Members of the Heartland Execs. chapter found themselves at the beautiful Dakotah Meadows RV Park in Prior Lake, Minnesota, September 12 through 17, 2010, for a terrific fall gathering.

Brighter Thermostat Display

Is your thermostat display too dim? You can make the display nearly twice as bright by removing the blue filters on the light bulbs.

Seeping Shower Stall

Dear RV Doctor:
We have a 2007 Damon Daybreak with a “hex” shower stall that is leaking. The leak is coming from somewhere in the glass section framing or where the shower sides, glass, and plastic connect to the bottom section.

Companies with recalls detailed in this month’s Recall Corner are Fleetwood RV Inc. and Forest River Inc.

Electrical Nightmare

I have a 2003 Monaco Dynasty motorhome with an electrical problem that has puzzled just about everyone I’ve spoken with about it. It all began more than two years ago when I started the generator and the engine to return to Canada. The inverter began to sound an alarm…

Winterizing The Water System

Dear Editor:
In the November 2010 issue of Family Motor Coaching, the “House Calls” column (page 18) mentioned using blowout plugs to winterize your coach’s water system. These are excellent devices and will remove water from most, but not all, places in your coach.  

Have you ever thought about all the adventures (or should I say misadventures?) you had when you first started motorhoming? Well, I’ve been thinking about that, and I have to admit that many of the errors we made can be traced back to me.

On October 31, 2010, former United States Marine Corps Sgt. Eddie Ryan lived out a dream in Washington, D.C., as he competed in the 35th annual Marine Corps Marathon. Four hours and 57 minutes later, the 26-year-old crossed the finish line with his team of runners, officially completing his first-ever marathon.

Our journey with a 2011 Fleetwood Expedition took us up the Maine coast from Portland to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park at the height of fall foliage, with breathtaking color and scenic landscapes that could easily grace the pages of National Geographic.

You can feel as though you have returned to those Wild West days by stopping along Interstate 75 northwest of Atlanta, Georgia, in little Cartersville.

Stand on a battlefield where teenagers, adults, and older gents all ate, slept, drank, told stories, cleaned weapons, wrote letters, and followed orders. Walk around a fort where brave Confederate soldiers defended their way of life to the last. You can do all this and more either before or after your visit to FMCA’s next convention in Perry, Georgia.

Increase your knowledge of motorhoming and other subjects that enhance the lifestyle when you attend FMCA’s 85th International Family Reunion & Motorhome Showcase in Perry, Georgia.

Tires are perhaps the most overlooked and the most vulnerable component on an RV. They also are the most important. They are the vehicle’s contact point with the road, serving as the foundation for your house on wheels. As such, they should be given the same attention and care as the vehicle’s engine, suspension, transmission, and other systems.

When you overload a motorhome, the extreme weight can cause axle bearings to fail prematurely; shorten tire life; allow unsafe swaying in crosswinds or on curves; increase driver fatigue; and cause the suspension to sag by putting undue wear on its components.

Dog First-Aid Kit

Dr. Bill’s Dog First Aid kit is said to include everything necessary to handle most first-aid situations for canine companions.

Whom should you contact for travel information when planning a motorhome trip? To answer that question, the staff at FMC has compiled this list of tourism offices in the United States and Canada. The following information was accurate as of November 2010.

Whether you’re a full-timer or just a frequent traveler, you should not have to miss out on continuing your yoga exercises just because you are not “home.” I’m a full-timer and I drop in on a yoga class whenever possible.

Washington County, Texas, is renowned for its exciting heritage. But its prominent historical legacy is only part of the appeal that attracts families to “the birthplace of Texas.”

FMCA’s Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase, to be held March 14 through 17, 2011, in Perry, Georgia, will give FMCA members an opportunity to share laughter, music, and camaraderie while enjoying the exciting array of performers who have been scheduled throughout the event.

A Polar Bear Plunge is when a group of seemingly normal people don swimsuits or costumes in the middle of winter and jump into an icy body of water. Then they raucously herd toward shore, where they quickly put on their clothes again while shivering in front of fire pits.

Part 1 of this article (December 2010, page 40) discussed drainage lines, venting, and odor control in the waste system. Part 2 will examine holding tanks, additives, valves and terminations, tank monitors, the sewer hose, and more.

The state’s claims to presidential fame are exposed between LaGrange to the north and Americus to its south.  As you travel to or from Perry, Georgia, to visit with FMCA friends at the FMCA Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase this March, consider making stops at all of these locations.

Family Motor Coaching magazine’s annual dinghy towing guide to flat-towable vehicles include cars, trucks, and SUVs that have been approved by their manufacturers for flat towing behind a motorhome without major modications.

Packed with tons of fun and fellowship, these FMCA events are sure to convince you that friendship really is the tie that binds each of us to this association. From the moment you register for one of these great events until the time you retract your levelers and head back home or to another FMCA gathering, you’ll be glad you decided to join us!

