aztec7fan

Dp26, also check out FMCA Energized,either on this forum or on Facebook. This is geared toward members that are under 60. Chris G. F3508s

Since the initial rush of votes have probably been received, is there anyway we can ask the company tallying the votes how many ballots they have recieved? Not the results, just the # recieved.

Fyi, I was just surfing YouTube yesterday, and there are many videos of people who have done van conversions with varying degrees of success and quality. Some have permanent toilet facilities, some are less than permanent (removable toilet), and some do not have any. Looking at this segment of the RV world, what is a class B motorhome, and what isn't? They all allow access to the living quarters from the drivers area in a (somewhat) standing position. Chris G. P.s. I voted (NO).

I can tell you what not to do. On our 89' southwind, I tried gluing it back up with spray adhesive. That does not work. I believe the fabric and foam backing need to be completely removed and replaced with new fabric. This also involves detaching all the upper cabinets, and any other items on the ceiling. Let me know if you find a solution. Chris G. F3508s.

Fyi, if anyone is interested, here is some info on TX state parks, and their various conditions after the storm: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/park-information/hurricane-harvey

More than likely yes, you can use the dryer. If you can check the specifications of the dryer in the manual to see what it's power requirements are, that might be helpful. Most residential dryers are on a 30amp circuit as well.

Not a motorhome issue, but take a look at these two photos. In June of this year, we were coming back to denver on hwy 285, from a short camping trip near buena vista, CO. 5th-wheel took the corner too tight and was stuck, blocking up one lane of the highway. Less than 30 days later, same exact thing happened to different fiver! Strange, since I've been riding or driving this stretch of road for 30+ years, never seen this happen before.

Too bad the vote didn't happen a few months ago, so we would already know the results. If the vote was yes, allow towables, we could have gotten several motorhomes together on Monday in Hinckley Maine to watch the eclipse and start a motor home only group, just like it was in July 1963, when FMCA was started. https://www.fmca.com/home-mainmenu-1/about-fmca/192-the-history-of-fmca.html

Fyi, I am 51 years old, not semi-retired, I get two weeks of vacation a year, and a few long weekends, and travel with one teenager. Although, there is alot FMCA does that is not appealing to my family, I DO read the magazine each month, I HAVE utilized the Michline Tire program (and saved about $500.00), and I get $10.00 back, each time I renew my Sam's club membership. On top of that, I have gained invaluable knowledge from the magazine and this forum about weighing my coach and tire pressures, about the 30amp power I plug into at each campsite, and many other safety issues. There are benefits for motorhome owners of all ages, FMCA (and the members) just need to do a better job of getting the word out.

One other question I am wondering, and has sort of been mentioned in the past: Have there been any surveys of non-members to find out their interest in membership? Why motorhome owners are not members (what is their reason). Also, IF towable owners have any interest in being members. We keep speculating on these questions, but without facts, we are just guessing. I wouldn't mind if FMCA spent some of our limited resources to get real numbers on this information.

Ok, I'm a working stiff who gets two weeks of vacation and maybe a few long weekends a year to spend in my motorhome, which I want to spend with my family. How could someone like me (not saying I want to, just an example, but?), be able to be in any of the leadership positions? I'm not disagreeing with either of you, I agree wholeheartedly, but what are the (time) requirements of the people in position? How could someone like me fulfill those requirements? Chris G.

I think the larger issue is FMCA needs to try to cater to the minority demographics in the club and not the majority. I am also part of a small minority since I travel with kids. The organization wants to bring in more families with kids, but then they only publish one magazine out of 12 with kids pages in it. The national conventions are designed to seperate families so the adults have more time to attend seminars and look at exhibits, but I feel this is an old fashion design. Families today have so little time together, activities need to be scheduled that includes kids and adults. How about a concert of music kids or teens really want to hear (sorry frustrated maestros). How about sporting events like a football game or tug of war? Btw, two years ago, the magazine was covered in articles about road tech class Bs, I don't know why it has dropped off so much. And yes, I do agree,not enough is being done to bring in new members with this current wave of new motorhome buyers. Seems strange we can't generate more traction now. Chris G.

Punxsyjumper nailed it. We've done many of the things mentioned in his post. Just ask permission of management if you don't see other RVs parked there. Been doing it for years, usually alternate between RV parks and free parking. Especially like free parking when we will get to a destination late. That way we don't wake up other campers in an RV park with headlights, parking, etc. The only problem is parking lot cleaners in the early morning. They can be loud.

