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There are only a few things that should be done to maintain the efficiency of today’s RV air conditioner, but those few things are very important. However, before delving into maintenance, it might help to understand the mechanics of the air conditioner’s operation.
In order to produce a dramatic temperature change, the air conditioner takes advantage of a principle of physics: when a liquid evaporates, a significant temperature drop occurs.

Mention Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the image that comes to mind for many motorhome owners is a turquoise-blue sky dotted by the whimsical colors and patterns of hundreds of hot-air balloons. Each October this Southwest city is home to the world’s largest and most-photographed balloon event, the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, which happens to be a popular destination for RV owners.

Asheville, North Carolina, is a town where bohemians and businessmen walk side by side on city streets. The rich and famous flock here, as they have done for more than a century, and are joined by the rugged hikers who arrive via the Appalachian Trail.

Idea for better bathroom lightingThe only light in our coach’s bathroom was on the ceiling in line with the mirror. Although it worked fine when we were combing our hair, I found it very inadequate for shaving, and my wife found it too dim for applying makeup.
I solved this lighting deficiency by installing a pair of two-bulb 12-volt fixtures on each side of the mirror at face level.

The new Demco KarKaddy SS tow dolly features folding ramps and a folding tongue that allow it to be stored on many RV park lots or even in front of the car when it is garaged at home. The KarKaddy SS measures 133 inches long but folds to nearly half its size — 67 inches — for more compact storage.
Other features include a hydraulic surge brake system; a galvanized finish; custom chrome wheels with radial tires; and dual safety chains.

Blue Bird Corporation recently announced that it has consolidated its coach, luxury motorhome, and commercial bus divisions to form Blue Bird Coachworks.
The new division will be led by vice president and general manager Wayne Joseph, who joined Blue Bird in 2003 after working for 25 years in the transit bus industry. Richard Maddox was named vice president of sales and marketing for Blue Bird Coachworks, with Bryan Hays (RV) and Buddy Cox (coach and commercial bus) as directors of sales and marketing.
In one of its first major acts as a consolidated division, Blue Bird Coachworks introduced the all-new 2005 Wanderlodge 450 LXi luxury motorhome.

In late 2002 Airstream Inc. introduced the SkyDeck motorhome.

Although Monaco Coach Corporation might best be known for the bevy of diesel-powered motorhomes built by its various subsidiaries, the company’s presence in the gas-powered market is undeniable, and ever-increasing. The Monaco LaPalma has contributed to that growth.

The forts presented in this month’s column were chosen after studying a huge body of information. The United States is a large nation, and it’s amazing how many forts were built since settlers first landed in North America more than five centuries ago.

The Aqua Saver from PJB Co. is a port that provides a 5.5-inch opening in an RV’s fresh-water tank, making it possible to reach the inside of the tank with a brush and to scrub it using a household bleach solution.

Produced by General Motors from 1973 through 1978, the innovative GMC Motorhome gained a following that is still as strong — if not stronger — today. This three-part series explores the fascinating history of a motorhome still considered by many to have been far ahead of its time.

Nobody knows exactly how many full-time RVers roam the roads of North America. Still, those who read this column can help one another by sharing information about their full-timing views and experiences.
Please return this survey by July 15, 2004, to Janet Groene, c/o Full-Timer’s Primer, Family Motor Coaching, 8291 Clough Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45244.

The best thing about motorhome travel is that we have so many dining options. If it’s rainy, cook and eat in the coach.

Although you might not know it, you probably have seen lichens somewhere in nature. Right now some are growing atop a granite rock in our front yard.

Florida truly lived up to its nickname as the “Sunshine State” for the Southeast Area’s “SEAFARI 2004” rally, which took place February 4, 5, 6, and 7 at the Hernando County Airport in Brooksville. The many Northerners who attended were very appreciative of the warm temperatures the first few days of the event, and the occasional rain at the end didn’t dampen their spirits.
Our many volunteer parkers, under the direction of Wiley Chandler, F142032, did a fantastic job getting the coaches parked in the right areas.

Q: Our motorhome is equipped with a 1998 Ford V-10 engine that is rated at 266 horsepower. The newer V-10 is rated at 305 horsepower.

Dear Editor:
I wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed the first installment of Bill Bryant’s articles about the classic GMC motorhome (“Story Of A Classic: The GMC Motorhome, Part 1,” February 2004, page 58).

Recruiting new members to FMCA is an ongoing goal. Every year a number of families fail to renew their membership, for a variety of reasons.

When I decided to run for the office of FMCA national president, I knew it had a lot of responsibility attached and would require a great deal of hard work and dedication if I were to accomplish my goals and make a difference.
I was correct. It seems I hit the ground running and didn’t have a chance to look back.

Okay, what’s the connection between Song of the South and Zip Dee Inc., the 39-year-old company that designs, builds, and sells high-end RV awnings and accessories? This was but one of several questions Bob Miller, the CEO of Zip Dee, would answer during my visit to the Zip Dee plant in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, this past summer.
Henry Duda, a travel trailer owner, founded Zip Dee in 1965. In the process, he took advantage of the kidding he often heard about his last name and its close association with the lyrics in the song “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” from the Disney musical Song of the South.

