NORTH ALABAMA RV ers

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NORTH ALABAMA RV ers A chapter of the Family Motor Coach Association Chartered March 2003 Editor: Bob Erickson mhsurfr@gmail.

If any of you get a chance to come this far south, we would love to see you in Okeechobee. Hello Everyone, Happy New Year!

We understand several others to include the Alexanders, Brights, Rohrs, Smiths and Winters are also planning to come south for at least part of the winter Great news!

1 NORTH ALABAMA RV ers A chapter of the Family Motor Coach Association Chartered March 2003 Editor: Bob Erickson mhsurfr@gmail.com Greetings from our President Bob Connell forward to attending the Tampa Super Show soon and to enjoying more sight seeing adventures. If any of you get a chance to come this far south, we would love to see you in Okeechobee. Hello Everyone, Happy New Year! Winter is in full swing in North Alabama but several of our members, to include the Borchers, Duncans, Ericksons, and Connells, have already escaped in their Motor Homes to warmer climates. We understand several others to include the Alexanders, Brights, Rohrs, Smiths and Winters are also planning to come south for at least part of the winter Great news! Isn t it wonderful that our NARV ers have that option? Sylvia and I arrived at the StarLite RV Park in Okeechobee, FL on 28 Dec 15 and immediately began enjoying warm sunny skies (see picture below), fellowship with great friends, and mouthwatering seafood. We are looking Once again, I want to call everyone s attention to our Rally Schedule in this Newsletter. Please take a good look at it and try to schedule attendance to as many of these upcoming rallies as you can. As you know, our objective is for everyone to have FUN. From past experience, almost everyone has a great time and you never know just how important each of you can be to making each rally a success! Page 1 of 10

2 As always, please continue to pray for our members who are experiencing various health issues. May God bless them and help them recover soon! Newsletter Editor s Ramble Bob Erickson The Friendship Chapter Friendship Rally is also not on the Rally Schedule yet. I will add it when I get more information. Cute Picture! Pam Caruthers bought Borcher s dog Suki a cape for Christmas: Since we delayed the Newsletter until after the December luncheon, this month is short on content. I WILL add some color, though! Ruth Bright asks for additional reminder to pay 2016 dues. Randal & Pam Caruthers ask you to consider volunteering as Rally Hosts. September s rally in Savannah TN is the only one without a host, but I d like to add that rallies are more fun (especially for hosts) if more than one family unit is participating as hosts. Claypools (August) especially would like assistance. NARV is a volunteer organization, so let s get with the program! I added the Perry FMCA Family Reunion to the Rally Schedule. Jim Duncan would like NARV ers to make him proud as volunteers! Technical Tips Slide Toppers: Chuck Borcher assisted Kathie and I in replacing 2 of our 3 slide toppers (more details in last month s issue). Remember, that I offered my driveway (including ladders and scaffold) to help you replace yours! Here are some hints: 3 of us replaced a 25-foot slide topper, and 2 replaced a 7-foot topper Page 2 of 10

I am now familiar with the Carefree SOK3 topper, with housing. Some additional training would be necessary for me to help others Wash and wax your slide top while doing this maintenance.

I didn t even tape the compromised insulation. Space will be the insulator, and I don t see another problem here.

We moved the heavy contents out, and continued our journey. The cabinet is assembled with staples and glue.

3 I am now familiar with the Carefree SOK3 topper, with housing. Some additional training would be necessary for me to help others Wash and wax your slide top while doing this maintenance. Also, check your seals and caulk up there (I needed to caulk several places, including one SERIOUS split (see closeup below)! This is at the outside wall). point. I didn t even tape the compromised insulation. Space will be the insulator, and I don t see another problem here. Overhead Cabinet Separated: Kathie packed about lbs of canned goods into an upper cabinet over the couch. Over dippy I-20 in Texas, the rear of the cabinet collapsed (dropped about 3 inches). We moved the heavy contents out, and continued our journey. The cabinet is assembled with staples and glue. The assembled cabinet was fastened to the slide on each side with 2 screws (slide wall and adjacent cabinet). Underneath, the wood window valence is screwed to the bottom of the cabinet. So, the valence fasteners to the wall (two) also support the cabinet. The back frame rail staples pulled out on each side of the 5-foot cabinet. The two valence screws (to the valence, not to the aluminum wall frame) pulled out. The glue fastening the veneer to the bottom of the right side frame rail separated. The left side did not drop. Electrical Short: I lost an electrical circuit downstream of a GFCI outlet in the motorhome (3 outlets total). The problem resolved to a neutral line resting against a sharp point on the metal mount of an outlet. Over time, the metal mount punctured the insulation on the neutral wire. I resolved this by moving the neutral wire to the box surface, away from the grounding Resolution: I jacked up the right side of the valence with a 2x4 underneath. I drilled a hole through the ¾ x1 cabinet-floor back frame into Page 3 of 10

the aluminum slide-out box frame. I put a #10x1 ½ screw into this hole, to fully support the cabinet. I then replaced the #6 screws in the valence L-brackets with #8 screws.