Bill, I agree that there should be more transparency in regards to who gets paid and how much (and these salaries might be a place to save $$). I strongly disagree with your feeling that recruiting new members pads the pockets of the paid staff! People here attempt to recruit new members because they love the organization, not for any monetary gain for themselves or anyone else. They see the value in joining the club and want to share that with other motorhome owners. Have you never belonged to a club or organization you felt so strongly about, that you wanted to tell as many people as possible? When one of my neighbors or coworkers gets a motorhome, I bring them FMCA literature not to make a buck, but because I truly love FMCA. I spend time talking about FMCA because I believe in it. Do you? P.s. Ken Scott is rolling over in his grave.

Top 5 RV clubs to join for new RVers: https://mobilerving.com/amp/blog/5-best-rv-clubs-to-join-for-new-rvers

Did you see the videos posted on the Facebook page? Several people commented that they wish they could have been there

Back to dog restrictions. Can I just vent here! My son just moved out and got an apartment on his own. At the time he signed his lease, they told him about additional charges for pets, and he mentioned he might get a dog in the future. No mention of restricted breeds at that time. He just got himself a husky puppy, and now they mention that there are several breeds that are not allowed, including husky! Grrrr. It was suggested that if a doctor could sign s note saying the dog is a "companion dog", then he would be allowed. I know this is overused (people with pets on airplanes come to mind), but this might help out the OP, if they are still reading this thread. Chris G. F3508s

One thing that has only been touched on briefly is, what is our definition of what will be allowed (if the vote is YES)? We keep saying "towables", but I believe the wording is "recreational vehicles". does this include slide-in truck campers, people with tents, people with a minivan and a mattress in back, a "tiny home", a houseboat, ????. What will/will not be allowed as a qualifying RV?

From your post, I am assuming you are looking for scenery you can enjoy from your coach or with limited walking. Your ideas of going to Bryce, Zion, etc, is good because there is alot to enjoy in these areas right from your window. You didn't say what type of coach you are driving, but be aware that the main road through Zion has a restricted tunnel where some larger vehicles cannot pass. Our 32' motorhome went through ok, but we had to follow a pilot car. You will also be in the area of Lake Powell. You might look into spending a day here and taking a boat tour. Very scenic! Also, not sure what your route is, but Glennwood Canyon in Colorado (I-70) is incredible, and you will want to take photos while driving down the highway. Chris G. F3508s

Well said Shelton! I couldn't agree more! I, too am from the old school days of FMCA (f3508s) where the organization was more about chamaradie than benefits. Each rally back then was about seeing the new features someone added to their converted coach, or helping a newbie learn how to fix or understand something with their rig. It wasn't about catered dinners, or organized entertainment. I bet you know what the YES/NO card was for! (Everyone was given one of these cards with yes on one side and no on the other. If you displayed YES in your window, you were accepting guests, and anyone could stop by for a tour of your coach or to chat.) If FMCA is losing money, or dipping into savings to make ends meet, then costs need to be looked at and reviewed. Throwing out the primary purpose of the organization is not the solution. Chris Guenther F3508s

My guess is they are not being re-used, but sold for scrap metal. Check out the plastic ones, and maybe the problem will be solved.

That's too bad. Back in 1978, at the Soux Falls, SD convention, my father was hospitalized for an extended period of time. Two families (bud Stone was one), drove my dad's 1957 Fitzjohn bus back to Denver and expertly parked it in its storage spot, and made sure us kids returned home safely. I guess we would be out of luck now, and I guess my kids now would be out of luck in a similar situation since I drive a 1989 southwind. 😣 Chris Guenther F3508s

Yes, thanks Pam! Look forward to seeing more info on these coaches in the future. Chris.

I'm hoping this will get to the editorial staff at the magazine. I know advertising drives the decisions of most of the coaches that are reviewed, but I'm hoping they could include a few coaches that are not advertised. It seems the same manufacturers are frequently featured. I would like to see more info on these manufacturers: Lazy Dayz: http://www.lazydaze.com/index.htm Earth roamer: https://earthroamer.com Chris G. F3508s

I suggest you take a look at your July 2017 FMC magazine. Very good article on how to check voltage at RV park pedistals! You don't need very expensive equipment to verify the power is safe before plugging in, and you can show the park what is wrong, and speak the correct language (open ground, reverse polarity, reduced voltage, etc.). It also talks about some of the products mentioned by previous posts here, so you can compare surge protectors and other devices. Chris G. F3508s