Correction: Raceway Permits Motorhomes
FMCA member Doug Hansen, F231205, contacted FMC to let us know the “Drive The Glen” information mentioned in the “New York’s Lively, Lovely Finger Lakes” article (September 2014, page 66) was in error. For $25, people can drive their personal vehicles on the Watkins Glen International track, and this includes motorhomes. (Only motorcycles are not permitted.) For further information, visit www.theglen.com/guest-info/drive-the-glen.aspx, or call (607) 535-2338.
Ford And The “President’s Message”
Dear Editor:
We have to admit we usually skipped reading the “President’s Message” column, but Charlie Adcock has changed that. Now it is the first thing we read. Regarding the August 2014 column, we want to ask, “Charlie, just how far can you push a 45-foot motorhome with a Ford?”
Jim and Donna Catron, F351426
Butler, Missouri
PC-Based Trip Planner
Dear Editor:
A few years ago, with the advent of smartphones, PC-based trip map programs disappeared. I’ve been looking for a decent PC-based planning tool ever since.
Recently, a Google search for RV planning tools yielded the RV Trip Wizard, among others. After purchasing the RV Trip Wizard for $40, I used it to plan the remainder of this year’s excursion. We had already gone from Marathon, Florida, to Prince Frederick, Maryland. We had to go to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and then return to Marathon via the Natchez Trace trail.
After a few hours spent mostly learning the tool, I was able to print out a plan that included a trip map and the following: list of stop locations; miles between stops; total trip miles; arrival date and departure date at each stop; cost of stops; stop phone numbers; and stop latitude and longitude.
All of my above information is printed out on two (portrait) pages; including the map. The map allows icon options for such items as Passport America, national parks, state parks, etc. There are about 100 such icon options from which to choose.
We now have a small number of 8×10 sheets that fit on a clipboard. This is useful to us, as we are committed to make certain stops within certain time periods. Of course, all kinds of problems usually occur to foul up our careful planning. The mapping tool is quite helpful in making quick trip adjustments. It also gives fairly good time and cost estimates for a planned trip.
Although many campers manage quite nicely using paper maps, or apps and smartphones, there are probably many others who could also benefit from this type of PC-based tool.
Andy Misovec, F386490
Marathon, Florida
Professional Franchise
Dear Editor:
During 40 years of motorhoming, I have traveled back and forth across the lower 48 states in five different coaches. Unfortunately, on occasion I have needed repairs while on the road. The nicest group of people to do business with is Interstate Power Systems, (800) 222-6060.
I recommend their services for very professional repairs. They have facilities located across the northern states, including those in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Fargo, North Dakota; and Billings, Montana, to name just a few.
They are timely in keeping appointments, professional in their demeanor, and clean in their repairs. I would unequivocally recommend their services.
Cody Abbott, F38956
Seymour, Illinois
Battery Fix While In A Rush
Dear Editor:
No one likes to be on the road and have mechanical trouble, and not know where to get area help.
That was our position while staying a night at the Sam’s Club parking lot in O’Fallon, Illinois. We had settled in for the night after running the generator to charge the house batteries. In the morning, I checked the battery meter and what usually is four to five bars was now two bars; not good. Knowing we would be dry camping for several days on the road, I searched for an Interstate battery dealer. Asking around at the NAPA dealer, I was advised that there was a newer RV/trailer company near Interstate 64. We arrived at Weil-Lombardo Trailers, but they didn’t have the 4Ds we needed. The owner, Jim Lombardo, called his Interstate dealer in Mount Vernon, Illinois, about an hour away, and they hot rushed over a pair of batteries. Jim and his workers immediately installed them.
We were getting close to being late for our son-in-law’s retirement at Scott Air Force Base after 30 years of service, and Jim said we could stay the night at his establishment hooked up to 50 amps.
If you are driving on I-64 near Exit 19 and need help, call Jim Lombardo (Weil-Lombardo Trailers, 64 Bel Vista Trail, Lebanon, IL 62254; 618-624-0900). He was a great help to us.
Chris and Vicki Robinson, F306345
Sun City Center, Florida
Hunting Smokey?
Dear Editor:
I enjoyed the August 2014 article about the 70th anniversary of Smokey the Bear (“Happy 70th Smokey,” page 62). It brought to mind this photo I took of the site where Smokey was purportedly found (right).
Sadly, some folks seem less enamored with Smokey’s legacy and message, and more interested in practicing their hunting skills!
Dick Newbert, F423423
Langhorne, Pennsylvania