Cover Coaches Identified

Dear Editor:
The photo on the cover of the May 2010 issue shows four coaches lined up at FMCA’s Albuquerque international convention last March. We can give you details about three of these motorhomes.

It dawned on me that whoever you are, wherever you are, whether you have rented an RV for the weekend or have had one for a while, and whether you have been introduced to this lifestyle through a friend or acquaintance, you are involved in a unique form of enjoyment that many people only dream about.

What’s the best Italian restaurant you’ve discovered in your motorhome travels that you would recommend to other RVers?

Whether you stop for the architecture, the antiques, or just for the stories of earlier times, here are some places where you can learn about early American life.

Read the fine print; you get what you pay for; know your rights. When it comes to service  contracts for your motorhome and its components, you likely have heard all the warnings. Before you buy or renew a service contract, here are some things to keep in mind.

FMCA’s national treasurer, Wil Young, reports on the financial status of FMCA. He reviews revenues and expenses for 2009, and also discusses the association’s investment portfolio. Treasurer’s Comments includes a…

Alaska Travel Planner
The 62nd edition of The Milepost ($29.95 U.S., $34.95 Canadian; Morris Communications) is now available for travelers planning or about to embark on a motorhome journey to Alaska. 

Tow Bar Device

The Quiet Hitch (model 061) from Roadmaster Inc. is an antirattle ring designed to eliminate the noise and vibration that can occur when the tow bar is connected to the motorhome.

The Gateway Getaways chapter spent four days at the Covered Bridge Festival in Parke County, Indiana, October 13 through 16, 2009. Each year the festival begins the second Friday of October and runs for 10 days.

Leaf Indicators

Every time we put our table leaf back in, we had to figure out which side went where. So, we used a black marker to mark the prongs on the table as well as the corresponding prongs on the leaf.

Boiled Batteries

Dear RV Doctor:
I just bought a used motorhome equipped with dual auxiliary batteries. I used my voltmeter to test them and got a reading of only 8.5 volts. When I checked the cells I found they all were almost dry.

Anti-Ant Attack

Regarding the “Ant Infestation” letter in the August 2009 Tech Talk column (page 20), we have on several occasions also been infested with ants.

Another Nostalgic Note

Dear Editor:
In regard to the cover of the January 2010 issue of FMC, the first motorhome in line on the left is a Traveliner that was owned by Vic and Vi White. They were from Australia . . . 

I was sitting talking with a few FMCA members about the “old” days. You know, way back when I was little. I reminisced about how many times as a commercial pilot I had flown across this country, both in daylight and darkness.

This three-part series examines the intricacies and safety issues that relate to a motorhome’s 120-volt-AC electrical systems, and provides information about how to protect individuals and the motorhome when this electric source is being utilized. Part 2 examines safety precautions and necessary tests along the route of electric from the pedestal to the distribution panelboard, as well as generator and inverter output testing.

Diamonds in Arkansas? Well, I suspect that Little Rock was named for a different kind of stone, but, yes, there are diamonds in Arkansas just as certainly as there are palm trees in Florida.

Let your mind wander back to those carefree days when you played in a sandbox filled to the brim. Remember the smiles? Now, fast-forward to the south-central Oregon coast, where you can supersize that fun at Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.

The evening entertainment lineup for FMCA’s 84th International Convention, August 11 through 14, 2010, at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, features three performances that are sure to make nighttime the right time for excitement during your stay.

Having lived and worked aboard a 2007 Monaco Cayman for a year, I am definitely into the familiar stage with this particular model. So, it felt a bit like visiting an old flame when I traveled to Monaco RV headquarters in Coburg, Oregon, to check out the latest 2011 Cayman model.

Many motorhome owners find it convenient to communicate with fellow travelers using two-way radios, which offer some advantages over cell phones and CB radios.

Montana’s Anaconda-Pintler Scenic Highway is a perfect example of why RVers should get off the interstates and see the “real” country. Officially designated State Route 1, this byway in western Montana, between Missoula and Butte, will lead you to impressive views; tranquil scenery; a mountain grade alongside a rushing, tumbling stream…

While driving through Central Oregon, one look out the window reveals why motorhomers will flock there for a fourth time to attend an FMCA international convention this summer. Old lava flows, broad deserts, and rushing rivers leave spectacular sights in their wake.

