December 2017
The service brakes are a motorhome’s primary braking system. Most coach owners know that riding those brakes will overheat them and cause brake fade, resulting in a lack of stopping capability that can lead to serious, even fatal, consequences. But there are times, such as when descending a long grade, when it’s necessary to control the vehicle’s speed for an extended period. An auxiliary braking system is the best way to accomplish that.
Idaho’s Craters of the Moon and Washington’s Mount St. Helens each reveal the dramatic results of geologic activity.
Meticulous planning and construction, as well as ongoing innovations, are evident in each motorhome produced by Newell Coach Corporation.
This luxury motorhome manufacturer has followed a carefully crafted path to success.
Get set to visit this central Georgia town, which will host FMCA’s 97th International Convention and RV Expo in March 2018.
If the current schedule is any indication, the “F” in FMCA will stand for “Fun” during the association’s 97th International Convention and RV Expo.
Get and stay connected with your fellow travelers by attending events and using social media.
So often while traveling in the South, we find our motorhomes parked alongside a sparkling Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) lake. One of the most beautiful is Norris Lake in Tennessee. How it made a drastic impact not only on American history but on the entire world is quite a story.
Perhaps another FMCA member has traveled more miles, visited more countries, and explored more back roads than Henryk Szostak, F85634. Perhaps not. It’s impossible to say, for the Laguna Woods, California, resident cannot account for every journey he has made in his 81 years.
December, to me, is special because I am able to devote time to just sitting back and watching the magic of Christmas take over in our family. When I was younger, I rushed around going to Christmas concerts with the kids, working at church bazaars, buying the “right” presents on my children’s lists, decorating the house for Christmas — all while working 12 hours a day keeping my business operating.
Where did the year go? It seems like just yesterday I was writing about how the weather was warming up and the FMCA family would be out there enjoying it. Now the chill is in the air here in Cincinnati! And by the time you read this column, winter will be on its way, and some of you will be lucky enough to be making your way down South to continue enjoying the nice weather. And the holidays will be upon us. Whatever you celebrate during the month of December, enjoy the season.
Many casinos allow RVers to park overnight. What are some of the best casinos with RV accommodations?
It isn’t necessary to stay in a hotel when visiting a casino. This month, readers provide information about some that have camping facilities.
The following companies have recalls delineated in this month’s Recall Corner: Daimler Vans USA, Forest River Inc., REV Recreation Group, Thor Motor Coach.
The following recall notices are from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). To search for recalls, investigations, and complaints by vehicle year, make, and model, visit www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchSafetyIssues. NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline is (888) 327-4236.
This Canadian couple celebrated the motorhome lifestyle in grand style with their first full-length road trip.
The Northwestern chapter celebrated its 50th anniversary in the beautiful Yakima Valley of central Washington over the 2017 Labor Day weekend. A ring of forest fires in the mountains above the valley, along with eerie skies and unusual sunsets, did not hinder the festivities. Twenty-eight members and guests, along with 14 motorhomes, convened for the event, held at the Yakima Elks RV park in Selah, Washington. Kathie Balogh, FMCA national vice president, Northwest Area, presented the 50th anniversary award and certificate from FMCA.
The Over the Hills chapter held a rally September 20 to 24, 2017, at Sunset Lakes RV Resort in Hillsdale, Illinois, which is just east of the Quad Cities area. Members arrived in 17 motorhomes for the event.
The Travlin Texans chapter received its FMCA charter on June 6, 1987. To commemorate the chapter’s 30th anniversary, members gathered October 3 through 6, 2017, for a rally at North Texas Airstream Community in Hillsboro, Texas.
It’s common for FMCA chapter members to get out and explore the area where they’re holding a rally. The Oregon Trail Drivers members do that. But their state has so much to see: a beautiful ocean coastline; inspiring mountains; rushing rivers; quiet deserts; and a fertile valley full of farms.