Address Correction
The address listed for Harbor Products Inc., the company that makes the Rescue Tape featured in the February 2005 “RV Products” column (page 48), was incorrect. The correct address is Harbor Products Inc., 630 S. Pacific Ave., #112, San Pedro, CA 90731.
Contacting KY. Horse Shu Kru Chapter
The telephone numbers published in the April 2005 “Chapter Spotlight” article are incorrect (“KY. Horse Shu Kru,” page 42). FMCA members who would like more information about the KY. Horse Shu Kru chapter may call Donald and Brenda Charles at (859) 271-1276 or (859) 227-6536 (cell).
Lost And Found
Dear Editor:
FMCA members are truly the best folks anywhere. While attending FMCA’s 73rd International Convention in Perry, Georgia, in March, I lost my identification card. That was no big deal, except it was in one of the clever little nylon holders that hang around one’s neck and has a neat little zipper pocket. Instead of carrying a handbag, I had slipped a couple of credit cards, my driver’s license, insurance identification, and some folding money into the pocket. I missed it within a short while and reported it. My husband received a telephone call about two hours after it was reported. Everything was still there in the case with its unknotted string. I have no idea who turned it in, but thank you!
I was able to pass the good deed along just a few minutes after retrieving the pouch. As I was about to board one of the handicapped carts, I noticed a woman’s handbag on the seat. I gave it to the driver and he immediately turned it in to lost and found.
Betty Thomas, F238906
Arlington, Texas
Fine Body Work
Dear Editor:
I would like to let your members know of an outstanding coach repair facility here in southwest Florida. When Hurricane Charley hit us on August 13, 2004, we suffered damage to our home as well as our 38-foot type A motorhome. The coach was stored at Charlotte RV Storage here in Punta Gorda, and the owner, Bill Robinson, was kind enough to take it up the road some 8 miles to Charlotte RV Service, C6387.
The coach had broken front windshields and external body damage (awnings, electric steps, etc.). The damage totaled nearly $25,000, but Amos Slater, the owner of Charlotte RV Service, renovated the coach better than it was before the hurricane hit it. Amos worked with our insurance company and did a most commendable job, to say the least. Amos’ operation is a full-service center that includes a state-of-the-art paint facility (56 feet long). The company has ASE-certified technicians and the workmanship proves this accreditation.
Anyone who needs RV repair service should contact Charlotte RV Service, 23180 Harper Ave., Charlotte Harbor, FL 33980; (941) 883-5555. I highly recommend this company and intend to return there for what I hope will be regular maintenance.
Ed & Lilian Tezekjian, F290244
Punta Gorda, Florida
Missing Hookup Equipment
Dear Editor:
I am wondering whether you could be of assistance with a problem I encountered. We had camped at Horseshoe Cove in Bradenton, Florida, for two nights this past February. I was very busy and time became an important factor when we left. I coiled up my 40-foot 30-amp power cord and my two-foot 50-amp adapter and placed them out on the grass, but I failed to pick them up for packing. I called the campground to report this but was told that no one had turned in my equipment.
This was about a $150 package that I would appreciate having returned. In case anyone happened to see anything, or, if an FMCA member could be of assistance in recovery, I would enthusiastically pay for costs of shipping and return of this equipment.
Ned Knape, F247545
3550 N. Hickory Lane
Decatur, IN 46733
(260) 724-4551
E-mail: snapper-in@ure.net
Bicyclists Attract Motorhomers, Too
Dear Editor:
We enjoyed the article about the AMA Supercross Series motorcycle events (“Flying High,” December 2004, page 64). Another type of event where you’ll find gatherings of motorhomes, including the increasingly popular gear boxes, is National Bicycle League Bicycle Motocross (NBL-BMX) racing.
Our grandson and the whole family are active in this exciting sport. As grandparents, we get to brag that Jay Patterson is the number three 10-year-old expert rider in New York state. NBL-BMX is keeping kids on track.
Mike & Isabelle Oakley, F232508
Pensacola, Florida
Thanks, Trip Routing
Dear Editor:
This is my first year with FMCA and I wanted to share some positive news. My wife and I are planning a trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, this summer. After exploring the best routes and maps available, it dawned on me to turn to FMCA’s trip routing service, and I visited FMCA’s Web site for information about how to order a routing. I sent in my request, and one week later I received a big envelope in the mail. Not only was it custom-made for my trip, but it was bound so as to show me each step for the best route to South Carolina.
