2011

It seems as if we went from summer straight into the holiday season. Since being elected as your national president this past June, Gloria and I have attended five area rallies and visited eight chapters. I also have been on two …

Adding A Battery Disconnect Switch

Dear RV Doctor:
My new motorhome did not come with a disconnect switch for the batteries. I want to install one, but I’m unsure of the proper way.

Frosty Fridge Fins

We have a 2000 Holiday Rambler Endeavor motorhome. Last summer the refrigerator’s cooling unit was replaced. With the original unit, we hardly ever had to defrost the refrigerator or freezer. With the new unit we have to defrost the refrigerator about every two weeks.

The company with a recall detailed in this month's column is Jayco Inc.

"Purses" Auction Nets Many Thanks

During the Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase in Madison, Wisconsin, this past August, FMCA held a "Purses for a Purpose" silent auction. All funds collected through the auction were donated to the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Dane County.

Well, it is that time of year again, with the holidays fast approaching. This month, I have asked the new chairman of the Membership/Member Services Committee, John Breisch, to write a little something about himself and about what his committee has been doing.

“Charlie, you have a call on my cell phone.” My immediate reaction was, “I don’t think so, lady.” Jean and I were strolling in the Lazy Day Campground just off of Exit 170 on Interstate 70 near Danville, in the middle of Missouri, where we had stopped on our way to the Six State Rally in Hutchinson, Kansas.

Ride height is critical to ride, handling, and component longevity. All chassis makers have specifications for the correct ride height — leaf spring, Torsilastic, and air suspensions.

Describe the best breakfast you’ve ever eaten during a motorhome trip.

As always, the focus of this column is on RVers who live and travel in their motorhomes as a way of life. When you’re happily homeless, there are immense advantages, but when problems arise, they have a way of multiplying.

Lazydays Reaches Milestones During 2011

Lazydays has experienced a year of growth and expansion in 2011, including a new RV-style restaurant and a new Tucson, Arizona, location.

This month we resume our presentation of Type C motorhomes, providing readers with information about the latest family-friendly, easy-to-maneuver RVs available from manufacturers.

Companies with a recall detailed in this month’s column are Fleetwood RV Inc., Provan Industries Inc., Thor Motor Coach, and Winnebago Industries Inc.

Propane Level

From the time I purchased our new 2003 Fleetwood Discovery, the propane gauge at the front of the motorhome always has read full, regardless of the amount of fuel in the tank. 

Two Kinds Of Volume

Dear Editor:
I enjoyed the article “High-Volume Power Roof Vents” in the June 2011 issue (page 82). One useful item of information for comparison purposes would have been the noise level generated by each model.

Well, it is that time of the year. Some of you are lingering up north, while others are either making plans to head south for the winter or are already in a warmer climate.  Whatever the case, enjoy yourselves and the RV lifestyle we share.

Today’s family-friendly Type C motorhomes offer more sleeping area, better maneuverability, and many of the same amenities found in larger, more expensive models. This compilation includes models, dimensions, weight ratings, tank capacities, chassis type, engine type, options and base suggested retail prices.

This month brings not only the cooler weather and the possibility of reduced travel in our motorhomes, but it also brings back the thoughts and memories of two holidays that most of us celebrate.

It’s fascinating when I think back to when I was a child and arrived at the conclusion that Cheese Nips, the Cheddar cheese-flavored baked crackers, were only available 50 miles from home. The reason I believed that was because the only time we had them was when the family took an automobile trip.

If money were no object, what one item or feature would you like to add to your motorhome?

These rawboned recipes are as good for the campfire as they are in the modern RV kitchen or gas grill.

In addition to the abandoned birds’ nests and parasitic plants such as mistletoe that adorn the bare branches of deciduous trees, you’ll often find evidence of insect homes called galls.

Cummins Care Now Available For RV Market

Cummins Inc. announced that it has added the RV market to its new Cummins Care enhanced customer assistance program, which provides around-the-clock response for customers with Cummins engines.

The first-ever FMCA Road Chef Competition, a recipe cook-off, took place during the association’s 86th Family Reunion in Madison, Wisconsin, this past August.

The 19th Annual Northeast Area Rally, held July 21-24 at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction, Vermont, paid tribute to FMCA’s Northeast Area heritage.

Support Needed

Dear RV Doctor:
We just purchased our first motorhome, a preowned 2006 28-foot model. The unit is in great shape, and I would like to keep it that way. I want to clean the roof, but I have heard that you can’t walk on all motorhome roofs.  

Beginning this month and running through the January 2012  issue of Family Motor Coaching magazine, we will reintroduce readers to the current motorhome models available from manufacturers. This month’s installment will feature Type A motorhomes.

Describe your pet’s attitude toward motorhome travel . . . likes it, afraid of it, just another day?

RV travel, especially travel as a full-time way of life, is still the most economical, rewarding, and carefree lifestyle on the planet. However, economic changes we’re now seeing may be a prelude to potholes in the road ahead.