The month of December not only brings the end of the magnificent color displays put on by the foliage throughout most of the continent but also brings a time of reflection about our past.
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Our motorhomes include a number of items that are important, and when we need them, we really need them. The auxiliary generator ranks at the top of that list, for several reasons.
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Carbon monoxide (CO) is a stealthy killer. You can’t see, smell, or taste this poisonous gas. As an RVer, it’s vital that you are able to detect its presence and prevent it from infiltrating your motorhome, because it doesn’t take long to succumb to its deadly effects.
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Jayco’s Seneca was a popular motorhome for 6 years until General Motors stopped producing the Kodiak chassis and the 8.1-liter Vortec gasoline engine in 2010, effectively ending Seneca production for the 2011 model year. During that hiatus, Jayco redesigned the motorhome and debuted the 2012 Seneca, built on the Freightliner M2 Business Class chassis.
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Just as FMCA is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2013, Kampgrounds of America (KOA) has been commemorating that golden number in 2012. The largest campground network in the world began in 1962 on a plot of ground near the Yellowstone River in Billings, Montana.
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When winter storms blast many parts of North America, it's just another sunny day in the Coachella Valley of Southern California.
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A host of services are provided by FMCA’s travel assistance and medical evacuation program — including some enhanced offerings. FMCA members need to sign up for the Voluntary Member Participation plan administered by Seven Corners and pay the associated premium in order to have covered expenses paid for by the plan.
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Hydronic heating systems are a highly desired feature in diesel-powered Type A motorhomes. If your coach has hydronic heating, odds are that it is equipped with an Aqua-Hot heating system.
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A portable grill can add a tasty touch of home wherever you go in your motorhome. Today’s RV-friendly grills come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The transportable grills we tested are fueled by a diversity of sources: charcoal, propane, electricity, and wood pellets.
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Taking care of your diesel engine’s turbocharger is fairly easy, provided that you follow a few simple steps. The first part involves starting the engine and allowing it to warm up to the proper operating temperature.
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By routinely inspecting the fuel filters and replacing them when necessary, you can stave off engine performance problems.
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Become a more courteous, responsible motorhome operator by incorporating these tips and suggestions into your driving repertoire.
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The "kings" of blues, rock 'n' roll, and civil rights join other attractions in this Tennessee town.
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Dramatic views and exciting terrain await bicyclists who travel the Hiawatha Rail-Trail, a downhill, family-friendly mountain bike route on former train tracks in northern Idaho.
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Two questions top the list of queries that I receive from FMCA members. Everyone wonders how much it costs to live full-time in a motorhome, and where to establish a home base.
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Mike and Jennifer Wendland’s top 10 rules for surviving and thriving while sharing small spaces.
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Thor Motor Coach Offers Open Concept, Island Kitchen Model
Thor Motor Coach has added the 37GT — featuring an innovative kitchen design — to its Challenger line of premium gas-powered Type A motorhomes. The 2013 Challenger 37GT model offers … -
Floor Mopz
According to product literature, the Super Floor Mop from Shurhold Industries won’t drip, leave streaks, or turn moldy, making it ideal for worry-free RV cleaning. -
Early in the morning of April 22, 2012, a meteorite estimated to be the size of a minivan streaked through Earth’s atmosphere. The sonic boom and huge fireball that it created attracted plenty of attention over large parts of Nevada and California.
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Members of the Colorado Columbines celebrated their 20th anniversary as an FMCA chapter July 12-15, 2012, at the Elk Meadows Lodge & RV Resort in Estes Park, Colorado. During this gathering, FMCA national senior vice president Allen Rein and his wife, Glenda, presented chapter officers with a certificate of recognition.
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Temporary Shoe Storage
We like to take our shoes off when we enter the motorhome to protect the carpet and flooring, and to make cleaning the interior easier. However, there was never a good place to put them, especially when we had guests, and we were constantly tripping over them. -
Whistling In Dixie
Dear RV Doctor:
We turn on the water heater only when we need hot water. However, when we do, within a couple of minutes we can hear a whining sound, which seems to come from the propane tank area. -
The following companies have recalls detailed in this month's Recall Corner: Prevost Car Inc., Roadtrek Motorhomes Inc., and Winnebago Industries Inc.
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Coach Batteries
Several years ago, I bought a 2000 Monaco Diplomat. At that time, the house batteries (four 6-volt) were five months old. I recently replaced them and must have received some bad information somewhere along the line.
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Racing Reaction
Dear Editor:
I saw the article “A Fleetwood Photo Finish” in the Family & Friends section of the July issue (page 30), which described a drag race between two motorhomes. What a hoot! -
Overall, Family Motor Coach Association remains financially healthy despite a prolonged recessionary period and a decline in membership. As of this writing, FMCA has investments totaling more than $7.6 million.
