2003

The StowAway2 Cargo Carrier mounts into standard 2-inch Class III and Class IV receivers to provide easily accessible additional cargo space. The 12.5-cubic-foot molded polymer shell is said to be highly impact-resistant and offers a carrying capacity of 200 pounds.
Features of the StowAway2 include an automotive-grade weather seal, a built-in lock, and even a drain plug for easy cleanup after carrying messy loads.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers oversees nearly 12 million acres of land and water at 460 lakes across the United States, and volunteers play an important role in protecting the natural resources and maintaining recreation areas.

Some still call them blue highways — the back roads that connect the interstates, U.S. routes, and scenic spots.

Only a few generations ago, a visit to see Grandma and Grandpa meant taking a trip to the farm. Today it can mean packing the children off to the campsite where their full-timer grandparents are living.

The Single Parent Travel Handbook by Brenda Elwell ($17.95, GlobalBrenda Publishing) is a hip and timely guide for full-timers who are parents, godparents, aunts, uncles, or grandparents.

If interest in supplemental braking systems can be judged by the number of calls, letters, and e-mails received at the FMCA national office, this topic is on many motorhomers’ minds. Often folks simply ask, “What is the best system?” But, like the question “How big is a fish?”, there is no simple answer.

Amid small villages and farmland in western New York, the Genesee River rolls northward on its way to Lake Ontario. The journey it takes is more dramatic than most, as it spills over 24 waterfalls while passing through Letchworth State Park.
The park, approximately 54 miles east of Buffalo, will make a fine stop for FMCA members on their way to or from the association’s 70th International Convention at the Erie County Fairgrounds this July.

Parking for FMCA’s 70th International Convention will commence on Tuesday, July 15, at 7 a.m. Please display your admittance card on the front windshield, lower left-hand corner of the passenger side.

Two hundred years ago, President Thomas Jefferson commissioned Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to explore the newly acquired  Louisiana Purchase territory. To recognize the importance of the expedition, an elaborate bicentennial to commemorate the journey is under way that will follow the adventurers’ route as closely as possible.

If your full-timing companion is not related to you by blood, marriage, or a legal arrangement such as adoption, you could be cruising toward trouble. There are many advantages to having a traveling partner, but things can unravel quickly if you break up or if one of you has financial, legal, or medical problems.
Picture these real-life scenarios:
·  You don’t want to marry your boyfriend, because you’d lose your late husband’s $600-a-month pension.

Fellow birder, writer, and valued friend Jack Wilburn once said, “There is no bird more majestic than the golden eagle.” To that we say, “Amen.” These birds are enormous yet graceful, royal in appearance yet fierce when snatching a meal.

Here are some sunny, delicious recipes that are galley tested for ease, appealing looks, and great taste.
Sunrise French Toast
This recipe from Sunkist Growers turns everyday French toast into a fruity banquet. Make your favorite French toast recipe, adding a tablespoon of freshly grated grapefruit zest to the milk-egg mixture.

Among the elements of the governance of Family Motor Coach Association are the Constitution, the Bylaws, and the Policies and Procedures (P&Ps). Each document is unique, but each also has a place in the hierarchy and management of the association.

A group of Christian FMCA members is incorporating their love of travel with their spiritual journeys through life by participating in the Coaches For Christ chapter. Daily morning devotions seem to be the basis for the chapter’s nondenominational rallies, for they’re filled with lively music, inspiring testimonials, and of course, much prayer.
According to Ginger Painter, F23514, chapter president and former International Area vice president, the chapter’s morning devotions are the perfect setting for “getting the relief to people who are frustrated and upset, and [so they can] get to just sit for 45 minutes and forget the turmoil in their lives.” But it’s also about just having a place where people can worship God in a Christian atmosphere, she said.

The 2003 Rocky Mountain Ramble, dubbed the “Cactus Caper,” was held February 18 through 21 at the Pima County Fairgrounds in Tucson, Arizona. Although the area has hosted an annual rally for 20 years, this is only the second Ramble hosted by the recently formed Rocky Mountain Motor Coach Association (RMMA) and was, by all accounts, a huge success.
The Cactus Caper was not only fun for all who attended, but it was executed without a hitch thanks to the efforts of the 19 captains and 425 volunteers from RMMA’s 30 chapters.

Q: Thanks for publishing the ice maker article by Bill Hendrix in the March 2003 issue (page 68). I would like to know how one can make, or get, clear ice cubes from the ice maker.

The telephone number for Remco Manufacturing given in the April 2003 “Technical Inquiries” column (“Towing A PT Cruiser,” page 30) was incorrect. The correct phone number is (800) 228-2481.

Last month I discussed the benefits of FMCA’s information exchange and travel services. This month I’ll complete the travel services category and discuss two more favorite types of FMCA member benefits — discounts and events.

