May 2009

The origin of the word “tip” is controversial and mostly unsubstantiated, but legend has it the term is a 16th-century acronym derived from the phrase “to insure promptness.” Despite its inception, one thing is for certain: as you travel in your motorhome, the question of whom to tip will often arise.
It’s easy to remember to reward someone who provides a personal service. Hairstylists, manicurists, shoeshine attendants, or masseuses who provide you the indulgence of a well-needed massage are generally tipped 10 to 15 percent of the total bill, depending on how satisfied you are with the service.
When it comes to pampering your pet, Richie Powell, a pet store owner for almost 20 years said that customers in his shop generally tip around 10 percent, “but there are several known to tip up to 20 percent.”
Certain delivery services warrant a tip.

This fun and loving bunch rallies right in RV-owners’ heaven, and they know it!
Northeast Florida and southeast Georgia might just be the chewy caramel center of the RVing world. Campgrounds abound, the weather is hospitable most of the time, and your motorhome is a welcome part of the scenery, right along with the sunshine and flowers.
So is it any wonder that Sun Wheelers chapter members, who all live in this region, hold their rallies here, too? There are exceptions, but typically rallies occur “within about 125 to 150 miles of Jacksonville,” explained chapter president Doug Pearson.

If you love to watch auto racing, you really would have enjoyed the Monaco Northwest chapter rally at the Portland International Raceway in Portland, Oregon, June 8 through 10, 2007. This three-day event included the Star Mazda, Atlantic, and Champ Car series races.

Dear RV Doctor:
We have a single-lever faucet on our shower that has a continuous drip when the water heater is on. I carefully replaced all the parts within the faucet with a kit, but to no avail.

I have a 37-foot 1998 Pace Arrow on a Ford chassis. My generator won’t pull fuel from the chassis’ fuel tank even when the tank is full.

Two images were incorrectly identified in an article about braking systems in the October 2007 issue (“Stop On A Dime”). On page 85, the top illustration depicts a drum brake; the bottom, a disc brake.

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Battery Talk
Dear Editor:
A couple of comments about the September 2007 article on batteries (“Basic Battery maintenance,” page 66).

From time to time I hear comments from members and nonmembers that they perceive FMCA to be an organization for well-to-do type A motorhome owners. I can understand how people might get that impression.

Some of the most important decisions entrusted to a new FMCA president are made within the first few weeks of assuming office. They include appointing members to the national committees that will, for the most part, guide FMCA through the coming year.
Throughout my campaign for election as national president, I promised to appoint members based on their qualifications and experience, and to provide as much diversification as I possibly could.

When I grew up, we never threw anything away. Everything had a second use, and if you didn’t know what to do with it, you saved it anyway, just in case.

To some, Nevada is either desert or glitz. But the state has mountains that lift the soul, offering sights that stay with you forever.
One such jewel is Thomas Canyon, located near Elko in the northeastern part of Nevada.

Some Lubbock folks swear that on early summer evenings when a warm zephyr comes off the High Plains, they can hear Buddy Holly’s sweet guitar strings playing “Peggy Sue.” But Lubbock, Texas, is much more than music. It has more hues than a West Texas sunset.
One big aspect of Lubbock’s attractiveness is its weather.

Physical adaptations allow nocturnal animals to see through the darkness.
Off in the distance, under a moonless midnight sky, a meadow mouse rustles nearly unseen in the dry stubble of last season’s grass. The mouse feels a sense of security in the dark surroundings, but on the other side of the meadow, perched on a dead branch, an owl watches it intently.
Many creatures are more active at night, and most see quite well in the dark.

Fulton, Missouri, a town of about 12,000 in the heart of rural America, is an unlikely spot for a former British prime minister to visit. But what makes it even more unusual is that the statesman, called “the greatest Englishman of his time,” gave a speech there in 1946 that resonated throughout the world for years to come.
Sir Winston Churchill had led his country through World War II, yet he chose Fulton’s Westminster College, a small liberal arts men’s school (now co-ed) as the site for the speech.

Can you imagine life without cell phones, high-speed Internet, and e-mail? Not long ago, these conveniences were considered high-tech wonders more than everyday necessities. But as many people have discovered, the speed of technology, particularly in electronics, is measured not in time, but in the rollout of new models with more advanced features.
The products described below include some of the latest technological innovations and have been selected because they fit the motorhoming lifestyle.

Whether caused by a backing mishap, by turning too wide, or from some mysterious force, it seems that dented exhaust pipes are fairly common among motorhomes. Replacing the dented piece may require a chat with a loan officer at the dealership.

Keepsakes need a special place in the motorhome, and they collect dust, but you can make a travel collection without buying a thing. My husband and I travel from state to state “collecting” national parks and monuments, wildlife refuges, and even state high points.