I was very impressed at the personal service and time it took for these people to do this for one very happy member. It sure is nice to know that there are still people out there who actually do what they say they will.
I tip my hat to all the folks at FMCA who make this all possible.
Eric Levy, F351957
Miller Place, New York
Editor’s note: FMCA Trip Routing is available free to all FMCA members who place an order via mail or fax; phone orders cannot be accepted. The form that members need to fill out to request this service is published in most issues of Family Motor Coaching and is available online at www.fmca.com by clicking on the “Trip Routing” link. Contact FMCA’s Member Services Department at (800) 543-3622 for more information.
Nonstop Brake Service
Dear Editor:
Many thanks to Eric and all the fine folks at Tow Brake International, C6626, located in Evening Shade, Arkansas (877-927-6778).
Our VIP tow brake developed a problem after 3 years and 11 months of service. One call to Eric was all that was required to receive mailing instructions and have all my questions answered. They received my bad part on a Monday and called Wednesday to inquire about return mailing instructions.
They stood behind their product and repaired it at no cost to me. It is indeed a pleasure to do business with a high-caliber company such as Tow Brake International. I highly recommend this product and this company to anyone searching for a quality tow brake.
Ray Roe, F267116
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Canine Campground Offers Deluxe Digs
Dear Editor:
I am writing about a new campground that we visited at the end of last season called Four Paws Kingdom Campground, located in Rutherfordton, North Carolina, about 45 miles east of Asheville. Recently opened in 2004, it is the only “dog dedicated” campground that we have ever seen. It is absolutely wonderful.
The campground is located in a nicely wooded area with many amenities for your “fur kids.” While most campgrounds accept pets, this one goes out of its way to be truly animal friendly, without regard to their size or the number of them, and makes each and every one feel special and welcome. We travel full-time and have been to many campgrounds across the United States, and this is one of the best places we have found.
In addition to full hookups, 30- and 50-amp service, etc., they have large, separate fenced-in off-leash areas for big dogs and small dogs, with fresh water, pools, and toys. There is an agility yard with equipment for those dogs who want to “work out.” The owner is an agility trainer and is happy to help you if your dog has never tried that before. A spring-fed pond with grass and sand is great for cooling off and rolling around, and the hiking trails lead to a nice forest “” a great way to burn off that extra energy. A “Doggy Bathhouse” with do-it-yourself grooming equipment is nice after a long day of play, and if the adults want to go out for the day, a dog walking service is available. They also have many planned activities for the dogs to enjoy. Theme weekends with games; potlucks in the large covered pavilion; talent contests; training sessions; hot dog eating contests “” everything is centered around the dogs.
The owners are extremely friendly and personable, and they go out of their way to make sure guests are comfortable and to let you know they are glad you are there. Everything is very clean and well-maintained. It is a beautiful area.
For more information, call (828) 287-7324, e-mail info@4pawskingdom.com, or visit www.4pawskingdom.com.
Donna M. Kennedy
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Alaska Trek A Story Of Discovery
Dear Editor:
As Paul Harvey would say, “And now you know the rest of the story.” Had it not been for an RV club caravan tour to Alaska, we may never have known this one.
Dr. Robert Liscomb, brother of my wife, Bonnie Liscomb Brundage, was a geologist working for Shell Oil Company. While exploring for oil in Alaska, he spent some time at Prudhoe Bay and along the Coleville River on the Brooks Range. While there he gathered a selection of bones and other artifacts. He was quite meticulous in his work and indexed everything he found as to its exact location. In 1961 he was called back to Seattle, Washington, bringing with him all the boxes of material he had collected, where they were deposited in the Shell Oil Company archives. Dr. Liscomb was sent back to Middleton Island, off the coast of southern Alaska. In 1962 he was tragically killed while exploring along the coast.
About 20 years later Shell Oil Company officials decided to check the boxes of material Dr. Liscomb had found. The material was sent to Houston, Texas, to be analyzed, and it was determined he had discovered the first dinosaur bones in Alaska.
It is quite likely Dr. Liscomb may have suspected that he found dinosaur bones, but, unfortunately, he died before this could be verified. We were notified of his discovery and that seemed to be the end of the story, since we received no more information about it.
