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Dear RV Doctor:
I have a Sportscoach III on a P-30 chassis. I need to either shorten or modify the 3-inch down tube connecting the toilet to the black water tank.

Q: I have a late 1990s type A chassis with a Chevy 454-cid engine. It has 46,000 miles on it and I’d like to make it ride better.

Dear Editor:
Technical articles in RV magazines often leave you blank. But I must compliment writer Peter D.

This month I am dedicating my column to the questions most frequently answered by the staff in our Membership Services Department. I have found that although the facts are quite familiar to those of us who work with the issues daily, they may not be to members who deal with us infrequently, or those who are new members of FMCA.
Beverly Spurgeon, director of membership services, and the Membership Services Department staff have compiled the following list of the most frequently asked questions and the answers.

Previous FMCA presidents have told me that this is the magazine article they enjoyed writing the most. By the time you read this, I will be out of office and relieved of the tremendous responsibilities of being president of Family Motor Coach Association.
I don’t see how any man could serve in this position and do an acceptable job without a talented, intelligent, and loyal wife, as I have been blessed to have.

From a distance, Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has the foreboding, medieval appearance of a haunted castle. With 30-foot-high stone walls and even taller towers, the penitentiary — the first of its kind in the United States — looks like and is a fortress.

One of the newest and most spectacular Midwestern routes for RV travelers is the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, located along Iowa’s western border. This panoramic roadway, which received its national designation in 2000, traverses the Loess Hills, an unusual land formation that is up to 15 miles wide and 200 miles long, and stretches from Sioux City in the north to St.

Before the Wild West existed in the minds of Americans, a place called Greene Ville was at the heart of history in the making.
Today, Greenville, Ohio, is a small town that epitomizes America’s heartland, but in the late 1700s and early 1800s, it was the epicenter of history that helped form this great nation. It was Annie Oakley’s hometown and also is the place of her burial.

Dr. Dean Edell, F10003, is one of the most recognized physicians in the United States.

Black and white streaks, the RVer’s version of barnacles, are a by-product of dirt and grime buildup, mixed with moisture, which has spilled down the sidewalls of the RV. There is no easy way to remove streaks; however, the best way to prevent these unsightly blemishes is to regularly wash the roof.
Now I don’t say this lightly, because while crawling around one story above the ground may be matter-of-fact to some people, for most of us it’s an episode straight out of “Fear Factor.” However, getting up there and washing away dirt and grime is the only way to avoid the backbreaking task of scrubbing away streaks that can permanently stain the sidewall surfaces.
It goes without saying that if you are on medication that can cause dizziness, or suffer a condition that can leave you feeling weak or light-headed, traipsing around the motorhome’s roof is not recommended.

It gives me great honor and pride to announce a continuing alliance between the Family Motor Coach Association and Passport America. Passport America and FMCA have supported one another over the years in this great industry by offering FMCA members the opportunity to become Passport America members, and thus receive some of the best campground discounts available.
Throughout history, great alliances have created new realms of possibility.

Kentucky is aptly nicknamed the Bluegrass State. But it could just as appropriately have been dubbed the Cave State, so riddled is its wide midsection with subterranean passageways and elegantly adorned, light-free halls.

Some people consider the House on the Rock an architectural wonder; others, a boondoggle; and others suggest it’s just plain weird. The house, perched atop a 60-foot-high sandstone pinnacle seven miles south of Spring Green, Wisconsin, is a museum-like structure visited by a half-million people each year.

Whether you’re a newcomer to RVing or have enjoyed the activity full- or part-time for decades, there’s always something more you can learn about it. And, of course, the more you know about the mechanics of your vehicle and the RVing lifestyle, the safer and more pleasurable your experiences on the road will be.
Such was Gaylord Maxwell’s reasoning when he began to develop the highly informative and popular RV Life on Wheels program a decade ago.

The compressed air system is relatively new to the typical diesel-pusher motorhome chassis, and coach owners may not understand how it all fits together. This article is merely an introduction to the compressed air systems and is intended to provide readers with a working knowledge of the systems.

We have a 2004 Newmar Mountain Aire motorhome. In one of the exterior storage bays, a piece of fiberboard with 1/4-inch holes covers the right side of the water tanks.

RVers with roof-mounted or portable satellite dishes often have difficulty finding a clear line of sight though trees or other obstacles to allow for good reception. The Align-A-Site satellite dish alignment system can help locate openings so the dish can receive an unobstructed signal.
Using the system’s handheld sighting unit, motorhomers can survey the area for a suitable parking location with a clear line of sight.

Airstream, a division of Thor Industries, C847, based in Jackson Center, Ohio, tapped coach converter Creative Mobile Interiors, C9705, located in Grove City, Ohio, to help design and build the prototype interior used in Airstream’s new A-Series motorhomes.
The A-Series is designed to appeal to sophisticated motorhome enthusiasts. Its modern décor features clean lines; a restrained color scheme; and contemporary finishes such as leather, Ultrasuede, and highly polished Corian surfaces.

