Join The Fun!
Being a member of an FMCA chapter exponentially increases the joys of RV travel. FMCA has added several new chapters in the past few months, and many others await new friends as well.
By Rett Porter, F369084
National President
rporter@fmca.com
Have you thought about being in an FMCA chapter? Have you wondered what chapters are available? Or why you should be in a chapter? How many times have I heard, “I don’t like going to group functions”? Being in a chapter doesn’t mean just sitting around the campfire telling stories. Chapters can be based on topics that interest you, like playing music or four-wheeling. Chapters can be formed to support a specific RV brand (such as Monaco International, Entegra Coach Owners Association, or Roadtrek International) or a particular chassis or engine type (such as Spartan Chassis International and Diesel RV Club). Chapters can be related to organizations and careers (such as Elk International, Military Veterans Chapter, and First Responders). Some chapters have limitations, such as a specific RV brand; some try to grow to include as many members as possible, while others have a maximum number of RVs in their chapter. For instance, ANASAZI has a limit of 30 family memberships but will put you on a waiting list if needed. They want active members to maintain a viable chapter with maximum participation.
FMCA members have no limits as to the number of chapters that they can join. Claire and I are in 15 chapters, because we travel and want to visit with friends all across the country. Some chapters are geographic, like the Tri-State Traveliers in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky or the Tucson Drifters in Arizona.
Since May of this year, FMCA has approved four new chapters:
1) Grand Design was established to promote this brand of fifth-wheels and travel trailers. This chapter anticipates the manufacturer will be sponsoring their activities, so Grand Design owners will want to participate in this group.
2) Ramblin Pushers joined FMCA as a chapter after considering four options for their organization: FMCA, Good Sam, Escapees, or staying a stand-alone entity. The members were overwhelmingly in favor of becoming a chapter of FMCA, because of the benefits and support they receive from FMCA. The Ramblin Pushers chapter focuses on maintenance of diesel engines. If you have a diesel engine in a truck or motorhome, then you want to be a member of this chapter.
3) Traveling Friends is an associate chapter of Newmar motorhomes with an age restriction of 55-plus. This chapter is part of the Great Lakes Area.
Associate chapters require fewer members to form and to remain active — seven or more instead of 15 or more for a regular chapter. Associate chapters do not have Governing Board representation and may have a scope outside the United States and Canada.
4) Texas AWTY (Are We There Yet) also is an associate chapter and was formed by a group of friends who enjoy traveling. When I called Thayla Andrews, the president of Texas AWTY, she said that they were just returning from Shawnee, Oklahoma, where they had been with their chapter.
If you live anywhere in the United States or Canada, check to see if FMCA has a chapter near you, or look in the International Area to see if there are any special-interest chapters that appeal to you. We have 300 chapters, and one should be the perfect match for you. You can find a complete list of chapters in the January issue of Family RVing magazine or check chapter information at www.fmca.com/fmca-join-a-chapter. If you have any questions or if you want to start your own chapter, then email or call the Chapter Services Department staff at chapters@fmca.com; (513) 474-3622 or (800) 543-3622.
Choice Is The Spice Of Life
The FMCA Tire Program now includes Goodyear tires, including ST tires for towable RVs.
By Chris Smith
Chief Executive Officer
csmith@fmca.com
FMCA is proud to announce a new partnership with Goodyear that offers members special rates on RV, light truck, passenger vehicle, and ST tires. This new addition to the FMCA Tire Program — which already included Michelin and Continental — will be especially appealing to owners of towable RVs, because of Goodyear’s selection of ST tires.
FMCA members now enjoy 15 percent off all Goodyear tires offered in the program and benefit from Goodyear’s 100-year history of award-winning innovation, and the knowledge that comes with it. Goodyear touts its cutting-edge technology and high tire standards.
Members can order tires and schedule installation in one of two ways. One option is to log into the FMCA website and visit www.fmca.com/rv-tires-discounts. Scroll down to the Goodyear section, and choose “Get Quote” or “Order Now.” If you are ready to order and click on “Order Now,” follow the four easy steps:
- Choose your tires.
- Find a local Goodyear installation facility.
- Pay for the tires and installation online.
- Schedule an appointment.
Members can also call Goodyear at (855) 226-6182 between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. ET daily to talk with a tire expert who can help with your selection and even place an order for you.
I am writing this article while at FMCA’s 105th International Convention and RV Expo in Lincoln, Nebraska, in late August. Goodyear is set up as a vendor for the first time. I was able to talk to David Dugan, fleet solution sales manager for Goodyear, who had the following to say about this new partnership:
“We at Goodyear are excited to be partnering with FMCA to offer quality Goodyear tires for all of your vehicle needs. RV, truck, towable, light truck, or passenger tires can be installed at one of our 2,300 service dealers across the U.S. Goodyear — More Driven!”
As you can tell, both FMCA and Goodyear are excited to roll out this partnership for FMCA members. Please check this out as you research your tire needs.
And, as always, enjoy the journey!