I still think we need a Foreforums rally that is focused on the technical aspects of our coaches and owner maintenance/trouble shooting. Have more emphasis on coach open houses, sharing of owner projects and innovation and less in the way of socializing and FT marketing. Maybe even have coach inspections and weighings. Wouldn't that be fun! And have it in a place that is interesting to many.....sorry Indiana leaves me cold (or hot/humid) as the case may be.
Understand that this was discussed previously. But it could be done for a price. I would be willing to pay a fee similar to the GV fee for such a rally. Fortunately, the Cummins engine in our coaches is probably the most reliable component. If it must be in the midwest, maybe the home of HWH would be good. Everyone has, or will have, problems with their systems. Or have it in Nac where there are plenty of technically capable people available. I guess my point is that the old rally model of people getting together with one thing in common.... their coaches, for a socially oriented gathering, may be on its way out. We need to try something different IMHO.
Sounds to me that this would be an event that as a owner of a newer coach would not be attending. I cannot see myself sitting through lectures on RV repairs at this time. I do like the socializing time we had at the Grandvention. :-*
It would be interesting to know the stats on who owns what for Forum members. My impression is that the vast majority own coaches in the 1990-2004 model years. This is the group that such a rally would be directed to. The newer coaches, especially the IHs, seem to have little in common with those made in the period cited, so owners of those would not be a target group. I don't see this as an issue.
To further what John said, by far the easiest, most cost effective, lowest personal liability way to obtain insurance for rallies would be through FMCA as a chapter.
The issue with forming an FMCA chapter, though, has nothing to do with "letting everyone in" but it was clear from several surveys of the forum membership that there isn't adequate interest in being a club officer, rally organizer, etc. A chapter cannot be successful without a good base of involved, active leadership and there simply wasn't enough here to justify going forward.
If this gets put together , I'll go for sure . Age of coach is one thing all right ---BUT--- It 's the people that have my interest . At the GV in Tenn. , I got a up close look at some of the nuts that make this whole thing what it is .Boy, was I suprised at how some of these people looked . Not sure what I expected , but that wasn't it . ;D The whole thing is getting together with the folks you talk to and read on the forum . Lets do it . Brad Metzger
This sounds very familiar. We can call the ones then with the 1990-2004 year coaches the Democrats and the newer coaches the Republicans. Since there are more older coaches according to your post, then the Democrats are in control and do not need to address the needs of the minority party. I am really taken back when you said: " The newer coaches, especially the IHs, seem to have little in common with those made in the period cited, so owners of those would not be a target group." I do not think for a minute this is the mission of this forum.
Relax. That was not the intent I am sure. Foretravels have significantly changed technologically over the years. I know I would not get much out of getting to know how to use the high tech coach electrical control pad, etc.
I like this idea!
Maybe just hold it at the Factory and do one rally for older coaches and a separate for the newer models. I for one would love to talk with owners of coaches closer in age to mine. And would like to here what the IH owners think of their units as I may be considering one at some point.
Anny.... Republicans and Democrats? Poor timing for such an analogy! I was just saying that we don't have to have a rally that would be of interest to 100% of FT owners. But we could certainly have two rallies if there was interest from both groups (old vs new). I am not any more interested in hearing about IH problems than you would be to hear problems with a U295. And no one said anything about replacing the GV. I was just suggesting something that would be of interest to many Forum members, at least I think that would be the case.
Ok ;I have several extra pairs of boxing gloves left over from my younger days . Please people , put away your bucket of wedges . WE need ways to get together and it looks like effort is going to be required . I can relate to coaches from the 1989 U-300 ,03 320 , 06 Phenix so I won't be real exited about some of that stuff , but a lot of it still goes . I don't think we have too many members in this Forum , so lets make it grow in a positive way . Like I said before ," don't need a line in the sand" Lets figure a way to be happy and smile since we are all driving ( Foretravel's ) Brad Metzger
Anny,
I was there, but don't think I had the pleasure to meet you.. Looking forward to it!
We are all just learning members of a great community, I hope you and all feel welcome here!
Tim
Yup.
Thank you Tim. I did not meet you at the Grandvention but hope to one day in the future. We did not bring our rig there but we flew in and attended with others in the coach. Thanks
One shouldn't lest it take the conversation in a political direction, which is not permitted per the forum user agreement.
I for one have never had an issue with new vs old. Many of us had new once or close to new and to see the newer coaches and their experiences is interesting. For what it is worth, the buddy rally is kind of like that.
Thank you for your thoughts.