The all-new type C Itasca Navion from Winnebago Industries Inc. is a departure from other motorhomes made by this company.

Here are some offbeat, delicious island recipes to help bring the flavors of the Caribbean to your campsite.
Jerk Burgers
Traditional Jamaican jerk is prepared by rubbing a spice mix onto raw meat, chicken, or fish, then “jerking” it back and forth over a hot fire. North American supermarkets carry several brands of jerk seasoning.

The year 1860 is famous for more than the start of the Civil War; it also marked the beginning of the Pony Express. On April 3 of that year, a batch of mail was stuffed into a mail pouch and tossed on the saddle.

Naturally occurring wildfires have been caused by lightning and volcanoes for millions of years. However, archaeologists have found evidence that parts of North America have been intentionally burned for more than 5,000 years.

If you ever have heard professional organizer Debbie Williams on radio or television, you know she takes a commonsense approach to eliminating clutter. Now she has organized many of her best ideas into a compact book, Common Sense Organizing ($13.95, Champion Press).

This committee formerly was known as the Insurance and Risk Management Committee, and its name was changed because of its new focus over the past couple of years. After ensuring that the property and casualty policies (these cover the building and equipment owned by FMCA) were up-to-date, the committee began to focus on what risk management means to FMCA.
FMCA provides coverage for all active members via two programs: the Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance policy and the MEDEX emergency medical assistance program.

Indianapolis City-County Council was considering a proposed ordinance amendment that would restrict RV parking and storage to inside a garage or atop a hard-surface area alongside or behind the owner’s residence.
Status: Introduced May 23, 2005, and referred to the Metropolitan Development Committee. The proposal was tabled at the committee’s June 6 public hearing and placed on the June 27 agenda.

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Idaho RV license fee
Marse Shobe, F313485, is leading an initiative to reduce Idaho’s annual RV license fee.
Currently, Idaho RV owners pay an annual license fee of $8.50 for an RV with a market value of $1,000 or less, and $5 for each additional $1,000 in value.

The original Klondikers set out in 1896 for the Yukon region of Canada. They struck it rich along Bonanza Creek and its tributaries.

Despite dire predictions of bad weather, the sun shone brightly on Lebanon, Tennessee, for the sixth annual International Area Rally, sponsored by the International Area Organization (INTO). Six hundred forty family coaches and 64 display motorhomes crowded into the James E.

Dear RV Doctor:
We just purchased a clean 1971 RV and have discovered a leaking plastic toilet. The toilet leaks from the top back when the “flush pedal” is in operation.

Q: Now that we are seeing light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in taillights and interior lights on service panels, when do you anticipate that LEDs will begin to overtake incandescent 12-volt lightbulbs on RVs? It seems that would be the natural progression, and we all would benefit from the lower power consumption.
Peter Jordan
Via e-mail
A: I don’t really foresee LEDs replacing either the incandescent or fluorescent lights found inside motorhomes in the near future, other than those that are already used as accent lighting on the ceilings and along floors. At present LEDs are very expensive, and a main concern for coach manufacturers is the bottom line.

In the obituary for Don McGrath, past national vice president, Great Lakes Area (July 2005, page 32), it was stated that Mr. McGrath served as Midwest Area vice president from 1996 to 2000.

Stories about identity theft seem to be making the news on a regular basis these days. Now FMCA’s Membership/Member Services Committee has found a plan for FMCA members that will provide protection against identity theft and assist members in restoration if they become a victim.

The following account was told to me by Carol Luetjen and Bill Mitts, F213470. It describes their experiences before, during, and after Hurricane Charley, which struck Florida in August 2004.

My wife, Jeri, and I have made many wonderful friends and precious memories through our membership in Family Motor Coach Association. I am dedicating this month’s column to our memories of one FMCA friend in particular.
In 1976 Jeri and I became members of FMCA and joined the Rollin’ Okies chapter, which I believe was the only FMCA chapter in Oklahoma at the time.

In the summer of 1995 a representative from Sharp Electronics Corporation called to see if I could help out with seminars at a Family Motor Coach Association convention in Minot, North Dakota. I had been teaching, writing, and developing recipes for microwave ovens for years, and had done some work with microwave-convection ovens.

As folks live longer, they may require more assistance during the later years. FMCA hopes to help members prepare for this possibility with a new benefit that provides group rate discounts for long-term care insurance.

Historic spots, modern hospitality, and some of the state’s finer dining and shopping establishments make Bismarck, North Dakota’s capital city, and Mandan, its neighbor across the Missouri River, a good place to visit before or after attending FMCA’s 74th International Convention in Minot this month.
Bismarck may be the state capital, but it is a small town. The combined population of Bismarck and Mandan is 72,250.

