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tmoning

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Posts posted by tmoning

  2. Posted · Report reply

    Debbie Sipe, executive director of the California Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, has issued this statement regarding Gov. Schwarzenneger's veto of proposed RV holding tank product legislation.

    AB 1824 – Vetoed!

    It is with great disappointment that we report Governors Schwarzenegger’s veto of AB 1824 last week. With only three nay votes in the entire legislature, we had hoped that the Governor would see the truly bi-partisan support of the bill. While being a pro-environmental issue, this was also a pro small business issue. We thought the combination of these two items, along with our members’ letter writing campaign, would convince the Governor to sign the bill. However, the Governor, backing his Green Chemistry Initiative Program, chose to veto the bill.

    What is the Green Chemistry Initiative? Perhaps you will remember the legislation from several years ago banning certain chemicals in plastics, specifically the type of plastic in baby bottles. The scientists put forth evidence on both sides contradicting each other’s findings. During that same year, eleven other chemical related bills tried to make their way through the legislature. Eventually, the legislators and the Governor threw their hands in the air, knowing that none of them had the collective education to understand the science behind each piece of legislation. As a result, the Governor created the Green Chemistry Initiative, a process by which chemical issues will now be thoroughly researched by the California Department of Toxic and Substance Control (CTSC). Their findings will create regulations in which to address each individual issue.

    CalARVC submitted our holding tank issue to the Green Chemistry Initiative in November of 2007. However, because of our close work with CTSC, they told us up front that it will be years before our issue gets to the “top of the pile.” Knowing that CTSC would be tackling issues that affect the greatest populations first, we grappled with the decision to move forward with AB 1824. But with the support of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and the State Water Resources Control Board, we decided it was worth the risk.

    So, what’s next politically? Our Government Affairs Committee will be reviewing our next strategic steps in September. RVIA, FMCA and the major chemical companies have offered to meet and find mutually beneficial solutions. While chemical based treatment products are a major problem for septic and small municipal treatment facilities, it is not the only challenge facing campground operators in regards to wastewater output. Perhaps the combined efforts of everyone in the industry can find ways to work together. And even though the campground industry is a relatively small piece of this great industry, without successful campgrounds, all other parts of the industry will suffer.

    We will chock this battle up to a loss, but are pleased about the amount of conversation we created around the country within and outside our industry. More, now than ever, awareness of the problems surrounding chemically based holding tank products is at its greatest point.

    Thetford, the largest manufacturer of chemical based products, launched their Eco-Smart line in January of 2009. Dometic Corp. has permanently removed formaldehyde from the contents of its products. Just last month ELS, the largest owner of RV & manufactured housing communities, announced a brand new product—free of formaldehyde and other chemicals. Then there have been the longtime believers in bacterial or enzyme based products all along: Eco-Save, Heartland Labs, just to name a few. The tide is coming in and it is our sincere hope that these companies will choose to support fellow members of their industry rather than continue to sell problematic, environmental-unfriendly and hazardous products here in California and around the country. We ask campgrounds and aftermarket stores to only stock environmentally safe and septic tank friendly bacteria or enzyme based RV holding tank products.

    We’ll take a lesson from Canada’s “Camp Green, Canada” campaign and create our own “Camp Green, California.” We will create a central point for consumers and campground operators to access resources. We’ll provide links to the best research we can find, the EPA alert and the Univ. of Arizona publications. We’ll provide a complete list of all products available and their contents.

    So, yes, we lost this battle. But with the help of our members, consumers and the collective RV industry, we hope to win the war!

  5. Posted · Report reply

    California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed the bill last week. In his veto message issued to lawmakers, he wrote:

    "Current law already gives the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) the ability to address the issue of chemical toilet products in recreational vehicles. Additionally, DTSC has the ability to address this issue through the green chemistry process.

    Schwarzenegger's letter continued: "This bill presents a scenario that is ripe for a green chemistry approach: competing science on each side of the issue; concern about the effectiveness of alternative products for the consumer’s intended use; consumer reaction in the wake of an ineffective alternative; and questions as to whether banning particular chemicals will actually address the underlying problem.

    "Neither I, nor members of the legislature, are best equipped to answer these questions," he added. "We need science and scientists to undertake this challenge and develop a solution that both addresses the chemical problem and provides the consumer with a product that is both economical and effective for its intended purpose.