Another 20 years later, our National RV Dolphin Club, in a group that consisted of 18 members’ motorhomes, plus two tour guides, took a caravan to Alaska. One of our stops was the University of Alaska Museum in Fairbanks. While visiting the museum, we were surprised and elated to come upon a display of Dr. Liscomb’s find that credited him with having discovered the first dinosaur bones in Alaska.
Dr. Gangloff, curator at the museum, was very happy to see my wife, as he had no information concerning Dr. Liscomb’s life, or even what he looked like. My wife was able to fill in many missing links. Dr. Gangloff informed us that Dr. Liscomb’s discovery was the largest dinosaur bone find in the Northern Hemisphere and could possibly be the largest in the world. Digging is still going on today at the location and has been named “The Liscomb Bone Bed” after Dr. Liscomb.
Practically 40 years after the fact, we now know “the rest of the story,” and all because of our RV tour to Alaska.
Bob Brundage, F147935
Redlands, California
Prompt Repair From Cummins
Dear Editor:
On February 16 we took delivery of a new American Coach in Decatur, Indiana. While we were leaving the factory, a dash light came on, indicating there was a problem with the engine. We called Cummins, who advised us to call Cummins Bridgeway, C10304, in the Cincinnati, Ohio, area (5400 Rialto Road, West Chester; 513-563-6670). We were told that it could be just a bad sensor, but it should be checked out.
We called and talked with Doug Hoffman, who made us feel really at ease about bringing the coach into their shop. They got right to work on the unit when we arrived and found that a fuel injector was not working properly. It was replaced promptly, and we were on our way again. These people could not have been more courteous or responsive. They kept us up-to-date on their progress and seemed to enjoy their jobs.
Hats off to Doug Hoffman and his team for a job well done. If you are ever in this area and encounter a problem, call Doug.
Hugh & Peggy Woods, F197663
Lake Wales, Florida
Allison Assistance
Dear Editor:
On a recent trip to Jackson, Mississippi, we experienced a problem with our Allison transmission. It was 4:00 p.m. on Friday when we called Clarke Detroit Diesel-Allison Inc. and were referred to Steve. He said he was just about to leave but agreed to wait until we got there, because he thought he knew what the problem might be. When we arrived, he put the unit on the computer and realized we had a more serious problem. We needed a new transmission.
Steve recalled a field report from Allison and was able to get our entire repair covered by Allison. He ordered the new transmission, and it arrived the following Wednesday. He stayed late that night to finish the job, so we could be on our way Thursday.
It was a real pleasure to meet someone who would go so far out of his way to help. We highly recommend Clarke Detroit Diesel-Allison (620 U.S. 49 S.; 601-932-2424) to anyone needing help in the Jackson area.
Ralph & Jaqueline Smith, F98279
Flat Rock, North Carolina
True Stories
Dear Editor:
One of our largest hang-ups about owning a motorhome is not being able to find a service center that is knowledgeable, honest, trustworthy, and fair. While on the road, we ask other RVers for recommendations.
In Arizona this winter, we kept hearing accolades for Jack’s RV Service in Tucson. Not all of our contemporaries could be wrong, we thought, so we made an appointment. They were all correct, and we feel we should share this information with all FMCA members. While there, we met people from all over the United States who won’t go anywhere else for service. Owners Jack and Marj Stewart treat everyone as they would like to be treated.
Jack’s RV Service is at 5190 S. Julian Drive #400, Tucson, AZ 85706; (520) 889-4444.
Sinc & Arlene Hammond, F302927
LaConner, Washington
Friendly, Helpful Workhorse Service
Dear Editor:
We have read a number of letters in this section giving accolades to businesses that have provided excellent service. It is now our turn.
During our travels this winter, an oil leakage appeared at the front of the transmission in our motorhome, which is built on a Workhorse chassis. We were in Florida and were referred to Florida Detroit Diesel-Allison in Jacksonville.
This company took our motorhome in immediately and personnel were very professional in analyzing the problem. They told us the approximate amount of time necessary for the work, helped with the warranty, and had us on the road in the time stated “” at no cost to us. Randy in the front office and Bill the technician were friendly and helpful.
We do not wish any trouble on anyone, but if it does appear and you are near Jacksonville, visit this company (5040 University Blvd. W., Jacksonville; 904-737-7330).
Moine & Sharon Gates, F326804
Grand Forks, North Dakota