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Okay, per HWE, Newmar changed the breaker to 88 volt around the late 90's. With this change it caused the issue that I had spoke of before. I replaced 1 of the 120 heavy duty breakers (as called by Freightliner). While replacing the 1 breaker, they advised that there was a second heavy duty breaker that was installed by Newmar (Freightliner was unsure as to what it was for and refused to take ownership) While I had the MH in the shop for a alternator replacement, they found that everytime they pressed the brakes or caused any electrical draw the engine would shut down. After 10 hours of shop time and me pointing towards the breaker. They found that the breaker would trip on any draw, but when by-passed there was no shutdown. After replacing the breaker, I've had no problems with a shut down. So, I'm addressing it, as it was relayed to me. And yes Wolfe, I'm asking the same them.

Thanks for your help, hard problem to pinpoint but easy fix. Replaced the 2 heavy duty 120 volt breakers on the right rear rail in front of the rear tire. After replacement, are problems were fixed. marty

I have the same problem with my unit, expect I have 4 jacks. I've found that the issue is a simple issue of not being completely level (DO NOT DEPEND ON YOUR LEVER'S LEVEL) . I use a 2 test system to level. 1 - I have A small 2 way level that we sit on the countertop, We use that to ensure left/right &front/back level. 2nd test is a door test, we use the bathroom door, as it is close to center and the refer. We then center the door and see which way,and how much it swings. We test at 90, 180 and 270 degrees. If no swing in any of the positions unit is level and front door operates correctly. marty

Watch your e-mail inbox over the New Years week-end (2011/2012) for your invitation to the Traveling Elk google group. Follow the instructions in the e-mail, and you will be granted access to the NEW ELK INTERNATIONAL LODGE TRAVEL GUIDE. Sorry Folks butThe Travel Guide is only available to current Chapter members as of 1/1/2012.

I want to Thank everyone for your input so far, please continue to keep the line of communication open...

Chris, Thanks for your input!!!!!!! To me, the problem is attitude of (not all) the members themselves!!!!. My 1st rally, which was a Area rally, I was treated as a outcast, and after 7 rallies, I've learned and see first hand that unless you're parked with a chapter, or with friends, don't expect alot of fellowship. This is the result of old blood. It's now time to move toward gearing up for the younger families on the road today. If we can't change, a change will be made for us. The bottom line on any club, business, assoc. is money. When I attended the meeting in Madison, I could not believe the overhead in putting on the rally, but it was not the event cost, but the payroll for the event. Then in defense of the payroll, I heard that people (members) were paid to ensure that they have volunteers to help put on the rally. And then, look at the money paid for the Department head volunteers, (etc., Security, Parking, etc.). Thus based on that, everything is about money. And then, during the meeting, we were told how bad off FMCA is, regarding funds, and what the outlook was, but yet, these very same volunteers fought to keep their checks, and then fought to keep out a new group of members that could help turn FMCA around.

Paul, would you visit this thread and assist....thanks http://community.fmca.com/topic/2484-open-letter-to-fmca/page__st__20

Ed, 1st, I'm not demanding anything. I'm trying to clear up the few issues. that a few of the posters had on this and another forum. In my case, 1 of the 4 chapters that I did join, left a real bad taste in my mouth for chapters. The 2nd of 4, II never heard from them, nor did they up-date the website with current information. As for the other 2, 1 I am a elected officer, and the 2nd, i'm active in another way. Yes, in my life experience also. it was either conform to the requirements and work from within the group, or move on. And yes I do understand the issues of being computer literate in the older age group. But I do disagree with you that they are a minority. I would suggest that you visit a Geek on Tour class and see how many are attending. Or listen to the complaints at a campground when the wi-fi fails. Or maybe do like I did by mistake and leave your wi-fi un-protected at a rally, and watch how many people jump on and how fast the gigs are used. So to me, your statement that you would look for like minded people for the starting of a completely new chapter is 2 sides, the 1st being that these birds of a feather have already flocked together and refuse to allow the ducklings to join, and this thread seems to be promoting the formation of a new chapter, but will require start up help from others to do so. Granted this is not only answer to the FMCA problem, but it is a start.

