Allowing Towables Vote At Indianapolis In July

[Tomas24]

We followed the usual progression; 6 years with Jayco Popup, 4 years with travel trailer and just bought 2017 Class C last September. Could not wait to join FMCA! Some folks in our COA group were also FMCA members and all had wonderful things to say. We attended the Centre Hall Rally over Memorial weekend and had a blast. So many differences between towables and driveables - we were very glad to get advice from experienced motorcoach owners in Penn Coachmen FMCA!  We do not tow another vehicle so if FMCA accepts towable RVers I hope they continue to offer transportation at Rally's and Conventions to all side excursions.  Would love to caravan across country sometime - Alaska would be awesome! We are 59 and 60 years old, no children living at home. 

[manholt]

Dennis.

Good to hear from you again!    Have you looked at the International Chapter Area?  You will probably find several Clubs with your requirements...they all use the whole country for traveling and having rally's!  Click on each one that sounds interesting and it will give you a summery of what they get involved in...Like Wine Tasting, or are you now a Bourbon man? 

I for one really enjoyed meeting you, on the Forum last year!   I agree, there are those that enjoy just getting together in the same place...boring!

[isaaac1]

Wow there were some great thoughts there in the last few messages,

I for one feel discount programs are helpful, but as I stated before while the tire discount is nice, it really only offers recruiting incentive about once every 7 years.  I too am a GS basic member, and their widely accepted 10% discount at campgrounds likely saves me enough money each year to justify my membership, and when I am traveling and have the choice between two seemingly comparable rv parks I will choose the one that offers the discount.  The discounts should be meaningful though, promoting 2% off here, and 3% there on car rentals, fuel, or dental services, etc. starts sound a bit too much like a discount club to me.

Having said that I think the real potential for the FMCA to help its membership is through advocacy, this can be at the local, state and national level.  This advocacy could be for the benefit of all RV owners, not just owners of self powered coaches.  Here are a few that come to mind that could be done at relatively little cost to the national organization:

Creation and publication of reference designs and promotional materials that local chapters or even individual members could use to promote RV friendly places with their local, city, county (or parish in my case being from Louisiana), or even state planning boards and other government entities.  Many of which could be done at little or no cost to these governing bodies, if only they were alerted to the need.

Examples include awareness of the need for RV accessibility when designing public parking, particularly in tourist areas, this does not need to be designated RV parking spaces, but even just little things like turn radius consideration for parking lot entrances, or not placing parking bumpers in all spaces to allow longer vehicles to occupy 2 parking spaces end to end.  Promote the benefits of being an RV friendly community, through added tourist revenue offsetting the relatively small cost of installation of free public dump stations, overnight RV parking (ideally free, or nominal fee), preferably with electrical hookups located in public parks, civic centers, arenas and other similar venues, as well as the importance of keeping these facilities open at least seasonally, if not year around.  All too many municipalities already have these sorts of hookups but they are only accessible during certain fairs, festivals and other events.  For those governments that feel they can't justify the staffing and administrative cost such public RV facilities would entail, a reference design for a self pay kiosk or web site might be helpful.

Also as mentioned above some centralized feedback from the national organization to our elected officials, may also be in order when it comes to road conditions, planning, accessibility, etc.  Perhaps in the form of a standardized rating or scoring system.  As an example, earlier this year my wife and I took a long weekend trip to a fairly new small state park which has a nice RV campground, unfortunately this park is located about 30 miles off the nearest major highway, down dilapidated narrow washboard like 2 lane highways, with the final couple of miles being so narrow that two full width RV's meeting each other would have to slow to a crawl to safely pass each other all culminated by decorative mini (micro) single lane round about just outside the entrance gate.  Now I know you can't always choose where to place a park, but spending some of that money used to build that decorative roundabout on widening the access road by even a few inches or trimming back overhanging trees would go a long way.

[manholt]

Isaaac,

We used to have a lot of what your mentioning, especially in rest areas!  Then along came environmentalists, no more dump sites.  Was not all their fault, abusive people was also responsible.  Your State only has 2 rest areas on I-10 & let's not even go there on secondary roads! 

State parks, National parks...getting in can be difficult, I suppose the reasoning has to do with who and by what means uses it most.  Every foot of land needed to go inn cost a fortune!  Farmer want's his money! 

[wildebill308]

Isaaac, I think you have some good ideas. We do need more advocacy for us the traveling public.  Some places get it and some need a little help and some need lots of help. 

I think having a "blueprint" would be good especially in areas like Fort Worth Dallas area that is growing so fast. If the planners had an idea they could incorporate that in the plans not try to add it later when there is no room and it would cost more.

Bill

[isaaac1]

manholt, yeah I agree at the state level Louisiana is a mess, but I feel there is opportunity at the local level, for example my town has a free RV dump station in a city park, it was donated to the city by a local RV dealer 30 or so years ago.  The local publicly operated covered rodeo arena also has RV hookups, unfortunately they are not promoted at all, and they charge $35 per night, which probably makes sense during events, but is a bit high for this area for what it is otherwise.

