casuall454

We own 2017 Jeep Trailhawk, we had to install a diode circuit to the power steering assist (to avoid dead battery) and the 4x4 transfer case has a special sequence to enable flat towing. The MOPAR owners manual was horrible, please see the attached U-Tube, this guy makes the process simple. Once I have a vehicle set for flat tow, I "pull" the vehicle forward 4-6" to verify neutral tow. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHZTUo9z9sk

I bought "Life Member" at 2016 FMCA rally in Perry, best $200 I spent. Once I downloaded Passport America (PPA) app, and entered my information, locating a campground and making reservation(s) became much easier. The best value campground I have used so far was in Marathon, ON using PPA, was only $16CAD and that was full hook up, pull thru lot.

My insurance plan with UHC is listed as a "rich plan", it requires me to notify prior to leaving US, they will cover me in Canada, not to exceed 30 days. Other counties are available, although I have only traveled to Mexico & Canada. Contact your insurance benefits and ask.

The other posts say it. "Depends on load" most have load minder and will inform you if your desired amp draw is higher then what your inverter can carry. Most inverters are listed in watts, yet appliances will list amp draw or load. It's easy enough to get a rough idea to calculate if your inverter(s) will carry the intended electric load. watts / volts = amps. My coach has duel 2800 watt inverters / 120 volts to make appliances work = 23 amps per leg. If I keep my draw at 20 amps or lower I won't be concerned about tripping breakers. We use our inverters to carry the Frig, and use the crock-pot a lot while we drive. In the summer we have to use generator to carry the air-conditioners. As others have said it just depends on what you plan to use. ** If any electricians or other engineers yes we can figure in 0.93 ohms per 1000' feet or copper wire which = 2.4 volt loss, however I would hope for nominal would be acceptable, in this setting.

I wondering if the original owners manual (the one we never read) has a limited liability statement about freezing weather and "possible" damage to plumbing, water, holding tanks, etc. Thank you attorneys !!

Contact https://colawrvsalvage.com/ great inventory, knowledgeable staff, good luck on your repairs.

If you want to do the R & R yourself https://colawrvsalvage.com/ has sold me parts and have great access to repair manuals and have provided PDF manuals to me before. Second option if you like, consider contacting local JVS autobody repair school and inquire if they would be interested in preforming the repair work? Yes they are students, who are in a instructional learning environment who have teachers supervising them. I have used my local JVS for replacement of a damaged compartment door, who also preformed repaint of the custom paint. Best wishes on your repairs.

Each manufacturer has advantages and disadvantages. In purchasing a used unit, be ready to really look over the unit i.e stored inside or outside, water damage, sun fade, be ready to spend time on the roof looking for damage or just neglected basic maintenance. The roof status will usually confirm if the unit was stored inside or outside thru the seasons. Maintenance of chassis, status of battery connections & trays, tire wear, etc. In looking over the chassis look for excessive rust related to age, this could indicate driving in winter conditions with road melting products that can lead to excessive corrosion of auxiliary support items, hinges, latches, steps, drive motors etc. Our first two class A diesel pushers were purchased used and using brokers. Each of us have likes and dislikes and we will offer our recommendation based on our feelings, level of service and past experiences. You will need to decide on options that best meet your needs and desires, although I could offer recommendations, the final choice is yours and yours alone. I wish you the best on your choice and happy RVing in the future.

Motorhome , this starts with motor. I choose to use option that to my advantage. Sometimes its just better to leave when the weather is going to be less then desirable for an extended period of time. Of course moving to see new sites, food and make new friends are great benefits as well. Maybe as my tenured status increases, my desire to drive will decrease. However at this time I choose to see Canada and America on the Motorhome plan.

I have read the development of this thread over the last two months, interesting comments to say the least. FMCA is a volunteer lead, volunteer run organization that is professionally supported. Someone has to sign the legal paperwork and do the day to day operational business. Several other non profit organizations follow the above business model and several are struggling with membership and maintaining fiduciary solvency, coupled with decreasing volunteer ranks. Instead of pointing fingers and blaming others for their inability to grow membership, recruit volunteers for events. The FMCA leadership should first look in the mirror and ask themselves a simple question. “Would I volunteer with this group? What benefit does membership in this group offer me? Unfortunately, most nonprofits start out with good intentions then loose focus and become their own worst enemy. You have to lead by example. Delegate, listen, be flexible, honest, compassionate, understanding, sincere and true to your word. How do you keep volunteers coming back? How do we keep members renewing annually? What about a return of "Life Membership" status? You run the nonprofit as a business, but keep it fun and interesting. Most people want to know and feel that they are making a difference in someone’s life. When volunteers show up to help, use them. If you don’t use their talents they will slowly drift away and not come back. No one wants to be taken advantage of or made to feel that they have wasted their time and effort. Lead and delegate and let people use their talents, the FMCA members are our greatest resource. As to allowing towables in the FMCA, I don't see how this will improve our situation. Either way you feel on this matter, vote and then respect the decision of the membership. Looking forward to a resolve on this "hot button" topic.

