Strike it rich at FMCA’s Family Reunion next month by immersing yourself in learning sessions designed to increase your motorhome knowledge and further other interests.
By Robbin Gould, Editor
February 2015
Not long after the arrival of spring, FMCA members will assemble in Southern California for the association’s 91st Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase, March 26-29, 2015. The event, bearing the theme “California Gold,” will take place at Fairplex, the annual site of the Los Angeles County Fair in Pomona. This well-designed facility, which has hosted FMCA six times previously, nicely accommodates exhibits, entertainment, social opportunities, special events, and seminars.
FMCA Family Reunions bustle with activity, though some attendees say the seminars alone are worth the trip. Numerous RV experts present technical discussions on motorhome systems and maintenance; other knowledgeable speakers focus on activities, hobbies, and equipment that enhance enjoyment of one’s coach. Whether it’s towing a vehicle behind a motorhome, using the onboard microwave-convection oven to its fullest, or learning about the sport of pickleball, RV owners can soak up these topics and more during the “California Gold” Family Reunion. And here’s a sampling of others scheduled so far.
Computer tablets. The “cloud.” Apps for maps. These topics and more are taught by technology gurus Jim and Chris Guld of Geeks On Tour. Two of their perennially popular sessions focus on free photo management software called Picasa and on smartphone tips and tricks. Pomona attendees can sit in on the Gulds’ new seminar about Evernote, a free note-taking and information-gathering website that’s also accessible via Apple and Android devices. Users can store photos of receipts, business cards, doctors’ reports, etc., all in one spot.
“RV Doctor” Gary Bunzer will present several informative technical sessions. During one titled “Technically Choosing Your Next Motorhome,” he will explain how all RVs are not created technically equal and suggest ways to determine the difference. “Correct RV Waste Management Practices” will outline how to minimize issues by performing maintenance at varying intervals; suggested venting and evacuation procedures; and types of odor-reducing products available today. Gary’s “Top 10 RV Facts of Life” are derived from his 4 1/2 decades of industry experience.
Is your motorhome overweight? RVers should ensure their coach is within its proper gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), gross axle weight ratings (GAWR), and, when towing, gross combination weight rating (GCWR). Representatives from the Recreation Vehicle Safety & Education Foundation will enlighten attendees about “RV Weight & Tire Safety” and “Knowing Your Weight Label,” and will present a two-part “RV Driving Safety Program” (registration required for the latter).
Firefighting expert Mac McCoy will supply RVers with other much-needed info: “Fire & Life Safety In Your Motorhome” and “Exiting The Motorhome In An Emergency.”
Plenty of seminars likely will fuel motorhomers’ wanderlust. Representatives from the FMCA Tour Connection, powered by Fantasy RV Tours, will discuss numerous RV tours, including trips to view the polar bear migration in Hudson Bay, Manitoba; Australia and New Zealand; and autumn in New England. In addition, officials from European Motorhome Tours will discuss RV travel to the British Isles and to Europe; reps from Adventure Caravans will spotlight Alaska RV tours.
But wait; there’s more. Seminars also will cover LEDs, tire pressure monitoring systems, and coach organizing, not to mention generators, hydronic heating, morning health workouts, and scores of others. If you’ll be in Pomona, plan to attend many of these informative sessions.
Pomona Family Reunion Seminars
The following seminars were scheduled at press time, with additional sessions in the planning stages. Please check the Pomona event program you receive on-site for dates, times, locations, and seminar descriptions. Seminar updates also will be posted on FMCA.com.
Educational
Adding Beauty To Your RV With New Cabinets And Shades
All About Smartphones And Tablets
Aqua-Hot And Hydro-Hot Heating Systems
Are You Smarter Than Your Smart TV?
Autumn In New England
Benefits And Limitations Of RV Extended Warranties
Chapter Secretary Training
Cloud Computing For Storing And Sharing Your Pictures NEW
Detailing Your Coach In One Hour
Eliminate Paper And Organize Your Life With Evernote NEW
Exiting The Motorhome In A Fire Emergency
Fire & Life Safety In Your Motorhome
Five Questions You Need To Ask Before Buying LEDs
FMCA Member Benefits
FMCA RVinsurance
FMCAssist
Full-Timing
Generators — Maintenance And Design NEW
Guided RV Tours
Have You Ever Thought About Writing?
Honey! Let’s Clean The RV
How To Qualify An RV Repair Facility And Negotiate Repairs NEW
Insider Cleaning Tips
Introduction To Pickleball
Knowing Your Weight Label
Map Your Memories With (Free) Google My Maps
Meet FMCA National President Charlie Adcock
Microwave-Convection Cooking — Beginner Basics
Microwave-Convection Cooking-On-The-Go
Organizing And Saving Space
Orientation For First-Time Attendees
Overnight Stays At Wineries & Farms
Peace Of Mind For You And Your RV
RV Down Under To Australia & New Zealand
RV Driving Safety Program
RV Maintenance — A Realistic Approach NEW
RV Refrigeration: An Essential Part Of Your RVing Experience
RVing Atlantic Canada
RVing In Europe
RVing To Alaska
Safer, Simpler RVing
Sick And Tired Of Being Sick And Tired? NEW
Smartphone Photography And Other Uses For That Lens
South Africa And Wildlife Safari
Steering Stabilizers — How They Work
Technology For Travelers
The Good, The Bad, And The Grease of RV Warranties
The Ins And Outs Of LED Lighting
Tire Safety And Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
Travel The British Isles By RV
Traveling With Velcro
Turn Your Pictures Into Stunning Memories With Picasa
Understanding, Monitoring, And Protecting Your RV Electrical System
What Insurance Do I Really Need As An RVer?
What Makes A Good Story?
What’s This Button? Things You Didn’t Know Your Phone Could Do NEW
Witness The Polar Bear Migration In Manitoba, Canada
Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda
Fun, Games, Exercise
Early Morning Workout For Al
l
Ladies Social
Product-Specific
ARP Control Keeps Norcold And Dometic Refrigerators Running
Collision Avoidance By Mobileye
Experience Alaska With FMCA
No More Foggy Windows NEW
RV Along The Grand East Coast
RV Rallies And USA Festivals
RV To Newfoundland And The Canadian Maritimes
Saving Space In Your RV
Technical
Ask The Experts
Caterpillar Maintenance
Correct RV Waste Management Practices
RV Weight & Tire Safety
Spartan Chassis Motorhome Maintenance
Supplemental Towed Car Braking
Suspensions — Coach Ride & Handling
Technically Choosing Your Next Motorhome
The RV Doctor’s Top 10 Facts of RV Life
Towing Roundtable