What do you do when the exterior of your coach just doesn’t have that “wow” appeal any longer? One option is to trade the motorhome in and get a new one with a sparkling finish. But if you can’t stand the thought of parting with your coach, you can have it repainted by a company that specializes in making older coaches look like new.
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As an old TV commercial used to say, “You ride on a cushion of air.†While it’s true that your tires are filled with air, your motorhome also moves along on rubber (or at least a synthetic compound that goes by the same name), steel, neoprene, grease . .
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When you want to save water and gray water storage but also need to have a shower, here’s a way to do both. First, find a nonbreakable bowl or cut off the top of a jug, leaving the handle intact.
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OveRx Cocoon sunglassesAccording to product literature, OveRx Cocoon sunglasses from Live Eyewear are designed to be worn over prescription eyewear or as conventional sunglasses, protecting the eyes from harsh outdoor elements while maintaining optical clarity and quality.
Cocoons feature polarized front and side lenses that are said to block out 100 percent of damaging ultraviolet A and B light and to meet ANSI Z80.3 eyewear standards for impact resistance. The lightweight, full-wrap frames reportedly are made of unbreakable nylon and feature Flex2Fit adjustable temples for an exact fit.
The sunglasses, which come with a neoprene carrying case and a cleaning cloth, are available in six sizes and four lens colors and have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $44.95. -
Georgie Boy Manufacturing, based in Middlebury, Indiana, has brought back its popular type A Cruise Master model for 2008. And the company is building it on a Workhorse UFO chassis, which is powered by GM’s Vortec 8.1-liter V-8 rear gasoline engine and boasts a 26,000-pound gross vehicle weight rating.
“The Cruise Master name has a lot of history as a touring coach, and we thought a motorhome built on the UFO chassis was perfect for rekindling this great brand,” said Mike Scheetz, vice president of motorized product for Coachmen RV Group. -
“Man, that’s the quietest diesel I’ve ever heard!†exclaimed the fuel station attendant as I pulled up to the pump. Since we were in Oregon for FMCA’s 78th International Convention (state law does not allow self-service in gas stations), I already had my window open to hand over my credit card.
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Four reasons underscore why the 2009 Coachmen Avant-Garde Type A gasoline-powered motorhome makes good sense. First, even in these challenging economic times, the base manufacturer’s suggested retail price of the Avant-Garde is $102,900, a competitive figure in the Type A motorhome market. Second …
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Outdoor outfitters Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops operate destination stores that extend the welcome mat to traveling RVers, offering ample parking at many of their locations.
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The Gulf of St. Lawrence surrounds this dramatic point of land, which abounds with breathtaking nature scenes and historical attractions.
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If your motorhome is not equipped with an on-board air system, consider a portable air compressor to help complete a variety of maintenance tasks around the coach.
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As FMCA members, we take pride in being an extended family and having concern for each other. When a member is in need, there are always others ready to step forward and render assistance. On February 11, FMCA members demonstrated just how far we are willing to go to help.
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We occasionally receive inquiries from members who say they are interested in attending an FMCA international convention but are hesitant because they are not familiar with the types of activities that will take place at the event and the services offered.
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Fan Mail For Tim Ruddy
Dear Editor:
I always enjoy reading Tim Ruddy’s articles, as I experience so many “been there, done that” moments. One request of Tim if possible … -
Cooling It With A Colorado
I just purchased a 2008 Colorado 4X4 and I am going to tow it behind my RV. I want to know whether I need to do anything other than put the transfer case in “neutral”? Does the steering wheel lock when the key is removed?
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Thin Wall Mounting Dilemma
Dear RV Doctor:
The license plate and license light bracket are ready to fall off the rear cap of our motorhome. The screws have become loose. What’s the best way to reattach these items to a thin wall (approximately 1/8-inch thick) with foam insulation behind it? -
Drain Plug Handle
Since my husband is not always available to drain the black and gray water tanks, I have had to take on this job. The tanks have disk-type drain plugs that are almost flat when screwed in properly. The only problem is that they are hard to get started and tend to cross thread when …
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“Welcome Coastal Tarheels!†greeted Sonny Hooks as he and his team scooted around on their golf carts assisting fellow chapter members with parking. It was a special occasion …
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Baseplate pins cover
The Nixtopper Hardware Cover from Adjust-A-Brush is designed to fit over the protruding baseplate tabs or brackets on a towed vehicle to hide the hardware and prevent injuries.
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Damon receives Department of Defense award
Damon Motor Coach, a subsidiary of Thor Industries, has received the Above and Beyond Award from the United States Department of Defense. This award is presented to employers that demonstrate exceptional support for national defense …
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Salt is one of the most abundant compounds on earth, and it also is one of the most common ingredients in prepared foods. This month we explore the many uses for salt aside from using it as a seasoning in food.
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Warren Leith, F403214, never had occasion to parallel park his motorhome — or drive it in a college town on streets lined with low-hanging tree branches — until he tested for his Texas noncommercial Class B drivers license this past November.
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Fleetwood Enterprises Inc. has announced NHTSA recall 09V056000, which affects some 2007 and 2008 model-year Bounder Diesel, Discovery, Excursion, Expedition, and Providence motorhomes built between June 2006 and March 2008.
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Many good things can be said about full-time motorhome living in Mexico and other Latin countries. There’s the low cost of living, great weather, and friendly people. There are also minuses about living in any country other than your own, but by retiring to Latin living in your motorhome …
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It’s so convenient to shop at an FMCA convention. You don’t have to drive for miles and miles to the next RV dealership or motorhome products store. If you don’t see what you’re looking for in one aisle, you probably can walk around the corner and find it in the next.
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This past December I took delivery of a 2009 Phoenix Cruiser 2551 for a test outing. Simply put, I found this coach replete with innovation, livability, functionality, and observable quality. I also was pleasantly surprised to discover that …
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My father was a member of the United States Navy when I was young, so I spent a lot of time moving from station to station with my parents. Since my mother was somewhat directionally challenged at the time, I was forced to learn how to read a map
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There are 28 cities in the United States named Albany, but after immersing yourself in the confines of Albany, Georgia, you’ll likely be willing to testify that it cannot be topped.
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Geocaching is the modern equivalent of the treasure hunt game many of us played as children, with the addition of global positioning system (GPS) technology. It’s so new that until May 2000, the sport never existed.
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With a high-speed Internet connection, you can travel wherever you want and still be in communication via e-mail, photos, and even videos.
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This past January I boarded an airplane in Corpus Christi, Texas, and left the balmy 78-degree temperatures for Bowling Green, Ohio, where I met Jerry Yeatts, director of FMCA’s Convention Department. We were conducting the final planning visit …
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Wobbly Antenna
Dear RV Doctor:
I have a Winegard crank-up “batwing†TV antenna, and when it’s in the up position, it rocks back and forth when the wind blows. Someone told me there’s a tool to adjust the antenna. Do you know what kind of tool this might be and what I have to do to adjust the antenna? -
Cushion Anchors
Most motorhome couch cushions have to be readjusted every time you sit or lie on them. This is especially true with a sofa bed. But I found a solution to this sliding problem: hook-and-loop fastening material, such as Velcro.
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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 …
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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.