aztec7fan

Try selling it on Craigslist.org or other local site. My guess is if it's a gas unit you could get $8-10K, and if it's a Diesel, possibly $15K or more. That's much more than what you could get written off taxes for donating it.

I've read thread after thread on this board talking about how FMCA is dying, the membership is dwindling and losing money, and the arguments back and forth about allowing towables or not. I came to the realization that no matter how many times I post my opinion about these issues, I haven't solved anything, so I decided to act. I ordered a G.R.O.W packet (http://www.fmca.com/...heels-grow.html) and started handing out my old issues of FMC magazine with the informational papers and the free issue cards to motor home owners I know (ahem, not towable owners). I've already handed out several and more are on the way. Hopefully this effort will help in a small way gain membership. Anyone else out there who is not actively recruiting new membership, should start now by doing the same. Do the math, if only 20% of the current members got ONE family to join, this would go a long way to getting us back over the magic 100,000 members. Now I'm not blind. I see there are dissatisfied members, and I feel there are many places FMCA can improve and grow: 1) The TATS need to become more organized so they become more than just a babysitting service at the national conventions. They should be visable on a social networking site like Facebook, and possibly take up some national cause like increasing recycling while camping. There used to be a national TATS President, why not again? 2) People need to be the focus of the magazines, not the coaches and advertisers. There were people on the front cover of the January 2012 issue! Keep it up! It used to be, we would hear about individual travels of members, and a couple of times there was a "Family of the Year" Let's do it again! 3) I would like to hear more about people "using" their coaches, not just living in them. How about articles about taking the coach skiing, using it to tailgate, or go to a car race. Heck, one time, my parents took their coach to a wedding. 4) How about being able to donate the $10.00 we get when recruiting new members to our favorite school? The school would benefit, and this might raise awareness of our organization. Finally, why are there only 5 states that will accept the national convention? Are you sure there are 43 states in this great country (yes, I can add, I eliminated Alaska and Hawaii) that won't accept the revenue from 2,000 motorhomes converging on their state? I know some may not have the proper facilities, but now that attendance is down, some areas should be re-visited. When I worked for a large telecom company, they kept drilling in our heads that if we kept doing the same thing, we would get the same results. Keep this in mind.

I agree with the previous posts that you may have some junk in the tank and it occasionally is causing blockage in the fuel pump, or possibly another filter in the tank. Another slight possibility, could it be temp related? You seem to have the problem only after driving for a while, albight sometimes for a long while. Is a heat sheild near the fuel pump loose or missing? could the pump be getting warm and after the coach sits, the heat builds up more in the fuel pump area? Have your mechanic check fuel pressure after the coach has run for a while. Also possibly an vapor lock problem? How long did the coach sit? is it possible some of the old fuel varnished? I wouldn't think so since you've filled it several times, but there might still be some pockets of bad fuel in the tank. I have a 1989 Southwind with the 454 engine and performance so far is great. I do need to change my fan clutch though, and I'm just waiting for the time, $$$, and warmer temps to do so.

My dad used to tesch skiing at Winter Park Colorado, and we would frequently stay for the weekend in the parking lot in our 1957 Fitzjohn. We were very comfortable with the space heaters and never had problems with any water system freezing. Just one bit of advice. Make sure your CO2 sensor is working fine and has good batteries. In Colorado, the winter weather can creat an inversion where warmer air is actually held at ground level and when this happens, there is no wind. Because of this situation, while we were running the generator at night, CO2 built up in the motor home, and we were wakened (thankfully) in the middle of the night with the dogs throwing up and splitting headachs. I don't think this would happen in your case since you said you would only run the genny a couple of hours a day, but you can never be too careful.

Check out RV Fog Dr. http://rvfogdr.com/ They have a 2 year warrenty and I've heard a couple of people were very happy with the results. They are a member of FMCA too!

