From the monthly magazine to RV Basics and RV Driving classes, FMCA provides resources and learning opportunities for members with the goal of enhancing the RV lifestyle and adding to their fun.
By Gaye Young, F284657
FMCA Education Committee Chairman
May 2023
We’ve all been there! You have researched the market to decide what RV you desire. You have talked with RV-owning friends or relatives about the best option for your needs. Taking delivery of our first RV was so exciting! The inaugural trip was thrilling, to travel along the highways and byways in search of what’s around the corner, following the sun and looking for the next adventure! Visiting family and friends, and making new friends, during our travels is just one of the fun goals we aim to achieve.
And then it happens! Towed vehicles don’t hook up correctly; appliances aren’t working; slideouts won’t come in; engines won’t start; the generator won’t crank. There are a gazillion things that could go wrong and disrupt your journey. All of a sudden, you are in total despair as to why something like this could happen. Where do you go for assistance with such issues? You can look to your friends or the dealership where you purchased your RV. You can start searching for RV repair shops. Or, you can turn to your friends at FMCA! There is so much to learn on our website (www.fmca.com), including information from Family RVing magazine (also at www.familyrvingmag.com) and the FMCA University (www.fmca.com/fmcauniversity), which has a library of technical and lifestyle articles. And there are the FMCA Forums (https://community.fmca.com), where you can ask questions of your fellow members.
To enhance your skills, FMCA also offers RV Basics for new RVers and those who would like to learn more about caring for their RV. Topics include electrical, plumbing, RV driving and towing, water and waste systems, propane, refrigeration, heating and air conditioning, RV weighing, brakes and tire safety, and fire safety. This 2½-day class takes place twice a year before our FMCA international conventions. Some students have taken this class more than once and note that they learn new things each time. Instructors Gary Cipa, Steve Raye, and Eric Britz bring “show & tell” items so students gain a better understanding of tools, gadgets, and products that may be purchased at our convention. For more information about RV Basics, visit www.fmca.com/academy.
FMCA also offers hands-on driving and backing classes prior to FMCA conventions. These are made possible by a partnership with the RV Driving School. For more information, visit www.fmca.com/rv-driving-school.
Some FMCA chapters, including the Diesel RV Club, host technical seminars during their rallies. The instructors, writers, and seminar presenters are RVers who are actively involved in this lifestyle. Education is a valuable recruitment tool for potential FMCA members. We are passionate about educating our members and keeping all of us safe, but we also are very passionate about having fun wherever we roam!
You have questions and we have answers. Let us help you take the worry out of potential disruptions of your RV lifestyle. FMCA is your one-stop shop for your RVing needs.
Brian & Donna Woodhouse, F529094 | Port Severn, Ontario
For their inaugural RV voyage, Brian and Donna Woodhouse traveled to Perry, Georgia, in March 2023 to participate in the RV Basics classes as well as the FMCA convention that followed. Based on their experience with motorcycle groups, they knew there would be much to learn when it comes to RVing as well.
Brian commented on how much knowledge they gained from the RV Basics course in Perry: “Things you take for granted become more real as you learn more on the subject matter.”
One important lesson Brian learned related to what to do if you experience the rapid loss of air in a tire, commonly known as a blowout, which was demonstrated in a Michelin video titled “The Critical Factor.” Brian said, “I did not know you needed to place your foot on the gas pedal instead of the brake pedal until they showed the video.”
Brian shared that the great ideas and explanations of the patient instructors put him at ease, even with so much to learn. And he commented that he will take the RV Basics course again: “You can always learn something new, as others who have taken the class several times noted.”
Dawn Barber, F504305 | Providence Forge, Virginia
Dawn Barber is a police officer who has been RVing since 1995 and currently owns a 36-foot Tiffin Open Road motorhome. She attended the RV Basics classes prior to the convention in Perry, Georgia, and had great things to say about her experience.
“The minute I drove through the gates, I saw the family-like atmosphere, the friendliness of the campground volunteers. Makes me want to retire sooner as I enjoy the RV lifestyle and attend more rallies. I can’t wait to join a chapter and meet new people. I love everything about the FMCA organization.”
She said, “I am taking RV Basics as I wanted to hear real-life experience stories from
other students and learn the expanse of knowledge from the instructors. I feel more com-
fortable now with all systems, like AC versus DC appliances, plus I understand better the methodology behind these systems. I feel more comfortable with the propane system after listening to the instructors.”
Dawn also commented on “The Critical Factor” video by Michelin. “It’s counterintuitive,
as I thought I would slam on the brakes and hang on during a blowout, versus step on the accelerator and guide the RV to the shoulder. I’ll tell you, that was an invaluable lesson.”