Somewhere around mile marker 55 of life, many people begin to notice a few rattles, pings, and knocks coming from their mental engine. At times, that hot-rod brain that served them so well in their youth can perform more like a rusty jalopy as the years go by.
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Happy 2010 to you! I hope that all of you have a healthy, happy new year and, for that matter, had a good holiday season.
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Chapter members in 81 motorhomes (plus some who stayed at a nearby motel) traveled to the York Fairgrounds in York, Pennsylvania, for the Penn Coachmen chapter’s 40th anniversary rally Thursday, August 13, through Sunday, August 16, 2009.
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Although it may be difficult to appreciate the concept while you’re at the operating end of a snow shovel, ice crystals and the snowflakes they form are things of beauty, often perfectly symmetrical — sometimes simple, other times wonderfully complex.
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When you see an FMCA goose egg affixed to a motorhome in a campground, why not get acquainted with the folks who own the coach and swap recipes? These great ideas come from FMCA members who excel at good cooking.
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Shortly after we moved to the Southwest, the real adventures began. At ages 65 and 67, with neither of us having ever owned an RV before, Sandy and I pooled funds again and bought a new 32-foot motorhome.
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A bright butterfly flashes by you, and then another of dazzling brilliance comes along. You realize you are in a most uncommon place. Such are the sights along a side street in Homosassa, Florida.
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Jayco has nicknamed the 2010 Precept the “Escape Artist.†Since this Type C motorhome is based on the popular and economical Sprinter chassis, Escape Artist is a solid and succinct sobriquet for this high-mileage hustler, which I had an opportunity to inspect at a recent Las Vegas RV show.
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It is a stunning place, with grand vistas and enticing alcoves. Its colors sometimes resemble the work of a mad artist who shoveled his paint on the canvas with a trowel. At other times, it appears to be the work of a careful beautician combining just the right hue of base and final makeup for maximum enhancement.
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In the world of RVing, I have heard many myths about certain tasks that are said to be gender-specific. Many women have commented that driving their motorhome would intimidate them. They fear that their husbands would criticize their driving and that operating a motorhome is not a feminine thing.
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Like the names of so many places across North America, Kissimmee is an American Indian word that melodically resonates on the tongue. (It’s pronounced with the accent on the second syllable.) The word is thought to mean “long water” in the original. Lake Kissimmee is also a place that offers easily …
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By understanding how your motorhome’s slideouts work, and taking the time to maintain them, you can enjoy trouble-free operation for years.
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Good old-fashioned spelling bees are not just for kids anymore. Adult spelling bees can be great entertainment at happy hours, fundraisers, and even chapter rallies. The largest and most renowned adult spelling competition is the AARP National Spelling Bee.
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Workhorse Chassis Brake Clarification
The “W22 Brake Caliper Overheating†letter in the November 2009 Tech Talk column included information about an Office of Defects (ODI) investigation relating to Bosch front disc brake caliper problems on certain Workhorse chassis.
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Slideout Awnings
Some of the awnings over my slideouts are loose on the ends, but tight in the middle. When the wind starts to blow, the ends flap and create noise inside the motorhome.
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A Flawed Finish
Dear RV Doctor:
We purchased a 1992 Coachmen Type A motorhome about four years ago. Since it is parked outside all the time, 90 percent of the clear-coat finish has peeled off (except for the bumpers), and the decals have faded and are severely cracked. -
Emergency Information Card
In the event we were ever in an accident while sightseeing away from our motorhome, no one would know the name of the campground where it was parked. So I created an information card that we carry …Â
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Flashlight
The Gorillatorch from Joby Inc. is a hands-free flashlight that can be formed to attach to just about anything and provide illumination for any situation.
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Newell Coach Models Styled By Designer Jason Hill
Newell Coach Corporation, based in Miami, Oklahoma, announced that it has begun production of its 2011 models, with retail deliveries scheduled for the beginning of 2010. The new models feature updated styling by …
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We are looking ahead to a new year that introduces more motorhomers to FMCA than ever before. To help accomplish this goal, we are kicking off a recruitment campaign in earnest on January 1, 2010. It is called “A Dozen Does It.” For every 12 new FMCA members a chapter signs up, the chapter will receive a prize package.
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In 2008, when FMCA’s leaders worked on the budget for the 2009 calendar year, changes suggested to balance the budget included a proposal that members using the Mail Forwarding Service begin paying a portion of its associated costs.
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The “Oklahoma Pow-Wow,†the 36th edition of the Six-State Rally (also known as the South Central Area Rally), was a great success. Just as the American Indians powwow each year to celebrate their heritage, FMCA members gathered at the …
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Many people think of deserts as large areas of drifting sand, but actually only about two percent of North America’s deserts contain sand dunes. … Many dune areas are now state or national parks and monuments with easy access, but a few require travel on dirt roads. Always check locally before leaving the paved highways.