What do you do when the exterior of your coach just doesn’t have that “wow” appeal any longer? One option is to trade the motorhome in and get a new one with a sparkling finish. But if you can’t stand the thought of parting with your coach, you can have it repainted by a company that specializes in making older coaches look like new.

As an old TV commercial used to say, “You ride on a cushion of air.” While it’s true that your tires are filled with air, your motorhome also moves along on rubber (or at least a synthetic compound that goes by the same name), steel, neoprene, grease . .

When you want to save water and gray water storage but also need to have a shower, here’s a way to do both. First, find a nonbreakable bowl or cut off the top of a jug, leaving the handle intact.

OveRx Cocoon sunglassesAccording to product literature, OveRx Cocoon sunglasses from Live Eyewear are designed to be worn over prescription eyewear or as conventional sunglasses, protecting the eyes from harsh outdoor elements while maintaining optical clarity and quality.
Cocoons feature polarized front and side lenses that are said to block out 100 percent of damaging ultraviolet A and B light and to meet ANSI Z80.3 eyewear standards for impact resistance. The lightweight, full-wrap frames reportedly are made of unbreakable nylon and feature Flex2Fit adjustable temples for an exact fit.
The sunglasses, which come with a neoprene carrying case and a cleaning cloth, are available in six sizes and four lens colors and have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $44.95.

Georgie Boy Manufacturing, based in Middlebury, Indiana, has brought back its popular type A Cruise Master model for 2008. And the company is building it on a Workhorse UFO chassis, which is powered by GM’s Vortec 8.1-liter V-8 rear gasoline engine and boasts a 26,000-pound gross vehicle weight rating.
“The Cruise Master name has a lot of history as a touring coach, and we thought a motorhome built on the UFO chassis was perfect for rekindling this great brand,” said Mike Scheetz, vice president of motorized product for Coachmen RV Group.

“Man, that’s the quietest diesel I’ve ever heard!” exclaimed the fuel station attendant as I pulled up to the pump. Since we were in Oregon for FMCA’s 78th International Convention (state law does not allow self-service in gas stations), I already had my window open to hand over my credit card.

As FMCA members, we take pride in being an extended family and having concern for each other. When a member is in need, there are always others ready to step forward and render assistance. On February 11, FMCA members demonstrated just how far we are willing to go to help.

We occasionally receive inquiries from members who say they are interested in attending an FMCA international convention but are hesitant because they are not familiar with the types of activities that will take place at the event and the services offered.

Fan Mail For Tim Ruddy

Dear Editor:
I always enjoy reading Tim Ruddy’s articles, as  I experience so many “been there, done that” moments. One request of Tim if possible …

Cooling It With A Colorado

I just purchased a 2008 Colorado 4X4 and I am going to tow it behind my RV. I want to know whether I need to do anything other than put the transfer case in “neutral”? Does the steering wheel lock when the key is removed?

Thin Wall Mounting Dilemma

Dear RV Doctor:
The license plate and license light bracket are ready to fall off the rear cap of our motorhome. The screws have become loose. What’s the best way to reattach these items to a thin wall (approximately 1/8-inch thick) with foam insulation behind it?

Damon receives Department of Defense award

Damon Motor Coach, a subsidiary of Thor Industries, has received the Above and Beyond Award from the United States Department of Defense. This award is presented to employers that demonstrate exceptional support for national defense …

Salt is one of the most abundant compounds on earth, and it also is one of the most common ingredients in prepared foods. This month we explore the many uses for salt aside from using it as a seasoning in food.

Warren Leith, F403214, never had occasion to parallel park his motorhome — or drive it in a college town on streets lined with low-hanging tree branches — until he tested for his Texas noncommercial Class B drivers license this past November.

Fleetwood Enterprises Inc. has announced NHTSA recall 09V056000, which affects some 2007 and 2008 model-year Bounder Diesel, Discovery, Excursion, Expedition, and Providence motorhomes built between June 2006 and March 2008.

Name your favorite amenities at campgrounds or RV resorts.

Many good things can be said about full-time motorhome living in Mexico and other Latin countries. There’s the low cost of living, great weather, and friendly people. There are also minuses about living in any country other than your own, but by retiring to Latin living in your motorhome …

Reduce your time in the kitchen with these easy-to-prepare meals.
The slow food movement is gathering momentum, but that doesn’t mean you have to eliminate shortcuts. These recipes were chosen for their traditional taste yet time-shaving appeal to motor coach chefs.
Thanks to Judy Nelson, F144141, for sharing this delicious soup.

Countless opportunities exist for motorhomers to use their time and talents to help make the world a better place.
Forty-five million Americans are involved in some kind of volunteer activities. Eighty-five thousand of them volunteer in the country’s park systems — national, state, county, and local.

A new mail option; estate taxes; free information; managing food costs.
As always, this column’s focus is on people whose motor coaches also serve as their homes. Full-timers’ needs are unique, their problems varied, and their lifestyle enviable.