Harold “Ken†Wilson, L13812, who served as FMCA’s Eastern Area vice president during the early 1990s and also authored numerous articles for Family Motor Coaching magazine, passed away on December 27, 2008 …
Archives
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Laptop computer shelter
The Planet Business from LapDome Inc. is a padded laptop carrying case that pops open to shade and protect your computer. The product offers protection from the elements, but most of all it provides computer visibility when working outdoors.
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New book focuses on full-timing
Motorhomers who are considering full-timing can gain a better understanding of the lifestyle and all that it entails in Fulltiming For New & Used RVers ($24.95, RonJon Publishing Inc.) by Ronald Jones.
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As we’ve traversed the United States through many years, we’ve found that some of the most memorable places are often the smallest. It’s the same way with churches. Somehow the tiny churches we have visited stick in our memory.
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What is this thing called spring? Can we really pin its beginning to a particular date? Or does the date depend on specific plants — when they bloom, or when a particular locality turns from white to green?
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DTV Converter Question
We hope you can clarify the DTV converter box issue with our motorhome. Do we need to purchase a converter box for our motorhome TV, or will the place we camp at have the right digital connection for us? Please clarify this dilemma.
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Coachmen RV Company has announced NHTSA recall 08V639000, which includes the following Type A and Type C motorhomes: 2002 through 2006 Coachmen Santara Type C and 2004 through 2005 Santara Type A …
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If you’ve visited FMCA.com lately, you’ve no doubt noticed that the Web site has been completely revamped. The new site was launched on January 28, 2009. I have asked our Web editor to share some details about the new FMCA.com.
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“Queen Of The Road” Web Site
Dear Editor:
Thanks so much for the lovely mention of my memoir, Queen of the Road (“RV News & Notes,” December 2008, page 118). Readers might want to know that my Web site, www.QueenoftheRoadtheBook.com, has pictures of our bus conversion and our … -
What is your motorhome’s best feature (looks, livability, a special component, etc.)?
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Just when you thought you had life figured out, it seems that somewhere along the line the rules changed. Things we once believed to be true have been proven wrong or have been replaced with newer, better truths. As free-roaming citizens of the world, full-timers have their own set of needs and concerns.
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The 2009 Anthem by Entegra Coach is a real eye-catcher. We recently had the opportunity to test a new 42-foot-10-inch diesel pusher in this model line.
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I happened upon this story quite by accident while spending time at a four-wheel-drive shop called Moab 4×4 Outpost, located on the south end of Moab, Utah, not long ago. As I watched the shop technicians install equipment on Jeeps, I listened to them talk fondly about a group of four-wheel enthusiasts they had nicknamed “The Old Man Mafia.”
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Thousands of motorhomers will descend on the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter in Perry, March 16 through 19, 2009, for FMCA’s 81st International Convention. More than 100 different classes will be taught, including 30 new sessions, covering a wide scope of technical and educational subjects, along with 13 different crafts classes.
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Most everyone’s heard of Jekyll Island, a barrier island along the coast of southern Georgia. It’s situated near Brunswick, and especially hard to miss if you’re a snowbird who migrates north and south along Interstate 95 twice a year.
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Do you want to know what tomorrow’s weather will bring? You could rely on newspaper forecasts, but they are often outdated by the time you read them.
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Many RVers plan their travels to coincide with fun events such as festivals, or to pursue their hobbies at pet shows, antiques displays, car rallies, and more. In Oregon, my home state, just about every weekend of the year is booked.
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When I was growing up, buttons from discarded clothes were removed and put in a large coffee can, ready to be sewn onto the next handmade garment. I used to love going through that button can. I would sort them by size, color, or favorites. Sometimes we used them in games of tic-tac-toe, tiddlywinks, or checkers.
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I have been asked some questions recently about the FMCA Commercial Council and the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) and have noted that some confusion seems to exist. So, I thought I would dedicate this month’s article to discussing FMCA’s commercial members and our relationship with RVIA.
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This month, I’m sharing a list of questions we often receive at the FMCA national office and providing answers to them in the hope that other members will benefit from the information.
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Fresh water chlorination
Dear RV Doctor:
The water in our RV had a bad odor — a musty smell — so we added some household bleach to the tank and let it sit awhile. Now we cannot get the bleach taste out. What do you suggest we do? -
Although there are always interesting places to explore, in February we’re focused more on planning than actual travel. Between short trips to our favorite winter places, we spend this time of year making sure the motorhome will always be ready when the weather turns warm. Here’s how we do it.
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It’s a juggling act to keep meals pretty and nutritious, yet simple and easy to clean up. At the same time, many RV chefs also are conserving their dollars, water, and propane. The following recipes are easy on the taste buds, the cook, and the budget.
