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When artist Norman Rockwell was commissioned to paint scenes from Mark Twain’s books for the covers of Life magazine, he was surprised to find that none of the previous Twain book illustrators had actually visited Hannibal, Missouri. That’s where Samuel L.

North Carolina’s largest city, Charlotte, definitely has two personalities. The northern part of the metro area, specifically the community called Concord, is home to the famed Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

Ask RVers what is the single biggest daily expense of owning a motorhome and most of them will cite the cost of fuel. As this article was going to press, the nationwide (U.S.) average price of regular gasoline was approaching $3 a gallon, and a gallon of diesel was priced similarly.

Drywall hammer drive anchorMy folding stovetop cover came with six rubber stoppers on the edges to reduce the vibration and noise caused by the cover when traveling. However, through the years the stoppers have fallen out and gone stray.

TracVision R6 in-motion satellite TV systemThe TracVision R6 in-motion satellite TV system from KVH Industries Inc. is said to provide reliable TV reception in an RV.
The system includes a compact, 12-inch-high antenna; automatic GPS-assisted Digital Video Broadcast satellite acquisition and switching; DewShield electronic dew elimination technology for improved reception in dew and rain; onscreen messaging and diagnostics; and an integrated 12-volt-DC DIRECTV receiver designed specifically for RV applications.

A 1950 General Motors Futurliner Parade of Progress Tour Bus, one of 12 built, sold for an auction-record $4,320,000 to a private collector at the 35th Barrett-Jackson “World’s Greatest Car Collector Event” held in Scottsdale, Arizona, January 14 through 22, 2006.
The Futurliner, a self-contained display and transport vehicle, was created by renowned automotive engineer and designer Harley Earl as part of the “Parade of Progress” touring exhibit, which was developed by GM research leader Charles Kettering to complement the company’s “Motoramas” from 1940 through 1956. The red-and-white Futurliner that sold, one of only three in the world that have been restored to their original configuration, is powered by a 400-cubic-inch six-cylinder GM engine mated to a four-speed transmission.

Each year Home & Park Motorhomes wages an all-out effort to garner a larger share of the market — several markets, actually. One is the leisure travel sector, which boasts many active motorhomers.

If you missed FMCA’s 75th International Convention in Pomona, California, held Monday, March 20, through Thursday, March 23, you missed a great celebration. The number of family coaches attending our “Celebrating Family” convention was 2,892, and we had 1,375 commercial coaches, for a total of 4,267.
Although the weather was cool and damp on the first few days, it improved each day, and the last two days were ideal.

Twice annually the Youth Center at FMCA conventions opens its doors to traveling youth between 2 and 18 years of age to enjoy outings and friendship. There are four age groups separated between TOTS, ages 2-5; TWEENS, 6-9; PRE-TEENS, 10-12; and TATS, 13-18.

Hennrietta was a houseguest in our motorhome many years ago. We found her — at least we thought it was a her — in the middle of the road next to a backcountry campground, and no matter how many times we moved her, she insisted that the road was her personal highway.

Nothing ruins a summer vacation quicker than an overheating engine. There you are behind the wheel of your weekend getaway when a quick glance at the instrument cluster shows a temperature gauge needle creeping upward.

New Mexico has so much to offer — the spectacular scenery of caves, canyons, and cinder cones, plus human history going back a thousand years. We were so fascinated by the area that one time we spent the better part of a year just exploring it.

Stake your claim
Heaven forbid that you lose your rolling home in an accident, fire, or natural disaster. You have insurance, but how can you be made whole as quickly as possible? One way is to hire your own licensed insurance claims adjuster.

When you’re boondocking by choice or stuck somewhere and unable to get to a supermarket, your pantry shelves can provide good meals galore if you have provisioned well. Keep these recipes in a separate file of menus that use shelf-stable supplies.

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Savory Pumpkin Bread
This recipe from the book Making Quick Breads (see below) is not the sweet bread usually associated with pumpkin bread.

May 2006
What’s ailing motorhome owners these days? An outbreak of parking proposals, mainly. Among the festering issues …
Covina, California, residential parking
The Covina Planning Commission has produced several drafts of an ordinance that would restrict RV parking and storage in residential neighborhoods.
The latest proposal contains the following revisions to existing municipal code:

• No RV parking between the front lot line and the front building line of any residential lot.
  

Cotton is grown in many parts of Texas, but nowhere as much as near Lubbock, which is sometimes called “the world’s largest cotton patch.” In 2003 it was estimated that farmers in a 20-county area around the West Texas town planted 3.2 million acres of the fluffy fiber. So it was only fitting that when a chapter was formed for FMCA members in the Lubbock area, it took on a cottony name.
Marolyn Rinne, F296715, secretary and newsletter editor for the Cotton Country Travelers and wife of chapter president Al Rinne, said that Gary Simmons, F316138, a Lubbock resident, got the ball rolling for the chapter’s creation.

The Converted Coaches of the Eastern Area (CCEA) chapter of FMCA once again kicked off the New Year with its annual bus conversion rally. “Bussin’ 2006” was hosted by Jack and Paula Conrad, F72092, at Horizon Coach in Arcadia, Florida, which donated the use of its entire facility for the event.
Although the rally did not officially begin until Thursday, December 29, coaches began arriving on Monday, December 26.

