Dear RV Doctor:
We need to know if our expectations are unrealistic about our fresh-water pump. We recently replaced the SHURflo 5900 pump in our motorhome with a SHURflo 4048 High Flow Pump, because the 5900 is no longer offered. But the 4048 causes the 12-volt lights to flicker. The performance of the pump itself is far inferior — but that’s not electrical; that’s a SHURflo issue. That said, what might be causing the flicker?
The following companies have recalls delineated in this month’s Recall Corner: Entegra Coach, Forest River Inc., Newmar Corporation, Pleasure Way Industries Ltd, Thor Motor Coach, Triple E Recreational Vehicles
Faded Decal Removal
I have a 2003 Type C motorhome with Dutchmen logo decals that are faded and cracked. What is the best way to remove them?
Update On Towing Chevy Equinox/GMC Terrain
The June 2017 “Tech Talk” column included a letter from Ralph Marino (“Equinox Towing,” page 18), who said his 2016 Chevrolet Equinox sometimes wobbles when it is flat towed behind his motorhome. In an editor’s note, we asked other Equinox owners to contact FMC associate editor John Johnston if they have had the same problem.
You might have already figured out that I am a big sports fan. I shared in the March issue that the NCAA men’s basketball tournament is my favorite sporting event. My favorite season is football season, and my favorite team is the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. As the weather turns a bit cooler, in my mind there is nothing better than relaxing in front of the TV on a Sunday afternoon with friends and family while cheering on the Bengals.
I am pleased to offer my greetings for the first time as your new FMCA national president. You do not know how much I appreciate your confidence in me to head up this great organization. I pledge to you that I will work 24/7 on your behalf.
Helicopter pilot Derrick Rodriguez and his wife, Elizabeth, recently joined the ranks of RVers.
The Delaware River carved through mountains at the Pennsylvania-New Jersey border, creating a spot now preserved for all to enjoy.
Consider these factors when deciding whether a plan is right for you.
Built on the Freightliner S2RV chassis, this new Super C motorhome is the latest in a line of coaches that exude power and luxury.
In mid-July, Indianapolis, Indiana, became the hub of FMCA fun and fellowship during the association’s 96th International Convention and RV Expo.
Action Needed: Ballot to decide whether to open FMCA membership to owners of other types of recreation vehicles. CLICK HERE
Hello, My Fellow FMCA Family. Well, we are finally down to my farewell column. This may be a little short. I know it will be hard to write.
These have been the most rewarding four years of my life. Gloria and I have met so many wonderful people. We have traveled across the U.S.A. and attended many area rallies and chapter rallies, as well as the international conventions, of course. I know withdrawal pains will set in by July 2017. I will be totally lost for a while, but I’m sure I will figure it out.
The July issue of Family Motor Coaching magazine included an announcement regarding a wireless internet plan that FMCA had intended to make available to all members. Unfortunately, Verizon officials have informed FMCA that this plan cannot be made available to members after all.
FMCA did its due diligence in working with Verizon regarding details for this offering, with several months of communication, including approval from Verizon officials of the July 2017 article and ad. We had every reason to believe that Verizon understood what FMCA’s plans were in launching this program.
In the November “Tech Talk” (page 18), Tim Scowden said his alignment had been adjusted six times but his tires were still wearing out at an unacceptable rate. I have found that many alignment and RV shops do not know what they are doing when it comes to alignment. At one shop, the person I spoke with didn’t even know what caster is.
The following companies have recalls delineated in this month’s Recall Corner: Daimler Vans USA, Prevost Cars Inc., Thor Motor Coach, …
Bob, a second-generation member, considers the association part of his family heritage.
Memorial Day was created in the United States to remember fallen military members. Sadly, for many people that meaning has been lost amid start-of-summer celebrations, mega sales, and neighborhood barbecues. But the true meaning is never lost on the families who have lost loved ones in service to our country. Memorial Day is for the American troops who did not get a homecoming party and who did not retire from the service. They instead returned home in flag-draped coffins.
