Update On Towing Chevy Equinox/GMC Terrain
The June 2017 “Tech Talk” column included a letter from Ralph Marino (“Equinox Towing,” page 18), who said his 2016 Chevrolet Equinox sometimes wobbles when it is flat towed behind his motorhome. In an editor’s note, we asked other Equinox owners to contact FMC associate editor John Johnston if they have had the same problem.
As of mid-July, John had heard from more than 60 Equinox and GMC Terrain owners who have experienced the wobble (the vehicles share the same platform). Some owners said the wobble occurs at slow speeds while making tight turns or crossing railroad tracks; others said it happens at highway speeds after encountering a rough or uneven patch of road. The only way to stop the wobble is to bring the vehicle to a complete halt. All of the affected owners who contacted FMC have a four-cylinder model, which is equipped with an electric power steering system; the six-cylinder Equinox/Terrain has a hydraulic steering system.
FMC compiled the information from Equinox/Terrain owners and forwarded it to General Motors. In mid-July, a GM engineering manager told FMC the company would soon begin testing the Equinox under conditions that tend to cause the wobble. He said once engineers can reliably replicate the wobble, they will begin to consider possible solutions.
Equinox/Terrain owners who are FMCA members can receive email updates on this issue by contacting John Johnston at jjohnston@fmca.com.
Smoothing Out Rough Roads
Dear Editor:
The April 2017 “Tech Talk” column (page 21) contained a letter from Bennie Dooley inquiring whether SumoSprings were worth adding to his 2003 Itasca, which has a Workhorse chassis.
I recently had SumoSprings installed on the front axle of my 2005 Monaco LaPalma, also with a Workhorse W24 chassis. What a difference it makes to the ride on rough roads and bridge approaches. And the vast majority of unusual, bothersome noises from the coach’s front end are gone.
I was somewhat skeptical but am now a firm believer in the “magic” of SumoSprings. I’m thinking strongly now of investing in the pricier rear-axle set as well. See www.supersprings.com.
John M. Anderson, F443449
Tucson, Arizona
Retirement Dream Lives On
Dear Editor:
FMCA RVinsurance and Bob Isbell of FCIS Insurance deserve my thanks. It is more than a small issue that Bob found me a Safeco policy with fair pricing.
We invested a large amount in a spot at a Florida park and put a large amount down on our 2017 Discovery motorhome on February 28, 2017. I was getting prepared to sell it all and quit FMCA. Our insurance company of the past seven years billed us from March through July 2017 at a fair, similar price, with no indication of an impending increase, but for 2018 they raised our premium 411 percent — more than a year’s worth of payments on the coach.
Thank you, Bob, and thank you, FMCA (www.fmcarvinsurance.com; 877-589-3599). You have kept our retirement travel dream alive.
Steve Motley, F425612
Granbury, Texas
Myrtle Beach Theater Update/Correction
A shuttered entertainment venue inadvertently was listed in “Make It To Myrtle Beach,” published in the July 2017 issue (page 66). The Palace Theatre, included in the story among the town’s live showplaces, was closed in October 2016 after it suffered hurricane damage, and the building was taken down this past spring.
FMCA regrets this error.
Mystery Air-Pressure Problem
Dear Editor:
During a leaf-peeper tour of northern New England, we discovered that we had a leaky rear inner tire. Careful measurements showed that we lost approximately 25 psi of air after each two hours of driving. Of course, that required us to stop every two hours — not always an easy task along the narrow two-lane roads in rural Vermont and New Hampshire. We couldn’t find a truck tire repair place anywhere along the route.
One morning in Maine, the pressure measured 2 psi, and the tire would not take air. We called our insurance roadside assistance operator, and they sent a great guy named Jim from Dutch Gap Auto out to help. He told us the tire accepted air very slowly and recommended Pitcher Perfect Tire Services (62 Mercer Road, New Sharon, ME 04955; 207-778-9699). They took us in immediately, examined the tire, and found the culprit to be the brand-new, “best thing in the world” valve extension. It was leaking. Evidently, the internal plunger didn’t release. They checked the tire for leaks (negative), replaced the tire valve assembly, and sent us on our way in almost no time at all, at a reasonable cost.
If you are in need of tire service in the Guilford area of central Maine, I recommend Pitcher Perfect Tire Services as your first choice. They’re friendly, knowledgeable, efficient, and know the value of a traveler’s time.
Dan Stuart, F437783
South Lyon, Michigan
On Time And Under Budget
Dear Editor:
Last summer our 40-foot Itasca Horizon needed some work done, with a few additions. We were lucky to find Village RV in Regina, Saskatchewan (just off the Trans-Canada Highway). They took us in, consulted professionally, did all work on time and under budget, and left us with a handshake and a smile.
If anyone has difficulties or needs service for their motorhome, we would stoutly recommend these good people to anyone. Village RV is at Highway 1 East in Regina, SK S4P 3E1; (866) 256-8218, (306) 525-5666; www.villagerv.ca.
Martin Aller-Stead, F453794
Toronto, Ontario