Shut Off The Fridge
Dear Editor:
In “Refrigerator Leveling” (March 2011 “House Calls,” page 20) the RVer was worried about the refrigerator becoming unlevel while the coach was being driven on hills and mountains. My answer to that would be to never run the refrigerator when you are driving. In fact, the propane tank should be shut off when driving.
Shutting off the refrigerator does not have to harm your food. We proved we could go 17 hours with only a four-degree increase in the refrigerator’s temperature while on a ferry from Newfoundland. We got the fridge super cool before turning it off, and placed cold packs in it. Of course, it was never opened during the ride.
Donna Huffer, F311369
Livingston, Texas
Storing Medical Information On A USB
Dear Editor:
The “Tech & Travel Tip” titled “Medical Information” in the April 2011 issue (page 26) suggested using a USB to store one’s medical history for emergencies. This idea has been floating around the Internet for a couple of years. However, as a 30-year EMT, I can say that it will not work. Most EMS operations, hospitals, and doctors’ offices have computers, but they are hooked up to a server system. They will not allow a USB device to download data into their computer system for fear of a virus. One bad file can shut down the entire system, costing thousands to fix, not to mention the immediate effect on patient care for their entire facility.
This idea will work if a medical facility uses a stand-alone computer, but that is unlikely.
Jim Hunter, F410667
Sharonville, Ohio
Motorhomes And Horses
Dear Editor:
I have horse-camped with my horses and motorhome for more than 15 years. It’s a great time enjoying the scenery, outside of the RV parks and freeways. Whether you camp as a couple or have “girls’ time,” it’s fun for everyone.
Many of the horse camping areas have easy access for big motorhomes, since the combination length of a truck and horse trailer requires a lot of turning space. It is not unusual to find corrals and hookups for electric and water at horse camps as well. It is the epitome of horse camping when you have your motorhome there.
It would be great to meet other FMCA members who don’t leave home without their four-legged friends. I can be contacted by email at twhfaith@hotmail.com.
Faith Narkiewicz, F389044
Florence, Colorado
Bath, Half-Bath Locations
Dear Editor:
Motorhome designers, if you want to put a half-bath and a full bath in a motorhome, put the full bath in the middle of the coach and the half bath in the rear. Not everyone has a desire for guests to travel through their bedroom to get to the shower.
Some buyers do not want a bath-and-a-half at all. You will lose customers if you think all RVers want such useless space.
Mike Rossi, F292654
Livingston, Texas
Editor’s note: In motorhomes that have rear bedroom slideouts, access to a rear full bath may be limited or impossible if that slideout is closed. A mid-coach half-bath is still accessible in those cases. However, as you said, not everyone desires two baths in the first place.
GPS No Match For Maps In Desert Locations
Dear Editor:
The other day I encountered a couple in a large Type A motorhome with a car in tow who had just driven into Death Valley National Park. They had been on about 40 miles of unpaved, washboard road because their GPS and a computer map told them to go that way. When I met them, they were headed in the opposite direction of the campground that was their intended destination. Fortunately, they met someone who gave them correct directions and they had room to turn around the vehicles. The next nearest town in the direction they were headed was 60 miles away.
The next day I read an article in The Sacramento Bee by Tom Knudson titled “Death By GPS In The Desert” (available online at www.sacbee.com). It recounts the dangers of traveling in the desert without a good paper map and some research. Inaccurate GPS and no cell phone service have led to deaths in Death Valley National Park.
As full-timers, we hope that you can share this important message with fellow FMCA members. The deserts and the national parks are amazing places that all should experience. However, be sure to plan your trip, call destinations or visit Web sites before getting on the road, and use a reliable paper map in conjunction with your GPS and computers.
Mike & Isabelle Oakley, F232508
Death Valley, California
Window Repair
Dear Editor:
My wife and I own a 2002 Winnebago Journey. This model came from the factory with double-pane windows. One of the smaller windows fogged up several years ago and we got a price of $700 to replace it. We decided that the location of the window did not warrant a replacement at that cost.
Last fall we noted an advertisement in Family Motor Coaching for RV Fog Doctor. They are located in Searcy, Arkansas, about ¼-mile west of U.S. 67. They have overnight parking, 50-amp power, water, and sewer. Parking is on fresh chipped stone and is fairly level.
They removed the window and tried to clean it, but they could get only one pane to clean up properly. So, they made a template and will have a pane cut and tempered for future installation. They reinstalled the window and sent us on our way at no cost.
If you have a double-pane window that is in need of repair, we highly recommend RV Fog Doctor (2210 Dodge Ave., Searcy, AR 72143; 501-278-3015; www.rvfogdr.com). They are the type of people who take pride in their work and want to see you leave satisfied. The whole crew will go out of their way to make your stay enjoyable.
Dick & Linda Johnson, F334566
Clawson, Michigan
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