Volume XIX, Issue 5 • September-October 2014 The Official Magazine For Owners Of Heritage, Eagle, Dream, Tradition, Allegiance, Limited & Revolution Motor Coaches TECH TIPS RV SERVICE THERE'S AN APP FOR THAT ACA ANNIVERSARY NATIONAL RALLY DRIVEN FURTHER. 2015 AMERICAN TRADITION Our dedication doesn’t stop when a customer drives off the lot. It’s the pivotal force that sets us apart through a nationwide network of dealers, unparalleled customer support, and industry-leading engineering and construction. After all your hard work, many will see your motorcoach as the ultimate sign of success. At American Coach, we measure our success through the satisfaction of the most loyal customers in the industry. We’re more than a motorcoach manufacturer. We’re a partner in the pursuit of your passion. Call 800-854-1344 or visit AmericanCoach.com to build a customized American Coach that’s all your own. DRIVING YOUR PASSION AMERICANNN HHHEEERRRIIITTTAAGE | AMERICAN EAGLE | AMERICAN TRADITION | AMERICAN REVOLUTION Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/americancoach Call Don’t just dream about it.... C - $ 1 8 0 0 U S T O M U P G R A D E S S T A R T I N G U N D E R 6” Premier Armor 10” Executive Armor Available at Decatur Factory! 10” Premier Armor 14” Executive Armor W E N Body Block Shield Step Risers, Step Treads, & Kick Plates F A O R T H E D I S C E R N I N G M E R I C AN C O AC H O W N E R 800-329-2958 ACA Across America ACA NATIONAL MAGAZINE: ACA National Membership: ELECTED OFFICERS: Editor - Doug Thompson Chairwoman - Debbie Darby President - Pat Adams 12214 Arron Terrace, Trinity, FL 34655 1021 Pinehurst Pl., Camarillo, CA 93010 23905 Clinton Keith #114-373 727-709-0218 805-482-6733 / 805-469-2903 Wildomar, CA 92595 [email protected] [email protected] 951-741-0673 [email protected] Advertising Coordinator - Loren Maurina Membership Services Vice President - Bob Frank 248-767-5119 Cell Chairwoman - Janice Thompson [email protected] American Coach Association, 888 Grande Haven Dr., Titusville, FL 32780 12214 Arron Terrace, Trinity, FL 34655 [email protected] Design & Production - Print Group Inc. 501-858-9564 Secretary - Jennifer Goergen 1440 W. Skyline Ave., Ozark, MO 65721 [email protected] 621 Rollingwood Dr., Shorewood, IL 60404 417-581-7651 815-791-0644 Cell www.printgroupinc.com ACA National Web Site: [email protected] [email protected] Chairman - Doug Thompson Treasurer - Brad Monahan 12214 Arron Terrace, Trinity, FL 34655 15 Tayside Track, Missouri City, TX 77459 727-709-0218 [email protected] ACA Magazine - ©2014 [email protected] Volume XlX, Issue 5 CHAPTER PRESIDENTS: September-October ACA National Finance Committee: Great Lakes - Scott Kellett Chairman - Bob Downing 808 Holley Lake Rd., Aiken, SC 29803 2621 Westgate Crescent, Box 821 803-641-6455 / 803-645-1694 Cell Brights Grove, Ontario N0N 1C0 [email protected] 519-869-8181 / 810-300-7691 [email protected] ACA National Ambassador Club: Happy Wanderers - Sam Samsel Chairwoman - Debbie Darby 553 Paradise Island Place, Haines City, FL 33844 1021 Pinehurst Pl., Camarillo, CA 93010 863-206-1060 805-482-6733 / 805-469-2903 [email protected] [email protected] Mac Pack - Judy Gallion 10535 Wards Rd., Ste.B, Rustburg, VA 24588 ACA National By-Laws & Policy: 434-851-6504 / 434-907-4443 Cell Chairwoman - Wendy Holloway 212 Rainbow Dr., #11202 Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406 [email protected] 928-230-4080 Missouri Valley - Keith Hulfeld [email protected] 7055 County Lane 72, Carthage, MO 64836 417-358-2324 / 417-437-5378 Cell ACA Scholarship Foundation: hulfeldoffi[email protected] Chairman - Bob Frank NorCal/Northwest - Les Rodrigues 888 Grande Haven Dr., Titusville, FL 32780 3169 Fairfax Court, Fremont, CA 94536-2416 407-506-2801 510-673-0065 Cell [email protected] The ACA Across America Magazine (USPS 025-025) is published [email protected] bi-monthly by the American Coach Association, Publication Depart- Northeast - Claudia Rutherford ACA National Rally Coordinator: ment, ACA, 1812 Latelia Ct, New Port Richey, FL 34655 (727) 709- Chairman - Jim Graham 1494 Birch Lane, Perkasie, PA 18944 0218, and is funded in part by annual membership dues and paid 12245 Susanne Ct., Irvington, AL 36544 215-795-2427 / 267-228-6143 Cell advertisements. Membership dues are $45 per year. Membership in the American Coach Association is open to owners of American 251-825-9876 / 251-623-4321 Cell [email protected] Coach motor coaches only – Heritage, Eagle, Dream, Tradition, Al- [email protected] Southern California - Bob Clapper legiance, Limited and Revolution. 