Paul, twice now you have said this in your posts and I have to completely disagree. I have a motorhome and I am not retired or over 55. I have two boys ages 15 and 11 and I've had tent trailers, camped in tents and I'm now on my 2nd motorhome. I bought our latest one with some money I saved for $6500.00. It's not pretty but it serves it's purpose to take my family on an occasional vacation or trip to the mountains. My neighbor across the street just bought himself a 1970's Titan motorhome which is ugly as sin, but he only paid $1,000 for it. He just got rid of a trailer project he was working on to get this instead. He has an 11 year old boy who plays with my kids all the time. My boss at work owns a newer class C and his wife and their 10 year old daughter take it out a few times a year, and another co-worker has a motorhome up in the Pouder canyon they visit several times a year with their kids. (and yes, I've shown each of these people the FMC magazine, but none are interested in joining) My point is, all types of families can and do own motorhomes, so don't automatically assume that they don't. Also, shame on all of you for suggesting that towables should be allowed into this club just for some quick cash. This club was founded specifically for motohome owners and doing anything else spits on the hard work and dedication the founders put in to make this club what it is today. I believe Ken Scott wound be disgusted that we are even considering such a thing and this would be his "pipe nightmare" rather than his "Pipe Dream". Rather than making this club like any other club where "we just want your $40.00, now you're on your own", we need to set ourselves apart from Good Sam and any other club like it. There is nothing wrong with that organization, but I just feel FMCA can be and will be a higher quality organization. I've already offered many suggestions on other threads, so I won't repeat myself. I just feel there are hundreds of thousands of motorhomes out there, and we should be able to make this business work as is without resorting to drastic measures. They made it work in the 1970's with 5,000 and 10,000 members, why can't we make it work today with 87,000? Do we have that much overhead and costs to cover?

I'm thinking of taking the motorhome skiing this winter and staying near a ski area where I can use shuttles to get around the area. I would like to find a place where I can plug in, so the heater and other appliances won't drain the batteries. So far, the only place I can think that's open in the winter Tiger Run Resort in Breckenridge. Does anyone have any other suggestions on where to stay?

Sorry, I disagree on allowing the towables into our group, but I do agree we need to attract a younger following. Here are some suggtestions: 1) When was the last time you saw PEOPLE on the cover of the FMC magazine? I have some old issues of FMC from the 1960's and 70's and they frequently showed families (yes, sometimes with children) enjoying the motohome lifestyle. There were covers with families skiing, and enjoying the outdoors, and also pictures of rallies and conventions. These days, the cover only shows the latest and greatest coach, shich appeals to the advertizers, more than to people. 2) FMCA needs to set itself apart from the other clubs as the best group to join and belong to. If you compare FMCA and Good Sam, they are very similar. We both have helpful informative magazine, good website, discounts for insurance and roadside assistance and other perks, rallies and conventions and fellowship. So why should someone with limited funds (like a working stiff like me) shell out $40.00 to belong to FMCA over Good Sam? Belonging to GS actually gets more campground discounts than FMCA, so again, I ask, why choose FMCA? We need to get more RV parks and campgrounds to join us and offer even a minimal discount to add value to the FMCA membership. We also need to highlight the "Stoppin' Spots" part of our membership as something no other club has. We as members need to also look for opportunities to get into local media by our actions as FMCA members. I remember in the 1970's a large number of members helped Audry and Bud Stone "raise the roof" on their barn to accomodate their motor home conversion. This made the local papers and attracted interest in the club. What about selecting a charity and raising money for it by driving accross a state or the country? Just some thoughts, thanks for listening,

I had reason to call Coachnet 3 weeks ago when my coach started overheating in the Colo. mountains. At first I just wanted some technical assistance since they say this is part of their services. All I needed was confirmation of where my thermostat was located on my engine (I was pretty sure I knew where it was, but wanted to make sure. After being asked a bunch of questions and being transfered to a "technician" I was told, "I'm not sure where the thermostat is, but it should have a wire running to it". I called back later to inquire about towing, hoping they would tow me to Denver, but they would only tow me to the nearest repair facility (I expected this so was not too suprised). I think I will still keep them for the chance I would need towing while out of state, or need my spare tire mounted, but I'm not going to count on the "technical assistance". To answer the original question, yes they would cover the tow. This is a one-time service, I think once a year.

I got my set of chains in Grand Junction before I had to make a trip through the tunnel in the winter for about $120.00 (I didn't have to use them). I just checked with O'Riely Auto parts in Denver and they have a set for my tires (225 70 R19.5) for $70.00. Here's their info: 5861 North Broadway Denver, CO 80216 (303) 298-9124 Other auto parts places should have them as well. As far as the previous post goes, you may have seen the signs entering the mountains around here that say "illegal to proceed without required equipment (chains) Sept-May." I don't know if they are required on motor homes, but I wouldn't want to be un-prepared.

