It’s Time To Go RVing!
For those who placed their motorhomes in mothballs for the winter, April often is the time when thoughts turn to prepping it for spring travels and hitting the road. In case you missed it, last month’s issue of the magazine contained an article about “dewinterizing” an RV and getting it ready for the travel season ahead (page 46).
Among the key components to check during the prep process are the tires. They should be inspected for signs of wear and sidewall cracking (indications that it’s time to replace them) and for proper inflation. For tips from an expert regarding caring for your motorhome tires and avoiding tire disasters during your travels, check out this month’s article titled “Maximizing RV Tire Life,” on page 50.
If it is time for replacement, you’ll want to take a close look at FMCA’s tire buying program. As I announced last month, FMCA has added a new partner to its program. Continental Tire is now offering discounts to FMCA members on the company’s motorhome tires. A pricing tool and information about the program are available at www.FMCA.com/benefits/continental-tire-program.html. Michelin continues to be a great option for members as well. The Michelin Advantage pricing tool is available at www.FMCA.com/benefits/michelin-advantage.html.
I am excited to announce another new member benefit this month. FMCA has partnered with Guardian Glass for convenient, hassle-free motorhome windshield replacement services.
Guardian Glass offers nationwide coverage with more than 3,000 approved glass repair and replacement providers across the United States. The Guardian RV Glass Network works with insurance companies to make sure your claim will be processed efficiently so you can get back on the road. The company has industry-leading customer service with a 98 percent average approval rating, and offers comprehensive warranties on parts and labor. Guardian officials note that the company is the leading producer of motorhome windshields in the United States.
Guardian Glass has a dedicated phone number — (855) FMCARVG, (855) 362-2784 — to serve FMCA members. You will need to provide your FMCA member number during your initial call. Guardian Glass’ customer service representatives are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Guardian’s team of knowledgeable professionals will answer initial calls from members and initiate the insurance claims process. Guardian representatives will find network-approved glass shops near the member’s desired location and purchase required replacement parts. They use original-equipment windshields and American-made products whenever possible. Their reps will coordinate repair/replacement scheduling with the glass shop for FMCA members and communicate consistently with members to provide status updates during the process. They will survey members upon completion of the claim to determine customer satisfaction.
With this new partnership agreement, once an FMCA member completes Guardian’s satisfaction survey, Guardian Glass will pay for the member’s next one-year dues renewal with FMCA.
Another FMCA partner I’d like to talk about this month is Seven Corners, the company that administers the FMCAssist Medical Emergency and Travel Assistance Program. This benefit is provided to all FMCA members as part of their regular membership dues. Although we hope it’s a benefit members never have to use, just knowing it’s available can provide wonderful peace of mind.
The FMCAssist Medical Emergency and Travel Assistance Program affords a long list of benefits to FMCA members when they are traveling more than 100 miles away from home, among them emergency medical evacuation/repatriation, vehicle return (within North America), and pet return. (Full-timers are always considered to be 100 miles away from home.) The start of the busy travel season would be a great time to refresh your memory about program details. Information appears in the member benefits guide in the January 2017 issue and online at www.FMCA.com/fmcassist.
Seven Corners must make the arrangements in order for you to be covered under the plan. So, as FMCA national senior vice president Jon Walker always says, follow these three steps in the event of an emergency: 1) Call 9-1-1; 2) Consult with the attending doctors; 3) Call Seven Corners.
Another benefit administered by Seven Corners, but probably less well-known, is the optional FMCA International Travel Insurance. If you travel outside your home country, your domestic health insurance — including Medicare, in the case of U.S. citizens — may not cover you. FMCA members who plan to travel outside their home country will want to obtain more information about this optional coverage. For a complete list of benefits provided by this insurance and a free quote, contact Seven Corners at (877) 202-4176 or (317) 582-2619; or go to FMCA.com, click on Benefits, and then click on FMCA International Travel Insurance.
We’ve had a mild winter here in Cincinnati so far. We’re still looking forward to all of the things that spring and summer bring. I’m sure all of you are as well. So, get out there and go RVing! And by all means, enjoy the journey!