Remember the thrills and chills we enjoyed from riding a roller coaster or similar attraction at our favorite amusement park? On the contrary, as an RVer, there is nothing like driving from point A to point B without experiencing any white-knuckle events. I love uneventful trips.

Silicone caulk is applied to bottom of the rug to prevent sliding.To prevent rugs from sliding on wood or tile floors, apply a thin bead of silicone caulk to the bottom of the rug and let it dry completely. The silicone will keep rugs and other items that tend to slide in place.

Suntek has developed the new ShurGrip RV Dash Cover to help prevent the dashboard from fading, rotting, or deteriorating when subjected to ultraviolet rays and heat over a period of time. The cover also is said to cool the interior of the motorhome by reducing the heat reflected off the dashboard and to help eliminate the unsightly film that can form on the inside of the windshield due to vinyl dash fumes.
According to product literature, the cover features ShurGrip technology, which includes a non-slip rubber backing to keep it in place without the need for fasteners or adhesives.

Prevost Car Inc., C632, based in Sainte-Claire, Quebec, Canada, has announced the first-ever Ultimate Prevost Adventure for Prevost owners and motorhome enthusiasts. The event is scheduled to take place November 13 through 16, 2005, at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The rally is designed as a fantastic vacation experience, complete with top-notch service, great food, fabulous entertainment and activities, and seminars galore.

Thomas Paine said, “Lead, follow, or get out of the way.” When it comes to manufacturing motorhomes, Monaco Coach Corporation elects to lead.
Monaco remains on the cusp of motorhome design. A case in point is the Dynasty, wherein for 2006 some features previously available only as options are now included as standard equipment.

Grasshoppers are part of the orthoptera order, which also includes crickets and katydids. Members of the order are recognized for their singing ability, usually performed by courting males wishing to make their presence known.

Approximately 2,000 years ago, nomadic people began settling down, building structures, and cultivating crops in what is now called the “Four Corners” region of the western United States. Some of the ancient structures still stand, more or less.

Make summer trips with kids more entertaining by inviting the youngsters to participate in your meal planning. Children can help prepare some of these recipes; all are tasty treats that they’ll enjoy.
Pineapple Drumsticks
12 small or six large chicken drumsticks
1/3-cup soy sauce
3 teaspoons minced garlic
10-ounce jar pineapple jam or preserves
1/4-cup soy sauce
1 jar strained plum baby food
1 jar strained apricot baby food
Place the chicken in a large resealable bag with the 1/3-cup soy sauce and the garlic.

FMCA’s international conventions are a great benefit for our members. For a small fee, members receive a parking space and can enjoy three nights of high-quality entertainment; big band dancing, square dancing, and line dancing; seminars; crafts; a youth program; local tours; morning coffee hour and an ice cream social; and the opportunity to examine wares brought by hundreds of vendors who sell anything that can go in or on a motorhome.

This small, friendly chapter enjoys outings in the Great Lakes region.
In 1989 when the PALS chapter was formed, members named the group by using the first letters from the words “Pace Arrow Lakers.” You had to own a Fleetwood Pace Arrow motorhome to join, and the “Lakers” part referred to FMCA’s Great Lakes Area, which is the chapter’s geographical scope.
Times change, of course, and as members replaced their coaches with other brands, they didn’t want to have to give up their friendships. So ever since July 2000, the PALS chapter has welcomed FMCA members who own any brand or type of motorhome, be it a type A, B, or C, or a bus conversion.

Donald T. McGrath, F87335, past national vice president, Great Lakes Area, passed away on May 2 at his winter home in Lake Wales, Florida, after a long illness.

Dear RV Doctor:
I have a 1986 Real-Lite 27-foot motorhome with a plumbing problem that I have not been able to resolve. When using the water pump while dry camping, I vent water overboard through the city water hookup until the pressure bleeds off after the pump switch has been shut off.

Q: I recently had to have our motorhome, built on a Chevy P-32 chassis, towed. The ignition switch had failed and resulted in no power in any of the circuits, including the parking brake system, which requires 1,200 psi fluid pressure to release the spring-applied brake.

An incorrect Web site was listed for ordering a narrated travel DVD noted in the April 2005 “Full-Timer’s Primer” column (page 156). “Traveling the Devil’s Backbone: RVing Along the Natchez Trace Parkway” by Steve and Gloria Gibbs, F321761, can be ordered for $14.99 at www.dvdrvtravel.com or by calling (248) 373-8469.

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RV Equipment Company Comes To The Rescue
Dear Editor:
This is to confirm that Family Motor Coaching magazine really is of significant value to our many friends who participate in our lifestyle.