Fuel Tax Correction
The “Fuel Price Survey” in the January 2005 issue (page 64) listed the tax for diesel fuel in Oregon as .001. The correct tax should be .240. The .001 tax is intended for motor vehicles that require an Oregon fuel-user license and whose operators pay the tax on a quarterly basis according to miles driven. Motorhomes and recreation vehicles do not need this license, and their operators pay 24 cents tax per gallon of fuel at the time of purchase.
Corrected MEDEX Cards
The telephone number that appeared on the MEDEX cards that were printed on page 201 of the January 2005 issue reaches MEDEX but is not the most direct number for FMCA members to use in the event of an emergency. The preferred telephone number, which appeared in the text of the article, is (800) 527-0218. Corrected cards appear at the bottom of page 15 of the February 2005 issue of FMC magazine and are available online at www.fmca.com/membership (click on the “Forms” link). If you have the cards from the January magazine in your wallet already, please discard them and replace them.
“Towables” Corrections
The “Towables For 2005” article (January 2005, page 66) failed to include the Pontiac G6, which can be towed four wheels down behind a motorhome. The G6 is a front-wheel-drive vehicle with a four-speed automatic transmission. It has a curb weight of 3,380 pounds and does not have any special speed or distance limitations when being towed.
The article also included inaccurate information about the Chevrolet Aveo. Contrary to information we received from company officials when preparing the article, the Aveo cannot be towed four wheels down.
Battery Story Correction
The illustration on page 81 of the “RV Batteries” story in the January 2005 issue included an incorrect label on the parallel-wired batteries shown on the right. The parallel-wired batteries both should have been labeled as 100 ampere-hour (Ah).
Workhorse Phone Correction
The telephone number listed for Workhorse owners to call regarding the recall announced in the January 2005 issue (“Recall Corner,” page 26) was incorrect. The correct number is (877) 946-7731.
CHAI Rally To Include Seder
Dear Editor:
CHAI (Chavurat Yehudim) is a new chapter of FMCA. We will be hosting a Passover rally in Lebanon, Tennessee, April 22 through 27, 2005, prior to the International Area Rally.
Our rally will include a Passover seder (meal), at which the story of the exodus of the Jews from Egypt will be retold. We would like to invite all interested members of FMCA to join us. For details, contact Jay and Donna Blumenthal at (714) 749-5701 or via e-mail at d2rtr@aol.com.
Jay and Donna Blumenthal, F230605
FMCA Mail Forwarding
Roadmaster’s “Refreshing” Support
Dear Editor:
In 1999 I bought a Falcon 2 tow bar made by Roadmaster. Since I am a single woman traveling alone, I am always searching for easier ways to do things and for reliable products. While I was in Portland, Oregon, in September, I visited Roadmaster Inc. (5602 N.E. Skyport Way) to purchase some clips to replace the links for easier hookup of my auto to my motorhome.
While I was there, Roadmaster suggested that they check my 1999 tow bar for wear, cracks, and strength at no charge. It was not a sales pitch. I did have them check it out.
In November, while I was driving in Fresno, California, one side of the tow bar came loose and bent double, putting two dents in the hood of my car. (Either the pin worked itself out, or someone removed it while I was stopped for lunch.) I normally check the towing connections before resuming my drive, but this time I didn’t.
When I telephoned Roadmaster and explained what happened, the manager shipped me a Falcon 2 replacement tow bar at no cost “” I paid only for the cost of installation. Considering that this was no fault of Roadmaster’s, such support was unbelievable.
Kudos are in order for Roadmaster Inc. Good customer service is normally elusive today, and my experience with Roadmaster was truly refreshing.
If you are in the market for a tow bar for your motorhome, I suggest you consider a Roadmaster product.
Pat Cooper, F272644
Houston, Texas
More Sights In Amarillo
Dear Editor:
As a frequent visitor to Amarillo, Texas, I would like to add two more points of interest to the story you ran about Amarillo (“Amarillo: America’s Western Town,” December 2004, page 110).
If you have children or grandchildren on board, consider visiting the Don Harrington Discovery Center. It’s a hands-on science museum that is interesting to all ages. The museum phone number is (806) 355-9547; Web site: www.dhdc.org.
