A national recreation area at the Kentucky-Tennessee border surrounds visitors with nature’s wonders as well as local history.
2017
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These RVers share insider knowledge while enjoying social activities.
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My wife, Lisa, and I retired and moved to the piney woods in east Texas. We had the time and desire to explore our interesting country, and what better way than from the windows of a motorhome.
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Some dedicated FMCA members were recognized at the association’s 2017 conventions in Chandler, Arizona, and Indianapolis, Indiana.
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WesTex chapter members experienced a bit more excitement than we expected this past spring. We were at the Mill Creek Ranch Resort in Canton, Texas, for a rally during the first week of May, with 17 coaches attending. Many of us were there early, having arrived the last week of April.
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Frank recalls his lifelong love of camping and RVing.
As a child, I camped with my folks during our annual two-week summer vacation. We used a six-man, World War II surplus tent. I later did a lot of camping on the way to my Eagle Scout badge. I even used World War II pup tents when I was in the Army in the 1950s…
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Check out the lastest Tech and Travel Tips for October 2017!
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The following companies have recalls delineated in this month’s Recall Corner: Daimler Vans USA, Daimler Trucks North America, Entegra Coach, Ford Motor Company, Newmar Corporation, REV Recreation Group.
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Ten years ago when I purchased my first coach, a friend told me that surge protection was a very important part of the RV lifestyle. Somewhat reluctant to spend the money, I purchased a surge protector for my 30-amp Type C coach. In the two years I had it, I never experienced a problem. Then I bought a Type A coach and started reading more and more about the pedestal problem with fluctuating power surges; this is especially true in some older campgrounds.
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It’s looking like October will be a very busy month in the Smith household. By the time this magazine reaches you, we either will be searching for our forever home or settling into it. We have an exciting reason for this new home search: my wife, Jill, and I are expecting the third, and likely last, addition to our family. Our new son is due to arrive on or around December 6…
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What a whirlwind beginning to serving as president of FMCA! Since the swearing-in ceremony in Indianapolis in mid-July, my wife, Sondra, and I have been on the road almost nonstop. We drove to Syracuse, New York, to attend the Northeast Area Rally, and then on to Amana, Iowa, to attend the Midwest Area Rally. We would like to thank all of the area officers and other members who welcomed us with open arms. We had a great time and met many new friends….
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Fred and Suzi Dow stay busy updating their guide to campgrounds in U.S. national forests and grasslands.
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Take a tour of the first Type C motorhome produced by this highly regarded manufacturer of Type A coaches.
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A look at the enthusiastic fans who follow Green Bay, Wisconsin’s NFL team from preseason to postseason.
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The clock ticks differently for these motorhomers, who have learned to make a life, not just a living.
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Various products can provide the extra braking power needed by a motorhome and towed vehicle combination.
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Describe a nickname you’ve given your motorhome.
Last month we addressed the topic of pet names for one’s home on wheels. Here are several additional responses from readers:
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Need a crowd-pleasing potluck recipe? We’ve got you covered. Fall is potluck season, a time when we step out of our motorhomes to gather in the great outdoors for bonhomie, buffet, and barbecue. Travel rewards us with opportunities to sample regional cookout cuisine. A salmon bake in the Northwest. A big kettle of Brunswick stew in the Southeast. A clambake in New England. Do you have a hometown specialty everyone asks you to bring?
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Dometic Produces Record Number Of Refrigerators
In June 2017, Dometic’s Industrial Parkway facility in Elkhart, Indiana, made 18,069 refrigerators for use in RVs and other mobile applications, setting a new production record. It marked the second time in 2017 that Dometic broke the record for number of units produced in a month. The previous record, set in March 2017, was 17,481 units. Before that, the record was 16,544 refrigerators produced in March 2016.
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Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Carbon monoxide earned its nickname as “the silent killer” because it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. RVers can protect themselves with a carbon monoxide alarm, such as Dometic’s Carbon Monoxide – Digital Alarm. It sounds a warning when the device’s electrochemical sensor detects the gas.
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This group of friends carries on a 40-year tradition of camaraderie.
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King deBord, L16686, was a familiar face at many FMCA international conventions. As a volunteer with the parking layout crew that guided motorhomes into their spots, he always arrived early to make preparations. And he was one of the last to leave, because he worked the entire convention.
