banditrider776@gmail.com
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Posts posted by banditrider776@gmail.com
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Dues would be $10 per year with a $5 processing fee for first time members. (This is based on approval of the Chapter Bylaws at the Formation Meeting in Albuquerque in March.)Jerry L. Sweeney
Count me in, although we won't be available for get togethers except in the summer till 2012.
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pianodan and better half, thank you and your wife for your service. I did some time with the river rats in the mekcong delta back in 72 flying off of monitors supporting seal teams doing S&D missions.
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Tom ArnoldUS Coast Guard
30 yrs 28 days 1967 - 1997
Masterchief Boatswain Mate - E-9
Search & Rescue, Law Enforcement, Aids to Navigation .....etc...
Retirement was at the N. end of the Golden Gate Bridge
60% DAV
Wish more people realized the Coast Guard is a Valuable Military Service
Hey, Coastie, thank you for your service. I have a very good friend that is the commander of USCGC Maro Bay based out of New Londom Connecticut. He just got promoted to LTCMDR and will be watered (what ever that means, must be somthing like getting pinned) next month.
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I traded a sports car for a Jeep Cherokee. The Jeep had been towed behind a motorhome using a Blue Ox tow bar, which I got with the Jeep. There is a sticker on the tow bar that says, "BX7335 Aventa II Tow Bar, class IV 7500, 2" receiver." We have a Class B motorhome, but I have no need for the tow bar. It is just taking up space.Does anyone know how much it is worth?
Benny Alford
I bought mine last year new, cost about $800 with the base plates. Check Ebay, craigslist, or any of the RV for sale sites for prices on used ones.
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FMCA MILITARY VETERANS CHAPTERIf you would be interested in joining a new FMCA Military Veterans Chapter, please contact Jerry L. Sweeney, 6 St. Thomas Court, Stafford, VA 22556-3649. Phone: 703.232.7328. Email: jerrylsweeney@gmail.com
The proposed chapter would be open to all United States and Canadian Military Veterans who served in the US and Canadian Armed Forces, including the National Guard. One does not need to be on active duty or retired ��" just a veteran and a current member of FMCA. Those personnel discharged in the general categories are not eligible for membership.
If you would like to join this proposed chapter, please send your FMCA #, Name (including pilot and co-pilot), address, telephone number(s) and email address to me.
Jerry L. Sweeney, F360476
How much will dues be?
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Thats a shame!!Times are comming there should be a BOUNTY on LAWYERS. 75 cents maybe.
Bout a quarter more than they would bring.
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Hope someone can help us. We have a 2008 Sea Breeze by National RV. Can't get help from them as they are out of business. We're having a problem taking out the front TV. No access to the back, no screws on the bottom. It's all enclosed by plastic, then the wooden frame around it. Two screws on the top of the wooden frame ... we took them out but cannot pry the front frame off. It's very tight to the ceiling, could tear that and probably crack the frame.We belong to a National RV group called the Pacnats. Tried getting help from them. No one replied. Any ideas out there? Would be much appreciated. The TV is a Jenson, but goes to black and white after it is on for a few minutes. Maybe some cables loose or off on the back. But obviously can't check till we get the TV out.
Linda
First of all, WELCOME to the FMCA forum and FMCA.
I removed the TV from the front of my coach this year and had the same issues. Are there any caps that might be covering screws on the front or side or bottom of the front wooden frame? These just pry off and you can remove the screws, I had a bunch in mine. Is there maybe a side access panel?
Post some pictures and let us take a look.
You might also consider posting your question on other forums. Between FMCA.com's and others, you should be able to get your problem resolved.
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State and county parks that previously were protected from litigation through recreational immunity, no longer are if they charge people to visit the recreation area or campground. In fact, someone already has filed a notice of an intent to sue Coos County over a park injury.
"We are going to have to scrutinize closely if we decide we want a fee area," Coos County Parks Director Larry Robison said. "It may no longer be cost effective to charge a fee if the revenue generated doesn't cover potential suits."
Recreational immunity protects landowners, whether public or private, who allow people to use their land for recreational purposes for free. If an owner doesn't charge, that person or agency isn't liable for injuries.
http://www.theworldlink.com/articles/2009/...18378903158.txt
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We are looking into buyings a Sportscoach Elite QS 40. Trying to find reviews on Internet but not having much luck. If anyone owns one or knows anthing of their track record or info about Coachmen, please let me know. Is this a good coach or if I should look elsewhere?David Kelly
ret. USN CPO
Welcome to FMCA and the forums. I looked at the Sportscoach and decided on the Beaver. Here is a good place to get reviews that come from owners. It is worth the money, I used them and am glad I did. http://www.rv.org/
Thank you for your service. Check out the Veterans folder for Veterans issues and just good natured banter.