    "Under the leadership of my secretary for environmental protection, the green chemistry process is well under way at DTSC. We will have regulations adopted by Jan. 1, 2011, and DTSC should address the issue raised in this bill either in that process or under their existing authority."

  6. Posted · Report reply

    Winnebago posted the following reply in early August, but it was unintentionally removed from this thread. With Winnebago's permission it is posted again here ...

    When we read your comments and the "As-Tested Weight" information from the Itasca Ellipse 42AD test article in Family Motor Coaching, we were concerned as the data did not reflect our design parameters or the test data for that model.

    To follow up, we had the very same coach used in the test drive taken to Freightliner Custom Chassis facilities in Portland, Oregon, for weight analyses. We also had our own Test Lab facilities analyze and verify the specific weight measurements for this model.

    In both cases we found the drive and tag axle weights to be considerably different than the information posted in the article. Our Test Lab data based on full fuel and water shows a tag axle weight of 8,865 lbs., a drive axle weight of 12,728 lbs. and front axle weight of 13,344 lbs.

    Drive axle -- Winnebago test lab 12,728 lbs. | FMC magazine article 10,420 lbs. | GAVWR 20, 000 lbs.

    Tag axle -- Winnebago test lab 8,865 lbs. | FMC magazine article 10,760 lbs. | GAVWR 10,000 lbs.

    Front axle -- Winnebago test lab 13,344 lbs. | FMC magazine article 13,520 lbs. | GAVWR 14,320 lbs.

    Total -- Winnebago test lab 34,937 lbs. | FMC magazine article 34,700 pounds |GAVWR 44,320 lbs.

    We also conducted the same exercise with 1/2 tank of fuel and 2/3 water onboard to further verify axle load through a range of scenarios. These weights show the tag axle at 8,825 lbs., the drive axle 12,764 lbs. and the front axle at 12,689 lbs. Both the Freightliner and Winnebago Industries Test Lab measurements were consistent.

    Based on these findings, we believe that there was a discrepancy with the original weight measurements taken for the article.

    We will share this same data with Family Motor Coaching magazine so they can print a clarification in an upcoming issue.

    Thank you.

    Winnebago Industries, Inc.

  7. Posted · Report reply

    It's good to be back! Thank you, all, for bearing with us.

    The company that hosts the FMCA.com Community/Forums site experienced a technical difficulty. That is why forum users might have received a security threat notification when using the forums. That issue was resolved by the hosting company, but by that time the entire FMCA.com site was down due to an unrelated matter. FMCA.com is hosted internally, and significant problems arose while trying to resolve server maintenance issues.

    Obviously, we are taking steps to make sure this never happens again.

    Soon, our Community and forums will be getting an upgrade/new look as well.

  9. Posted · Report reply

    Status update: The California State Senate passed AB 1824 on Aug. 2, with 30 votes in favor and three opposed. The bill has been sent to the governor, who may sign or veto the bill.

    The questions of how this law would be enforced, and how it would affect motorhomers traveling from out-of-state, remain.

  10. Posted · Report reply

    Each month, Family Motor Coaching magazine shares readers' responses to a specific question in a column called Rear View. If your response is published in the magazine, FMC will send you $25.

    A sample of past Rear View questions:

    • What's your favorite amusement park?
    • How do you decorate your motorhome for the holidays?
    • If you have owned more than one motorhome, which has been your favorite, and why?

    For future questions and to find out how to submit your response, read the latest Rear View, under the Columns heading on the FMC magazine site: www.fmcmagazine.com. Or, in the print edition, turn to the last page and you'll find Rear View.

  11. Posted · Report reply

    Here's a sample of what's coming in the August 2010 issue of Family Motor Coaching magazine. Read it online starting Aug. 1, at www.fmcmagazine.com

    • Jim Brightly offers his impressions of the 2010 Itasca Ellipse 42AD, a quad-slideout diesel-pusher Type A motorhome built on the Freightliner Maxum chassis.
    • Bill Hendrix takes a look at basic air-conditioner operations, and advises how to maintain the system in your motorhome.
    • Read about a classic, luxurious motorhome produced in the 1970s. No, not the GMC. It's the FMC motorhome. FMCs continue to impress today's RVers with their high-end suspension system, low-profile design and rear-engine floor plan.
    • Plus, columnist Janet Groene tells you how to break through the barriers that may be keeping you from embracing the full-time lifestyle.

  12. Posted · Report reply

    Where is the Holding Area and how do I get to it to collect my credentials at Will Call?