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Genny Jennings, L26, was presented the Kenneth T. Scott Pipe Dreamer's Award by Charlie Adcock, immediate past national president, and Jon Walker, newly elected national president, on July 18 in Owosso, Michigan, following FMCA’s 96th International Convention. This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptionally worthy and beneficial service to the association and to motorhome owners. Ken Scott, L63, was FMCA's first executive director and dedicated years to nurturing the association.
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FMCA national president Jon Walker and his grandson, Jack Graham, along with FMCA national secretary Gaye Young, met author Al Hesselbart during the introduction of his new book, RV Capital Of The World: A Fun-Filled Indiana History. The event took place at the RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum in Elkhart, Indiana, this past June.
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My husband, Gary, and I both started camping when we were young. I remember waking up on a deflated air mattress with water around me. My mother, sisters, and I gathered our soggy belongings and scrambled into our uncle’s house for the night. I grew a dislike for tenting after this. Gary spent time tent camping with his father during hunting season.
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Dear RV Doctor:
We need to know if our expectations are unrealistic about our fresh-water pump. We recently replaced the SHURflo 5900 pump in our motorhome with a SHURflo 4048 High Flow Pump, because the 5900 is no longer offered. But the 4048 causes the 12-volt lights to flicker. The performance of the pump itself is far inferior — but that’s not electrical; that’s a SHURflo issue. That said, what might be causing the flicker?
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The following companies have recalls delineated in this month’s Recall Corner: Entegra Coach, Forest River Inc., Newmar Corporation, Pleasure Way Industries Ltd, Thor Motor Coach, Triple E Recreational Vehicles
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Faded Decal Removal
I have a 2003 Type C motorhome with Dutchmen logo decals that are faded and cracked. What is the best way to remove them?
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Update On Towing Chevy Equinox/GMC Terrain
The June 2017 “Tech Talk” column included a letter from Ralph Marino (“Equinox Towing,” page 18), who said his 2016 Chevrolet Equinox sometimes wobbles when it is flat towed behind his motorhome. In an editor’s note, we asked other Equinox owners to contact FMC associate editor John Johnston if they have had the same problem.
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You might have already figured out that I am a big sports fan. I shared in the March issue that the NCAA men’s basketball tournament is my favorite sporting event. My favorite season is football season, and my favorite team is the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. As the weather turns a bit cooler, in my mind there is nothing better than relaxing in front of the TV on a Sunday afternoon with friends and family while cheering on the Bengals.
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I am pleased to offer my greetings for the first time as your new FMCA national president. You do not know how much I appreciate your confidence in me to head up this great organization. I pledge to you that I will work 24/7 on your behalf.
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Helicopter pilot Derrick Rodriguez and his wife, Elizabeth, recently joined the ranks of RVers.
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The Delaware River carved through mountains at the Pennsylvania-New Jersey border, creating a spot now preserved for all to enjoy.
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Consider these factors when deciding whether a plan is right for you.
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Built on the Freightliner S2RV chassis, this new Super C motorhome is the latest in a line of coaches that exude power and luxury.
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In mid-July, Indianapolis, Indiana, became the hub of FMCA fun and fellowship during the association’s 96th International Convention and RV Expo.
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Action Needed: Ballot to decide whether to open FMCA membership to owners of other types of recreation vehicles. CLICK HERE
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Hello, My Fellow FMCA Family. Well, we are finally down to my farewell column. This may be a little short. I know it will be hard to write.
These have been the most rewarding four years of my life. Gloria and I have met so many wonderful people. We have traveled across the U.S.A. and attended many area rallies and chapter rallies, as well as the international conventions, of course. I know withdrawal pains will set in by July 2017. I will be totally lost for a while, but I’m sure I will figure it out.
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The July issue of Family Motor Coaching magazine included an announcement regarding a wireless internet plan that FMCA had intended to make available to all members. Unfortunately, Verizon officials have informed FMCA that this plan cannot be made available to members after all.
FMCA did its due diligence in working with Verizon regarding details for this offering, with several months of communication, including approval from Verizon officials of the July 2017 article and ad. We had every reason to believe that Verizon understood what FMCA’s plans were in launching this program.
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In the November “Tech Talk” (page 18), Tim Scowden said his alignment had been adjusted six times but his tires were still wearing out at an unacceptable rate. I have found that many alignment and RV shops do not know what they are doing when it comes to alignment. At one shop, the person I spoke with didn’t even know what caster is.
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The following companies have recalls delineated in this month’s Recall Corner: Daimler Vans USA, Prevost Cars Inc., Thor Motor Coach, …
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