Adding Up Amps
Dear Editor:
In the July 2009 “House Calls” column (page 22), the answer regarding the usage of 12-volt or 6-volt batteries noted that two Group 24 (12-volt) batteries connected in parallel will yield approximately 170 combined amps of storage. Â
Ant Infestation
Do you have any ideas on how to rid an RV of ants (the very small kind)? We cannot seem to find their nest or point of origin.
Fleetwood Enterprises has announced NHTSA recall 09V191000, which affects model year 2009 and 2010 Jamboree, Jamboree Sport and Tioga Ranger Type C motorhomes manufactured from April 15, 2009, to May 13, 2009.
Meals on the go
After a day of travel, it is really great to sit down to a good meal without having to wait for it to cook. This is especially true if it’s been a long day.Â
The Sooner Coaches chapter held its annual Christmas Rally December 12 through 14, 2008, at Twin Fountains RV Park in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. And what a great time we had!
Step cover
The Travelers Tread RV Step Cover from Mirific Inc. is touted as an easy-to-install, wraparound step cover that helps keep the inside of the motorhome clean while improving the exterior appearance.
Great Outdoors Week Celebrated
Hundreds of recreation community leaders, allies, and affiliated groups gathered in Washington, D.C., to participate in meetings, events, and celebrations of the significant contributions of the recreation community during Great Outdoors Week 2009 (June 7-13).
Warm summer evenings, lawn chairs and picnic baskets, music drifting from the bandstand in the park. Whether indoors or out, there is still time this year to catch some great jazz at festivals all around the United States.
Suddenly you’re out of money and, if you’re like most full-timers, you’re far from any place you’ve ever called home. Whether this is temporary or you expect to be digging out of a hole for some time to come, here are ways to raise cash — quick, quicker, and quickest.
This compact, amenity-filled motorhome delivers a solid driving experience.
While a vehicle’s springs do the heavy work when it comes to maintaining driving stability, it’s the shock absorbers that determine how smooth the ride will be.
While the kids and grandkids are out of school, summer is perfect for some quality time with them — motorhome-style, of course. Load up the motorhome and head to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. More popularly known as the Grand Strand …
Motorhomers know there’s always something new in the world of RVs and accessories. Folks who attend FMCA’s “Bowling Green Bash†convention will be able to inspect many of these items …
 Coach House Platinum 272XL The Platinum 272XL from Coach House Motor Homes boasts meticulous construction and luxury appointments. RV writer Lazelle Jones photographed the coach at Bok Tower Gardens…
Learn more about motorhoming and many other topics by attending seminars at FMCA’s convenion in Bowling Green, Ohio. More than 160 seminar opportunities will cover nearly every aspect of the RVing lifestyle.
Whether you own a gas-powered or diesel-powered motorhome, a well-running gen set is a valuable asset.
Since Memorial Day, my husband, Corbett, and I have been on the road for FMCA conducting one of the many functions of the national president — looking at potential sites for the association’s international conventions.
I am pleased to announce that there is now a suggested motorhome-specific lemon law. This draft document is available to state legislatures that are considering revising their laws to improve existing coverage, or to provide coverage where none exists.
Duane Pindell, F105443, former Rocky Mountain Area vice president, passed away on May 1 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He was 77. Duane actively supported FMCA at the national, area, and chapter levels.Â
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the United States is the most severe-weather-prone country on the planet …
Tiny Chapel At RV Park
Dear Editor:
I was thumbing through the March 2009 issue and found the “Baker’s Dozen” column titled “The Smallest Churches And Chapels” (page 70). I eagerly looked for a small chapel we saw at an RV park in Kieler, Wisconsin.
Give Me Liberty!
I recently purchased a 2008 Jeep Liberty that I intend to tow flat behind my motorhome. Based on published data, I thought this would be a simple thing to do. I had a 1998 Jeep Cherokee …
Fleetwood Enterprises Inc. has announced NHTSA recall 09V175000, which includes 2009 model year Bounder Diesel, Discovery, Excursion, Expedition, and Providence motorhomes manufactured from April 29, 2008, through April 21, 2009.
Six Or Twelve?
Dear RV Doctor:
I’m wondering whether I’m better off using two 6-volt batteries wired in series or one 12-volt battery. I’ve heard a variety of reasons why it’s better and why it’s not. What is your opinion?
