January 2011

Although we often go hiking in search of birds and mammals, many times our best looks come through the picture window of our motorhome or just outside the windows of our home office.

Membership in the Family Motor Coach Association brings with it a wealth of benefits that are of value to the motorhome traveler. All FMCA members should take the time to read through this guide to ensure that they are taking advantage of everything their association has to offer.

As I sit in my motorhome and reflect on recent events, I can’t help letting my mind drift back to the summer of 2009. Charlie Schrenkel had just been elected FMCA’s national president, and I had been elected national senior vice president. We were overjoyed at the honor of being selected to lead FMCA.

“Round-Up” Gratitude

Dear Editor:
ProLiteracy would like to thank all of the members of the Family Motor Coach Association who have donated to our organization by rounding up their membership dues.

Powerless

My 1991 motorhome is built on a Ford chassis with the 460-cid engine. It will go about 20 miles and then lose power, and I have to keep my foot on the gas feed to keep it running. It’s like it is not getting enough gas.

Foul Battery Odors

Dear RV Doctor:
On a recent camping trip, our motorhome was connected to 30-amp shore power. During the night, our carbon monoxide (CO) alarm went off. Since there was no stove or furnace operating, I concluded the alarm must be defective. I did notice the coach battery compartment was warm to the touch.

River Raisin National Battlefield Now A National Park

River Raisin National Battlefield Park in Monroe, Michigan, was officially announced as the 393rd park in the National Park System. The War of 1812 battlefield was set aside by Congress with legislation signed by President Obama on March 30, 2009.

Stephen Fried’s new book, Appetite for America, is the story of Fred Harvey restaurants, once found at every major rail station in the Western United States. Mr. Fried’s book isn’t a cookbook, although it does have several recipes. It’s a treasure for travelers, historians, nostalgia buffs, and those who love the Old West.

Whom should you contact for travel information when planning a motorhome trip? To answer that question, the staff at FMC has compiled this list of tourism offices in the United States and Canada. The following information was accurate as of November 2010.

What do you enjoy listening to as you’re traveling down the road in the motorhome?

FMC magazine’s January 2011 Motorhome Regulations chart contains the following information for all 50 U.S. States and the Canadian provinces and territories: speed limit, length, height, width, combined length, license type required, and reciprocity granted (for license).

Family Motor Coaching magazine’s annual dinghy towing guide to flat-towable vehicles include cars, trucks, and SUVs that have been approved by their manufacturers for flat towing behind a motorhome without major modications.

FMCA’s Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase, to be held March 14 through 17, 2011, in Perry, Georgia, will give FMCA members an opportunity to share laughter, music, and camaraderie while enjoying the exciting array of performers who have been scheduled throughout the event.