Ah, the joy of being able to take a motorhome where most other motorhomes can only dream of going! Such is possible with the versatility and ease of handling of a Roadtrek Type B motorhome, the best-selling Type B since 1990.

The snowcapped Sandia Mountains provided a beautiful backdrop for thousands of motorhomers who funneled into Albuquerque, New Mexico, for FMCA’s 83rd International Convention, March 22 through 25, 2010.

Understanding the operation and components of the motorhome’s 120-volt-AC systems can help you to avoid potentially dangerous electrical problems.

From floods to fires, the FMCA Motorhome & Auto Insurance Plan experts have seen it all. However, every year there are five types of RV claims that seem to recur most often. Check out these top five RVing mishaps and tips on how to avoid them. You might save much more than just your vacation!

What motorhome accessory can you just not live without?

As spring and summer spread over the land, RV travelers look for farm markets along country byways. We gather sheaves of leaf lettuce, radiant radishes, and plump peas in the pod. We love the festival mood at market days in colorful villages.

Throughout our many years of travel, we’ve always enjoyed foraging for wild foods — often native plants, but sometimes escapees from civilization (just like us). In order to safely eat plants that others might simply consider part of the scenery, we’ve given ourselves a crash course in botany…

Earthroamer Brand Revived

Bill Swails, designer of EarthRoamer XV-LT and XV-JP Xpedition Vehicles, has teamed with former key managers to start a new company and relaunch the EarthRoamer motorhome brand.

Waterless Cleaning Accessory

The Wash Wax Mop from Aero Cosmetics is said to make cleaning the exterior of the motorhome safer and easier when using Wash Wax ALL waterless cleaning products.

On September 19, 1978, a group of 12 couples, under the leadership of Bob and Lavonne Humphreys, met in Rockport, Texas, and enthusiastically laid the groundwork for a new FMCA chapter that would become known as the South Texas Renegades.

Extra Plates

Have you ever run low on plates when friends stop by your motorhome? Ever had trouble finding paper plate holders? We carry an extra supply of paper plate holders — Frisbees.

Kooky Cables

We have a 1986 Fleetwood Limited with three batteries. We need a diagram that shows how to hook up all the wires from the alternator to the battery isolator. For some reason, our cranking battery is discharging while the motorhome is being driven and is not being recharged.

Winnebago Industries Inc. has announced NHTSA recall 10V088000, which affects 2010 model-year Itasca Sunova D33C and Sunstar E30W, and Winnebago Sightseer D33C and Vista E30W motorhomes built from July 16, 2009, through January 14, 2010. The potential number of motorhomes involved is 79.

Vent Fan Tip

Dear Editor:
There is an error in the wiring diagram of the "Cleaner Air" tip in the February 2010 "Tech & Travel Tips" (page 24).  As wired, the fan can run only for a max of 80 minutes, which is the highest limit on the timer. Also, both switches would have to be on for the fan to operate.

FMCA’s 83rd International Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico, just concluded, and as I write this we are headed back to the East Coast. I think a great time was had by just about everyone who attended.

During  a motorhome trip, how do you peacefully coexist with other occupants (spouse, children, grandchildren, etc.)?

For those who don’t have a permanent tagalong but still want to explore their surroundings in a smaller car, renting a vehicle is an option. Here are some tips for getting the best deals from the rental companies.

State and federal tax rules change so quickly, even professionals have trouble keeping up. Now more than ever, it’s important to keep taxes in mind all year, not just at income tax time.

Renegade Introduces Ikon

Bristol, Indiana-based Renegade/Kibbi LLC, which specializes in building motorhomes for the racing community, has expanded its product line with the IKON, a new model targeting the general RV market.

Key Protection

The Key Buoy from Davis Instruments Corporation can protect fishermen, boaters, and anyone else who spends time around the water from losing their keys if dropped in a lake or ocean.

It may seem odd to see a “Welcome To The Ark” sign at the entrance to Jim and Clare Fleming’s 2005 Mandalay motorhome, or notice the license plates that read “The Ark” on the front of the coach and on the nearby golf cart. But when you knock on the door and hear a cacophony of barking, cheeping, and squawking coming from inside . . .

Campsite “Garage”

We devised a storage area for our bikes, camping chairs, tables, etc., outside the motorhome by attaching a tarp to the underside of the bedroom slideout using large clamps, and anchoring the bottom with tent stakes and bungee cords.