Even if you usually avoid museums, you'll enjoy the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix, Arizona. And music lovers will want to stay there for hours.
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Archives
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The month of December not only brings the end of the magnificent color displays put on by the foliage throughout most of the continent but also brings a time of reflection about our past.
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Our motorhomes include a number of items that are important, and when we need them, we really need them. The auxiliary generator ranks at the top of that list, for several reasons.
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Carbon monoxide (CO) is a stealthy killer. You can’t see, smell, or taste this poisonous gas. As an RVer, it’s vital that you are able to detect its presence and prevent it from infiltrating your motorhome, because it doesn’t take long to succumb to its deadly effects.
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Jayco’s Seneca was a popular motorhome for 6 years until General Motors stopped producing the Kodiak chassis and the 8.1-liter Vortec gasoline engine in 2010, effectively ending Seneca production for the 2011 model year. During that hiatus, Jayco redesigned the motorhome and debuted the 2012 Seneca, built on the Freightliner M2 Business Class chassis.
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Just as FMCA is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2013, Kampgrounds of America (KOA) has been commemorating that golden number in 2012. The largest campground network in the world began in 1962 on a plot of ground near the Yellowstone River in Billings, Montana.
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When winter storms blast many parts of North America, it's just another sunny day in the Coachella Valley of Southern California.
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This small Hill Country town attracts visitors with live music and a laid-back atmosphere.
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FMCA’s 87th Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase in Indianapolis, Indiana, offered attendees the perfect mix of things to see and do, while allowing ample opportunities for fun and fellowship with friends.
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Branson, Missouri, brings music to mind. And no wonder! The "Live Music Show Capital of the World" boasts more than 30 state-of-the-art theaters offering more than 100 shows brimming with country, gospel, pop, and rock music.
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A new RV manufacturing trend seems to be motorhomes that fit in the 33-foot to 34-foot length range with a sticker price below $200,000. Thor Motor Coach brings the Palazzo right into this market niche. It appears that the company’s designers have done their homework, with another excellent addition to their diesel lineup.
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A motorhome chassis contains hundreds of moving pieces. The engine, transmission, axles, and other parts that help to propel these large vehicles down the road all require lubrication to keep everything in working order. Each component has its own unique job to perform, and the lubrication required to facilitate its operation varies greatly.
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If you use your motorhome to travel to sporting events, where do you go and what activities do you enjoy once you get there?
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In 1513 Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon discovered Florida while searching for the legendary Fountain of Youth. In 2013 the state will observe its rich Spanish heritage and cultural diversity during a celebration titled Viva Florida 500.
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I have to admit, I had my doubts about a life of RVing in a Type B motorhome.I was sure it would be fine for weekend getaways, but as the Open Mike tour and my Roadtreking.com blog took off and it became apparent that we were going to be traveling a lot more than I first planned, we secretly wondered whether the 22-foot Roadtrek RS-Adventurous we bought would be big enough.
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Winnebago Industries Resurrects Minnie Winnie
Winnebago Industries Inc., based in Forest City, Iowa, has reintroduced the iconic Winnebago Minnie Winnie name with the launch of a new value-priced Type C product line that has a targeted manufacturer’s suggested retail price starting at approximately $60,000.
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Hand Lotion
Participating in outdoor activities during the cold winter months can be harsh on your hands. Skin Therapy Cream from Outdoor Hands LLC is said to prevent and provide relief for dry, cracked skin.
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Each year, Achievers International, an FMCA chapter that was established in 1986 for motorhomers with physical disabilities, designates a charitable organization to help. Typically, the chosen charity is based in the host city for FMCA’s Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase event.
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We are the proud owners of a classic GMC motorhome. These RVs were built between 1973 and 1978 by General Motors Corporation. On Memorial Day weekend earlier this year, we had hundreds of people touring our motorhome at a car show.
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Imagine, 45 years ago, inviting every “house car” or motorhome owner you could locate in the Denver, Colorado, area to your home for a get-together to share the passion for camping in a house on wheels. Howard and Jerre Ferrin of Golden, Colorado, did just that, creating a spark on July 23, 1966 . . .
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Virginia “Ginny” Smith, L71987, wife of Dan Smith, national vice president, Rocky Mountain Area, from 1989-1992, died on July 27, 2012, in Mesa, Arizona. She was 91.
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Patch, Repair, Or Replace?
Dear RV Doctor:
We own a 1999 National RV Tropi-Cal motorhome. The gray water tank leaks when it reaches about two-thirds full. The tank was installed on the chassis over the gas tank. The floor and bathtub were then installed over the water tank. Because of this installation, there is no way to get to the gray water tank to repair it.
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The following companies have recalls detailed in this month's Recall Corner: Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) and Fleetwood RV Inc.
