New Year, New Adventures!
What a great time to explore how joining an FMCA chapter can add to your RVing enjoyment.
National President
Rett Porter, F369084
rporter@fmca.com
Happy New Year! Let’s talk about a New Year’s resolution. Have you thought about getting more involved with FMCA?
Claire and I became involved with FMCA when friends of ours, Roy and Connie Nafziger, recommended that if we were serious about RVing, then we should seek more education regarding RV life. We had been RVing casually for almost two years, and we had just purchased our first diesel-powered motorhome.
Our friends had owned several RVs over the years, and they said the best organization for furthering our education about RV ownership was FMCA. We had been members of FMCA for several months, but we had not attended any FMCA events. We were what I would call “magazine members,” because receiving the magazine was our only involvement. Roy was so insistent that we signed up for the next FMCA convention, set to take place in Pomona, California. We were living in Georgetown, Texas, which was more than a few miles away — about 1,400.
We received our registration package from the FMCA national office and followed the instructions. We planned our trip to arrive at the fairgrounds on the day and arrival time provided to us. We had signed up for 30-amp electric and brought the additional electrical extensions as recommended in the confirmation material. We arrived at the proper gate with our credentials taped to our windshield. We were greeted by friendly faces and “Welcome to FMCA and glad to see you here” attitudes. The parkers guided us into our spot, and we officially were on an adventure. We knew no one at the convention, and we were amazed by the several thousand people in attendance.
We reviewed the convention schedule and started marking what we wanted to do each day. WOW! There were so many seminars to attend that I didn’t know how I was going to choose. I even asked Claire to sit in on one of the seminars about batteries while I was at another session. We had planned to attend only this one FMCA convention. We’ve now participated in over 25 conventions, and we’re still learning. We’ve missed only three conventions since 2006, while also attending numerous area and chapter rallies through the years.
When we were riding on the trams in Pomona, we noticed some people wearing shirts that had the name of our RV brand embroidered on them, so we asked them where they bought them. They shared with us that their club had a lead-in rally prior to the convention. We asked what a lead-in rally was. They told us how they were in an FMCA chapter, and the chapter got together right before the convention. Later, we were invited to join that chapter.
Actually, we joined two chapters and met lots of lifelong friends. Life is an adventure, and by joining a chapter, you will find that your adventures are expanded. Since then, our chapter relationships have taken us to Alaska; on rolling rallies across the United States; and on some educational trips, such as visiting Civil War battlefields from Vicksburg, Mississippi, all the way up to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Adventures provide you lasting memories and great pictures. Many chapters also host training sessions, sightseeing outings, and much more.
We hope you can find a chapter that interests you and your family. Most chapters will invite you to come to one of their events — like a test drive or a blind date. This doesn’t mean you have to join that chapter. Check out several and find ones that meet your interests.
In the back of this issue of Family RVing is a complete listing of FMCA chapters and how you can contact them. You also can access this information online at www.fmca.com/join-a-chapter. In addition, at the “Lucky 13” convention that’s coming up in March (read on for more information), FMCA will host a Chapter Fair and a Block Party where you can see the chapters in action and meet the members.
Even if you don’t want to commit to being in a chapter, please come to an FMCA International Convention and RV Expo. The next one will be held March 15 through 18, 2023, at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry, Georgia. And then, August 23 through 26, 2023, we’ll meet at the CAM-PLEX Multi-Event Facilities in Gillette, Wyoming. Registration for the Perry event is open now. Registration for Gillette will begin near the end of February 2023. It would be wonderful to see you at one or both of these events.
Travel safely, be adventurous, and we’ll see you down the road.
Protect Your RV And Save Some Money
DriveQuest — a new FMCA partner — offers vehicle service contracts designed to help cover the costs of RV repairs and to provide members peace of mind during their travels.
Chief Executive Officer
Chris Smith
csmith@fmca.com
RV ownership allows you to travel the country in comfort and style. As all RV owners know, this convenience can come with mechanical issues, and some of them can be costly to resolve. The RV illustration here depicts some of the mechanical problems that can occur, and the average cost to have them repaired.
FMCA has partnered with an industry-leading company to help ease the expense of RV repairs. The DriveQuest Vehicle Protection plan, a vehicle service contract, offers coverage for both new and used RVs. The RV must be no more than 15 years old and not valued at more than $2 million for a new vehicle or $1 million for a used unit.
The cost of the DriveQuest plan is determined by the purchase price or retail value of your RV, as well as the plan coverage levels, deductibles, and contract terms. Below are some examples of policy pricing. These are for the top-of-the-line Total Care plan, which has a $250 deductible (actual prices will vary):
SAMPLE PRICES ONLY: ACTUAL PRICES WILL VARY
New Motorhome, Full Coverage: Term — 60 Months/55,000 Miles*
$150,000 RV value — $2,063
$250,000 RV value — $2,929
$400,000 RV value — $3,326
Used Motorhome, Full Coverage:Term — 36 Months/36,000 Miles — 20,000 Miles On Vehicle*
$150,000 RV value — $3,384
$200,000 RV value — $4,156
New Towable RV Coverage: Term — 60 Months*
$150,000 RV value — $1,478
$200,000 RV value — $1,611
Used Towable RV Coverage: Term — 48 Months*
$200,000 RV value — $2,159
*Actual prices will vary
Two different types of DriveQuest plans are offered. The basic plan has a deductible of $200. The Total Care plan has a deductible of $250. The comparison chart here shows what is covered for each plan.
Other benefits included with the DriveQuest Vehicle Protection plan:
*24/7 Emergency Roadside Assistance
*RV Technical Assistance
*Trip Interruption
*Towing And Winch-Out Service
*Concierge Service
*Substitute Transportation Reimbursement
*Mobile Mechanic Service Call
*Road Hazard Tire Protection
Policies can be transferred to and renewed by new owners. Service can be done at any licensed repair facility. (U.S. residents only; however, at this time, California residents are not eligible for coverage.)
So, don’t let RV troubles keep you from moving on down the road toward your next adventure. The DriveQuest policy provides protection for your RV and your pocketbook. To learn more visit www.fmca.com/drivequest.
Contact An FMCA National Chaplain
Chaplains Connection Line: (833) 458-0778
Email: chaplains@fmca.com
The mission of FMCA is to bring together RV owners who share similar interests in congenial traveling, recreation, and social activities in order to preserve and perpetuate the traditional ideals and spirit of friendly and wholesome family fellowship as manifested by the founders of FMCA.