Elusive Water Tank Drain

Dear RV Doctor:
My wife and I recently retired and are new to the RV lifestyle. We love it so far, but for the life of me, I cannot find the outlet to drain the water out of the fresh water tank so I can sanitize it.

The following companies have recalls detailed in this month's Recall Corner: Entegra Coach and Forest River.

Extended Storage

In the December 2011 issue of Family Motor Coaching, the answer to Don Loudermilk’s “Storage Question” letter (page 20) states that you should place pieces of plywood under the tires of the motorhome when storing it. I have a Prevost XLII with air support…

Making Connections

Dear Editor:
With regard to the "Multiple Water Connections" tip in the June 2012 “Tech & Travel Tips” column (page 25), readers should be reminded not to use plastic "Y" connectors.

Those were the first words on the inside front cover of Family Motor Coaching’s inaugural publication on February 15, 1964. The author, Bob Richter, one of the architects and the first national president of Family Motor Coach Association, was among those who had a vision for an association that would be an information source to thousands of adventurers pursuing a new form of travel.

The first gray and white threads of dawn were just starting to streak across the eastern horizon. It was the third week of July, and Jean and I were getting ready to depart for a rally in North Carolina. The birds had been up for about a half-hour, and the fresh, sweet, moist smell of clover in the field gave a special welcoming perfume to this new day.

Spokane, Washington, makes a great travel destination. Spokane is also a desirable location for owners of motorhomes and other RVs who might like to give their vehicles a new look, or at least some tender loving care, at Truline RV.

As an Arizona resident, I'd like to share my suggestions of the state’s top must-see attractions. They’re listed as best as possible in the order in which they can be visited when entering from New Mexico in the north on Interstate 40 and exiting Arizona back to New Mexico in the south on Interstate 10.

Roadtrek’s new Ranger RT was designed for a particular niche. The company’s objective is to offer a fully equipped Type B motorhome at a lower price point. The vehicle has all the utility and functionality of a large SUV but can be used for vacations as well as shorter outings.

One of the most frustrating things that can occur during an RV trip is arriving at the day’s destination with a discharged battery in the towed vehicle.

Leaving the motorhome in a safe harbor and driving a smaller vehicle is more fun, less stressful, more economical, and safer, especially when trying to get through rush-hour traffic or navigate winding mountain roads. That’s why so many people choose to tow another vehicle behind their motorhome when traveling.

FMCA’s 87th Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase takes place in Indianapolis, Indiana, this August. What are some must-see stops in the area?

We spend a third of our lives in bed, and that’s not counting the time when we are sick, taking a nap, or using the bed as a comfortable place to read. Why, then, do full-timers put up with an uncomfortable mattress just because it came with the motorhome? 

Winnebago Industries Plant Tours

If you happen to be in northern Iowa this summer, make plans to see how a modern-day motorhome is built during a tour of the Winnebago Industries plant in Forest City.

12-Volt Coffeemaker

The PowerHunt PNP-303SK 12-volt, 10-cup coffeemaker from PNP System Inc. is capable of brewing a pot of coffee in less than 20 minutes.

When the Lone Star chapter received its charter in 1967, it became FMCA’s ninth chapter. Rallies at that time typically involved dry camping, open-pit fires, and BYOF (bring your own food). The wagon master was responsible for keeping the fire going all night.

Members of the Florida Ramblers observed the chapter’s 25th anniversary during the group’s April 2012 rally at Wild Frontier RV Park in Ocala, Florida.

Creating Storage Space

To create more storage space in our bedroom, we removed the old analog TV from the 6-cubic-foot cabinet and used that open space to store linens

ABS Error

I own a 37-foot 2006 Holiday Rambler Neptune built on a Roadmaster diesel chassis. Occasionally the ABS light comes on. The problem is that the light comes on intermittently.

Burner Orifice Redux

Dear RV Doctor:

I enjoyed your “RV Water Heater Maintenance” article in the May 2012 issue of FMC magazine (page 40) very much. I do have one question. When I remove the water heater main burner orifice to clean it, should I use any pipe thread compound, sealant, etc. when screwing it back in?

The following companies have recalls detailed in this month's Recall Corner: Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) and Foretravel Motorcoach.

Spin-Welding Alternative

Dear Editor:
The letter in the April 2012 "House Calls" column titled "The Law of Gravity" (page 20) was very interesting. I wanted to note an alternative to spin welding that provides a quick (3-to-5 minute) way to tap into your water tank using our bulkhead blind tank fitting.

My wife, Jean, and I spent some time at the New York Centrals' 35th anniversary rally in Camillus, New York, this past June. While there I met the first president of the New York Centrals chapter, Andrew Mancini, who shared with me some newspaper clippings that included a poem he had written back in 1977. The words remain relevant today.

This month’s column is devoted to a few updates or reminders about some of FMCA’s member benefits — an EOB for FMCA members, if you will. FMCA continues to look for ways to enhance your member benefits, while taking into consideration the future of this great association.

