Complete this sentence: "Don’t leave home without _____ when you go motorhoming.”

Pioneers found food to be sparse in Death Valley, a barren expanse located along the California and Nevada border. But today’s RV travelers know that the desert has unique culinary delights.      
 

Blue Ox Recognized By White House

Automotive Equipment Manufacturing Co., which operates under the name Blue Ox, recently was recognized at a White House and U.S. Department of Agriculture event to acknowledge manufacturing success in rural America.

Trip Planner

The RV Trip Wizard is a Web-based trip-planning tool that is said to make it easy to plot out your next travel adventure.
 

Visiting, shopping, and relaxing. These were the perfect ingredients for a great time as members of the Ozark Ridge Runners celebrated the chapter’s 10th anniversary during a rally in Canton, Texas, November 3 through 6, 2011.
 

The 24th Annual Western Area Rally, presented by the Western Area Motorhome Association, was held January 11 through 15, 2012, at the Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival Fairgrounds in sunny Indio, California. The theme for this year’s rally was “Western’s Pirate Adventure,” which inspired some fabulous floats and costumes for the parade.

File Holder

Here’s an idea that has worked well for us. We didn’t want to carry a standard file cabinet in the motorhome, but we needed a place to keep our important papers and documents organized while traveling.

Tour boats and a specially built "hurricane" deck take visitors as close as possible to some of North America's greatest waterfalls.

This elegant diesel pusher includes all the creature comforts and storage required for a weekend jaunt or a long-term live-aboard stay.

Gear up for great sights and attractions in the Hoosier State capital as you attend Family Motor Coach Association's 87th Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase this August.

Take care of your water heater and you will be sure to have a reliable supply of hot water during your travels.

Graphic Description

Dear RV Doctor:
I recently purchased a 1985 motorhome that has a weathered exterior. It has a lot of vinyl graphics that are baked on, cracked, and peeling. I would like to remove the graphics to clean up the appearance but have yet to find anything that helps release the bond of the decals.

The following companies have recalls detailed in this month's Recall Corner: Entegra Coach, Gulf Stream Coach Inc., Newell Coach Corporation, and Spartan Motors Chassis Inc.

Valve Extensions

Referencing the “Tire Valve Extensions” letter that appeared in the January 2012 “Tech Talk” column (page 20), I think the answer provided offered good advice, but I also want to point out that many wheels do not need them.

Kids, Grandkids, And Memories

Dear Editor:
We have been members of FMCA since the early 1970s and have taken advantage of attending many FMCA international conventions. We took one of our grandsons, Stephen Dombek, to a rally in 1991.

I am truly excited to share with you some changes that will be taking place over the next several months to make your FMCA experience even better.

We experienced an early spring in much of North America this year, and many motorhomers who live in the northern and middle parts of the continent are on the road, enjoying the weather. As the summer camping season begins, the upcoming months hold the promise of many interesting places to go and lots of new things to see.

What’s your favorite snack to make and/or enjoy around the campfire?

Full-timing can be a rewarding way of life, but the lifestyle is getting squeezed these days from all directions. Here are a few ways to make your full-timing finances go both further and farther.

Winnebago Industries’ Bob Olson Retires; Randy Potts Promoted

Winnebago Industries Inc. announced the retirement of Bob Olson from the position of chairman of the board effective February 24, 2012. Randy Potts, 53, will assume this role in addition to his current positions of chief executive officer and president…

Personalized Sign

Let other campers know who you are and where you’re from with the Personalized RV Sign from Gunflint Woodshop.

The Cruisin’ Cajuns chapter celebrated its 41st birthday November 17 through 20, 2011, at Rayne Civic Center in Rayne, Louisiana. There were 200 coaches at the birthday rally.

The Law Of Gravity

Dear RV Doctor:
I have an Itasca motorhome and have run into a problem filling my fresh water tank when dry camping. There is no gravity feed inlet to fill the fresh water tank.

The following companies have recalls detailed in this month's Recall Corner:  Ford Motor Company; Navistar Inc. on behalf of Monaco RV LLC; Spartan Motors Chassis Inc.; Thor Industries Inc.; and Winnebago Industries.
 

Maintaining Towable’s Battery

In the August 2011 “Tech Talk” column there was a letter about Honda CR-V battery problems (page 22). I also use a 2009 CR-V as my towed vehicle and had the same problem with the battery dying while it was being towed. I recently went to a local trailer hookup and welding company and found a wonderful solution.

Montana Repair Recommendation
 
Dear Editor:
We wish to give a big "shout out" to Baker Towing & Repair of Butte, Montana (521 Cobban St.; 406-782-4743). On our trek from Illinois to Idaho in our 2004 Country Coach Magna, we discovered a major problem: a hole in a line of the power steering hydraulic system behind the radiator and just below the engine.

