Corrections
- The listing for Four Winds International in the June 2007 “Coach Manufacturers And Custom Converters Showcase” article on page 100 indicated that the company offers the Windsport 35W as a handicapped-accessible model. We have been advised that the company no longer builds this handicapped-accessible floor plan.
- The “Towing Equipment” article in the May 2007 issue (page 62) advised that tow dollies can be used to tow all vehicles that are towable using a tow bar. Actually, not all vehicles that are approved by their manufacturers for flat-towing with all wheels on the ground can be towed with their front wheels on a tow dolly without first disconnecting the rear driveline. Some vehicles with full-time four-wheel drive and some hybrid gas/electric vehicles are included in this list. We regret this error, which was introduced in the editing process.
Also, a reminder: before flat-towing a vehicle, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for recreational towing in the vehicle owners manual.
Lincoln Landers Chapter Rally
DEAR EDITOR:
The Lincoln Landers chapter would like to invite all FMCA members to attend its next rally at the World Shooting Complex near Sparta, Illinois. This complex has 1,001 campsites with full hookups, great activities, and practice shooting ranges available (trap, skeet, and sporting clay). A new world-class Antique Farm Machinery Museum is located nearby.
The rally is August 23 through 26. To make reservations, contact me.
Bob Heberer, F266671
St. Libory, Illinois
E-mail: toyfarm7@hotmail.com
(618) 768-4930
Magazine Kudos, Conundrums
DEAR EDITOR:
Just a few lines of congratulations on a beautifully designed and printed new issue of Family Motor Coaching magazine. There are very refreshing and tasteful layouts in all departments. I love the use of color in some of the copy areas, not to mention how much fun it was to read. Thank you for a welcomed new look.
Angel Marien, F229696
Arlington, Texas
DEAR EDITOR:
We agree with Frank Teale, who wrote the letter in the June 2007 issue asking you to increase the magazine’s type size. The new size is a strain on the eyes and difficult for us to read, with or without impaired vision. Otherwise, we have and do continue to enjoy the magazine.
Sam & Charlet Sperbeck, F139271
La Crescent, Minnesota
EDITOR’S NOTE: Thanks for your comments about the redesign. After considering members’ comments and re-examining the type ourselves, we have increased the font sizes. The July issue you are holding includes the larger typefaces.
Non-Slideouts: Where Are They?
DEAR EDITOR:
I would like to know why motorhome manufacturers, with their several models offered, do not offer at least one model without a slideout. Surely there are people in this country who are not sold on the motorhome with two, three, or four slides. As a potential motorhome buyer, I would like to see a popular brand offered without a slideout.
The only motorhome I can look for today, without a slideout, is about 8 years old, preowned. Not much of a choice.
Bob Mason, F127777
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
EDITOR’S NOTE: You might want to check out the “Coach Manufacturers And Custom Converters Showcase,” which ran on page 94 of the June 2007 issue. We surveyed motorhome manufacturers and bus converters that are FMCA commercial members to get basic information about their companies and products. One question we asked is whether they produce non-slideout models. You might be surprised to learn that a fair number of companies do produce at least some non-slideout floor plans in their model lines.
Thanks For The Fun
DEAR EDITOR:
We would like to express our appreciation for all the effort put forth to put on the FMCA convention in Perry, Georgia. It was informative and very well organized. Of all our different RV organization memberships, the FMCA one has proved to be the most rewarding.
Robert & Kitty Abbey, F375632
Live Oak, Florida
Campground Recommendation
DEAR EDITOR:
Our Colonial Virginians chapter of FMCA held a rally in March at the Fayetteville/Wade KOA campground in Wade, North Carolina. When we last visited there, Ralph and Marty Bogle had recently acquired it, and we could already see some improvements there, especially in the hospitality. That was in August 2004.
Imagine our surprise when we returned this past March and saw what they’d been doing. Also, the staff is super. One staff couple has even been recognized by KOA for their work and hospitality. In 2006 the campground won the KOA Founder’s Award as well as the President’s Award for excellence in facilities and camper satisfaction. They ranked first out of 435 KOA campgrounds.
If you will be traveling along Interstate 95 this summer, stop by. I’m sure your stay will be pleasant. For more information visit www.koa.com/where/nc/33123; or call (800) 562-5350 (reservations) or (910) 484-5500 (information).
M.R. Moseler, F338011
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Will The Real Horse Capital Please Stand Up?
DEAR EDITOR:
I just received the May 2007 issue of Family Motor Coaching and was enjoying the new layout when the article entitled “Board Fences And Rolling Hills” (page 94) caught my eye.
No one can deny that Lexington, Kentucky, has a storied past surrounding thoroughbred horses. What dismayed me was the third paragraph on page 95, where the appellation “Horse Capital of the World” is illegally used to describe Lexington. Ocala/Marion County in Florida has trademark rights to the “Horse Capital of the World” phrase.
