Corrections
New York Driver’s License Requirements
The “Motorhome Regulations” chart in the January 2007 issue of FMC contained incorrect information regarding driver’s license requirements in the state of New York. Motorhomers in that state must obtain a Class D license with a personal use vehicle endorsement, or “Recreational Vehicle” or “R” endorsement, if their vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) greater than 26,000 pounds or is longer than 40 feet.
Phone Number On AD&D Certificate
An incorrect phone number was printed on the back page of the “Certificate of Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance Coverage” that appeared on pages 147 and 148 in the February 2007 issue. The correct number for questions regarding the certificate summary is (800) 241-8363. The correct number was included in the “Member Benefits Guide” published in the January 2007 issue and also on the certificate published in that issue.
“Towables” Correction, Additions
Contrary to information provided to FMC for the “Towables For 2007” article (January 2007, page 60), Mercury Mountaineer 4x4s with V-6 and V-8 engines are not towable with Ford’s dealer-installed neutral tow kit. Although the Mountaineer and the Ford Explorer share similar components, the 4×4 systems and transfer cases are different.
The article also failed to include two new vehicles: the Ford Edge and the Lincoln MKX. Both vehicles are equipped with automatic transmissions and are towable in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. The vehicles should not be towed in excess of 65 mph, and it is recommended that the engine be started and allowed to run for five minutes before towing and at each fuel stop.
Houston Area Road Construction
Dear Editor:
Just a heads up that in Houston, Texas, Interstate 10, from the intersection of Interstate 610 westward for approximately 30 miles, is under perpetual construction. It is navigable, but in many cases drivers should proceed with extreme caution and forethought. Some of the entrances and exits are too short for motorhomes to safely exit or merge back into traffic. Be careful.
A considerable amount of this construction is on I-10 between I-610 and Katy (20 miles). The section from I-610 to State Route 6 is probably the worst, because motorists move back and forth from the old road to the new road, and the area under construction does not conform to any road standards, such as the length of entrance ramps, angle of the road, and drainage, as it floods often (under the I-610 west loop, for example). It is navigable, but with extreme caution.
Tony Wiese, F178480
Houston, Texas
California Credit Checks For Longer Campground Stays
Dear Editor:
We have been full-timers for 2-1/2 years. We’ve traveled in 29 states so far. It’s been great. We’ve met a lot of wonderful people and stayed at many great RV parks. We are now in California and have encountered something we just don’t understand.
In this state, we are told, to stay a month at any RV park, we must fill out a form. This form has the usual questions like name, address, phone, emergency contact info, plus coach make, model, and year. But it also wants our Social Security numbers; the names of previous landlords or RV parks and addresses; lien holder information on our vehicles; employer’s name, title, and phone number; length of employment; monthly income; and three references with addresses and phone numbers.
What gives? We pay in advance for the month, including a deposit for electricity. With identity theft so high, we think it is unwise to provide this information, especially Social Security numbers. Surely others must feel as we do.
We have been told that the RV park has a right to this information to protect itself “in case …” In case of what? We are good, honest folks. We have worked hard and are now retired and living our dream of travel. Usually we extend our visits in areas of special interest or simply because we like the area and the people. We won’t be extending a stay anywhere in California. If this is indeed the requirement, we will be moving on to another state where we again feel welcome.
We wonder if the information given to us was inaccurate, or poorly explained, or simply misunderstood.
Don & Joyce Lebrun, F360862
Forest City, Iowa
Editor’s note: The information you’re providing is for a credit check. Debbie Sipe, executive director of California Travel Parks Association, explained:
“Although there is no state law requiring monthly background checks, it is a common practice for many RV parks and campgrounds. California law makes it very difficult to remove RVs that have been in a park for more than 30 days. Hence, it makes good business sense for RV parks to run credit checks on any potential monthly residents/tenants. We as an association encourage our members to protect themselves in just this manner.
“RV park management must sign an agreement to abide by the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which requires [them to] protect any personal information.”
Oklahoma City Recommendation
Dear Editor:
If you are traveling in the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, area and are in need of RV repair, give a call to Motley RV Repair, at 8300 W. Reno; (800) 789-4840; www.motleyrvrepair.com.
We had a transfer switch go bad on us and Allan went out of his way to fix our problems that very day. Motley RV Repair is a first-rate operation.
Terry & Joy Fecho, F170329
Cape Fair, Missouri
Roadmaster Kudos
Dear Editor:
Roadmaster to the rescue! It was two days after Thanksgiving and I was on my way to Napa, California, to visit my youngest son. As I approached a stop signal in my RV, towing my little Honda CRV, suddenly I heard a big crash behind me and saw my car upside down in the air, then landing on its roof and being dragged behind me at 40 miles per hour. A very fast driver had rear-ended me, totaling my car and his.
The next week I purchased a new 2007 Honda CRV EXL only to find out that because it was so new, the base plate for the tow bar was on back order and wouldn’t be ready in time for my RV trip to visit my older son in Pollick Pines, California, for Christmas.
I talked to Suzanne McMullen at Roadmaster and explained my circumstances, and she said, “Call me back tomorrow.” She went out to the factory and shipping department to see what she could do. The next day when I called, she said the base plate was being shipped that day. I had it sent to Camping World in San Martin, California, where they promptly installed it, and I was on my way.
Thank you, Roadmaster, and thank you, Camping World. It was a good Christmas after all.
Norman McGee, F159322
Carmel, California
Dear Editor:
At every FMCA event we have attended, Roadmaster has serviced our tow bar. During the Western Area Rally in Indio, California, this past January, Roadmaster technicians found we had a bent tow bar, which we had no knowledge of. The service crew replaced the tow bar at no charge.
We want to thank Roadmaster for such great service to RVers.
Win & Vivian Boulch, F183403
Woodburn, Oregon