The Happy (OK) Wanderers chapter was formed in 1991 by Manuel and Ramona Jackson, a couple who enjoyed camping and RVing and wanted to encourage others to "wander along" the byways of Oklahoma and especially enjoy the state parks in the Sooner State. 

Eight members of the Mohawk Roamers chapter attended a rally in Oswego, New York, during the 25th annual Harborfest celebration on Lake Ontario, July 26 through 29, 2012.

The Midwest Prairie Schooners chapter (MWPS) celebrated its 35th anniversary July 13 through 15, 2012, at The Great Escape RV Park & Campground in Higginsville, Missouri.

Mobile Wine Cellar

Last year we hit the wine trail as part of our trip to Niagara Falls. We found many wonderful vineyards with excellent wines, but the sad part was that we could not take some with us to enjoy later. Carrying glass bottles in our motorhome had always been a challenge…

Trevor Brazile, the “King of Cowboys,” is a nine-time all-around world champion and has used a high-line diesel pusher to travel to various rodeo events with his crew. He is just one of many rodeo cowboys and others who use motorhomes for this purpose.

Motorhome Heater Problem

Dear RV Doctor:
I own a 2008 Suncruiser, and the coach furnace suddenly stopped working. There is power leaving the circuit breaker, but there is no power at the toggle switch.

The following companies have recalls detailed in this month's Recall Column: Forest River Inc., Jayco Inc., Prevost, and Spartan Chassis Inc.

Ethanol

Now that the government has approved 15 percent ethanol (E15) gasoline, how is this going to affect our 2007 GM Workhorse 8.1-liter gas engine?

Priceless art and mansion splendor combine with circus memorabilia at this must-see stop in Sarasota, Florida.

Good Neighbors To Know About

Dear Editor:
Thank you so much for including the article about Truline RV in the September 2012 issue ("Truline RV: Rehab And Update Specialists," page 66).

It wouldn’t be the holidays without hearing the late Andy Williams sing his 1963 hit “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” I can still see the red jacket cover of The Andy Williams Christmas Album my family owned when I was growing up.

Even if you usually avoid museums, you'll enjoy the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix, Arizona. And music lovers will want to stay there for hours.

The month of December not only brings the end of the magnificent color displays put on by the foliage throughout most of the continent but also brings a time of reflection about our past.

Our motorhomes include a number of items that are important, and when we need them, we really need them. The auxiliary generator ranks at the top of that list, for several reasons.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a stealthy killer. You can’t see, smell, or taste this poisonous gas. As an RVer, it’s vital that you are able to detect its presence and prevent it from infiltrating your motorhome, because it doesn’t take long to succumb to its deadly effects.

Jayco’s Seneca was a popular motorhome for 6 years until General Motors stopped producing the Kodiak chassis and the 8.1-liter Vortec gasoline engine in 2010, effectively ending Seneca production for the 2011 model year. During that hiatus, Jayco redesigned the motorhome and debuted the 2012 Seneca, built on the Freightliner M2 Business Class chassis.

Just as FMCA is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2013, Kampgrounds of America (KOA) has been commemorating that golden number in 2012. The largest campground network in the world began in 1962 on a plot of ground near the Yellowstone River in Billings, Montana.

When winter storms blast many parts of North America, it's just another sunny day in the Coachella Valley of Southern California.

A host of services are provided by FMCA’s travel assistance and medical evacuation program — including some enhanced offerings. FMCA members need to sign up for the Voluntary Member Participation plan administered by Seven Corners and pay the associated premium in order to have covered expenses paid for by the plan.

Hydronic heating systems are a highly desired feature in diesel-powered Type A motorhomes. If your coach has hydronic heating, odds are that it is equipped with an Aqua-Hot heating system.

A portable grill can add a tasty touch of home wherever you go in your motorhome. Today’s RV-friendly grills come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The transportable grills we tested are  fueled by a diversity of sources: charcoal, propane, electricity, and wood pellets.

Taking care of your diesel engine’s turbocharger is fairly easy, provided that you follow a few simple steps. The first part involves starting the engine and allowing it to warm up to the proper operating temperature.

By routinely inspecting the fuel filters and replacing them when necessary, you can stave off engine performance problems.

Become a more courteous, responsible motorhome operator by incorporating these tips and suggestions into your driving repertoire.

The "kings" of blues, rock 'n' roll, and civil rights join other attractions in this Tennessee town.

Dramatic views and exciting terrain await bicyclists who travel the Hiawatha Rail-Trail, a downhill, family-friendly mountain bike route on former train tracks in northern Idaho.

