’ Forum: July 2004

Wireless Internet Clarifications

An article about wireless Internet access in the June 2004 issue (page 82) inaccurately stated that Kbps stands for kilobytes per second. The correct definition is kilobits per second.

In addition, part of a sentence was missing from the text of the article on page 86. The entire sentence should read, “Wi-Fi users have found that Windows XP (the newest version of Microsoft Windows) works best with such systems.”

FMC regrets these errors.

The information about the recall of certain driver and passenger seats with electric recline manufactured by Villa International that was reported in the June 2004 “Recall Corner” (page 26) erroneously contained the word “Signature.” Villa does not manufacture a seat called the Signature, nor does the recall involve the Signature Series motorhome manufactured by Monaco Coach Corporation. According to the recall, the potential number of Villa seats affected in various converted coaches (Royale Coach by Monaco, Vantare, Liberty, and Marathon) is 33. Owner notification began in April 2004. For more information about the recall, contact Villa International at (714) 535-7272.

Dear Editor:
I changed towed cars some weeks ago and discovered that I needed a new part because of the different configuration. When ordering the part from Tow Brake International, C6626, I was told it would be in the mail that same day. The phone representative confirmed my address and was ready to hang up. I quickly added that we had forgotten to talk about the price of the part, and asked if I could put it on my credit card. The representative said there was no charge. Thinking that I had misunderstood, I asked again for the price. She pleasantly repeated that there was no charge, but jokingly added that if I insisted, she would charge me.

How many manufacturers extend this type of courtesy when dealing with the public? This is an outstanding company and should be kept in mind when you’re buying a braking system for your towed vehicle.

James L. Slye, F234529
Benson, Arizona

Dear Editor:
This is in response to the “Readers’ Forum” letter from Don and Laurie Longanecker in the May 2004 issue (“Superb Roof Repair,” page 179) regarding the use of bedliner material on their coach’s bumper and roof.

Two years ago, while attending an event in Arizona, the driver of our type C Americana parked under a big tree, the better to provide shade. (Okay, I admit it; the driver was me.) When leaving the site, I attempted to move one of the larger branches of the tree. I’m here to tell you this is not a recommended practice, and a motorhome’s roof is not constructed with this in mind. Rubberized roofs are particularly unforgiving. Spouses’ comments also are not very encouraging.

At any rate, after getting home with no further mishaps, I appraised the situation, and the light went on. After stripping the rubberized material off my coach roof and rebuilding a corner with some sheet metal, I took the coach over to the local Rhino Lining company and had it covered in white bedliner material. The roof looks great and is guaranteed as long as I own the vehicle. It’s guaranteed against wear and water, that is, not trees.

Considering the potential cost of rebuilding the roof, the $1,100 I spent seemed like an investment well made. As the Longaneckers have found, the stuff works well on bumpers and front ends as well. It is a tough, permanent shield that can take the place of a “bra.”

I have concluded that bed lining material ranks right up there with duct tape and zip ties. And I now admire trees from a distance.

Dick Snyder, F313915
San Diego, California

Dear Editor:
The Adaptive Riding Institute, a nonprofit organization that provides horseback riding opportunities to people with disabilities, is looking for volunteer summer hosts at Silver Falls State Park in western Oregon. The volunteers are needed three to five days per week, and the season runs through September.

RV volunteers are provided with shady sites that offer water only (no electrical hookups). Shower and toilet facilities are available. The park has wildlife, hiking, bike trails, creeks, and forests.

Volunteers greet visitors and dispense information about the park and the public horse rentals. They handle horse ride reservations, paperwork, and waivers, and collect fees that are paid by cash and credit card. They also work with and assist trail guides and wranglers in day-to-day operations. The position requires some physical activity and may include some minor horse handling, such as leading horses to or from the mounting area and standing with a child’s horse. The position does not require strenuous activity or heavy lifting. References are requested.

For more information, contact the Adaptive Riding Institute, P.O. Box 280, Scotts Mills, OR 97375; e-mail: horses88@open.org, or visit www.open.org/horses88/.