We decided to push back the clock and publish this 1987 photo. And speaking of pushing, it shows members of the Ohio Nomads chapter attempting to push start a GMC 4106 bux conversion. (They were successful.) The photo exemplifies that the can-do spirit and camaraderie of FMCA members was as great 30 years ago as it is today.
The GMC Motorhomes International chapter’s spring convention, held March 24 to 30, 2017, at Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center, allowed members to revisit the past and enjoy the present. Not only did more than 100 GMCs converge on beautiful Shawnee, Oklahoma, for the event, but we were joined by RVers in four other vintage motorhomes: a 1989 Winnebago Spectrum 2000, a 1974 FMC 2900R, a 1984 Airstream 300LE, and a 1982 Revcon.
The Wendlands offer perspective after dealing with a medical emergency during their travels.
Describe a nickname you’ve given your motorhome.
Do you have a pet name for your motorhome? Judging by the reaction to this month’s discussion topic, many FMCAers do. Here’s a sampling:
Buying a motorhome typically is not a simple, stress-free experience, as most readers of this magazine probably can attest. After all, it requires a substantial outlay of discretionary funds. It is therefore not uncommon for prospective first-time buyers to seek advice from their FMCA-member friends. More seasoned RV owners also may want information about how to make the process go more smoothly.
Cashless tolling is a trend. What does it mean for motorhome owners?
Just shy of 34 feet long, this luxury diesel pusher offers nearly everything the “big boys” do.
This year, Newmar Corporation celebrates its golden anniversary. The company is recognizing this milestone with the theme “A half-century, built one at a time.”
The road trip never ends for FMCA members Brandon Hatcher and Kerensa Durr.
National Indoor RV Centers enhances the RV storage experience from drop-off to pickup.
In this Canadian province’s capital city, one is never far from the past.
An Arctic travel adventure from Dawson City, Yukon, to Inuvik, Northwest Territories.
If you spend the winter in central Florida, this chapter is for you.
Become acquainted with this easy-to-learn, fun-to-play court sport that is taking the RV world by storm.
By Alan Neff, F358232
July 2017
Along with family seaside attractions, this South Carolina city boasts an impressive number of music theaters and live shows.
By Pam Windsor
July 2017
RV trips are great opportunities to show young travelers easy ways to stay active — without even thinking about it.
By Stefany Adinaro, F439400
July 2017
A new Type B motorhome from the Winnebago Touring Coach Division.
By Lazelle Jones
July 2017
A surge protector helps safeguard your motorhome against a variety of electrical problems.
By Mark Quasius, F333630
July 2017
Are you one of those folks who never met a pastry you didn’t like? If so, you’ll want to read about the “sweet spots” below. This month’s topic:
Try your hand at recipes inspired by Alabama’s Gulf Coast cuisine.
By Janet Groene, F47166
New Generations Of RVers
Even as baby boomers continue to discover the lifestyle, the RV industry is seeing younger people join the ranks to enjoy the fun and freedom recreation vehicles bring.
By Mike Wendland, F426141
Members of this chapter ride the rails of the western United States.
By Peggy Jordan, Associate Editor
July 2017
By Beverly Martin, F324152
Rally in the Pasture, or R.I.P., is an FMCA chapter that holds an annual rally hosted by FMCA national president Charlie Adcock and his wife, Gloria, in Searcy, Arkansas. This year the Rally in the Pasture took place April 24 through 28. Once again, we enjoyed several days of fun and friendship.
By Martha Cavanaugh, F242623
The Carolina Guroos chapter held a rally February 16 to 19, 2017, at Southern Palms RV Resort in Eustis, Florida. Attendees consisted of 26 FMCA members in 13 motorhomes, along with six guests, including C.B. Edwards, an officer for FMCA’s Eastern Area Motorhome Association …