Welcome to RV'ing and FMCA! When traveling, we generally alternate between a free place to stay and then a campground/RV park the next night. You can usually stay in Wal Mart parking lots overnight, but check the link the previous post mentioned for stores you cannot stay at. You can also stay at Flying J truck stops and many other places for free which can cut down on travel costs. Check out this website: http://www.freecampgrounds.com/ When stopping at a Wal Mart or other store, If we are the first RV there, we follow the FMCA Code of Conduct, and ask permission (of the store manager) before staying the night. If there are several RV's already in place, we assume it's ok. We try to buy a few things in the store to show our appreciation for this free service.

Check your GFCI's in your kitchen and bathroom area. Although I would think the A/C would be on a dedicated circuit, it's possible this might be affecting part of your coach. I had the same thing happen on my southwind.

So I've looked at the manufacture date on my tires and they all were manufactured in the early part of 2005 (January and February). This means they will all be 7 years old next year. So how hard/fast is the suggestion that we should replace tires after 7 years? I have done some checking on them and do not see any cracking, but I know there could be hidden cracking on the inside duals. 1) Should I have them inspected by a tire dealer and if no problems, just wait a year and have them inspected again? 2) Should I replace them at 7 years, no matter what the condition? 3) Being limited on funds, I was thinking about replacing just the fronts next spring and having the rear ones inspected and keeping them a while longer. Is it OK to do that?

One thing you haven't mentioned is how much driving you will need to do in the winter months? Will you need to travel in the mountains, or just around the front range? The reason I ask is, have you purchased chains for the vehicle? As you know, we do get snow, but the storms in Denver usually don't require chains to drive around, except maybe once or twice a year. If you will be driving anywhere in the mountains or between Colorado Springs and Denver, I'd reccomend getting a set for your size tire, and some heavy duty grommets, or "spider bunjies". I have some for my coach, but haven't needed them yet. Almost needed them to get out of a campground on Easter weekend this year when we woke up to 8" of snow.

Along with the other posters, I would agree that you shoulnd't try to drive too far, too fast. The first mistake I made with my first motor home was treating it like a car. On car trips, we would generally try to drive as much as possible, before having to stop at a hotel. With the motor home, we drive about 3 hours in the morning and 3-4 hours in the afternoon, which gets us to the place we will stay in the daylight, and we are not too tired to do some sightseeing or just relax. Also, keep your speed at 65 mph or less, which will improve your gas milage greatly and reduce wear and tear on tires and engine. I looked at the most likely route you will take from MO to Grand Canyon, (assuming you are coming from the Kansas City area). I mapped out about 300 miles from there which puts you in around Pratt, KS the first day (lots of assumptions here). I looked up campgrounds in that area on RVParkreviews (http://www.rvparkreviews.com/) and there appears to be a nice place to stay called The Evergreen Inn and RV Park. This is how we plan our trips, and hopefully the info will help.

Well said Brett, you are correct, and I should have been more specific. With our coach, we also have the Dual Range aux transmission from U.S. Gear installed and this basically doubles the gears I have available. On a long downhill grade (like from the Eisenhower tunnel to Dillon CO on I-70) I hit the button on the dual range to down shift and also down shift on the column. With downshifting this much, I never have to hit the brakes the entire 5 miles. Equilibrium is the way I'd describe it too. As far as the original post, the terrain they will follow is not as steep, but they will encounter some hills. Just check your fluid levels and maintain the engine properly, and you will really enjoy the trip. When you're done at the Grand Canyon, I'd actually recommend coming back through Monument Valley and Moab in UT to get to I-70, and then come back though Colorado. You will really enjoy the scenery!

Our 1989 Southwind (454 engine, 32') made the trip from Denver to the Grand Canyon just fine last year and has been very reliable for the last 3 years we've owned it. We love the coach and don't think we need to upgrade anytime soon. If you take any hills or passes, keep in mind you may take a little more time than before. Ours usually take the steepest Colorado mountains at about 34-40 mph, and I take the downgrades at the same speed by downshifting accordingly. The only problem I've had with mine is a small power steering fluid leak, which I plan on fixing this winter.