Tools On The Road
I have tried many toolboxes of various sizes and shapes and always have preferred an old bucket for ease of use and ample storage. I found a half-height, 2 1/2-gallon bucket at my local lumber company that has the same footprint and diameter as a 5-gallon bucket.
Travel game
When traveling with kids, make the miles fly by and give the youngsters a reason to look out the window and see the passing scenery with Travel Bingo from eeboo.
Navistar finalizes Monaco acquisition
Navistar International Corporation announced on June 4 that a wholly owned affiliate of the company had completed the purchase of certain assets of Monaco Coach Corporation for approximately $47 million.
Describe a card game, board game, etc. you particularly enjoy while camping.
The RV/MH Hall of Fame, Museum, and Library in Elkhart, Indiana, preserves the heritage of the recreation vehicle and manufactured housing industries.
The evenings will be filled with great music and good times during FMCA’s 82nd International Convention in Bowling Green, Ohio, in July.
Whether your next motorhome trip is a weekend away or a months-long journey — or somewhere in between — proper preparation can make it go much more smoothly.
 The Born Free 32-Foot Slide-Out The Born Free 32-foot Rear Queen Slide-Out, photographed by RV writer Lazelle Jones near Florida’s Lake Kissimmee, is the first motorhome from Dodgen Industries…
Anecdotal accounts often best describe the significance of an evolutionary step when it occurs. Case in point is the decision by Dodgen Industries Inc., of Humboldt, Iowa, to build the company’s first-ever slideout room in a Born Free motorhome.
Four of the eight U.S. presidents with roots in the Buckeye State have northern Ohio visitor sites worthy of exploration before or after FMCA’s Bowling Green convention.
The cities of Cleveland, Akron, and Canton in northeast Ohio form a line from north to south, and are easy to locate on a map of the state. If you travel south and west of Canton, you’ll find that you’re no longer in the urban areas — you’re in northeast Ohio’s Amish country.
FMCA’s national treasurer, Doug Key, reports on the financial status of FMCA. He reviews revenues and expenses for 2008, and also discusses the association’s investment portfolio. Treasurer’s Comments includes a…
The Hernando County Airport in Brooksville, Florida, came alive with pirates and pirate ships as the Southeast Area (SEA) Motor Coach Association’s “Treasure Hunt At SEA†rally took place February 4 through 8, 2009. The event attracted more than 1,250 family members …
The RV Friendly signage program was rolling right along. In September 2005 the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued an interim approval for states to use the RV Friendly symbol. By the end of 2007, 15 states had enacted RV Friendly legislation or started programs administratively under FHWA’s interim approval.
Now that we are quickly approaching FMCA’s 82nd International Convention, I want to devote this month’s column to that large group of individuals who give so much of their time and talents to make the association’s conventions a success: volunteers.
Some of us might not be as knowledgeable of the Internet and of using Web sites as others. However, I believe that we all would like to learn how to benefit from the advances that have been developed using these forms of communication.
Post-Convention Repair
Dear Editor:
My wife, Mary, and I attended our very first FMCA convention in Perry, Georgia, this past March after having numerous FMCA members encourage us to do so.
Butane Vs. Propane
Could I get some clarification on the propane versus butane issue brought up by Walter A. Szczepanik in his letter (“Propane Or Butane?†page 25) in the October 2008 issue of the magazine?
Navistar has announced NHTSA recall 09V110000, which affects 2001 through 2008 Workhorse Custom Chassis W20, W21, and W22 motorhome chassis manufactured from July 24, 2000, through December 19, 2007.
Back in the February 2009 issue of Family Motor Coaching, I replied to an inquiry from Autumn Rose, who asked whether it would be okay to plug her motorhome shore power line into her stationary home’s 240-volt clothes dryer outlet for the purpose of testing the rooftop air conditioner …
The Versatile Tennis Ball
Tennis balls are among the most useful items you can carry in your motorhome. I use tennis balls on the wiper blade arms to keep the wipers off the glass, and they work with both single-rod and dual-rod arms. Put a slit in a tennis ball and it becomes a …
Magnetic thumbtacks
Good Grips MagTacks from OXO International Ltd. are versatile holders that can be used on both corkboard and steel surfaces to post photos, receipts, coupons, and more.
Winnebago Industries plant tours resume
If you’ve ever wondered what goes into building a modern-day motorhome, you can see for yourself thanks to Winnebago Industries. The company, based in Forest City, Iowa, resumed its tours on April 6 …
When you hit the road this summer, consider these particularly scenic highways, some of the best drives in North America.