Phone Number Correction
The telephone number for Remco Manufacturing given in the April 2003 “Technical Inquiries” column (“Towing A PT Cruiser,” page 30) was incorrect. The correct phone number is (800) 228-2481.
FMC regrets this error.
Slow Down; Save Fuel
Dear Editor:
My wife and I have been motorhoming for several years and have driven three times across the country, plus visited Alaska and made extensive travels in Canada. This year with the problems in the Middle East and fuel prices going up so rapidly, especially here in California, we are rethinking our travels.
Motorhomers are probably among the largest consumers of fuel for non-business use in the United States. So, I have been thinking about what we, as a group, might do. I have heard a suggestion that I believe would lower our consumption of fuel and ease our pocketbooks. It is a simple idea: slow down by 5 miles per hour.
Don Crosby, F205392
San Diego, California
A Cool Tip
Dear Editor:
While traveling to California from Florida, we ran into some trouble with the trailer on which we tow the car behind our motorhome. Fortunately, we stopped in Fernley, Nevada, and were directed to D&S RV Appliance Repair, a short distance from Alternate U.S. 50. The owners, Vern and Cliff, were terrific. They ordered needed parts and corrected our electrical and welding problems with ease.
While there I learned that they have the only shop in the state that completely rebuilds RV refrigerators. They do so at a fraction of the cost of a new unit. If you are in the Fernley area, stop at D&S. They do good work at a reasonable price. They are located at 1525 Newlands Drive E. in Fernley; phone (775) 575-1955.
Bob Thorp, F288191
Florence, Oregon
Lost In The Serengeti
Dear Editor:
I am interested in finding a schematic diagram for a Caterpillar engine monitor (model number 1700105) made by Control Resources so that I can make repairs on my coach. It was included as standard equipment on 1996 Safari Serengeti motorhomes. Apparently, Control Resources, which was located in Oregon, is no longer in operation. I called Safari (now a Monaco Coach Corporation company), but they could not help me.
If anyone knows of such a coach that is no longer being used, has seen such a unit in a salvage yard, or has this schematic, I would be interested in hearing from them.
Keith Strycker, F179265
2073 Garibaldi Way
Whistler, BC
Canada V0N 1B2
(604) 932-1169
Fax: (604) 932-6108
E-mail: keith&stella@telus.net
Direction Needed For Finding Compass
Dear Editor:
I am having a devil of a time locating a decent compass for our 1997 Minnie Winnie type C motorhome. I tried an “el cheapo” brand from a discount store and have since returned it, because it shuts down after a few minutes. I want one that stays on until the vehicle is parked for a while. Backlighting would be nice, and it should be battery-operated.
Do any readers have suggestions?
Bill Dils, F323184
Hamden, Connecticut
Concert Etiquette
Dear Editor:
Most of our international conventions and area rallies, and even some chapter rallies, provide entertainment for attendees. The entertainers may be anyone from a big-name star to a locally known performer.
As I attend more and more of these concerts, I am appalled by the behavior of otherwise courteous FMCA members.
Folks, let me put it to you straight: except in an emergency, standing up and walking out in the middle of a performer’s song or skit is just plain rude. So is talking out loud.
These entertainers and their support staff have worked very hard to put a package together to entertain you. Most of them are doing a pretty good job.
Please, do not do something that will draw the audience’s attention away from the entertainer. If you must leave, wait for the intermission, or at least for the applause in between songs. If you know that you will have to leave early, sit in the back row so other members of the audience will not be disturbed.
When you get up and walk out or talk loudly in the middle of a song or act, you distract the performer and everyone else around you as well. If you know you speak loudly because you or your spouse has a hearing problem, please be aware that it can disrupt others. Wait until the show is over to make your comments.
We are a generation used to watching TV in the comfort of our living rooms, where we can come and go and converse with one another as we please, without disturbing others. When we are at a concert, we need to remember that we are no longer in the living room.
Shelley A. Herman, F99628
Burbank, California
First-Class Treatment
Dear Editor:
While we were traveling through Texas last summer, the left front tire on our 40-foot motorhome disintegrated. Needless to say, we were very lucky to cross two lanes of traffic and hit a guardrail without injuring ourselves. However, our beautiful, 2-year-old motorhome was gravely injured, as was our towed Jeep.
A wrecker service was unable to help us for two hours, so the police towed our motorhome to their impound lot, along with our Jeep.
We were left staring at each other, wondering what to do. To make a long story short, we were put in touch with North Texas RV Repair, and the owner, Ken Minhinnett, answered our call. From the minute we were in touch with Ken, he took care of everything, including arrangements to pick up our motorhome and tow it 65 miles to his facility to assess the damage. We were able to drive our Jeep, even though the side was caved in. Ken had his men go over our Jeep, install a new side mirror, and help load our clothes into it so we could be on our way home to Florida.
Texas RV Repair worked on our motorhome and restored it to its original beauty. Best of all, Ken Minhinnett stood behind his word and handled everything. This made it easier for us to recover from the trauma. He went above and beyond the call of duty for a repair shop owner.
If you are ever in the Dallas, Texas, area and need repair work done on your motorhome, call Ken at North Texas RV Repair in Denton. He will give you first-class treatment.
Jim & Billie Grayson, F191302
North Port, Florida