July 2007

As I travel and hear from FMCA members, I find that many of them are concerned that RVers parking in retail establishment parking lots are abusing the concept of “parking,” and that their behavior is jeopardizing the opportunity for the rest of us to park at these facilities when we want to rest and relax before continuing on our motorhome journeys.
“Camping” is a totally different concept and should never be done in retail establishment parking lots. In December 2001 I first wrote an “Executive Director’s Commentary” about the issue, and it is still a good message today.

If an award for “Ultimate Motor Coach Family” could be given, the Bettens would be in the running. Over the past 42 years, France and Coe Betten have owned 15 motorhomes, have made more cross-country trips and attended more rallies than they can count, and have visited every state in the Lower 48 at least two times over.

Newmar Introduces New Models
Indiana-based Newmar Corporation unveiled its new King Aire Diesel Bus and Grand Star motorhome models during the FMCA convention in Perry, Georgia, in March.
The King Aire is built on a Spartan K3 chassis with an independent front suspension system and powered by a Cummins ISX 600-horsepower engine, coupled with an Allison 4000 MH transmission. The King Aire features the new Comfort Drive steering system, jointly developed by TRW Automotive, Spartan Chassis, and Newmar.

Funky Colored FlamesTo pump some pizzazz into your next campfire gathering, try adding some color to the event with Funky Colored Flames from Winlow Outdoor Experiences.
According to product literature, a packet of Funky Colored Flames placed into the fire will produce a brilliant display of blue, green, and purple flames. Simply toss the packet into the fire and within minutes the colors will spread naturally through the flames, lasting up to 30 minutes.
A box of Funky Colored Flames, which includes three packets, has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $5.

Awhile ago we read of someone having trouble hanging clothes in a closet that has a metal rack with holes rather than a wooden rod. We’ve found that putting the hangers in backward works quite well in this situation.

Last year my wife and I were emerging from a Cracker Barrel restaurant when we spotted a distraught woman trying to open her pickup’s hood. Since fairly heavy smoke was billowing from beneath the hood, we ran over to help.

Central Oregon is known for scenery that includes mountains, caves, canyons, and waterfalls. The region is big enough, too, that you will find plenty of room to spread out and have some fun either before, during, or after the FMCA convention in Redmond August 13 through 16.
In Redmond, as throughout this area, good golf is easy to find.

Rest areas along interstate freeways generally prohibit overnight parking, but many malls, truck stops, fraternal lodges and shopping center parking lots allow it. Always check with local authorities to make sure you’re not breaking any local ordinances.
These notes from FMCA’s Motorhome Parking Etiquette letter pertain to overnight parking at establishments that permit “dry camping” on their lots.

From 1994 to 2003 Tim Ruddy anchored the Dolphins offensive line, many of those years as center for legendary quarterback Dan Marino. How Tim and his family embraced motorhoming after his retirement from a successful career in professional football is the subject of this three-part story, which began last month.

At FMCA’s 77th International Convention in Perry, Georgia, we held two open forums for members to share their thoughts about FMCA’s future direction — ideas for the Long-Range and Development Committee to study. Topics discussed included membership recruitment and retention, chapter membership promotion and chapter governance, and FMCA conventions and rallies, among other things.
Although we would have liked more participation, we did receive some good remarks.

Give some of these interesting recipes a try when you’re looking to serve something different.
If you’ve become bored with making the same meals week after week, try adding one or more of these recipes to your menu.

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Piquant Chicken Salad
Use leftover or canned chicken to make this whole-meal salad. The rice part is easy, too.

Editor’s note: Below are just a few of the comments we’ve received thus far regarding FMC’s new look, which debuted with the May 2007 issue. The magazine staff is currently collecting comments from readers regarding the redesign as we assess the new look ourselves.

The January 2007 issue of FMC magazine indicates no special requirements regarding setting up a 2007 Jeep Wrangler for towing four wheels down. I read in a Wrangler owner’s manual that there is now a final step 12 that is included for towing preparation.

DEAR RV DOCTOR:
Our day/night blinds have broken threads. Is there a way to fix or rethread them, or should we purchase new ones? Both living area blinds broke only days apart.
We also have a musty smell and taste in our water.

If you happen to run into Jim and Ottilie (Olie) Anstett, F44848, of Loveland, Colorado, and strike up a conversation with this couple, they’ll tell you that motorhoming “changes your life.” You’ll also learn about the benefits of owning a smaller motorhome – and a GMC at that.
We met this couple in 1989 in Canon City, Colorado, at our very first FMCA rally. We arrived with our three children and mixed in slowly with what was primarily a group of retired folks.

My late wife, Bonnie, and I joined the Trail Buddies Thousand Trails East chapter because it gives us the opportunity to take advantage of our Thousand Trails membership while participating in an FMCA chapter. It provides the best of both memberships.

The variety of colors of emergency vehicle lights – and what they signify – can be confusing, especially for motorhomers who travel from state to state.
Police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances use flashing, rotating, or oscillating lights to notify their approach to other motorists. Tow trucks, utility trucks, funeral lead cars, and other vehicles also use distinguishing lights.
Max Durbin, chairman of FMCA’s Governmental and Legislative Advisory Committee, said the lack of uniformity of lens colors used by these vehicles can be unsafe.

Recreational opportunities abound in this region that includes parts of Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.
The Ozark Mountains lie at the northern edge of the American South, the western edge of Appalachia, and the eastern part of the Midwest. Translated, that means the Ozarks span southern Missouri, western Arkansas, and eastern Oklahoma.

Food allergies can make it dangerous and, for some, even deadly to eat in restaurants. A new book titled Let’s Eat Out! Your Passport to Living Gluten and Allergy Free by Kim Koeller and Robert La France ($24.95, R&R Publishing), could be a real lifesaver.

These insects with the funny name really “dig” their dinner.
It’s often much easier to find the tracks or marks that a critter leaves than to discover the critter itself. But sometimes you’re just not looking closely enough.