Recently, while shopping at a camping supply store, I noticed a woman carrying a clipboard. In the kitchen utensil department, she stopped and jotted down some notes.

Black button eyes, a red triangle nose, red yarn hair, and a happy smile describe the beloved Raggedy Ann doll. Each year in mid-May, Raggedy Ann and her brother, Raggedy Andy, seem to come alive in the tiny town of Arcola, Illinois, birthplace of their creator and the site of a museum that fondly remembers all three.
Arcola may very well have been where Raggedy Ann originated.

Many of us leave our motorhomes plugged in at home to keep the house batteries charged. The chassis battery, however, loses its charge over time unless the engine is started occasionally.

Home & Park Motorhomes, C3790, a manufacturer of type B motorhomes based in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, introduced the 210-Popular model at the National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky, this past December.
Similar in physical appearance to Roadtrek’s 190-Popular models, the new 210-Popular is based on the Chevrolet Express 3500 Series extended van and has a 155-inch wheelbase for better ride and handling. The frame extends 18 inches behind the rear wheels, resulting in an overall length of 21 feet 11 inches.

Darwin would be pleased. The evolution in the design of motorhome chassis, as evidenced by the all-new Winnebago Industries Evolution chassis, takes the diesel pusher type A motorhome to new levels.

A motorcycle rider had taken refuge from the sun in the shade of our test coach while we were shopping. As we approached, she jokingly pleaded for us not to take away her shade — it was abundant and refreshing on this hot day.

No matter how well prepared we are as happy wanderers, there are sure to be potholes in the road of life. The motorhome needs maintenance, repairs, and updates.

Produced by General Motors from 1973 through 1978, the innovative GMC Motorhome gained a following that is still as strong — if not stronger — today. This three-part series explores the fascinating history of a motorhome still considered by many to have been far ahead of its time.

Celebrate springtime with tender, luscious lamb creations. Lamb is one of the most versatile meats for the grill, oven, skillet, or soup pot, but its high price keeps many of us from serving it more often.

The first time you see a velvet ant, you’ll be amazed by its elegance. But don’t touch it.

Even if you aren’t a movie buff, visiting old movie palaces is a treat. Below are descriptions of 16 of the several hundred classic theaters still in existence in the United States.

Did you know that FMCA has a bilingual chapter? Well, it does. In September 2000, FMCA awarded a charter to the Allô Québec (“Hello Quebec”) chapter, which is based in the Canadian province of Quebec.

William “Bill” Purser, F180 — a charter member of FMCA who is credited with starting the traditional morning coffee hour that is a mainstay at FMCA conventions — died on October 8, 2003, at the age of 72.
Bill was born February 16, 1931, in Birmingham, Alabama. After serving in the Air Force during the Korean War, he attended the University of Alabama where he earned a bachelor of science degree in management.

We recently received a call from an FMCA member who had learned that Remco has experienced failures with its Lube Pump when used on the Toyota Highlander. In checking with Remco, I was told that the company is exploring a modification that will fix this problem.

In a letter that appeared in the February 2004 “Readers’ Forum” column (“Appeal For Assistance,” page 20), Charles B. Tuley Jr.

FMCA is now more than 40 years old, and it has always grown by using the communication tools of the day. For many years the only ways members could exchange information, short of a face-to-face conversation, were by using the telephone and the postal service.

Each year FMCA loses families from its membership rolls. Approximately 85 to 90 percent do renew each year, which is a statistic that would please most associations.

As I write this article, my wife, Jeri, and I are spending the night in Amarillo, Texas. We are returning to our home in Oklahoma after attending the Western Area Rally in Indio, California, which took place January 7 through 11.

FMCA commercial members in Quebec, Canada, inadvertently were omitted from the Business Directory (a listing of all FMCA commercial members) in the January 2004 issue. Following is a list of those companies.
Information about FMCA commercial members, including companies in Quebec, is available also via the online version of the Business Directory at www.fmca.com/bd.
CAMPGROUNDS
Camping de Compton C9537
24 Station
Compton, QC J0B 1L0
Canada
(800) 563-5277
(819) 835-5277
(819) 835-5304 fax
info@campingcompton.com
www.campingcompton.com
Camping Kea Seignebrie de Soulanges C7853
195 Rd 339
P O Box 1
Coteau Du Lac, QC J0P 1B0
Canada
(800) 263-5344 Quebec only
(450) 763-5344
(450) 763-1799 fax
Camping Tete D’indien C8222
1669 Rte 132 E
St Georges Malbaie, QC G0C 2X0
Canada
(877) 530-8383
(418) 645-3845
(418) 645-2713 fax
campingtete@netscape.net
Camping Transit Inc C8870
600 Chemin St – Roch
St Joseph De Levy, QC G6V 6N4
Canada
(888) 882-0948
(418) 939-0948
(418) 838-0937 fax
miller@oricom.ca
http://quebecweb.com/campingtransit
Camping Alouette C6759
3449 De L Industrie
St Mathieo de Beloeil, QC J3G 4S5
Canada
(888) 464-7829
(450) 464-1661
(450) 464-4591 fax
www.campingalouette.com
DEALERS
Horizon Lussier C8881
Holiday Rambler, Fleetwood, Tiffin
1155 Rg De L’eglise
Marieville, QC J3M 1N9
Canada
(800) 387-4100
(450) 460-3666
(450) 460-0312 fax
horizon.lussier@videotron.ca
www.horizonlussier.com
Pierre St Cvr Auto Caravanes C8906
Coachmen, Georgie Boy
3465 Chemin de L’Industrie
St-Mathieu de Beloeil, QC J3G 4S5
Canada
(514) 990-6555
(450) 652-6555
(450) 652-5925 fax
www.autocaravane.ca