My opinion is mine, just vote. Vote folks, get engaged, get involved. Vote Some will agree with the final decision, some will disagree. Either way, vote and then respect the decision of the membership. Looking forward to a resolve on this "hot button" topic.

Like so many others, I am "younger" (soon to be 50) and have joined FMCA chapters, however these chapters traditionally had activities tailored to the more tenured members. No solution is perfect however, one of my Chapters elected a few new officers for 2017 this has resulted in several positive changes. The most telling was identification of dates so working members could schedule time off work. Although not all dates had locations or even hosts, just this subtle positive change has increased attendance at chapter rallies. Just seeing increased attendance, is a great thing !!

An update to FMCA membership; FMCA President Charlie Adcock not only took time to read my post and others within this post and provide comment back. He further took the often difficult stance to reach out and speak with a person who has a different opinion then his. As a testament to his leadership we continued to speak and explore the difficult path ahead for the FMCA and its members. We had spirited conversation and direct dialogue on matters effecting the FMCA both internal and external, he was engaged with my feedback and view on the FMCA from the opinion and eyes of a 50 year old "young member". He truly believes that we are the future of the FMCA and I must concur, however we the next generation of members and future leaders require the mentor-ship of our tenured members. We need to know what the FMCA has done right, what it has done wrong (and learn from those mistakes, less we make them again) and how we make the FMCA a better organization. It is easy to hold knowledge and take the "I know more then you approach", however does anyone really gain with that approach? Holding of knowledge and not providing of mentor-ship coupled with succession training wasn't accepted in the US Army and it isn't accepted in my current job with the Fire Department. To our tenured members with many years of FMCA experience share your knowledge and assist us, the future generations of the FMCA. Charlie I wanted to thank you for taking time to speak with me, coupled with your offer of personally meeting July in Indianapolis. If my schedule allows for it, know that I welcome the opportunity to meet and further discuss issues effecting the FMCA.

I am very pleased that comments have been read and responded. Thank you for taking time from your obligations to respond. Charlie I was never presented a FMCA membership offer with my 2014 purchase ? I am pleased to know that some suggestions are currently being utilized. Hopefully a few of the other suggestions serve as discussion points for consideration and review of viability. Thank you for you phone number, l welcome the opportunity to speak with you.

I did provide comment using the link contained in National President Charlie Adcock email. That e-mail response to FMCA President Adcock was anonymous, now I am on the forums to possibly offer others discussion points for the executive board to consider. I am hopeful that change will occur with the directors of FMCA or I expect in the future FMCA will continue to exist in some form. The question will be in what capacity and function ? How many businesses and organizations do you remember that have gone dark? After they vacated the market, what was their lasting influence or remembrance? I prefer not to b***h, gripe, moan, groan, complain, wimpier or whine with out offering at least one solution (in my opinion). Listed above are eight (8) of what I considered workable solution(s) for the board to consider or possibly use as talking points were in my opening post. Does anyone consider them viable? with out merit? do you have a suggestion / recommendation? If so post it here, let others see our recommendations for change. FMCA is "OUR" organization, we need to take an active roll in this process. Our blame no one yet ourselves if failure occurs. Here is to hoping that someone, anyone from the executive board reads this !! If you are from the executive board, please respond I for one would be very pleased to know that someone who resides in the crystal palace would be willing to interact with us, your minions. In summery FMCA board of directors; Status quo is not status good enough. ~ John Harbaugh

