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hyco2000

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Posts posted by hyco2000

  2. Posted · Report reply

    Generally, when I see the words "remodel" and "New Direction" boldly displayed on a website's home page, I assume that it means there is a "Website Redesign" in the making. I NEVER Figured that those BOLDLY placed words referred to a COMPLETE Redesign of the Organization !!!!!!!!!!

    Placing this on the main web page for FMCA really should NOT HAVE BEEN DONE!!!

    The change to allow Towables is NOT a DONE DEAL !!

    AND, the change should have never been "Advertised" to the Public in Such a Conspicuous Manner !!!

    I have to agree with other posters who have commented that the change seems to be a "Fait Accompli" based on the way the information is presented, and so prominently, on the Main Web Page !!!!!!!!!!!!!

    There have been some very valuable and insightful comments made on these two Forum Threads and I just hope that EVERY Director has read EVERY Comment and given each comment Careful Consideration BEFORE casting their Ballot.

     

  3. Posted · Report reply

    1 hour ago, BillAdams said:

    My best guess would be that WAY too many FMCA articles were done on RV's that nearly none of us could afford and not the motorhome that the masses would have interest in.  I read the tech issues, the destination reports and a few others but felt like FMCA was rubbing those expensive palaces in my nose.  "Look!, here's another RV you will never be able to buy!"  I am sure FMCA gets paid by these folks to advertise their products but I would rather have seen more of a  Consumer Reports approach.  This might not play well in the advertising realm of FMCA (you know, FMCA tells the truth and the coach manufacturer pulls all advertising).  It certainly has to be a tough challenge to present at least some of the truth and still get that almighty dollar.

    I wish them the best of luck with the new Good Sam format that will be voted on and approved at the upcoming convention but personally, I don't think it's the right decision.  I think the right thing to do is to remain Family MOTOR COACH and fix the problems that have lead to the potential demise of this company.  There are plenty of motor home owners.  FMCA is just not doing what needs to be done to attract their attention.

    I agree, Allowing Towables is the WRONG FIX for the PROBLEM !!!!!!

  5. Posted · Report reply

    Every business needs to have a "Unique Sales Proposition" (USP), something that makes them unique in their field, something that makes them stand out from the crowd...

    Does anyone on this forum think that if there were a half dozen manufacturers of shiny, tube like, travel trailers, Airstream could charge $150,000 for their trailers ?

    People that buy Airstreams pay extra for the uniqueness of Airstream, they like the style and the "Retro" feel of Airstream.

    FMCA has a "Unique Sales Proposition", they are the "Premiere" (and ONLY) Motor Coach Association in the US (except for brand specific coaches). FMCA needs to Capitalize on their USP and market that which is special to the organization, not dilute their Uniqueness by becoming "Just Another RV Club"!!!!!

    I realize that FMCA is facing some financial pressures, mostly due to the loss of their magazine advertising revenue. BUT, it is a FANTASY to believe that by allowing towables, thousands of New Members will Magically appear to fill your coffers.

    Granted, it is tempting to look at 80% of the RV market and feel like you are missing out on potential revenue from that market, BUT, Most of the 80% ARE NOT GOING TO JOIN ANY CLUB !!!!! (beyond Good Sam because of the discounts at Camping World).

    A much smarter approach (which has been previously suggested) is to focus on getting more of the Class "B" and "C" owners to join FMCA. If you want to attract a younger demographic, focus on benefits that the younger demographic want (like the defunct Verizon Hotspot plan). The FMCA Assist program is a Great Program, but, it attracts the Older Demographic.

    Financially, the organization needs to change to reflect the new reality of lower revenues, NOT Fundamentally change the composition of the organization by loosing their "Unique Selling Proposition".

    Note: I intentionally posted this comment on both threads to maximize impact.

     

  6. Posted · Report reply

    Every business needs to have a "Unique Sales Proposition" (USP), something that makes them unique in their field, something that makes them stand out from the crowd...

    Does anyone on this forum think that if there were a half dozen manufacturers of shiny, tube like, travel trailers, Airstream could charge $150,000 for their trailers ?

    People that buy Airstreams pay extra for the uniqueness of Airstream, they like the style and the "Retro" feel of Airstream.

