Appreciation For FMCAssist
Dear Editor:
I arrived in Albuquerque, New Mexico, this past May 3 to help a dear friend who is very ill and unable to take care of herself. On May 5, I was admitted to the hospital with severe pulmonary problems and atrial fibrillation.
Since I was there by myself and my friend could not help, I called FMCA on a whim and asked if it was possible for FMCAssist Medical Emergency and Travel Assistance to help me get home. It was.
It was so comforting to know that I could get back to Milford, Ohio, and not have to worry because I could not get off oxygen to fly. On Friday, May 12, a registered nurse had a car waiting, whisked me to the airport, and we flew home that day. I did not have to worry about anything. She had everything covered. We had oxygen with us and she arranged air flights, etc. She got me home and walked me to my door.
I truly appreciate the fact that this was covered with our FMCAssist program. I’m now home and able to take care of my medical problems.
Sonya Donahue, F436713
Milford, Ohio
Vinyl Plank Confirmation
Dear Editor:
I’m the “friend” who replaced his motorhome carpet with vinyl planks referred to by Charlie Tornatore in his letter titled “Vinyl Planks” (“House Calls,” May 2017, page 22). As Charlie said, my wife and I have a 1996 National RV Tropi-Cal with one slideout. We removed all the carpeting, and I installed the Resilient plank flooring. It was easy. We’ve had it for about three years and it’s held up very well (we also have three dogs). We treat it about twice a year with a special formula that revives the luster. The slideout rollers have left a small dent where they sit on the flooring when the slide is in, but they’re hardly noticeable, and they don’t impact the slideout operation.
Richard Higgins, F203761
Weirs Beach, New Hampshire
Schedule Accommodated
Dear Editor:
A word of appreciation for the efficient processing of my claim through FMCA’s Windshield Replacement Program powered by Guardian Glass Solutions.
A special thanks to Mike Green, owner of Perry Auto Glass in San Bernardino, California, who installed the replacement windshield. Initially the planned departure date for our trip was delayed because of mechanical problems, prompting numerous phone calls to Mike. He returned every call and changed his schedule to accommodate us.
Having had my own retail business years ago, I believe that all parties concerned can be thankful to have a representative like Mike Green at Perry Auto Glass (951-263-6647; 760-298-8602; www.perryautoglass.com).
Editor’s note: The Guardian Glass Network provides motorhome windshield services at more than 3,000 approved glass repair and replacement providers throughout the United States, working with insurance companies to process claims. FMCA members who use the program receive one free year of FMCA membership. For more information, visit www.fmca.com/benefits.
Gordon R. Collins, F73742
Vista, California
Thoughts About The Travel Season
Dear Editor:
A great many of us who have motorhomes still have kids in school. In our family, one of us is retired, one is working, and we still have children in the education system. This makes planning a trip somewhat challenging.
For most people, the end of summer is the Labor Day weekend, but for us, the last two weekends in August are the end of summer. And because of the winter and snow days, our school year sometimes ends the last week in June. That week runs into the Fourth of July weekend, which should be well into the summer season. It seems the words “summer vacation” last longer than the season they stand for.
Does our memory of the time stretch the season, or is it getting shorter and shorter every year? I know many people are shaking their heads wondering what I’m talking about, but those of us who own motorhomes and have children still in an educational system know what this is about.
Some school systems are thinking of eliminating the February vacation and extending the April vacation. Other systems are thinking of making a March vacation to match the spring break that colleges allow. Christmas vacation is another season that sometimes varies regarding the amount of time off. It’s difficult to plan trips because of the weather, how much time we have to travel, and what is open.
Easter vacation changes each year. In Massachusetts we always have the third week in April off because of Patriots Day and the Boston Marathon, but that does not mean that many things are open for us. Each year the challenge to maximize vacation time for us is getting more and more difficult.
Getting sales fliers from RV dealers selling winterizing specials in the mail does not help us believe that the camping season is over. People say Labor Day weekend ends the season, but coming in the middle of a school week, it just has lost that magic of summer. Some will say that Columbus Day really ends the season, but most campgrounds are closing for the year, pools are not open, and no activities are going on.
Next thing we know, we will start getting our motorhome ready for a long winter’s nap, and visit camping shows where we can get the latest brochures on places to go. We look for when the campgrounds start taking reservations for the year, and where we can fit in a destination in the short summer season again.
Richard & Phyllis Cicchetti, F387705
Plymouth, Massachusetts
Beaver Suspension Issues Solved
Dear Editor:
We bought a 33-foot 1998 Beaver Patriot in July of 2005. It had unstable steering, and we could never relax while holding the wheel. We tried many times to find out what was going on with the steering and suspension, to no avail.
After searching for a competent repair facility, we found Rite-Way Axle & Suspension Inc. in Sun Valley, California (9227 San Fernando Road, Sun Valley, CA 91352; 818-767-3323, www.ritewayaxle.com).
Rite-Way did a complete evaluation of the suspension system. They found that all the trailing arm rubber bushings were bad; the torque arm ends had missing or cracked seals; and the bearings were loose. These factors caused the front of the coach to steer right upon acceleration and left upon braking. The technicians also found that the frame was cracked where the rear suspension arms attach to the frame rails. (The coach had been in an accident before we purchased it.)
Rite-Way welded up the cracks and put an extra steel plate on the frame to strengthen it. The needed parts were replaced. Many had to be custom fitted to the vehicle. They aligned the front suspension system and laser-aligned the differential.
The result is a motorhome that is much easier to drive. The coach steering doesn’t wander, and side winds don’t move it as much. It is a pleasure to travel in now.
Quentin Swan, F366909
La Crescenta, California