Find out more about your motorhome and the travel lifestyle by attending sensational seminars at FMCA’s “Passport To Perry” Family Reunion in March.
By Doug Uhlenbrock, Associate Editor
February 2014
Since its beginning, FMCA has been an information hub for those who enjoy the motorhome lifestyle. Whether this involved sharing ideas about where to take trips or how to fix a mechanical problem, members have known for years that they can count on FMCA to help them make the most of their foray into the world of motorhome travel.
While methods of communication have changed, FMCA remains the educational leader when it comes to motorhoming. And perhaps nowhere is this more evident than at FMCA Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase gatherings. Attendees have numerous opportunities to broaden their knowledge about their homes on wheels and the motorhome lifestyle.
FMCA’s 89th Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase, scheduled for March 17 through 20, 2014, at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry, will be no exception. As attendees get their “Passport To Perry” stamped, they will find dozens of technical, educational, and lifestyle seminars that will be presented during the event, and surely one or more will attract their interest.
A motorhome is a complex set of systems that, when working properly, provide owners with mobile living comfort. However, should one of the systems fail, the motorhoming experience can become considerably less enjoyable. That’s why FMCA’s technical seminars are among the most heavily attended sessions during Family Reunions. Attendees learn from experts how to keep their motorhome in tip-top operating condition and what steps to take should a problem arise.
Topics covered during the technical seminars will include engine, chassis, and generator maintenance; towing and supplemental braking systems; and specific equipment and systems in the motorhome.
Some of the most popular presentations are those by the “RV Doctor,” Gary Bunzer. In Perry, Gary will moderate the “Generator Maintenance” and “Ask The Experts” roundtable discussions. He also will lead four separate classes from his RV Owner Series of seminars: “The Spring Shakedown,” “Top 10 Maintenance Tips Every RVer Should Know,” “Appliance Maintenance — Saves $$$,” and one of his newest, “Technically Choosing Your Next Motorhome.”
Safety is another major consideration for motorhome owners, and Walter Cannon, executive director of the Recreation Vehicle Safety & Education Foundation (RVSEF), will be on hand to present his “RV Driving Safety” classes. RVSEF also will be conducting coach-weighing services during the event for attendees. Fire is another significant safety issue and will be addressed by veteran firefighter Mac McCoy during the “Fire And Life Safety In Your RV” presentation.
Small computers, smartphones, and tablets give those on the road a reliable means to communicate and to be entertained almost anywhere they travel. Several seminars will focus on helping attendees to maximize their use of these devices.
Motorhome owners love to discover new and exciting places. Numerous seminars will highlight potential travel opportunities, including a variety of RV tours offered through FMCA Tour Connection, powered by Fantasy RV Tours. Learn more about making journeys to Alaska, the Canadian Maritimes, Russia, Scandinavia, Australia and New Zealand, South Africa, and more.
Other seminars will provide information about how to clean the motorhome, make great meals on the road, purchase the appropriate insurance or extended service contract, become a full-timer, create artful crafts, and much more. Those with a passion for quilting should attend the On-Road Quilters seminar for show and tell. Quilters who are interested in donating to the Quilts For Kids project should bring their creations to Perry. The quilts will be exhibited during the Family Reunion and then donated to a local charitable organization.
So, if you have a thirst for knowledge, make a point of attending the “Passport To Perry” Family Reunion, where you can become immersed in all things related to the motorhome lifestyle. Check FMCA.com for updates related to seminars in the days leading up to the event.
Perry Family Reunion Seminars
The following seminars were scheduled as of press time. Last-minute changes could alter this list. Please check the Perry event program you receive on-site for dates, times, locations, and seminar descriptions.