    FMCA has a "Unique Sales Proposition", they are the "Premiere" (and ONLY) Motor Coach Association in the US (except for brand specific coaches). FMCA needs to Capitalize on their USP and market that which is special to the organization, not dilute their Uniqueness by becoming "Just Another RV Club"!!!!!

    I realize that FMCA is facing some financial pressures, mostly due to the loss of their magazine advertising revenue. BUT, it is a FANTASY to believe that by allowing towables, thousands of New Members will Magically appear to fill your coffers.

    Granted, it is tempting to look at 80% of the RV market and feel like you are missing out on potential revenue from that market, BUT, Most of the 80% ARE NOT GOING TO JOIN ANY CLUB !!!!! (beyond Good Sam because of the discounts at Camping World).

    A much smarter approach (which has been previously suggested) is to focus on getting more of the Class "B" and "C" owners to join FMCA. If you want to attract a younger demographic, focus on benefits that the younger demographic want (like the defunct Verizon Hotspot plan). The FMCA Assist program is a Great Program, but, it attracts the Older Demographic.

    Financially, the organization needs to change to reflect the new reality of lower revenues, NOT Fundamentally change the composition of the organization by loosing their "Unique Selling Proposition".

    Note: I intentionally posted this comment on both threads to maximize impact.

  7. Posted · Report reply

    On 6/23/2017 at 8:22 AM, RSBILLEDWARDS said:

    What amazes me is than none of the hierarchy have anything to say on this thread to agree or dispel the thoughts and ideas presented here....I have my canoe ready....B

    I would like to issue a Challenge to ALL the Directors who will be voting on the proposal to allow Towables...

    I challenge each Director to read all the postings on this subject, giving each comment careful consideration, and posting a note that they have actually read these comments and sign their name and title within this thread certifying as such.

    I don't want their opinion, I just want to know they are listening !

  8. Posted · Report reply

    It sounds like you might have insect activity in the burner area. Take the shield(s) off and inspect the burner area and clean as necessary using a soft bristle brush and a can of compressed air to blow out the dirt.

    It is also possible that your gas valve is not working for some reason. If this is the case I would (first) look for loose connections and/or corroded connections.

    I recently removed my refrigerator and could not believe how many Mud Daubers had camped out in the fridge area (I definitely installed insect screens when I reinstalled the refrigerator).

  9. Posted · Report reply

    6 hours ago, obedb said:

    Just imagine the weight and size of batteries required to power large equipment?  Not happening anytime soon. Elon Musk may figure out a way to get $$$ from the taxpayers for such a project. 😠😡

    It has already happened, there are two transit bus companies with buses running on the streets of the USA right now.

    As far as Elon Musk taking Tax dollars, Tesla has not used any tax dollars for his company. Tesla did get a loan that was guaranteed by the US government, but, that loan was paid back in FULL, WAY Before the loan was due. So, in reality, the Tax Payers have made money (interest paid) from Tesla, not the other way around.

     

  10. Posted · Report reply

    There are two all Electric transit buses currently being used on the streets.

    One is Protera, and the other is BYD. Both buses are being manufactured today and both have variable range based on the battery pack purchased ( I think the base range is around 135 miles).

    With constant improvements in Battery technology it is quite conceivable that an all electric Motorhome is not too far off into the future. Certainly with today's technology a 200 mile Motorhome is feasible and with improvements made to reduce charging times a 300 mile (plus) day is possible with only a 30 minute stop (maybe less) to charge up the battery pack and eat lunch.

  11. Posted · Report reply

    3 hours ago, manholt said:

    Interesting!  Now, all it needs is reliability...a factor that Tesla is not noted for! :ph34r:

    As a Fan of electric vehicles (who has studied the evolution of electric vehicles) I have not seen any reports showing that Tesla's are unreliable or that a Tesla is less reliable than any other car on the road. The only report that even suggests a reliability issue with Tesla's is Consumer Reports' report where they reduced Tesla's reliability and repair rating because of some issues with the door handles which were all fixed under warranty.

    When I look at reliability, I only consider things that leave you stranded on the side of the road. A persnickety door handle does not make a vehicle unreliable.

    With only 20 moving parts an electric vehicle is inherently more reliable than an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle which has over 2,000 moving parts.

