2017 Continental Not Flat-Towable
The 2017 Lincoln Continental is not approved for four-wheels-down towing, a Lincoln spokesman confirmed in a February 17 email to Family Motor Coaching. That is a reversal from the information published in the 2017 Lincoln owners manual (first printing) and in the Ford/Lincoln 2017 RV & Trailer Towing Guide.
Family Motor Coaching relied on those sources, as well as email confirmation from a Lincoln media relations representative, when the Continental was included in “The 2017 Towing Lineup” (January 2017, page 46).
Travel Beyond Boundaries
Dear Editor:
I just finished rereading the October 2016 issue and felt compelled to express myself. The letters in “Readers’ Forum” from members who had need for the FMCAssist Medical Emergency and Travel Assistance Program were further confirmation for me to renew our FMCA membership before we take an extended trip. We have owned four motorhomes over the years and, unfortunately, due to restrictions, we have been unable to fully utilize them. Hopefully, we can make our “bucket trip” this year.
Even though there were times when we were in between owning an RV, I still enjoyed reading Family Motor Coaching. I cannibalize the magazines for articles I am interested in for future reference.
Membership in FMCA is one of the greatest bargains; I learn so much from the magazine articles. Your tech tips are worth way more than the membership fee.
FMCA members have made me see the light. Eureka! Although 80, I’m not finished living. The letter from a couple who were 90 and finally going to sell their RV was inspiring. Maybe there are other members like me who have a mental block that a certain age is restrictive. I’m more encouraged now, especially when I see other RV owners up in years enjoying life traveling. I had a self-imposed limitation, thinking that I was too old to continue using our RV. As long as I have my vision and reflexes, I will not let an attitude stop me.
Most of the time our RV sits in storage, but I still own it and can travel when time permits. It’s peace of mind and a symbol of my freedom.
Frank & Marty Hill, F373997
Hudson, Florida
Editor’s note: FMCA members receive FMCAssist Medical Emergency and Travel Assistance Program coverage as part of their FMCA family membership. No additional sign-up is required. Members need contact FMCAssist only if they experience a medical emergency more than 100 miles from home (full-timers are always considered 100 miles from home). To learn more about the program, refer to page 240 in the January 2017 issue of FMC; go online to www.FMCA.com/benefits/fmcassist.html; or call Seven Corners at (877) 202-4176. This phone number appears on the back of your FMCA membership card.
Border Crossing Comments
Dear Editor:
The article pertaining to travel to Canada (“Border Crossings,” January 2017, page 84) mentioned laws regarding pets.
We travel to British Columbia several times a year to show dogs. While you need a rabies certificate to enter Canada, a health certificate is usually needed only if your dog is traveling by plane.
When traveling by motorhome, you might encounter a problem re-entering the United States, because the border agent may want proof that your pet food is manufactured in the USA. They want to see the original container or bag the food is from or a receipt proving where you purchased it. This is especially difficult if you feed a raw diet to your pets, because they won’t allow it back in the U.S. unless it is in the original, unsealed packaging. Avoid getting your pet food seized.
Amy Reagan, F383437
Steilacoom, Washington
Dear Editor:
I believe the “Border Crossings” story missed two significant points. Under the heading “Understanding Canada’s Metric System,” it should have included info about metric tons (indicated by a small “t”) — 2,200 pounds when figuring gross weight capacities on bridges and roads. And, more importantly, a 12-foot 6-inch overpass height equates to no less than 3.8 meters. Understanding both are necessary when traveling at 100 kilometers per hour. I use 16t and 4m as my minimums north of the border.
BOB BERGDOLL, F459369
Boulder City, Nevada
Making Cardboard Stronger (And Better-Looking)
Dear Editor:
Regarding the “Tech & Travel Tips” idea of using an empty toilet tissue or paper towel roll to store electrical cords (“A Tubular Idea,” January 2017, page 28), I have been doing that for some time. But I cover these cardboard rolls with contact paper. It looks a lot better and it makes them stronger as well.
Pick any contact paper to fit your décor, and then glue it or stick it on the rolls, leaving a little bit to turn in on the ends.
Charlotte Fullenwider, F248513
Duncan, Oklahoma
Escapees’ “Smartweigh” Another Option
Dear Editor:
The February 2017 “Readers’ Forum” (page 14) has two letters regarding the November 2016 “Tech Talk” column mention about where RVers can have their motorhomes weighed. The first letter references the RV Safety and Education Foundation (RVSEF) and a moving company; the second letter is about RV Weigh-Mobile Weigh Station.
Another source for individual wheel weighing is Escapees’ SmartWeigh service. They have a dedicated level weighing pad at their facility in Congress, Arizona. It is one of three weighing sites — others are in Bushnell, Florida, and Livingston, Texas.
I recently made a short trip from Quartzsite, Arizona, to Congress, Arizona. I was early for my appointment but they were waiting for me, and I was done and out of there in no time at all. The attendants were very helpful and provided advice for loading the motorhome. At $45, it was a bargain.
Glenn Shindler, F145875
La Canada, California
Remembering A Friend
Dear Editor:
On January 26, 2017, we lost one of the finest gentlemen in the RV industry. I first met Kyle McCrary 25 years ago, when he was with Blue Bird Corporation. We immediately hit it off, as just about everyone in our industry did with Kyle. Over the course of those 25 years, he was a competitor of mine and a coworker for a brief stint, but, most importantly, he was a tremendous friend.
Kyle was blessed with a great eye for product design and was always successful in his professional endeavors. He was also a great family man and blessed to be married to the nicest lady, Judy. Together they raised a family, spoiled their grandchildren, and most importantly, always remained best friends.
I called for Kyle the evening before his death. Judy called me back and we chatted at length about Kyle’s condition and how she was doing. Her strength and her resolve about the situation blew me away.
Kyle will truly be missed, not only by his Newmar family, but by all in the RV industry who have worked with or gotten to know him over the past 30-plus years. I think it’s fitting that Newmar’s flagship motorhome, the King Aire, appear on the cover of the February 2017 issue of Family Motor Coaching. Kyle was Newmar’s director of product planning and design.
He will be missed but never forgotten. Rest in peace, brother!
Mike Snell
Vice President, Sales And Service
Erwin Hymer Group North America Inc.
Kitchener, Ontario
Editor’s note: Mr. McCrary’s obituary noted that his RV career included working for Blue Bird and for Fleetwood Enterprises Inc.’s American Coach division. In 2002 he joined Newmar Corporation, and from then on, designed and developed the company’s high-end luxury coaches. As an industry representative, he at one time served on FMCA’s Commercial Council.
Kyle was 61 and a resident of Warner Robins, Georgia. In addition to his wife, Judy, he leaves a son, a daughter, and two grandchildren.