"America On The Move" Seminars

Find the knowledge you need to enhance your motorhome lifestyle during FMCA's Perry, Georgia, convention.

By Doug Uhlenbrock
Associate Editor

How often during your motorhoming journeys have you said to yourself, "I wish I knew about ..."? Perhaps you've dreamed of traveling Europe by coach but didn't know how to get started. Or maybe you've considered full-timing but weren't sure whether you'd enjoy the lifestyle. And how many times have you scratched your head wondering how you overloaded your coach's electrical system again?

The seminars at FMCA's "America On The Move" convention, March 21 through 24 in Perry, Georgia, will enable you to learn about more than 100 topics of interest to motorhomers. Here's a preview.

FMCA Shows The Way
If the Perry convention is your first, make a point to attend the "Orientation For First-Time Attendees." FMCA executive director Don Eversmann, F240000, and FMCA commercial services supervisor Maureen Mullarkey will introduce convention neophytes to all of the activities and opportunities scheduled during the convention. Mr. Eversmann also will be at the podium for two other FMCA-related seminars. "FMCA National Headquarters Support For Chapters And Area Organizations" focuses on the various ways FMCA's national office assists chapters and area organizations to enhance and expand their support to members. In "FMCA & Member Benefits," Mr. Eversmann provides an overview of the numerous benefits available to FMCA members.

Technically Speaking
To help motorhomers better understand and manage their homes on wheels, FMCA's seminar lineup addresses many of the technical issues related to owning a coach. And the best part about these instructional sessions is that they are presented by representatives of the companies that make, install, or service the equipment, giving attendees the opportunity to listen to and speak with people who have firsthand knowledge in their field of expertise.

Representatives from the major chassis manufacturers — both gasoline and diesel — will be on hand to answer questions and provide guidelines about maintaining their chassis. Attendees who have diesel-powered motorhomes may be interested in separate seminars presented by representatives of Caterpillar, Cummins, and Detroit Diesel, who will discuss operating and maintenance issues for their power plants. Seminars for members who recently purchased a diesel-powered motorhome or for those who are curious about diesel coaches also are on the slate.

Another major topic of interest among motorhomers will be addressed in the "Towing Roundtable." A panel of experts will explain how to tow a vehicle safely behind a motorhome. The discussion will include information about towing equipment; which vehicles can be towed four wheels down; and related accessories. In "Supplemental Towed Car Braking," manufacturers of towed vehicle braking systems will explain the technical aspects of their products. Both seminars will be moderated by Jim Brightly, technical editor of Family Motor Coaching magazine.

If you sense that your motorhome isn't handling as well as you think it should, consider attending "Understanding Steering & Alignment Problems" to learn about possible causes and solutions. In addition, representatives of Goodyear, Michelin, and Toyo will convene for the "Radial Tires Roundtable." They'll discuss how to read motorhome tire sidewall information; proper tire maintenance; how to get the most from their tires; and when tires should be replaced.

Additional technical seminars will focus on RV electrical systems; batteries; toilet maintenance; generators; satellite systems; and more.

Safety First
To make sure that members have all of the information and tools they need to remain secure while traveling, FMCA presents several safety-related seminars at each convention.

Before you turn the key in your motorhome ignition, ask yourself: "Is my coach overloaded?" Do you know how to determine whether it is? These questions, and others, will be addressed during the "RV Weight & Tire Safety" seminar presented by the RV Safety Education Foundation, C5999. This seminar focuses on how to properly load and operate a motorhome; how to decipher the various coach weights and ratings; and factors that affect the life of radial tires. FMCA members can have their coaches weighed as they leave the convention by signing up during the seminar or at the RVSEF booth (#65). FMCA provides a subsidy to the program so the cost to members is only $25.

The "RV Safe Driving Course," cosponsored by Aon Recreation Insurance, C95 (formerly RV Alliance America), an FMCA Super Star sponsor, and FMCA, is designed to help operators sharpen their existing driving skills and learn new defensive driving techniques. Topics include basic maneuvering; driving at night and in adverse weather conditions; mountain driving; and the effects of medication on driving ability. Those who complete this two-part seminar may be eligible for a discount on their insurance premiums, depending on their state of residence and insurance carrier. A $10 fee is charged for the course, and registration is required. Convention attendees can register beginning Monday at 7:00 a.m. in the Information Center, located in the Multipurpose Building.

In "Fire & Life Safety In Your RV," also cosponsored by Aon Recreation Insurance and FMCA, veteran firefighter Mac McCoy, C7648, instructs attendees about the causes of most RV fires and how to prevent them. Attendees will learn how to use different types of fire extinguishers and participate in a live fire demonstration. The discussion also will touch on the gauges and detectors that should be operating in a motorhome; engine and transmission overheating; and other topics.

Dave and Sandy Baleria of Personal Safety First, C9296, will present a trio of seminars dedicated to personal safety for motorhomers both in and out of the coach. The main seminar, "Personal Safety For RVers," covers how to recognize dangerous situations and threats, and how to avoid being selected as a victim by criminals. Attendees also learn how to escape a threatening situation and what to do if assaulted.

In "Personal Defense: Pepper Spray," members learn when, where, how, and why to use pepper spray for personal defense. Those attending this seminar must arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start time to receive a certificate of completion following the session.

The third seminar, "Guns & RVs," provides information about the laws, practicalities, and realities of carrying a firearm in the motorhome for personal protection.

The Lifestyle
Making sure that the coach operates efficiently and safely is a major aspect of traveling, but driving is only a part of the entire motorhoming experience. FMCA offers a host of seminars to help attendees make the most of their time off the road.