  12. Posted · Report reply

    1 hour ago, spuds said:

    T-Mobile has nowhere near the coverage that Verizon (or AT&T) has.  Maybe in a few years if they build out, but right now they pale in comparison.

    Have you seen the results from recent coverage tests performed by independent research firms showing coverage and speed results? T-Mobile's performance and coverage has become so good lately that there is no significant differences between the two carriers. Verizon's coverage advantage has disappeared and AT&T is coming in at third place.

    When you look at future coverage, T-Mobile was the largest winner in the most recent (lower) Bandwidth auction  which will allow T-Mobile to send their signals farther and penetrate buildings better than any current carrier giving them a clear advantage in the future. In case you are wondering how long until this becomes available, T-Mobile announced that they will be testing this lower bandwidth before the end of 2017.

    T-Mobile has also stated that this lower Bandwidth would become the foundation of their 5G network strategy.

  13. Posted · Report reply

    Well, That Sucks !!!!!!!!!!!!

    Verizion has pulled out of the Mobile Internet Hotspot Agreement !!!

    The Absolute BEST benefit FMCA has created recently has been Killed !!!

    Why is this ??

    Because the program was a SUCCESS !!!!!!!!!

    The program had a very reasonable price for Unlimited Data and and Included a Hotspot Device.

    Perhaps T-Mobile could be enticed to "Uncarrier" Verizion and match the program that Verizion Pulled out of. Wouldn't that be GREAT !!!!!

  14. Posted · Report reply

    Thank you all for the welcome.

    Before I posted this question, I did a Forum search and the above mentioned thread did not show up ( I even searched the word "towable" ).

    I have read some of the previous thread and would like to hear your fresh comments now that y'all have had time to ruminate on the subject.

    Thanks, looking forward to getting to know y'all through the forum and at rallys.

     

  15. Posted · Report reply

    6 hours ago, manholt said:

    hyco2000.  Welcome to the Forum!

    Now, that you have read it all, I hope you understand why we did not want to start over, under general discussion!  Motor Home is the generic description of Class A, C, B and Conversion's!  Motor Home is any unit that has a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living area, that you can get to from the driver seat in an upright manner, with out going outside! 

    The group or chapter that I represent as National Director, was fine with the original proposal of a separate unit for towable under the FMCA umbrella...now, they want no part of the current proposal as we don't need another Good Sam!  Or another Escapees!  I'm a member of both.

    There is no difference between Class A, C, or B, gas or diesel, we have the same inherent problems!  There is, however, a huge difference between what you and I have and a pop up trailer, Casita or a tear drop!

    Carl

    Thank you for the welcome Carl and others!

  16. Posted · Report reply

    On 6/5/2017 at 1:14 PM, TexanRver said:

    In looking over all the posts on this topic, my original post seems to be missing.  I may have not posted correctly; or, possibly the post is lost somewhere out there in cyberspace.  In any event, I felt as a member, the need to post my comment to this issue, so here goes:

    First of all,  I am not a chapter member, choosing not to be as I don’t want to be involved in any politics which are associated with chapter membership; however, as a dues paying member of FMCA, I felt the need to address what I believe are important items to be considered.

    (1) Membership Numbers

    The article appearing in an earlier edition of the FMCA magazine cited that membership from 2004 to date is down by 595,000 members and motorhome sales are down from 2006 to date by 1.6% and as equally important the average age of FMCA members "seems to have gone up" from the age of 65 to 71.

    Given all the statistics cited, one can readily see the decline in the various groups. The Governing Board, with all due respects, must look at and be realistic without any pre- conceived and/or political agendas, what are the driving forces behind these declines.

    First, the Board must be open to and willing to accept the idea that while the population is aging and the "newer generation", those who are now into rving and in all likelihood make up the statistic cited (i.e., the "average RV owner is age 48"), are leading very different lifestyles that those of the generation that started FMCA. The current rver is more involved in the lifestyles of "being on the go" and are much "more active" than the aging generation. The 48 year old rver is running from here to there, keeping schedules and trying keep a balance between work and play. While most 48 year old rvers are not retired, they are, in fact, rvers.

