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Family RVing Magazine

Readers’ Forum: April 2011

April 1, 2011

A Simple Exterior Is Best

Dear Editor:
I am writing in response to the letter by Mel Smith of South Carolina about the exterior designs of current motorhomes (“Simplify Exterior ‘Designs,'” February 2011, page 12).
I couldn’t agree with him more. I can’t understand why every RV manufacturer wants their products to look like every other brand. Is there some prize for having the most cluttered and unattractive design?

How has this happened? My theory: RV customers mistakenly believe that those “swoopy-swirl” designs are the modern “in” thing, and if they drive around in something that looks good, with some straight lines, or an attractive one- or two-color paint job, they will be seen as stodgy and old-fashioned. So they go along with what the market offers and buy something they really don’t like.

I ask you, would you like to have the interior of your coach designed like this? I thought not.

I think it is about time that someone stands up and proclaims, “The Emperor is not wearing any clothes!” and I think Mel Smith just did.

I have been involved in the RV business in some way for more than 40 years, and in my various jobs I have dealt with most major brands of RVs across the United States and Canada. I recall a time when one could glance at a coach and tell what company made it; each had its unique design or marking. Most of us recall those little “wings” that the Shasta line carried; you could tell a Shasta from a quarter-mile away. And the Winnebago, with its shape and that big W on the side “” you knew at a glance what you were seeing. Now it seems that the manufacturers want to hide their brand name in small letters and come up with so many different model names that no one can remember who builds what.

Erv Troyer, F278025
LaGrange, Indiana


Water Hose Available For Purchase

Dear Editor:
In the September 2010 “Tech & Travel Tips” column (page 22) Frank S. Winter explains how to make a water connector hose. However, this device can be purchased at many RV dealers. It is also available from JC Whitney (www.jcwhitney.com; item number 1JA 482464) for $8.49.

It is much safer to use a water hose designed for the purpose than to rig one.

Paul Potter, F349834
Wilmington, North Carolina


Jamming Is Illegal

Dear Editor:
The February 2011 “Full-Timer’s Primer” column mentioned ways you can make a living using the Internet. On page 79, writer Janet Groene referred to an online “store” operator who sells jamming equipment to electronically jam cell phones, radar, and other electronics.

Please be aware that selling them and using them in the United States is illegal and can expose the individual to serious legal action and penalties by the Federal Communications Commission. I recently read an article noting that the FCC started legal action, including a large proposed fine, against a company that was importing these devices into the United States.  Simply stated, the Communications Act and FCC regulations prohibit selling or using such jamming devices.

Without regard to the legal ramifications of using electronic jamming devices, they can interfere with public safety communications and therefore risk the life- and property-saving as well as crime-fighting efforts of police, fire, and other public safety officials. They can also block 911 calls and calls to doctors, hospitals, etc., even though some of the literature for these devices may claim otherwise.

I’m sure someone from the FCC would be willing to provide detailed information about the applicable law and rules and potential penalties.

Raymond Voss, F338437
Ham Radio: Kgodk
Edina, Minnesota

Janet Groene Replies: Thank you, Ray, for this information. It’s a good reminder to cyber-preneurs that, while a new world of commerce opens to them on the Internet, they must comply with a variety of national laws.


You Remember What You Forget

Dear Editor:
Judy Czarsty’s story about her early experiences with motorhoming and forgetting the cookware (February 2011 “President’s Message,” page 6) reminded me of some funny moments my wife and I shared.

We flew to Florida from Wisconsin to pick up a motorhome we purchased from my aunt in the fall of 2009. We planned a leisurely trip north, and were in no hurry to get back.
On our first night we stopped at Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park, in the Florida panhandle. They were selling firewood, so we bought a bundle. We brought it back to the campsite and built our fire in the pit.

That did not work too well. We had the wood and kindling but no matches, and nothing else to light it with. Being the Boy Scout that I was, I sent my wife back to where we got the firewood to see if they had some matches.

They did, and we had a fire that night. The next day we purchased matches and butane strikers, so now we’re equipped. Since then, when we go anywhere, my wife makes sure that we have plenty of anything and everything.

We learned from that day on to be sure you have what you need.

Larry Malsch, F415241
Delavan, Wisconsin

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