Computers increasingly have become one of a motorhomer's most versatile tools. FMCA has lined up several seminars to help both novices and experienced users discover how their computers can function as a communication device, an information portal, a navigation tool, and a multimedia center. For example, those intrigued with high-speed wireless Internet access — better known as Wi-Fi — can learn more about this technology at "Get Away, Stay Connected."

Seminars for RVers interested in exploring Mexico and Europe by motorhome, as well as a session especially for folks who are considering the full-timing lifestyle, will be offered. Learn about "Making A Difference Through Habitat For Humanity." And if you enjoy visiting America's public lands and would like to help preserve their beauty, attend the session titled "Take Pride In America — It's Your Land, Lend A Hand."

Presentations that deal with cooking, insurance, and special services available to FMCA members also are on the schedule.

Fit & Fun
Wayne and Dahelia Hunt, F235156, will help attendees wake their bodies each morning with an "Integrated Stretch & Strength Workout." The Hunts also will offer a series of lectures and demonstrations that focus on alleviating back, knee, and shoulder pain. Other health-related seminars will discuss nutrition, diabetes and heart disease, prostate cancer, and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).

For some dance fun, join veteran square-dance caller Howard Cowles, L18517, for "Square Dancing And Line Dancing."

Convention-goers interested in taking home a keepsake from Perry can choose from 12 different craft seminars. Participants can learn how to make beaded bracelets or earrings, a silk necklace or scarf, or a sunflower pin, among other projects. Since space is limited, be sure to sign up for these seminars beginning Monday, March 21, at the crafts table in the Information Center, located in the Multipurpose Building.

So, stop wishing you had the information necessary to make your motorhoming experience more fulfilling and immerse yourself in the knowledge that will be presented at FMCA's "America On The Move" convention.

Perry Convention Seminars
The following seminars were scheduled as of press time. Last-minute changes could alter the list. Please check your convention program for dates, times, locations, and seminar descriptions.

Technical
Advanced RV Satellite For Owners
All About Diesel Buses
Aqua-Hot And Hydro-Hot Heating Systems
Automatic Battery Charge Loads & Gen Set Starting System
Basics Of Refrigeration
Caterpillar Engine
Cummins Engine
Detroit Diesel Engine
Diesel Engine/Allison Transmission Supplemental Braking
Diesel Talk For NEW Diesel Owners
Diesel Talk For NON-Diesel Owners
Driving With The Allison World Transmission
Ford Type A & Type C Chassis Maintenance
Freightliner Custom Chassis Preventive Maintenance
Generator Maintenance Roundtable
Introduction To RV Satellite 101
Radial Tires Roundtable
RV Batteries
RV Inverter/Charger Systems
RV Weight & Tire Safety
Spartan Chassis Maintenance
Supplemental Towed Car Braking
Toilet Maintenance & RV Chemicals
Towing Roundtable
Understanding Steering & Alignment Problems
Workhorse & Late-Model Chevrolet Chassis Maintenance, Part 1
Workhorse & Late-Model Chevrolet Chassis Maintenance, Part 2

Educational
Back Health
Beautifying & Protecting Your Coach
Care And Purchasing Fine Jewelry
Chapter Presidents and Vice Presidents Roundtable
Coach-Net Emergency Road Service
Computer-Enhanced Travel
Diabetes — Lifestyle Management Education & Activity
Diesel Air Filter Maintenance
Digital Photography
Eating To Live
E-mail Basics For The Beginner
Fashions For The RVer
Fire & Life Safety In Your RV
FMCA & Member Benefits
FMCA National Headquarters Support For Chapters And Area Organizations
Full-Timing
Get Away, Stay Connected
Governmental & Legislative Affairs
Guns & RVs
Heart Health — Lifestyle Management Education & Activity
How To Maximize Your Travel Wardrobe
Informational Seminar For Chapter Secretaries
Insurance & Risk Management Seminar For FMCA Leaders
Insurance Roundtable
Is Someone Running Away With Your Identity?
Knee & Shoulder Health
Making A Difference Through Habitat For Humanity
MEDEX — The Travel Program That Provides Travel Assistance, Emergency Evacuation, And Repatriation
Meet The Founder of Habitat For Humanity, Millard Fuller
Microwave-Convection Cooking — Beginner ABCs For GE (Including Advantium) Oven Owners
Microwave-Convection Cooking — Beginner ABCs For Sharp Oven Owners
Microwave-Convection Cooking Made Easy
Microwave-Convection Cooking On-The-Go
Monitoring & Protecting Your Electrical System
New Electronic Diesel Engines
On-Road Quilters
Orientation For First-Time Attendees
Personal Defense: Pepper Spray
Personal Safety For RVers
President's Forum
Prostate Cancer And Erectile Dysfunction
RV Care Inside & Out — Roof to Road
RV Electrical Circuits
The RV Friendly Signage Program
RV Safe Driving Course, Session 1
RV Safe Driving Course, Session 2
RVing In Europe
Selecting The Right Motorhome For YOUR Needs
Sudden Cardiac Arrest And The Use Of The AED
Take Pride In America — It's Your Land, Lend A Hand
Touring Mexico By RV: Opportunities And Rules
Treasurer's Forum
What Is Ham Radio? An Introduction To Amateur Radio Operation From The Motorhome
Women On Wheels

Crafts
Beaded Bracelet
Beaded Earrings
No Sew Quilting
Patriotic Twirlies
Rake Knitting
Sassy Sue Shelf Doll
Silk Necklace
Silk Scarf
Spice Apples
Sunflower Pin
Tinsel Tree
Twirlies

Fun, Games & Exercise
Integrated Stretch And Strength Workout
Square Dancing And Line Dancing