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kingfr
Welcome.
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We purchased our first motorhome this year. My wife of 22 years and I have tent camped to Arizona twice and once to California from Maryland's Eastern Shore. We continued to tent camp until our daughter was old enough to sleep in a big girl bed and we bought a pop-up in 2004. We still have the pop-up because the wife can not bear to sell it yet. In five years we have been all over the east coast from Ottawa, to Florida multiple times.Our daughter turned 8 years old this year and we wanted to take her on a road trip across country. Traveling in the motorhome was a great trip. We bought a very clean 1995 Fleetwood Bounder 35uw this year in June. We have put 8000 miles since June this year and we are planning on spending a couple weeks in Florida over her Christmas break this year. My mom lives in Ottawa and we will be up to see her in the spring.
I am David and work as a regional IT systems manager for a newspaper group, my wife Dawn has worked full time as a stay at home mom and part time bookkeeper for the past 8 years, and Laurie is a full time 3rd grader. Princes, our Lhasoapso/Terrier travels with us and enjoys going "bye, bye" as much as we do.
My dad has sold RV's as long as I can remember so I guess it was just a matter of time before I bought one.
Welcome.
Nice Bounder.
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Release No. 12-01-09
Dec. 2, 2009
Golden anniversary for chief master sergeant rank
by Bryan D. Carnes
Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRNS) -- Chief master sergeants were not a part of the Air Force's enlisted structure when the service was formed in 1947. It took 11 years until the rank was created.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment by Air Force officials of the chief master sergeant rank, adding another important chapter to the Air Force's enlisted heritage.
The need to create the chief master sergeant rank was forged from the technology that World War II produced. In the attempt to end the war as quickly as possible, officials in the United States, along with those of other countries, dedicated teams of scientists and engineers to create the most advanced war-winning capabilities possible.
While the U.S. military was fighting the war in Africa, Europe and Asia, U.S. researchers were producing the most advanced technology ever seen. The emergence of faster aircraft, bombers, advanced electronics, radar systems and missiles were on the rise.
With the growth of aviation during the war, President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act of 1947 creating the U.S. Air Force. It was Sept. 18, 1947, that the Air Force became a separate entity which "shall include aviation forces both combat and service not otherwise assigned."
It was not until after the Korean War, however, that Air Force officials realized that the enlisted corps suffered from stagnation in rank. Master sergeant, or E-7, was the highest enlisted rank a person could achieve. It was then that Congress enacted the Career Compensation Act of 1958.
The act allowed Air Force officials, and those from other uniformed services, to create two new ranks, senior master sergeant, or E-8, and chief master sergeant, or E-9. Air Force personnel officials conducted an in-depth study of all Air Force specialty codes and organized the career fields into highly technical, technical and non-technical fields.
It was decided that 1 percent of the master sergeants from the highly technical fields would be promoted to chief master sergeant. This is still true today, as only 1 percent of the enlisted force at any given time reach the rank of chief master sergeant.
There were 58,000 master sergeants which qualified for promotion to either of the two grades. A promotion board was held to review records and look for demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills, evaluations and commander recommendations. Of those, 625 Airmen were selected to become chief master sergeants. Since there were no line numbers at the time, they all were promoted on the same day, Dec. 1, 1959, becoming the Air Force's charter chiefs.
The rank has flourished since 1959, earning the respect of all other services and ranks. During the 1970s, Air Staff officials made "chief" the official term of address for an E-9.
One of the original charter chiefs, retired Chief Master Sgt. James J. Flaschenriem, wrote, "The chief does not manage by fear or intimidation as the old first sergeant did, but by knowledge, training and great leadership ability." (Courtesy of Air Force Print News)
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Saddletramp and Pinky here - AKA Dennis and Sandy of Spring Hill, Fl. We just purchased a 05' R-Vision Condor in August of this year (our first.) We normally traveled by Honda Goldwing but since I retired what the heck. Lets spend the kids (1 daughter and 2 sons, 4 grandkids) money. We have not been to to many places yet but we are on they way somewhere. Lefty the fat Chihuahua and Bosley the Pit Bull keep us in check when on the road. That is why we bought it so they can come with us, had to leave them behind when we took the bike. Hope to meet some of you folks in Brooksville for the rally.Dennis and Sandy
US Navy - Veitnam Vet
Retired from Anheuser Busch
Welcome to the Forum. Happy trails.