[manholt]

FMCA, Good Sam (pre Marcos), Escapees, Coach Manufacturers and Towable Manufacturers...have over the years, spent some serious $$$ Nationally for Lobbyist's, to insure, that we have, what we have!  

In Texas, Menard City park has 30A, water and a dump station, so does Leveland...it's free, 3 night's max.  I think Amarillo has one. Probably more...I just don't know!  That's the problem, non are advertised...Not Dumb, I can understand why!

Frog City Casino. Park in rear, run generator, eat at Fazzio's across I-10, go to coach and sleep !  Have never been turned away at a casino in any State.

[isaaac1]

That is part of my point, lobbying at the national and even state level is expensive, giving the base membership, chapter clubs, etc. the tools they need to influence local governments is cheap.  The FMCA already has a magazine staff, something as simple a special magazine edition dedicated to RV friendly communities, events, etc. and how these policies improve tourism along with a call for individual members to join in and share this information with their local community leaders.  There is even a fair chance that a good number of FMCA members are people in positions of influence themselves, and may just lack the needed information to share with their peers.

[Tomas24]

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?

[desertdeals69]

3 hours ago, 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?

I totally agree.

[texanrver]

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. 

 

 

[desertdeals69]

Very good points.

[jimnorm]

On 5/31/2017 at 6:46 AM, jleamont said:

We were considering joining a local chapter, haven't done it yet as all of their weekends are geared toward empty nesters at places in the middle of no where with nothing to do in that area, what do I do with two teens? Needless to say that has been put on the back burner along with a rally. Tried to plan on attending a rally, wife has asked me numerous times, what are we (her and the kids) to do while you are at seminars? She has also reminded me that this would be family vacation time that we would be spending apart and isn't the point of a family vacation and a RV to spend time together? For me to attend a rally I might take the week off without pay and go by myself, when its reasonably close to home or wait a few years until the kids are both out.

This is my situation, I'm sure others in similar situations have similar hurdles to overcome.

Very similar experience although I am in my 60's, my wife and I started late, our daughter is just 20. We needed weekend local gatherings and they needed to be someplace where the family could enjoy things. I still sort of feel the same way, although I am now semi-retired and can take more time our daughter is just starting her career so her time will remain limited, which in turn limits mine.
 

Further FMCA is a home for Motorhomes of all makes and models. We have of course many of the same needs as Towables, but we have at least as many different needs. No towable needs a seminar on an Allison 3000 or a Freightliner chassis. They don't need Onan or SteerSafe or Roadmaster or Blue Ox. All things pretty much unique to us. We as a group look to FMCA as a place to find answers to OUR needs beyond basic RV stuff. Water heaters. Furnaces, TV antennas, Sewer hoses, etc are all common, but are a minor part of what we look for, but perhaps a more major part of what a towable looks for hence our need for an assocation dedicated to our specific needs.

 

[dons2346]

Texan, I'd like to comment on some of your observations/concerns

" The article appearing in an earlier edition of the FMCA magazine cited that membership from 2004 to date is down by 595,000 members "

No way did FMCA loose 595,000 members. In fact, the membership back in the good old days was in the 120,000 range. The 595K number is bogus.

" 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. "

I think the answer to this question is a solid NO. There has been zero studies done where towable organizations have been contacted asking the question; Would you like to join FMCA? It hasn't been done.

" 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. "

FMCA has, for a number of years, has had an outside marketing firm which was supposed to assist us in obtaining new members. This last year FMCA has spent over $264,000 on "marketing". Now you ask me, where has FMCA been marketed? I have no clue. This 264K does not include whatever was paid to the marketing company. This is one of my sore spots.

" 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? "

I agree here. There are just so many seminars you can attend telling you how to clean the RV

" . 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?　 "

You mixed up a bunch of stuff here. I do know that the Assist program is well worth it based on conversations I have had with people that have used it. Problem with young people is that they think they are indestructible and don't need anything like the assist program just like health insurance.

". 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. "

Me personally,, I still like the hand held magazine. Reading something on line just doesn't cut it. When I get finished with the magazine, I usually leave it in some campground library.

" 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. "

National officers are expected to get out among the members by attending area rallies and some chapter functions. Do you feel that the officers should foot the bill for their travels? I can tell you that travel budgets have been sliced very severely as compared to years ago.

" 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? "

Very true. My neighbor joined FMCA because it is specifically for motorcoaches. Yes, if FMCA does vote to allow towables, it will become another Good Sam. So, which would you join, one that is 60 bucks a year or one that is 20. There are insurance programs out there that can provide the same benefits as the assist program as well as the tire discount program.

Depending on how the GB votes, you may or may not get a chance to vote on the articles of incorporation and then possibly the constitution. I'm not telling you how to vote, just vote how you feel

 

 

[manholt]

In ref. to the FMCAssits , yes it went up....but we voted to increase dues by $10 per year, therefor it's a zero point. 

I do agree, that it's reminiscent of the Affordable Care Act...did not work! 

[wildebill308]

Both TexanRver and dons2346 make good points. I tend to agree with most of them. 

 I do think cutting out travel and "perks" for the  upper management means you won't have anyone wanting to do that job. I think they should be looked at all the same.

