Towing 2017-2018 Chevy Spark
General Motors has revised the procedure for flat towing the 2017 and 2018 Chevrolet Spark behind an RV. According to GM, when the vehicle is being towed on a curved road or in a turn, electronic stability control (ESC) brake activation of one wheel may occur, resulting in an audible tire squeal.
Revised flat-towing procedure
1.Position the vehicle to tow and then secure it to the motorhome.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Shift the transmission to Neutral.
4. Disconnect the negative battery cable at the battery.
5. Cover the negative battery post with a nonconductive material to prevent any contact with the negative battery terminal.
6. Release the parking brake.
For more information — including instructions and cautions related to disconnecting and reconnecting the battery cable — visit the FMCA Forums, https://community.fmca.com/topic/12708-towing-2017-2018-chevrolet-spark/
Alternate Bacon-Saving Idea
After reading the May 2018 issue of Family RVing, I would like to expand on the “Bacon By The Slice” Travel Tip (page 78). My wife and I do not like the thick bacon, so we freeze regular bacon in six strips per pack. That way, we each get three slices when we cook it. We cut a strip of wax paper big enough to hold the six strips, place the first strip on it, and fold over the paper. Continue with each piece the same way. Once you have all six (or however many pieces you want to freeze), fold the wrapped group in half and place in a plastic, gallon-size freezer storage bag.
— Mike Lodge, F205546
Titusville, Florida
Happy Ending
After attending the FMCA convention in Perry, Georgia, this past March, we headed home toward Clearwater, Florida. We had just passed the Florida-Georgia border when the motorhome’s temperature lights and buzzer went off. We eventually crept into a Pilot truck stop and found a good place to park the RV.
I called Ring Power Corporation in Lake City, Florida, and they said they would work on the motorhome (it has a 350-horsepower Caterpillar engine). We were towed 44 miles.
They were busy when we arrived, so we sat in an RV space with 50 amps for a few hours, and then they put the RV in a bay. The alternator pulley had frozen, causing the serpentine belt to tear up. They had to order an alternator, and it would not be there until the next morning. We were put back in the 50-amp spot overnight.
The next morning, they put the new alternator in, and we were back on the way home by 10:30 a.m.
Company employees were neat, clean, and very professional. If anyone ever has an issue with a Caterpillar engine near Lake City, Florida, Ring Power should be called (390 S.W. Ring Court, Lake City, FL 32025; 386-755-3997; www.ringpower.com). A special thanks to the manager, Michael Crosby, who worked to make sure we were taken care of.
Now, aside from the alternator, I carry two spare serpentine belts and two water pump belts. One of each was used in this event. Just a suggestion for other owners out there.
By the way, a shout out to FMCA national president Jon Walker, the FMCA staff, and the many volunteers for a great rally in Perry.
— Michael Sofarelli, F310436
Clearwater, Florida
South Florida Repair Spot Recommended
On several occasions we have experienced the great customer service and RV technical knowledge of an RV repair and electrical component company called American RV Technology Inc. We had heard a couple positive reviews from friends, so we decided to give them a try.
First, we stopped in to see the facilities, check out the surroundings, and get a feel for it. We were absolutely impressed with their friendliness, patience with answering all of our questions, and their years of experience.
A slideout cable on our motorhome shredded and broke, so we called and were able to get our coach in within a couple of days. We were concerned with how long it might take, because we live in our RV full-time. The owner assured us he would get it to us as quickly as possible, and if necessary, we could dry camp on site. Wow, that was very nice of him to offer, but he was able to get it repaired, along with a second cable that was on the verge of breaking, all in one day.
We then left on a five-week trip; about halfway through that, we got a call from the manager asking how everything was going and telling us to give them a call if we had any concerns. Wow, that’s what I call great customer service.
We have used them on a few other occasions, and most of the time we got our RV house back the same day (with one exception), so we are very pleased with them. We will continue to utilize their knowledge and expertise when we are in this area of Sarasota County: American RV Technology Inc., 11155 Tamiami Trail S., North Port, FL 34287-1072; (888) 603-7198; www.udoniceworkrving.net.
— Pam Pumphrey, F466013
North Port, Florida
We want to hear from you!
Family RVing welcomes comments about articles published in the magazine or topics of interest to RV owners. Email readerswrite@fmca.com; mail to Readers Write, FMCA, 8291 Clough Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45244. Please include your name, city, and state/province. Letters may be edited for space and clarity.