I then dropped the carpeted cabinet floor back down. So, the cabinet floor frame is supported in the back of the cabinet with a #10 screw on each side of the window below the cabinet.

4 the aluminum slide-out box frame. I put a #10x1 ½ screw into this hole, to fully support the cabinet. I then replaced the #6 screws in the valence L-brackets with #8 screws. I drilled another hole in the opposite side of the cabinet-floor back frame into the aluminum slide-out box frame. There were no other framing members I could tie to. I then dropped the carpeted cabinet floor back down. So, the cabinet floor frame is supported in the back of the cabinet with a #10 screw on each side of the window below the cabinet. The strength of the cabinet is greater than as original, but not great enough for heavy weight. We re back in operation! Winegard Trav ler (SWM) Satellite Dish: I bought this after-market at a rally in February 2013 (professionally installed). In February 2015, it failed under warranty with the error No LNB Voltage. Winegard sent me minicoax, LNB, and finally the turret; to essentially replace the whole installation. I did the work myself. In December 2015, on the first day of our trip to Arizona, the same error occurred. I still need to glue and press the bottom veneer to the right -side frame (when we get home). Clogged Shower Drain: I removed a severely-rusted screw, and removed the strainer. A small sewer snake would work, but I made a hook out of a twist-tie. I hook the clog of hair, and pulled it out. I replaced the screw with Unidrive, Flathead, Multi-material Construction Screws; #8 x 2 from Home Depot. These are NOT coated or rust-resistant, but neither was the original screw! The package contains 20 screws for about $2.50. I replaced the coax with a test coax with the same result. I checked the power inserter and coax at the LNB (20.4VDC). Winegard told me to replace the LNB next-i ordered one (identical to mine, Model SL3S4NR2-14) from Ebay. I received an unusable one, Model SL3K4NR0-02 (can t be used with my SWM system). Ebay allows the vendor 1 week to respond, and 2 weeks to resolve. The cost at a local vendor is $82, I ve paid $25 to Ebay so far. Meanwhile, we have no satellite TV. Over-the-air TV in Mesa is terrible After we successfully replace the LNB, and if it STILL doesn t work; the remaining item in the circuit is the turret. The turret costs $1000 for a remanufactured one (that Winegard already gave me in February), or $2000 for a new one with a 2-year warranty. More news on this topic to come! Page 4 of 10

Erickson Travel News We left home on Tuesday, December 28. We had waited for storms to pass on our route. parking) was by NICE tour buses!

We stayed at Ft Bliss, TX; then St David, AZ (Resorts of Distinction, ROD)). We arrived at Val Vista RV Park (Mesa, AZ) on Sunday January 3.

We ve been playing Screw Your Neighbor, and Pegs & Jokers. I ve been working on the motorhome (see Technical Tips ), and on my Travel Journal.

The festival was the Glendale Glitter-Glow Block Party, and comprised most of the downtown area of Glendale.

5 Erickson Travel News We left home on Tuesday, December 28. We had waited for storms to pass on our route. parking) was by NICE tour buses! Did I mention that this was FREE? We stayed at 2 Passport America parks (Meridian, MS, Tyler, TX), and then a Good Sam park for New Year s Eve (Midland, TX). We stayed at Ft Bliss, TX; then St David, AZ (Resorts of Distinction, ROD)). We arrived at Val Vista RV Park (Mesa, AZ) on Sunday January 3. We scored a nice corner lot across from a dog park. Borchers arrived before us, and introduced us to a bunch of their buddies. We ve been playing Screw Your Neighbor, and Pegs & Jokers. I ve been working on the motorhome (see Technical Tips ), and on my Travel Journal. We went to a spaghetti dinner with the bunch of buddies, then to a local festival with Borchers. The festival was the Glendale Glitter-Glow Block Party, and comprised most of the downtown area of Glendale. There were about 20 hot-air balloons in the streets, illuminated occasionally by gas burners to keep them inflated. All the trees were decorated with LED light strands. There were bands, and food to be bought. Transportation to the festival (from Thanks to our President for delivering input for this newsletter promptly! Please consider sending input (and errata) for YOUR newsletter. Page 5 of 10

