February 2008

Trippy GFCI

Dear RV Doctor:
I have a troubling electrical issue. Last year when I plugged in my brand-new RV at the campsite, the GFCI on the pedestal tripped immediately.

Enjoy the glow of a fireplace inside and outside your motorhome; considerations when deciding on a home state.

What’s your favorite dish to bring to a potluck, and why?

Family Motor Coach Association’s “Rush To The Golden State” convention, February 25 through 28, 2008, at Fairplex in Pomona, California, promises attendees plenty of opportunities to strike their own mother lode of fun.

Winter weather calls for warming, delicious meals enjoyed with family and friends. Here are recipes to make using your slow cooker, oven, stovetop, or microwave-convection oven.

This national symbol has soared off the Endangered Species List and is now flourishing again.

Every state in the continental United States hosts bald eagles at some time of year, and some have several sites where eagles congregate in large numbers.

Fleetwood RV Adds To Product Lineup

Fleetwood Enterprises’ RV Group showcased several new motorhome models, plus two restyled coaches, at the National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky, this past November.

Medical Information Storage

The MedicKey is a customized USB device that can be used to make sure your important medical information is always with you and available, whenever and wherever you may need it.

“Trailhead Rendezvous” was the theme for the South Central Area’s 34th Six-State Rally, September 25 through 28, 2007, at the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia, Missouri. The theme was chosen since Sedalia touts itself as the “Home of Rails, Trails, and Ragtime.”

Heater Vent Protectors

We adopted and are now owned by three retired racing greyhounds who hired us to chauffeur them around in our 30-foot Winnebago motorhome. Being dogs, they are very messy critters who somehow manage to drop their kibbles down the heater vents.

Explore the grounds and new interpretive center at this World War II Japanese internment camp located northeast of Los Angeles.

Coachmen RV Company LLC has announced NHTSA recall 07V483000, which affects some 2006 Aurora motorhomes built between November 9, 2005, and May 2, 2006.

Synthetic Oil

I have a 30-foot 2007 Winnebago Sightseer with a Ford chassis and a V-10 engine. I’m getting ready to have the motorhome serviced and have a question. This will be the second oil and filter change, and I was wondering what you recommend for oil and oil weight. 

San Diego, After The Wildfires

Dear Editor:
San Diego County, which is approximately the same size as the state of Connecticut, was impacted in late October 2007 by a series of wildfires, primarily in the county’s outlying communities. While the media focused on our affected residential neighborhoods, tourism in San Diego continues to thrive.

As FMCA enters its 45th year, I thought it would be interesting to look back at the humble beginnings of this wonderful association. You may have already heard the story of how 26 motor-coach-owning families gathered to watch a solar eclipse at the Hinckley School in Hinckley, Maine, on July 20, 1963. However…

I am happy to report that many people who care about FMCA are working to boost the association in various ways for 2008. This past November, the national committees and the Executive Board/Board of Directors spent two very busy and productive weeks at FMCA headquarters in Cincinnati.

Joshua Tree National Park is a place where folks can get away from it all. It’s also a land of awesome rocks for climbing, trails for hiking and exploring, dirt roads for mountain biking, and colorful and abundant wildflowers come spring.

How familiar are you with Family Motor Coach Association’s roots? 

Suzuki’s TV ads ask, “Are our cars as much fun as our bikes?” Well, I can’t speak to how much fun Suzuki’s motorcycles are — unfortunately, I haven’t forked a two-wheeler in this millennium — but I can speak to how much fun the Grand Vitara is. It’s truly a kick in the head to drive!

A hardy bunch, the folks who live and play on the Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan continue to enjoy the great outdoors even when temperatures dip below zero. And, interestingly, there are those among this group who still use their motorhomes under these challenging conditions.