Readers’ Forum: June 2005

Toyo Phone Numbers

The telephone number published for Toyo Tires in “Where The Rubber Meets The Road” (April 2005, page 64) was incorrect. The Consumer Relations phone number is (800) 442-8696; the Technical Service Center number is (888) 444-8696.

Dear Editor:
I think the proofreaders were taking a nap when it came to page 110 in the article “Perfection In New Harmony” (May 2005). The state pictured looks a lot like Illinois. Having lived in Indiana for more than 45 years, and now 13 in Nevada (which, by the way, looks a little like Indiana on the map, only backwards), I noticed the error almost immediately.

Dave Minsberg, F338436
Las Vegas, Nevada

Editor’s note: Thanks for pointing this out. Several other readers also contacted us to let us know that we had inadvertently moved New Harmony, Indiana, to Illinois. Our apologies to readers and to the state of Indiana for this geographic faux pas.

Dear Editor:
I enjoy reading the many informative articles in the magazine, especially the motorhome reviews.

The review of the new diesel-powered Tropi-Cal in the April issue (page 58) indicated National RV had been manufacturing the Tropi-Cal model since 1996. My first motorhome was a 1991 32-foot gas-powered Tropi-Cal. It was on a Chevy P-30 chassis with a 454 engine.

Alan Holowich, F302409
Castro Valley, California

Editor’s note: We shared Mr. Holowich’s letter with a National RV representative and received the following response:

The Tropi-Cal product line was introduced in 1991 as a 1992 model-year product. It was a gas-powered motorhome. It continued as a gas coach until it was taken off the market in 2001. There was no 2002 model-year Tropi-Cal. The coach was reintroduced as a diesel in 2003 as a 2003 model-year product.”

Dear Editor:
I would like to invite fellow FMCA members to the Allendale, Missouri, sesquicentennial July 1, 2, and 3, 2005. Allendale, population 54, is in the northwest part of the state, practically up against the Iowa state line.

RVers, if you want a quiet, unassuming place back in time in a secluded area, come to the 150th anniversary celebration. RV parking will be available during the event at a minimal cost. Contact Julia Ashby for camping information, at (660) 564-2618.

Opening ceremonies are on Friday evening, with live music following. A parade will take place Saturday morning, and activities later that day will include a historical pageant, car and tractor displays, bingo, a liars’ contest, a style show and talent show, children’s activities, horseshoes, a swing dance, silent movies, concessions, and much more. On Sunday we will have gospel music and a lunch in the park.

With the exception of the food, drink, and souvenirs, the celebration is free. For more information, visit www.villageofallendale.com or call Vicki Miller at (660) 786-2233.

I grew up in this town. This is where my heart is and will always be. I am always excited about my annual visit about this time of year. What a joy it is to go back.

Edith Stephenson Potts, F319897
North Little Rock, Arkansas

Dear Editor:
I hadn’t gotten around to finishing the April issue when I received an e-mail from a couple in my club who said that when they read “I Can Do This” (page 86), they thought of me. Well, I finally read the article and it could have been written about me! I’ve been RVing as a single since my divorce seven years ago, and I don’t regret a minute. Well, take that back; the only thing I regret is that I can’t be a full-timer since I still have to work for a living.

I’ve had all the same experiences as Jane Blair, and I’ve had all the same comments, although the one reaction I see all the time is when the husband says to the wife, “See, you can drive the RV,” and the wife says, “Don’t even go there!” And then secretly, the women come to me and tell me how brave I am and how they just could never do it because they don’t have the courage.

I agree with Jane “” it’s like driving a large, luxury SUV, only you have to remember that you’re bigger, wider, longer (especially with the towed car), and heavier, and it will take you twice as long to stop (plus some if you’re towing). As long as you remember those things, driving is a dream “” especially since you are so much higher up than the rest of the traffic and get an excellent view of what’s coming down the road.

I encourage all women to learn how to drive their RVs. You never know when your partner may become seriously ill or incapacitated, and you don’t want to learn about the hookups and driving the coach under emotionally trying circumstances. Plus, as much as hubby may say he loves to drive, every driver can use a rest every few hours, even if only for 30 minutes or so.

Eva Ribman, F187421
San Pedro, California

Dear Editor:
Thank You for Jane Blair’s article “I Can Do This.” I also drive solo. I enjoyed the article. At times I thought I was reading my story. I hear the same comments when people realize they only see me and my dog, and start asking questions.

Women traveling with a spouse think we are super women. I’ve had men comment on how well I back up and park the motorhome and think I’m something else.

We are women who know what we want to do and do it. I’ve been solo for a year and five months and love it.

We started full-timing in 1988, and when my husband passed away, I just kept on going.

Patsy Cook, F145282
Sparks, Nevada

Dear Editor:
My wife and I had the privilege of attending the FMCA convention in Perry, Georgia, this past March. What a great experience that was for us. At the convention we attended the morning devotionals led by the Southeast Coaches for Christ chapter. What a tremendous blessing to start each day with fellow Christians.

Here we met Bob Foster, F301387, president of the International Area Coaches For Christ chapter, and his wife, Sandy. They invited us to help begin the Coaches for Christ South Central chapter. South Central is the only FMCA area that does not have a Coaches for Christ chapter. Tina Jamison, F316537, has worked this past year on starting the chapter. We need a minimum of 20 FMCA members to form the group. The purpose of Coaches for Christ is twofold: praying for each other and participating in the morning devotionals at FMCA meetings. Other activities during the year may be planned by the chapter once it is started.

I would like to invite FMCA members living in the South Central Area to join with us to start this new chapter. If you are interested, we are planning to be at the South Central Area Rally in Hutchinson, Kansas, September 27 through 30. We will have a Coaches for Christ South Central organizational meeting on Wednesday, September 28, at 3:00 p.m. in the East Scout Building. From this meeting we will see how to move ahead in beginning the chapter.

Please contact us for more information at 239 Rainbow Drive, #13912, Livingston, TX 77399, or e-mail us at gfarc@aol.com.

George & Darline Archer, F288074
Cypress, Texas

Dear Editor:
After an accident involving my 1999 Fleetwood American Eagle coach, I recently had a new front entry door installed at the factory. I am now in need of a screen door. The factory said that the company that made them in the past is now out of business. I have tried all kinds of different vendors but still cannot find one or have one made. Does anyone have any suggestions? Any help on this would be greatly appreciated.

Samuel Fusco, F255791
Venice, Florida
E-mail: sfusco1411@earthlink.net

Dear Editor:
In response to a recent letter concerning travel on the Natchez Trace from Billy Owen, F241692, I wish to report we recently (second week of April 2005) traveled the full length of the Trace from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee, and encountered no difficulties with tree limbs or other obstacles.

This is a most unusual and beautiful trip on somewhat narrow two-lane highway (no shoulders), and it is very well marked, including signs with advice for RVers about limited parking areas in certain locations. Also, free campgrounds are located along the Trace.

Bob & Darlene Gurney, F264968
Livingston, Texas