Dear RV Doctor:
The city water connection on my RV is leaking, so I turned it off. After I disconnect the screws that fasten the cover plate to the outside, does the city water connection cover just pop off, or does it have to be unscrewed or something? I can’t see the housing of the inlet by removing the panel in the bathroom and need to find where the leak is originating.
Dave Terrt
Peyton, Colorado

RV Doctor: Dave, it depends on the type of plumbing line that was used for the fresh water piping system on your coach.

Q: I have a 1998 Holiday Rambler with a 275-horsepower Cummins ISB engine. I bought it used in 2003, and as far as I know, there have been no modifications.

In the April 2006 issue we reported a “Towable Correction” after a representative from American Honda Motor Company told us that none of the 2006-model Acura or Honda vehicles are approved for towing four wheels down behind a motorhome, including the Acura MDX and Honda CR-V. This was contrary to information we received earlier for the “Towables For 2006” article (January 2006, page 66).
American Honda has since clarified that the Honda CR-V is the only 2006-model Acura or Honda that can be towed four wheels down.

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Telephone Number Correction
The April “Full Timers Primer” column (page 116) listed an incorrect area code in the phone number for Long Term Care Insurance Planners.

I am happy to announce that FMCA has partnered with U.S. Bank to offer a new credit card program to the membership.

Almost before Hurricane Katrina had cleared the Southern Louisiana Gulf Coast in August 2005, leaving unimaginable devastation in its wake, the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, located in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, was in emergency operations mode. Leaders of the 4,800-acre base, located less than 10 miles south of downtown New Orleans on the west bank of the Mississippi River, had planned and prepared for hurricanes, but no one ever conceived of that much destruction.
All seemed as well as could be expected after the storm moved inland, until the protective levees were breached and the “Big Easy” and surrounding area were flooded.

You may have heard of the Shipshewana Flea Market, reportedly one of the three largest such outdoor sales in the United States (the others are in Kenton, Texas, and Webster, Florida). Located in the small northeast Indiana town of Shipshewana, the market attracts shoppers from throughout the United States and Canada, who roam among the stands of 1,100 vendors in pursuit of just about anything money can buy.
You know before you get there, because of what you’ve been told, that it’s going to be colossal.

“We are Family,” the hit disco tune from 1979, could well have been the theme song for FMCA’s 75th International Convention, dubbed “Celebrating Family.” Members of the Family Motor Coach Association share a special connection and sense of community, and association members gathered March 20 through 23 in Pomona, California, to celebrate those “family ties” and enjoy the makings of an event designed to celebrate the motorhome lifestyle as well. A total of 4,267 motorhomes traveled to the Golden State for this get-together.

My wife, Gail, and I were in our late 40s when we sent the youngest of our three children off to college. Even though the house would soon be empty, I knew that it might not be permanent.

It was happening right before our eyes. Our family vacation was going down the tubes.
Three tubes, in fact.

According to Coach Care business development manager Bill Gibson, more than 1.4 million motorized recreation vehicles are on the road today, and with all the troubleshooting and maintenance that statistic implies, the service industry is taxed. To help dealerships handle the growing demand for repair technicians and service bays, as well as to give RV owners a way to stay connected while they are out on the road, Coach Care’s national network of one-stop service repair centers was born.
“Let me define the term ‘one-stop,'” Mr.

We use a swim noodle placed between the slideout roof and the awning to keep the awning from flapping in the wind when the slideout is extended. Make sure that the noodle is tightly secured so it won’t blow away.

Sterling All Terrain aluminum tow barThe Sterling All Terrain from Roadmaster Inc., which is touted in company literature as the world’s strongest aluminum tow bar, now features Roadmaster’s exclusive non-binding technology. The Freedom Latch is said to release the tow bar at any angle, level, or bind the first time, every time.
The Sterling All Terrain is made of aircraft-grade aluminum and weighs just 35 pounds, but is rated to pull up to 6,000 pounds.

Mandalay Luxury Division, a division of Thor Industries, C847, has added the new Valencia to its lineup of type A diesel motorhomes for 2006. According to company officials, the Valencia has been designed for those who want the style and longevity of a diesel motorhome at a price point comparable to a luxury gas motorhome.
The Valencia is built on the Freightliner XC chassis with a 300-horsepower Cummins ISB diesel engine that provides 600 pound-feet of torque.

Tour Master Inc. — an affiliate of Gulf Stream Inc. — has drawn upon customer input to incorporate an assortment of interior living comforts and thoughtful design details into this reintroduced luxury diesel pusher.

These recipes were chosen to be easy on the cook, tasty for the crew, and highway-friendly for the family that loves motorhome travel.

Seafood Corn Chowder

Canned seafood is a lifesaver in the galley, because a little goes a long way. Surprise guests show up for supper? Reach into the pantry for a few cans to make this hearty chowder, which can be served with hot, crusty biscuits.

There’s no denying it: American badgers do get nasty at times. Maybe it’s in their genes.

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.