Rating campgrounds
Dear Editor:
The article titled “Campground Hospitality” in the April 2008 issue (page 78) was interesting to read. After seven years of motorhoming, we finally stayed at our first KOA this winter and had a very positive experience, as the writer did.
The article would have been more complete, however, if it had mentioned the online campground rating service RV Park Reviews, http://www.rvparkreviews.com/. We, as well as many of our RVing friends, use this site to determine whether to stay at an RV park we have not tried before. There are thousands of reviews on this site for RV parks throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico written by actual RVers like us. In fact, we are members of RV Park Reviews and have rated a number of RV parks ourselves. RV Park Reviews is a tremendous resource for FMCA members as well as the rest of the RVing public and should be mentioned in Family Motor Coaching for the service it renders.
Kent and Margaret (Cookie) Neveu, F384752
Johnston, Iowa
New chapter forming
Dear Editor:
I am the non-chapter member volunteer liaison for the Midwest Area, and I am finding that there is a need for a new chapter for people traveling with young children. They could be younger families or grandparents who frequently travel with their grandchildren. Since FMCA’s next international convention is in St. Paul, Minnesota, which is within the Midwest Area, it would be a perfect time to try to get such a chapter formed.
During the convention, we will hold a meeting on Wednesday, July 16, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting location will be in the convention program listed under “proposed family chapter formation.” We will have snacks and beverages available at the meeting, so I would like to hear from those planning to attend so I will have enough food. Please call (847) 494-7315 or send me an e-mail message at clmatson@yahoo.com.
I think this would be a good opportunity for FMCA members who have children or grandchildren they travel with to have a chapter that is dedicated to their needs and wants as families.
Carol Matson, F10696
FMCA Mail Forwarding
Invitation to a rally
Dear Editor:
The South Central Area’s 35th Anniversary Six-State Area Rally, set to take place in North Little Rock, Arkansas, September 24 through 28, may prove to be one of the most unusual area rallies ever held. The “Rally at the Rock” is being hosted by the city of North Little Rock, and the Six-State Rally Association and the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce are the co-sponsors.
Coach parking for the “Rally at the Rock” will be in downtown North Little Rock along the Arkansas River. The riverfront offers a beautiful view of downtown Little Rock, the state’s capital. The North Shore River District will be the site of all activities. This is a destination event, as we are taking advantage of the city location to plan an event with ample time to experience and enjoy the two cities and the state from this central location. All registered members will have a trolley pass for the RiverRail Electric Streetcar to ride across the Arkansas River to downtown Little Rock, where they may visit the many food establishments, historical sites, and museums located in the area. The trolley pass will be honored daily throughout the rally.
Attendees can experience great shopping and dining, as well as the area’s “Taste of the Town” September 24, which features foods and drinks of more than 30 local establishments. This Wednesday evening event will be held in the Alltel Arena, just a short walking distance for many. On Thursday the Market Arkansas Showcase will be held in the Alltel Arena and open to rally attendees. The Arkansas Motorhome Dealers Association will provide approximately 100 motorhomes for exhibit and sale. Indoor vendors will offer motorhome-related merchandise. Many FMCA-sponsored educational and safety seminars will be offered. A Red Hat Tea will be held aboard the Arkansas Queen sternwheeler. And four nights of outstanding entertainment are planned.
More information and a registration form are provided in our ad on page 140 of this issue of FMC. Or, you may register at http://www.fmca.com/. The host city is providing 30-amp electricity to all family members who register before September 14, 2008. The Six State Rally Association Web site, http://www.sca-fmca.com/, highlights the area’s attractions and the rally agenda. We hope to see you there.
Darrell Gilliland, F153488
Gainesville, Texas
Tranny fixed
Dear Editor:
Our motorhome broke down near Fredericksburg, Virginia, with transmission problems. Centreport RV took us under their wing. gave us a very fair repair quote, and stuck to it. Our grateful thanks to Mr. Mike Corbin and his staff at 1132 Jefferson Davis Highway in Fredericksburg (540-659-5800). Thanks also for their prayers for my wife, Joan.
Hal and Joan Hier, F328032
Watervliet, New York
Repair detectives
Dear Editor:
When we traveled south this past January, we thought the coach was having alternator problems. After a couple of stops along Interstate 39, we were directed to Cummins Crosspoint of Normal, Illinois.
We arrived about 4:10 pm. and were told the RV mechanic had left for the day, but that we could get in at 7:30 a.m. the next day. I mentioned that we weren’t in a big hurry, as I figured we were far enough south for the time being. We were given a spot to stay overnight on site with electricity.
The next morning we brought the coach to the shop. It took a couple of hours, but they discovered it was bad wiring, not the alternator. This saved us a lot of time and expense getting the problem fixed. Everyone we dealt with was friendly and helpful. We would highly recommend Cummins Crosspoint in Normal, Illinois (309-452-4454), to anyone for service or problems!
Norman and Jane Polasek, F153047
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Thanks, Bankston
Dear Editor:
We would like other RVers to know that there are dealers that rise above the call of duty and need to be commended. We think Bankston Motorhomes (and in particular, Darren and Rodney Wooten) in Montgomery, Alabama, is tops in service, calming influence, and general goodwill.
We were on our way from Louisiana to Florida in a brand-new Roadtrek 210 when we developed trouble. Even when we pulled in at 4:30 in the afternoon, the Wootens were kind and reassuring that they would have us on our way very soon. They addressed the problems, and we were back on the highway by 5:45 p.m. Of course, this was after closing time for them. They now have a very warm place in our hearts.
McGinty and Marjorie McBride, F215762
Alexandria, Louisiana
Timely Tampa repair
Dear Editor:
I’m writing to formally thank and recommend RV Medic Inc. of Tampa, Florida, an FMCA commercial member. While I was snowbirding for the first time in Florida, my motorhome experienced generator problems when in extended dry camp. I called a well-known repair shop and was informed it would be six days before I could schedule an appointment.
I called Johnny Martinez, owner of RV Medic, and he told me to bring my motor coach right in. Upon arrival, he assigned Vaughn Reed to my coach. Within an hour Vaughn had the problem diagnosed and determined which parts were needed, all the time keeping me informed. Tony Gouoni, parts adviser, immediately called Cummins Onan and arranged overnight delivery of the parts. Tony also went out of his way to coordinate coverage with my extended warranty company. The generator was repaired early the next day.
I highly recommend RV Medic in Tampa for anyone who experiences generator problems. They are very experienced, not just “parts changers.”
Daniel R. McCoy, F395290
Memphis, New York
Ferry good way to travel
Dear Editor:
I work for the Lake Michigan Carferry in Ludington, Michigan. Our ship, the S.S. Badger, sails between Ludington and Manitowoc, Wisconsin, across Lake Michigan. We want RVers to be aware that the Lake Michigan Carferry is the only cross-lake ferry that can accommodate RVs. Our ship can carry 620 passengers and 180 vehicles. The trip saves time and fuel, and lets RVers avoid congested traffic areas going around the lake. It is a convenient way to travel to the International Area Rally in Wisconsin in June, and the FMCA international convention in St. Paul, Minnesota, in July.
Our contact info is http://www.ssbadger.com/; (800) 841-4243, (231) 843-1546.
Sue Czelada
Lake Michigan Carferry
Ludington, Michigan
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