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Just because full-timers live a different lifestyle doesn’t mean they don’t have the same interests, responsibilities, and challenges that recreational motorhomers do. Here are a few pointers and warnings to help make life on the go more manageable.
Work as you go
If you’re a seasoned worker in search of a conventional, long-term job rather than the type of position found through KOA Work Kamper or Workamper programs, try job hunting at www.job-hunt.org or www.seniorjobbank.org.

We hadn’t realized until recently that the Amish are no longer clustered only in the Eastern United States. They now live in half of the country, as well as eastern Canada.

In 1972 the Sportscoach Owners International (S.O.I.) chapter was formed to bring together owners of motorhomes made by Sportscoach Corporation of America. It was the beginning of an incredible journey for motorhome owners at that time.
Back then, a Time magazine ad for Sportscoach stated, “It costs you $25,000 to join this exclusive club, and for that we will throw in a Sportscoach for you.” That caught my attention.

Dear RV Doctor:
I have a water heater that seems to be leaking although I cannot actually see it leaking. But I have a towel placed close by the heater and it does get wet.

Q: My motorhome has a 1997 Chevy 7400 Vortec V-8 engine with a Banks lifetime air filter. Can you explain how to connect the air-conditioner fan to a switch so I can turn it on and off when I want to (only the fan, that is)? The reason I’d like to do this is when I go up hills in the summer months with the dash air on, the engine starts to heat up, the engine loses horsepower, and the fan clutch makes a lot of noise.

Dear Editor:
Just a heads up that in Houston, Interstate 10, from the intersection of Interstate 610 westward for approximately 30 miles, is under perpetual construction. It is navigable, but in many cases drivers should proceed with extreme caution and forethought.

Did you watch the Winter Olympics on television this year? If you did, you probably also witnessed the debut of the new Go RVing television ads. The ads that aired during Olympics coverage kicked off the fourth three-year campaign of the highly successful promotions that have generated significant interest in the RV lifestyle.

Another successful area rally, this one hosted by FMCA’s Southeast Area, was enjoyed February 1 through 5 in Brooksville, Florida. The rally theme this year was “Celebrate Mardi Gras at S.E.A.” Each day was filled with lots of activities.
The fun began early.

Looking for an offbeat travel theme? Well, how about vacationing where a giant ice-age flood ripped through the northwestern United States? The settings are dramatic and the history amazing.
During the last ice age, a series of gargantuan floods, known as the Missoula Floods, scrambled the landscape of Montana, Idaho, eastern Washington, and northern Oregon. The floods broadened the Columbia River Gorge, rerouted the Snake River, and, in places, made both rivers run backward.

When Lou Holtmann, F369233, chose a family activity that everyone in his clan of 21 would enjoy, he did it in a big way. The retired corporate executive from St.

When compared to other Alabama cities, Dothan is a bit out of the way. It’s far removed from any interstates, making it one of those places you need to travel to on purpose.

A few weeks ago we were attending a small rally held at an older RV park when I observed three guys hovering around the utility post for one of the coaches. They were in a friendly but intense discussion, so I walked over to satisfy my curiosity.

Lyle Reed, a retired executive with 33 years of experience in the railroad industry, recently transferred the management skills, business acumen, and enthusiasm he had acquired during that career to focus on the production and marketing of high-line motor coaches. Those attributes now are being applied to Foretravel Inc., C236, a high-line motor coach manufacturer based in Nacogdoches, Texas, that has been an innovative force in the RV industry for decades.
Mr.

There’s something alluring about an island, especially when it’s not connected to the mainland by a bridge. The attraction is more than just a physical detachment from everyday life, though; it’s that mental million-miles-away-from-it-all feeling you get by simply arriving.

If you’ve ever had an automatic transmission fail in your motorhome, then you are familiar with the meaning of the word “expensive.” Rebuilding an automatic transmission is costly, with repairs starting around $1,500 and ranging upward of $3,000 or higher if a complete rebuild or replacement is necessary. Furthermore, since Murphy’s Law is ever-present in our universe (it is in mine, at least), odds are if your transmission fails, it will do so while you are on the road, adding to the overall cost with towing charges and motels, plus ruining your trip.

Stable sewer pipe connectionThe sewer pipe connections at many campgrounds are above or below ground level, resulting in a less-than-tight connection for the sewer hose. This is a condition we all would like to avoid.

Paw kit dog organizerThe Paw Kit from FunStuffForDogs.com is a handy travel bag that can be used whenever you and your dog are on the go.
The bag includes seven labeled mesh pockets — for leash, toys, water bottle, towel, bags, bowl, and treats — to keep accessories organized and handy. The spacious interior provides plenty of room for additional items, and the bag’s neoprene exterior makes it durable and waterproof.
The Paw Kit, available in hot pink, has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $34.95.
For more information, contact:
FunStuffForDogs.com
9188 Chivalry Court
Frisco, TX 75034
(972) 712-2812
www.funstufffordogs.com

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Vehicle Appearance Products
Eagle One vehicle care productsEagle One has introduced a new line of vehicle care products that, according to product literature, apply easier; penetrate the surface better to eliminate hairline scratches and swirl marks; and produce a deeper, high-gloss shine that lasts longer.
NanoWax Spray reportedly provides a high-gloss shine to the vehicle’s exterior without hazing or leaving a white residue.