Attendance at rally's, I believe that Chandler had a large number of "first timers" I seem to remember someone saying the overall membership was up. Maybe it is only down when they want you to vote for letting towables in? 

I think jleamont is pretty typical of the "younger" RV owner. Still working, has kids still at home and in school with limited travel time. I think it is at the local club and regional rally  that will serve his needs and can better addressed them not the Big Super National International interplanetary Rally.

Seriously I was at Chandler What's different/better in Indianapolis? 

Bill

 

 

 

 

[hayesfamily]

I happen to be out and about this week in the coach and while at the campground I decided to do a little bit of research and ask some questions. Not sure if this information is beneficial one way or the other but I'm going to put it out there anyway just for some general conversation and possibly some thought.

Currently I'm spending the week in Williamsburg Virginia at a relatively busy RV Park.

The dog and I took a moment to walk the park and I took notice of maybe seven or eight motor homes that have FMCA insignia.

I got an opportunity to talk to five of them and I opened up the dialogue by simply asking how they enjoyed their FMCA membership. Five out of five said they got the plaque, they looked at the magazines but after two or three years of membership decided it was not worth the renewal so various reasons.

The gentleman beside me happened to have a FMCA number on his coach and we've talked several times today. He like Joe and I are both working young under 60 year old folks that happened to have a motorhome. He flat out told me that he saw no benefit other than having the number and hoping someone would see it if he was stuck on the side of the road and help him because he had it. Other than that there was absolutely no real benefit to him that Good Sam or some other organization could not provide cheaper and more beneficial.

I'm saying all of this to say I don't think our problem is recruitment because there a lot of people with a number out there. The question is what can we do to retain the ones that we currently have and I think that's going to be easier than recruitment all day everyday. It's always Cheaper to Keep something that you already have and make it work unless it's just a lost cause and in this case I think everyone can agree that keeping members for FMCA is going to be of greater value then trying to spend a lot of money recruiting.

 

My $.02

[manholt]

Keon.  Agree.  We got to bring FMCA into the 21st Century.

All I hear, constantly, from our current NP and "Rett Porter" .   Who wants to be NVP with Jon Walker, is how we have to allow towables, or RV's in general into FMCA or we will be heading into Bankruptcy !  Don't make sense...we don't hear it from the finance committee, or anybody else on the Executive Board or other committees!  Who will gain on this change?  Why now, in the last 24 month's, is there such a big rush for this drastic a change?

Carl 

[dons2346]

Keon, by your post and your comments about those you talked to, it sounds like they still have the egg on the coach but dropped their membership. Question is why haven't they removed the egg?

Carl, it is interesting that Adcock  actually took his area treasurer over to a trailer that came to his area rally, told the trailer he wasn't welcome and the treasurer returned his rally fee.

[isaaac1]

When I bought my class A last year it came with an old egg on it from at least 2 owners ago, and I can tell you when I changed it out for my new egg it was rather obvious something was missing, not only were there the 2 holes for the mounting screws, but vibration over time had left a permanent egg shaped mark in the paint, so I suspect many people either don't want to go to the trouble of removing old eggs, or they don't want to deal with the looks of the missing egg.

[nitehawk]

Sometimes "Bigger isn't always better". Reminds me of that old joke about Two guys from Northern Wisconsin. They bought a truck, drove to Chicago and bought a load of chickens at $4.00 apiece. They drove home and sold the chickens for $3.00 apiece. After three trips one guy said they were losing money. The other guy replied that he was way ahead of him. His answer was: "We'll get a bigger truck!"

For a business to survive it must remain current with product, efficient with operations, and willing to accept that merely getting bigger doesn't guarantee success.

[desertdeals69]

1 hour ago, nitehawk said:

Sometimes "Bigger isn't always better". Reminds me of that old joke about Two guys from Northern Wisconsin. They bought a truck, drove to Chicago and bought a load of chickens at $4.00 apiece. They drove home and sold the chickens for $3.00 apiece. After three trips one guy said they were losing money. The other guy replied that he was way ahead of him. His answer was: "We'll get a bigger truck!"

For a business to survive it must remain current with product, efficient with operations, and willing to accept that merely getting bigger doesn't guarantee success.

Good analogy.  Some years ago at Perry, when I was the crew leader for family electric, I parked about 15 trailers across the road from my section.  There were a couple of them that wanted to be close to their friends who had motorhomes.  They were harder to park, partly because most of them don't know how to backup.  I guess that is why many campgrounds advertise pull throughs.  After they were all parked the big wigs came to see how they looked.

[Tomas24]

Two questions: is it too late to stop this foolishness about becoming a non-motorcoach organization?  And are we ready to start our own "retro" spinoff organization - maybe the PFMCA (Purely Family Motor Coach Association)??

[jleamont]

1 hour ago, Tomas24 said:

Two questions: is it too late to stop this foolishness about becoming a non-motorcoach organization?  And are we ready to start our own "retro" spinoff organization - maybe the PFMCA (Purely Family Motor Coach Association)??

 

Sorry, but that's funny, and I agree with you Tomas24!

[hermanmullins]

Would we be able to maintain our numbers 😕or would we have a new 'P' number?😊

Herman