Phone Number Correction
The telephone number for Xplorer Motor Homes listed at the end of the article about the Xplorer Xtreme in the July 2004 issue (page 116) was missing a digit. The company can be contacted at (800) 343-2771.
FMC regrets this error.
Chevrolet S-10 Towing
The “Towables For 2004” article (January 2004, page 66) indicated that the Chevrolet S-10 4×4 pickup truck with an automatic transmission is towable four wheels down without modification. Chevrolet recently informed us that none of its S-10 pickups are towable, contrary to information the company sent us previously.
New Oregon Law Affects School Zone Traffic
Dear Editor:
A new Oregon law that went into effect on July 1, 2004, now puts the speed limit at 20 mph in all school zones. It is now enforced 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, regardless of the sign that states when students are present.
Dick Winn, F83778
Bend, Oregon
President, Northwestern Bus Nuts
Editor’s note: According to information posted on the Oregon Department of Transportation’s Web site, Senate Bill 179 was to take effect on July 1. The legislation creates a new speed limit of 20 mph in school zones. This speed limit is in effect at all times if the roadway adjacent to the school has a speed limit of 30 mph or less. For roadways adjacent to schools that have a speed limit of 35 mph or greater, this 20-mph speed is in effect when a flashing light is operating or during times when posted signage designates it is in effect. Lastly, the 20-mph limit is in effect for crosswalks that are not adjacent to school grounds any time a flashing light is operating, posted signage designates the times it is to be in effect, or children are present. For more information about this legislation, call the Oregon Department of Transportation Traffic Management Section at (503) 986-3568 or visit www.odot.state.or.us/traffic/school/school.htm.
An Appeal To Families With Young Children
Dear Editor:
While forming new chapters in FMCA’s Eastern Area over the past two years, I have been asked when we are going to form a chapter for families with children living at home. Well, my answer has always been that I’d love to but don’t know where these FMCA members with children are located. FMCA’s membership database does not contain this information.
So, I am appealing to all of you who live in the Eastern Area (Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky) to let me know who you are and where you live.
It takes only 20 families to form a new chapter, and I’d like to see those of you who have children enjoy being with other families. A family chapter could hold two or three rallies in the summer on weekends, possibly in venues that might be appealing to the whole family in such places as amusement parks, fairs, state parks, etc.
Won’t you please let me know where you are so we can explore the possibility of a chapter just for you? You can drop me a line in care of the FMCA national office or call my voice mail at (800) 544-7062, ext. 545.
Judith (Judy) Czarsty, F79148
National Vice President (elect), Eastern Area
FMCA Mail Forwarding
Side Mirrors Fall Victim To Trucks
Dear Editor:
This is the second time my Winnebago Adventurer’s passenger-side mirror has been knocked off by a truck’s mirror. Both accidents occurred on Southern California freeways in slow-moving traffic with all lanes full. Some truck mirrors stick out quite a bit, so that even when we are in our respective lanes, there is little clearance between the mirrors. In two cases, they collided.
This is getting to be expensive (approximately $300 each time). I wonder if I’m just unlucky, or if this has happened to others. I notice that many buses and RVs now have front-mounted mirrors that do not extend out as far as the side-mounted ones.
The problem always occurs when all lanes are full. I think that when there is lighter traffic, it is natural to move to the far side of your lane, away from a large truck, something you cannot do when all lanes are full.
Either the lanes are too narrow or some truck mirrors extend too far out. In any case, I’d be interested in hearing about other people’s experiences.
Stan Levine, F168888
Rolling Hills, California
CHAI Chapter Formed
Dear Editor:
FMCA’s new Jewish chapter has bolted from the starting block. The response to our call for members has been overwhelming, with almost 100 so far. Chapter members are from all over the United States; some are full-timers, some are snowbirds, and others are part-timers.
The organizational meeting to elect chapter officers will occur during the Redmond convention this month. A chapter social get-together in Redmond is being planned as I write this.
Anyone interested in joining should send their name, address, phone number, cell phone number, e-mail address, and $5 membership fee to Lenore Smith, 4419 Centennial Blvd. #224, Colorado Springs, CO 80907. Lenore may be contacted by e-mail also: retailghs@aol.com.
Gerald H. Smith, F291489
Acting president, CHAI chapter
Colorado Springs, Colorado
National Byways Maps
Dear Editor:
Thank you for including information about how to receive the “America’s Byways Map And Guide” noted in the June 2004 issue (“RV News & Notes,” page 54). As your magazine pointed out, it includes a collection of “distinct and diverse roads designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation.”
However, there was an error in the information provided. The map is not published by the National Park Society; it is published by the Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, National Scenic Byways Program.
We appreciate your continued interest in America’s Byways and hope you experience them firsthand sometime soon.
Patricia S. McNally
Marketing Communications Director
National Scenic Byways Program
Washington, D.C.
“Wreck-ommendation”
Dear Editor:
We recently had a mishap with our motorhome that required body work, and were sent to Wreck-A-Mended Collision Center in Des Moines, Iowa (1425 E. Aurora Ave.; 515-251-4655).
We want to give credit to owner Jeff Lampkin for his timely efforts on our behalf. He had other items to attend to but went right to work on our motorhome in spite of it. Iowa was having stormy, rainy weather at the time, and we were so appreciative of having our coach under roof and being taken care of. Jeff had the body work done in five days, but we had to wait for a windshield to be delivered. We wound up spending eight days in a nearby motel.
We recommend Wreck-A-Mended Collision Center to anyone traveling in Iowa who needs repairs.
Our insurance claim with Explorer RV Insurance went through National Interstate, and we are very pleased with the speed and efficiency with which it was handled. We certainly were well taken care of.
Howard and Milli Anderson, F343186
Livingston, Texas