Another Nostalgic Note
Dear Editor:
In regard to the cover of the January 2010 issue of FMC, the first motorhome in line on the left is a Traveliner that was owned by Vic and Vi White. They were from Australia . . .
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I was sitting talking with a few FMCA members about the “old†days. You know, way back when I was little. I reminisced about how many times as a commercial pilot I had flown across this country, both in daylight and darkness.
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This three-part series examines the intricacies and safety issues that relate to a motorhome’s 120-volt-AC electrical systems, and provides information about how to protect individuals and the motorhome when this electric source is being utilized. Part 2 examines safety precautions and necessary tests along the route of electric from the pedestal to the distribution panelboard, as well as generator and inverter output testing.
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Diamonds in Arkansas? Well, I suspect that Little Rock was named for a different kind of stone, but, yes, there are diamonds in Arkansas just as certainly as there are palm trees in Florida.
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Let your mind wander back to those carefree days when you played in a sandbox filled to the brim. Remember the smiles? Now, fast-forward to the south-central Oregon coast, where you can supersize that fun at Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
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The evening entertainment lineup for FMCA’s 84th International Convention, August 11 through 14, 2010, at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, features three performances that are sure to make nighttime the right time for excitement during your stay.
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Having lived and worked aboard a 2007 Monaco Cayman for a year, I am definitely into the familiar stage with this particular model. So, it felt a bit like visiting an old flame when I traveled to Monaco RV headquarters in Coburg, Oregon, to check out the latest 2011 Cayman model.
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Many motorhome owners find it convenient to communicate with fellow travelers using two-way radios, which offer some advantages over cell phones and CB radios.
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Montana’s Anaconda-Pintler Scenic Highway is a perfect example of why RVers should get off the interstates and see the “real†country. Officially designated State Route 1, this byway in western Montana, between Missoula and Butte, will lead you to impressive views; tranquil scenery; a mountain grade alongside a rushing, tumbling stream…
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While driving through Central Oregon, one look out the window reveals why motorhomers will flock there for a fourth time to attend an FMCA international convention this summer. Old lava flows, broad deserts, and rushing rivers leave spectacular sights in their wake.
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Ah, the joy of being able to take a motorhome where most other motorhomes can only dream of going! Such is possible with the versatility and ease of handling of a Roadtrek Type B motorhome, the best-selling Type B since 1990.
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The snowcapped Sandia Mountains provided a beautiful backdrop for thousands of motorhomers who funneled into Albuquerque, New Mexico, for FMCA’s 83rd International Convention, March 22 through 25, 2010.
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Understanding the operation and components of the motorhome’s 120-volt-ACÂ systems can help you to avoid potentially dangerous electrical problems.
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From floods to fires, the FMCA Motorhome & Auto Insurance Plan experts have seen it all. However, every year there are five types of RV claims that seem to recur most often. Check out these top five RVing mishaps and tips on how to avoid them. You might save much more than just your vacation!
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As spring and summer spread over the land, RV travelers look for farm markets along country byways. We gather sheaves of leaf lettuce, radiant radishes, and plump peas in the pod. We love the festival mood at market days in colorful villages.
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Throughout our many years of travel, we’ve always enjoyed foraging for wild foods — often native plants, but sometimes escapees from civilization (just like us). In order to safely eat plants that others might simply consider part of the scenery, we’ve given ourselves a crash course in botany…
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Earthroamer Brand Revived
Bill Swails, designer of EarthRoamer XV-LT and XV-JP Xpedition Vehicles, has teamed with former key managers to start a new company and relaunch the EarthRoamer motorhome brand.
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Waterless Cleaning Accessory
The Wash Wax Mop from Aero Cosmetics is said to make cleaning the exterior of the motorhome safer and easier when using Wash Wax ALL waterless cleaning products.
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On September 19, 1978, a group of 12 couples, under the leadership of Bob and Lavonne Humphreys, met in Rockport, Texas, and enthusiastically laid the groundwork for a new FMCA chapter that would become known as the South Texas Renegades.
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Extra Plates
Have you ever run low on plates when friends stop by your motorhome? Ever had trouble finding paper plate holders? We carry an extra supply of paper plate holders — Frisbees.
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Waterless P-Trap
Dear RV Doctor:
Recently I was at an RV show, and I noticed that under the lavatory sink there was not a regular P-trap, just a straight fitting or adapter. Any idea what this was? I thought all sinks had to have a water lock to keep the holding tank fumes from getting inside the motorhome. -
Kooky Cables
We have a 1986 Fleetwood Limited with three batteries. We need a diagram that shows how to hook up all the wires from the alternator to the battery isolator. For some reason, our cranking battery is discharging while the motorhome is being driven and is not being recharged.
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Winnebago Industries Inc. has announced NHTSA recall 10V088000, which affects 2010 model-year Itasca Sunova D33C and Sunstar E30W, and Winnebago Sightseer D33C and Vista E30W motorhomes built from July 16, 2009, through January 14, 2010. The potential number of motorhomes involved is 79.
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Vent Fan Tip
Dear Editor:
There is an error in the wiring diagram of the "Cleaner Air" tip in the February 2010 "Tech & Travel Tips" (page 24). As wired, the fan can run only for a max of 80 minutes, which is the highest limit on the timer. Also, both switches would have to be on for the fan to operate. -
FMCA’s 83rd International Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico, just concluded, and as I write this we are headed back to the East Coast. I think a great time was had by just about everyone who attended.
