November Notes
Dear Editor:
I almost always read the “President’s Message” columns. I find Charlie Adcock’s messages particularly enjoyable and encouraging. Thanks for sharing not only the “good” stuff but also the challenges we can relate to. It’s helpful to us newbies and part-timers.
I am going to retire next year and have spent this past year planning the “big trip.” It has been a great learning experience, as well as fun and therapeutic. I was introduced to the RV Trip Wizard (“PC-Based Trip Planner,” November 2014, “Readers’ Forum,” page 16) a little more than a year ago and have been using it to plan our route. I used other programs earlier in the planning stages, but I have found RV Trip Wizard to be the absolute best so far. As they continue to develop and enhance it, I can’t imagine any other better product now or in the future.
Steve & Diane Parks, F430659
Lake Worth, Florida
Time For Towable Electric Cars
Dear Editor:
Although our family enjoys having our Jeep Wrangler Rubicon to drive at some destinations, its off-road capabilities are not always needed, and we are paying to pull it — in motorhome performance, fuel consumption, and possibly additional wear and tear. Our long-term goal is to acquire a relatively lightweight, all-electric utility (not luxury) car that is flat-towable. We believe there is a great market for such a vehicle among RVers.
We typically create a base of operations at a public park or private campground that has an electrical supply, and we take day trips of 25 to 50 miles a day. It’s perfect, except for one problem: no such reasonably priced car is available. I have heard that Tesla has made some flat-towable electric cars, and it has put its patents in the public domain. Sounds like the problem is solved, but we consumers don’t know if any of the major car manufacturers have even recognized the existing market.
Is FMCA able to survey the interest of its members and, based upon the results, encourage appropriate automobile manufacturers to test this market?
Henry Dolive & Mary Kay Morris, F422154
Cincinnati, Ohio
Editor’s note: When surveyed for FMC’s 2015 list of vehicles that can be towed four wheels down, Tesla representatives replied that both the Roadster and the Model S must be towed on a flatbed trailer.
Dealer Tip
Dear Editor:
We wish to thank Joe and Kathy Hurley of Great Plains RVs as friendly and most helpful people. Their company sells RVs, parts, and accessories and also does repairs. They have given us helpful RVing tips.
Among them was a tip for keeping mice out of our coach while in storage. They suggested putting peppermint oil drops on cotton balls and putting them in small bathroom cups, and placing them throughout the coach — in drawers, closets, cupboards, etc. It really works and the scent is not offensive to humans.
Great Plains RV is in Worthing, South Dakota (28020 Boondock Ave.; 800-697-3140; www.greatplainsrvs.com), and their facility is right off of Interstate 29 for easy access (exit 64).
Michael & Kathleen Brown, F410449
Coeur D’alene, Idaho
A Fine Interior Re-Do
Dear Editor:
I am writing to let your readers in New York and Pennsylvania know about Caledonia RV, in Caledonia, New York (585-294-5088; www.caledoniarv.com). They put new carpet in my 2004 Holiday Rambler Endeavor. From start to finish, the communication, the pricing, the coordination with the carpet company (for the measuring and installation), and the workmanship were excellent.
When I first called and made an appointment for the RV estimate, they were ready for me at the appointed time. The guy doing the work (Glen) came right out to my RV and complimented me on how nice the RV was for a 2004. I felt good about them from the beginning. We talked about my plan for the RV, which was to rip out all carpet and ceramic tile and put in wood flooring. I asked for his opinion, and he told me, very cautiously, what he thought would be best. Then Don, the owner, showed up. Glen and I told him about our ideas and we all discussed the options. Don pointed out how the three slides would have to be “super-extended” to put the wood flooring in, because to prevent scratching, you have to cover the slides that would go over the wood flooring. The solution was to just replace the existing carpet with new carpet.
I also wanted the J-couch removed and an extension built onto the passenger slide to accommodate a recliner and desk or small fireplace.
I never felt rushed to make a decision. I asked for and got an estimate for all options within four days. After careful consideration, I chose to replace the existing carpet with new carpet and leave the ceramic tile in the kitchen area and bathrooms.
I dropped the RV off and picked it up three weeks later and was extremely pleased when I saw how it looked. Caledonia RV went over and above what we talked about doing. They carpeted the entry area, under the driver seat, the main living area, behind the bed, behind both toilets (and even replaced the wood behind one of them because it was damaged), a small area by the shower, and in the closet. They also fixed one of the cupboard doors that didn’t close correctly.
Caledonia RV did a fantastic job, and I was not charged more than the quoted price. I would recommend Caledonia RV to anyone who would want to refurbish the inside of an RV.
Barb Westermeier, F435058
East Amherst, New York
What’s The Rush?
Dear Editor:
We are curious. We have noticed that the drivers of large motorhomes tend to drive their rigs with vehicles in tow at high speeds on state highways. Why are they always in a hurry? We own a NeXus RV Type C motorhome and almost never go beyond the 60 mph limit. We like to drive leisurely and enjoy the scenery while cruising on the state highways. Is that not what traveling and camping are all about?
William & Hilda Kerek, F434473
Adena, Ohio
Roof Recommendation
Dear Editor:
I would like to highly recommend TLC Custom Fiberglass RV Repair & Painting (7812 Symmes Road, Gibsonton, FL 33534; 813-671-3217), located in the Tampa area. On two different occasions they repaired my motorhome, and the work was nothing short of excellent. For roof recaulking or replacement, delamination, etc., see Harry or Paul.
Don Peach, F49740s
Lincoln, Maine