Correction
The 2009 Entegra Anthem 42 RB featured in the February 2009 issue (page 44) has an exterior height of 12 feet 9 inches. An incorrect height was added to the article’s specifications list during the editing process. FMC regrets this error.
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: next article, add more pictures of your wife, Kimberly. You’re a lucky man!
Bob Johnson, F249664
Del City, Oklahoma
Warm Memories, Cool Rally
Dear Editor:
We wanted to tell you what a great time we had at the Southeast Area Rally in Brooksville, Florida, this past February.
We entered the immaculate grounds and were escorted to the holding area, where we were meeting fellow Sand Dollars chapter members. We ended up dry camping in the holding area, which was perfect, as we didn’t have such a long walk. Sixteen chapter coaches arrived for the weekend, and three more families joined us using day passes.
Our chapter met for “sundowners” in the late afternoon, then carpooled to different restaurants in the area for dinner. We also visited Rogers’ Christmas House. How can you go to Brooksville and not go there? It is so well done.
We also saw what you do not expect to see in Florida “” frozen landscape “” for temperatures got down to 18 degrees at night. Unfortunately, farmers in the area lost crops. And, yes, it was freezing cold for us at the rally, too. Thank goodness for furnaces!
The rally volunteers and security people did a fantastic job, even though many of them worked in extreme temperatures.
Pete and Maribel Penichet, F364382
New Port Richey, Florida
The Tire, The Rim, And The Rock
Dear Editor:
We hit a rock on Interstate 10 just west of Pecos, Texas, this past fall. Consequently, the left front tire on our towed vehicle was blown, and the tire rim was severely damaged. We drove back to Pecos and were directed to Pecos Tire.
They could not get a replacement rim in less than two days. Amazingly, they were able to beat the dents out of the rim with sledgehammers. While there, we mentioned that we were hearing noises coming from the motorhome brakes. They checked that also and found a badly scored rotor.
They fixed everything, and we were back on the road that same afternoon. Their service was excellent, and the cost was very reasonable. I recommend Pecos Tire (432-447-2006) to all FMCA members.
Larry Paullus, F276881
Lake Havasu, Arizona
Kindness That Deserves Attention
Dear Editor:
It was our misfortune that our motorhome’s exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve line cracked completely through this past December 13 as we were passing through Chico, California. The exhaust gases spewing from the crack were going to make short work of the #4 spark plug wire and the boot. Our good fortune was to be referred to Chico Truck & RV.
It was a Saturday, but I met the owner, Dan, who explained that he and another individual were there only to take inventory. Since they were closed, no technicians were on duty. After I asked him for a referral and reiterated the vulnerability of the spark plug wire and boot, he said, “Let’s go take a look.”
Dan crawled under our motorhome, assisted me, and provided aluminum flat stock and a couple of stainless-steel hose clamps. Approximately 45 minutes later, we had a very good tourniquet in place around the EGR pipe, and we were ready to continue home to Iowa. Dan refused to let me pay him for his time, aluminum, and the stainless-steel clamps.
People with motorhomes in the Chico area probably are aware of Dan’s character and willingness to go out of his way to help. If you happen to be passing through and need service or RV supplies, please remember his kindness and patronize his business. Chico Truck & RV is located at 5 Three Sevens Lane in Chico; (530) 891-9225.
Ed Jones and Kim Koepnick, F149529
Cumming, Iowa
Arizona Repair Recommendation
Dear Editor:
After some bad experiences at an RV dealer in the Phoenix area, I was referred to RV Renovators in Mesa.
Over the past two years, I have had my motorhome’s warranty work, body and paint work, and regular maintenance done by this company, and was completely satisfied each time. They are friendly, knowledgeable, efficient, and fair, and I strongly recommend them to anyone. RV Renovators is located at 2145 E. Main St., Mesa, AZ 85213; (480) 962-6789; www.rvrenovators.com.
David Cross, F386617
Full-timer
A Winning Winnebago Dealer
Dear Editor:
After four years of trying to trade for a motorhome, in 2007 we found a dealer who does business the old-fashioned way “” no double-teaming or tag teaming among sales folk, just honest, up-front, straight talk.
In the past year or so since we bought our coach, it has had its share of bugs, but the attitude of the service department has made all the difference. They have been very helpful, and have done an excellent job with all our issues and warranty problems. Things have been taken care of in a timely manner.
Winnebago Motorhomes of Rockford, Illinois, is a dealer that creates customer loyalty and repeat business. In our 30 years of RVing, they have provided the best experience and attitude we have ever encountered. We hope they stay in business for a long time so we do not have to go elsewhere. If you are looking for a new RV dealer or somewhere for good service in northern Illinois, give Winnebago Motorhomes a try. We think you will be pleasantly surprised. They are located at 6841 Auburn St. in Rockford; (866) 964-5591; www.winnebagomotorhomes.com.
Rich and Carol Doose, F264826
Davis, Illinois
Two Fine Texas Tire Shops
Dear Editor:
Recently I took our coach to Colleyville, Texas, to have tire blowout damage repaired. Professional Sales RV (800-899-2800) did a good job replacing the wiring loom torn out by the departing tire. Look them up if you need service in the Fort Worth area; they are a Newmar dealer.
I had the destroyed tire replaced before leaving our home in Amarillo to go to Colleyville, and I felt secure in that I had the rest of the tires looked at prior to departure. But after about 100 miles out, we experienced a steadily increasing vibration. I needed a tire shop to solve the problem, and my local dealer suggested Cowser Tire & Service (817-625-8473), in northeast Fort Worth.
These people went out of their way to get the problem solved and get us home. And they did not even handle the brand of tire we were running on our coach. I wholeheartedly recommend Kevin Cowser and his crew to anyone who needs tire assistance in the Fort Worth area.
Bill Snyder, F32132
Amarillo, Texas
Superior Repair In Sacramento
Dear Editor:
During our five years as full-timers, we have had the misfortune of needing the service of a body repair shop for two motorhomes. We returned to the Sacramento, California, area, because that is where our kids live, and we found RV Collision Center.
The owner, Greg Volhontseff, came right out to give us an estimate, which our insurance accepted. He was very honest and up-front with us, and all the work was done to perfection. Needless to say, when we needed help again, we called RV Collision Center. Dirk Roberts, general manager, was equally helpful and treated us like family. The work was done on our time schedule and completed to perfection once again.
Please keep RV Collision Center in mind if you are in the Sacramento area and in need of RV repairs. Body work is their main focus, but they also do repair work of all kinds. They are at 8260 Alpine Ave. in Sacramento; (916) 870-0377; www.rvcollisioncenter.com.
William and Wynona Hail, F159670
Lincoln, California
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