My dad's was KDU3721. Why do I remember that? Anyway, I miss the 1970's when everyone had CB's and you could actually get some useful information. We were in the desert southwest one time (Big Bend I believe) and I came back with some bug bite that worried my mom. She called on the CB and actually got a peditrician. She described the bite and he explained how to treat it. Later found out he was at home in New Hampshire! Love that skip!! Our Fitzjohn looked kind of like a greyhound bus (to the un-initiated). One time while driving down the highway, we hailed an ice cream truck on the CB and convinced him we had 30 hungry boy scouts on board. He was a little dissapointed at the next rest area when just a family of 4 got off the bus but we got our ice cream anyway.

My son is turning 16 next year, and shortly thereafter, we will be taking a long trip to California. I am considering letting him drive our motorhome a small stretch of open highway in the desert southwest (middle of nowhere) if I'm satisfied with his driving skills with our cars. What do you think?

I have an Onan Emerald III Genset on my old 1989 Southwind that has never worked right in the two years we've had the coach. I can press the remote start button and it runs while pressed in start position, but when the button is released to run on it's own, it shuts off. I've checked and I'm getting spark, and fuel flow is fine. I've cleaned the carb, and replaced the spark plugs, and changed oil and filter, with no success. I'm wondering if the remote switch could be faulty. How can you check this switch? does current continue to flow through the switch while the generator is running? Note, the start/stop switch on the unit itself does not work at all, so I can't test operation from there. Thanks for any info you can provide. This unit is gas only, does not run off propane.

We live in Denver, and have cold weather camped several times. Our first trip of the year is in the 2nd week of March, and temps have been around 20 degrees or lower. I usually turn the furnace on and leave cabinets open near sinks and so far have never had any problems. A couple of times the water pump froze, but did not crack, so I now leave the light on in that compartment. I plan on taking the coach skiing this winter, which will have much colder temps, in which case I will probably drain the water and use bottled water for the toilet and hand washing.

Yes, I would like to know too! We got a barking dog complaint last year while sightseeing in Yellowstone.

I hope this isn't considered "hijacking this thread", but I too have a revenue idea. Every January, I get the "large issue" with the list of members who have recruted 10, 20, 50, 100+... members. I am wondering, how do they do it? I know it might seem self-serving, but could an article be put in the FMC magazine highlighting one or more of the members who have signed up a large number of new members and how do they do it? I've discussed FMCA with a couple of co-workers who have motorhomes, but they wern't interested. Aside from leaving issues of FMC magazines in Dr's offices, I really have no ideas on suggesting our great organization to others. Thanks, Chris G.

For someone you know, I would think it would be perfectly acceptable to come up and knock on the door of your coach, just as you would in a sticks and bricks home. If it's a complete stranger, I might wait until they're out sitting on the "porch" or puttering around outside the coach and then approch them. If you meet someone at a social activity, I'm sure you could ask them "what site are you in?" or something similar and see if they are open to visits. As a side note, in the old days, at FMCA conventions, they used to hand out a cards with the word "yes" on one side and "no" on the other. If you were open for visits, you'd put the "yes"" side in your window, etc. I haven't been to a convention since 1982, so I don't know if they still do this.

Hello. I've got a comment about the FMCA Code of Ethics, and I don't know who to write to, so I thought I'd post my question(s) here. As some of you know, I've been a member of FMCA off/on since about 1970. One of the specific things I remember from the early days was that I felt FMCA members were "better" than the other RV clubs members because we held ourselves to a higher standard. When we held a rally, we left the grounds cleaner than when we arrived. My parents would always assist other FMCA members whenever possible, and when driving, they pull over to the side if possile to let faster vehicles pass. I still do these things today, primarily from what I learned from my childhood days with the club. All of these actions were listed in the original FMCA Code of Ethics: But they are no longer listed in the current (what I consider watered-down) document: Member Code of Ethics. Although these items are common sence, it sometimes helps to have things in writing as a reminder how to act properly. I was wondering when was this changed, and what was the reason to remove some of these items? Also, the original COE had a strongly worded item saying essentially don't display your FMCA emblem unless you are willing to follow this code. I believe this says that if I display my "goose egg" I follow a higher code of ethics that those RVers who don't. Any thoughts on this? Thanks for listening, Chris G.