Well, it’s that time again — time to bring you up-to-date on our activities. As I write this, we have just departed Essex Junction, Vermont, for the Northeast Area rally (more about that later).

Stops near Interstate 80 reveal the pioneer lifestyle, the Lincoln Highway, and more modern cultural history.

Auto racing, hiking, and wine-tasting are just the beginning of many things to do and see in this popular area.

Being active and adopting smarter food choices can produce invaluable benefits.

This venerable model, part of the popular Holiday Rambler pedigree, returns to the motorhome marketplace for 2015.

A few smart tips to keep your motorhome safe and to prevent break-ins.

Window Defogging In Florida
After twice going through a “repair” and still having fogged windows return in our motorhome, we finally found Darren Thomas Glass Co. in Sebring, Florida. They replaced our …

Normal for me changed the weekend after Memorial Day. You see, my son gave my wife, my daughter, and me a Christmas “gift” of participating in a Warrior Dash. “What is that?” you may ask. It’s three miles of …

The title of this month’s column could be “Tightwad Charlie.” I think you will understand why when I finish my story. I am almost too embarrassed to admit to this latest bonehead move, but I will, and maybe you will get a chuckle out of it.

Travel to British Columbia’s capital city and beyond to experience all sorts of outdoor wonders.

Visiting California’s Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is even more fun when you arrive via rail.

America’s iconic bear still works to prevent fires.

Prepare for a fun adventure the next time you hike with your family.

Puzzles and fun for the young at heart.

A luxurious diesel pusher produced by Winnebago Industries.

PulseTech’s four-station charging kit maintains up to four 12-volt lead-acid batteries at once.

Extend the life of your motorhome batteries by learning how they function and what steps to take to keep them in optimal working condition.

Describe an unusual activity you tried on a motorhome trip.

Mouthwatering options abound even when you step out of the galley and into the great outdoors.

The Wendlands travel 4,000 miles along the Great Lakes and explore areas rich in history and natural beauty.

Habitat For Humanity’s RV-Related Program Celebrates 25 Years
Habitat for Humanity honored the 25th anniversary of the RV Care-A-Vanner program with a celebration build and rally in Springfield, Missouri, April 21 through May 4, 2014.

Cleaning Brush
Any old brush won’t do when it comes to cleaning the exterior of a motorhome. Mr. LongArm says its Very Soft Regular Flow-Thru Brush works great on …

Type A, Type B, or Type C motorhome: what’s your preference, and why?

Whether full-timer motorhome owners admit it or not, we all have been humbled by experiences we didn’t expect. Even seasoned travelers and veteran RVers encounter a learning curve.

The Wendlands stay open to new experiences and adventures and leave many details to chance.

Remembering Jay Hesse, CEO Of Blue Ox
The CEO and president of Blue Ox, Jay C. Hesse, died on June 22, 2014, after battling cancer. He was 61.

Picnic Basket
As summer wanes, your priority might be to plan as many picnics as possible. Consider dining alfresco with the Koozie picnic basket/cooler that sports the Family Motor Coach Association logo.

On the east coast of Florida, more than halfway down the peninsula, is an area called the Treasure Coast.  Its name comes from the valuables left at many offshore shipwrecks, which are hunted by divers and underwater explorers.

Members of the Florida Roll’N Gators chapter celebrated the group’s 40th anniversary at a rally held March 6-9, 2014, at Lazydays RV Campground in Seffner, Florida. Past and current members joined in the festivities.

Cabinet Drawer Repair
Many drawers in motorhomes use slide systems with a single screw at the front end that holds the slide to the cabinet frame. These screws can come loose and chew up the wood.

Maximizing 6-Volt Battery Efficiency
I would like to know the best way to hook up four 6-volt batteries that are in the bank of auxiliary batteries for my 2004 Excursion diesel-pusher motorhome. They are all brand-new batteries.

Newmar Corporation has announced NHTSA recall 14V098000, which involves certain model-year 2013-2014 Bay Star Sport, Bay Star, Canyon Star, Ventana LE, Ventana, Dutch Star, Mountain Aire, and Essex motorhomes …

Towing News About 2015 Honda Fit
After a year’s hiatus, the Honda Fit has returned for the 2015 model year. In previous years, both manual- and automatic-transmission models were towable four wheels down.

Describe your favorite “app” for your smartphone or tablet.

Make a cool accompaniment to your next grilled meal, or create an entire meal out of a salad.

Mike shares part of his endless list of reasons why he and Jennifer love the motorhome lifestyle.

Oklahoma RV Resort Accommodates Friends And Family
Pine Island RV Resort, a 147-acre RV park in Jay, Oklahoma, provides a camping experience for RVers and non-RVers alike. The FMCA commercial member campground is a private facility that offers memberships …

Blank Journals
Keeping a journal is a way to capture motorhome memories — everything from the guests you greet to the grand adventures you long want to cherish. Eccolo offers a line of …

At its members meeting this past March during FMCA’s Family Reunion in Perry, Georgia, the Diesel RV Club chapter was presented with a 10th anniversary certificate by INTO (International Area) officers.

Two Country Coach motorhome owner’s clubs, both FMCA chapters, are proud to have played a major role in providing the first SoloRider specially equipped golf cart for disabled veterans in Branson, Missouri.

Removing The Toilet
Dear RV Doctor:
I need to take my toilet out to work on it. It’s a Thetford. Can you steer me to where I can find out how to unbolt it, please? The leak is in the inlet connection, or that part where the water first comes in.

Stop Splashing Water
If the sinks or toilets in your motorhome splash water when initially used after connecting to city water, first connect the fresh water hose to the park faucet; run enough water to fill …

Interrupted Circuits
I have a 2005 Mandalay Presidio 39C on a Workhorse R Series diesel chassis. The coach has two 120-volt-AC ground fault interrupter (GFI) breakers (1 & 2 and 5 & 6) that control all receptacles in the coach.

Family Photo
Dear Editor:
Just finished reading the May 2014 issue. I always read the whole magazine front to back and all ads in between. But what really stuck out in this issue was the “Chapter Spotlight” column about …

Occasionally I will be inviting guest columnists to submit timely and important articles that may be of interest to FMCA members. This month’s guest writer is Warren C. Hegg, national director for Keep the Spirit of ’45 Alive.

It is hard to believe, but this is my 12th “President’s Message.”  I’m trying to figure out where all the time went.  This month I thought I would recap my first year in office. I want to start out by thanking each and every one of you for giving me the privilege of serving you, the members.

One FMCA member’s inspiring story of solo adventure from the pilot’s seat.

NASCAR, historical sites, and outdoor beauty combine to make the Volunteer State’s northeast corner of supersize importance.

''Ooh,''  breathes the crowd of spellbound people. The dark night bursts with dazzling light, and arcs of glittering color rocket overhead. An eruption of colored stars …

Add to your knowledge about RVing and the travel lifestyle by attending sensational learning sessions at FMCA’s 90th Family Reunion & Motorhome Showcase in August.