February 2015
FMC Magazine Collection
Dear Editor:
We have retired from motorhoming, and we have copies of Family Motor Coaching magazine dating back to 1995. We thought someone might like to have them.
What happened to last year? I guess we were having so much fun in 2014 that it just flew past! It certainly was a busy year for FMCA. This month’s column is devoted to a look back at the accomplishments and changes of 2014, and a brief look forward to some great experiences that lie ahead for this new year.
Let’s look at some common picture-taking mistakes and find out how to fix them. Then our friends will smile right along with us when they see our pictures.
Though its name may be familiar, this luxury diesel pusher from Newmar Corporation is a completely new model for 2015.
Along Florida’s southwest coast, islands extend in a long string like emeralds on a necklace. Almost 50 islands, many of them mostly covered by mangroves, are surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico’s crystal-clear, bluish-green water.
Save money and gain satisfaction by performing certain diesel pusher maintenance yourself.
Not long after the arrival of spring, FMCA members will assemble in Southern California for the association's 91st Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase, March 26-29, 2015. The event, bearing the theme "California Gold," will take place at Fairplex, the annual site of the Los Angeles County Fair in Pomona.
Full-timers are easy targets for a fast shuffle. It’s not really fraud. After all, it’s all there in black and white. Small type is everywhere, from government regulations to websites, warranties, services, and even the most innocent disclosures, agreements, and waivers.
Southern California is crowned by not one but two presidential libraries, and they are located within 90 minutes of each other (depending on traffic). Each library makes significant contributions to visitors’ understanding of the history of the United States.
All eyes this month will be on the tiny town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. More specifically, attention will be focused on a hilltop called Gobbler’s Knob, where every February 2, a shy little rodent named Phil is pulled out of his makeshift den to tell the world whether winter will last another six weeks.
The good news: Pomona, California, where FMCA members will stay on the grounds of Fairplex while attending the association’s 91st Family Reunion & Motorhome Showcase March 26-29, is just an hour from Los Angeles by mass transit.
Roadtrek Touring Series
Roadtrek Motorhomes Inc. has launched its new Touring Series coach, the TS Adventurous. The coach, built on the Mercedes-Benz chassis, continues Roadtrek’s trend of clean and sleek exterior lines. On the interior, exclusive to the TS Adventurous, are charcoal cabinets with subtle hints of gray throughout and chrome accents.
The following companies have recalls delineated in this month's Recall Corner: Newmar Corporation, Thor Motor Coach.
Pill Organizer
It is not our place to remind you of the importance of taking the right medications at the right time. We can, however, suggest something that might help keep that routine running smoothly.
The CHAI-Chavurat Yehudim chapter was formed at the 2004 FMCA Family Reunion in Albuquerque, New Mexico, shortly before the Jewish holiday of Passover. Since then, nine of the Jewish-oriented chapter’s rallies have centered on the celebration of Passover. These rallies have been held at full-hookup campgrounds all over the United States . . .
In 1974, in the midst of a worldwide gasoline shortage and spiraling inflation, a group of RV enthusiasts decided to organize and form FMCA’s Over The Hill chapter. Several versions circulate as to how the group decided on the name, but whatever the reasoning, the chapter has hurdled many hills and is still going strong 40 years later.
Jane Key, L23527, wife of former Rocky Mountain Area national vice president Perry Key, died on November 8, 2014.
Chester “Chet” Stewart, L23883, a former Rocky Mountain Area national vice president, immersed himself in many organizations. But perhaps none brought him greater joy than FMCA.
Reducing Noise
After our first motorhome trip in 1997, I wanted to eliminate the noise that kitchen utensils, dishes, and pots and pans made in the drawers, while still being able to access them easily
Generator Is Not Charging Battery
Dear RV Doctor:
I have an older 31-foot Type C motorhome on a Ford E-350 chassis with an Onan MicroLite generator, model number 4KYFA261000B. One weekend while at a remote location, the generator was used for about 18 hours for the air conditioner and RV power, and then early in the morning the generator died . . .
Leveling Jacks
The leveling jacks work perfectly on my 2001 National RV. However, when they are retracted, the warning light indicating that the jacks are down sometimes will stay on for 10 miles or more (and on one occasion, 50 miles).