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Family RVing Magazine

Readers’ Forum: May 2014

May 1, 2014

RV Products Clarification

The Under the Cabinet Spice Rack that appeared in FMC’s March 2014 “RV Products” column (page 34) has multiple uses. The photo in the column shows the rack being used to keep K-Cup coffee packs. As the name implies, it also is an ideal place to store spices and keep them from cluttering a kitchen’s cabinets and drawers.


Glass Repair Addition

The April 2014 “Tech Talk” column (page 21) included a list of companies that perform window replacement. Another company is RV Fog Dr., (501) 278-3015; www.rvfogdr.com.


Saved By The Recall

Dear Editor:
Thank you so much for the information about the Michelin tire recall (“Recall Corner,” February 2014, page 21). I had not heard that from any other source, including the tire shop where I purchased my tires. I took my 29-foot Itasca Spirit to them and learned that the rear four tires had to be replaced for safety reasons.

Wayne Orser, F299285
White Rock, British Columbia


Paint Your Moldings

Dear Editor:
In the March 2014 issue, Bill Kerr mentioned his problem with yellowed moldings on his motorhome (“House Calls,” page 23). I had the same problem with dirty-looking and discolored front and rear cap moldings and, like Bill, was tired of trying to keep them clean.

My solution: Clean the moldings with soap and water, or other type of cleaner. When they are good and dry, mask off moldings and spray-paint them with your color of choice. I didn’t mask over the thin line of caulking sealer; I sprayed over it, too. I used NAPA semi-gloss spray paint, which improved the look immediately. The moldings still look good two years later. Be sure to mask a large area on both sides of the molding to prevent overspray.

Gordon Smith, F399703
Greeley, Colorado


Rally Group Name

Dear Editor:
I just read a nice letter about Coastal Georgia RV Resort in the March 2014 “Readers’ Forum” column (“Campground Kudos,” page 16). The writer stated that a Tiffin Allegro rally was taking place there. That is an error. The rally was organized and carried out by the Tiffin RV Network forum group (TRVN) and had no affiliation with Tiffin Motorhomes Inc.

Steve Fischer
Via E-Mail


Temperature And Compass?

Dear Editor:
Regarding the “Readers’ Forum” letter about including outside thermometers and compasses on one’s coach (“Direction, Temperature Gauges,” March 2014, page 93), Newmar has included those features on their coaches equipped with an inside rearview mirror for many years. They were displayed in one corner of the mirror. Since 2005 or 2006, outside temperature and compass heading gauges have been incorporated on the dashboard with the other gauges.

Jim and Diana Tuttle, F353514
Westminster, Colorado


More Bear Facts

Dear Editor:
Thanks for the article about black bears in the March 2014 issue of Family Motor Coaching (page 64). My wife, Carol, and I have volunteered at Grand Teton National Park in the Bear Management Office for six years. We deal with both grizzly bears and black bears on a regular basis.

I disagree with a few statements in the article. A grizzly bear can and will climb a tree, especially a COY (cub of the year) or a sub-adult. The article mentions dropping your backpack to distract an advancing bear. We tell our visitors to never leave their backpack while hiking. If it contains food, the bear will get it, and you will only make it worse for the next hiker with a backpack that the bear sees.

Two types of bear attacks occur, and your actions should be based on their differences. If you surprise a sow with cubs, or a bear while it is feeding, this is a defensive attack by the bear. Back away slowly. If the bear charges (other than a bluff charge), lie face down on the ground and cover your neck and head with your hands. Do not fight back, but play dead. Keep your backpack on for added protection. The bear will quickly determine that you are not a threat and leave you alone.

If a bear attacks you in a situation not involving a surprise encounter, this is a predatory attack. For instance, if you determine that a bear has been stalking you, he sees you as his next meal. This is extremely rare, and in this situation you should fight with everything you have. Let this bear know that you are no easy meal. Try to poke it in the eye with anything, including your thumb.

When hiking in bear country, always carry bear spray and keep it handy. Do not bury it in your backpack, but wear it on your belt or the outside of your backpack. Bear spray works up to 30 feet away. It has been shown to be more effective than a gun in bear attacks. Spray at the foot of the charging bear so the spray will rise into its face. Be aware of wind direction, as the spray can blow back into your face.

Try to always hike in groups of three or more people in bear country, and stay close together. Bear attacks on three or more people have not been known to occur.

Be cognizant of areas along the trail with dense vegetation and yell, “Hey, bear!” when hiking in these areas. We do not recommend wearing little bells when hiking in bear country. Just keep up a good conversation and make noise so you avoid surprising a bear. The difference between grizzly and black bear scat is that the grizzly scat can have little bells in it.

Phil Schoner, F400083
Livingston, Texas

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