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Remembering Jim Hodge
Dear Editor:
In the November 2008 issue of FMC was a lovely article about one of FMCA’s founders, Jim Hodge (“Jim Hodge Was Proud Of His FMCA Roots,” page 32). -
Frozen freezer
Our freezer section built up with frost and ice to an amazing degree. I had to defrost it every week (the refrigerator section is fine). It is level enough so that water seems to drain. The ice and frost collect in the upper part of the freezer. -
Double Dog Bowl
We have two big, thirsty dogs, so to keep their water from spilling while we are on the road I created this bowl-in-a-bowl system.
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The 25th Rocky Mountain Ramble — “Black Tie & Blue Jeans†— took place October 15 through 18, 2008, and was a rousing success. This year for the first time, all of the chapters within FMCA’s Rocky Mountain Area were invited to hold pre-rallies at the fairgrounds.
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Folding table
The Magic Table from B&R Plastics Inc. is a portable, plastic version of the popular wooden Amazing Magic Table and, like the original, has many uses inside the motorhome.
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New state park near Brownsville, Texas
Resaca de la Palma State Park recently opened to become Texas’ newest state park and the eighth link in the World Birding Center chain stretching the breadth of the Rio Grande Valley.Â
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Certain plants are so closely associated with particular locations that they take on a symbolic nature. When you mention the desert, particularly in the Southwest, nearly everyone thinks of the saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea).
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Describe a favorite snack or meal you enjoy on each motorhome trip.
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One great thing about full-timing is that you’re free to choose the home state that works best for your situation. There are no easy answers, so each full-timer has to do some research in order to find the right address to call home.
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Since 1988, Bob Helvie, founder and owner of Startracks Custom Lifts in Elkhart, Indiana, has built devices designed to make life easier for the physically challenged. The work, he said, “began humbly, a seat-of-the-pants production, when I designed a travel trailer with a lift.â€
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The annual compilation of cars, trucks, and SUVs that have been approved by their manufacturers for flat towing behind a motorhome without major modifications. (Requires member or subscriber login.)
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For many RVers wintering in Texas, one of the finest gems they will find in the state is Brazos Bend State Park. This wildlife preserve also is one of only a handful of state parks in the United States that has a research-quality astronomical observatory that's open to the general public.
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Those attending FMCA’s 81st International Convention, March 16 through 19, 2009, at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter in Perry, Georgia, will have plenty of opportunities for fun and entertainment throughout the days and into the nights.
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I love maps … all kinds of maps. I enjoy old charts, United States Geological Survey topographic contour maps, road maps, even GPS screens. Being a Navy brat during and immediately following World War II, I traveled a lot, mainly with my mom when we were meeting my father at his new stations, but also with both parents.
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Five times since 1996, FMCA members have set sail for Perry, Georgia, and the huge, state-of-the art fairgrounds there. The Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter is a terrific venue for hosting the thousands of motorhomes, vendors, and FMCA members who come for the convention.
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Happy New Year and welcome to 2009. Although much of the recent news has been negative and discouraging, there is always some good news. The United States is a strong and resilient country that will look inward to find the strength and faith to pull us together as a nation …
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Once again, the New Year brings a new Directory/Member Benefits Guide within the pages of Family Motor Coaching magazine. You’re holding the latest version of the issue that I believe we should carry with us in our motorhomes all year. Before I describe why, I want to address a category of FMCA membership that might not be familiar to some.
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Lost electricityÂ
I have an electrical problem in my 2000 Monaco La Palma. I have lost the 120-volt-AC power to the kitchen and forward part of the vehicle, the wall circuits, the TV and VCR, the refrigerator, etc. The air conditioner works great …
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Fleetwood Enterprises Inc. has announced two NHTSA recalls. The first is recall 08V503000, which affects certain 2008 and 2009 Jamboree GT and Tioga SL motorhomes manufactured from February 29, 2008 …
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No output — battery
Dear RV Doctor:
Every time I tow my 2003 GMC Sonoma 4×4 pickup for more than four hours without stopping to start the truck for a while, my battery becomes completely dead or has just enough power to barely turn over the engine. -
Hitch pin tightener
While towing, have you ever been annoyed by a clunk when accelerating or braking, only to find that the problem is being caused by a loose-fitting hitch pin? To tighten the connection …
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On June 10, 2008, an armada of motorhomes filled with land-lubbin’ pirates braved tempestuous foul weather to seize control of the Sunnyview Exposition Center in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. These scallywags established headquarters there and began to set up for the …
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Travel bag
The Nautica Clamshell Duffel from Luggageguy.com might just be the perfect travel bag for motorhomers and others with limited storage space.
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Marathon offers triple- and quad-slideout Prevost conversionsÂ
Marathon Coach is offering triple-slideout and quad-slideout converted coaches built using the Prevost XLII shell. The new triple-slideout XLII includes a second front slideout that adds approximately 35 percent more salon space for entertaining or everyday living.
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Here are 13 ways to keep from catching a cold or flu, or to avoid passing them on, whether at home or on the road.