    The article stated that FMCA’s proposed solution: "To open membership to towables."  My question, is this really going to work? I think one must look long and hard as to whether this is really a solution. When FMCA solicits membership, it is to those of motorhome owners. In all likelihood, one chooses to join FMCA because of what it is, an organization dedicated to motorhome owners.

    If the organization choose to open to towables, FMCA must look at what they can offer that the other large organizations don’t; specifically, what can and/or would FMCA be able to offer to towables that Good Sam and/or Escapees don’t offer? In looking over the benefits of FMCA, there really isn’t much in the way of benefits geared towards the towables. After all, the bumper pull trailers and fifth wheel owners most likely do not need, nor purchase the larger and more expensive tires from Michelelin and/or Continental; and, in all fairness, the roadside assistance is cheaper through other organizations. Further, the benefits of the touring connection, mail forwarding and glass coverage can be utilized through other avenues. If FMCA is looking at the increased membership numbers in Good Sam (which is open to all units) are increasing, it most likely has to do with its association with Camping World; which from a business point was a tremendous idea. Is FMCA thinking that by opening membership to all units this will also increase FMCA membership numbers? Does FMCA have an avenue to align itself and provide its members with something as strong as the Good Sam / Camping World merger?

    I read with concern a posting by a member on line that seemed to indicate the Board may consider an outside consultant to review and provide ideas on growing membership. To utilize an outside consulting group would equate to the same as the government hiring outside consultants to do a study for a substantial amount of money only to return results that could have been had without such a study.

    The question really becomes "Why does one choose FMCA over another rving organization?" The most honest answer might just be because FMCA IS dedicated to the motorhome owner. As motorhome owners, we attend Rallies for information related directly to the use and safe operation of the motorhome and to shop with vendors that have items and products directly related to coaches. To open the FMCA membership to towables would defeat the purpose of "specific" rig information.

    (2) Rally attendance

    I've read both on line and in print the attendance numbers are dwindling for the Rallies. Is this the "aging" population referenced in the article; or, might it just be that the "same old, same old" just isn’t working any longer? We attended the Perry Rally and very much enjoyed the seminars and vendors, so much that we have invited two other couples to go with us from Texas up to Indiana. We believe that FMCA must realize and implement ideas that the newer generation is just that, "newer" and much more of an "on the go rver". The Board can not and must not continue to operate under the idea and concept of "that is the way it has been for years and it shouldn’t change." To successfully grow this organization, the powers that be must change and improve upon and bring in excitement with new and innovating ideas. The FMCA Energized program appears to be attempting to do just this and we are hopeful that they are on to something with their concepts and beliefs.

    Another issue with Rally attendance might just be the lack of posting of dates far enough out for planning which from the recent postings has been addressed to which I thank those making such decisions.  It is important to keep in mind that if FMCA wants to grow and increase membership at these events and seek the younger rver, such information should go out as soon as possible as the "younger" rver has a full schedule on their hands, i.e., between this child’s event, that grandchild’s soccer game or event and scheduling vacation time within their own work schedules requires planning as this is the real world of many. 　

    (3)  The Financial Aspect

    The article to which I refer stated that "the cost of providing membership benefits to an organization’s members while still maintaining a profit is and/or should be the ultimate goal of any organization" and further stated that "as with any business, FMCA has both fixed and variable costs." My question, might these costs be distributed differently?

    a. FMCAssist Medical Program: An extensive amount of detail is set out as to the costs associated with the FMCAssist Medical program, citing the cost of increase from $4.32 per member family to $8.52 per family member currently. The article further stated that by "adding younger FMCA members this would help with the loss ratio." My question would be Isn’t this the same concept that failed currently under the Affordable Health Care Act? This didn’t work. By opening up FMCA to towables, is FMCA really going to bring in that many more "younger" members to help offset the cost of the product; or is FMCA going to loose members for the reasons that FMCA is no longer dedicated to motorhome owners. Before joining an organization, it stands to reason that as a consumer, one looks to join the organization that gives you the most bang for your buck. If FMCA is open to all, including towables, then the decision for a member becomes which organization will give me the most for my membership dues. Does FMCA provide such benefits to compete?　