    Will Call is located in FMCA's Holding Area at Helmholtz Way and Coyote Avenue in Redmond, approximately four miles from the Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center.

    For those who might not know ... the Holding Areais a place where:

    • Families who did not preregister, can register for the convention
    • Families can meet friends and park together
    • Families can arrive prior to their assigned parking days and wait for their assigned time to enter the grounds

  13. Posted · Report reply

    The California legislature is considering a bill that would ban the use of six chemicals in RV holding tank deodorants. It appears that if AB 1824 (introduced by Assemblymember Bill Monning) becomes law, RVers in California will have no choice but to purchase and use less effective alternatives that make controlling holding tank odors challenging when outside temperatures reach and exceed 80 degrees.

    AB 1824 would ban the use of holding tank products containing bronopol, dowicil, formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, paraformaldehyde and para-dichlorobenzene.

    The legislative history suggests that campground owners have promoted this legislation because a small number of them have been cited for non-compliance when their septic systems failed to work properly. It appears that the owners are blaming holding tank deodorants for these failures. Certain industry groups, including the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association,(RVIA) have conducted research and say such claims have no scientific basis.

    RVIA points out that California has enacted a “Green Chemistry” law, which mandates that a scientific body, rather than the Legislature, make judgments based upon sound science about what chemicals should be restricted. The ban on chemicals proposed by AB 1824 is not consistent with California’s “Green Chemistry” law.

    FMCA has conducted no independent research on this matter and encourages each interested FMCA member who is a California resident to investigate the merits of the legislation.

    AB 1824 is on a fast track to the Senate floor, and is likely to be considered during the first week of August 2010. FMCA encourages you to become knowledgeable about the proposed legislation and voice your opinion to your state senator and Gov. Schwarzenegger by Aug. 2, 2010.

    If you oppose the legislation, here is a sample letter that you can send to your legislator and the Governor: http://www.fmca.com/index.php/members/3212. Copy all or part of the sample letter, or write your own original letter.

  15. Posted · Report reply

    The following article from the June 21 Bellingham (Wash.) Herald addresses Washinton's views on registering an RV in Montana to avoid paying Washington taxes.

    Register your RV in Montana, but feel the pain here

    By John Henrikson

    Federal Way reader Elbert Field came across an advertisement in Hemmings Motor News that gave him pause. The ad from Deer Creek Corporate Services promises: “Register your next vehicle in Montana & save thousands! Pay NO SALE TAX! Lowest rates in 50 States!”

    “Pay no sales tax on a vehicle?!” wrote Mr. Field. “Does this ad make sense?”

    He does recall a few years back a neighbor with a large motor home had Montana plates, presumably to save money. But he wonders if it’s legitimate.

    Answer: A quick Internet search for “Montana Vehicle Registration” reveals a cottage industry of outfits in the Treasure State, promising big savings on vehicle registration. For a fee, they will set up an out-of-state buyer as a limited liability corporation with a Montana address, which allows them to avoid paying sales tax and license fees in their state of residence.

    If you believe the sales pitch, it’s a tax loophole big enough to drive your Beaver Marquis Class A luxury coach through.

    Don’t believe it, says the Washington State Department of Revenue.

    “This is an area over which we have been concerned for some time, and have been pursuing individuals who have registered their motor homes in Montana using LLCs,” says Revenue spokesman Mike Gowrylow. “We have contended that this practice is illegal, and have successfully pursued some individuals who have tried this subterfuge to avoid paying sales tax.”

    A new provision in the law passed in the latest legislative session was designed to help crack down on the tax dodge, Gowrylow said.

    “This language clarifies the department’s authority to disallow such transactions and impose tax and penalties on anyone who is found forming out-of-state LLCs to avoid paying taxes due on such things as motor homes used in Washington by Washington residents,” he said.

    The department’s tax discovery agents pursue tips from law enforcement agencies and the general public about possible tax scofflaws. (You can report a suspected violator online at dor.wa.gov/content/ContactUs/email/reportfraud.aspx).

    Be warned: The recent legislation also stiffened penalties. “Someone caught using a Montana LLC to avoid paying sales tax could face a total 60 percent penalty plus interest,” Gowrylow said.

  17. Posted · Report reply

    All FMCA members receive a Flying J RV Real Value Card when they join FMCA. The card entitles them to fuel discounts and dump station coupons based on the Flying J purchases they make.

    To receive additional promotions, communications and coupons, some FMCA members may need to link their RV Real Value Card to their FMCA membership account.