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Newbie here- My name is Jeff & wife of almost 36 years, and co-pilot since we began rving in 1987 is Barbie. I'm a retired high school principal (as of Nov 18) and my wife is a middle school math teacher (until June when she retires). We started rving in 1987 with a 23 foot travel trailer, graduated to a 30 foot travel trailer before changing over to class A motorhomes. We started with a 34' Thor Infinity, traded to a 37' Itasca Suncruiser before purchasing our Newmar Kountry Star 38' DP in 2004. Because of work, our travels have been limited to the southeast, that will continue until this June. We spend most of our extended time at one of two rv sites that we own. The first is in the NE Georgia mountains in Dillard, GA and the other one is in ELITE Resorts Crystal River in Crystal River, FL.We have been FMCA members since 1997 and members of the Roamin' Rigs Chapter for the same number of years. I have served as President as well as newsletter editor and website manager for the chapter and Barbie has served as vice president in the past. We attend the Southeast Area Rally each year in Brooksville, FL and I have served as photographer and newsletter writer for that rally in the past.
We love the rv lifestyle-.... see ya down the road.
I don't have that kind of resume but I'll say welcome to the forum. My wife is also a teacher and will be retiring in 2012 after which we will be going fulltime.
See you in a campground somewhere sometime.
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Good spot 'em Green Beaver!I have taken a look at the proposed directives and have submitted a comment by following the link provided. I'm posting my comments here to encourage others to jump in and have their say. Feel free to use any of my ideas but please add your own concerns as well. My comments completely filled the allowed space.
My comments on Document ID: FS-2009-0001-0001: Proposed Directives for Forest Service Concession Campground Special Use Permits
As I read the provisions of these proposed directives, they would increase the fees charged for senior citizens for "camping" facilities and then further down I find that if they increase income for the concessionaire they would increase the rental rates for the concessionaire. So in effect the directive suggests that the concessionaire needs more income so the rate increase (reduction in discount) should be instituted. Then it says if the concessionaire makes more money, they will have to pay higher rental fees to the government. It looks like this is pretty clearly a pass through provision which means the concessionaire won't make too much money and the government ends up the big winner in it all.
As a senior citizen (I just got my senior pass in the fall of 2008) it looks to me like the rug is being pulled out from under me just as I qualified for this discount. Yes, there are going to be lots of us seniors qualifying for the discount in the coming years and yes, younger people (who are working) will be subsidizing the discount, just as I have done all my working life! Why now that I qualify do you suddenly realize that someone is in effect subsidizing my discount when you never noticed it when I was doing the subsidizing? It seems to me that it is finally my turn to collect a benefit that I have been contributing to all my working life and now you are changing the rules.
Personally I never was a fan of the commercialization of the park/forest service concessions. For my money, you can close down all the commercial operations in the park/forest service. Then they won't be complaining about not making enough money. As to the incentive (or lack thereof) for off season utilization, that is completely bogus. Most seniors I know prefer to visit our parks and national forests during the off season when the crowds are smaller and the atmosphere is quieter. In fact, I'd bet that most concessions would close off season if it weren't for senior citizens.
I basically said the same thing except about the seniors part. I also told them they should just go ahead and privitize the entire system since they were headed that way any how. I also mentioned that the park system was paid for by the people and not business.
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For concessionaire campsites, which in reality will mean almost all the major recreational forests in the system! This is huge. This will be followed by the NPS and BLM.
Time to nip this in the bud right now. Write your elected officials NOW and spread the word.
Here is the link to the official notice.
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I've only had the FMCA mail forwarding service for about 1.5yrs. At first it was a free benefit, nice one at that, so I joined. Then some months (01Jan09) after subscribing to the mail service I was informed that they would need to start a policy of charging $5 per month for a service fee. I though, probably not a bad idea, so no problem on my part.I just read in a FMCA magazine that the mail forwarding service will "double" the service fee to $10 starting 01Jan10! Wow, a 100% increase in just 1yr?
As much as I dislike the idea, I will certainly have to look at another mail service option.
I'm currently looking at going fulltime in about three years so a mail service is high on my look at things. I also belong to the Escapees RV Club so I thought I would look it over after reading this thread. Here is what I found, YMMV.
