Diesel RVers and Amish Ways Connect in Northern Indiana

16 Pages·2017·4.54 MB·English

Summer 2017
DRVC Travelore - Page 1
Issue 38
Official publication of the Diesel RV Club
Get Ready for the Rally
Diesel RVers and Amish Ways
Connect in Northern Indiana
Old and new come together again as Diesel RV Club poker run will also be conducted that will certainly be very
returns to the RV manufacturing center of the USA for the engaging for participants. Entertainment for the rally will
2017 summer rally. The campground, near the small town be provided by a local group called the Heartland Country
of Bremen, is within miles of Elkhart County, Indiana. Cloggers.
Keeping in alignment with tradition, Diesel RV Club will
For those who may be interested, nearby Nappanee is
conduct the rally prior to the FMCA Motorhome Showcase
home to Newmar Corporation, builders of diesel and
and Summer Vacation which will be held in Indianapolis,
luxury motorhomes as well as price-sensitive gas units.
Indiana. The DRVC rally will be July 2-7 and the FMCA
Tours are offered twice daily at the plant that employees
event will be July 12-15.
many Amish and Mennonite citizens in the community.
Per usual, the rally will have technical sessions, craft ses-
Since the rally will be conducted over Independence Day,
sions, and catered meals. In addition, table games will be
July 4 will be a “free day” so attendees can attend some of
offered in which all will be encouraged to participate. For
the events planned for the locality.
this rally, Rod Kenly and Dick Porter will lead the technical
sessions instead of Bret Wolfe. In addition to the engine Hosts for this rally are Jim and Janet Staehr who will be
and chassis seminar will be on RV refrigeration. A unique assisted by Richard and Lois Martin.
The theme graphic features a horse-drawn buggy in the style Amish Acres, in nearby Nappanee, is a popular venue spot for
used by the Amish as well as a diesel pusher shown at the back. tourists and those that enjoy an Amish-themed restaurant.
Page 2 - DRVC Travelore
Contents
Diesel RVers and Amish Ways .................. 1
Official publication of Cthoe nDiteesenl RtVs C, lOubfficers, Legal ...................... 2
The Officer’s Corner .......................... 3
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Driving with the Blue Ox TruCenter ............. 4
President Rally Schedule ............................... 5
Vacancy
Rally Schedule and TruCenter (continued) ....... 6
Senior VP
Cummins Endorses Power Service,
Rod Kenly
Membership and Treasurer’s Report ............ 7
VP Membership & Treasurer
$10 Lifetime Pass to National Parks ............. 8
Tim Gerrity
Flamingos and Beaches Rally ............... 9-10
VP Publications
DRVC Membership Application ............. 11-12
Byron Songer
Valued Partners List ............... 13 through 15
VP Rally Coordinator
Janet Staehr Featured Advertising ........................ 16
VP Technical
Brett Wolfe
Secretary
Judy Jackson
National Director
Ken Carpenter
Alternate National Director
Vacant
Nominating Committee
Gary Cliff, Rusty La Barre,
Donald Walker, Dianne Wolfe
Club Founder
Don Tallman
Issue 38, Summer 2017 – Diesel RV Club “Travelore” is a publication of the Diesel
RV Clug, 3916 N Potsdam Ave. PMB 1107, Sioux Falls, SD 57104-7048. The Editor
is Byron Songer who can be contacted via email at [email protected]. The
editor of Travelore reserves the right to edit or modify any material submitted
for publication. Reproduction in whole or in part including photocopy, except for
ON THE WEB
personal use, is prohibited without the expressed, written permission of the Pub-
www.dieselrvclub.org
lisher. Diesel RV Club is not responsible for any liability arising from errors, omis-
and
sions, or mistakes contained herein. End users should read with caution, especially
forum.dieselrvclub.org with respect to technical information.