Kerrill Knaus-Hardy
Scotts Mills, Oregon

Dear Editor:
My buddy, Robert Perry, F288112, and I take our motorhomes to National Guard drills every month in Rhode Island. The drill in January started out very cold. We woke up Saturday morning to 6-degree temperatures and a drizzling snowstorm that continued all day, but we were able to go on with our day’s activities as usual. We had hot showers, heat, television, and all the luxuries of being at home.

My cell phone rang off the hook with family and friends wondering how we would make it. I guess they had figured we were frozen in and not able to live through a winter storm in our RVs. Instead, we stayed warm and cozy while some of our family members lost electricity.

By Sunday afternoon the military had plowed, and we were able to drive home that night with no difficulty.

All FMCA members who put away their motorhomes in winter should know that they can have fun in the snow, too.

Ron Renaud, F331372
North Smithfield, Rhode Island

Dear Editor:
About 30 minutes south of Santa Nella, California, on Interstate 5, the “Warning, stop engine” light came on in our Endeavor diesel pusher. There was nothing around but orchards. After we pulled to the side of the road, I called the Cummins factory. They referred me to Cummins West in Fresno.

My thoughts were of the possible major repairs. We had purchased our tickets and parking months before for the NASCAR races, and friends from Oklahoma City were planning to meet us there.

Cummins West sent out a tow truck. In the process of disconnecting the driveline to tow the coach, the driver broke the U-joints. It was about 6:00 p.m. when they were ready to tow us, and the Cummins West shop closes at 5:00 p.m.

We pulled into the parking lot about 7:15 p.m. and Matt Woodell, service technician, and Virgil Antonio, parts team leader, were there to open the doors. They worked until about 10:00 p.m., diagnosing and replacing the oil sensor. They also replaced the U-joints and hooked up the driveline.

When the work was completed, they suggested we stay in their secured parking lot overnight. They even offered to provide us with electricity. When we woke up the next morning, they had coffee ready for us. Matt, Virgil, and Cummins West turned a possible disaster into a positive experience.

Many thanks for the courteous and professional service provided by the people at Cummins West. They saved our very special trip.

Bud Morjig, F144656
El Dorado, California

Dear Editor:
While heading toward Jasper, Texas, in our motorhome, we experienced a blowout on a rear dual tire. Our coach is a diesel pusher with 22.5-inch tires. As is common with tires this size, our coach manufacturer did not include a spare.

We called seven tire dealers, and none of them had this size tire in stock. We finally located a place in Beaumont, 71 miles away, that had the size we needed. The dealer agreed to change the tire if I paid 85 cents per mile each way, plus $350 for the tire (which normally sells for $250). When I complained about the tire price, I got a “take it or leave it” response. I took it because he had me.

Our coach is a basement model but not a raised rail, so none of the compartments are large enough to hold a spare. Our towed car is a compact model, but I found that by folding down the rear seats, I can jam a spare into it. Now I carry a spare in the car while we travel in our motorhome.

I suggest to all readers that if they use 22.5-inch tires, they need to carry a spare somewhere, even at the risk of looking like a refugee from The Grapes of Wrath. A blown tire can be changed at the side of the road if you have a spare, but if you don’t, it can be a real problem.

Ron Seketa, F270587
Kirtland, Ohio

Dear Editor:
While on our way to a rally in Kieler, Wisconsin, the motor in our 2001 Beaver Patriot went into limp mode because the engine was overheating. After I stopped to take a look, I saw that water was everywhere. I called roadside assistance and was told that they had nobody listed within a 100-mile radius who could fix the problem. Fortunately, another RVer, Fritz Cabalka, stopped to offer me assistance. He recommended that I contact Guy’s Truck and Tractor Service, located on County Road H right in Keiler. They said to bring it right over.

I was greeted by the owner, Guy Richard, who immediately had our coach in the repair bay. The technician, Joe Oglesby, was very professional and took the time to explain to me what had happened and what he would do to fix it. My coach was back in service within four hours, and the rate I was charged was extremely reasonable. Mr. Richard offered to let us stay on his lot for the night and even went as far as to provide us with an electrical hookup, all at no charge.

I want to thank Mr. Richard and his staff at Guy’s Truck and Tractor (3405 Co. H., Kieler, WI 53812; 608-568-3257) for their courteous and timely service. I recommend his company if you are in the area.

Walter Aschenbrenner, F184380
Darien, Illinois