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More Maceration
This letter is in reference to the “Macerator Mulling” letter in the June 2012 "Tech Talk" column (page 18). In the seven years of using the macerator in our motorhome, we have experienced much of what was discussed in the letter.
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Happy Place For A Rally
Dear Editor:
We held our American Coach chapter rally prior to the FMCA convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, at the Little Farm on the River RV Park located near Rising Sun, Indiana. -
I love the fall. With the leaves turning and a chill in the air, it is time to cheer on our favorite college and professional football teams. I was hoarse for two days following a recent professional football game, the result of cheering the team on to victory. I’m absolutely positive it was all the yelling I did that afternoon that pushed them to the win.
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The breeze is just right on this late afternoon in mid-September, so I can make out the distant sound of bells coming from the little white church that’s nestled up against the mountain at the end of the valley. It’s times like this when I realize why I like the motorhome lifestyle so much.
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A host of services are provided by FMCA’s travel assistance and medical evacuation program — including some enhanced offerings. FMCA members need to sign up for the Voluntary Member Participation plan administered by Seven Corners and pay the associated premium in order to have covered expenses paid for by the plan.
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Hydronic heating systems are a highly desired feature in diesel-powered Type A motorhomes. If your coach has hydronic heating, odds are that it is equipped with an Aqua-Hot heating system.
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A portable grill can add a tasty touch of home wherever you go in your motorhome. Today’s RV-friendly grills come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The transportable grills we tested are fueled by a diversity of sources: charcoal, propane, electricity, and wood pellets.
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Taking care of your diesel engine’s turbocharger is fairly easy, provided that you follow a few simple steps. The first part involves starting the engine and allowing it to warm up to the proper operating temperature.
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By routinely inspecting the fuel filters and replacing them when necessary, you can stave off engine performance problems.
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Become a more courteous, responsible motorhome operator by incorporating these tips and suggestions into your driving repertoire.
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The "kings" of blues, rock 'n' roll, and civil rights join other attractions in this Tennessee town.
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Dramatic views and exciting terrain await bicyclists who travel the Hiawatha Rail-Trail, a downhill, family-friendly mountain bike route on former train tracks in northern Idaho.
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Two questions top the list of queries that I receive from FMCA members. Everyone wonders how much it costs to live full-time in a motorhome, and where to establish a home base.
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Mike and Jennifer Wendland’s top 10 rules for surviving and thriving while sharing small spaces.
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Thor Motor Coach Offers Open Concept, Island Kitchen Model
Thor Motor Coach has added the 37GT — featuring an innovative kitchen design — to its Challenger line of premium gas-powered Type A motorhomes. The 2013 Challenger 37GT model offers … -
Floor Mopz
According to product literature, the Super Floor Mop from Shurhold Industries won’t drip, leave streaks, or turn moldy, making it ideal for worry-free RV cleaning. -
Early in the morning of April 22, 2012, a meteorite estimated to be the size of a minivan streaked through Earth’s atmosphere. The sonic boom and huge fireball that it created attracted plenty of attention over large parts of Nevada and California.
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Members of the Colorado Columbines celebrated their 20th anniversary as an FMCA chapter July 12-15, 2012, at the Elk Meadows Lodge & RV Resort in Estes Park, Colorado. During this gathering, FMCA national senior vice president Allen Rein and his wife, Glenda, presented chapter officers with a certificate of recognition.
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Temporary Shoe Storage
We like to take our shoes off when we enter the motorhome to protect the carpet and flooring, and to make cleaning the interior easier. However, there was never a good place to put them, especially when we had guests, and we were constantly tripping over them. -
Whistling In Dixie
Dear RV Doctor:
We turn on the water heater only when we need hot water. However, when we do, within a couple of minutes we can hear a whining sound, which seems to come from the propane tank area. -
The following companies have recalls detailed in this month's Recall Corner: Prevost Car Inc., Roadtrek Motorhomes Inc., and Winnebago Industries Inc.
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Coach Batteries
Several years ago, I bought a 2000 Monaco Diplomat. At that time, the house batteries (four 6-volt) were five months old. I recently replaced them and must have received some bad information somewhere along the line.
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Racing Reaction
Dear Editor:
I saw the article “A Fleetwood Photo Finish” in the Family & Friends section of the July issue (page 30), which described a drag race between two motorhomes. What a hoot! -
Overall, Family Motor Coach Association remains financially healthy despite a prolonged recessionary period and a decline in membership. As of this writing, FMCA has investments totaling more than $7.6 million.
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Looking at the calendar recently, my wife, Jean, mentioned that we have been members of Family Motor Coach Association for almost 22 years. Wow, 22 years! Not as long as some other members of our association but, still, a long time.
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Following are abbreviated resumes for the five FMCA national vice presidents who were recently elected or re-elected. (Committee assignments for 2012-13 were not available at press time.)