Liberty Coach of Florida, C9408, welcomed 140 guests for the company’s annual “Open House” event at its dealership in Stuart, Florida, February 2 through 5, 2006. Coach owners who attended camped in their luxury coaches at the eight-acre facility for four nights where they enjoyed meals, seminars, and entertainment.
This year’s rally raised money for the American Heart Association and Alzheimer’s research.

There’s good reason why, halfway between the Southern California coast and the area near Palm Springs, hundreds of giant wind turbines lace the hillsides and valley floor. The prevailing wind travels through a natural funnel-shaped pass that gives it tremendous velocity.

The 18th Annual Western Area Rally took place at the Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival in Indio, California, January 11 through 15, 2006. The event definitely sparkled and shone in the warm desert sun, attracting approximately 1,370 family coaches and 1,900 interested visitors who purchased day passes.
The rally kicked off Thursday afternoon with a delightful parade.

Basque hotels, with their wonderful restaurants, were a second home to the sheep farmers who flocked to North America in the 1870s. Lured by the promise of “wide open spaces,” these hard-working settlers established lives in the New World, never forgetting the comfort foods of their homeland.
While traveling through Nevada last year, I discovered the goodness and huge variety of Basque dining.

After reading a terrific book on Nebraska paleontology recently, Kaye decided that some FMC readers must also be interested in really, really ancient North American history. So once we decided on our topic, we began to research archaeology and paleontology museums on the Internet, selecting the most intriguing ones to include in this column.

Every year, clever manufacturers introduce new aftermarket accessories that are a boon to full-timers, especially those who are handy enough to install the items themselves. Here are a few that you may be interested in.
Sink-Away is an outside sink system that attaches to the exterior of the motorhome to help keep messes outdoors.

On a recent drive into California’s Central Valley, we saw our first sign of spring. Although readers who live in the northern parts of the United States might think we are a little premature, what we saw was our favorite vernal pool coming to life.

Forming a new FMCA chapter takes a little time, right? Well, yes, it usually does take awhile, but it sure didn’t for the Northern Nevada Prospectors.
From the initial idea to the actual formation meeting, the entire process took a little less than two months. Add the fact that the chapter president, one of two men who thought up the idea of the chapter, had just joined FMCA, and it’s even more impressive.
A few coincidences definitely smoothed out the process.

Dear RV Doctor:
I have a 34-foot 1990 type A motorhome. My problem is that when I have the coach hooked to shore power, my coach batteries do not stay charged.

The toll-free number given for Winegard Company, maker of the Movin’ View MV3500T In-Motion Satellite TV antenna featured in the February 2006 “RV Products” column (page 48) was incorrect. The correct number is (800) 288-8094.
FMC regrets this error.

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“Towables” Addition
The “Towables For 2006” article (January 2006, page 66) failed to include the Mercury Mariner Hybrid, which can be towed four wheels down behind a motorhome.

Do you remember the famous U.S. military recruitment posters from the World War I and II eras that depicted Uncle Sam pointing straight at the observer, with the words “I Want You” in big, bold type? For FMCA, the message is the same.

Most of you know how it feels when you want to go someplace, but your motorhome won’t start. It happened to us.

As you drive on Interstate 24 across the southwest corner of Kentucky, heading east from Paducah toward Hopkinsville, you pass in quick succession the northern tip of Kentucky Lake on the Tennessee River, and then a pair of inlets at the north end of Lake Barkley, on the Cumberland River. It’s a 20-mile drive past glittering acres of sapphire water poking emerald hills with a thousand fingers.

Once known as the Rubber Capital of the World, Akron, Ohio, no longer merits that title. Instead, this city of 217,000 has become a world-renowned center for polymer research and development.

Admittedly there are a number of tourist railroads these days. But none of them, that I’m aware of, take you through 40 miles of wild, remote, and beautiful mountains as does the Skunk, a Northern California tourist railroad.

Hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes …. No matter what part of the country you live in, there seems to be some sort of disaster just waiting to happen.

Auburn, Indiana, is billed as the “Home of the Classics,” and indeed it is. The town is perhaps best known for being the site of the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival, held each year over Labor Day weekend.

Recently confusion has arisen in the RVing community concerning temperature adjustments of Dometic refrigerators. The confusion relates to moving the temperature sensor (the thermistor) in order to increase or decrease the cabinet temperature in the absence of, or in addition to, the refrigerator’s thermostat.