    b. Family Motor Coaching Magazine: To quote the phrase used in the article referring to the magazine, ... for many years "a cash cow" for the Association, I believe the article correctly set out the reason for the decline in advertising in the magazine. With the internet and social media, why would a company spend so much on an advertising budget? I do not believe that by opening up to all Rvers" will resolve this problem. The article alludes to the fact that by opening up to all Rvers, it would open up possibilities in terms of new advertisers. I think the powers to be must ask themselves - "will it really?" One should consider the fact that when Good Sam and Camping World merged, the magazine was filled with advertisements and sales pitches. As a consumer, after one or two issues, I've personally seen the advertisements and are tired of them. I  can go on line and goggle anything and will find numerous companies to go to for their purchase of products, again choosing the vendor providing the best bargain. My thought is that those with the power must find other creative ways to increase their revenue; and, advertising dollars, most likely isn’t one of them. Projecting out five years or so, the most likely source that consumers will look to will be that of the internet, not in print.

    One solution to rising magazine cost might be to go with only the digital version and forego the printed option. This most likely will meet with a lot of criticisms, especially among the "aging generation" however, in today’s world, its all about the internet. The magazines are nice to look at and the quality of paper and color is nice, but once you read them, they most likely go in the trash or recycle box. Times are changing and so must the thought of printed copies of magazines.

    c. Might there be other ways to cut costs? Having been involved in a large organization, there is always somewhere to cut costs in order to bring about a more positive bottom line. Without being political and/or stepping on toes, what about expenses associated with the Board members or others involved in the Association? Might it be that travel expenses, rally fees and/or reimbursement expenses might need to be looked at and adjusted? This is, I'm sure, a very sensitive area, but one that must be considered.

    In summary, like many others, we started out with towables, then went to a fifth wheel and thereafter a motorhome. For us, when we purchased our fifth wheel, we called FMCA asking about membership and after receiving the reply we, like others, thought FMCA was just for the "snooty" (to quote another blogger). We took the news in stride and went on about our business. After purchasing our first motorhome, we joined FMCA because it is an Organization dedicated to motorhomes, the type of unit we chose to purchase. We felt that with such an organization being dedicated to just motorhomes, the information shared and learned through the seminars and events would be product specific to the safety of ownership and maintenance of a motorhome.

    We too are life members of Good Sam and personally don't see how FMCA can compete with the membership numbers of Good Sam because of their merger with Camping World. After all, if a customer (camper or rver) goes into a Camping World store to make a purchase, the first question asked is "are you a member of Good Sam?" If not, the pitch is given that if they sign up they would get a discount on their purchase. It makes sense at that point to buy into the membership, if not for any other reason, but for the discount on the purchase. Wow, membership numbers increase! Go figure. Is FMCA going to be able to come up with a product large enough to compete with Camping World? Without such a combined effort, will your numbers really increase?

    As a member of FMCA we look forward to receiving information relative to motorhomes, the type of unit we have. We are not interested in receiving articles and information as to products on trailers and fifth wheels. While this is not to say that towables aren't just as good, to open up FMCA to towables without being able to provide a competitive membership product, in all likelihood will decrease the FMCA membership numbers.

    There are other competing organizations out there (Good Sam, Escapees and others) and, if opened up to towables, from a personal standpoint, we would have to look seriously as to which one (1) organization to maintain membership. If there are three different organizations out there opened to all types of rigs, then the choice would be simple, we would ask ourselves which organization provides the best value and savings for our money. Can and/or would FMCA be able to provide that value and savings?

    Thank you for allowing me space to post this. 

     

     

    A very well thought out and well reasoned posting.

  17. Posted · Report reply

    On 5/10/2017 at 10:38 AM, RSBILLEDWARDS said:

    Not mentioned is the is the logistics of how do you park these things at FMCA rallys, Many drivers are fine heading forward through pull thru spaces many can not back one up on a bet. What would have happened at Chandler if they were part of that scene? 

    Bill Edwards

    Well Bill, I am sure some of those Towables could have out backed you in your Motor Home and done it with only one hand on the wheel !!!

    How do you park these things? You Park Them Right Next to The Coach Right Beside It !!! You DON'T Create Separate Areas for Towables !!!

    By-the-way, Ever tried to back up a flat tow? With a Towable all you have to do is put the Tow Vehicle in Reverse !!!!