2223 Locust Ave., Rialto, CA 92377 ACA National Rally Guidelines: 909-337-8851 / 909-721-1028 Periodicals Postage Paid at New Port Richey, FL, and at additional Chairwoman - Mary Corcoran [email protected] mailing offices. 1051 Caravan Loop, Polk City, FL 33868 South Central - Robin Fagala 863-984-0903 / 863-206-1418 Cell POSTMASTER: 103 South 68th St., Broken Arrow, OK 74014 [email protected] Send address changes to ACA Across America Magazine, Member- 918-357-2775 / 918-521-2658 Cell ship Services, 1812 Latelia Ct, Trinity, FL 34655. ACA National Historian: [email protected] ACA Across America contains advertisements which may Chairwoman - Ann Beadel Southeast - Raymond Shea be of interest to members- the appearance of any adver- 8801 FM 45 South, Brownwood, TX 76801 411 Walnut St. #4708, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 tisement for products or services in this publication shall 325-646-5104/325-998-0431 Cell 570-772-0640 / 601-508-0532 Cell not be deemed an endorsement by the Association or indi- [email protected] [email protected] vidual members. ACA reserves the right to reject or accept, Southwest - Tony Ford including editing for reasons of space and clar- ACA National Legal Advisor: ity, letters to the editor, chapter news or articles. Statements 5531 Kings Row Court, Las Vegas, NV 89148 Chairman - Scott Rose of fact and opinion are the responsibility of the author(s) 702-540-0319 Cell 300 South Houser Dr., Covina, CA 91722 alone and do not imply an opinion on the part of the officers of [email protected] the ACA, the members, the Editor, or Production Staff. 626-523-2863 Letters and photographs become property of ACA and will [email protected] not be returned. 2 [ Contents ] September-October 2014, Volume XlX, Issue 5 [ From the Editor ] 3 From the Editor 4 President’s Message Beginning with this issue, the task 5 Vice Presidents Message of magazine editor has been tran- sitioned as long time editor Jane 6-12 Chapter News Lihou is retiring. I’d like to express my deep appreciation to Jane for 14-17 RV Service - by Kevin Mallory the countless hours she has vol- unteered over the past 6 years. Her steady hand and consider- 18-19 ACA 25th Anniversary National Rally able skills will be missed. It seemed appropriate that when she retired, my consenting to take over would be a logical choice, 20 Eastern Regional Lazy Days Rally since much of the information in the magazine is also shared on the website. I hope logic wins out and that I don’t suddenly feel 21 Western Regional Las Vegas Rally like I’ve jumped from the plane without a parachute. Please wish me luck. 22-23 Tech Tips - by Rob Lowe Doug Thompson Editor 24 American Coach - by Lenny Razo NOTE: Effective immediately, we have a new mailing address- 25 Rolling Recipes when corresponding with us, please do not use 3590 Round Bottom Road any more- please use this new one: 27 ACA Scholarship Foundation American Coach Association The Webmaster Report PO Box 2428 #24502 Pensacola, FL 32513 28 ACA Yahoo Group 31 There’s an APP for that - by Erv Bretz Cover Photo Courtesy of: Bob Frank 32 Rally Schedule www.myamericancoach.com 33 Rally Sites www.facebook.com/americancoach Other links: 35 Membership Services www.americancoach.com groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/American_Coach/info 36 Chapter Directory www.acc-fmca.com www.fleetwoodrvstore.com 37 Chapter Registration Form [ Advertisers ] Ancira RV Campbell Group, The Diamond Shield RV World - Yuma Automotion Shade Classic Coach Works Fleetwood American Coach Silver Palms RV Resort Blue Ox Cruising America Girard Systems Silverleaf Electronics Bradd & Hall Desert Vista RV Parts Plus Summit Products ACA ACROSS AMERICA - September-October 2014 3 [ President’s Message ] It’s hard to believe that summer is almost over. We are enjoy. Our food caterer and entertainment have been busy getting ready to travel to Oregon for the American decided so we are in the contractual phase at this time. Coach Chapter of FMCA pre-rally in Canyonville and The committee Chair who will handle seminars and on to Redmond, Oregon for the FMCA event. Gary vendors is working on a full schedule for your pleasure. and I have a service appointment at the Coburg Service Souvenirs and decorations depicting our theme are be- Center so we should be able to tell you about this facil- ing discussed