Ocala/Marion County is home to some of the nation’s top thoroughbred breeders and owners, who have raised legends such as Needles, the first Florida-bred Kentucky Derby winner; Carry Back and Unbridled, both Kentucky Derby champions; and Affirmed, 1978 winner of the prestigious Triple Crown. Some famous names, while bred elsewhere, have come to Marion County for boarding and training services.
Yes, Lexington is a great place for horses, but the “Horse Capital of the World” is located in Ocala/Marion County, home of more than 600 horse farms.
Frank M. Rasbury, F317195
Ocala, Florida
EDITOR’S NOTE: It appears that neither entity has exclusive legal rights to use the phrase “Horse Capital of the World.” Both “Ocala/Marion County Horse Capital of the World” and “Lexington-Fayette County Horse Capital of the World” are registered trademarks. And the quest for bragging rights likely will continue.
Vancouver, B.C., Construction
DEAR EDITOR
This is a heads-up to all of you who wish to visit the beautiful town of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, this summer. They are making major upgrades on lots of roads, and constructing many more for the upcoming 2010 Olympics. It is still okay to visit Vancouver Island and anywhere else, but be advised that you will be bogged down if you drive your motorhome in downtown Vancouver.
Bruce Ferrie, F137496
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
EDITOR’S NOTE: The City of Vancouver, Engineering Services, provides road work information on its Web site: www.vancouver.ca/engsvcs. Or, call the Roadwork Info Line: (604) 873-7070.
Good Coverage
DEAR EDITOR:
I purchased a cover for my type A coach from ADCO in 2006. I used the cover during the hot summer months in the Nevada desert, and when I took it off for my fall travel season, I noticed a few small tears near the tie-down straps, along with a couple of holes from the air-conditioning units.
I contacted ADCO asking if I could buy some material so that I could repair the damage by overlaying the tear holes and sewing around the affected area. I was transferred to Paul Lopez, who pulled my original order up on his computer screen and asked me about the damage. Mr. Lopez said ADCO would cover the repairs under the warranty, and issued me an authorization number and instructions on how to return the cover to their factory.
Within two weeks, I received my repaired cover. ADCO is truly a company that values its customers and stands behind its product. If you’re in the market for an RV cover, ADCO is the company to use (www.adcoprod.com; 800-541-2326).
Steve & Jennifer Tuggle, F339657
Boulder City, Nevada
Brake Buddy
DEAR EDITOR:
I recently had some issues with my Brake Buddy auxiliary braking system, so I e-mailed the company about my problem. They promptly responded. They were very helpful, and I would like to compliment their service. After we communicated in a few e-mails trying to fix the problem, they told me to ship the system to them for repair. I told them that my unit was beyond warranty, but they said, “No problem.” They repaired it at their expense and returned it to me very quickly.
Again, many thanks to Brake Buddy. They were more concerned with my safety than their expense.
Colan & Elizabeth Barber, F242501
Jewett, New York
Coach Fix Well Done
DEAR EDITOR:
I look forward to receiving Family Motor Coaching and find it most helpful.
We spent four months in Georgia this past winter and had a few problems with our RV. We were very fortunate to find Ellis Travel Trailers Inc., 23060 Highway 80 East, in Statesboro, Georgia (912-764-2043). They were most efficient. Not only did they replace our awning due to high crosswinds on our way through New York, but they replaced the toilet, checked the furnace and propane, and had us on our way. We highly recommend them, not only for the excellent service, but because the price was more than reasonable.
Norm & Bea McElrevey, F264459
Milford, Ontario, Canada
MEDEX Comes Through
DEAR EDITOR:
I am a wagon master with Adventure Caravans and just returned from leading a tour to Baja California. During the trip, we had an unfortunate incident where a guest suffered a massive heart attack and passed away. One of the many calls I made was to the MEDEX emergency response center. They were extremely helpful and professional in collecting all the information needed and guiding me with what I needed to do. I requested that MEDEX make the arrangements to return the motorhome from Loreto, Baja California, Mexico, to Minnesota. I was just notified that the motorhome arrived in fine shape and that there were no charges whatsoever, not even for fuel. I would personally like to thank everyone at MEDEX who helped me during this incident. This is just another example of the benefits of FMCA membership.
Jerry Barber, F301991
Encinitas, California
“RV Friendly” Signs
DEAR EDITOR:
From time to time you give an update about which states have enacted “RV Friendly” signage. How wonderful this is. But I have yet to see any of the signs in the states mentioned as having them, and we travel to all of them. We live in Florida, and I can tell you that I haven’t even seen any here. I still rely solely on my “Next Exit” guide for info.
Pat Brown, F341596
Dunedin, Florida
EDITOR’S NOTE: It may take awhile for businesses to adopt the new signage. As you visit “RV Friendly” locations in your travels, be sure to encourage them to check into having the logo added to their highway annunciator sign.