DRVC Travelore - Page 3
The Officer’s Corner
by Rod Kenly, Senior Vice President
As I sit here, we, as a nation, are celebrating the Memo- International division, our club is one of the many whose
rial Day Weekend. Memorial Day is the unofficial start of scope goes beyond a particular region to include members
summer. Memorial Day is the day that we should stop to from all across Canada, the USA, and other regions where
reflect on those who have sacrificed to build and defend FMCA membership is served.
the USA – to honor those men and women who have died
As mentioned last time, I’m really looking for some
in service in our nation’s armed forces. I salute each and
members to volunteer to become an officer in the Club as
every one of you!
well as rallymasters at a rally. The club needs the support
The 101 critical days of summer begins on Memorial Day of each of member and, especially, needs people to step
weekend and ends after Labor Day. This is, of course, the forward in accepting a leadership responsibility.
largest vacation period of the year. The sun is shining and
As I mentioned last time, my coach is now 17 years old,
people are out in their motorhomes, swimming, boating,
and while at an FMCA rally, we decided to change out our
visiting family and friends far away, playing, and having a
sofa as well as having my recliner recovered. I got my coach
good time. It’s also a time of celebration, recreation, stay-
back in nine days. It certainly made an improvement in
ing awake long hours, and driving more miles than your
looks and comfort. I’m really pleased with the result and in
body has the energy for. With all those fun summer activi-
adding longevity of use to a sturdy coach.
ties, please be aware of the dangers and strive to be safe
while watching out for others. If you don’t think this is a small world, I live in a small
town in the middle of nowhere. I was just at the local
Our summer Rally, “Amish Country Connection Rally”, is
Home Depot and saw a couple that are also members of
upon us and will be held July 2 - July 7, 2017 at the Pla-
DRVC. In addition, a few months ago Sharon and I were
Mor Campground in Bremen, Indiana. There are (as I write
being shown a home (for our retirement) by a realtor in a
this) still three spots available. Please see the advertise-
different state and, it turned out, we knew them through a
ment elsewhere in the Travelore, and our webpage. This
relationship to FMCA.
DRVC rally will be the first rally where the Club’s business
meeting will be held at the rally instead of the FMCA I’m looking to see everyone at both the rally and at the
meeting that will follow. This will be our first time to allow FMCA get together this summer to catch up on what you
all of our members to vote by email. You will be receiving have been doing.
an email blast concerning how to cast your ballot.
See you down the road—
The FMCA International Rally (DRVC is a part of the
Rod
International segment) will be held July 12-15 at the Indi-
ana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Indiana. You are
now able to register online at FMCA.COM. As a part of the
Page 4 - DRVC Travelore
Personal Experience
Driving with the Blue-Ox TruCenter
by Byron Songer geous. The only decision
that remained, after the
My wife and I own a 2002
purchase, was where to
Newmar Dutch Star built
have the button installed
on a Freightliner XC chas-
on the dash of the
sis (I-beam front suspen-
motorhome. The installer
sion) pushed by a Caterpil-
mentioned the possible
lar 3126e engine tuned at
locations so the decision was made to place it to the upper
330 HP. April of this year marked the starting our third
left of the steering wheel in a blank space that was easily
year of ownership. As Newmar owners, we’ve heard those
accessible for the wiring.
with newer Newmar coaches talk favorably about Com-
fortDrive with a small bit of jealousy. Of course, for us, an After the installation was completed and the coach test
independent front suspension is also something to covet. driven by the mechanic, we took off on out trip north-
When we noticed the advertising for Blue Ox’s TruCenter ward. Since the system is to help correct the experience
steering stabilizer, we decided it was time to look into the of constantly pulling in one direction to correct for any
product more seriously. crown in the road, I pushed the button while traveling up
US-27. Honestly, I noticed no difference. At least, not as
According to the promotional materials, the TruCenter
I anticipated. After our one-night layover in Lake City, I
offers the following benefits.
tried correcting to overcome a strong wind from the west
• Reduces driver fatigue.
while driving on I-65. Still no positive change. The third
• Keeps the coach within its lane.
day out we headed toward Knoxville for the coach’s annual
• Maintain control during a blowout.
maintenance appointment. Since there was no strong
• Touch button adjustable.
wind or crown in the road to overcome, no adjustment was
• Tire and chassis life extended.
made.
• 1-year warranty.
It was while the coach was being serviced that the techni-
While we’ve had no complaints about handling but the
cian noticed a wire hanging loose under the front end. It
safety aspect of the system intrigued Martha a great deal
was the wire that runs from the control box on the Tru-
because we both had noticed several motorhome owners
Center Steering Contol to the button on the dash. It had
not handling blowouts well. Since my prior life involved
not been wrapped securely. No wonder that the adjust-
sales I was skeptical that some of the benefits were based
ments didn’t work! After additional time in the shop, the
on “marketing speak” (aka stretching the truth). For
correction was made.
instance, would the addition of something to enhance
steering control really help extend tire and chassis life? The next opportunity to make an adjustment was done
My response to that question is: “Your experience may be on US-231 while driving north of Lebanon, Tennessee. It
different.” After all, tire and chassis life covers a multitude worked, I could tell a difference. Driver fatigue reduced?
of variables. Maybe. Who can tell after driving several hours from
Knoxville to Bowling Green, Kentucky?
