aztec7fan

Folks, in some ways, I am a camping veteran, been doing it since the late 60's, but in some cases, I am still a rookie. Can someone post a picture of a "doughnut" and maybe a threaded connection? We camp mostly in the Rockies, and have never come accross an RV park that required anything special in this department, usually just a request that the connection be "secure" and/or monitored. We usually stay a couple of days and dump the tanks every few days and don't leave the dump hose hooked up, so this might make a difference too. Thanks, Chris. F3608s P.s. I know I could Google images of what you describe, but it might be useful for other people here too.

The latest review on RV park reviews was in March 2016, and was not very favorable: http://www.rvparkreviews.com/regions/florida/north-fort-myers/upriver-rv-resort If they are doing lots of upgrades, the conditions may have changed.

There look to be mostly positive reviews on this site: http://www.rvparkreviews.com/regions/south-carolina/charleston/oak-plantation-campground Scroll through the reviews, and you will see there are just a few isolated negative issues.

I have one idea that I think is a good one, but will never happen. Back in the 1960s and 1970s, the manufactures would let an FMCA member use a new coach for a few days, then the member would do a write up of that coach. Now, I know the magazine has write ups of new coaches now, but these are gloryfied advertising, with no negatives. If the write ups were allowed to have negative, as well as positive feedback, maybe this might make a small step to higher quality. Probably never happen. Chris g. F3508s

Bill, actually Dakota Ridge is off west Colfax on the way to the old Heritage Square. The Jeffco Fairgrounds campground is totally separate.

Yep, I agree! I wouldn't say that site is universal, but a heck of a lot of people use the information there to make informed decisions on where to stay.

Here in Colorado, I can offer a couple of suggestions: If you are heading into the mountains from the Denver area along highway 285 south (going to Conifer, Buena Vista, or other parts south), avoid the urge to get a running start to go up the hill just after C-470. The speed limit is 45 here, and this area is part of a small town called Morrison which gets a large amount of its revenue from speeders on the highway. Same thing going downhill coming back into Denver, but at this point, you will probably be in low gear. Also watch out for a speed trap in Empire as well, another small town with a notorious speed trap.

Try RVParkreviews.com, looks like they have several campgrounds listed in the Clayton area (which is near 1000 Islands). Several have good reviews and are big-rig friendly: http://www.rvparkreviews.com/regions/new-york/clayton

Also, check your FMC magazine January issue. In the back, there is a list of "Stoppin' Spots", which lists members who offer various services. There is a family in Cheyenne, WY that is designated as "Come Visit" which means they would welcome an overnight stay from fellow members.

BTW, towable owners don't corner the market on stupid. take a look at this motorhome owner:

All good comments regarding which type or RV to buy. I would add one additional thought. When traveling with kids, I would suggest the motorhome over any type of towable. I know the cost is a little bit higher, but how many times when traveling in a car did you just get on the road, and then hear the comment "I need to go to the bathroom"!. With the motorhome, they can use the facilities without having to stop and go back to the trailer or find a rest area. Also, the seating is more comfortable than being cramped in the back seat of the car.

I would also recommend staying within the park at Grand Canyon, possibly at Trailer Village. The shuttle service is great and very reliable. If you have time, be sure to take the red route to Hermits Rest, especially in the morning before the crowds pile up. Important note! Be sure to get reservations at the campground as early as possible! Some suggest getting them a year in advance during busy times. I would also 2nd the suggestion to go through Colorado on I=70. Glennwood canyon is impressive, and a dip in the hot springs pool is wonderful! Also try to see some of the other National Parks in Utah such as Brice, Zion, Arches, etc. All worth seeing. Chris Guenther F3508s Westminster, CO

I just thought I'd let you know of something I've come across at a few RV parks in the last few years. I'll start off by saying I don't belong to any other clubs or memberships (Good Sam, TT, KOA, etc.), so that might make a difference for some readers. In several occasions, while checking into a campground/RV park for the night, the manager will ask if I have any discounts, and sometimes list a few. Even if they don't mention it, I will mention FMCA? More than once, they have given me a discount, even if the park is not an FMCA Commercial Member themselves. It's worth a try and may save you a few $$ down the road. Happy Trails, Chris Guenther F3508s

You are not alone. My parents full timed for 8 months with 2 kids and 2 dogs in our 35' fitzjohn with no towd. They were both teachers, so we had each summer off and continued traveling without a car behind. With my two motorhomes since the mid 1990s, we have never traveled with a towd either. As far as the trip, you might want to try I-70 through colorado on one of the times crossing the continental divide. Very scenic!

The two campgrounds I'm familiar with inside the park is Fishing Bridge, and Bridge Bay. If you don't need full hookups, I would recommend trying to get into Bridge Bay. Some sites are too small or not level, but many will accommodate you coach just fine. We stayed there for 4 days in our 32' coach and we're quite comfortable. There is room to put your awning out and watch the bison walk by. Even if there are no sites available here to reserve, stop in when you arrive, and see if there are any first come, first served sites available. They will not measure you. Fishing Bridge is OK too, but you are parked very close to your neighbor on both sides, and you can't have a campfire.

We have taken many trips in late March from our home in Colorado to other parts of the country. Always have the furnace running while driving for comfort. Never have had any problems with freezing, even in 20 degree temps. Only problem one time we woke up to a frozen water pump. I would recommend running a light bulb in the water pump area for additional heat. 1989 southwind 32' Chris g. f3508s

In Colorado, also try this guy. Dynoman Diesel Emissions 10420 E 106th Ave Ste B, Brighton, CO Very reasonable and fast.

Instead of looking at production coaches, what about looking at converted commercial busses? I've seen a few in the $40,000-50,000 range.

Try this link first: http://www.rvservicereviews.com/ The site will list repair shops in whatever area you are in and give reviews from owners who have had service done. Also look for fleet service shops in your area. These places usually can deal with your rv chassis, and they are used to getting things done quickly for fleets of vehicles.

Hi Ralph, welcome (back) to the FMCA. Although I don't think we ever met, we're from the same Era of the club. My parents were members from 1968 until my dad passed two years ago. I've been a member off and on since 1997. If you ever want to talk about FMCA of the 1970s drop me a personal message. Chris guenther F3508s

Not sure how you are trying to sell the coach (craigslist, ebay, for sale sign, consignment, etc.), but if you are posting photos online, be sure to remove clutter and personal items. I like to look at coaches online for sale just to keep abreast of the prices, and a big turn off is to see a very lived in coach, clutter, unmade beds, tools out near the engine, etc. Also, overdone personalized items (bunny rabbit motif curtans, slip covers, blankets, pot holders, etc.) throughout the coach can be a negative. Stage it like a house for sale with nutural items that appeal to the masses. As far as the nose cap, would a dark vinyl bra cover it?

Also try Fleetwood themselves: http://www.fleetwoodrv.com/partsandservice/ They've been able to get parts for my 1989 southwind, so your 2001 model bounder should be no problem. You will love having the motor home with your kids. Don't just use it for trips. When my teenaged son wants a sleep over with his friends, we park ours in front of our house and let them sleep in there. On the 4th of July we Take it to the park, and while other people are roasting under the sun and having to use porta-potties, we are comfortable under the awning, and using our own toilet. Chris G. Westminster, CO f-3508s

Try this group... https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MotorhomesP-30GM/conversations/messages There are several experts on that group who know the Chevy 454 P-30, engine/chassis you have.

Try fleet management services in commerce city: http://www.fleetmanagementservicesinc.com/page2.html They have done great work on my old Southwind, and all the different trucks at my work. Chris g. F3508s Westminster, co