| | | Dear RV Friend,
Winter weather forces many RVers to put their traveling homes into storage, but that doesn’t mean we stop thinking about travel! Winter can be a great time to do some “armchair traveling” and planning for the coming travel season. In fact, with the growing popularity of RVing, it may be necessary to make campground reservations further in advance. These days, armchair travelers have a virtual library at their fingertips. Websites such as RoadsideAmerica.com can lead RVers on remarkable journeys without leaving home. Endless travel information and inspiration are available online. Some armchair travelers prefer to get lost in a book. Now might be a good time to read or re-read one of the classic travel books like Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck. Not everyone puts the RV in mothballs, of course. Snowbirds flock to warmer climates. Leaving the kids and grandkids behind may be one downside to this seasonal getaway, but technology provides fantastic ways to stay in touch. A chat via Skype is almost like being there. For tips on using this communication tool, check out this short video. So, whether you’re cozied up to the fire or basking on the beach, it’s a great time to be dreaming about and planning for your next big RV adventure! RV Dreamin' On Such A Winter's Day,
The FMCA Team P.S. We hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season. The FMCA national office will be closed Dec. 24 through Jan. 1.
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JOIN FMCA
Tis the season to join FMCA! Join now.
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We have a small RV (and a small budget) and we were able to get tires ordered, saving almost $500 by using FMCA's Tire Program. That $500 will translate to lots of fun travels in our future. Thanks for offering us a better alternative, FMCA!
—Lynne Fiske, F410160
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The Gift Of Savings Tires....We all gotta have them no matter the type of RV we own. When it comes time to replace them, FMCA members can save considerably with FMCA's Tire Program. Members can purchase Michelin, BF Goodrich, and Continental tires at special pricing from authorized dealers in the U.S. Coming soon: Hankook tires! Learn more.
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| Winter RVing Tips
Not all RVers go into hibernation or head for warmer climates. Some embrace the winter weather and plan activities that involve RV trips. Sledding, skiing, winter hiking… All of these are more pleasant when you know that you have a warm RV waiting for you at the end of the day’s adventure. However, some special preparations and precautions need to be taken. Here are a few tips for winter RV adventurers.
Water Tips
Protecting the water system from freezing is of paramount importance. Most RVs aren’t designed for use in colder temperatures. Adding insulation or heat tapes may be necessary. Another idea for short outings is to leave the RV water system winterized and then take along bottles of water for drinking and tooth brushing, and bring RV antifreeze for flushing the toilet.
Cozy & Warm
To ensure that things stay toasty inside the RV, make sure the furnace is operating properly before you leave home. Fill the propane tanks before you depart, and keep a close watch on tank levels during your outing. If you have a camping spot with electricity, bring along a thermostatically controlled ceramic heater to provide supplemental heat.
If you’ll be using battery power to keep the furnace running, make sure the batteries are in good condition and stay fully charged. They will be less likely to freeze.
Let It Snow, But…
Try to find a parking spot that is exposed to sunlight during the day and where some type of windbreak is available. If it snows during your stay, make sure to keep the exhaust pipes for the generator or motorhome engine clear to allow gases to dissipate as they should. And don’t allow too much snow to accumulate on the RV roof or allow it to cover vents, the satellite dish, etc.
Always test your carbon monoxide alarm before every outing. Carbon monoxide can be deadly, and the symptoms are similar to the flu.
Check out these articles for in-depth tips on winter travel and enjoying a cold-weather camping adventure.
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5 Must-See Winter Wonderlands
Tis the season to visit a winter wonderland! Your “presents” is required at these FMCA-approved holiday stops. Pack up your sleigh...err, we mean RV... and head out to these must-see spots.
1. Santa Claus, Indiana
This small town in southwestern Indiana is known for its love for all things Christmas. The town has a Santa Claus Post Office, Santa Claus Museum, Santa Claus Christmas Store, Santa’s Toy Factory, and even Santa’s Stables. Not to mention the infamous Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari theme park that calls the town home. Centrally located between Nashville, TN; Indianapolis, IN; and Cincinnati, OH, Santa Claus is the perfect Midwest holiday getaway.
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2. Frankenmuth, Michigan
Frankenmuth is home to Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, a massive shop housing 50,000 holiday trims and gifts. The store is the size of one-and-a-half football fields!
3. Christmas, Florida
How can a place called Christmas, Florida, not celebrate the holidays year-round? RVers love the family-owned and operated Christmas RV Park. It’s surrounded by state parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and more. It’s also not far from Disney World, Universal Studios, and Legoland.
4. Stone Mountain, Georgia
This town’s two-month Stone Mountain Christmas celebration was named a top place to see Santa Claus by USA Today. And don’t miss the two million lights, festive holiday music, and live performances.
5. Government Camp/Mt. Hood, Oregon
Take a sleigh ride through the historic alpine village of Government Camp. Located within five miles of Mt. Hood, Government Camp is the quintessential mountain town. While you're in the area, check out Wenzel Farm, which is lit up with thousands of lights and has a 40-foot castle filled with everything Christmas.
Click here to read the full article + campground recommendations.
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| Wait, There’s Myrrh
Looking for a unique gift idea? Consider purchasing a ticket to FMCA's 99th International Convention & RV Expo (March 13 through 16 in Perry, GA). Give an RVer (or yourself!) the gifts of RV education, great entertainment, and good ol' fashioned rally fun.
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Save With FMCA
FMCA Campground
FMCA gives members ways to save on campground fees, including access to discounts for Passport America and KOA campgrounds. Members also can book two nights per month free at FMCA's private campground in Cincinnati, Ohio.
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JOIN FMCA
Learn about all the ways you can save as an FMCA member. Read more.
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| Brace Your Elves Whether you are traveling to a family gathering or heading to a warm vacation for the holidays, you can transform your RV into your ho-ho-home in several different ways! Use LED taper candles for an RV-friendly menorah, extend the life of your Thanksgiving gourds to decorate for a Kwanzaa celebration, or turn your RV into a larger-than-life Santa.
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The Personal Touch Despite the ease and speed of electronic mail, it’s still nice to receive an actual handwritten card or letter. This holiday season, why not grab some basic supplies and create your own? For a little guidance, consider a helpful book such as Christmas Paper Crafting: Holiday Cards, Gift Tags, And More! (Fox Chapel Publishing Co.).
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| Fit Partying The holiday season can make it hard to stay on track with your healthy living goals. But you CAN make it through the temptation, thanks to The Fit RV's strategy. Watch their Guilt-Free Game-Plan video.
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Home, Sweet
(Roaming) Home
RV Gingerbread Houses
Gingerbread houses are fun, easy, and cute! Plus, the sky’s the limit on decorating them.
If you prefer not to prepare your own dough, pick up a gingerbread kit from a discount or grocery store. Or do your own thing using edibles such as graham crackers, cookies, cereal, ice cream cones, frosting, candy treats, and more.
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