If you plan to attend FMCA’s 87th Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase — nicknamed “Formula For Fun” — August 27 through 30, 2012, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, plan a pit stop in the exhibit areas.

Northern Indiana supports a large enclave of Amish and Mennonite families. In fact, more than 20,000 Amish live in the area. Amish beliefs forbid them from using modern-day conveniences in various forms; Mennonites are generally more modern and use cars and electricity. All are known for their excellent work ethics and quality craftsmanship, and many are employed in the local RV manufacturing plants.

At the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum, visitors can admire historic vehicles and ride on the world's most famous raceway.

When you think of American Coach — the luxury motorhome division of Fleetwood RV — chances are the first thing that comes to mind is the American Eagle. The American Eagle has always been a popular American Coach model, and you’re bound to find at least one in every busy campground.

The next time you are traveling along Interstate 94 in southwest North Dakota, be sure to see this collection of huge and whimsical outdoor sculpture. 

It's no secret the RV industry has experienced substantial change over the past few years. One of the positive stories involves Fleetwood RV, which evolved from the former Fleetwood Enterprises. 

The 1920s are remembered as a time of high living, snazzy dressing, and fast driving. Back then, the place to go to get that fast and flashy car was Auburn, Indiana, called “The Hub of Transportation.”

Does your pet have a travel routine during motorhome trips?

Traveling with pets is easier than ever. More campgrounds accept pets these days, and off-leash exercise areas are more readily available. Many other changes affect pet travel, too, some of them good and some more troublesome.

Great music and fun activities are in store for those attending FMCA’s 87th Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase in Indianapolis this summer.

Go RVing Vignettes Entertain, Inform Consumers

Custom-produced RV travel and camping vignettes are a key element of Go RVing’s all-new “Away” campaign, which launched in February 2012.

If your motorhome is equipped with 12-volt incandescent and/or fluorescent lighting, you can reduce battery draw significantly by switching to light-emitting diode (LED) illumination.

All-Purpose Cleaner

Amazing Cleaner from Bio-Kleen Products Inc. is a multipurpose cleaner that is said to lift dirt and remove stains from vinyl, leather, carpet, canvas, and fabric.

Wedding bells rang during the Sandpipers’ chapter rally March 2 through 4, 2012, at Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan Stallions ranch in Myakka City, Florida. John Judy, national director of the chapter, and Josephine Jones were married at the ranch on March 3.

In 2011, Family Motor Coach Association and Fantasy RV Tours teamed up to launch the FMCA Tour Connection, powered by Fantasy RV Tours. This FMCA benefit offers members the opportunity to embark on FMCA-member-only RV caravans, rallies, and cruises at discounted rates, and also to receive an FMCA discount on any other Fantasy RV Tour event .

When their beautifully tended vintage motorhome began to show its years, a California couple resisted the temptation to buy a new coach, opting for a makeover instead.

Multiple Water Connections

Here’s a very handy idea that we use almost every day. It’s a Y faucet connector that attaches to the city water source at the campground. It has separate on and off valves — one for the hose that runs to the motorhome connection and the other for a shorter length of hose.

Motorhomes have been equipped with holding tanks for fresh water and black or gray water since the first coaches were built. And the monitoring systems used to keep track of the fluid levels in these tanks haven’t changed much during the past 40 years.

Load Bearing

Dear RV Doctor:
How do you put a load on a generator in the winter? You recommend running the air conditioners to exercise the generator, but that doesn't seem practical during the cold winter months.

Ford 2012 Escape, Fusion No Longer Towable

Family Motor Coaching recently learned that Ford Motor Company has amended its information concerning flat-towing 2012 Ford Escape and Fusion vehicles equipped with front-wheel-drive, four-wheel-drive, or all-wheel-drive systems (excluding hybrid models). In February 2012 the company published an Owner Guide Supplement for these vehicles that was sent to current owners.

Correction

"Niagara Falls, From The River Up" (May 2012, page 60) contains an error introduced during the editing process. It incorrectly states that the Niagara River flows south, from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie. Actually, the opposite is true: the river flows north, from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario.

Ah, those college days. Ohio University, my alma mater, had a tradition that was carried on from the 1950s to the 1980s involving J-Prom. In honor of this springtime event, fraternities and sororities put on little traveling shows around campus.

It is 6:45 p.m. on April 16, 2012. The weather is absolutely beautiful here in central Pennsylvania as I write this. I grew up in this part of the world, and learned the lessons of life from a caring grandfather and grandmother with whom my brother and I spent most of our summers and holidays.

What strategy can you suggest to keep motorhomers on the road despite rising fuel costs?

RV travel is a team sport, always best when children play a role in planning the trip, preparing meals, looking for nature specimens, and sharing tall tales around the campfire. Here are some recipes that are simple enough for children to make, yet delicious enough for the whole family to enjoy.

Grand Canyon Walking Tour App

Geographic West, an online magazine dedicated to presenting the beauty of the western United States, announced that it has released its first apps for Apple and Android smartphones at their respective app stores. The Grand Canyon Walking Tour app is a point-by-point descriptive and photo tour of the Grand Canyon South Rim.