We “bit the bullet” and purchased the system, with instal-
lation, at the Tampa SuperShow. The purchase was made After a three-week layover in Louisville, our home area,
through a reputable dealer/installer in Central Florida. we took off for the Jackson Hole/Grand Tetons area. The
One motivation for making the purchase was based on the opportunity to test the system further certainly presented
fact that we’d be traveling from Kissimmee through Louis- itself. One day we had a strong crosswind from the south.
ville to Jackson, Wyoming where we would work through The next day was a strong crosswind from the north. It
the summer season at Snake River Park KOA. We figured worked both times. On a third day, we had strong head-
that we may encounter some high crosswinds along the winds. Does this steering thing also help with enhancing
way so having the TruCenter in place could be advanta- continued on page 6
DRVC Travelore - Page 5
Rally Schedule
Rallymasters: Jim & Janet Staehr and
Richard & Lois Martin
Sunday, July 2, 2017
2:00 - 4:00 Arrival, set up, meet other
club members
4:00 - 5:00 Happy Hour (BYOB)
5:00 - 6:00 Welcome, Announce-
ments, Individual Photos
Taken for Rally Photo
Album
6:00 - 7:00 Potluck Dinner – Club will
provide the entree.
Please bring your own
table service and drink.
Also, bring a dish to feed
eight (8); if last name begins A-E a vegetable, if F-L, a salad, or if M-Z, a dessert
7:00 - 8:00 Let’s mix it up – no snake eyes please
Monday, July 3, 2017
8:00 - 9:00 Breakfast
9:15 Group Photo (Wear your DRVC shirt)
9:30 - 11:00 RV Refrigeration Trouble Shooting and Safety led by Paul Unmock
9:30 - 11:00 Ladies seminar and discussion: “ I know how you feel”
11:00 - 12:00 Diesel RV Club Annual meeting. (including using the Diesel RV Club Website and
technical Forum)
1:00 - 3:00 Bean Bag Baseball and nine-piece puzzle timed event.
5:00 - 6:00 Happy Hour (BYOB) 50/50 drawing tickets for the benefit of local charity
6:00 - 7:00 Dinner
7:00 - 8:00 Entertainment by the Heartland Country Cloggers
Tuesday, July 4, 2017
Free Day – Join in on the Poker Run or the celebrations at Nappanee for July 4th
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
8:00 - 9:00 Breakfast
9:00 - 12:00 Technical Seminar – led by Rod Kenly and Dick Porter
9:00 - 12:00 Ladies craft – Let’s make a “Barn Quilt”
1:00 - 3:30 Ladies craft- Repeated for those that went to the morning seminar.
5:00 - 6:00 Happy Hour – (BYOB) 50/50 Drawing tickets for the benefit of a local charity
continued on next page
Page 6 - DRVC Travelore
continued from previous page
6:00 - 7:00 Dinner
7:00 Announcements-Dealing out the cards to Poker Run participants.
Drawings for door prizes.
The games are out. What do you want to play? Mexican Train, Pegs and Jokers, Washers,
cards, nine-piece Puzzles, checkers, Bean Bag Toss, or bring your favorite to share.
Thursday, July 6, 2017
8:00 - 9:00 Breakfast
9:00 - 12:00 Technical Seminar Part II lead by Rod Kenly and Dick Porter
9:00 - 12:00 Ladies craft –
12:00 MAKE SURE ALL YOUR PHOTOS ARE TURNED IN FOR JUDGING.
1:00 - 2:30 First Aid on the Road and Packing Your “To Go Bag” led by Joanne Sadale
3:00 - 4:30 Open Discussion: DRVC, Volunteer Opportunities, and the Future led by Donald Walker
5:00 - 6:00 Happy Hour (BYOB) last chance for 50/50.
6:00 - 7:00 Dinner
7:00 Announcements
The winners are: (for poker run, bean bag baseball, nine-piece puzzle & other contests.)
50/50 drawings, Door prizes. Rally surveys.
Friday, July 7, 2017
8:00 - 9:00 Breakfast
It was awesome to see our old friends and make new ones.