Also, the Amarillo Civic Center hosts a variety of events ranging from hockey games and rodeos to the outstanding Amarillo Symphony Orchestra. Call (806) 378-4297 or the box office at (806) 378-3096; or visit www.civicamarillo.com.
Another area campground is the Fort Amarillo RV Resort, 10101 Amarillo Blvd. W., Amarillo, TX 79124; (866) 431-7866 (reservations), (806) 331-1700.
Stephen Molnar, F326581
Alamogordo, New Mexico
FMCA Road Service Gets High Marks
Dear Editor:
We recently called FMCA’s emergency road service company, Coach-Net, for emergency assistance. We were extremely happy with the courteous, high-quality response we received. They have very good customer service personnel. We are extremely pleased to be members of FMCA and Coach-Net, and enjoy the benefits of FMCA membership.
We sent a thank-you letter to Action Automotive & Towing of Northport, Alabama, which was dispatched to handle our problem. They are a great part of the Coach-Net service network.
It is a pleasure to know we have the Coach-Net backing when we travel, keeping our minds at ease.
John & Cathy Cook, F286871
Cincinnati, Ohio
Dear Editor:
We recently joined Coach-Net and appreciate their service. We were stranded on Interstate 15 south of Kanarraville, Utah, and needed help. Utah Senior Trooper Jeff Bigler came to our rescue and made contact with Coach-Net for us. He stayed with us until the Coach-Net help arrived.
Thanks again!
Norman & Betty Spellman, F167118
Columbus, Ohio
HWH Provides “Legendary” Service
Dear Editor:
When we purchased our 2003 Dutch Star motorhome two years ago, the salesman extolled the virtues of Newmar’s suppliers and their willingness to repair defective parts, if any. He particularly cited HWH and said their service was legendary. I assumed this was sales fluff and paid little attention.
Recently one of the jacks on our motorhome began to leak fluid, and I called HWH. The gentleman I spoke with asked me to perform a simple test to determine if the jack was defective, and so I did. I called him back, reported the results (it was defective), and within three hours he had located the necessary part. He agreed to allow me to take the coach to a local dealer although it was not on their approved list, and he had the part shipped there. It was installed a couple of days later at no cost to me.
What service. It truly was legendary.
Ralph D. Lancaster, F332295
Palm Coast, Florida
Super Sagon
Dear Editor:
Recently my wife and I were traveling south of Atlanta, Georgia, when we stopped for coffee. As is my habit, I inspected our motorhome and towed car and noticed that the bumper on our Honda Odyssey was beginning to separate from the frame, and the tow bar was loose.
Fortunately, Sagon RV Supercenter in Jackson, Georgia, was a few yards away from where we stopped. When I showed the problem to the service manager, Danny Brown, he immediately asked his mechanic, Brian Lassiter, to look at it. Brian removed the bumper of the Honda and found that the metal bar behind the bumper to which the base tow plate was attached was about to detach from the frame of the car. Danny called four Honda dealers before finding the part near Atlanta.
My wife and I drove to the dealership, picked up the part, and brought it back to Sagon RV. Their mechanic immediately got on the job of replacing the part, reattaching the tow plate, and replacing the bumper. “Super” is the correct word for Sagon RV Supercenter. I would highly recommend their service, prompt attention, and concern for our problem.
Peter & Frances Hubbard, F165079
Berwyn, Pennsylvania
Lock Manufacturer Frees Folks From Jam
Dear Editor:
While setting up camp this past October, we had the fright of having our motorhome’s front door lock break. Fortunately, we have a driver’s-side door. With me inside and my husband outside, we worked and worked but could not get the entry door to open. We called several RV dealers in an attempt to locate a new lock, but it was very frustrating.
My husband then remembered he had the phone number of the lock manufacturer at home. We were camping only 30 miles from home, so we returned and called TriMark Corporation of New Hampton, Iowa. A real person answered the phone and put us through to the company’s parts manager, Terry. She offered not only to send us a new lock at no cost, but she shipped it out next-day air.