and planned, and many other important ity after our visit. Additionally we are taking a planned activities are underway. tour including several of our fellow ACA members to the Coburg facility while we are in area. Also remember to send in your favorite recipes to Susan Rose at [email protected] as Susan is collecting them for a Our fall plans include traveling to the SoCal pre-rally special commemorative ACA Silver Anniversary recipe and the National Rally in Las Vegas, Nevada. When book. Now gentleman this isn’t limited to the ladies so you receive this magazine we should be making our final if you have a special recipe, sauce, bar-b-que hint; count of attendees but if you are a last minute person don’t hesitate to send it to Susan. Thanks for your you may still sign up for the Rally. It is going to be a participation. blast from the past, with a sock hop, comfort foods, and lots of activities to enjoy. The Ford’s and their South I would like to take this time to thank Jane Lihou for West chapter have been very busy planning this rally being our ACA Magazine editor for many years. Jane, filled with lots of activity and special entertainment at you did an outstanding job and we all thank you for the Gala Event. We are looking forward to the ACA your hard work and dedication. Doug Thompson has friendship, viewing the beautiful American Coaches agreed to step into these big shoes to fill. However, that RV World from Yuma, Arizona will have on hand, Doug always does an outstanding job at everything he vendors and seminars for all to partake. Don’t’ miss out takes on, so I know he will do us justice. Thank you on the fun. Doug for volunteering to be our Editor in addition to the Webmaster job – you are a “task master” for sure!! The Frank’s, as your Rally Masters, for the Silver Anni- versary Celebration in Goshen, Indiana have been very I look forward to seeing you at a local Chapter, Regional, busy planning this special National Rally. All of your and/or in Las Vegas for the Fall National Rally. In the Board has been kept in the loop of major decisions. meantime, best travels to all of you and be safe out there! We are looking forward to a record turn out to celebrate our 25th Anniversary. It should be noted that Allied Pat Adams, Recreation Group has been super helpful in our plan- ACA National President ning and have been very generous with their support. [email protected] We have selected our theme name to be “ACA Silver Cell:(951) 741-0673 Jubilee – 1990-2015”. We will use this theme through- out our planning and design efforts. This is going to be a great rally so mark your calendars for May 18 – 23, 2015!! It’s hard to believe that my term as your Presi- Pat Adams dent will end when we are in Goshen next May. How time flies when you are having fun!!! Pat Adams ACA National President The Board will continue to meet monthly and com- municate frequently as our Silver Anniversary plans are continuing to evolve. Remember to communicate ideas to your respective Chapter President or myself. We are working hard to make this rally a special event for all to 4 [ Vice President’s Message ] This summer has certainly flown by and the cool morning air Next week we head to DC to enjoy our granddaughter’s first has been noticeable here in the mountains of North Carolina. birthday. She is such a joy and we can’t wait until she’s old We had a great time visiting family and friends in June and enough to take a “road trip” in our coach. We’ve heard the July. After hearing about another unfortunate coach fire, we stories that many of you have reported with your families. We decided to get a new refrigerator to replace our Norcold which look forward to having the privilege of enjoying such a journey wasn’t cooling properly. Kevin Mallory did a superb job and we ourselves in the future. couldn’t be happier. I took pictures of the project and he has an article about the process in this magazine. I suppose talented Soon after that we will start heading west and eventually attend do-it-yourself’ers could handle swapping out on their own, the Las Vegas rally. The Southwest Chapter has a great event but I was very happy to watch the experts. We couldn’t be planned and we look forward to enjoying it all. Along the way happier with the results and now can actually enjoy frozen ice we hope to stop and tour some of the National Parks. There cream again! are many great places to visit across this country and we enjoy checking them off our “bucket list” whenever we can. We are now busy coordinating the 25th Silver Anniversary Rally We wish everyone safe travels and in Goshen next May. Many of the details about it, and the hope to see you at an upcoming rally. many great things to do in the Goshen area are detailed in this magazine. We are hoping for an exceptional turn out for this Bob Frank special event and the only national rally in 2015. Save the dates from May 19 – 25 on your calendar and plan to attend. Bob Frank I promise that you won’t be disappointed! ACA National Vice-President ACA ACROSS AMERICA - September-October 2014 5 [ Chapter News ] Southeast Great Lakes Pauline and I are in Mississippi having just finished our summer travels. Hopefully the old saying “Absence makes the heart grow After the combined FMCA/FMA Rally in Goshen we visited Virginia fonder” applies to us this month as I unfortunately Beach, picked up two of our granddaughters and headed back to was unable to submit an article for the last issue of our Florida in July! We have hoped for several years to take the grandkids to magazine. I fully intended to clear my desk and concen- Disneyworld and this year things finally fell into place. We spent several trate for 4 hours to put something meaningful together days exploring the parks, camped at Fort Wilderness and each day tried but my wife had other ideas. Thankfully she is recover- to keep up with a 12 year old and an 11 year old. We have some things ing and I can’t express how grateful and appreciative we to take care of in Mississippi and are looking forward to our return to have been for the outpouring of support for us during Florida for the winter. Southeast’s Return to the Keys Rally quickly her recovery. Hopefully within the next few months she reached capacity. This is going to be a wonderful event, we know of will be back to her normal, active self and we will re- many of us that are taking advantage of the four early (pre-rally) and the four late (post-rally) days! Rallies usually have cancellations, so if sume our passion and love for motorhoming that draws you are interested in attending the Keys Rally, please let our registra- all of us together. tion chair know at [email protected] ! Our annual Christmas rally at the award winning Sun N Fun in Sarasota promises to be great! It’s been a rather quiet time for our chapter lately and Larry and Margaret Carter have graciously volunteered to host this rally since the National rally in Marion, we have one rally again and have expanded the rally to a four night event. We are already scheduled which will have concluded by the time this receiving registrations! magazine is published. GLC is heading to Cincin- nati Ohio to celebrate the summer with hosts Pat and Registration for the Fourth Annual Eastern Regional Rally at Lazydays Debbie Branigan and Charles and Diana Schmidt. Pat (Seffner, FL) is well underway! We currently have over twice as many and Debbie have been spending most of the summer coaches registered as we did at this time last year! The rally will be held hanging out at the FMCA campground as camp hosts at the same time as the Florida RV Supershow (January 14-18, 2015). helping travelers with the local sites of Cincinnati and Here are just a few reasons to get those registration forms in: Last year directing them to the best ribs ever at the Montgomery we ran out of big sites in the first week of October, this year it will not take that long!, In 2015 we will not be able to use the overflow lot Inn. For those of you, who travel through Cincinnati, where we have previously placed large coaches. Lazydays has once again make it a priority to visit the rib king and be sure to graciously volunteered to perform a complimentary service item and send me a gift card as an appreciative gesture for the historically the number of work requests exceeds the capability of Lazy- good tip (just kidding..I actually run a tab there (cid:29)). It days to reasonably complete them. In 2015 we are prioritizing Service is a family owned restaurant that has been a fixture in requests by registration date. Registration form, Tentative Agenda and Cincinnati for decades. the Lazydays Service Request form are available at www.myamerican- coach.com and www.southeastaca.net On May 22, our chapter lost a dear friend and long serving member, Keith Milliron. Keith and Marilyn Southeast has several rallies in the planning stages. Our Vice President were fixtures in GLC for 15 years, joining our