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Family RVing Magazine

So You Want to Be a Ham?

Power Inverters

RV Roundup: Great Boondocking  and Overlanding RVs

Natural Wonders in the Rio Grande Valley 

Dogs on the Go

Quirky Art Experiences in Santa Fe

POPULAR STORIES


Allison Transmission Mode Button

March 1, 2012

Motorhome Buying Tips

August 1, 2017

Allison Transmission Service

November 1, 2017

Keystone Passport 3400QD Quad Bunkhouse

March 2, 2020

Towing Guides

April 1, 2018

Oliver Legacy Elite II

August 30, 2019

Winnebago Minnie Plus

April 1, 2018

Leisure Travel Vans Wonder RTB

July 1, 2020

Winterizing The RV

November 1, 2017

Servicing an Onan Diesel Generator

February 1, 2017

Latest Stories

  • Thor Aria 3901

    The Aria is the newest Type A diesel motorhome produced by Thor Motor Coach. Introduced for the 2017 model year, this attractive coach leads the way with a modern, stylish front cap that incorporates LED lighting, a look that further identifies the Aria as a fresh design rather than a previous model tweaked with a few upgrades.

     

  • Purging Propane Containers

    When one or more of a motorhome’s gas-burning appliances exhibit strange, random, or difficult-to-diagnose problems, it may signal the need to purge the propane container. Brand-new propane containers also must be purged properly before being filled for the first time. So what is purging? Does it apply to all RV propane containers? How do you know if your container needs such a service? And who can do it?

  • When Warriors Come Home

    Sean Gobin, F460890, is a former U.S. Marine armor officer who survived three combat deployments. In 2003, he took part in the invasion of Iraq. In 2005, he battled insurgents in the Iraqi city of Fallujah. And in 2011, he was sent to Afghanistan to train security forces. Sean, who lives in Thornton, New Hampshire, returned home in the spring of 2012 in one piece. But he was not whole.

  • President’s Message: Remember, Reflect

    Hello, My Fellow FMCA Family. Gloria and I enjoyed a somewhat leisurely trip en route to Chandler, Arizona, site of FMCA’s 95th International Convention, March 7 through 10. At least it was leisurely compared with our earlier travels this year, when we crisscrossed the country going from one area rally to the next. Someone recently asked whether the tires on our motorhome ever cool off. The answer to that since I took office as FMCA national president in July 2013 has been, “Not often.”

  • FMCA Update: Gearing Up For Travel

    I have spoken in the past about months that are special to me. May is one of them. I am fortunate to have married my beautiful wife, Jill, six years ago this month. She is a wonderful mother to my children and words cannot express how lucky I am to have her. I hear great stories about how many of our members have been with their loved ones for much longer than that. My hope is that I am blessed enough to enjoy the journey of life with her for many years to come.

  • Readers’ Forum: May 2017

    DEAR EDITOR:
    After we left Chandler, Arizona, on Saturday, March 11, my wife, Garnetta, and I never thought we would be fighting a fire on Interstate 10 in New Mexico.

  • Tech Talk: May 2017

    Inverter Input Voltage

     

    We have a 2006 Tiffin Allegro built on a Workhorse chassis with an 8.1-liter engine. Several years ago I installed a Tripp Lite inverter/charger, model RV1250ULHW. Two years ago we were on a trip and stopped for the night at an RV park. I plugged into shore power and noticed that the remote panel for the inverter was showing shutdown due to overcharge

     

  • Recall Corner: May 2017

    The following companies have recalls delineated in this month’s Recall Corner: Daimler Vans USA, Foretravel Inc., REV Recreation Group, Tiffin Motorhomes, Winnebago Industries.

  • House Calls: May 2017

    I own a 2005 National RV Dolphin motorhome. The kitchen/living room is half tiled and half carpeted. We would like to replace the carpet with vinyl planks that look like wood. They are about 6 inches by 3 feet and are self-stick. The product is called TrafficMaster Allure Vinyl Plank Flooring, which features the GripStrip design; it’s available at Home Depot. This product is thin and flexible. A friend replaced his carpet with this product and has experienced no problems. He has an older National RV coach that employed a step-up slide mechanism. My coach, however, has a newer flat-floor mechanism. Will our slide operate properly with this thin material on the floor? My mechanic says that the slide wheels will tear the vinyl floor. I'm looking for another opinion.

  • Tech & Travel Tips: May 2017

    My wife and I decided that when staying in a campground, we should have a means of quickly summoning help to our RV during an emergency. So, I ordered two key fobs online for less than $4. In less than a minute, I programmed them to activate our Ford F-150 pickup. Using hook-and-loop straps, we mounted one fob over the bed and one by the entry door. Now, in an emergency we can press the alarm button on a fob and cause our truck’s lights to flash and the horn to blow continuously. This alerts people to check on us and also directs emergency personnel to our location.

