Did You Know?
Digital issues of FMCA’s magazine are archived online back to 2013. With the current digital magazine open on your screen, look for the folder (archive) icon at the top right of the page; click on the icon to open additional issues. On your smartphone or tablet, click on the menu icon and then “archive.” Another way to read past issues is to visit FamilyRVingmag.com and click “Digital Editions” on the menu bar; you’ll see magazines listed by year.
Texas-Sized Help From FMCAssist
Last September a friend of ours and fellow FMCA member from Texas was traveling in the Northeast and stopped in New Hampshire. While there, she fell and hurt her knee. We had been in touch, as she was coming by to visit us in New York on her way back to Texas. After talking with her, we decided we would go up to New Hampshire, and my husband would drive her back to our home in New York. We got her in to see our orthopedic doctor, and he told her the bad news: She would not be able to drive her motorhome back to Texas.
I had gotten in touch with FMCAssist when I knew we were going to pick her up. I can’t begin to tell you how great Kathy at Seven Corners [FMCAssist program administrator] was in helping us help our friend. She went above and beyond with every detail in seeing that our friend got back to Texas and that her motorhome was delivered safely. We hope we will never have to use this service, but if we do we will know that FMCAssist will be with us all the way.
Susan & Terry Metcalfe, F407662
Wassaic, New York
Wi-Fi Cost Cut
I got my first Verizon hotspot from Millenicom. Verizon did not renew their contract and offered us the same data usage, but at nearly double the cost.
Today, thanks to FMCA, I completed the steps to use my existing Verizon hotspot and increase my data cap, while cutting my monthly cost in half! Thank you, FMCA.
Mylar Wilson, F425434
Via email
Editor’s note: Visit FMCA.com for information about FMCA’s Verizon Connect-on-the-Go plan, as well as Tech Connect+, which includes a Sprint plan.
A Long Wait Made Better
While we were traveling in South Carolina, the hydraulic pump for the power steering on our 2001 Newmar Dutch Star failed. Our motorhome is built on a Spartan chassis with a 350-horsepower Cummins ISC engine. We were towed to Atlantic Cummins in Spartanburg (864-208-2657, salesandservice.cummins.com). The problem was diagnosed promptly, but the fix was not as timely. The pump is made by Casappa, which has a factory in Batavia, Illinois; however, this particular pump is built at their facility in Italy. It is proprietary to Spartan chassis. The pumps were on back order for eight weeks.
Spartan verified that eight pumps were ordered, and we were seventh on the list.
We also contacted the Casappa plant in Batavia, Illinois, as well as a distributor. We spent the next two weeks trying to get the old pump rebuilt, and after several unsuccessful attempts, the repair facility was able to get us together enough so we could drive to a campground and wait there for the pump to arrive.
When the pump arrived at Atlantic Cummins in Spartanburg, they got us in and out on the same day.
We have to praise the folks at Atlantic Cummins in Spartanburg. Brian, the service representative, worked tirelessly the whole time we were there, trying to find a solution to our problem. Amanda, the service supervisor, did everything she could to make our stay there comfortable. Todd, the technician, did the actual repair. Everyone at Atlantic Cummins gets an A+ and gold stars all around.
We also want to put in a good word for Lake Hartwell RV Park in Westminster, South Carolina (864-972-0555; wwww.lakehartwellrvpark.com). Jeff and Mike have a nice park there. Not too big; not too fancy. Just right.
Any FMCA members who own motorhomes with a 350-horsepower Cummins ISC engine on a Spartan chassis should keep an eye on the power steering pump. Those with more than 100,000 miles on the vehicle may want to order one and keep it for a rainy day. It is Casappa part number PLP20.20-07S1. The Spartan part number is 1441-FF1-001.
Tom Ranly, F408397
Benson, Arizona
Nebraska Stop And Repair
As our RV aged and we did, too, it got harder to hear each other as we traveled down the road. On one particular day’s end, as we pulled into a spot, the engine was very loud. Roger decided it was the manifold. It was 4:00 p.m. on a Friday, and we needed a mechanic to assess the problem.
We found Sauder’s Automotive in Sidney, Nebraska (308-254-5535, www.saudersinc.com). Chris Sauder, the owner’s son, came out and told us it was a blown gasket on the passenger side. He could not get us in until Tuesday, and then parts needed to be ordered.
Roger needed to get to Reno, Nevada (1,100 miles away), as his brother was dying. So, he took the towed car and I stayed with the dog and cat to get the RV fixed. On Monday Chris called for the vehicle identification number and ordered parts; on Tuesday morning the RV was being repaired.
On Wednesday they ran into trouble, as a bolt was broken off. The job was not completed until 4:30 p.m. Both the shop and the mechanic donated time for a portion of the cost of fixing the situation.
I stayed overnight two nights behind the business, plugged into their electric. During these days, Chris came often to the waiting room to bring me up-to-date on the job, offered me the use of a car, and watched my dog while I walked next door for a sandwich. I can’t say enough good things about these people. If you are in the area, don’t forget Sauder’s.
Roger & Gloria Smith, F412987
Virden, Illinois
We Want To Hear From You! Family RVing welcomes comments about articles published in the magazine or topics of interest to RV owners. Send email to readerswrite@fmca.com or mail letters to Readers Write, FMCA National Office, 8291 Clough Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45244. Please include your name, city, and state/province. Because of the volume of correspondence we receive, we cannot draft individual replies. Letters may be edited for space and clarity.