Travel safely and we’ll see you down the road.
continued from page 4
fuel mileage? Definitely not. Bummer! more quickly and properly, it should. Neither of us, by the
way, want to test that ability.
At the beginning of this article, the six benefits of the
system were mentioned. Let’s take a look at them in Maintain control during a blowout. See the above. Accord-
reviewing. ing to some videos on You Tube, it does. However, one
must still know how to handle a blowout, especially on a
Reduces driver fatigue. This statement is one of those
front (steering) tire.
that had an “it depends” attached to it. Getting tired from
driving depends on several things and among them is rest Touch button adjustable. Yes. There is nothing else to do if
along the journey. However, it does work in reducing the correctly installed, other than pulling the steering wheel in
constant feeling of always pulling down on one side of the direction that is to be overcome and push the button.
the steering wheel to combat a crosswind or the crown in The right amount of pressure is applied due to the design
the road. Martha and I would say it reduces the fatigue of of the system; a strong spring clamped at an appropriate
that constant pull. However, one is still left with the job of position.
steering the coach and accounting for some drift from left
Tire and chassis life extended. OK, Blue Ox, explain the
to right.
theory of this statement. Tire pressure, balance, road
Keeps the coach within its lane. To this remark, we would conditions, and driving style are just a few of the variables
answer by saying “how do you mean that?” Since the coach that determine all tire life not to mention chassis wear.
drifts less from a crosswind, yes. When encountering a
1-year warranty. We’ll take them at their word.
blowout? We don’t know. But, since the system can react
DRVC Travelore - Page 7
Suprising Move
Cummins Endorses Power Service Products
You read the headline correctly: In a surprising move vice products: Diesel Kleen +Cetane Boost and Diesel Fuel
within the diesel industry, Cummins and Power Service Supplement +Cetane Boost. According to official sources
announced an agreement in May of this year in which from Cummins, significant internal testing concluded that
Cummins agreed to endorse the Kleen Diesel line of prod- both products meet the engine manufacturer’s require-
ucts for use in diesel engines. Long considered by some ments.
as something akin to “snake oil” or another type of tonic,
“In recent years diesel fuel quality has become increasingly
many owners have been skeptical of the claims made that
important as engines evolve and the diesel fuel manufac-
a fuel additive was worth the time, trouble, or expense.
turing processes change,” said Roger England, director of
However, with the recent announcement, heads are turn-
technical quality and materials engineering for Cummins.
ing The official announcement came in the middle of May
“The Power Service Diesel Kleen and Diesel Fuel Supple-
and immediately hit many websites almost instantly that
ment additives provide easily accessible solutions with
keep pace with the diesel market.
proven technology to customers in the field when they
encounter challenges with their fuel such as poor lubricity,
low cetane numbers, low-temperature operability issues,
injector deposits, etc.”
Cummins stated that using Power Service Diesel Kleen as
a year-round performance enhancer can maximize overall
engine performance by cleaning dirty injectors, prevent-
ing injectors from sticking, smoothing rough-running
engines, and improving fuel economy.
The second product, Diesel Fuel Supplement, is a winter-
izer/anti-gel that is designed to prevent fuel gelling and to
keep fuel filters from plugging with wax build-up and ice.
The supplement is recommended for use in winter months
Power Service Products’ Diesel Kleen and Diesel Fuel Supple- when temperatures drop below 30° Fahrenheit.
ment have become the first fuel additives that Cummins has
The president of Power Service Products, Ed Kramer,
ever officially recommended in the marketplace.
said that the endorsement partnership with Cummins is
In a first for the engine manufacturer, Cummins is now “a culmination of 60 years of hard work and dedication
recommending two fuel additives for use in diesel engines. toward developing the most consistent and effective diesel
The products being recommended include two Power Ser- additives on the market.”
Membership Report DRVC Treasurer’s Report
As of 1 December, 2016
As of 1 June, 2017
Active Pending Total
General Fund Amount
Regular Members 416 35 451
Ending Balance $64,470.55
ForumPlus Members 16 3 19
Ending Balance (2016) $62,685.05
In 2016, we invited 986 people of which 58 joined. Note that rallies are self-funded and operate on a break-
46 of those have renewed. Four have attended a rally. even basis. Incidental funds that remain are added to
In 2015, we invited 703 people. Eight are still paying the General Fund.
members. None have attended a rally.
