Level Sites Wanted
We have just logged 120,000 miles on our 40-foot 2001 Monaco Diplomat motorhome (our second RV). We have a request for RV park owners:
Give RVers pull-through, level, full-service sites.
It seems that many park owners do not understand this basic need. As a result, many of us have endured sites that defy our efforts to level our RVs. So we seek out Walmarts and similar free overnights in parking lots. It is not because we need to save money, but because we can anticipate only a slightly uneven site, which is better than the alternative.
We are snowbirds. As we traveled slowly back north this past April from Florida to Michigan, we encountered about six level sites and 18 very uneven sites. Winton Woods (a county park) in northern Cincinnati was the best, and a site in Renfro Valley, Kentucky, was also great. But a southern Michigan KOA was the worst. And at one near Orlando, Florida, I had to use several 2-inch-thick planks to supplement the coach leveling system.
RV owners want a level site with hookups. Oddly enough, longtime groups that rate RV parks do not specifically report on this aspect. Is an on-site store more important than a level pad for RVs? You would think so by checking the star rating details.
— Ernie Maier, F274067
White Lake, Michigan
FMCA Membership: What A Deal!
Wait a minute; you mean to tell me that if I give you $50 [the one-year FMCA membership renewal fee], I get hundreds of dollars in savings and discounts? Yeah, right. I’m originally from New Jersey, and if I told a guy, “You give me $50 and I’ll guarantee you hundreds in winnings in Atlantic City,” he’d probably ask, “What’s the catch?”
We’ve never been happier about our decision to go traveling around this wonderful country in our RV. Even with a few hiccups with our brand-new coach, our minds have not been changed. Then comes along the FMCA and the entire family of members who have made our RV experience the best it could possibly be.
Recently we attended FMCA’s “Wanted In Wyoming” convention in Gillette. As newbies to both RVing and FMCA conventions, my wife and I were blown away with the training, the seminars, the trade show, and the wonderful people we met there and along the way. And the convention included entertainment each night as well.
Thanks to FMCA national president Jon Walker; national senior vice president Rett Porter; and all of the other board members, staff, and volunteers that put in the time during the convention to make us feel welcome and have us become more educated in this new journey in our lives. Your tireless work has not gone unnoticed. Kudos to all for giving us a great time, and for making our membership the best 50 bucks I’ve ever spent.
—Rich & Laura Sherman, F480098
Neptune, New Jersey
No Age Limit
I was impressed with FMCA national president Jon Walker’s “FMCA Update” article in the July 2018 issue (page 4), in which he mentions waterskiing.
I am 75. Jon, don’t let anybody say it can’t be done!
I still compete in my age bracket in slalom. I had a good showing in Colorado in July where I competed in the American Water Ski Association’s Western Regional Water Ski Championships. As I write this, I plan to be in Maize, Kansas, in August to compete in the 76th GOODE Water Ski National Championships.
Life is good, and on top of that we just got a new Dutch Star motorhome. We put 77,000 miles on our former RV in five years, traveling around and skiing.
Thanks for all you folks do at FMCA.
—Frank Harrison, F429325
Indio, California
Duncan Systems: Great Customer Service
I had a recent experience with windshield replacement from Duncan Systems’ RV glass repair (www.rvglass.com). I had a claim regarding a cracked windshield on my motorhome. My insurance company put me in contact with a local vendor, which ordered the new glass from Duncan’s Elkhart, Indiana, facility. After the vendor installed it, the windshield developed a leak that needed immediate attention.
When the installer was slow to respond to my requests for service, Duncan helped and responded to me quickly, and ultimately resolved the situation. I highly recommend them to any member looking for RV glass replacement: www.rvglass.com or (800) 551-9149. Their customer service is outstanding.
— Vincent J. Rakoczy, F453633
Middle Island, New York
First-Class Assistance
In mid-July 2017, my wife and I were on a 10-day trip and had reservations at Hearthside Grove motor coach resort in Petoskey, Michigan. About 30 miles from there, I had a medical emergency. We were unable to locate a hospital. So, my wife called the RV resort for information and got the resort manager, Jason Bisker, on the line.
We determined that my pain was not life-threatening, so Jason and the RV park co-owner, Kirk Rose, drove to where we had stopped the coach. Kirk then drove our bus to the resort and hooked it up at a site, while Jason drove my wife and me to the emergency room.
Knowing we did not have a towed vehicle, and I was being admitted, Jason later returned to the hospital to bring my wife back to our bus at the resort.
It was our experience that Hearthside Grove (2400 U.S. 31 N., Petoskey, MI 49770; 888-476-8388; www.hearthsidegrove.com) has exceptional customer service. It is also one of the most beautiful resorts we have visited. Most importantly, Kirk, Jason, and the staff are first-class.
— Roger Schiffler, F388299
Aitkin, Minnesota
Help In New Mexico
After we fueled up in Hobbs, New Mexico, our motorhome’s accessory drive belt broke because the air-conditioning pump had seized. I couldn’t change the belt, because I didn’t have the appropriate tools. Cummins Rocky Mountain (1921 W. Broadway, Albuquerque, NM 87102; 505-247-2441) came to our rescue. Nolan from the parts department was sent to do the repair, which took time out of their very busy schedule.
We would like to thank them from the bottom of our hearts for their generosity. They sent us on our way with best wishes and no charge! God bless them!
— Gerd & Carol Hentze, F475596
Campbell River, British Columbia