After much drilling to remove the old lock, we finally were able to use the front door with the new one installed.
Thanks again to TriMark. How wonderful it is to have a company that not only delivers goodwill but also service to its customers.
Frank & Betty Campbell, F237823
Muncie, Indiana
Dealer, Manufacturer Both Provide Satisfaction
Dear Editor:
We ordered a 2004 quad-slideout Fleetwood American Tradition motorhome at the FMCA convention in Buffalo, New York, in July 2003. Shortly after taking delivery from Marty’s USRV in Berkley, Massachusetts, we developed some problems that we felt should be covered by the warranty.
Without hesitation, both Marty’s USRV and (Fleetwood) American Coach of Indiana stepped up to the plate, worked with us, and resolved all issues to our complete satisfaction.
Both companies were more than willing to go the extra step to please the customer.
We often read and hear about customer dissatisfaction or assumed expectations of a product warranty. It is our opinion that Marty’s USRV and Fleetwood have stood behind their product and truly know the meaning of customer service and customer satisfaction.
Jack & Marty Dirga, F322304
Berlin, Connecticut
A Bungee Cord Held It Together
Dear Editor:
My wife put it this way as she told the story later: “Instead of coming in on a wing and a prayer, we came in on a bungee cord and duct tape.”
It happened after filling our Adventurer’s gas tank at a Jasper, Alabama, fuel station on U.S. 78 between Birmingham, Alabama, and Memphis, Tennessee. Driving out of the station, I cut the wheel too sharply and barely brushed a post guarding the gas pump. The fiberglass panel carrying the left taillight system, still attached to the electrical cords, was rubbed off and dragged a couple of feet. A bystander rushed up and helped my wife and me stick it back on with duct tape. He recommended a place a mile south down U.S. 78 toward Birmingham as a “good place to have your RV fixed.”
Bart Burton, owner of Burton’s RV Service, looked at the damage immediately but said it would be two days before he could get to it. We said we’d rather go on to Birmingham. He walked to his pickup, scrounged around in the bed, and returned with a five-foot-long bungee cord. Winding it around the panel and expertly fixing the panel to the frame, he finished the job by using up most of the remaining duct tape. Testing it for strength, I found it to be immobile. He refused any kind of payment, saying with a smile, “Just return my bungee cord.”
In all that Birmingham 5:00 traffic, we had no hope of finding the Birmingham RV company Mr. Burton had recommended. So we drove another 300 miles “” periodically checking the rear panel, which remained solidly fixed due to the bungee cord, etc. “” to Augusta, Georgia, to stay with relatives and look around for RV service. The next day, the damage was repaired.
Ten days later, the bungee cord was returned to Burton’s RV Service. His friendly service is recommended to any RV driver in the area.
C.H. Meares, M.D., F277854
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Fellow Members Lend A Hand
Dear Editor:
We would like to take this opportunity to give a big thanks to FMCA members Dennis and Brenda Nowicki, F321852. My husband and I were traveling through East Texas after Thanksgiving when our motorhome’s awning rolled open because of the high wind.
We pulled into the first town we came to. The Nowickis passed us and turned around to help. My husband had his right arm in a sling and was unable to use it. Mr. Nowicki climbed up on our roof, cut off the loose awning, and tied up the side arms so that they would not beat holes into the side of our motorhome.
John & Yvonne Bailey, F330466
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Fun Times At RV Park Anniversary
Dear Editor:
We have been RVing full-time for 20 years, building some great memories. They all started as we became members of Lewis-Clark Resort in Kamiah, Idaho. Every time we got there we volunteered. It was no surprise, and yet it was, when we were invited this year to come back to Lewis-Clark Resort to “volunteer” to help them celebrate their 20th anniversary.
Jim and Ingrid Ellis are the original owners of the resort, which is located on the Clearwater River in Kamiah. The scenery and things to do are great. We had a three-day anniversary party in July. Our friend, guest Terry Raff, the “mountain man,” entertained like old times. We had anniversary cake and ice cream, and much more.
We have attended many rallies and family reunions. It was great seeing old friends and making new ones. We hope we have many more years to return there, and maybe we will meet you there. For more information phone them at (208) 935-2556; www.lewisclarkresort.com.