FMC magazine’s January 2011 Motorhome Regulations chart contains the following information for all 50 U.S. States and the Canadian provinces and territories: speed limit, length, height, width, combined length, license type required, and reciprocity granted (for license).

What do you enjoy listening to as you’re traveling down the road in the motorhome?

Although we often go hiking in search of birds and mammals, many times our best looks come through the picture window of our motorhome or just outside the windows of our home office.

Stephen Fried’s new book, Appetite for America, is the story of Fred Harvey restaurants, once found at every major rail station in the Western United States. Mr. Fried’s book isn’t a cookbook, although it does have several recipes. It’s a treasure for travelers, historians, nostalgia buffs, and those who love the Old West.

River Raisin National Battlefield Now A National Park

River Raisin National Battlefield Park in Monroe, Michigan, was officially announced as the 393rd park in the National Park System. The War of 1812 battlefield was set aside by Congress with legislation signed by President Obama on March 30, 2009.

Pet Toy

The Petprojekt Bonbal from Otomik Products Inc. is a two-in-one toy said to provide hours of entertainment for your dog.

“Return To Rally On The Red,” the 37th annual Six-State Area Rally, was held at the State Fair of Louisiana in Shreveport September 29 through October 3, 2010.

Coffee Cup Organizers

We have a small collection of coffee cups we bought at some of our favorite destinations. We use 14 different cups; one for each of us every day of the week. When traveling, we slip them into women’s socks to protect them.

Foul Battery Odors

Dear RV Doctor:
On a recent camping trip, our motorhome was connected to 30-amp shore power. During the night, our carbon monoxide (CO) alarm went off. Since there was no stove or furnace operating, I concluded the alarm must be defective. I did notice the coach battery compartment was warm to the touch.

Powerless

My 1991 motorhome is built on a Ford chassis with the 460-cid engine. It will go about 20 miles and then lose power, and I have to keep my foot on the gas feed to keep it running. It’s like it is not getting enough gas.

“Round-Up” Gratitude

Dear Editor:
ProLiteracy would like to thank all of the members of the Family Motor Coach Association who have donated to our organization by rounding up their membership dues.

As I sit in my motorhome and reflect on recent events, I can’t help letting my mind drift back to the summer of 2009. Charlie Schrenkel had just been elected FMCA’s national president, and I had been elected national senior vice president. We were overjoyed at the honor of being selected to lead FMCA.

Membership in the Family Motor Coach Association brings with it a wealth of benefits that are of value to the motorhome traveler. All FMCA members should take the time to read through this guide to ensure that they are taking advantage of everything their association has to offer.

Since 1964 motorhome owners have turned the pages of Family Motor Coaching magazine for motorhoming information. Motorhome maintenance, motorhome reviews, motorhome destinations, motorhome news — it’s all covered in the…

A collection of more than 100 motorhome reviews, motorhome updates, and other motorhome-related articles that have appeared in Family Motor Coaching magazine.

What “gifts” has motorhoming given you?

Attracting birds to your backyard, your kitchen window, or even right next to your motorhome can give you one of the closest looks you’ll ever get of a wild creature.

An array of tips, ideas, and reminders for those who embrace the full-time home-on-wheels lifestyle.

Letterfly Mural Art Announces New Location

After 14 years as the resident artist at Lazydays RV in Seffner, Florida, and with more than 30 years of experience creating custom hand-painted art on motorhomes, towed vehicles, motorcycles, and trailers, Dave “Letterfly” Knoderer recently announced that he has moved his company to the new Letterfly ArtPark in Plant City, Florida.

All-Natural Lip Balm

All Good Lips from Elemental Herbs Inc. is an all-natural lip balm that keeps lips healthy and moisturized with organic healing herbs and essential oils.

My dad, George P. Snyder Sr., was the consummate traveler and always made certain his family was along for the ride. Dad passed away on September 21, 2010, at the age of 92. 

Water System Sanitization

As an RV enthusiast for 30 years, I’ve seen many questions about sanitizing the fresh water system and how to get the sanitizing solution into the water tank. Whether a gravity-fill inlet is available or not, I’ve found what I believe to be is the easiest way get the bleach into the tank, plus it also sanitizes the filling hose.

In Hot Water

Dear RV Doctor:
I was told that it is best to drain your hot water tank after each excursion, so I replaced the anode with a petcock. I now drain the water out, but I am curious as to the soundness of this plumbing exchange.

Companies with recalls detailed in this month’s Recall Corner are Atwood Mobile Products LLC, Dimplex North America Ltd., Monaco RV LLC, Norcold Inc., and Winnebago Industiries Inc.

30-Amp Versus 50-Amp

Our 2004 Winnebago Adventurer 33V came with 30-amp electrical service. However, other similar coaches have 50-amp service. Prolonged use of the heat pump/air conditioner burns the contacts on the shore power plug.

Remembering George Snyder

Dear Editor:
We personally lost a true and good friend with the passing of George P. Snyder Sr., L1852, September 21, 2010, and so did FMCA. George was always ready to promote FMCA as he traveled around the United States, Canada, and Mexico with his family.