When a motorhome owner joins FMCA, one of the things he or she agrees to do is to abide by the FMCA Member Code of Ethics and other rules and standards of the organization, which, as noted in the lead-in to the code, “represent all our endeavors to be good neighbors, careful and responsible coach owners and operators, and good citizens of our communities.” When revising the FMCA Bylaws, the Constitution and Bylaws Committee chose to fashion a more concise Code of Ethics for inclusion therein. The new Code of Ethics appeared in last month’s issue of the magazine as part of the revised Bylaws, but since the document is relatively short, I thought I would repeat most of the verbiage here for the sake of this month’s discussion about courtesy, consideration, and good manners.
The Code of Ethics notes that:
“Consistent adherence to the FMCA Member Code of Ethics is desired and required of every member, in order that the actions of all members may reflect favorably upon each other and upon FMCA; and thereby earn the confidence and respect of the public and its acceptance of FMCA and all its members.
FMCA Member Personal Responsibilities:

• Respect the rights and privacy of other members and coach owners on and off the highways.
• Comply with all Federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing the ownership and use of family motor coaches.
• Obtain permission to remain overnight, in a shopping center parking lot or on other private property, from the owner or responsible party of the property.
• Comply with all rules of National, state, municipal, and private facilities in which a member stays.
• Last but not least, members should not lose sight of the fact that there is a universal guideline known as the Golden Rule that directs all proper endeavors.

Therefore, recognizing that the public will judge all family motor coach owners by their individual actions, all members of FMCA, as well as its employed personnel, are enjoined to honor and comply with the FMCA Member Code of Ethics.”
For the most part, FMCA members are among the most courteous and well-mannered folks to be found.

This project serves a dual purpose — enhancing the monument that commemorates FMCA’s founding in 1963 in Hinckley, Maine, and helping children in need.
Good Will-Hinckley Homes for Boys and Girls in Hinckley, Maine, is now launching the second phase of the FMCA commemorative walkway project. The fund-raising effort, first announced in August 2000, offers individual FMCA members and chapters the opportunity to improve children’s lives while creating a lasting tribute to FMCA.
Each day, as thousands drive by Good Will-Hinckley and as the 150 youth who call Good Will-Hinckley home walk to lunch, they are greeted by a beautiful monument erected and supported by FMCA members.

Rexhall Industries Inc. entered the motorhome manufacturing scene in 1986 and very quickly established a niche in the RV industry.

The village of LeRoy, New York, boasts tree-lined streets, classic Victorian homes, and the distinction of being the birthplace of America’s most famous dessert.
It’s easy to find your way around — and to — this small town, which is 60 minutes east of the Buffalo/Niagara region. Simply travel along Interstate 90, the New York State Thruway; take exit 47; and travel south a few miles.
Our first stop was a coffee shop on Main Street where excellent pastries are served.

As we prepare to celebrate FMCA’s 40th anniversary, we can’t help but think back to the association’s early years and how it has evolved. During our 12 years of involvement in FMCA, we have had numerous occasions to talk with many longtime members.

Everyone will be assigned a day and time of admittance based on the date their registration is received at FMCA headquarters in Cincinnati. All registrations will be divided equally over a three-day period.

Each January, the electronics industry kicks off the new year with the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada. Companies from all around the world take part in this event, which is billed as the largest annual trade show focusing on consumer technology.

Faulty Furnace Ground

During a recent trip, one of the two furnaces in my 1989 motorhome began to light intermittently. After inspection, I determined that there was no spark between the two points on the igniter.

Whether you need an end table, a footstool, a stool for sitting or standing upon, a coffee table, a 3/4-table, or a magazine rack, the Amazing Magic Table from Miller’s RV Interior Trim can probably do the job. This table can be set to any of eight different heights for use in RVs, homes, and even offices.
The Amazing Magic Table (patent pending) is described as “always in use and never in the way.” It is available in oak for $300, or in walnut, cherry, or various maples for $375.

Public lands throughout the United States will receive greater attention in coming years thanks to the re-establishment of the “Take Pride in America” program, administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

For more than a year, engineers at Rexhall Industries worked on a first-of-its-kind slideout design. With the introduction of the 2003 35TS floor plan, their concept became a reality.

In March 2000 at the FMCA convention in Pomona, California, I promised the members of the Nominating Committee that if I was elected FMCA’s national secretary, I would serve all three years allowed by the FMCA Bylaws. To King deBord, F16686, who was chairman of the committee then, and to the other members of that committee, I can say I have kept my promise.

This summer is a perfect time to experience the vast, diversified, friendly country of  Canada. FMCA’s 70th International Convention in Buffalo, New York, will take place July 18, 19, and 20, and the Northeast Area Rally will be held July 25, 26, and 27 at Prince Edward Island, Canada.