  • I Am FMCA: Paul & Kay Legare

    Despite an interruption in their travels, this couple never lost their enthusiasm for RVing or the special camaraderie they enjoyed with other motorhomers.
     

  • Family & Friends: RVers’ Mission: Build Churches And Relationships

    Little did we know 40 years ago when we purchased our first camper, a 16-foot travel trailer, that we would be enjoying the RV lifestyle as we are today. Since we first towed our little Fleetwing to county parks for the weekend, we have owned seven RVs, each one a bit bigger than the last. Six years ago we sold our primary residence and became full-time motorhomers.

     

  • Family & Friends: Hank And Kathleen Baron Were Early FMCA Boosters

    My parents, Henry (Hank) and Kathleen Baron, F908, were part of what could be called FMCA’s “first generation.” In 1963, with hard work and an exceptional spirit and vision of family fun and opportunities, this couple from Edina, Minnesota, converted a 1946 Aerocoach bus into a 33-foot motorhome.

  • Family & Friends: Upwardly Mobile

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  • Chapter Spotlight: Weekenders

    Perhaps you’re enjoying the warmth of Arizona, and your working years are in your life’s rearview mirror. But now, you may be searching for something new to do. Or maybe you’re still in the thick of employment, and your beloved motorhome is going nowhere as a result.

  • RV Products: May 2017

    Check out the latest RV Products for May 2017!

  • RV News & Notes: May 2017

    Get the lastest news and notes for May 2017.

  • Open Mike: “Gator” Watch

    The Wendlands recently experienced damage to their motorhome as a result of a chunk of tire thrown up by a semi, prompting them to be more aware of highway debris and to advocate for change.

  • Cooking On The Go: Spring Into Salads

    From side dishes to entrees, menu choices abound.  

  • Rear View: May 2017

     

    Do you have an “RV blooper” that you’d like to share?

     

  • Fluid Analysis

    Lab tests of RV lubricant and coolant samples reveal much about motorhome health.

  • Maximizing RV Tire Life

    Follow these recommendations to keep your motorhome rolling along safely.

  • Winnebago Vista

    The new 29VE floor plan makes family travel easy in this Type A motorhome, with a full-wall slideout, seatbelts for seven, and an available extra sleeping berth.

  • Indy, Indeed!

    Take a good look at Indianapolis, Indiana, the destination for FMCA’s 96th International Convention.

  • Discover Disc Golf

    If you can throw a Frisbee or other flying disc, you can play this sport, which is similar to conventional golf.

  • Mobile Music Ministry

    Since 2000, these full-time motorhomers have proclaimed the Gospel through song.

  • An Inside Job

    Whether it’s an all-out project or a couple of tweaks, a motorhome renovation can increase your enjoyment and appreciation of your current motorhome.

  • A Great Time In Grand Rapids

    Explore a bevy of museums and historical houses, plus a famous sculpture garden.

  • President’s Message

    FMCA’s Future

    Hello, My Fellow FMCA Family. We recently sent some vital information to members of FMCA’s Governing Board and to chapter presidents that we want to share with the entire membership via my column this month.

  • FMCA Update

    It’s Time To Go RVing!

    For those who placed their motorhomes in mothballs for the winter, April often is the time when thoughts turn to prepping it for spring travels and hitting the road. In case you missed it, last month’s issue of the magazine contained an article about “dewinterizing” an RV and getting it ready for the travel season ahead (page 46).

  • Readers’ Forum

    2017 Continental Not Flat-Towable

    The 2017 Lincoln Continental is not approved for four-wheels-down towing, a Lincoln spokesman confirmed in a February 17 email to Family Motor Coaching. That is a reversal from the information published in the 2017 Lincoln owners manual (first printing) and in the Ford/Lincoln 2017 RV & Trailer Towing Guide.

  • Tech Talk

    Towing A Silverado

    In the owners manual for my 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, the flat towing instructions say to remove the negative battery cable. How do I get power to the Even Brake to stop the truck?

  • Recall Corner

    Recall Corner

    The following companies have recalls delineated in this month's Recall Corner: Forest River, Rev Recreation Group, Thor Motor Coach.

  • House Calls

    Odor Origins

    Dear RV Doctor:

    I attended one of your recent motorhome maintenance talks. You spoke about ways to reduce or eliminate sewer odor. One recommendation was to replace the P-traps with HepvO waterless sanitary valves. While I can see the value in getting rid of gray-water odor, I thought the real sewer odors came from the black-water system, which just has the toilet connected to it. I have not used a motorhome yet, so all of this is theoretical for me, although I have smelled it in marine pplications. Can you please clarify?