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This story isn’t about the latest equipment and accessories found in model-year 2010 motorhomes. This is a peek into the future, thanks to technology insiders who answered my call for a look into the crystal ball. … here are some predictions as to how full-timing will be safer, greener, and more fun in future years.
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What follows in this article are steps you should take to winterize your motorhome and protect all of its vital systems, so the vehicle is ready to roll once the trees start budding again.
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There are a few areas of concern on the motorhome that are applicable regardless of whether the vehicle is stored or utilized over the course of a cold winter. Consider the following …
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If you’re the audacious type, winter RVing is not only doable but encouraged! Take the necessary precautions … and you should be able to enjoy your motorhome in even the chilliest winter weather.
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As you turn up the heat and bundle up in extra clothing, don’t forget that your dog or cat may need some extra care also. Having a fur coat doesn’t ensure that it is properly protected from inclement weather.
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The Born Free 20’ Built-For-Two Mini is a full-service Type C motorhome with all of the systems and appointments one expects to find in a larger coach.Â
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Several FMCA members have contacted FMC recently to report problems involving defective rear suspension trailing arms on motorhomes manufactured by the former Monaco Coach Corporation (MCC) and built on Roadmaster R4R and RR4R chassis equipped with the Monaco Gold (also known as R-Way)
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Currently, the registry has listings for nearly 7,800 of the 12,921 GMC motorhomes produced between 1973 and 1978.
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Fortunately, for today’s modern RVers, Death Valley doesn’t present the hardship and danger it did for the early settlers or the gold and silver prospectors, although you still have to give the valley its due respect.
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These motorhomers from California have perfected the art of flat-towing their treasured classic automobiles.
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The luxury RV dream is a continuing reality, thanks to companies such as Marathon Coach, the world’s largest luxury bus converter and dealer.
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According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), every year approximately 480 people in the United States die from carbon monoxide poisoning, and another 15,200 end up in hospital emergency rooms from breathing this poisonous gas.Â
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Utah’s rugged, dramatic canyons and cliffs are beautifully revealed on this unparalleled trek.
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Once close to abandonment, this former mining town is now known for its history, shops, and restaurants — and an occasional ghost.
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On July 20, 2009, the Governing Board of FMCA approved the following Bylaws Amendments in Bowling Green, Ohio.
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From the city water inlet to the showerheads — and everything in between — learn how to keep your motorhome’s fresh water system in excellent condition.
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Following are abbreviated resumes for the national vice presidents recently elected or re-elected for the 2009-2011 term.
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2009 Towing Guide Correction
“Towables For 2009†(January 2009, page 50) contained an error in the chart section of he story regarding towing the Chevrolet Traverse (page 53). The chart should have indicated that the Traverse is flat-towable when in all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. -
W22 Brake Caliper Overheating
We own a 2004 National RV Dolphin on a W22 Workhorse chassis manufactured in December 2003. It is among those included in an Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) notice as having a front brake caliper problem.
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Leisure Travel Vans has announced NHTSA recall 09V314000, which affects 2008 Free Spirit 210B and Free Spirit LSS Type B motorhomes manufactured between May 2007 and December 2008. The potential number of motorhomes involved is 40.
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Frustrating Fly Infestation
Dear RV Doctor:
I just purchased my first motorhome earlier this year, a used 38-foot Damon. I have what seems like fruit flies breeding in the black water holding tank. I do not have this problem with the gray water holding tank. Whenever I push the flush foot pedal, the flies come swarming up out of the commode. -
Shoebox Organizers
Don’t throw away those empty shoeboxes. They are great to use in your cabinets to keep small items, such as canned goods, from moving around while you’re driving. -
RV cord sets
Furrion 30-amp and 50-amp power cords now include a patented PullSmart plug handle that is designed to provide a quick, easy, and safe disconnect from the power source, even in wet conditions.
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Caravan Salon 2009 Enjoys Record Turnout
Organizers of Caravan Salon 2009, an international trade fair for recreation vehicles and camping equipment, reported record participation at this year’s event, held August 29 through September 6, 2009, in Düsseldorf, Germany.
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What famous person would you like to go motorhoming with, and why?
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Las Vegas Motor Coach Resort Clarification
Dear Editor:
FMCA has a huge following among our 407 site owners here at Las Vegas Motor Coach Resort, so I received a number of calls from our owners regarding an error that appeared in the September 2009 “RV News & Notes†column (“Signature Resorts Acquired,†page 38).