The jolt of hitting the road as a full-timer is much like the culture shock of visiting a foreign country. Everything is new. In time, though, you work through all the personal, financial, and social speed bumps of the happily “homeless.”
2014
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Our first trip to Key West was in a Volkswagen Microbus. Since then, my husband, Gordon, and I have logged many miles in the Florida Keys, either in our Type C motorhome, by private plane, or by sailboat. The Keys are America’s Riviera, a vacation bonanza like no other.
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At a time when most RVers are rushing to Florida or Arizona for warm weather, Jennifer and I are getting ready to drive the motorhome out into the heart of winter. We love winter camping.
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Do you know a quilter? If so, Paducah, Kentucky, may be a place they recognize. It's been dubbed Quilt City, USA.
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RV Historian RetiresAl Hesselbart, an RV historian, librarian, lecturer, and author who worked for the RV/MH Hall of Fame & Museum for 20 years, has retired.It seems that whenever I leash-walk my cats while RVing, I get stares or comments from surprised campers. “I’ve never seen that before!” said a fellow traveler recently at a freeway rest stop.License Plate FrameOne way to wink at the world as you travel is with a witty saying on your license plate frame. “Our Home Is Where We Park It,” “On Vacation And Not Coming Back,” and the old standby, “RV There Yet?” are among the sayings on frames offered by Traveling Designs.The Allegro Bus is one of Tiffin Motorhomes’ crowning achievements. Designed for use in a full-time environment, it’s been well accepted by both full-time and part-time motorhome travelers.The California Heartland chapter stays busy with 10 rallies each year. But members experienced a different kind of rally when 17 coaches traveled to Grass Valley, California, for the 28th annual Draft Horse Classic & Harvest Fair…The generator is a key component of a motorhome. When shore power is not available, the generator powers many electrical devices, from the microwave oven that heats our meals to the rooftop air conditioner that cools the coach. And, yet, the generator is undoubtedly one of the RV’s most overlooked items.A journey through the scenic hills and farmlands of northern Ohio led us to Clare-Mar Lakes Campground in Wellington, Ohio, site of a July 11-12, 2014, rally held jointly by the Erie Shores and Western Reserve Buckeyes chapters.During the River City Travelers chapter’s Memorial Day rally in May 2014, past chapter president Jerry Maust gave a presentation on the history and meaning of the holiday. He also recognized the veterans in attendance at the rally…Members of the Pacers Northwest chapter gathered June 20-22, 2014, at Silver Cove RV Resort near Castle Rock, Washington, for the chapter’s 25th anniversary rally, an event coordinated by Martie Martin.
Necklace Storage
I take my jewelry box with me when we go south for the winter, but I needed something for my longer necklaces.Leveling SystemI own a 2009 Coachmen Mirada motorhome with an Atwood Levelegs leveling system. Last spring, before our summer trip, we took the coach to our local RV dealer (an FMCA commercial member) to have the Levelegs repaired, as they suddenly had lost all power.FMCA Members, “FMCAssist” Bring Care During CrisisDear Editor:On October 5, 2014, we had just completed a very successful South Central Area “Six-State” Rally in Shreveport, Louisiana, and FMCA members who attended were packing up and departing the state fairgrounds there,It’s October, and I’m trying to get in the spirit to write a festive holiday message. The temperature is in the 60s and leaves are crunching underneath my feet.The following companies have recalls delineated in this month's column: Forest River Inc., Jayco Inc., and Newmar Corporation.That left shoulder of Texas — the point that reaches farthest west and is flanked by New Mexico and Mexico — is where the town of El Paso resides. If you are thinking of putting El Paso in your travel plans, you will be in good company.I never really intended to make it a habit of sharing my misadventures in this column, but for some reason, when I was considering what to write about this month, the story of how I got lost in Michigan this summer came to mind.Commonsense suggestions for motorhomers who wish to call the road their home.Have you ever wondered about the custom of hanging Christmas stockings? Who ever thought of loading presents into socks?
Finding A Fuse
Dear RV Doctor:
We have a 2008 Fleetwood Bounder in which we experienced a surge at the Atlanta Motor Speedway when the neutral wire on a 50-amp aftermarket …Repairing Leaky Joints
Dear RV Doctor:
Our 2009 Newmar Dutch Aire has developed several leaks in the joints of the PVC gray and black waste systems.Installing Temperature/Compass Gauges
In your March 2014 issue, Alex and Janet Bartha asked if temperature/compass gauges are available for installation on motorhomes.Repairing Leaky Joints
Dear RV Doctor:
Our 2009 Newmar Dutch Aire has developed several leaks in the joints of the PVC gray and black waste systems.Your FMCA membership has become even more valuable. FMCA’s Governing Board approved the reinstatement of FMCAssist as an association-paid benefit during its meeting this past August.
The following companies have recalls delineated in this month's column: Entegra Coach, Ford Motor Company, Forest River Inc., Jayco Inc., Thor Motor Coach, Tiffin Motorhomes, and Winnebago Industries.
Two state parks in the Lone Star State offer access to dramatic views and natural wonders.
Well, this certainly has been a fast month. National senior vice president Jon Walker and I left Essex Junction, Vermont, site of the Northeast Area Rally in July, and ran down to Syracuse, New York, for a …
50-Amp Service
I’m curious. Since all electrical appliances in a motorhome are 120 volts (or 12 volts DC), why is a 240-volt source provided?Become familiar with Florida farming, kayaks, and dolphins while visiting the Palm Coast.
Correction: Raceway Permits Motorhomes
FMCA member Doug Hansen, F231205, contacted FMC to let us know the “Drive The Glen” information mentioned in the “New York’s Lively, Lovely Finger Lakes” article (September 2014, page 66) was in error.Roads, Ferries, And Vikings
Dear Editor:
It was nice to see our little neck of the woods featured in the August 2014 issue. We would like to point out, however, that …I recently viewed a post on Facebook by artist Rafael Casal. He provided an analogy on Upworthy.com about the number of days in a typical life, with each day represented by a jelly bean.
FMCA’s 90th Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase left attendees with a mental photo album filled with good times and great friends in scenic Central Oregon.
What features or amenities are most important to you at a campground or RV resort?
A funny thing happened to me the other day. But I have to go back several years to lay the groundwork for this story. Twelve years ago I was diagnosed with …
As the shortest floor plan currently available in this product line, the 23XM incorporates an ingenious rear slideout for increased living space when parked.
These simple recipes will score points with fans of sports of all sorts.
Here are strategies for ridding your motorhome of the pesky rodents.
The Wendlands share a list of RVing lessons based on their experiences.
Much more important than trading posts are the ageless traditions that thrive in northwest New Mexico.
On-the-go motorhome owners find ways to adapt that suit their lifestyle needs.
Thor Offers Wireless Control System
Thor Motor Coach has introduced a wireless control system called Rapid Camp on certain 2015 Type A and Type C motorhomes.Back in the 1950s, little Bentonville, Arkansas, birthed a retail giant, and today it has even more claims to fame.
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