Most everyone’s heard of Jekyll Island, a barrier island along the coast of southern Georgia. It’s situated near Brunswick, and especially hard to miss if you’re a snowbird who migrates north and south along Interstate 95 twice a year.

Do you want to know what tomorrow’s weather will bring? You could rely on newspaper forecasts, but they are often outdated by the time you read them.

It was another brilliant idea.  Shortly after finishing having my head examined for taking two kids and three dogs across the country and back by motorhome, I found myself contemplating a new adventure, something that would break new ground in our RV life.

Many RVers plan their travels to coincide with fun events such as festivals, or to pursue their hobbies at pet shows, antiques displays, car rallies, and more. In Oregon, my home state, just about every weekend of the year is booked.

When I was growing up, buttons from discarded clothes were removed and put in a large coffee can, ready to be sewn onto the next handmade garment. I used to love going through that button can. I would sort them by size, color, or favorites. Sometimes we used them in games of tic-tac-toe, tiddlywinks, or checkers.

I have been asked some questions recently about the FMCA Commercial Council and the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) and have noted that some confusion seems to exist. So, I thought I would dedicate this month’s article to discussing FMCA’s commercial members and our relationship with RVIA.

This month, I’m sharing a list of questions we often receive at the FMCA national office and providing answers to them in the hope that other members will benefit from the information.

Fresh water chlorination

Dear RV Doctor:
The water in our RV had a bad odor — a musty smell — so we added some household bleach to the tank and let it sit awhile. Now we cannot get the bleach taste out. What do you suggest we do?

Although there are always interesting places to explore, in February we’re focused more on planning than actual travel. Between short trips to our favorite winter places, we spend this time of year making sure the motorhome will always be ready when the weather turns warm. Here’s how we do it.

It’s a juggling act to keep meals pretty and nutritious, yet simple and easy to clean up. At the same time, many RV chefs also are conserving their dollars, water, and propane. The following recipes are easy on the taste buds, the cook, and the budget.

Remembering Jim Hodge

Dear Editor:
In the November 2008 issue of FMC was a lovely article about one of FMCA’s founders, Jim Hodge (“Jim Hodge Was Proud Of His FMCA Roots,” page 32).

Frozen freezer

Our freezer section built up with frost and ice to an amazing degree. I had to defrost it every week (the refrigerator section is fine). It is level enough so that water seems to drain. The ice and frost collect in the upper part of the freezer.

Double Dog Bowl

We have two big, thirsty dogs, so to keep their water from spilling while we are on the road I created this bowl-in-a-bowl system.

The 25th Rocky Mountain Ramble — “Black Tie & Blue Jeans” — took place October 15 through 18, 2008, and was a rousing success. This year for the first time, all of the chapters within FMCA’s Rocky Mountain Area were invited to hold pre-rallies at the fairgrounds.

Folding table

The Magic Table from B&R Plastics Inc. is a portable, plastic version of the popular wooden Amazing Magic Table and, like the original, has many uses inside the motorhome.

New state park near Brownsville, Texas

Resaca de la Palma State Park recently opened to become Texas’ newest state park and the eighth link in the World Birding Center chain stretching the breadth of the Rio Grande Valley. 

Certain plants are so closely associated with particular locations that they take on a symbolic nature. When you mention the desert, particularly in the Southwest, nearly everyone thinks of the saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea).

Describe a favorite snack or meal you enjoy on each motorhome trip.

One great thing about full-timing is that you’re free to choose the home state that works best for your situation. There are no easy answers, so each full-timer has to do some research in order to find the right address to call home.

The annual compilation of cars, trucks, and SUVs that have been approved by their manufacturers for flat towing behind a motorhome without major modifications. (Requires member or subscriber login.)

For many RVers wintering in Texas, one of the finest gems they will find in the state is Brazos Bend State Park. This wildlife preserve also is one of only a handful of state parks in the United States that has a research-quality astronomical observatory that's open to the general public.

Since 1988, Bob Helvie, founder and owner of Startracks Custom Lifts in Elkhart, Indiana, has built devices designed to make life easier for the physically challenged. The work, he said, “began humbly, a seat-of-the-pants production, when I designed a travel trailer with a lift.”

Those attending FMCA’s 81st International Convention, March 16 through 19, 2009, at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter in Perry, Georgia, will have plenty of opportunities for fun and entertainment throughout the days and into the nights.

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 2008.

FMC magazine's January 2009 Motorhome Regulations chart contains the following information for all 50 U.S. States and the Canadian provinces …

I love maps … all kinds of maps. I enjoy old charts, United States Geological Survey topographic contour maps, road maps, even GPS screens. Being a Navy brat during and immediately following World War II, I traveled a lot, mainly with my mom when we were meeting my father at his new stations, but also with both parents.