Page 8 - DRVC Travelore
seniors can still get a $10 lifetime pass to national parks
Folks age 62 and older who love America’s national parks and monuments can purchase a lifetime
pass for $10, but that bargain won’t last much longer.
The cost of a National Park Service lifetime pass will increase to $80, but just when that
price hike will occur is unclear.
When enacted, it will be the first increase since 1994.
The senior pass offers lifetime admission to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by
the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, Fish and Wildlife Service, Forest
Service, National Park Service and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 
Pass holders also get 50 percent off certain National Park Service fees, including camping,
swimming, boat launch and other services.
At $10, the pass is an incredible bargain. At $80, it’s still a great deal. Admission to Grand Canyon
National Park, for example, is $30 for seven days.
The senior pass isn’t the only deal the park service offers. Other bargains include:
• Annual pass: Available to anyone
for $80.
• Military pass: Free annual pass
for current military members
(including reserve and National
Guard members).
• Fourth Grader pass: Free to
U.S. fourth-grade students (and
accompanying family) from the
start of the school year through
the following summer.
• Access pass: Free to U.S. citizens
or permanent residents who
have permanent disabilities.
• Volunteer pass: Free to volun-
teers with 250 hours of service
to participating federal agencies.
Jenny Lake, in Grand Teton National Park, is a favorite place for paddling by canoe,
When asked about the reasons for the
taking a motorboat ride, or getting about on paddle board.
fee increase and when it would occur,
NPS spokesman Tom Crosson said
it was “congressionally mandated” and the date it would take place has not been determined.
Last December Congress approved the National Parks Service Centennial Act, which included a provision to raise the
fee. Proceeds will fund park projects and services.
GReaT beneFITS
Join the FMCA Family
GReaT PeoPle
DRVC Travelore - Page 9
Flamingos
and Beaches
Diesel RV Club Rally
March 4 - 9, 2018
Flamingo Lake RV Resort
3640 Newcomb Road
Jacksonville, Florida
Full rally (two/coach). . . . . . . $395
Full rally (one/coach) ....... $320
www.flamingolake.com
FLAMINGO LAKE
RV RESORT
Page 10 - DRVC Travelore
REGISTRATION
Flamingos and Beaches Diesel RV Club Rally • March 4-9, 2018
Flamingo Lake RV Resort • Jacksonville, Florida
Please print or type the appropriate information in the spaces below.
Determine your rally fee, complete the form, then send it with the correct payment due prior to February 17, 2018.
Pilot: Last Name _____________________________ First Name _____________________________
Co-pilot: Last Name _____________________________ First Name _____________________________
FMCA #: __________________ Email: ___________________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
City: _____________________________ State/Prov: ________________ Postal Code: _______________
Primary Phone: ____________________ Mobile Phone: ____________________
Emergency Contact: ___________________________________ Phone: _____________________
Coach Make: ________________________ Model: ___________________ Length: ___________________
Handicap Considerations: Yes _________ No ________
Currently DRVC Member: Yes _________ No ________
First Timer: Yes _________ No ________
Dietary Issues/Sensitivities: Yes _________ No ________
Will you have a guest(s) attending and staying in your coach? If so, please provide their name(s) and ages.
Guest of Member Information: ______________________________________________________________________
RALLY FEES & INFO
RALLY FEES FOR MEMBERS: Questions or clarifications?
Registration Type • Rally Fee • Send an email to:
Full Rally (Two in coach) $ 395.00 [email protected]
Full Rally (One person) $ 320.00
Each Additional Guest $ 85.00 Arriving early or staying late? Please
contact:
RALLY FEES FOR NON-MEMBERS:*
Flamingo Lake RV Resort
* Please add $25 to above prices. Visitors attending in own motorhome
3640 Newcomb Rd.
are welcome to participate but subject to a $25 surcharge; limited to one
Jacksonville, FL 32218
rally. Charge applied to membership fee upon joining.
800-782-4323
TOTAL RALLY FEES
www.flamingolake.com
Total Fee Paid $ _________ . ___
Make checks payable and mail form to: FMCA Diesel RV Club For the latest information, please visit
3916 N Potsdam Ave, PMB#1107 www.dieselrvclub.org
Sioux Falls, SD 57104-7048
REFUND POLICY:
Registrant must notify Treasurer at least 14 days prior to start of rally to
receive full refund. Notice provided later will be dependent on advance fees
paid to vendors.