Two Kinds Of Volume
Dear Editor:
I enjoyed the article “High-Volume Power Roof Vents” in the June 2011 issue (page 82). One useful item of information for comparison purposes would have been the noise level generated by each model. Moving volumes of air is important, but so is being able to hold a conversation or get to sleep.
Richard M. Simpson, F416251
Williston, Vermont
Trying To Fit In
Dear Editor:
Thank you for the report on page 16 in the September 2011 issue titled “Height Restrictions At Some Walmart Lots.” I ran into this (literally) about 10 years ago in my prior motorhome, which was well below 12 feet high. The “headache bar” at a Walmart off Interstate 40 in eastern Arkansas read “Clearance 12′-0.” Guess what? Something on the roof dragged on the bar. It didn’t do any damage, but the clearance was definitely less than 12 feet. We exited the lot via the truck driveway.
What really got my attention in the September issue was the letter on page 20 in “Tech Talk,” “30-Amp Hookup Headache.” I wish I could say this was unbelievable, but it isn’t. There are RV parks throughout the country that were not designed by people knowledgeable about RVs. This is a good example. No RV could use those receptacles without an adapter. If the park wants to install these receptacles, then it should provide its guests with an adapter. My advice to Mr. Birett is to plan his rallies somewhere else.
Bill Wright, F120766
Houston, Texas
Keep Those Flags Flying
Dear Editor:
Mr. Ken Harrison was concerned that FMCA members at the Northwest Area Rally this past June were improperly displaying the American flag during inclement weather (“Of Flags And Canines,” September 2011, page 18).
It is permissible to display the American flag during inclement weather as long as it is an all-weather flag. Most flags today are all-weather flags and are marked as such on the package. These flags are typically nylon or polyester, although one company advertises a 100 percent cotton all-weather flag. Here is a quote from Mr. Harrison’s citation, at www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagcode.htm, Section 6 (c): “The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is displayed.”
Dick Shanahan, F290601
Aloha, Oregon
Tennessee Campground Recommendation
Dear Editor:
The North Alabama Travelers chapter had its July rally at Spring Lake RV Resort in Crossville, Tennessee. I would like to let everyone know about the service we had during our stay. The owners, Leroy and Pat Bracken, were very nice, and they have a great campground. Sites have 50-amp electric and a picnic table, grill, and concrete patio, and many are located around a lake.
If you are in the Crossville area, stop by and see Spring Lake RV Resort, (877) 707-1414, www.springlakervtn.com.
Billy Pruitt, F248788
Centre, Alabama
Thanks To Cummins Northwest
Dear Editor:
We attended our first-ever FMCA rally, the Northwest Area Rally, in Albany, Oregon, this past June. We were doing quite well until our generator decided it no longer wanted to work. Since Cummins Onan had an exhibit booth at the rally, my husband stopped there. They sent a technician to see what the problem was.
It turns out that the motorhome had to be taken to the Cummins Northwest shop in Coburg for repairs; so, off went my husband and the coach. The service department was waiting for him. They removed the generator, taped up the wires, and he drove back to the rally. He was told the generator would be repaired the next day by noon.
We were lucky to have been at the rally with our good friends Ray and Gloria Denson, who let us run an extension cord to their coach so we could have power.
The next morning my husband returned to Coburg to have the repaired generator put back in the coach. Everything was working and he was back on the road to the rally. Total down time was four hours. Incredible!
We cannot thank the Cummins dealership at Coburg enough for such fantastic service. They knew we had to be back in British Columbia Monday morning so I could go to work. They were so accommodating and helpful; it made our trip wonderful.
Plus, the generator was still under warranty, so that was the icing on the cake.
Rod & Penny Smith, F380183
Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
Allegheny Mountain Chapter Assists Tornado Victims
Dear Editor:
After witnessing all the damage that occurred during the tornadoes in Alabama this past April, one of our Allegheny Mountain chapter members decided to pass the hat at our spring dinner. The couple had spent time in the same areas of Alabama last winter that had been devastated this spring.
We were able to collect $465 from the members in attendance. Adding a small bit from the chapter’s treasury, we rounded up the amount to $500.
With our member’s local connections, we were able to place the money in the hands of a local detective, who was able to find a family in need. This family has five children, ages 2 to 17. They had lost everything.
The family was from the small town of Sipsey, located northeast of Tuscaloosa. The town had been destroyed and was being overlooked initially for help. The family was scattered, so the money was very much appreciated.
We received a thank-you note that was shared with the chapter. Everyone was so thankful and amazed that people so far away would help.
We hope this will encourage other chapters to reach out a hand to our neighbors in need. After all, “family” means putting your arms around each other and being there.
Chris Mccool, F403740
Emlenton, Pennsylvania
Applause For Awning Clamp
Dear Editor:
While crossing northern Washington from Spokane to Seattle several years ago, I experienced what is called an awning blowout. I was driving in a 25-to-30-mph crosswind, and the patio awning frame remained in place, but the awning itself unfurled. Not only is this situation dangerous, but it sounded like an atom bomb going off. Luckily, I was able to pull to the side of the road safely, and with the help of a very generous couple in another coach, we were able to get the awning back into its place.
Upon my return home, I purchased and installed an RV AwningClamp by RV Innovations of Sedalia, Colorado (www.rvinnovations.com, 800-815-2159). This clamp holds the awning in place and will not allow it to accidentally unfurl during a severe crosswind. After two years of use, one of the tabs that locks the clamp in place broke. I was prepared to purchase a new clamp, as I have been very happy with its operation. When I contacted RV Innovations, Dan Decker answered my e-mail. Because their product has a lifetime guarantee, he sent me a replacement part free of charge.
In today’s world of throwaway items, it is a great pleasure to know that a company would still stand behind its product and take care of its customers in such a great manner. I highly recommend the RV AwningClamp. It can help avoid near disaster and help the driver feel a little more confident when faced with crosswinds.
Phil Hamner, F406110
San Clemente, California
Service Gets A “10”
Dear Editor:
We own a 2005 Winnebago Adventurer 37B that we purchased as the second owners in 2007. Our motorhome has many options, and one of those is a Sleep Number bed. It is one of the most comfortable beds that we have slept on.
We noticed recently that the digital readout on the remote was not displaying the number correctly. We decided to contact the Sleep Number company to inquire about ordering a new remote. Our remotes were the wired type. After talking to a representative, we were elated to hear that they were sending us a new, wireless remote and a new pump for the bed at no cost to us. You don’t always get that kind of service for a product that was first installed six years ago. We installed the pump ourselves, and we are now enjoying a great night’s sleep once more.
Thanks to the manufacturers of the Sleep Number Bed for making our camping experiences the most comfortable ever. If you’ve never slept on one, you are missing out on a luxury.
Danny & Debbie Hale, F233751
Goodlettsville, Tennessee
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