Traditional touches combine with fresh features to further the appeal of this popular Type C motorhome.
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2016
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Since I am not a writer by trade, deciding how to introduce myself via this column took considerable thought. First impressions are everything, so, of course, I want to make a good one. I thought I would start off by sharing some information about my personal life.Hello, My Fellow FMCA Family. While sitting around with a group of friends at the FMCA campground in Cincinnati last week, we started talking about our first motorhomes and how we became involved in RVing. When my turn to share arrived, I unfolded the story of how and why motorhoming happened upon Gloria and me.
People with disabilities who enjoy leisure travel may find a motorhome to be a good option. Below is a sampling of resources that may be helpful.
A spacious interior, expansive front windows, and smooth suspension and handling make this motorhome a contender in the entry-level Type A category.
Looking ahead to FMCA’s 95th International Convention in Chandler, Arizona, next March, what’s a great travel spot to explore out West at that time of year?Relying on decades of industry experience, Duncan RV Repair technicians perform specialized and routine service on motorhomes and other recreation vehicles.
Mike looks back at the wonderful places and people he and Jennifer — and their furry new traveling companion, Bo — have visited during 2016.Phoenix rises from the Arizona desert in an unassuming way. Tall buildings are scarce; the highest has 40 floors. But what it lacks in height, it more than makes up for in breadth. Its suburban area is exponentially bigger than its downtown. One of those areas, southeast of Phoenix, is the city of Chandler.
Prevost Show Returning To TampaThe Prevost Motorhome Expo, hosted by Prevost-Stuff.com, is set for January 16-17, 2017, at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Florida. With more than 40 coaches expected, the show, now in its fifth year, is billed as having the largest selection of new and used Prevost conversions.Cale Moon sat sideways in the driver’s seat of his 2004 Monaco Diplomat motorhome, strumming his guitar and singing softly before a paid gig later that night at a dance hall. The 22-year-old country singer was taking advantage of his time in Coburg, Oregon, where repairs were made to the family coach before the next cross-country trip to Nashville, Tennessee.
Antispill CoasterSad but true: Spilled drinks are a major cause of frowny faces. It may happen on a picnic when someone tries to balance a drink on the grass, or at the beach when someone’s drink topples into the sand.Dashboard cameras are growing in popularity. A camera mounted in the windshield area records video as a vehicle travels down the road. Technology has progressed to the point where many dash cams are quite affordable. So, should you get one?
Scotian Roamers members celebrated the chapter’s 20th anniversary with a rally that drew 32 motorhomes to Elm River RV Park in Glenholme, Nova Scotia, from June 9-12, 2016. One could sense this rally was special, starting with the Thursday meet and greet. Everyone was glad to see each other; they enjoyed catching up on the past year and looked forward to sharing the weekend.
In Mobile, Alabama, a home museum and a stadium complex honor baseball great Hank Aaron.
Members of the Happy (OK) Wanderers chapter have been happily wandering for 25 years. It has been a memorable journey. An anniversary rally was held April 21-24, 2016, at Durant/Choctaw Casino KOA in Durant, Oklahoma. Members arrived in 42 motorhomes, and a few couples stayed in motels.
The Dogwood chapter was formed by Steve and Judy Czarsty in June 1996 at a seafood festival in Portsmouth, Virginia. Many festival attendees were FMCA members but not involved with a local chapter, so they established a new one and named it Dogwood.
Photographic MemoryWe always seem to have a problem remembering what we’ve left in the motorhome since we used it last. So, before exiting the coach, we take pictures of everything in the bathroom cabinets, the pantry, and our other closets and drawers.Spare Propane RegulatorDear RV Doctor:I have a Type A motorhome with a bolted-on propane tank that uses a two-stage horizontal regulator. The 10-year-old regulator works fine, but I would like to carry a spare, as you suggest in your video on the FMCA YouTube channel.Electric StepMy 2000 National RV motorhome (bought new) has a Kwikee electric step that needs a new motor assembly. Both National and Kwikee no longer exist. I’ve tried to find a new or used replacement with no luck.The following companies have recalls delineated in this month's Recall Corner: Newmar Corporation, Showhauler Trucks Inc., Thor Motor Coach, Tiffin Motorhomes Inc.More Praise For FMCAssistDear Editor:I want to praise FMCA for furnishing the FMCAssist Medical Emergency and Travel Assistance Program for members. We read the letters in the magazine, but figured we would never need it, right? Wrong. Something can happen to any one of us, and it did happen to my wife, Lee.This year, Jennifer and I have made a concerted effort to stay off the interstates as much as possible. And in doing so, our serendipity style of travel has opened up new sights and experiences that only the back roads offer.The area around Tallahassee, Florida, is often referred to as the “Real Florida.” It’s missing a multitude of condos and parking lots. Instead, large swaths of unspoiled forests and bear-crossing signs are seen, with a few grand old Southern mansions for flair. The crowds in the southern part of the state rarely find their way up here.
