FMCA Campground Kudos
I recently read FMCA CEO Chris Smith’s “Time Keeps on Flying” column and its reference to the FMCA campground (“FMCA Update,” September 2020, page 6). The FMCA campground was a great find for us. On our first visit we were on our way to a national BOA (Bounders of America) rally in central Ohio. When we stopped, it just happened that Cincinnati’s Oktoberfest was going on. On our second visit to the campground, we lucked into a Taste of Cincinnati food festival. Two outstanding events that we had no idea were happening. Our third visit was planned for another Oktoberfest. We can attest to Cincinnati being a great place to visit and the FMCA campground being the place to stay.
— Bob & Inga Pratt, F377323
Daytona Beach, Florida
Don’t Forget Sani-Con
A good article in your October 2020 Family RVing on winterizing the RV, but it neglected to cover the Sani-Con system that many RVers use for dumping the gray and black tanks. Making sure adequate antifreeze is run through the Sani-Con pump will prevent a costly and messy surprise in the spring.
— Paul Miller, F403550
Annandale, Virginia
Terrific Service From Cummins
I own a 2008 Fleetwood Expedition diesel pusher. The “check engine” light was coming on occasionally and then stayed on as we returned home to Temecula, California, from a trip to Tillamook, Oregon. Fortunately, I was able to nurse the coach to the Cummins facility in Arcata, California. I didn’t have an appointment, and despite only having one technician available, they quickly took in the rig and scanned for trouble codes. Unfortunately, the results were serious; the coach needed a new turbocharger, actuator, and related parts.
Dave, in parts, advised me the turbo would have to come from the East Coast, and there would be a delay of possibly one to two weeks. He said he would do all he could to expedite its arrival. In the meantime, he provided 50-amp power and water so we could stay in the coach, as well as the code for the security gate so we could travel for necessities.
The parts arrived in a week, and the rig repair and performance were outstanding. I would like to thank service supervisor Joe Nichols, Dave, Taylor, and technician Paul for the outstanding service, courtesy, and hospitality they provided to my wife and me, along with our friends who were traveling with us in their RV. They treated us not only like a valued customer but also as family. I would highly recommend this facility and staff for service in this area (707-822-7390).
— Ray & Lynn Miller, F434769
Temecula, California
St. Augustine Repair Shop Review
While on the way to St. Augustine, Florida, on a Friday afternoon, I noticed the voltmeter on our motorhome sitting on 12 volts and not moving as we drove. As luck would have it, it didn’t change. Not good.
I called FMCA for help locating a service center nearby. The FMCA staff member gave me contact information for three shops. The first shop said their next available appointment was the following Wednesday, and we planned on leaving Thursday. The second shop I called was Ray’s Commercial Center in St. Augustine. I talked with the service manager, Dozer, and we discussed possible issues, including the engine batteries and the alternator. He made his shop immediately available. We drove straight there, and we agreed they would test the batteries and go from there.
Since the batteries were over 4 years old, I decided to replace them both. Next, the mechanic, Aron, checked the alternator. Not good news. We agreed that they would order an alternator and install it when it arrived. Dozer called Spartan to get the correct part number. Since I had new batteries, I was not concerned about driving the short distance to the KOA campground in St. Augustine. Monday morning Dozer called to say the new alternator was at the shop and to bring the coach in.
Aron got to work and replaced the alternator, as well as a couple wire terminals that needed replacing. Bottom line: I was happy with the service and prices. The shop prices are fair and typical, at $120 an hour and $60 for diagnostic service. Ray’s Commercial Center is very convenient and close to Interstate 95, at 2330 Dobbs Road, St. Augustine, FL 32086; (904) 810-5889. They also have a mobile repair truck, which fortunately we didn’t need. We highly recommend Ray’s Commercial Center.
Thank you, FMCA and Ray’s Commercial Center.
— Dan Reynolds, F461802
Lake Panasoffkee, Florida
Country Coach Service
My wife and I have been RVing since 1970. We have had many RVs over that period of time, so we have lots of experience with repair facilities. We ended up at Premier RV in Junction City, Oregon, by accident. Someone from the Winnebago Country Coach facility in Oregon called in May to let us know that they were closing that location and that our appointment for a checkup was canceled. We asked the person who called us who she would recommend if she had a Country Coach that was 16 years old. She noted that she used to work for Country Coach and that several of her friends from there now work at Premier RV, which specializes in servicing Country Coach motorhomes.
That was a fortunate recommendation for us. The Premier RV staff was very friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable regarding my motorhome. We will recommend their facility (www.premierrvservices.com; 541-366-4599) to our friends and acquaintances without hesitation.
— Cody & Candy Abbott, F38956
Asotin, Washington
Corrections
Credit Where Due
The “Winterizing The RV” article on page 28 of the October 2020 issue was missing its byline. The author of that story was Mark Quasius, F333630.
Wrong Area
The November 2020 story about Ginny McGrath’s passing (page 76) incorrectly noted that her husband, Don, had served as national vice president, Midwest Area. He served in the Great Lakes Area, as Ginny did later.
Family RVing regrets these errors.
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 like 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.