Drone Etiquette
Dear Editor:
You had a nice article from Mark Quasius regarding how to use cameras on personal drones (May 2015, “Eyes In The Sky,” page 70). However, Mark failed to list one very important operating guide, which has to do with respecting your neighbors. Don’t fly a camera drone in heavily photographed areas. It spoils the view for others trying to take their own photographic memories.
Whether it is with cameras on drones or cameras on selfie sticks, some people seem to shove themselves into photographic zones with little regard for others attempting to capture a scene.
Larry Marola, F421089
Titusville, Florida
Shopping For A Dash Cam
Dear Editor:
Mike Wendland’s May 2015 column about “Traveling Technology” (page 78) should be of help for those who want to use high-tech devices while on the road or at home. However, his kudos for a particular brand of dash cam might cause some readers to be influenced to make a less than optimal purchase.
More experienced dash-cam users will expect higher-resolution video and more features for the $210 that Mike paid for his Windshield Witness. The more recently released dash cams, also for about $200, can provide touch-panel menu operation, built-in GPS, full HD 2304x1296p for true HD video quality, advanced photographic-grade glass lenses, better night video, and other useful features.
Anyone interested in buying a dash cam should be aware of pitfalls in the dash cam marketplace. One is the plethora of Chinese fakes for sale. Buyers also may encounter rebranded, cheap dash cams with USA names, and some dash cams have out-of-date technology. Buying a dash cam can be confusing and a rip-off. Buyers will benefit from some dash cam homework before making a decision.
The Internet is valuable for product research. Dash cam forums can serve as an independent resource for not only the best-ranked dash cams but also to learn how to avoid the fakes and rebranded models. I recommend dashcamtalk.com, where one can read reviews, use a comparison tool, read articles, and participate in extensive dash cam forum discussions.
Hollis Davison, F392715
Titusville, Florida
Thanks A Lot
Dear Editor:
I enjoyed reading Janet Groene’s June 2015 “Full Timer’s Primer” column about RV real estate purchase (“RV Real Estate,” page 98). As my wife and I visit RV lot locations, I can see some of the purchase pitfalls she mentioned, and several I didn’t realize.
Good article.
Gary Lynch, F398055
Simi Valley, California
Carbon Monoxide Alarm Reminder
Dear Editor:
In my recent work as an RV inspector, it is becoming apparent that there is a huge safety issue in the industry. Each unit I have inspected that was more than five years old had an out-of-date carbon monoxide (CO) alarm. Recently I checked two 2006 RVs, and clearly printed on the outside of their alarms was “Replace in 2010.”
When was the last time you checked the replacement date of your CO alarm? To see it, unscrew the unit and look on the back. Their recommended useful service life typically is five years. If your unit is over five years old, replace it. It could just save your life.
Sometimes the detectors are a year old or more when installed by the manufacturer, so if your motorhome is a 2011 model year or older, check your CO alarm today and replace it if necessary.
I replaced mine with a battery-operated unit and placed it in the bedroom. The originals were 12-volt, hard-wired. It is your choice as to what to use.
While you’re at it, check the propane detector. They last approximately seven years. Don’t forget the smoke alarm, either. They usually are rated to last approximately 10 years.
And be sure to change the batteries in all of the alarms on a regular basis.
Geoff Baker, F418538
Clermont, Florida
Repair Service During Forest River Rally
Dear Editor:
Recently I received service from Forest River Inc. that was outstanding and exceeded all expectations.
On the way to a Forest River Owners Group, or FROG, rally in Hemet, California, we, and several other vehicles, struck an obstacle on a freeway. Considerable damage was incurred to the steps of our motorhome.
Unbeknownst to me, a FROG member contacted Ty Miller, general manager of the new Forest River manufacturing plant in Hemet, California, and told him about the problem. The next morning at the start of our tour of the Forest River facility, Ty introduced me to Robby Olson, service manager, who had brought three new steps in his truck. After the tour, Robby installed new steps for us at no charge.
This was service above and beyond any expectation. As the proud owner of a Forest River product, I recommend Forest River to other FMCA members.
Leroy “Roy” C. Potter, A163780
Coulterville, California
Fast Service In Virginia
Dear Editor:
While we were traveling on Interstate 95 near Ashland, Virginia, last winter, our SMART energy management system in our RV quit functioning. We had no 110-volt power, and the temperatures were in the teens. We called a nearby dealer that we bought a motorhome from and were told that they could not take us for about three weeks. They gave us the number of RV Service of Virginia (804-798-1433; www.rvserviceofva.com), which was located nearby.
RV Service told us that they could look at it later that afternoon. We got there early (around 10:00 a.m.) and figured we would just wait. A few minutes later, they brought it into their shop.
They found the EMS board was defective, and they said it could be weeks before they could get another. They offered to rewire the coach to temporarily function without the board. They finished the job, and we were on our way before noon. Another customer was also in there with an emergency repair.
Their parts department looked well stocked, and they gave me a catalog that was over an inch thick. If you are in that area, I would recommend that you look them up.
Thomas E. Mitsock Jr., F380481
Newport, North Carolina