Like many others I received FMCA National President Charlie Adcock email about allowing towables to join. The initial thought is greater numbers, greater influence into to the global (Recreational Vehicle) RV community. With most advantages their are usually disadvantages, the most obvious concern with this proposed C+BL modification is each group of RV owners will bring their points of concern and desired expectations of FMCA membership. If we as a group can't efficiently and effectively administer to the current membership, how can the FMCA administer to the needs, wants and desires of a larger more diverse membership with each division (Towable, Motorized, etc.) expecting to have their issue(s) be addressed by the FMCA? After having attended FMCA rallies now in Georgia and Arizona. What I saw occur at Area and then President "meetings" was a system bound by 50 years of tradition, unchanged by the evolving world and membership needs with in this organization. In having conversations I am dumbfounded as to how conversations usually turn to FMCA membership and chapter dues that are "out of control", that are $80 to $100 USD annually while the person is discussing their most recent $470,000 USD coach purchase. As I am a son member F184893S I had the fortune to travel with my parents, create lasting memories which lead me to purchase my coach. What I had the misfortune of viewing and hearing in the 1980's & 1990's with my parents at GLASS (Great Lakes Area Spring Spree) rallies was the politics of FMCA membership. The area rallies and national rallies at their "meetings" have deteriorated into a war of attrition as to which member, chapter or group can wait out the meeting the longest, get the most vocal so as to have the greatest influence. In summery I offer the following; 1) FMCA needs to hold chapters into their area caucuses, you can't run a meeting with 400 different views and thoughts from each chapter wanting to rise and support their issue. The chapters need to formulate the key issue(s) of concern and empower the area presidents and executive board / director to act on their behalf for the collective FMCA. The current meeting system is dysfunctional at best. To be pointed I left during Perry, GA meeting as it was so nonproductive and dysfunctional. 2) FMCA needs to adjust their associate or retired dues, usual and customary charges are 1/2 of annual membership FMCA should reassess what associate dues are. 3) On-line payment of National and Chapter annual dues. 4) Life Membership at a cost that would allow FMCA to receive annual revenue from invested Life Membership Dues. 5) Tiered membership benefits aligned to (Associate, Member & Life) this practice is usual and customary with other organizations. 6) Continued expansion of FMCA member benefits. Examples of FMCA lagging behind benefits offered by other groups. a: Good Sam has greater campground participation and percent of discount then FMCA b: Local RV Show offered $2.00 discount with Good Sam membership, yet noting for FMCA members 7) Local recruitment at RV shows, link to the "Largest Show in Ohio", KOA, Good Sam, Passport USA, Pilot/Flying J, Ohio State Parks Volunteers in Parks (VIP program) and numerous other organizations. Guess what group I didn't see with a recruitment or benefit of membership booth / table? http://www.ohiorvandboatshow.com/ 8) Enter into working partnership with motor-coach manufacturers. If a person purchases a new coach offer a "complementary" first years membership at renewal time waive the initiation fee. Let's capture perspective new members at the time of purchase !! The current FMCA directors are attempting to resolve past practices and 50 years of tradition, unchanged by progress that has placed the FMCA in this position. I'm just not sure that expanding membership base best serves the organization as a whole. If membership cost (annual dues) to benefits offered (return of value by membership) increases then membership would increase. Here is the hoping that some suggestions serve as talking points, for the directors of the FMCA. Fraternally,

Like many others I received FMCA National President Charlie Adcock email about allowing towables to join. The initial thought is greater numbers, greater influence into to the global (Recreational Vehicle) RV community. With most advantages their are usually disadvantages, the most obvious concern with this proposed C+BL modification is each group of RV owners will bring their points of concern and desired expectations of FMCA membership. If we as a group can't efficiently and effectively administer to the current membership, how can the FMCA administer to the needs, wants and desires of a larger more diverse membership with each division (Towable, Motorized, etc.) expecting to have their issue(s) be addressed by the FMCA? After having attended FMCA rallies now in Georgia and Arizona. What I saw occur at Area and then President "meetings" was a system bound by 50 years of tradition, unchanged by the evolving world and membership needs with in this organization. In having conversations I am dumbfounded as to how conversations usually turn to FMCA membership and chapter dues that are "out of control", that are $80 to $100 USD annually while the person is discussing their most recent $470,000 USD coach purchase. As I am a son member F184893S I had the fortune to travel with my parents, create lasting memories which lead me to purchase my coach. What I had the misfortune of viewing and hearing in the 1980's & 1990's with my parents at GLASS (Great Lakes Area Spring Spree) rallies was the politics of FMCA membership. The area rallies and national rallies at their "meetings" have deteriorated into a war of attrition as to which member, chapter or group can wait out the meeting the longest, get the most vocal so as to have the greatest influence. In summery I offer the following; 1) FMCA needs to hold chapters into their area caucuses, you can't run a meeting with 400 different views and thoughts from each chapter wanting to rise and support their issue. The chapters need to formulate the key issue(s) of concern and empower the area presidents and executive board / director to act on their behalf for the collective FMCA. The current meeting system is dysfunctional at best. To be pointed I left during Perry, GA meeting as it was so nonproductive and dysfunctional. 2) FMCA needs to adjust their associate or retired dues, usual and customary charges are 1/2 of annual membership FMCA should reassess what associate dues are. 3) On-line payment of National and Chapter annual dues. 4) Life Membership at a cost that would allow FMCA to receive annual revenue from invested Life Membership Dues. 5) Tiered membership benefits aligned to (Associate, Member & Life) this practice is usual and customary with other organizations. 6) Continued expansion of FMCA member benefits. Examples of FMCA lagging behind benefits offered by other groups. a: Good Sam has greater campground participation and percent of discount then FMCA b: Local RV Show offered $2.00 discount with Good Sam membership, yet noting for FMCA 7) Local recruitment at RV shows, link to the "Largest Show in Ohio", KOA, Good Sam, Passport USA, Pilot/Flying J, Ohio State Parks Volunteers in Parks (VIP program) and numerous other organizations. Guess what group I didn't see with a recruitment or benefit of membership booth / table? http://www.ohiorvandboatshow.com/ 8) Enter into working partnership with motor-coach manufacturers. If a person purchases a new coach offer a "complementary" first years membership at renewal time waive the initiation fee. Let's capture perspective new members at the time of purchase !! The current FMCA directors are attempting to resolve past practices and 50 years of tradition, unchanged by progress that has placed the FMCA in this position. I'm just not sure that expanding membership base best serves the organization as a whole. If membership cost (annual dues) to benefits offered (return of value by membership) increases then membership would increase. Here is the hoping that some suggestions serve as talking points, for the directors of the FMCA. Fraternally,

