aztec7fan

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

What were the problems with the power pedistal? Did you check it with a multi meter before plugging in? What were your findings?

Ok, I did a quick Google search. Do any of these help: https://www.befrugal.com/tools/fly-or-drive-calculator/ https://www.tripsavvy.com/rv-or-motel-cost-effectiveness-459122

At work, we have to have our box trucks and other large vehicles DOT inspected. There are line items for tread depth and any visual damage to the tires or wheels, but the tire age is not part of it. We had tires on one truck over 11 years old and it passed inspection just fine (although I kept trying to get the owner to replace them).

What was the vote count of the governing board? Was it close, unanimous?

I agree, we need to find out where the failure is, not re-invent the wheel. I don't watch too many RV shows, but the few I have watched had plenty of young couples buying motor homes. Chris G. F3508s

I know one reason we are considering allowing towables into FMCA is because the cost of the FMCAssist benefit has been going up, and there have been more than expected claims for this benefit. Why doesn't FMCA make just this benefit available to non-members, to anyone who is willing to pay to purchase it? Let's assume a price of $60.00/year, which makes it competitive with Good Sam's Travelers Assistance. If you are a paid member of FMCA with a qualifying coach (assuming we don't allow towables), then FMCAssist is a free benifit, otherwise, non members can purchase it as well and get some info on FMCA, if they get a qualifying coach in the future. FMCAssist has more features than Good Sams program, so I think it would be popular. Plus, the Good Sam program only covers one person at $59.99, and two people at $69.99. http://www.goodsamtravelassist.com/default.aspx Just a thought, Chris G. F3508s

Several years ago we visited Yellowstone. Camped at Bridge Bay campground with our 32' southwind; no hook ups, and some sites are too small or not level enough for motorhomes, but many sites are fine. Herd of buffalo (bison) came through and destroyed several tents, so we were glad we were in a hard-sided coach. The ranger program in the evening was wonderful. Drove through the park in a van, but I agree with previous posters, parking is limited. Fishing bridge campground does have full hookups, but is like a parking lot.

In Colorado, it's becoming more complicated: Some roads are toll roads all the time, and the transponder just gives you a discount on the toll. (E-470/northwest parkway) Some are HOT lanes (free for 3+ occupants, or toll lanes for fewer occupants). These require a switchable pass to drive on them for free (I-25 through Denver, and US-36 to/from boulder) And some lanes are toll all the time like the new express lanes on I-70 through the mountains. All of these toll lanes & roads allow you to be billed through your license plate, but at a higher rate. Many of these will save you time, especially if you travel at the rush times, so the cost might be worth it. https://www.codot.gov/projects/i-25-hov-express-lanes/rates-violations Chris G. F3508s Has FMCA thought about publishing a list of toll roads in each state, and their payment options?

Being bored, I thought I'd google EV motorhomes and see what came up. Came accross several articles and discussions, including this article from Mark Polk from 6 years ago: http://conventions/polks-top-7-266/3506-polks-top-7-issues-with-an-all-electric-motorhome.html Many good reasons that an EV motorhome would not be feasible, then I began thinking, what if you mounted the large battery bank for the drivetrain on a trailer? Let's assume with today's technology and more batteries, you could get 200+ mile range on one charge. Then, assuming a network could be established, maybe with campgrounds, to have spare trailers on-site and fully charged, you could stop and swap out the trailer and continue for another 200+ miles. This would fit with most of our travel plans where we drive 300-400 miles a day when traveling. The motorhome could still have a gas/diesel generator on board to charge the batteries when boondocking and to extend range even further. Just thinking out loud. Your thoughts? Chris G. F3508s

Wow, Brett! I thought you had some title at FMCA, or at least they offered you a few bucks with all the technical knowledge and wisdom you share here! I'm even more impressed! Thanks Brett for all you do! Chris G. F3508s

I drive an old 1989 southwind gas coach with peeling and faded graphics on the outside. I plan on going to the Rocky Mountain Chapter rally in August up at Central city, CO. I have a 16 year old son, and I'm only 51. I'm curious to see what activities they will have and how I will be treated. RSBILLEDWARDS, feel free to stop by as well. It should be interesting. I'm going because it's their 50th anniversary, and my dad was president of the chapter in '72 & '73. Chris G. F3508s