Water leaks and air noise do not have to be part of the motorhome experience. Areas that can be susceptible to water leaks and air drafts include sinks, windows, and roof components such as the antenna, air horns, and vents.

Lacing the Los Angeles, California, landscape are many fine museums. Seeing these sights can enhance your stay while in Pomona to attend FMCA’s “Celebrating Family” convention at Fairplex March 20, 21, 22, and 23.
Please note that parking a motorhome is difficult, if not impossible, at all three attractions, so you’ll want to take your towed car.

A large sign stands outside the complex of tan and forest-green buildings that house Duncan Systems Inc., C6151, in Elkhart, Indiana. It reads: “America’s #1 RV Specialist.”
Spend a few minutes talking with company chairman and CEO Ron Duncan, 61, and you’ll learn why the company makes this claim.

I had come to rely quite heavily on the 5-year-old global positioning system (GPS) in my coach. As time went on, I found that I was missing recent route changes caused by highway construction.

Wire shelves in hanging closetI have adequate hanging space in the wardrobe of my Winnebago, but I needed additional shelf space. Since the hanging closets above the nightstands are narrow, I decided to install wire shelves in them.

EG-400 Fire Detection System from RV Safety SystemsThe EG-400 Fire Detection System from RV Safety Systems is said to provide motorhome owners a reliable early warning system in the event of an engine or generator fire.
According to product literature, the system continuously monitors the temperatures in the engine and generator compartments and displays one or the other — selected by the user — on the cockpit monitor. Should the temperature of either exceed a preset number, the display automatically switches to the affected compartment and triggers a visual and audible alarm.
The system includes two levels of alarms for each compartment.

Hall of Fame pitcher and avid RVer Bob Gibson recently was honored with the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association’s (RVIA) Spirit of America Award, recognizing him as an exemplary representative of the traditional American values inherent to RV travel. He accepted the award on November 29, 2005, during the association’s 43rd Annual National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky.
The former St.

DeWayne Creighton, president of Dynamax Corporation of Elkhart, Indiana, had just completed a 24-hour shift painting a new ISATA Touring Sedan when we met him at the company’s headquarters. We were there to pick up a prototype to review — the newer, bigger version of this coach.

Ray and Nancy Lambertson, F318812, full-time motorhomers, are about as different as two people can be. Nancy is effervescent and chatty, while Ray is quiet and soft-spoken.
The two are so dissimilar that even the minister who married them in 1966 said he was sure it wouldn’t last, Nancy said, laughing.

Q: I am investigating the purchase of a new Silverado with the 5.3-liter V-8 engine and a four-speed automatic transmission with a rear-locking differential. Noting your 2005 towables guide, you only reference four-wheel-drive Silverados as being towable.

Absentee Cook
Put these recipes in the oven or refrigerator and forget them while you enjoy the campground lifestyle.

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Tipsy Mushrooms
Make these mushrooms up to two days ahead of time and bring them out of the fridge to add a classy touch to a raw veggie platter.
1/4-cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons sugar
2 whole garlic cloves
Freshly ground pepper
1/3-cup vodka or gin
1 teaspoon mixed dried herb(s) of your choice
8-ounce package small, bite-size mushrooms, cleaned and trimmed
In a lidded container or a plastic bag large enough to hold the mushrooms, dissolve the sugar in the lemon juice. Add the garlic cloves, pepper, vodka, and herbs.

Time for a complete renovation to the interior layout of the motorhome you love? For many, the same old motorhome is as comfortable as an old house slipper. You wouldn’t change a thing.

The Texas Mountain Trail (designated by the Texas Highway Department) leads you through West Texas. It’s the least populated area of the state, and boasts 90 mountain peaks that stretch a mile or more into the sky.

Will it be a happy new year for motorhome owners? Well … that might depend on the outcome of several lingering proposals to change existing RV-related regulations.
As the year 2005 came to a close, government bodies were in the “reviewing public input” stage on issues that may affect where motorhomers park and the number of seat belts their vehicles contain.
Billings, Montana, overnight parking
During 2005, complaints about RVs parked overnight in store parking lots led city compliance officers to enforce an ordinance that limits overnight camping to licensed campgrounds.
The crackdown drew the ire of RV enthusiasts, who expressed their stance against the ordinance in e-mail campaigns and on Web site forums.
In September the mayor appointed an RV parking committee to research overnight RV parking practices in use around the country, and then make recommendations to City Council. Eight people serve on the committee, representing developers, RV users, campgrounds, retailers, and the Chamber of Commerce.
Councilwoman Nancy Boyer, who chairs the committee, told FMCA, “We definitely want to be tourist friendly and provide for RVers who need that overnight stay….

Edwin Way Teale, who lived from 1899 to 1980, couldn’t have imagined the impact his writing would have on the people who have read and reread his works. Of course, after writing 26 books and editing another five, he could safely assume that they weren’t just used for display on the coffee table.