We are relatively new members and new to the RV community. Despite the rainy weather, we are so happy we chose to go.
I attended 12 seminars, and Mary attended several, too. We learned a lot about RVing in the four days we were there and look forward to attending future FMCA conventions.
With all the rain while we were there, the ceiling over our master bed became damp. As a precaution I put up some plastic sheeting to direct any moisture to the floor instead of the bed. Fortunately, it never dripped on us during our stay at the convention.
Afterward, we drove to James Island County Park outside of Charleston, South Carolina, and spent several days there drying out. I knew the leak needed attention, but I also wanted the roof to dry before an attempt was made to identify and seal the leak. After several days in Charleston we proceeded to Savannah, Georgia, where it was threatening to rain again, so we stopped at Camping World RV Sales in Pooler, Georgia.
It was closing time, but the service manager there, Mindy Rushing, listened to our plea and said that they would fix the leak since rain was predicted that evening. They stayed open well past closing time and did an excellent job of finding the cause of the leak and making the necessary repair. Their technician, Jason, even took me up on the roof and showed me where the leak had originated (the seal between the end cap and the roof). He also replaced the seal for the roof A/C unit that sat directly over our bed, as a precaution.
We slept well that night despite the threat of rain, and we ended up driving through rain the day we left. Not a single drop found its way into our motorhome. Thanks, Jason and Mindy, and thanks, Pooler, Georgia, Camping World.
Wayne and Mary Thompson, F403699
Tallahassee, Florida
Kindness From A Perry Resident
Dear Editor:
While we were in Perry, Georgia, for the recent convention, we decided to have lunch at a local restaurant on the Sunday before activities started at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter. While we were in the restaurant and wearing our convention credentials and chapter badges, a gentleman approached us and welcomed us to Perry. We chatted a bit and he thanked us for coming to Perry.
Imagine our surprise when he approached us again as he was departing and told us that he had paid our bill and wished us a good time in the area. What a wonderful example of the friendship exhibited to FMCA members by the local residents.
Bob and Sue Haught, F82522
Etowah, North Carolina
Radiator Problem Extends To Detroit Diesel
Dear Editor:
After reading about radiators being clogged by oil in certain Caterpillar engines (“Tech & Travel Tips,” April 2009, page 32), I wanted to comment. The same problem occurred with Overland coaches that had the 8.2-liter Detroit Diesel engine. The drip tube faces the radiator, and this motor is known for blowing oil out of the tube. The fix is to put a longer tube with an angle cut to let fuel and oil blow toward the side of coach. Otherwise, the radiator will be plugged after a long climb, as the engine is low on power and must be pushed to its max, and when doing so, oil and fuel will blow out of the tube.
James Carter
Ocala, Florida
Drivers License Must Be Renewed In Person
Dear Editor:
The April “Legislative Updates” column (page 70) mentioned Texas drivers license requirements. One additional bit of information is that any driver renewing this Class B license must do so at a drivers license location in Texas. You are not able to renew this Class B license via phone or the Internet. This info is especially critical for people who may not physically reside in the state but hold a Texas Class B license.
Finding out about this at the last minute cost me a $500 flight to Dallas (the city with the lowest fare), just so I could sign my name and have my picture taken. Plan ahead, so this doesn’t happen to you.
Gary Kuba, F83678D
Livingston, Texas
Saturday Repair In Casper
Dear Editor:
On a Friday, the first day of our planned six-week trip to the warm South, we found ourselves in Casper, Wyoming, in need of emergency service. We were fortunate to discover that Sonny’s RV was open on Saturdays. The personnel were kind and friendly, and we were on our way within less than two hours, at a very reasonable cost. We would highly recommend Sonny’s RV should anyone need service while in Casper. They are one mile east of Casper at 5000 E. Yellowstone, Evansville, WY 82636; (877) 893-4190, (307) 237-5000; www.sonnysrvs.com.
Heather Jackson
Bozeman, Montana
Everything’s Crystal-Clear
Dear Editor:
We recently realized that our motorhome’s driver’s-side window, which had been slowly losing its tight seal, had become a serious safety issue, as I could barely see out. We have a 1999 National RV Tradewinds and have noticed over the last few years that several other windows in it also were slowly losing clarity because of leaky seals.
We were concerned about the price, and the fact that our dealer needed to send it somewhere else to be fixed. Fortunately, our dealer told us about Suncoast Designers Inc. (15050 Labor Place, Hudson, FL 34667; 727-868-2773). They remove the window, clean it, reseal it, replace it, and guarantee it. If you need new glass, they do that, too. They took the time to fully explain their technique.
Their facility has water and electrical hookups, a picnic area, and a dump site. We arrived on a Sunday for a Monday morning appointment, and by Monday morning it was a full house, with seven motorhomes there for service.
We decided to have all the windows that had bad seals repaired while we were there. The price and the amount of time it would take were as quoted. We just know there is a great need for this service and want to spread the word.
Larry and Fran Wolfrey, F196217
Punta Gorda, Florida
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