The Red River Rovers chapter is a friendly and caring group open to all motorhome owners. In fact, fellow members are considered family. We gathered for the chapter’s 15th anniversary rally June 9-12, 2016, at Durant/Choctaw Casino KOA in Durant, Oklahoma.
Coachmen Galleria Earns Green CertificationCoachmen Galleria motorhomes have earned the Certified Green designation by TRA Certification, an organization that specializes in green building and energy efficiency programs for the RV industry and others.An entrepreneur rents a different type of RV that enables campers to see his beautiful country on their own terms.
What is the recipe for fun, relaxation, and camaraderie within an FMCA chapter? It’s easy to define. Variety is the one key that will keep existing and new members participating rally after rally. Mix it up! Plan new events! Liven up old events! Make sure all members have FUN.
Antiglare FilmRVers love electronic devices but despise glare on the screens. NuShield makes screen protectors that are designed to significantly reduce glare. The films are available in sizes that fit GPS, digital cameras, high-definition TVs, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and more.The 360 Siphon RV holding tank vent cap is designed to create an updraft that forces fumes out of the tanks.
Fifteen motorhomes from the Colorado Columbines chapter arrived on May 11, 2016, at the Holiday RV Park and Campground in North Platte, Nebraska, for the group’s first rally outside the Mountain time zone. What a rally it was!
The GMC Greater Midwest Classics chapter celebrated its 25th anniversary at a rally held July 7-10, 2016, at St. Cloud Campground & RV Park in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
Rusty Step Repair
When rust caused small holes to appear in my electric steps, I decided to repair an otherwise safe and reliable unit.A 50th wedding anniversary is cause for a grand celebration with friends and family. King and Jackie deBord, L16686, reached that milestone in 2002, and they held their golden jubilee during that year’s Northwest Area Rally in Moses Lake, Washington. It showed just how much FMCA meant to the couple.Water Pump Won’t Shut Off
Something is wrong with my three-way water pump system. The pump will not turn off at any of the switches. The green light goes out when I push a switch, but as soon as a sink faucet demands water, the light comes back on and the pump comes on.Memorial Day is also a day for honoring military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice. The holiday this year allowed my wife, Mary, and me to deepen our memories of those who died in service to the United States.The following companies have recalls delineated in this month's Recall Corner: Entegra Coach, Forest River, Kibbi LLC, Newmar, Thor Motor Coach, Tiffin Motorhomes Inc., Winnebago Industries.
Don and Margaret Hoffman, owners of Hoffman Coach, joined FMCA in 1966 and became members of several chapters. But none of them were near the Hoffmans’ northwestern Pennsylvania business and home, so in 1975 Margaret led the way for a new chapter in western Pennsylvania.Low Ground Clearance
I purchased a 2014 Type A motorhome. It was jacked up at the time, and I did not notice the low ground clearance of the 10-foot overhang behind the rear duals. I have talked to the motorhome manufacturer, and they say it is a problem of the chassis manufacturer. I talked to the chassis manufacturer, and they say it is a problem of the motorhome manufacturer. I cannot find anyone who can help.Privacy CurtainMy husband and I like to take in the view when we’re parked at campgrounds, but if the front wraparound curtains of our Winnebago are closed, we may miss a sunrise or sunset. So, I made a curtain that offers privacy with a view.Have A Backup Plan
A letter in the August 2016 issue from Don and Martha Copeland (“FMCA Family Is There to Help,” page 12) prompted me to write this letter. In 2001 when my husband and I purchased our first Type A motorhome, I started reading Family Motor Coaching and other RV publications.DIY Tank ReplacementDear RV Doctor:I bought an old motorhome a couple of years ago. It certainly was not perfect, but for an old one, it was in good condition. Last year I noticed the black-water holding tank developed a leak right at the output of the tank.Hello, My Fellow FMCA Family. What a great time we had at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts, in early August. A total of 1,305 motorhomes were on hand for the “Celebrate Your Freedom” event, FMCA’s 94th International Convention, including the 248 motorhomes that were on display and open for touring. And celebrate we did!
The following companies have recalls delineated in this month's Recall Corner: Daimler Trucks North America, Forest River Inc., Jayco Inc., Thor Motor Coach, Tiffin Motorhomes, Triple E Recreational Vehicles, Winnebago Industries.This touring coach is small enough to maneuver easily, yet roomy enough for RVing.
A sculptor of wood furniture who did not like parallel lines or symmetry — this could be one description of Wharton Esherick. He also made smaller objects from wood, such as board game pieces. Esherick’s artistry extended to the publishing trade, too, in the form of hundreds of woodcut prints used as book and magazine illustrations.
Weighing The OptionsI learned a lot from Mark Quasius’ article about proper chassis alignment (“Chassis Alignment Checkup,” June 2016, page 50) and have one question. All manufacturers recommend weighing coaches loaded, but the only place to get this done seems to be at a rally.Suggest fun spots to explore or activities to enjoy with young RVers aboard.
An airplane hangar nearly the size of four football fields? It’s almost too large to imagine. Yet it’s real, and it’s the new exhibit area at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.
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