6 Prayer requests, RV used items for sale, family milestones, family biography, recipes, crafts or any type of motorhome project are requested. And don t forget to tell us where you ve been, with pictures! Message from Sue Richter Sue Richter As most of you know Rick suffered 2 strokes last year and is now bedridden and unable to care for himself. I am still praying that he will be able to stand and walk again, however it is not likely that we will be traveling anymore. We both miss the fun and adventures we shared with you all, the ten years we were in North Alabama RV er were the best. Please pray for his healing and for the sale or whatever it takes to get out of debt with motor home Monaco Dynasty motor home 43 ft tag axle, fully loaded, included over $60k in upgrades from factory. New clothes dryer installed last year never used, Direct TV SWM Slimline satellite dish. This home has been for sale at Alliance RV Sales in Ocala, FL, probably not my best decision contracting with them. Since their traffic, there was mostly with snowbirds for this type of high-end coach. They have had it since June 2015 (after snowbirds left Florida). They were supposed to get all warranty work done and have it spic and span when the birds came back south, however they did nothing until people looked at it and wanted something fixed, since it wasn t ready they went on to other items. I paid $700 to remove the 3M Diamond shield from the front, just last week. Partial list of items for sale: 12 speed Adventurer folding bike with travel bag. Cost new at Camping world was $ Zappy Pro-Flex scooter electric (great for getting around at big rallies and campgrounds) can travel about 25 miles on one charge. Breaks down and can we carried it in back of our Saturn Vue, making it great for travel and shopping flea markets and other day trips. New at Camping World $950. Roadmaster All-Terain Freedom latch. Tow bar assembly, with cable. New about $900. Extra hose for sani-con about 50 feet $25.. Extra length needed at our daughters. 80ft 50 amp power cord. $45. Extra length needed at our daughters. We motor homed for 45 years and have lots of miscellaneous accessories. Just ask. If we have it you can make an offer. Make an offer on any of the items above, it appears that we will not need them. Good health and happy travels to all of you this year. Love you Sue and Rick Page 6 of 10

Member Celebrations January Birthdays 6 Dianne Cook 10 Doug Alexander February Birthdays 12 Mary Ellen Hornsby 13 Kenneth Winters 19 Bob Erickson 27 Virginia Medlock 17 18 Wayne Smith Jim Duncan 31

7 Member Celebrations January Birthdays 6 Dianne Cook 10 Doug Alexander February Birthdays 12 Mary Ellen Hornsby 13 Kenneth Winters 19 Bob Erickson 27 Virginia Medlock Wayne Smith Jim Duncan 31 Linda Winters 21 Gene Hammond 25 Horace Crowden 27 Janet Holder January Anniversaries 5 Tom & Trudy Rohr 25 George & Ginger Thrasher February Anniversaries 2 Wayne & Norma Burgett 25 William (Bill) & Kay Rengers Membership Dues Reminder Annual chapter membership fees ($20 couple and $10 single) for calendar year 2016 are due, and they may be paid in the form of cash or a check payable to North Alabama RV ers sent to: Ruth Bright 918 Drivers Lane, NW Ft Payne, AL Page 7 of 10

8 NORTH ALABAMA RV ers 2016 Rally Schedule Members please take note of the rallies still needing hosts. You can sign up by send your selection to Randal & Pam Caruthers at Note: Please make your reservations at least 60 days in advance of each rally, so the Wagon Masters can obtain a count of the attendees for the Hosts. Also let Bob Erickson know your plans, and I will let the whole club know who is attending (include tentative, please). January Florida RV Supershow (637 miles) Previous years we stayed at Happy Traveler RV Park (phone number is ). This is NOT an FMCA rally. March FMCA Perry, Ga., 2016 Family Reunion (338 miles) Please let the group know that you plan to attend! Please volunteer! April 7-10 Peach Queen Campground ( (144 Miles) Location: County Road 42 Jemison, AL Ph (Danielle) Charges $29.20 Rally Hosts: Kay & Doug Alexander & Pam & Randal Caruthers May 5-8 Pine Mountain RV Resort, ( (197 Miles) Location: 8804 Hamilton Rd Pine Mountain, GA Ph Tour Calloway Gardens Charges: $40 per night or less depending on the discounts at that date. Rally Hosts: Ruth & Danny Bright June 9-12 Unicoi State Park and Lodge ( (227 Miles) Location: 1788 Highway 356, Helen, GA, Ph: Charges: $36.50 per night or less depending on the discounts at that date. Rally Hosts: Linda & Ken Winters and Sue & Chuck Borcher July River Plantation, ( (240 Miles) Location: 1004 Parkway, Sevierville, TN. Ph Charges: $40.50 per night or less depending on the discounts at that date. Rally Hosts: Pam & Randal Caruthers Page 8 of 10

9 August 3-6 FMCA 94th Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase (1061 Miles) Location: West Springfield, MA Go to the FMCA website for info and to register August 6-9 Noccalula Falls (74 Miles) Location: 1600 Noccalula Rd, Gadsden, AL Ph Charges: $22.00 per night Rally Hosts: Lynn & Garry Claypool (They would like someone to assist them) September 8-11 Green Acres RV Park, (123 Miles) Location: 215 Ziffel Circle Savannah, TN Ph Tour Shiloh National Military Park, Fall Colors. Charges: $32 per night or less depending on the discounts at that date. Rally Hosts: TBD October Anchor's Away RV Resort, (372 Miles) Location: County Road 20, South Foley, Al Shrimp Festival. Charges $36 RV Park has not yet been contacted. Rally Hosts: Bob & Sylvia Connell, Bob & Kathie Erickson December 3 Holiday Celebration, Luncheon, business meeting Location TBD Page 9 of 10

10 Page 10 of 10 Volume 14, Number 1, January 2016

NORTH ALABAMA RV ers

NORTH ALABAMA RV ers A chapter of the Family Motor Coach Association Chartered March 2003 Greetings, friends! I ve forwarded Tim Day s reports on Barbara Day s condition at Ft Wayne Lutheran Hospital.