Technical Seminars
Appliance Maintenance — Saves $$$
Aqua-Hot And Hydro-Hot Heating Systems
Ask The Experts
Basic Principles Of Generator Operation
Caterpillar Maintenance
Cummins Engine Maintenance
Cummins Onan Generator Maintenance
Generator Maintenance Roundtable
RV Battery Fundamentals
RV Refrigeration
RV Weight & Tire Safety
Spartan Chassis Motorhome Maintenance
Supplemental Towed Car Braking
Suspensions — Coach Ride And Handling
Technically Choosing Your Next Motorhome
Towing Roundtable
The Spring Shakedown New
Top 10 Maintenance Tips Every RVer Should Know
Educational Seminars
Advanced Tire Knowledge And Failure Analysis For The RV Owner New
Android Phone Or Tablet Tips For Travelers
Atlantic Canadian Provinces By RV
Beginning Genealogy
Benefits And Limitations of RV Extended Warranties
Blogger: Every RVer Needs A Blog!
Breaking Down Your Genealogy Brick Walls
Buying RV Real Estate New
Canadian Maritime & The Great Gaspe
Choosing A Home Base
Cooking For Two On The Road New
Detailing Your Coach In One Hour
Dos And Don’ts Of RV Insurance
Exiting The Motorhome In A Fire Emergency
Experience Alaska With FMCA
Explore Scandinavia By RV
Fear No Mountain New
Finding The Perfect Home Base New
Fire And Life Safety In Your RV
Five Questions You Need To Know When Buying LED Lighting
FMCA Member Benefits
Full-Timing
Geeks On Tour: Technology For Travelers
Genealogy On Your iPad Or Android Tablet New
Geocaching 101
Google Maps
Health Considerations For Hypertension, Diabetes, And Coronary Heart Disease
House Cars To Motorhomes, Then And Now New
Improve Engine Performance And Save Fuel
Insider Cleaning Tips
Insurance — Shopping For Insurance Is Not Like Comparing Apples To Apples
iPhone/iPad Tips For Travelers
Journey To Alaska In Your RV
Knowing Your Weight Label
Living With Arthritis
Look 10 Years Younger In 10 Minutes
Making A Difference Through Habitat For Humanity®
Microwave Convection Cooking Beginner Basics
Microwave Convection Cooking-On-The-Go
Microfiber Truths And Myths
Movie Maker
On-Road Quilters
Overnight Stays At Wineries And Farms
Overview Of Steering Stabilizers For Motorhomes New
Picasa And Picasa Web Albums For All Your Photos
Posture And Joint Stability
President’s Forum
Pros and Cons Of Extended Warranty Policies
Quilts For Kids Exhibit
Rally-In-A-Rally Roundtable
RV Australia And New Zealand
RV Destinations Idea Exchange
RV Driving Safety Program
RV Satellite TV And What’s New In HD New
RVing In Europe
RVing To Alaska — Make This Great Trip On Your Own
RVing To Newfoundland New
RV Trip Wizard New
Secrets Of TV In Your RV New
Smartphones/Tablets For Travelers New
Steering Safety And RV Reverse Osmosis New
Strength Training Essentials For Wellness
The New Technology Of Tire Monitors
Tire Knowledge For The RV Owner
Tire Safety And Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
Understanding Escorted RV Tours
Understanding, Monitoring, And Protecting Your RV Electrical System
Use This, Not That!
What Insurance Do I Really Need As An RVer?
White Knuckles And Windstorms
Witness The Polar Bear Migration
Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda
Wrinkle-Free RV Laundry
Product Specific
Grand West Coast — FMCA Caravan
Great Extended Warranty Policies For Great Prices
Mobileye
RV Armor
South Africa — A Wildlife Safari
The Pros And Cons Of Extended Warranty Policies
USA Festivals & Top RV Destinations
Western Rally Run-Down
Fun, Games & Exercise
Bean Bag Baseball
Bean Bag Toss
Card Bingo
Early Morning Workout for All
Crafts
Flower Frill
Fused-Glass Bracelet
Fused-Glass Watch
Quilting — Got Strips?