Suggested Stops Along The Blue Ridge Parkway
Dear Editor:
The article about the Blue Ridge Parkway in the March 2015 issue (“Springtime On The Blue Ridge Parkway,” page 74) was an excellent description of this 469-mile route.
The Peaks of Otter, mentioned in the story, is one of our most treasured points of tourism. Thomas Jefferson hiked these peaks and was so fascinated with them that he built a summer home, Poplar Forest, in view of them. Today his scaled-down version of Monticello is a side trip for Blue Ridge Parkway travelers. We also invite you to drive down the mountain for eight miles to historic Bedford, Virginia, where the National D-Day Memorial is located, along with great restaurants and historic homes. Smith Mountain Lake, which has more than 500 miles of shoreline, also is nearby.
Imagine an area with elevations exceeding 4,600 feet, and the state’s largest lake. We will welcome you here with Southern hospitality.
Edward & Yolanda Adams, F196931
Bedford, Virginia
Dear Editor:
In response to a letter in the May 2015 issue (“Blue Ridge Parkway And Large RVs”), I disagree. RVs are not prohibited on that road. We don’t own a motorcycle like the letter writer does, and we don’t have a towed vehicle to use; instead, we have bicycles. Motorcyclists and other drivers should not speed on highways. In addition, RVers should be considerate and use pull-offs if they are not maintaining normal speeds.
David Anderson, F429081
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Help Beyond The Warranty
Dear Editor:
I want to let members know about the incredible customer service and support I received from Golight Inc. of Culbertson, Nebraska (308-278-3131; www.golight.com). They make high-quality spotlight systems.
I purchased my motorhome new in 2010. A while ago, a remote-control button accidentally turned on the coach’s Golight spotlight, and itwas left on for more than an hour. The lens cap, bezel, and lamp housing melted from the heat of the light.
A repair shop in Indiana wanted about $600 for a new light. I contacted Golight and learned replacement parts were available. I emailed Golight regarding with my part numbers, and within 10 minutes I received a phone call from the sales manager, Neil Gohl. He said I could expect the parts in four to five business days. I expected to pay for the parts and shipping, but he said he would replace them through a warranty adjustment, even though my light was past the warranty period.
Customer service of this caliber is rare. I would like to thank Neil Gohl and staff member Brandon Stritt for the high level of care and customer service they extended to me.
John Staniewicz, F417489
Victoria, British Columbia
Renewed By RV Renovators
Dear Editor:
After leaving Quartzsite, Arizona, we stopped in Mesa, Arizona, to have a bedroom slideout readjusted. After working on it for two days, the technicians told us they could not fix it. It was, in fact, worse than when we took it to the shop.
We were lucky to find RV Renovators (2145 E. Main St., Mesa, AZ 85213; 855-769-4234, www.rvrenovators.com) nearby. While checking our coach, they discovered they could not get the slideout to retract fully. So, they removed the entire bedroom slideout. They found that one corner of the slideout floor was badly damaged from a water leak. We were not aware of this, because it was under the cabinet and the bed. They also replaced a broken floor tile for us.
Since we had no time constraints, we decided to have them install a new rug. They also removed the old TV, redid the cabinet, and installed a flat-screen TV in the bedroom. This gave us more storage space.
While we were there, they gave us electrical hookups. They also have water and a dump site.
We cannot express how concerned and helpful they were during our stay. Service technician Bob Hauck; general manager Levi Germaine; Kelly, the secretary; and Jerry, James, and Billy all were great to work with. We thank them all and recommend them highly.
Marjorie Rawls, F254556
Livingston, Texas
Tire Surprise
Dear Editor:
We attended a Newmar rally in Joshua Tree, California, just prior to FMCA’s March 2015 Family Reunion in Pomona, California. Our rally host arranged for a seminar to be put on by Pete’s Tire and Mechanical Service, a Michelin dealer in Southern California. A young man from Pete’s named John weighed our motorhomes.
We learned that our coach was overweight. We had it rechecked to be sure. John checked all around and discovered that our tires were three sizes too small.
The tires had looked good when we purchased the coach last summer, and we had put that worry behind us. But with the miles we had traveled, plus more than 8,000 miles planned for this summer, we were just an accident looking for a place to happen.
Needless to say, we needed tires. John contacted the shop to be sure they had the correct size tires in stock, and we received the rates afforded by the FMCA Michelin Advantage Program.
We later learned that John was on vacation that day and came over only to weigh our group. Thankfully, he was concerned enough to follow up when he saw a problem.
We highly recommend Pete’s Tire Center, which has several locations in Southern California and can be contacted at 866 El Camino, Corona, CA 92879; (877) 626-1850; www.petesrs.com.
Bobby Sims & Judith Mitchell, F64321
Mesa, Arizona