chap- and Rally Coordinator, Rich Forcier is working on a rally in Central ter in 1999 and attending 30 rallies during that time. Florida for mid-February and a rally in Gulf Shores, Alabama in late Everyone knew Keith as the go to guy whenever they April. We are looking into a “Rolling Rally” to the ACA National needed help on their coach and his passion for his fel- (Goshen, IN) in May as well as the Southeast Pre-Rally to the National. Keep up to date with our rally schedule low man was evident with every at www.myamericancoach.com and www. word he spoke. I’m grateful to have southeastaca.net . spent time with Keith and Marilyn at many of those rallies and my Pauline and I feel very fortunate to be a memories and their influence on part of this chapter. We hope you have our chapter will last forever. safe, adventurous travels and that we see Travel safe and happy motoring, you soon! Scott Raymond Shea GLC President, Southeast Chapter 6 [ Chapter News ] Northeast Missouri Valley Summer is a quiet time for the NE members, many of Hello from Missouri Valley. Hope everyone had a great us stay parked right at home and enjoy being on solid summer with plenty of adventures and time to enjoy ground for a few months! However, a quick trip here and your American Coach. Larry and Cheryl Moore spent there is not out of the question! time in Steamboat Springs, CO riding ATVs, fishing, and watching their 11 year old grandson play baseball in Rich and Mary Coventry from Maine ventured to the the Youth Triple Crown World Series. Then they plan Quechee Vermont Balloon Festival and had a great time, to head to South Fork, CO until Labor Day. breath taking sights to see. The Beigles will be heading to Branson soon, they had such a great time at their first Barbara and Ronnie Weeks spent July in Sunset Beach National rally last Fall they are headed back! and Calabash, NC. They will be headed to Arkansas for more repairs to their coach. There is always something Jack and I ventured out with the Goergen’s for our first to repair. Nancy and Harry Cromer spent their sum- visit to Michigan- loved South Haven and also made a mer at the Lake of the Ozarks with family and friends. quick trip to Petoskey to check that area out. Beautiful James and Hil Monahan have been enjoying their ranch lake views, NOT like our Atlantic Ocean shore towns at in Nebraska. James says that they harvested good hay all, very similar to the Pocono Mountains in some ways, and cattle prices are up- so all is good! with all the trees. Our next North East rally is set for Lake George, in upstate NY, September 3rd. This rally is My wife Izzy and I spent much of the summer bobbing at the same time as the famous car show, which literally in beautiful Table Rock lake with a barley pop and en- closes down the streets! Can’t wait for this rally, our first joying the long days. In late July we were in Decatur at visit to Lake George as well, lots of firsts for us this year! the ARG service center. It’s a very busy place- but still excellent service and hospitality. Unfortunately it seems that our NE chapter will not be represented at the Fall National in Las Vegas, I know it Sandy and Dennis Kales were also there for service will be spectacular and wish Tony Ford and his chapter all work. Their dogs even went on their own self guided the best for a successful rally. Will look forward to hear- tour of the facility before being tracked down. ing all about it. If you haven’t been on a factory tour with Tom Liechty as your guide it is a “must do” for passing the time in I know I always remind all to be on the lookout for fel- Decatur. Good stories and insight to new product low AC owners, even at rest stops….well it happened to changes. After Decatur we headed to northern Indiana us; we were at Camp Decatur 2 weeks ago on our way and stopped in Shipshewana and Amish country. We to Michigan and I heard someone calling my name, here toured the area and made a stop at Goshen, the site of it was- Stan and Leslie Mawyer, fellow NE members. I next year’s ACA Rally. There is much to do in Indiana. know, we were at Camp Decatur, but neither of us had any idea we both were there, this was also their first visit Hope everyone has a great fall and enjoys your travels. and their wedding anniversary! We had fun catching up! Remember to give thanks for our ability to have this life style. Enjoy the rest of summer, be safe on the highways, and keep Keith Hulfeld a watchful eye our for other