Bubbles No More
Dear Editor:
In the November 2015 “House Calls” column (page 24), Charly Barnes described a problem with air bubbles from the water pump. We had the same problem with our 2000 Georgie Boy Landau motorhome. When I took it to Muskegon RV in Muskegon, Michigan, I had this problem on my list of items to fix, along with winterizing the motorhome. Muskegon RV found a worn-out gasket in the valve you open to fill the fresh water tank. With the valve tightly closed, air was being pulled through the faulty washer and mixed with the fresh water being drawn into the water pump. They replaced the washer, and all is well. Thanks to the great service department at Muskegon RV (www.muskegonrv.com; 800-898-1125).
George Abbott, F214693
Muskegon, Michigan
Thank You, Progressive
Dear Editor:
In the spring, we had a very serious accident when a pickup truck crossed the median on Interstate 80 in Illinois and hit us head-on. We were not injured, but the pickup driver died. Our coach, a 2008 Marathon on a Prevost H3 chassis, was seriously damaged. Within days, and at a cost to them of more than $10,000, Progressive had the damaged coach towed to the Prevost facility in Tennessee and paid both Prevost and Marathon to disassemble and evaluate the damage. When Progressive determined that they would pay us the agreed value rather than repair the coach, a check was in our hands within a couple of days.
Throughout the process, Progressive kept us informed of the steps being taken and did whatever they could to handle things as we wanted, and as quickly as possible. We could not have been happier with the process or the outcome.
We just bought a new coach and insured it with Progressive, and we can recommend them to our fellow RVers without reservation.
Kenneth Gluckman, F389145
Box Elder, South Dakota
Generator Fixed Far From Home
Dear Editor:
In June 2015, my husband and I left Texas for our annual trip to a car show in Gadsden, Alabama. Before leaving, we had our Foretravel coach checked out thoroughly. At a rest stop, I prepared to take over the driving and started the generator. But soon I saw white smoke billowing from the generator’s exhaust pipe. It would crank but not run properly, nor would it power the electricity for the coach air conditioners.
We went on to the car show and checked for mechanics, shops, and suggestions about repairing the generator. When we could find no help, we decided we would just have to get by without it for the remainder of the trip.
After arriving in Canton, Ohio, my husband called the manufacturer of our generator, Power Tech. As they gave him the name of a repair shop in Canton, I searched the Internet for diesel generator repair shops. My search brought up Northern Mobile Electric, the same shop recommended by the manufacturer.
As soon as we rolled into the parking lot, Diane, co-owner of the shop, came out to meet us. Service technicians began looking at the generator immediately. We left the coach and went about our day. When we returned, they had diagnosed part of the problem. Some insulation had fallen onto the generator and melted, clogging up the muffler. They needed a part that would arrive the next day. We had a properly working generator before closing time the next day.
They were polite, friendly, welcoming, competent, and professional. Thanks to their dedicated work ethic, we received the help we needed in a very timely manner. This is the best service we have ever had away from home. It was also the first time we’ve been able to get work done without a wait. If you are ever in Canton and need work on a generator, we highly recommend Northern Mobile Electric (1818 Hopple Ave. S.W., Canton, OH 44706; 330-477-9009, 866-936-0708, www.northernmobile.com).
Randal & Pam Clayton, F212449
Brownsboro, Texas
Emergency Stops
Dear Editor:
When our 2006 Triple E Embassy motorhome started to make beeping sounds just before we came to a stoplight in Blanco, Texas, we knew we were in trouble. It was Easter Saturday just before noon, and the coach was losing air brake pressure. I have to admit the folks in this little town were friendly and courteous, and no one gave us trouble as they drove around us. Even a local police officer stopped to help. Our roadside assistance company was really busy and probably couldn’t help us for quite some time.
I was in the motorhome when all of a sudden, a gentleman came on board, got into the driver’s seat, and said, “Yep, it’s the stuck valve on the air ballast.”
To my amazement, he had already been under our coach showing my husband what the problem may have been. What are the odds that a mobile RV repair technician would be driving by? You could say it was divine providence that Easter weekend. Don Franklin, an RVIA-certified repair technician and owner of Lone Star Mobile RV Repair, was heading to the next town when he passed us. Don went above and beyond by assessing our problem, told my husband how we could make a temporary fix, called a buddy’s repair shop in the next town, and even followed us there. We offered him remuneration, which he totally refused. I promised him we would tell folks about him.
Don’s company is Lone Star Mobile RV Repair (830-214-4494; email donfranklin@lonestarmobilerv.com). If you need help and you are in the Blanco, Texas, area, call this man. We found him to be honest and reassuring, and he had a sense of humor.
We couldn’t get the part we needed at that time, so we had to use the temp fix at least three times. Three other companies that helped us along the way were Wichita Falls Freightliner, Wichita Falls, Texas (888-767-9201); Truck Center Companies, York, Nebraska (402-362-2440); and Truck Center Companies, Norfolk, Nebraska (402-379-8669). These three were well organized, very clean, and willing to help even though it meant trying to find us a $12 part. As Canadian snowbirds, we really appreciate everyone’s efforts and think they are worthy of mention.
Peter & Elizabeth Clark, F427879
Neepawa, Manitoba
The FMCA Family
What I’m about to say in all probability is similar to stories that could be told by many previous, present, and future FMCA members. Some of you know my groom, Joe Mills, who passed away on January 6, 2015.
Joe was born to immigrant parents in 1925. His mother passed away when he was 1 year old. At age 7 he was placed in a children’s home. His father attended Moody Bible Institute, and Joe was permitted to spend nights with him occasionally. When Joe was 14, his father became a Baptist minister, and Joe went to live with him. At age 17, Joe enlisted as a Marine. Upon his discharge four years later, he became a master mason (brick, stone, tile, etc.). At age 30, in 1955, God assigned him to his future bride, me, Marilyn. We married in 1960.
Joe’s pleasure ultimately became his vocation — fishing, until age 84. He owned several boats over time.
In July 1988 we purchased a Country Coach motorhome, and in 1997 another Country Coach. We spent 19 years traveling and developing a fabulous family of friends in FMCA and the Country Coach International (CCI) chapter. During 17 of those years, Joe was the “sheriff” of the CCI chapter, collecting money from those caught not wearing a badge. The funds were donated to the chapter’s charity of choice — Dogs for the Deaf. In 2008 we downsized to a Phoenix Cruiser and joined the Coaches for Christ chapter. We traveled through 49 states and Canada. FMCA members became family.
At our first Coaches for Christ gathering, Joe met a minister from West Point, Mississippi, and asked him to baptize him, which was done at a later date. That same minister took part in Joe’s funeral service.
I will remain an associate member and attend all events that I can, so say “hello” to me when you see me. I’m lost without Joe. We called all of this and you, FMCA, the American Dream.
Marilyn Mills, A106318
Pensacola, Florida