Five times since 1996, FMCA members have set sail for Perry, Georgia, and the huge, state-of-the art fairgrounds there. The Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter is a terrific venue for hosting the thousands of motorhomes, vendors, and FMCA members who come for the convention.

Happy New Year and welcome to 2009. Although much of the recent news has been negative and discouraging, there is always some good news. The United States is a strong and resilient country that will look inward to find the strength and faith to pull us together as a nation …

Once again, the New Year brings a new Directory/Member Benefits Guide within the pages of Family Motor Coaching magazine. You’re holding the latest version of the issue that I believe we should carry with us in our motorhomes all year. Before I describe why, I want to address a category of FMCA membership that might not be familiar to some.

Lost electricity 

I have an electrical problem in my 2000 Monaco La Palma. I have lost the 120-volt-AC power to the kitchen and forward part of the vehicle, the wall circuits, the TV and VCR, the refrigerator, etc. The air conditioner works great …

Winnebago Industries Inc. has announced NHTSA recall 08V606000, which affects some 2008 Winnebago Adventurer Limited motorhomes. The affected motorhomes were built February 26, 2008, through May 2, 2008. The potential number of coaches involved is 68.

Fleetwood Enterprises Inc. has announced two NHTSA recalls. The first is recall 08V503000, which affects certain 2008 and 2009 Jamboree GT and Tioga SL motorhomes manufactured from February 29, 2008 …

No output — battery

Dear RV Doctor:
Every time I tow my 2003 GMC Sonoma 4×4 pickup for more than four hours without stopping to start the truck for a while, my battery becomes completely dead or has just enough power to barely turn over the engine.

Hitch pin tightener

While towing, have you ever been annoyed by a clunk when accelerating or braking, only to find that the problem is being caused by a loose-fitting hitch pin? To tighten the connection …

On June 10, 2008, an armada of motorhomes filled with land-lubbin’ pirates braved tempestuous foul weather to seize control of the Sunnyview Exposition Center in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. These scallywags established headquarters there and began to set up for the …

Travel bag

The Nautica Clamshell Duffel from Luggageguy.com might just be the perfect travel bag for motorhomers and others with limited storage space.

Marathon offers triple- and quad-slideout Prevost conversions 

Marathon Coach is offering triple-slideout and quad-slideout converted coaches built using the Prevost XLII shell. The new triple-slideout XLII includes a second front slideout that adds approximately 35 percent more salon space for entertaining or everyday living.

Here are 13 ways to keep from catching a cold or flu, or to avoid passing them on, whether at home or on the road.

Perhaps you have never heard of frost flowers. Neither had we until a few months ago. Always intrigued by old nature books, we stumbled upon mention of the frost flower in an 1891 book called …

Stews are especially welcome at the winter table. They are the ultimate comfort food, the essential one-pot meal. Save these recipes and celebrate a new stew each week as the temperatures drop.

Quilt fabric for charity

Dear Editor:
The Six-State Rally Association completed its fourth annual Quilts for Charity show at the area rally this past September in North Little Rock, Arkansas. This year we donated 227 quilts to charities in the North Little Rock area.

Do you have a humorous license plate for your motorhome or towed vehicle?

Are you and your traveling companion living together without a legal relationship? Cohabitating is especially complicated for full-timers, because many different state laws come into play depending on your legal addresses, where your assets are, and the laws of the state you happen to be in when one or both of you encounter a legal or financial problem.

The annual compilation of cars, trucks, and SUVs that have been approved by their manufacturers for flat towing behind a motorhome without major modifications. (Requires member or subscriber login.)

The holiday season is here, so to help those who are struggling to make their wish list — or having difficulty coming up with gift ideas for that special someone — we offer a dozen possibilities selected especially for motorhome enthusiasts.

During the past several years, Chariot Vans Inc., dba Chariot, has embarked on a carefully planned journey into the RV market. Seeking its own market niche, this manufacturer has committed to producing high-end luxury motor coaches and garage coaches using Freightliner Class 8 truck chassis.

From the moment I was given the assignment to review the Era motorhome — Winnebago Industries' new full-featured Type B built on the Dodge Sprinter chassis — I eagerly awaited word about the availability of a test unit. The wait ended this past September when my wife and I took delivery …

In May 2000, while widening a road, a Tennessee highway crew hit pay dirt. The ground they turned over had a peculiarly dark color the men had never seen before. Scientists were called in, and what they uncovered was so important the highway crew did not dig there again.

The following is a directory of public sanitation facilities, or dump stations, located throughout the United States. Dump stations at privately operated campgrounds are not included. Check your favorite campground directory for details about those facilities.

Boost your brainpower and overall health by partaking in time-honored activities.