ckcarpenter42

You may want to check the following discussion thread on the potential benefits of "performance chips." http://forum.dieselrvclub.org/index.php/topic,5490.msg9447.html#msg9447

Rich, Did you use the search feature on the main site. You can search by topic and click the check-box for articles. I hope this will meet your needs. Ken

You've probably already checked the 2015 Towing Guide http://www.fmca.com/images/stories/pdf/towing_2015.pdf. It contains a footnote to not flat tow model 500L equipped with a Euro Twin Clutch transmission. Page 307 of the Fiat 500 Owner Manual contains a table with instructions for towing one with the Euro Twin Clutch, in conflict with the previously referenced footnote. The guide does not address the key position question.

You may want to check out Truck Centers of Arkansas. They are a Freightliner shop (Detroit and Freightliner are both owned by Mercedes Benz).

Bill, The loss of an online friend is a lot like someone in the neighborhood moving. We lose, as does FMCA, but nonetheless we understand that all of us -- sooner or later -- will too experience the need to move on as well. Your presence will be missed your contributions will be remembered as well. Travel safe. Ken

Mark, I had a similar problem and a lot of support from both dealer and Freightliner help desk. It turned out to be a bad (loose) battery terminal. When mine failed we all focused on the instrument cluster. Lots of luck.

Mark Penlerick, Engineering Team Leader, at Blue Ox Towing Products, published an article some years back on the subject of height differences between motorhome receiver hitches and baseplates on towed vehicles. In that article he wrote: “Blue Ox's recommendation is that the receiver hitch of the motorhome should never be more than 4 inches higher than the baseplate attachment points. Four inches or less keeps the tow bar level with the ground or slightly angled up towards the coach from the car. The tow bar should never be angled "up" towards the car from the coach.” Drop receivers are available from most hitch suppliers as well as Camping World.

We normally stay at the Atlanta Marrietta RV Resort. Its been a few years but the reviews are still good. 1031 Wylie Road SE Marietta, GA 30067 Phone: 770-427-6853 Fax: 770-427-8410 Toll Free: 877-727-5787 information@amrvresort.com

Msawicki, I've found the Dometic folks to be very helpful in identifying problems and providing replacement part numbers. 574-294-2511 SERVICE OFFICE Dometic Corporation 2320 Industrial Parkway Elkhart, IN 46516

Kerry, Never had a 5w and love our motorhome but we camp a lot in public campgrounds (city, county, state, national, COE, etc.) and find that the sites for a 5w are more plentiful than for a motorhome. Normally, it is not the length of the site as much as it is finding one that is relatively level. Your 5w is more foregiving to a greater than 3 degree change in elevation. Both offer great floor plans. Many FMCA Chapters (as well as FMCA) will allow you to attend a rally or International Reunion (one time only). The upcoming Redmond Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase would be a great opportunity for you to gain additional information. No matter which choice you make, safe travels,

I used Air Force One with my Winnebago Journey. It was installed by one of SMI's dealers in Texas. I have been totally pleased with the system.

I use Windows 7 Pro with IE 11 and find the use of the Paste, Paste from Text and Paste from Word icons to allow me to cut and paste without a problem.

I recommend Overland Insurance Services -- they are insurance brokers specializing in RV insurance and represent many leading companies: https://myrvquote.com/drv/

We use the Garmin model designed for truckers. It came to market before models with features that appeal to RVers. We recently thought of upgrading to either Garmin's new model for the RV market or the one by Rand McNally but decided to hold off for a number of reasons. My copilot is our navigator. In addition to the GPS she uses the Trucker's Atlas along with a host of smart phone applications and her iPad. We tend to review the route for the day before we start out, noting where we want to stop along the way. Google earth helps us "see" problem areas before we arrive resulting in less reliance of the GPS. Who uses the GPS the most may be a factor when deciding on an installed model versus portable. The factory model Winnebago offers in some of its new motorhomes is the Rand McNally RV GPS with 10.4" touch screen color monitor. One of FMCA friends advises that having a copilot navigator and multiple GPS devices results in a lot of conflicts. He chooses to pull off the road and have a cup of coffee until a consensus is reached. Travel safe.

This is a great discussion thread and evidences the rich support available on this forum. An additional resource can be found on this specific subject for diesel pushers as all three major topics, (radiator and Charge Air Cooler location, cleaning technique and cleaning detergents) can be found on Cooling System board of the technical discussion forum operated by FMCA's Diesel RV Club: http://forum.dieselrvclub.org/index.php/board,4.0.html

As a general rule, we here in the Colonies are blessed with great National, State and County parks offering access to sites and experiences for most every interest. Other public choices include Corp of Engineers parks and Bureau of Land Management. No matter where you choose to start you'll find a great sunset to end the day. Safe travels.

1. How many miles do you typically dinghy tow your vehicle yearly? 5,000 2. What is the total tow mileage you have on your vehicle now? 16,200 3. What is the total tow mileage you expect to put on the vehicle before you upgrade to a new vehicle? 100,000 4. When towing, what is the average amount of time between stops? (be it restroom or fuel)? two hours 5. How often do you stop for a period of 10 min or more? (be it restroom, stretch, eat, fuel)? 10-15 minutes 6. What is your preferred cruising speed? 3 miles under posted limit - seldom above 62 mph 7. Do you use a rock shield? Yes 8. Where does the rock shield mount (bumper,towbar,dinghy, or... so what type)? Towbar

Its been a while since we stayed there but we found the Larry & Penny Thompson Miami-Dade County Campground to be wonderful. You'll want to schedule your reservation well in advance. Larry & Penny Thompson ParkL & P Thompson Campground 12451 SW 184th Street Miami, FL 33177 - map Phone: (305) 232-1049 Web: Miamidade.gov/Parks http://www.miamidade.gov/parks/parks/larry_penny.asp

We always stay at ABC (America's Best Campground) one of the nation's highest rated campgrounds. Great sites and friendly people. http://abc-branson.com/

The CAT RV Club has announced it's Lazy Days of Summer, Amish Adventures Rally to be held August 15-20, 2012. You Are Cordially Invited to Join Us at the Goshen County Fairgrounds, Goshen, Indiana Be among the first 60 coaches to register and ensure you don’t miss the 2012 Goshen, Indiana Rally. Registrations received after the Rally is sold out will be placed on a waiting list and moved up in the order your registration was received as space allows. Rally Cost: - $375 Cash/Check, or $385 Credit Card, for 2 people and 1 coach, - $325 Cash/Check, or $335 Credit Card, for single and 1 coach, - $175 Cash/Check, or $180 Credit Card, for each additional guest. The cost includes Full Hook-Ups, 50 AMP service, 5 nights of camping, 3 full & 1 continental breakfast, 5 dinners, and 4 cocktail hours. Caterpillar Dealer support to be determined. Enjoy an entire day free for sightseeing. There will be a golf tournament. Confirmations will be emailed to the email address you provide on the attached Registration Form. If you have questions contact one of our Rally Hosts - Al & Bobbi Vormittag: abv24theroad@gmail.com John & Helen Miller: 941-356-8342 Brent & Julie Lauderdale jbminv@hotmail.com For more information: http://catrvclub.org/rally_info.htm We are posting current reservation status on the Technical Forum's Around the Fire Ring board. It will be updated regurlarly with number of sites available, number on the waiting list, etc. Once the waiting list is activated, an email will be sent to everyone on the list informing them of their status and where they are on the list. Goshen Rally Registration Info Page.pdf