  • Tech & Travel Tips

    Napkin Holder

    At a table setting, it’s easy to present a paper napkin in a pretty butterfly shape. Just slip the folded napkin through the tines of a fork. The napkin will be safer from breezes, too. Similarly, you can use the tines of a fork to hold a recipe card. Also, placing the edge of a crisp taco shell into the tines keeps the shell upright while it’s being filled.

  • Family & Friends: A Gift For Gatlinburg

    In November 2016, members of the Allegheny Mountain chapter were saddened by news of the devastating wildfires that were consuming thousands of acres in the beautiful Gatlinburg, Tennessee, area and much of Sevier County. The flames caused 14 deaths, nearly 200 injuries, and hundreds of millions of dollars in damages. One chapter member went online, found the phone number of a church in the affected area, and called to see whether it was providing direct help to fire victims. That call resulted in one of those small miracles we often take for granted.

  • Chapter Spotlight

    Vintage Birds

    “It’s not old; it’s vintage!” is the motto of these owners of Blue Bird motorhomes.

    Do you recall the beautiful bus-style Blue Bird Wanderlodge? If so, you may also remember that these motorhomes were built at the Blue Bird plant in Fort Valley, Georgia.

  • RV Products

    Packing Cubes

    A meticulously organized motorhome maximizes space and minimizes stress. Which is where Mumi packing cubes come in. Made of 70 percent laminated nylon fabric and 30 percent nylon mesh, the cubes can be used to store clothing, jewelry, batteries, cables, and more.

  • RV News & Notes

    Snowbirds Assist Habitat For Humanity

    Snowbirds staying at Rincon Country West RV Resort in Tucson, Arizona, spend part of their winters building Habitat for Humanity houses. During the winter of 2015-16, volunteers helped build 14 homes for low-income families; this past winter, they helped construct 13 more.

  • Open Mike

    Apps For The RVer

    Convenient, helpful, and even safety-enhancing programs are available for your smartphone or tablet.

    Perhaps the biggest change we’ve seen in our five years of very active RVing is how apps for our smartphones and tablets have come to be essential to our motorhome lifestyle.

  • Rear View

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  • A Trio Of Kentucky Parks

    Kentucky has about 40 state parks, many of which offer RV camping. And the camping season starts earlier and continues longer in the Bluegrass State than farther north. The following three parks are within easy driving distance of each other. Keep in mind, though, that traveling between them will require getting off the interstates.

  • Eastern Shore Adventure

    Fun and fascinating discoveries can be made in small towns along the Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia coasts.
     
  • Off The Beaten Path

    Summertime RV trips allow a Canadian couple to explore their varied interests. 
     
  • Travel-Friendly Gardening

    Conventional wisdom says that you can either grow a vegetable garden, or you can travel. In reality, the two aren’t mutually exclusive, and even if your family will be on the road for the majority of a season, you can still enjoy the benefits of fresh vegetables planted, maintained, and harvested by hand. It may take a bit more planning…
     
  • RV Water Heater Care

    Neglecting the periodic maintenance that all motorhomes require can lead to expensive repairs and vacation delays. One easy-to-forget component that needs annual attention is the RV water heater. Mounted outside, out of sight and out of mind, it often ends up relegated to a lesser place behind the more prominent motorhome maintenance mandates.
     
  • Dewinterizing A Motorhome

    For motorhome owners whose winterized coaches have spent months in storage, the arrival of spring is an exciting time. But as much as everyone would like to hit the road, prudence requires a bit of preparation before you begin another season of RV travel.
     
  • Holiday Rambler Vacationer XE

    This gasoline-powered Type A offers prodigious storage and a bevy of comfort-enhancing features, whether parked at a campsite or motoring down the road.
     
  • Cooking On The Go: Finger Food Favorites

    Campground potlucks. Infield entertaining. Campfire conviviality. Tailgating. Motorhome travelers love camping camaraderie and the finger foods that go with it. Here’s a collection of serious snack recipes to eat hot or cold, sitting or standing, without fork or fuss.
     
  • Open Mike: Off The Fence

    I’m far from being an RV salesman. But sometimes as Jennifer and I visit RV dealerships, shows, and rallies and meet with folks across North America, we feel like ambassadors for the RV lifestyle. We also like to push people off fences . . . fences of indecision.
     
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COMING SOON:

  • Power Inverters: How these electrical devices function and their practical uses in an RV.
  • RV Roundup – Great Boondocking and Overlanding RVs: Specially outfitted models invite back-road adventures and remote camping.
  • Quirky Art in Santa Fe: A New Mexico city known for its galleries and museums, some featuring whimsical, unconventional art.
  • Dogs on the Go: Points to ponder before you bring a canine companion with you on its first RV trip.
  • Where It All Began: FRVA’s Maine Wheels chapter returned to the site where the association was formed in 1963.

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