  18. Posted · Report reply

    On 6/5/2017 at 6:05 AM, Tomas24 said:

    Other thoughts about towables, if FMCA changes itself to allow towables, it can never go back to a motorcoach only club. There are clubs for towables now; Airstream has several, Coachmen Owners Association even Good Sam. FMCA would still have to compete with these clubs and what would FMCA offer that would be unique and what would draw people with towables in? All clubs are shrinking for many reasons. FMCA will have the same membership problems with or without towables. The unique feature FMCA offers it's membership is it's long history as a motorcoach club. Having a motorcoach is the common thread.  Without that it is just another camping club.

    If the powers that be are dead set about inviting towables, why not stick to the original plan of having a separate club? That way we'll see if we can attract and sustain significant towable membership before changing the core FMCA and its history forever?

    Creating a "Separate, But Equal" club for Towables is doomed to fail. the only way to accommodate Towables into FMCA is COMPLETE Integration !!! You can't have Towables parked in a Separate Area at a Rally and expect them to feel Included.

    You can't make statements like "Not mentioned is the is the logistics of how do you park these things at FMCA rallys, Many drivers are fine heading forward through pull thru spaces many can not back one up on a bet. What would have happened at Chandler if they were part of that scene? " By Bill Edwards.

    Well Bill, I am sure some of those Towables could have out backed you in your Motor Home and done it with only one hand on the wheel !!!

    How do you park these things? You Park Them Right Next to The Coach Right Beside It !!! You DON'T Create Separate Areas for Towables !!!

    Total Inclusion is the ONLY way to successfully have Towables in FMCA (if that is the way the vote turns out).

     

  19. Posted · Report reply

    On 5/31/2017 at 5:45 AM, manholt said:

    Keon.  Good morning.

    22.5 tires don't do a 24 footer much good !:lol:

    True a 22.5 tire won't benefit a Class "B" or "C", HOWEVER, Michelin makes smaller tires for these vehicles and I am Sure they have some type of Fleet Discount Program these members could participate in, or maybe they could design some type of rebate program, or maybe they could create some type of discount code that gives FMCA Members 10% off of the retailer's Best Pricing. Point Being, There is a way to extend the tire program to the smaller tires used on Class "B"s and "C"s !!!!!

  20. Posted · Report reply

    On 5/30/2017 at 8:54 PM, manholt said:

    Majority of Snow Birders that I see rolling down I-95 or I-75 or I-35 to Hwy 77S are not in big Class A's!  Lot's of B's, some C's and also Class A gassers.  Maybe 15% are DP's of 40 foot plus!  That's of the Motor Homes...Towable is 4 to one against Coaches!  Back to demographics!

    FMCA has never been a large club...Since it's beginning, 50+ years ago we have only issued 458,000+ F#'s and 2,500+ L#'s!  We never re-issue some one else's # unless it's to a family member!  What has changed all of a sudden in the last 2 years? 

    What does the "L#" stand for?

  21. Posted · Report reply

    On 5/27/2017 at 4:23 PM, gulya said:

    Absolutely right Ross got to talk FMCA membership up with everyone you meet. Not just at campgrounds, but at places where you're getting service work donee, places where tourists go. We meet lots of motorhome owners at the Duplin Winery in Myrtle Beach. It's a part of the requirements for belonging. Working on one I met a the Panera bread grand opening this week we will probably get them next week. 

     

    While reading this post, I was reminded of my visit to the FMCA booth at the Tampa RV Super Show a few years ago... I specifically remember the person in the booth mentioning "Motor Homes" (meaning Class "A"s) and there was no mention of Class "B" or "C" Owners being able to join. This is unfortunate, as a more inclusive description of "Motor Home" would have yielded a New Member on-the-spot.

    Instead, I needed to call the office to determine if we were eligible to join FCMA and even then there was some question as to whether our coach qualified.

    Additionally, when trying to signup as a new member on the website, it only asks "Do you own a Motor Home?", it does not ask if you own a Class "B" or "C"? Having this more inclusive question on the website would have eliminated the need to call the office.

    Side note: Often times people DO NOT take the extra step to "Call the Office", they just BLOW IT OFF and move on to the "next thing" that interests them.

    PS: I probably investigated FCMA 4 or 5 times before making that phone call !!!!

     

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