Several years ago, I was invited to Carburetion Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Other than going to a demolition derby or a tractor pull at our county fair, I had never really attended an event of this magnitude. I could feel the vibration in my chest as the cars circled the oval track. It was truly exhilarating.

A motorhome is not only a place to spend the cold winters in much warmer surroundings; it is still an economical way to visit areas and points of interest close to wherever you park. This is true for those who flock to Southern climes for the winter and those who use their motorhome for the occasional weekend getaway.

Map Light Project

The map light in our motorhome was a recessed unit with a convex lens. It was very bright, and the light would shine in everyone’s eyes.

Phoenix USA is out to prove you don’t have to give up features and amenities while enjoying the motorhome lifestyle on a smaller scale. In fact, a smaller motorhome may mean a lower initial investment …

When traveling with a four-legged family member, plan ahead to ensure a smooth and enjoyable time for all.

The final space shuttle mission ended July 21, 2011, but we still recall seeing — and feeling — a shuttle takeoff. As the last few countdown seconds ticked down, a loud bang was followed by a sharp metal-to-metal clank as the launch tower separated from the ship. The entire assembly shuddered, and the booster engines ignited; then, the booster and solid rocket engines fired.

Crossing the international border between tiny Oroville, Washington, and British Columbia, Canada, via U.S. 97 brings you into one of the most exciting wine-producing areas in all of Canada. The semi-desert Okanagan (pronounced oak-a-NOG-in) Valley is well known for its abundant vineyards, world-renowned wineries, and fruit-laden orchards, as well as beautiful, sparkling lakes and dazzling scenery.

An FMCA member upgrades his motorhome by installing new interior window shades from MCD Innovations.

After realizing the limitations of the exterior sunscreens on their new motorhome, Dave and Carla Townsley believed they could make something better. So they did.

Think of Ben Franklin, and you'll likely recall that he was one of the founding fathers of the United States, or that he flew a kite in an electrical storm. But did you also know that many counties in the United States were named after him? Franklin County, Florida, is one.

With a better understanding of the components and operation of your motorhome’s propane system, you can enjoy the benefits of this compressed fuel with confidence.

What book, movie, play, or TV show title best describes motorhome travel?

Just when you think you have the best business model or the best buy in a campsite, something happens to throw a monkey wrench into the machinery. An FMCA member recently wrote to me explaining how he had lost his motorhome and his full-timer’s lifestyle . . .

Las Vegas Luxury Resort

LVM Resort, formerly known as the Las Vegas Motorcoach Resort, is a luxurious 41-acre, gated resort for Type A motorhome owners located southwest of Las Vegas, Nevada, near Blue Diamond Road and Interstate 15.

Air Purifier

The Breathe Easy air purifier from Dometic Corporation is a portable, compact unit that is said to purify up to 800 cubic feet of air, potentially helping those who struggle with allergies, asthma, and chemical sensitivities.

After serving as president of the Olympic Snowbirds chapter for one year and working at FMCA’s Northwest Area Rally in Albany, Oregon, last June, it has become clear to me that our chapter has an excellent reputation and is well-liked in the RV industry. 

A mutual love of Virginia Tech football and motorhoming were the reasons behind the creation of the Hokie Travelers chapter, which recently celebrated its fifth anniversary.

Last year was a time of celebration for the Ozark Ridge Runners. The chapter, which is based in the Ozark Mountain area of northwest Arkansas and southwest Missouri, celebrated its 10th anniversary as an FMCA chapter in 2011 — 10 years of great travel, fun rallies, and new friendships.

Bring The Fun Inside

At a recent rally we experienced torrential rain, making it impossible to eat or socialize with friends outside.

Holding Tank Installation

Dear RV Doctor:
I recently bought an older Type C motorhome and just noticed that the dump valves on the gray and black water tanks had been broken off at one time.

Macerator

I have a 2010 Roadtrek Type B motorhome that I ordered and received in February 2010. I went on a trip to Las Cruces, New Mexico, in October 2010 to visit with family. I used the macerator pump to empty both the black and gray water tanks. The system worked fine, except that it blew the fuse.

Correction
The Web site address listed for Ford accessories in the December 2011 “Tech Talk” column (“Neutral Tow Kits Now Available For Ford Explorer, Ranger Vehicles,” page 20) was incorrect.  

Dan Fogelberg was a singer-songwriter most popular in the 1970s and ’80s. His soulful voice and songs could make even the most stressful day bearable. …Similar to many FMCA members, Dan was a true adventurer.

Quite a while ago — 16 years to be exact, in March of 1996 — Jean and I were returning home from the FMCA international convention in Perry, Georgia. We had been discussing what we would do about retiring and where we would live.