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Looking at the calendar recently, my wife, Jean, mentioned that we have been members of Family Motor Coach Association for almost 22 years. Wow, 22 years! Not as long as some other members of our association but, still, a long time.
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Following are abbreviated resumes for the five FMCA national vice presidents who were recently elected or re-elected. (Committee assignments for 2012-13 were not available at press time.)
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What do you do as a family, group, or FMCA chapter to celebrate the summertime holidays during a motorhome trip?
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It’s been a few years since I dehydrated foods for RV trips, but now dehydrator fever has struck again. Harvest season is the perfect time to travel country roads, attend fruit and vegetable festivals, and buy by the bushel at farmers’ markets.
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Follow FMCA’s new roving reporter as he leaves behind a fast-paced, deadline-driven lifestyle and learns to slow down and discover the beauty and freedom of the open road.
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Newmar Dutch Star Redesigned For 2013
Newmar Corporation recently introduced its 2013 product lineup, which features an emphasis on bolder colors and more eye appeal. Highlighting this design change was the total life-cycle redesign of one of Newmar’s best-known brands, the Dutch Star.
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Bottle Carrier
Protect wine and other breakable items while traveling with the VinniBag from Ellessco LLC.
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Where would you find RVs, chickens, cows, alligators, and pigs mixed in with friends, fun, and laughter? The place to be to see all of this was the 2012 Great Lakes Area Spring Spree (G.L.A.S.S.) at the Berrien County Youth Fair in Berrien Springs, Michigan, on Memorial Day weekend, May 24 through 28.
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Rosalie Pindell, F105443, an ardent supporter of FMCA and the motorhome lifestyle, passed away July 16 at Davis Hospice Center in Cheyenne, Wyoming, surrounded by her three children. Rosalie, wife of the late Duane Pindell, former FMCA national vice president, Rocky Mountain Area, was 78.
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Second Chance
I’ve found a second duty for our electric toothbrush (Sonic Care) and the used heads that are no longer stiff enough for brushing. I discovered they can be used to clean between the faucet handles and other tight spaces.
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Elusive Water Tank Drain
Dear RV Doctor:
My wife and I recently retired and are new to the RV lifestyle. We love it so far, but for the life of me, I cannot find the outlet to drain the water out of the fresh water tank so I can sanitize it. -
The following companies have recalls detailed in this month's Recall Corner: Entegra Coach and Forest River.
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Extended Storage
In the December 2011 issue of Family Motor Coaching, the answer to Don Loudermilk’s “Storage Question” letter (page 20) states that you should place pieces of plywood under the tires of the motorhome when storing it. I have a Prevost XLII with air support…
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Making Connections
Dear Editor:
With regard to the "Multiple Water Connections" tip in the June 2012 “Tech & Travel Tips” column (page 25), readers should be reminded not to use plastic "Y" connectors. -
Those were the first words on the inside front cover of Family Motor Coaching’s inaugural publication on February 15, 1964. The author, Bob Richter, one of the architects and the first national president of Family Motor Coach Association, was among those who had a vision for an association that would be an information source to thousands of adventurers pursuing a new form of travel.
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The first gray and white threads of dawn were just starting to streak across the eastern horizon. It was the third week of July, and Jean and I were getting ready to depart for a rally in North Carolina. The birds had been up for about a half-hour, and the fresh, sweet, moist smell of clover in the field gave a special welcoming perfume to this new day.
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Spokane, Washington, makes a great travel destination. Spokane is also a desirable location for owners of motorhomes and other RVs who might like to give their vehicles a new look, or at least some tender loving care, at Truline RV.
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As an Arizona resident, I'd like to share my suggestions of the state’s top must-see attractions. They’re listed as best as possible in the order in which they can be visited when entering from New Mexico in the north on Interstate 40 and exiting Arizona back to New Mexico in the south on Interstate 10.
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Roadtrek’s new Ranger RT was designed for a particular niche. The company’s objective is to offer a fully equipped Type B motorhome at a lower price point. The vehicle has all the utility and functionality of a large SUV but can be used for vacations as well as shorter outings.
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One of the most frustrating things that can occur during an RV trip is arriving at the day’s destination with a discharged battery in the towed vehicle.
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Leaving the motorhome in a safe harbor and driving a smaller vehicle is more fun, less stressful, more economical, and safer, especially when trying to get through rush-hour traffic or navigate winding mountain roads. That’s why so many people choose to tow another vehicle behind their motorhome when traveling.
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FMCA’s 87th Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase takes place in Indianapolis, Indiana, this August. What are some must-see stops in the area?
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We spend a third of our lives in bed, and that’s not counting the time when we are sick, taking a nap, or using the bed as a comfortable place to read. Why, then, do full-timers put up with an uncomfortable mattress just because it came with the motorhome?