Blowout Plug

Dear RV Doctor:
I’ve heard about the dry method of winterizing a motorhome using a “Schrader valve” to blow the water out of the plumbing lines with an air compressor set to 20 psi, and then adding antifreeze in the kitchen, bath, and shower drains. Is this a good idea?

Damon Motor Coach has announced NHTSA recall 10V407000, which affects some 2005 through 2007 Damon Intruder and 2007 through 2011 Damon Challenger motorhomes manufactured between April 16, 2004, and September 1, 2010. The potential number of motorhomes involved is 286.

No Dash Fan Info

This information may help Dennis Auclair with the issue he described in his “No Dash Fan” letter that appeared in the March 2010 issue of Family Motor Coaching (page 14). I had the same problem on my 2000 Monaco Knight and this Web site was very helpful: www.evanstempcon.com/guides_ccl.php.

Family Radio Communications

Dear Editor:
While the “Family Radio Communications” article in the June 2010 issue of Family Motor Coaching (page 50) covers the Family Radio Service and General Mobile Radio Service radios quite well, I think there is another level of radio communication that is available to motorhomers that is far superior and almost as easily available.

Charlie has asked me to share some thoughts about motorhoming in this month’s column. When I met Charlie, I owned a huge canvas tent, the kind that smelled like oil of some kind and took a man and a boy to set it up. After a couple of camping trips, Charlie came right out and told me, “There has to be a better way to enjoy camping, like hot water, a built-in furnace, and maybe a color TV.”

She stepped onstage to cheers, whistles, and thunderous applause. When the room quieted, the diminutive woman joked as though no one knew her: “Hello. I’m Debbie Reynolds.”

A total of 70 children participated in the Youth Activities program during the “Redmond Rocks! Feel The Excitement!” convention, held August 11 through 14 at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond, Oregon.

As the old saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Neither is a Family Motor Coach Association convention. One might argue, however, that a small city springs up within mere days of the first FMCA members’ arrival at a convention venue. Such a phenomenon occurred this past August when…

Following are abbreviated resumes for the five national vice presidents who were recently elected or re-elected.

Approximately two months after westward-bound travelers left Independence, Missouri, on the Santa Fe Trail, Bent’s Old Fort would come into view from across the prairie. It was a welcome sight.

Tall as tales, redwood trees are among Mother Nature’s most inspiring creations. To celebrate and protect them, California’s first state park was created in 1902. The towering trees have been well represented ever since.

This 22-foot-long, 96-inch-wide Type C motorhome features sweeping exterior lines that slip easily through the air. During my trip, the unit yielded a very respectable average fuel economy of 11.9 mpg.

Opening the engine compartment door on the diesel pusher revealed some oil and dirt accumulation, faded paint, and rusty areas. So, I decided to attack the problem with the goal that when I was finished with the job, the engine would appear much like factory new.

I believe owners can employ three basic types or levels of maintenance on the exterior surfaces of any motorhome.

What’s the best restaurant for ribs?

While traveling in different parts of the world, I have learned lasting lessons about going without, making things last, and getting things clean without using harsh chemicals. In many places on earth, going “green” has always been a way of life.

Consider taking one of these candy factory tours around the United States.

Holiday Rambler Debuts Aluma-Lite Type C

Monaco RV recently unveiled the 2011 Holiday Rambler Aluma-Lite Type C motorhome. According to product literature, the easy-to-maneuver, fuel-friendly RV was designed especially for families and developed for today’s price points.

Insect Repellent Candle

The Coleman Citronella Candle from Wisconsin Pharmacal Company is designed to resemble the classic Coleman Northstar Lantern, with the added insect-repelling benefits of citronella.

Twenty-one motorhomes belonging to members of FMCA’s Gulf Coasters chapter rolled into the Anchors Aweigh RV Resort in Foley, Alabama, the weekend of June 11 through 13, 2010. Excitement was in the air as the group prepared to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the chapter’s formation back on June 3, 1985.

Pump Problem

Dear RV Doctor:
I have a SHURflo 4.0 Smart Sensor water pump in my motorhome, and I get an air lock in the line. I have had the fittings tightened, and it still has to burp the air out to run right.

Xantrex Technology Inc. has announced NHTSA recall 10E032000, which affects some Freedom SW 3000 inverter/chargers (part number 815-3000) manufactured from January 2010 to June 2010 (serial numbers ranging from B12330337 to B12382728). The recall population includes inverter/chargers sold to motorhome manufacturers to be used in new motorhomes and as replacement equipment, and also includes units made available to dealers for aftermarket sale.

Ignition Problem

I own a 1999 Monaco on a Ford chassis with a V-10 engine. The starter will not engage from the ignition switch. I can turn the ignition switch to the “on” position and jump the starter and the engine cranks okay. 

Classics Never Go Out Of Style

Dear Editor:
Thank you for the great article on the classic FMC coaches (“The Classic, Luxurious FMC,” August 2010, page 52). It was so nice to see the pictures of the families that own and enjoy these motorhomes.

FMCA’s 84th International Convention — titled “Redmond Rocks! Feel the Excitement!” — was held August 11 through 14 in Redmond, Oregon, at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center. What a great convention it was!

Fill That Tank!

Do you fill your diesel fuel tank before parking the motorhome at a campground for an extended time or putting it in storage? You should, and here’s why.