Dear Editor:
The article regarding surge protectors (“Power Protection,” July 2017, page 48) should be heeded by everyone who receives this magazine. I just blew my second surge protector in, of all places, my driveway.
Ten years ago when I purchased my first coach, a friend told me that surge protection was a very important part of the RV lifestyle. Somewhat reluctant to spend the money, I purchased a surge protector for my 30-amp Type C coach. In the two years I had it, I never experienced a problem. Then I bought a Type A coach and started reading more and more about the pedestal problem with fluctuating power surges; this is especially true in some older campgrounds.
I bit the bullet, spent $429 on a portable 50-amp surge protector, and within a year it fried at a rather upscale park. Now I really had firsthand experience at what could happen to the electrical system of my coach if I did not have this protection. Immediately I bought my second one. Now, seven years later, we were plugged in at our home, getting ready to leave on a trip, when a thunderstorm came. My wife called to say she heard beeping inside the coach. It was the refrigerator, which had no power. I checked all circuit breakers. Everything in the house was fine, but the surge protector was not passing power to the coach. I plugged the line in without the surge protector and had power. Evidently, there was a surge that would have fried my coach if not for the surge protector.
I contacted Southwire Company, which manufactures the Surge Guard (rvpower.southwire.com; 800-770-4324), and they could not be nicer. My unit was out of warranty because of age, but since I was an existing customer, they offered me a discounted price for a new one. They asked me to send the old one back for analysis, and they even paid the postage.
Unfortunately, there I was, ready to leave on a two-month trip without a Surge Guard. No problem. They said to give them an address where I would be for two days and they expressed the new one to that location. It came as promised, and in case I would experience this dilemma again, I purchased one of Southwire’s surge-only units that monitors the current before I plug in.
I cannot express enough kudos to FMCA for so many fine articles regarding protecting our coaches. A few hundred dollars sure beats thousands of dollars for rewiring all the appliances in a coach.
Jim Stoodley, F389890
Hollywood, Florida
Dear Editor:
In the August 2017 issue, the “House Calls” column (“Antifreeze On Tires,” page 20) discussed spraying antifreeze in a liquid solution on tires to check for leaks and also spraying it on propane fittings. Antifreeze may work for this use, but it is not safe for pets and other living things. Dogs are especially attracted to the sweet taste of antifreeze and it is deadly for them.
Unfortunately, using chemicals for a purpose other than what they were intended can be hazardous to the environment, too — something, I believe, most RVers want to preserve.
Joyce Lebrun, F360862
Keene, New Hampshire
Dear Editor:
A picture of Ohio Nomads chapter members pushing our bus appeared on page 31 of the August 2017 issue (“When Push Comes To Shove”). That incident happened at a rally near Port Clinton, Ohio, in the summer of 1987. When we got ready to leave, the bus would not start. We used Em Abbott’s bus to air up the suspension and brakes. Everybody got together and pushed it out of the grass and onto the road. With everybody pushing, I popped the clutch, but it did NOT start. That was when I realized I had not turned on the ignition switch! They pushed again, I popped the clutch, and it started.
There is nothing like a bunch of FMCA members to come through when you need them.
In 1999 we sold that bus; it was a 1962 GMC 4106 SN 853. If any readers know where it is now, I would love to learn. I can be contacted at bnesbitt5180@gmail.com; (419) 230-1982.
Bill Nesbitt, F46356
Lima, Ohio
Dear Editor:
The “Driving The Dempster” article (August 2017, page 78) neglected to mention Tombstone Territorial Park (www.env.gov.yk.ca/camping-parks/tombstonepark.php). The park is just about the best stop along the Dempster Highway. In my opinion, Yukon’s Tombstone rivals Alaska’s Denali National Park in some respects. Like Denali, you can hike on the tundra, and the scenic views of the open country are wonderful. Unlike Denali, you can drive your personal vehicle to view wildlife, and to the start of your hikes. No making reservations for buses, waiting in line to board the bus, or enduring a 1.5- to 2-hour bumpy bus ride to hike.
Tombstone also reminds me of what the United States’ national parks used to be like 50 or 60 years ago: uncrowded, remote, lots of wildlife, nice primitive campgrounds, etc. To top it off, it is only about a 90-minute drive from the start of the Dempster (Dawson City) to Tombstone. Close enough to take your RV on the gravel road. We spent five days there in our motorhome in 2016.
Al & Sharon Florida, F405945
San Antonio, Texas