RV REPAIR
Motorise Roland Bosse Inc C5147
3540 Boul des Entreprises
Terrebonne, QC J6W 5C7
Canada
(450) 477-2825 Business
(450) 965-0524 Residence
Pierre St Cvr Auto Caravanes C8906
Coachmen, Georgie Boy
3465 Chemin de L’Industrie
St-Mathieu de Beloeil, QC J3G 4S5
Canada
(514) 990-6555
(450) 652-6555
(450) 652-5925 fax
www.autocaravane.ca
CUSTOM COACH CONVERTERS/MOTOR COACH MANUFACTURERS
Prevost Car Inc C632
35 Gagnon Boulevard
St Claire, QC G0R 2V0
Canada
(418) 883-3391
(418) 883-4157 fax
www.prevostcar.com
SERVICES
Electrical Equipment, Parts & Supplies
Pran Systems Inc C9014
2245 Leon Harmel
Quebec, QC G1N 4J6
Canada
(418) 688-7726
(418) 688-7738 fax
f.arteau@pransystems.com
www.pransystems.com
Murals
Gecko Design Inc C9539
617 Begin
P O Box 843
St Anselme, QC G0R 2N0
Canada
(418) 885-4400
(418) 885-8480 fax
lmorin@geckocommunication.com
www.ezart.ca/www.gecko-design.com
Security Systems
Universal Boot Inc C9743
681 Meloche Street
Dorval, QC H9P 2S4
Canada
(888) 354-5699
(514) 631-5005
(514) 631-4114 fax
info@universalboot.com
www.universalboot.com
Solar Products
ICP Global Technologies C9151
6995 Jeanne Mance St
Montreal, QC H3P 1W5
Canada
(514) 270-5770
(514) 270-3677 fax
dkruger@icpglobal.com.

To racing fans, Darrell Waltrip is an American icon, a modern-day folk hero, and a three-time NASCAR Winston Cup champion. And now, Darrell Waltrip, or DW as he’s known to friends and fans, has become a TV celebrity.

Family owned and operated since its inception in 1968, Liberty Coach Inc. has grown to become a pivotal player in the coach conversion market.

On a winter morning, as the sun reddens the sky, thousands of snow geese scattered on a big pond begin to waken and disrupt the quiet air with loud honks. One bird powers into the sky, sees no followers, and plummets back to the water.

It starts with that little twitch that begins to stir inside. That’s the first symptom.

Removing fuses from the towed vehicle in preparation for towing has always been a problem because of their small size. But I’ve found that wrapping a small tie-wrap around the body of the fuse and then another one through that tie-wrap, leaving a loop to use as a finger pull, makes it easier to remove the fuses.

Vesta DWV303B compact dishwasherThe Vesta DWV303B dishwasher is described in company literature as “America’s first high-quality, space-saving dishwasher designed to be built into a cabinet or placed on a kitchen counter.” Measuring 22-3/8 inches wide, 18-1/8 inches high, and 19-3/8 inches deep, the unit weighs less than 60 pounds and can be installed under a cook top, above a wheel well, or inside any cabinet with room and access.
The Vesta DWV303B is capable of washing up to four, four-piece place settings per load and uses only 3.3 gallons of water per normal cycle. A pullout dish rack and a removable silverware basket simplify loading and unloading.

Buddy Gregg Motor Homes, C3326, headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary in the motorhome sales business. The company was founded in 1984 by Buddy Gregg and his wife, Carole, in North Little Rock, Arkansas, after the Greggs purchased an existing motorhome dealership.

Last summer I had the opportunity to experience true luxury aboard an Elegant Lady bus conversion, crafted by Liberty Coach Inc. of North Chicago, Illinois.

Imagine that you’re hiking along a stream and run across a beaver, North America’s largest rodent, busy at work. An adult beaver can grow to be four feet long (including its 12- to 16-inch tail) and weigh anywhere from 30 to 68 pounds.

Produced by General Motors from 1973 through 1978, the innovative GMC Motorhome gained a following that is still as strong — if not stronger — today. This three-part series explores the fascinating history of a motorhome still considered by many to have been far ahead of its time.

Following World War II and a lapse of auto production of nearly four years, former GIs and the general public longed for new cars.

It has been said that “necessity is the mother of invention.” Well, here is another motorhome modification that came about because of need. Most of the credit should go to my lovely wife, Jennifer.

Our 2000 Allegro Bay 36IB has a walk-through bathroom, as do many motorhomes in the 36-foot size range.