Correction
The review of the Roadtrek Ranger RT motorhome in the September 2012 issue contained an error when noting the capacity of its optional propane tank on page 53. As noted in the “Specs” section on page 55, the LP-gas tank holds 7 gallons (or 25 liters).
FMC regrets this error.
Good Neighbors To Know About
Dear Editor:
Thank you so much for including the article about Truline RV in the September 2012 issue (“Truline RV: Rehab And Update Specialists,” page 66).
We are full-timers with summer property about 25 miles north of Spokane, Washington, and we didn’t even know about the existence of Truline RV. Now we have an option closer to home for our coach needs and also the opportunity to “buy local,” which we believe is so important.
Spokane is indeed a great place to enjoy the sites and weather as well.
David & Sandra Gibson, F363093
Deer Park, Washington
Towing Success
Dear Editor:
I want to thank Jim Brightly for his excellent article about flat towing in the September 2012 issue (“The Basics Of Flat Towing,” page 42). We have used the same ReadyBrute Elite combination tow bar with braking system on two motorhomes since 2003 and have been very pleased with its durability. We even visited Night Shift Auto (NSA Products Inc.) in Kansas one year to have it refurbished — good service and nice people.
Now, how about an article about protection systems for towed vehicles? We started using a Protect-a-Tow mesh screen system (http://protectatow.tripod.com; 888-264-5444) this year after buying a new Honda CRV and got nary a ding from Arizona to home in South Dakota. It is easy to use, very lightweight, and stores in a small bag. Quite impressive.
Hank Whitney, F155625
Custer, South Dakota
Share The Road
Dear Editor:
What a great article written by Brian Speer: “Sharing The Road” (October 2012, page 54). This should be required reading by ALL motorhome drivers, regardless of driving experience. This will help reduce our stress on the road. Kudos to Brian!
Gregory Hall, F404294
Algonquin, Illinois
Dear Editor:
An error is contained in your recently published article on safe RV driving, “Sharing The Road” (October 2012, page 54). Author Brian Speer states in the fourth paragraph of the section titled Light Language: “If you see headlights alternately flashing from side to side on a vehicle coming toward you or from behind, it is an emergency vehicle or police officer. You are required (in most places) to pull as far to the right as possible and stop on all streets, except roadways with multiple lanes, where you slow down and pull to the right.”
I am unable to find any state law that exempts one from having to stop on roadways with multiple lanes, “where you slow down and pull to the right.” All state laws I have looked at state that you MUST pull to the right and STOP. Period! This is an important safety issue if the emergency vehicle is going to make a right turn at the next intersection or is arriving at the address he is responding to. With the flashing emergency lights, the RV driver will not generally be able to distinguish a turn signal amidst the other flashing lights.
It is best to follow the law and be in the process of stopping until the emergency vehicle’s actions indicate that you should continue.
Emergency responders depend on the other drivers to know and follow the law. Please advise other readers that they should follow the laws of the state they are in, and until Mr. Speer can document which states allow one to continue driving in the right lane, they probably should not follow that piece of advice.
Ken Buck, F415237
Puyallup, Washington
Editor’s note: Ken is right about the multiple-lane law, and motorists should always yield to the right and stop when encountering moving public safety vehicles with lights and sirens on, but never stop in an intersection. At times in heavily congested areas with multiple lanes of traffic, however, stopping completely may be difficult, and the police realize that, but motorists should, as always, do their best to obey the laws.
Northeast Area Rally Thanks
Dear Editor:
My wife, Connie, and I would like to thank the board and volunteers for such a wonderful Northeast Area Rally this past July. We hope everyone enjoyed our program and food. It was great to see so many types of RVs, including pop-ups, fifth wheels, trailers, and all the others. It was also good to meet all those vendors as well as the folks from out of state and various chapters. We thank you for your support of the Northeast Area.
To all the sponsors — Encore Resorts, Brown’s Ford, Cabot cheese, and so many more — it was great to have your support on our 20th anniversary. Shriners, VFW, Lions Club, Malone Skydivers, Essex Fire Department, and the list goes on — I will always remember all the support you gave Connie and me and the Northeast Motorhome Association. Even our truck camper friends loved meeting everyone, and commented about how friendly everyone was. They even volunteered to be the escorts for the cruise on Lake Champlain. And those who took the balloon ride were so thrilled. A couple came to the rally from down South just to take that balloon ride over the Green Mountains of Vermont.
I also do not want to forget thanking the local businesses and the staff from the Champlain Valley Exposition, where our rally was held.
Thank you all.
Tom Ziobrowski, F173943
Senior Vice President, Northeast Motorhome Association
Rexford, New York
A Slideout Tragedy
Dear Editor:
We have a motorhome with three slideouts. Two close into the coach and leave walking space, but the bedroom slideout closes against the cabinet wall, leaving no walking space. Recently after a three-week vacation, we were preparing the coach for the trip home. We travel with our three small dogs. We brought in the slides, never realizing that one of our dogs was trapped by the bedroom slideout. We had no idea he was there. After searching the campground for him and no one seeing him, we thought he must be in the motorhome somewhere. You can imagine the horror when we found him. When we got there, he was already dead. That sight is something we hope no one else ever experiences, so we hope our letter makes as many people as possible aware of this concern. Even more, we wish there were some sort of safety beam that would stop the slideout before this sort of tragedy happens to another dog or to a small child. We will forever carry the guilt of what happened to us, and we hope no one else ever experiences this.
Chuck & Dianne Replogle, F415501
Poland, Ohio
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