Sam and Grace Sessoms
Mesa, Arizona
Superior Tour
Dear Editor:
If you have not taken Provincial Route 17 in Ontario, Canada, along the north edge of Lake Superior, you may miss out on one of the most scenic and pleasant drives in North America. Not only are the roads adequate and smooth, but the prices are remarkably low and campgrounds are amazingly spacious, well-organized, and friendly.
We recently stayed a few days at the KOA in Sault St. Marie, Ontario (800-562-0847). It had the largest, most level, longest, and most tastefully treed spaces in the best-maintained park we have visited for many years. And it had free Wi-Fi. Not only were the rates reasonable, but park owner Lief Kreutzberg arranged for the best RV wash and detailing job we have ever had “” also the least expensive. Our 2002 40-foot Newmar Mountain Aire diesel had a close encounter of the scratchy-scrapey tree kind and needed deep rub relief. Via cell-phone request, Lief got us into Billy Frigault’s Xtreme Detailing shop (705-759-2768) for a day. For only $138 (U.S.) our coach emerged looking better than when delivered new.
For my wife and me, the trip was not only a gorgeous sojourn but relatively inexpensive and spiced by a huge dose of Canadian hospitality, orderliness, and diligence. We recommend a drive from Sault St. Marie to Thunder Bay, Ontario, via Route 17; a stay at the Sault St. Marie KOA; and the services of Xtreme Detailing.
Douglas W. Ayres, F309598
Sedona, Arizona
Towed Car Treated Right
Dear Editor:
While traveling south of Peoria, Illinois, last month, we experienced a flat tire on our towed vehicle, a Chevrolet Malibu. We were not aware of the flat until a passing motorist got our attention, and we pulled over and found considerable damage to the left front of the car. We called for a tow vehicle, unhooked, and followed the tow truck to Uftring Chevrolet (309-444-3151) in Washington, Illinois.
The left front wheel and tire were destroyed; the front bumper and left front fender and headlamp assembly were damaged; and the left side mudguard and rocker panel molding were gone. We were distressed.
At Uftring, the body shop manager greeted us and assured us he could order the necessary parts, make temporary repairs, and have us on our way the following morning, which he did. Our Malibu was towable, drivable, and available for our continued use until we got back to California safely, and we were able to finish our trip without considerable interruption.
While Uftring is not an RV dealer, they could not have made us feel more welcome or been more accommodating during this ordeal. They allowed us to dry camp overnight in their vehicle storage lot and hook up to their electricity. While we were in their waiting area, everybody expressed concern for our dilemma.
As a former auto salesperson, I could not help but notice the professional attitude and courtesy displayed by employees at all levels. I actively solicited commentary from other waiting customers, and all feedback was positive.
Our heartfelt thanks to a car dealership where people went out of their way to help RVers in distress. I hope that perhaps some FMCA reader may be able to utilize Uftring’s wonderful services in the future.
Gerald Martin, F295803
Murrieta, California
“Excellent” Repair Work
Dear Editor:
In August 2003 we had Diamond Shield paint protection film installed on our Monaco Windsor motorhome. Recently we noticed mildew behind the vinyl. We called Diamond Shield’s main office in Rochester, New York (888-806-5862), and spoke to Joe, who put us in touch with representatives in Titusville, Florida, not far from where we live in Orlando. We made arrangements to have the old material removed and the new type put on in Orlando.
Cheryl, the Titusville representative, said that some of the paint might come off in the process, and some did. Joe was notified immediately, and in a day or two he put me in touch with Larry Gorman, owner of Custom Colors in Port St. Lucie, Florida (772-335-0515; e-mail customcolors@bellsouth.net).
At Custom Colors, Larry did a fantastic paint job on the Windsor. Within two weeks Cheryl and Scott of Diamond Shield went to Port St. Lucie to install the new shield. All worked out very well thanks to Joe, Cheryl, Scott, and Larry. I recommend Diamond Shield, C8873, and Custom Colors for the excellent work they performed on my coach.
Harry De Vrieze, F298323
Orlando, Florida