    FMCA-issued cards are linked automatically when you join FMCA. So, if you were not a Flying J RV Real Value Card holder when you joined FMCA, your card already is linked.

    Who needs to link their card?

    If you were a Flying J RV Real Value Card holder before you joined FMCA, FMCA did not send a new card to you. Therefore, you must link your existing card manually.

    Also, if Flying J ever has replaced your original FMCA-issued card, be sure to link the replacement card to your FMCA membership.

    How to link your card to FMCA:

    1. Register a new Flying J Loyalty Online account at www.flyingj.com/loyaltyonline.
    2. On the Customer Profile page, under the "Club" heading, select FMCA and enter your FMCA membership number.

    You may also link your card by calling Flying J’s help line at (877) 787-3595.

    Even if your card already is linked, you will want to sign up for Flying J’s Loyalty Online to take advantage of special offers. Loyalty Online members can receive exclusive benefits that can be added electronically to their RV Real Value cards.

    For instance, sign up for Loyalty Online before Sept. 13, 2010, and a coupon for one free waste dump (a $10 value) will be added to your card. Existing Loyalty Online members already have had the coupon added to their cards.

  18. Posted · Report reply

    Following is a news release that FMCA received yesterday from the City of Burbank, Calif.:

    Large Non-Commercial Vehicle (LNCV) Parking

    The City of Burbank’s newly adopted Large Non-commercial Vehicle (LNCV) Ordinance takes effect on June 22, 2010. On this date, all large non-commercial vehicles (i.e. RVs, campers, and trailers) must display a permit to park on city streets.

    Furthermore, LNCV vehicles displaying a valid permit must have 80 feet of separation between it and the intersection of two public streets when parked.

    Definition of a LNCV

    A Large Non-Commercial Vehicle is defined as any house car, pickup truck with a camper, recreation vehicle, trailer, or other vehicle that measures or exceeds 22 feet in length, or 8 feet in height, or 8 feet in width. All such vehicles are subject to the new LNCV ordinance.

    Permit Issuance

    LNCV Permits are available at the Public Works counter located on the third floor of the Community Services Building at 150 N. Third St.

    • The cost of a LNCV permit is $5 per day.

    • Each LNCV permit is valid for 24 hours.

    • A 24-hour permit may be issued in three-day blocks.

    • Any single permit or concurrent three-day permit must be separated by a 48-hour period.

    • There is a maximum of 96 permits issued per vehicle within a calendar year.

    For more information about new ordinance, contact the City of Burbank, Public Works Department, (818) 238-3915.

  23. Posted · Report reply

    Montana State Parks is seeking public comment on a proposal to implement a campsite reservation system in up to 21 state parks. Comments must be submitted via e-mail or postal mail by 5 p.m. May 18.

    Currently, all campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis statewide. The proposed system would allow reservations to be made online or via telephone. It would not require that a camper make a reservation. Some campsites in each park would remain on a first-come, first-served basis for those campers who prefer to be more spontaneous.

    Comments should be e-mailed to: CampReservations@mt.gov; or mailed to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Attn: Campsite Reservations, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701.

    “This is the top public service request that we receive,” said Chas Van Genderen, state parks administrator. “Judging from the hundreds of telephone calls and other forms of inquiries each year, the camping public fully expects the ability to plan ahead with the peace of mind of knowing exactly where they’ll be staying when they camp.”

    For more information and to read the environmental analysis of the proposal, vist www.fwp.mt.gov. Look under state parks for Campsite Reservation Proposal.

  25. Posted · Report reply

    Greg Helm, GMAC’s director of claims, explains why GMAC advised driving with the propone off:

    “I think folks may be interpreting this as a fear of a fire being caused because the propane is on while driving. What we’re really getting at is that if an accident occurs while driving with the propane on, there is an increased risk of fire as a result of the propane being on/open. There are certainly safety procedures built into the RV, but they are not fail-safe.

    “In the end, this is a personal choice that a customer has to make — the risk is small, but the results can be significant. Organizations focused on safety will side toward keeping the propane off almost universally.

    “Having said that, if someone chooses to drive with the propane on and something happens, we still have coverage for that loss (provided all other policy conditions/coverages are in order).

    “Our position is focused on safety, but we also understand the RV lifestyle and that there is a convenience aspect with this that a customer may weigh more heavily. We handle covered losses the same, whether the system was on propane or not. We do not use this as a reason to decline claims.”

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