What was the main reason you decided to buy your first motorhome?

Two questions top the list of queries that I receive from FMCA members. Everyone wonders how much it costs to live full-time in a motorhome, and where to establish a home base.

Mike and Jennifer Wendland’s top 10 rules for surviving and thriving while sharing small spaces.

Thor Motor Coach Offers Open Concept, Island Kitchen Model
Thor Motor Coach has added the 37GT — featuring an innovative kitchen design — to its Challenger line of premium gas-powered Type A motorhomes. The 2013 Challenger 37GT model offers …

Floor Mopz
According to product literature, the Super Floor Mop from Shurhold Industries won’t drip, leave streaks, or turn moldy, making it ideal for worry-free RV cleaning.

Early in the morning of April 22, 2012, a meteorite estimated to be the size of a minivan streaked through Earth’s atmosphere. The sonic boom and huge fireball that it created attracted plenty of attention over large parts of Nevada and California.

Members of the Colorado Columbines celebrated their 20th anniversary as an FMCA chapter July 12-15, 2012, at the Elk Meadows Lodge & RV Resort in Estes Park, Colorado. During this gathering, FMCA national senior vice president Allen Rein and his wife, Glenda, presented chapter officers with a certificate of recognition.

Temporary Shoe Storage
We like to take our shoes off when we enter the motorhome to protect the carpet and flooring, and to make cleaning the interior easier. However, there was never a good place to put them, especially when we had guests, and we were constantly tripping over them.

Whistling In Dixie

Dear RV Doctor:
We turn on the water heater only when we need hot water. However, when we do, within a couple of minutes we can hear a whining sound, which seems to come from the propane tank area.

The following companies have recalls detailed in this month's Recall Corner: Prevost Car Inc., Roadtrek Motorhomes Inc., and Winnebago Industries Inc.

Coach Batteries

Several years ago, I bought a 2000 Monaco Diplomat. At that time, the house batteries (four 6-volt) were five months old. I recently replaced them and must have received some bad information somewhere along the line.

Racing Reaction

Dear Editor:
I saw the article “A Fleetwood Photo Finish” in the Family & Friends section of the July issue (page 30), which described a drag race between two motorhomes. What a hoot!

Overall, Family Motor Coach Association remains financially healthy despite a prolonged recessionary period and a decline in membership.  As of this writing, FMCA has investments totaling more than $7.6 million. 

Looking at the calendar recently, my wife, Jean, mentioned that we have been members of Family Motor Coach Association for almost 22 years.  Wow, 22 years! Not as long as some other members of our association but, still, a long time.

Following are abbreviated resumes for the five FMCA national vice presidents who were recently elected or re-elected. (Committee assignments for 2012-13 were not available at press time.)

What do you do as a family, group, or FMCA chapter to celebrate the summertime holidays during a motorhome trip?

It’s been a few years since I dehydrated foods for RV trips, but now dehydrator fever has struck again. Harvest season is the perfect time to travel country roads, attend fruit and vegetable festivals, and buy by the bushel at farmers’ markets.

Follow FMCA’s new roving reporter as he leaves behind a fast-paced, deadline-driven lifestyle and learns to slow down and discover the beauty and freedom of the open road.

Newmar Dutch Star Redesigned For  2013

Newmar Corporation recently introduced its 2013 product lineup, which features an emphasis on bolder colors and more eye appeal. Highlighting this design change was the total life-cycle redesign of one of Newmar’s best-known brands, the Dutch Star.

Bottle Carrier

Protect wine and other breakable items while traveling with the VinniBag from Ellessco LLC.

Where would you find RVs, chickens, cows, alligators, and pigs mixed in with friends, fun, and laughter? The place to be to see all of this was the 2012 Great Lakes Area Spring Spree (G.L.A.S.S.) at the Berrien County Youth Fair in Berrien Springs, Michigan, on Memorial Day weekend, May 24 through 28.

Rosalie Pindell, F105443, an ardent supporter of FMCA and the motorhome lifestyle, passed away July 16 at Davis Hospice Center in Cheyenne, Wyoming, surrounded by her three children. Rosalie, wife of the late Duane Pindell, former FMCA national vice president, Rocky Mountain Area, was 78.

Second Chance

I’ve found a second duty for our electric toothbrush (Sonic Care) and the used heads that are no longer stiff enough for brushing. I discovered they can be used to clean between the faucet handles and other tight spaces.

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.