September 2016
Charging System
I recently inherited a 1998 41-foot Beaver Patriot motorhome. Even though the motorhome has been plugged in, power from the batteries is not reaching the motorhome circuits. Everything is dead. Local motorhome repair technicians do not seem to know where the problem is.
The August issue of Family Motor Coaching contained an article titled “Understanding Air Brakes,” which explained the components of air brake systems and how they operate. Now we turn our attention to testing and troubleshooting such systems.
The motorhome was parked next to a dumpster, which seemed fitting for the tired old relic of the past. It wasn’t the weathered, rotted awning silhouetted against the dark sky that caught our imagination. It wasn’t the flat tire, or the greasy odor, or the critters that made their home in the wheel wells. It wasn’t the faded, peeling paint or the rusted, dented hubcaps that captivated us.
As Josh Gifford discussed the restoration of Bob and Janet Prince’s 1977 GMC motorhome, he couldn’t help but gush every so often. He described it as “an awesome opportunity,” “a dream job,” and “a ton of fun.”
Have you heard the buzz about the social media platform built by RVers for RVers? FMCA has embraced this rapidly growing site — RVillage.com — and is working closely with the team at RVillage to help FMCA members connect with each other and with other RV owners.
So you've been to all of FMCA’s area rallies and attended a convention or three. Seen every state, every Canadian province, and a few territories for good measure. But wait! How about attending a major motorhome rally away from your “comfort zone” — or better still, away from your continent?
Ah, retirement. One of its great rewards, eagerly anticipated by many, is the freedom to travel. Sounds nice, but Ben and Rebecca Pazdernik, F458300, aren’t waiting around. Instead, they reconfigured their lives so they can travel now, while they’re young and — dare we say it? — restless.
What better location for an island camping experience that promises pristine beauty and solitude amid huge amounts of history, both natural and human? Plus, this place is not far off the beaten path, offering an easy excursion for those traveling through Utah.
I’m excited about the many initiatives we have in place currently to continue to make FMCA the very best it can be. I’m pleased with the growth we have been experiencing this year, and I want to thank all of you who have helped by spreading the word about FMCA to your motorhome friends and to new people you meet in your travels. Members are indeed the best recruitment tool FMCA has.
Check Tires Carefully
Dear Editor:
We recently had our motorhome tires replaced, because of age, not miles. The front tires looked fine until they were removed. The insides of the tires had very little tread on them because we needed a front alignment. I am so glad we replaced the tires and had the alignment done. Now we can travel and know we have done everything to make our travels safe.
The newest addition to the Entegra line of diesel-powered motorhomes is considered the company’s entry-level model but comes packed with high-end features that say otherwise.
The following companies have recalls delineated in this month's Recall Corner: Forest River Inc., Newmar Corporation, REV Recreation Group, Spartan Motors USA.
Slideout Roof Sealants
Dear RV Doctor:
We are new at this and are trying to do the best for our new motorhome. What type of sealing products would you use on the roof of a slideout?
Ironing Board Solution
Our portable ironing board was too small, so we found a slightly larger folding ironing board at a discount retail store. It was too long to be used on our cabinet’s pull-out cutting board.
It’s a cool, sun-filled morning in June at the Elkhart County 4H Fairgrounds in Goshen, Indiana, as we sit and chat with Jane Roush, president of Great Lakes Area Motorcoach Association (GLAMA). We are at GLAMARAMA 2016, the area’s annual rally.
The rain outside couldn't dampen the enthusiasm inside the clubhouse at the Wild Frontier RV Park in Ocala, Florida, on April 15, 2016. The Tailgators chapter was celebrating its 20-year anniversary.
Travel Games
Once you get rolling, it’s hard to stop playing some games. And speaking of rolling, Sondergut produces a chess/checkers game and a backgammon game on lightweight travel boards that can be rolled up (to a size of 10 inches by 2 inches by 2 inches) and taken anywhere.
Thor Industries Acquires Jayco
Thor Industries, the world’s largest manufacturer of RVs, acquired Jayco Corporation for approximately $576 million in cash on June 30, 2016. Jayco is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Thor, which is based in Elkhart, Indiana.
Salads are the essential make-ahead meals for motorhome travel. A salad can be a main dish, a side dish, or a dessert. Most salads can stretch to feed a crowd just by adding more of this and that.Toss up and dish out meals that will delight a variety of palates.
As a kid, I dreaded September. It was “back to school” time. Now, as an empty-nest RVer, I am still a bit sorry to see September come, but for another reason: it means fewer families in our parks and campgrounds.