FYI, It appeared to me at the meeting that the Ex. Board was in agreement on towables, but the problem came about when it was voted on by the membership aka Chapter National Directors, who were speaking for the chapter membership. So. yes I agree that the issue needs to be re-addressed and presented to the membership. marty

Ed, If anything, it will open the line of communications (a good thing). Now for the rest if your suggestions, I agree that being involved in a chapter and getting elected to a office does help. But, a large number of these chapters don't want new members per say. Or if they do, they have so many requirements (camp as a chapter 6 to 9 times a year) to remain a member that alot of people don't even apply for membership. Like in my case, I full time, and only sitting in 1 part of the country for only a few months out of the year. So, the biggest thing that needs to change 1st is attitude, one that happens, other things will start to fall into place.

Have shown what happen to a good idea. I spoke with wvr3567 last night and suggested that he poll the different chapters to find out what the reasons were in voting this down. I also suggested that he contact the Area Vice Presidents to assist. So, in closing, I see that their has been over 400 views of this topic, so I would ask that Chapter Officers post their views on this topic and if they disagree with allowing Towables, why? marty

I have shown what happen to a good idea. I spoke with wvr3567 last night and suggested that he poll the different chapters to find out what the reasons were in voting this down. I also suggested that he contact the Area Vice Presidents to assist. So, in closing, I see that their has been over 3000 views of this topic, so I would ask that Chapter Officers post their views on this topic and if they disagree with allowing Towables, why? marty

To answer the questions, the following information is in regards to the question of towables, this information can be found on the FMCA Members Section under Governance. Family Motor Coach Association Actions Executive Board Meeting April 30, May 3, 4 and 5, 2011 19. To approve that a committee be appointed to research the process, cost, issues, and benefits to establish a separate corporation, to be affiliated with FMCA, for selfcontained towables and report back to the Executive Board in a timely manner. GOVERNING BOARD MEETING MINUTES Governing Board Meeting Page 6 August 10, 2011 Madison, Wisconsin question was raised on item #19 concerning establishing a separate corporation for self-contained towables. A statement was made that this is a motorhome organization. It was reported that towables were allowed at the Perry convention as an experiment and to bring in additional revenue. A suggestion was made to consider towables if it would keep the organization alive by increasing attendance and dealer participation. The board was reminded that this action was only to explore the issue of self-contained towables. It was clarified that the Marketing Strategy Committee suggested allowing towables at the Perry convention to generate revenue and expose more people to the motorhome lifestyle. A motion was made to call the question. The motion to end discussion was seconded and carried. A rising vote was taken and the motion to accept item #19 failed with 164 votes “for” and 225 votes “against.” marty

To answer the questions, the following information is in regards to the question of towables, this information can be found on the FMCA Members Section under Governance. Family Motor Coach Association Actions Executive Board Meeting April 30, May 3, 4 and 5, 2011 19. To approve that a committee be appointed to research the process, cost, issues, and benefits to establish a separate corporation, to be affiliated with FMCA, for selfcontained towables and report back to the Executive Board in a timely manner. GOVERNING BOARD MEETING MINUTES Governing Board Meeting Page 6 August 10, 2011 Madison, Wisconsin question was raised on item #19 concerning establishing a separate corporation for self-contained towables. A statement was made that this is a motorhome organization. It was reported that towables were allowed at the Perry convention as an experiment and to bring in additional revenue. A suggestion was made to consider towables if it would keep the organization alive by increasing attendance and dealer participation. The board was reminded that this action was only to explore the issue of self-contained towables. It was clarified that the Marketing Strategy Committee suggested allowing towables at the Perry convention to generate revenue and expose more people to the motorhome lifestyle. A motion was made to call the question. The motion to end discussion was seconded and carried. A rising vote was taken and the motion to accept item #19 failed with 164 votes “for” and 225 votes “against.” marty

Hmmmmm, As I stated in a earlier post, I must side with Executive Board, as it was not them was the National Directors from the chapters that surprised me by the attitudes I saw from them in regards to recruiting and forming a new association under FMCA for towables and younger families. It was as if the snob factor was in play at the meeting. As I attended the meeting as a Alt. Director, and my 1st meeting, I didn't know if I had a voice or not. I sat their beside a past president during the debate and voting, and asked her if the voting members knew that they just signed FMCA's death warrant by means of a long slow death. Her response was no, they just don't want change. But yet during this meeting I heard members complaining about lack of money, lack of new members, etc. The answer they provided was to cut operating cost. I must say, that over the past few years, I am seeing a change in attitudes by the Rally staff, but still can't say the same for a lot of the chapters.... Thus, to me the answer is OCCUPY FMCA AND THE CHAPTERS till they get the message MARTY