Water, water everywhere … and so was the water’s odor. But what was causing the bad smell coming from our faucets?

As we travel through many regions, we rely on cities, campgrounds, and water districts to filter the water coming into our motorhomes.

Some full-timers coast for years before the roof caves in. Others recognize that their rolling home and the things in it will wear out, rust, fade, and break, and they save for inevitable expenditures.

We may never see a loggerhead sea turtle in the wild. Even so, it’s nice to know they’re still out there cruising the coastal waters after 150 million years.
The name “loggerhead” comes from the turtle’s large head (10 inches wide in an adult) and the powerful jaws it uses to crush crabs, mollusks, and other bottom-dwelling crustaceans attached to reefs and rocks.

We’ve always enjoyed visiting ethnic museums. Each time we see a new one, we’re reminded of the rich heritage our ancestors have brought to these shores.

Regardless of any current thoughts you may hold about bylaws, try reading Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised. I think you will find it hard to put down, just as you would an interesting novel.
The original author of the book was Henry Martyn Robert.

Getting in touch with an RVer can be pretty tough sometimes. In fact, along with bingo, potlucks, and horseshoes, phone tag may be considered a new recreational pastime.

Take acres of the gravelly Arizona desert, add 650-plus motorhomes, and what do you have? The 2003 International Area Rally, that’s what.
The Fourth Annual International Area Rally was held in Quartzsite, Arizona, January 18, 19 and 20. Attendees included many FMCA members who had been at the Western Area Rally in Indio, California, earlier that month and traversed the 110 miles to Quartzsite to join in the fun.
Arizona greeted rally-goers with outstanding weather — cool evenings, warm days, and blue, blue skies.

Q: A flat tire on a motorhome while driving on the highway can be devastating. I have seen reports that tire-temperature and air-pressure monitoring devices can provide advance warning of the impending danger.

Dear Editor:
Shortly after we took delivery of a Fleetwood Revolution motorhome from Earnhardt’s RV in Mesa, Arizona, my wife, Karen, and I headed to the California Dreamin’ convention in Pomona, California — our first FMCA convention. This is our fourth Fleetwood motorhome and our first diesel pusher.

During the past three years, I have presented a seminar about FMCA member benefits at the international conventions and area rallies I’ve attended. I believe it is important for all of the membership to become familiar with the benefits of this great association.

My husband, Russ, and I have spent the past eight years serving as full-time volunteers for FMCA. One would imagine this to be quite an undertaking, but in our case it has been an enjoyable one.

In mid-March, 3,982 motorhomes —  consisting of 2,778 family coaches and 1,204 exhibitor coaches — gathered at Fairplex in Pomona, California, for FMCA’s 69th International Convention, which was dubbed California Dreamin’. Beautiful weather; a fantastic facility; and, of course, the wonderful FMCA family and commercial members who attended provided the ingredients for another successful FMCA event.

Only 5-1/2 hours north of Maine lies a vacation place that no one should miss — Prince Edward Island, Canada’s smallest province, only 139 miles long and between 4 and 40 miles wide. Its population of 140,000 claims mostly Scottish, Irish, and Acadian ancestry.

The metropolitan area New York interstates were bumper-to-bumper. Hoping to avoid the crowds, I opted for the byways instead of the highways.

The 2003 election of FMCA National Officers will be held July 16 and 17, 2003, at FMCA’s 70th International Convention in Buffalo, New York.
This year’s Nominating Committee was elected by the Governing Board in accordance with FMCA Bylaws. Its members are Chairman Nelson K.

When you think of Buffalo, New York, the words “snow,” or “bison,” or “Buffalo wings” may also come to mind.
Yes, Buffalo receives its share of snow in the winter, but frozen precipitation won’t be a factor when FMCA members’ motorhomes roll into the Erie County Fairgrounds in Hamburg, 11 miles south of town, for the association’s “Shuffle Off To Buffalo” convention. By July 18, 19, and 20, when the convention takes place, temperatures are likely to top out near 80 degrees, moderated by pleasant breezes from nearby Lake Erie.

Thousands of motorhomers gathered in the heart of Southern California on March 21, 22, and 23 to take part in FMCA’s 69th International Convention. The venue for this grand event was Fairplex, located in the city of Pomona, 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.

You’re ready to buy a new car and are excited about the many possibilities. After researching on the Internet and visiting dealerships, you come up with a list of vehicles that you like.

The ends of the gasket seals around my exterior storage compartments did not join together tightly, leaving a gap for dirt and water to enter the compartment. To fix the problem, I used pieces of 1/4-inch tubing (3/8-inch outside diameter), one piece for each compartment seal that needed to be fixed.

Tongue Twister trailers are engineered to eliminate the injuries and damage that can occur when backing equipment on and off a trailer. These double-ended trailers do not need to be unhooked from the motorhome or other towing vehicle when loading or unloading.