Category A
Annual Fee = $85
Postage Deposit = $50
Enrollment Fee = $15
Cancellation Fee = $35
For a Total of $185
* All mail received is forwarded first-class
With dues, $60, this comes to $145 per year.
You can take the enrollment fee off since it is a one time fee, and cancelation fee off since it also is a one time fee at the end of your subscription. The $50 covers postage and so would include the "actual postage" charge. This makes the yearly cost $85 + postage, with no monthly fees. The cost for the FMCA mail service comes out to: $125 yearly cost + $10 per month ($120) for a total of $245. Now add in the yearly dues of $35 and the cost comes out to $280.
http://www.escapees.com/MailForwardingServ...erviceRates.asp
I also looked at Good Sam, of which I am also a member, and they do not offer a mail service.
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Tom and Mark,Most new people to the FMCA web site are trying to garnish information about the RV lifestyle, or a maintenance question about their individual unit or camping needs.
I see that this is your first post to this forum, so it just makes me wonder of your intentions.
My sentiments and opinions regarding religion and politics will remain with me, so I will not post anything else in this thread. It has already been said, and more eloquently by others.
I think he has flounced.
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Thanks again Green Beaver. I really like the changes you made in your coach. I was hoping that a 2 year old cvoach would have all the bugs worked out of it. It has 12,000 miles on it, so it should be allright.Thanks Again,
Mike
You're very welcome.
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Green Beaver, thanks for the reply. I am looking at used, because I have seen other posts about losing money as soon as you drive off lot.Thanks,
Mike
I sure do wish this myth would die, the only way you would loose money is if you bought the motorhhome and then took it to the dealer down the street to trade in. You won't loose money until you sell it. This myth has been around a long long time, first time I heard it was when I was shopping for a new car. You buy retail, the dealer buys wholesale.
Buying a used coach is a very good idea, most of the bugs should be worked out by now or fixed. We looked at both of those brands and Tiffin, Alfa, Bounder, Safari. Didn't look at Beavers, thought we couldn't afford one. Found the one we have in Mesa, just traded in the day before I looked at it. Also looked at a Safari Panther 455 the same day, the 42' length scared me off, both were the same price. I am very happy with the Beaver as is the wife, now. We did some remodeling and I have to admit I like what we did.
http://s228.photobucket.com/albums/ee281/B...orhome%20Stuff/
I also removed the TV from over the drivers seat and installed a ceiling mount in the center under the cabinates for a 32' LCD. I'm using the old TV cabinate for the VCR/DVD/Surround sound system. The DVDs now fit in the overhead cabinates.
When you go look at motorhomes pretend you are living in it, get in the shower, sit on the toilet, lay down on the bed and couch, pretend to make a meal and wash dishes. All the things you will be doing when you travel in it.
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Well said, Tom.
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Get out and visit dealers, shows, and private sellers. Pretend you are living in the coach, stand in the shower and make like you're washing your hair, sit on the toilet, take a nap on the couch, cook a meal, make the bed, etc. Try to get to the bedroom with all the slides in.
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Can anyone compare the Country Coach Affinity along with the Fleetwood American Coach Eagle? I am new to the forum, and have posted one other post. I am considering buying my first coach in March 2010, and I really like the CC Affinity. I would like to think that I would be traveling the country for a year or so, and see if I really like the RV lifestyle. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have also heard that Country Coach is now in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, so I would assume that would cancel any warranty.Country Coach makes a very nice motorhome as does American Coach by Fleetwood. The Eagle is about $500,000 less than the CC Affinity for starters.
You need to post whether you intend to purchase a new coach or a used one. Buying new to travel for a year or so would not be a very good idea as you will loose a lot of money if you found it not to your liking. I would recommend buying a used coach to try the fulltime lifestyle, you can always upgrade.
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In LA tickets are now being issued if the front license plate is missing, or if the front window is tinted, since they can impede the issuing of a ticket.Real bummer.
I think I could beat that one in court, Kansas doesn't require a front license plate. A number of states don't require a front license plate.
Toad vs. Gravel Dump Truck
in Toads-Towed Behind Motorhome
Posted · Report reply
Ouch, that must have hurt, and it looks like it left a mark. My condolences for Barney. Good thing the dump truck wasn't going much faster or it could have really been a mess. One piece of advise, have the frame on your MH check for bending or buckeling, seeing as how the tow hook up was bent. Those things take a lot to bend.