June 2008

Growling Oven

Dear RV Doctor:
I have an Atwood RV range. It is a Wedgewood model. I’m curious why the oven sometimes makes a growling sound rather than the smooth hissing sound that an LP-gas oven usually makes.

With a little planning and some common courtesy, you and overnight motorhome guests can get along.

What’s your favorite campground?

Under the premise that Frustrated Maestros do not need a reason to make music together, just a chance to play, Pete Eckhardt, president and music director of the Frustrated Maestros Eastern Sharps and Flats chapter, decided to create such an opportunity.

Few foods are more versatile for cooking on the go than tuna. Carry it fresh, frozen, or in cans or pouches. Serve it hot or cold, fancy or plain. Make a simple meal from a can of tuna and a pile of crackers.

Tap, tap, tap. Tap, tap. Experts say you can tell what a woodpecker is doing by listening to the speed and frequency of its drumming. Tap, tap, tap. Quiet, irregular drumming occurs when the bird is harvesting insects.

The coasts of the United States are rich in lighthouses. We’ve always enjoyed visiting lights, photographing them, and learning their history. But with more than 800 lighthouses to choose from, it’s tough to see them all.

Committees! Who needs them? Aren’t they just a bunch of people sitting around arguing about one thing or another? Well, actually, in order to get many things done, FMCA’s Executive Board relies heavily upon the work of its various committees.

RV Toy Book

Family Motor Coaching readers who recall an article about RV toys in the September 2006 issue (“RV Toys: Not Just Child’s Play,” page 92) may enjoy a new book written by the same authors, FMCA members John Brunkowski and Michael Closen

Multifunctional Handheld GPS

The ONIX 400 handheld GPS receiver from Bushnell Outdoor Products is touted in product literature as the first to include satellite photography as well as XM NavWeather coupled with XM Satellite Radio.

Tow Bar Pin Reminder

Some of the simplest things we learn from experience. Returning home from a trip, we were flagged down by a passing motorist who noticed that the car we were towing was weaving. After stopping we discovered that one of the pins that connect our tow bar to the towed vehicle was missing.

My family enjoys RVing, as well as fishing, boating, and kayaking. For years, we faced a decision before every motorhome trip: whether to tow the boat or the car behind the coach. We couldn’t take both, and it often came down to leaving the boat behind or renting one at our destination. 

Country Coach Inc. has announced NHTSA recall 08V119000, which affects some 2004 to 2008 Affinity, Intrigue, and Magna motorhomes manufactured from May 2003 through January 2008.

Coach Connection

I was hoping you could recommend a motorhome transportation company or companies that could move my motorhome (which isn’t running right now) from Las Vegas, Nevada, to Amarillo, Texas.

I must admit I was a bit worried about what sort of report I’d give you in this month’s column, because I knew I’d be writing about the 79th International Convention in Pomona, California, the first convention that I was responsible for as FMCA president. Boy, was my apprehension misplaced.

Understanding the workings of your propane system and how to keep it operating properly can help you enjoy safe, trouble-free performance from your motorhome’s appliances.

Budgeting is a way of life for most RVers, whether you’re new to the traveling life or are an experienced snowbird. Saving money as you travel will provide a bit of extra cash to use for fun. And who can say no to that? Here are a few money-saving tips from seasoned roadies.

A slow-paced, back-to-nature experience awaits RV travelers along the state’s western edge.