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During a motorhome trip, how do you peacefully coexist with other occupants (spouse, children, grandchildren, etc.)?
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For those who don’t have a permanent tagalong but still want to explore their surroundings in a smaller car, renting a vehicle is an option. Here are some tips for getting the best deals from the rental companies.
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State and federal tax rules change so quickly, even professionals have trouble keeping up. Now more than ever, it’s important to keep taxes in mind all year, not just at income tax time.
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Renegade Introduces Ikon
Bristol, Indiana-based Renegade/Kibbi LLC, which specializes in building motorhomes for the racing community, has expanded its product line with the IKON, a new model targeting the general RV market.
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Key Protection
The Key Buoy from Davis Instruments Corporation can protect fishermen, boaters, and anyone else who spends time around the water from losing their keys if dropped in a lake or ocean.
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It may seem odd to see a “Welcome To The Ark†sign at the entrance to Jim and Clare Fleming’s 2005 Mandalay motorhome, or notice the license plates that read “The Ark†on the front of the coach and on the nearby golf cart. But when you knock on the door and hear a cacophony of barking, cheeping, and squawking coming from inside . . .
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Campsite “Garageâ€
We devised a storage area for our bikes, camping chairs, tables, etc., outside the motorhome by attaching a tarp to the underside of the bedroom slideout using large clamps, and anchoring the bottom with tent stakes and bungee cords.
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Noisy Water Pump
Dear RV Doctor:
The water pump in my motorhome is turning on about every couple of minutes without any faucets calling for water. It is also very noisy and vibrates the pipes down the side of the RV. There are no apparent leaks, kinks, etc. What could be the problem? -
Treatment Time
I have a 1996 Winnebago motorhome with a Cummins diesel engine. In the fall I filled the fuel tank and added diesel fuel treatment before storing it for winter. The next year we didn’t get a chance to use the motorhome except to drive it maybe 50 miles or so. Will the fuel be okay this year if I top it off again and add some more fuel treatment?
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January Cover History No Longer A Mystery
In the March “Readers’ Forum†column, we asked readers to help us identify the photo on the January 2010 cover of Family Motor Coaching. According to Al Conrads, L1236D, the photo was taken the weekend of June 20, 1975, during a 20th Century Wagontrainers chapter rally.
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I often think of just how I got started down this road of the RV lifestyle. I had always dreamed of being able to travel wherever and whenever I wished in comfortable surroundings, with amenities such as hot and cold running water, a color TV, and a familiar bedroom and bath.
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Several FMCA members have volunteered to use their motorhomes to supply transportation to people who urgently need it. They are doing this through Angel Bus, a nonprofit organization that coordinates compassionate, nonemergency ground transportation for individuals in need.Â
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Like many other pieces of equipment in an RV, the refrigerator needs periodic maintenance to ensure good performance.
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Fit for any toy-loving RV family, the Newmar Canyon Star 3920 is built around fun, without sacrificing occupants’ comfort. At its core are excellent living accommodations, and the built-in garage section is suited to house just about any purposeful off-road vehicle.
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They say location is everything, and Oregon’s capital city is certainly proof. Nicely situated on the banks of the meandering Willamette River in the middle of the fertile Willamette Valley, Salem is both pretty and convenient.
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Cape May, New Jersey, is a historic Victorian town that attracts visitors who enjoy the outdoors. Along with beautiful beaches, this small ocean community has a big reputation as a bird-watchers’ paradise. Many varieties of fish bite year-round; plus shopping, great restaurants, and loads of historical sites also vie for attention.
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In December 2008 the RV world learned of a change in ownership involving a familiar coach conversion brand. Featherlite Coaches, known for its Sanford, Florida-based Featherlite Vantare’ private coach conversions, was purchased by Amadas Coach of Suffolk, Virginia.
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You might think a church with the name “Cathedral of the Plains” would be a grand structure, and it is. You also might expect to find it in a large city, but you won’t. The big church with the majestic moniker is in Victoria, Kansas, a small farming community approximately 200 miles west of Topeka.
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Some may opt for larger coaches with multiple slideouts and abundant storage areas; others may downsize to smaller motorhomes to economize their lifestyle. Either way, well-informed RVers in the market for a new motorhome will want to know about the new offerings from several of the independent chassis manufacturers.
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The conscientious motorhomer knows that a requirement at the start of each season is to perform the process we call “dewinterizing.†Yes, if you were meticulous last fall, you must be equally diligent in the spring and properly dewinterize the motorhome.
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Winnebago Industries’ new model created using the popular Sprinter chassis features clever storage and safety-belt-equipped seating for six.
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Motorhomers who convene in Albuquerque, New Mexico, March 22 through 25, 2010, will celebrate good times, great friendships, and the joys of RV travel. Part of the fun will be the opportunity to explore display after display of motorhomes, components, accessories, and all things RV-related.
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January Cover Evokes Mystery And Memories
Dear Editor:
We would like to know where and when the photo on the cover of the January 2010 issue of Family Motor Coaching was taken. I’m certain it is circa 1975. I see what looks like my father’s Winnebago, and my aunt and uncle are in the photo, so my curiosity is up. -
Leaky Ice Makers
We have two U-Line ice makers; one is installed in our Safari motorhome and the other in our trawler yacht. We purchased the one in the trawler new; the ice maker on the motorhome came to us 10 years old. Each of these units leaks like a sieve inside the cabinet when the water fills the cube tray.