If you can "pull" the battery box (remove it) consider sand blasting and powder coating. I used to remove my battery tray every 2 or 3 years for "brushing" and painting. After I had it sand blasted and powder coated I never removed the tray for servicing again. When my current 2014 battery tray needs to be cleaned up and painted, it will be removed sand blasted and powder coated.

Will be at Tampa for the RV Super Show I am registered with ECOA (Entegra Coach Owners Association) an FMCA chapter. With this group once we completed registration we inform the chapter president that we are registered and he arranges for all ECOA members to arrive on the 17th (one day early) and camp together with fellow Entegra Coach owners. Like many others I found it beneficial to join a local geographic FMCA chapter to camp with friends close to home and for short weekends out. I also elected to join the FMCA chapter representing my coach manufacturer, as they usually are involved with events like Tampa, Hershey, etc. Tampa RV Supershow link; Update on RV camping at Tampa fairgrounds; Super Rally: SOLD OUT! We are no longer accepting any pre-registrations. $200.00 – Registration includes: – 4 Nights/5 Days – 30 amp Electrical Service – 4 Mornings of Coffee & Donuts – 3 Nights of Entertainment (w/ Refreshments & Dessert) – Wristband with Unlimited access to the SuperShow

Chapter Presidents & FMCA directors, presidents, etc. It is that time of year when I begin to long process of locating my checking book, finding the coil of stamps and finally realizing I am out of envelopes. All so I can remit my $10 to $25 annual FMCA chapter yearly dues to my many chapter(s). Has discussion(s) begun, been had or been considered on allowing for annual chapter payment using digital means thru FMCA ? If not may I offer a suggestion that it be evaluated. I am aware the proposal is simple with complex considerations; Initial set up costs, annual administrative costs, credit card processing fees, etc. I am a member of one FMCA chapter who has on-line payment all others are hard check and wet signature. It would seem that if all chapters came together for electronic on-line payment that FMCA as the National organization could negotiate a preferred pricing for financial processing.

To FMCA and the web masters; Your updating of the FMCA website is a job well done, it is easier to update my information, locate links from sponsors and the such. I used to participate a bit using the old forums and website and found it to be awkward and not particularly user friendly. As such I migrated to iRV2 for forum information and resource sharing. Your hard work has not gone unnoticed and just wanted to publicly commend you on a job well done. Keep up the great work supporting the membership of FMCA.

While at FMCA rally in Perry. I attended a session about towing vehicles and state laws; http://www.readybrake.com/state-towing-laws.html http://www.brakebuddy.com/towing-laws Here is the links provided, hope this assists you. FYI I use a tow dolly, with 2013 Chevy Cruze with AT, so it can't be pulled 4 down. Next vehicle will be tow-able 4 down, at which time I will have a used tow dolly for sale.

I owned a Journey DL - 2003 is your model a DL which had several options the standard Journey didn't. i.e. black tank flush, triple heat water tank, auto load minder. you get the idea. The DL also came with full custom paint.