AC President, Missouri Valley owners! Claudia Rutherford NE Chapter President ACA ACROSS AMERICA - September-October 2014 7 [ Chapter News ] Happy Wanderers South Central Well…it’s official….SUMMER IS OVER ! We just August greetings from South Central to ACA land. As completed our annual Samsel Family Lobster Week in I write today it is rainy and cool. We are setting records Marathon, FL (12 of us, but, I guess the 1 year old for the low/high temperature for the day. I am confused does not count as she’s too young to dive for them) by this wording but the weather folks use it so I will use We had a tremendous week and brought home more it even though I don’t really understand. The high here Lobster than ever before. We managed to get our limit in Northeast Oklahoma yesterday was 78 degrees. Who all but one day. All of us are tired, burned and ready could have imagined this kind of weather in July or to do it all again! It’s always great fun but the logistics August in Oklahoma? involved in moving people, boats, trucks and getting to We have not been able to travel much this summer and from airports is a real pain ! because of mechanical problems and family issues. I do We had an interesting conversation with Will Triplett see lots and lots of recreational vehicles of all types on regarding his 7th and last caravan to Alaska. He advised the roads here in our area. This always brings to mind that the roads were terrible due to construction…par- of how very fortunate we are to own American Coaches. ticularly through Canada. Unfortunately, the weather I encourage everyone to spread the word about ACA was horrid for them with June receiving the 2nd great- and the various chapters in your area. est rainfall on record and July was worse….July had the By the time you read this South Central will have had a greatest rainfall in history ! They will be hard at work summer rally in Wichita Falls, Texas. We are planning a again with Amazon by the 20th of the month. small rally because of all the other travels our members I am sorry to advise all that Roger Guthrie has resigned have planned during this busy travel season. We will as VP of our Happy Wanderers Chapter due to his wife focus on our core agenda “A FUN TIME WILL BE Janice’s deteriorating health. All of us who have enjoyed ENJOYED BY ALL WHO ATTEND”. the wonderful times with Janice, Roger and “Rags” One of the hard things to do for a chapter is to keep the their Labradoodle, will long remember the good times, membership and mailing list current. I just encourage Roger’s crazy outfits and we will miss them always. each person to monitor their membership status and On a happier note, Rob Maddox has agreed to step in stay current on your dues. Not only will you help your as VP and work with our Happy Wanderers. Rob and chapter, you will ease the work load on the folks who his wife Jackie are from Katy, Texas and fit right in with maintain these lists. That is my soapbox moment for the spirit and friendliness of the Happy Wanderers. For this issue. those of you ladies who attended the “Ladies Luncheon” Please remember those folks who serve in our armed in Marion, Rob was “one of us girls”! They are “full- services. This is a most difficult time for them now. We timing it” right now and really out enjoying this great read about those who will not be able to remain because country. Currently, they are in Niagara Falls and will of the drawdown and the additional stresses they face begin working their way West to our Las Vegas ACA each day during deployments. Please make these folks a Rally. part of your daily devotions. As a reminder, the Southeast ACA Rally is coming up If you are a student of world affairs you know how dif- soon (same dates as the Florida RV Show)….get your ficult these times are becoming. Please make yourselves reservations in ASAP for both the rally and our Happy informed voters this fall and exercise your most impor- Wanderers Post-Rally….Rally dates January 14-18, tant civil right. Vote for the candi- 2015 with our Happy Wanderers Post-Rally Sunday, date you deem the most qualified January 18 with departure on Wednesday, January 21st. and supports the core beliefs you AS ALWAYS, THE HAPPY WANDERERS POST- share. RALLY WILL BE A BLAST ! Until we meet somewhere down the Safe Travels To You All ! road-“GOD BLESS AMERICA”! Sam Samsel Robin Fagala, President President Happy Wanderers South Central Chapter 8
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