Job Well Done
We were southbound on Interstate 81 out of Pennsylvania after about two months on the road in New York and Connecticut, avoiding crowded places because of the pandemic. The ride of our 2016 Winnebago Journey motorhome appeared to be hard and bumpier than normal. As we crossed into Virginia, a scraping noise started, so we pulled into the Virginia welcome center. We called Freightliner 24/7 and were directed to Transteck/Freightliner of Winchester, Virginia, at their new location, 227 Hopewell Road in Clear Brook, 3 miles north of the rest area (540-678-7069).
When we pulled in, we were met by Nick Wyant, service adviser, and Ryan Evans, parts manager. They explained they had just moved into the new location but were up and ready to help. A quick inspection of my RV showed a rear air suspension bag had broken and needed replacement. A check of their system using the VIN found the needed parts in Florida, and they advised we should not drive the coach any farther. We parked out of the way in their new parking area and plugged into the electric hookups they offered.
The parts arrived in the morning on day three and were installed within two hours. We drove to Candy Hill Campground nearby, and everything worked fine. The coach self-leveled better than it ever had.
We received fantastic service from these folks, who didn’t even have their furniture yet. Scott Shoemaker made sure we were advised of the parts shipment, and Nick had a mechanic ready at 7:00 a.m. We are now headed south for a rest.
Word to the wise: We travel with empty holding tanks and half a tank of potable water, which carried us over. We also have registered the coach with Freightliner, and we participate in Cummins owners clubs, which have helped us numerous times with recalls (and saved us money).
— John Glowacki, F408319
Bonita Springs, Florida
Kindness Appreciated
We were on our way to Norman, Oklahoma, to see our grandson in a play when disaster struck. We had just arrived in Amarillo, Texas, when I told my wife that I could not go any farther. She took my blood pressure, and it was 229/188. She called 911 and told the operator I was having a heart attack (she is a retired cardiac nurse). The operator was very nice and told my wife to remain calm and help would be on the way.
As she was talking, there was a knock at the door. It was a firefighter. Talk about fast service. In a few minutes, we had three paramedics, four firefighters, and two police officers at the motorhome. They put me in the ambulance. My wife got in the front, and we were on our way. We arrived at the ER, and they were Johnny-on-the-spot. They rushed me in and also took very good care of my wife. The ER doctor looked at my EKG and contacted the on-call heart doctor. I was on my way to the cath lab. I was out of it most of the night. They gave my wife a voucher for a cab back to the campground, and she arrived there at 2:00 a.m.
She had placed a call to FMCA, and they were the most helpful people we could ask for. They wanted to know how I was doing and asked whether they could help with anything at all. My son flew in and took charge of the RV. The people at FMCA said they had someone who could take the RV home for us, but my son took us back to the campground. I would like to give my thanks to your office staff. They were everything we could ask for.
— John & Bunny Powell, F320684
Crowley, Texas
Update Regarding Vintage RV Rally
The June 2020 issue of Family RVing mentioned our inaugural vintage RV rally — “Golden Oldies” — at Matagorda Bay Nature and RV Park in Texas (page 80). We have decided for the safety of our guests and employees, it is best to change the dates from September 11 to 13, 2020, to April 16 to 19, 2021. If guests currently have reservations for the rally and still would like to visit our park during that time, we will honor the rally rate for their stay. Small-group community programs will be offered during this time. If our guests would like to change their dates to attend our spring rally, we can do that as well. Or, if they’d rather just have a refund, we will return all money paid.
— Denise Matlock
Matagorda Bay Nature And RV Park
(979) 863-2603
denise.matlock@lcra.org
Look For The Liberty Bells
We read with interest the story of Dick and Debbie Newbert (“Captivated by Capitols,” August 2020, page 52). Congratulations to them for sharing their adventures.
We would like to mention that you also can look for the Liberty Bell replicas that usually are located in each state capitol. Here’s the story: In 1950, Harry S. Truman and the U.S. Treasury had 55 full-sized replicas of the Liberty Bell cast and shipped as gifts to each state and territory of the United States and the District of Columbia to be displayed and rung on patriotic occasions. This was part of the “Save For Your Independence” savings bond drive. With each bell came the stipulation to display it on state capitol grounds and give free access to it. Most states followed these rules, but not all.
In our travels, we have had the privilege of visiting 22 state capitols and found 18 bells. Some are displayed with pride and in a place of prominence. Others seem somewhat forgotten but are still on display. Some are missing. But it is a wonderful opportunity to see part of our history. And, keep in mind, the gift of the bells was done in 1950. We thought it was amazing that so many are still on display.
You never know what will happen when you ask where their bell is. We received a personal tour from the head of security at the Massachusetts capitol just to see the bell on an outdoor portico (it was inaccessible due to restrictions following 2001). And we even got to meet a governor (Delaware). So, if you are planning to visit capitols, don’t forget about the Liberty Bells!
— Ken & Janet Frey, F96957
Milford Square, Pennsylvania
We Want To Hear From You! Family RVing welcomes comments about articles published in the magazine or topics of interest to RV owners. And with bad news permeating our world of late, we’d also to hear your good news. Gestures of kindness you’ve experienced or witnessed. An opportunity you had to do something for someone else that you’d like to share, in hopes of inspiring others to do something similar. Or just observations you have made during this unusual time. We’d love to hear your stories.
Email all letters for this column to readerswrite@fmca.com or mail to Readers Write, FMCA, 8291 Clough Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45244. Please include your name, city, and state/province. Letters may be edited for space or clarity.