Someone previously said " The newer coaches, especially the IHs, seem to have little in common with those made in the period cited, so owners of those would not be a target group."
Anny is correct - Foreforums (and any activity related to the forum) is for all Foretravel owners and those interested in all years and models of Foretravels. It doesn't matter what year you own or are interested in - all are welcome here.
I think Brad Metzger said it best,don't judge a book by it's cover.
From my father, put brain in gear before putting tongue in motion or fingers to keyboard.
I've been an EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) member since 1978 and get to their annual convention (airshow) in Oshkosh, WI about every third or fourth year. At that convention more than 10% of all aircraft registered in the US show up as well as people from all over the world. Aircraft of every vintage from early pioneers to classics to warbirds to jets to homebuilts and the latest in technology show up. And people of every age and means I don't own an aircraft but have been an enthusiastic supporter for a long time.
What is common there as it is in the Fore Forums is the interest in the machines and what we do with them and who is using them. For us it is our Foretravels, the RV lifestyle what ever that may be for each of us and a truely amazing bunch of folks.
The classic airplane owners like to get together as do the war bird owners but they like us have common interests, concerns and aspirations. That 2003 U320 owner might just be the buyer for the 2013 IH45 in 6 or 8 years, who knows.
So please, lets all contribute everything we can to making this a better, more inclusive group. Everyone is welcome. Everyone is a valuable part of this community with valuable insights and opinions and an equal say in where it goes.
I like the idea of a FF get together. Sign me up to help put it together. Maybe we should have a poll to see where and when the most people would likely go
Roger
Thanks Roger. You put in good words to what I was thinking of this post. Mark
+1 on the FF rally. Before I saw the light and bought a Foretravel, I attended a couple of TiffinRVNetwork rallys that were focused much like everyone is talking about. They were very informative and enjoyable - even the one in Quartzsite during January. I believe we had about 40 coaches in Q - the Tiffin forum is very active like ours and is of course larger given the production numbers involved. I can provide the name of the organizer if we want to pick his brains.
I also went to a couple of Escapees HD (class 7/8 tractor) chapter rallies back when I pulled a fiver. Now that is a great bunch of gear heads!! The HD group had a very successful rally in Wichita KS - we used an RV park but all of the activities except happy hour were hosted by the local Peterbilt dealer who provided meeting rooms, discounts on mechanical work, hands-on technical training/seminars right in the bay or on the rack. They also had Dyno day and a discounted VIS check. Maybe we could partner with the right RV dealer or Cummins shop or someone else like that. The Quartzsite rally was fun but I got a lot more out of the format that the Heavy Duty truck group used.
Hey Michelle... Just to be clear, I was not suggesting that anyone be excluded from anything. I was just making a suggestion for a possible program. I too think that one of the Forum's strengths is our diversity. Obviously, everyone would be welcome to come to any program presented, even if it had nothing to do with their coach.
And I would be willing to help organize such a program in the future.
We would be interested in an FF rally. I don't have nor will ever have an IH unless it is a door prize at said rally. Anyway, I'm always interested in any problems/solutions to anything Foretravel. I can usually pick up some line of thinking that will work with a problem I have or will put me in the right frame of mind to think my problems through.
George, John S, Myself and others whose names don't come to mind right now explored the possibility of having a FF rally about a year ago. We also explored formation of a FMCA Chapter. There was almost zero interest, especially in forming a chapter even tho some of us had volunteered to be officers. Maybe Michelle can point you at the Messages we exchanged in this effort. I agree that it is a worthy goal and a good idea but the read blocks are formidable.
Gary B
Predictions 2011...ForeForums Rally (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=11820.25)
ForeForums FMCA chapter interest poll (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=12749.25)
Time to revisit - ForeForums FMCA chapter interest poll (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=16067.0)
Yes, I am aware of the past polls and discussions. But there was some interest then and maybe it has increased. Time for another poll?
GREETINGS,
Looks like a lot of preliminary work is on-the-way. Maybe just renew the polls.
The Forum has what 2400+ members if 10% attended or formed a chapter - wouldn't be a fairly large chapter?
We would enjoy - the "tech-know" as well as a meet and greet. Last time I asked about "costs" for the operation of the Forum - no one responded.
Wouldn't this costs too? Don't get me wrong - we would like to participate in the event planning as well as the cost.
Count us in!
Since I have my coach for sale I cannot really add to this discussion but I do have all the preliminary By Laws etc saved and if wanted I will pass them along.
Gary B
This summer, two members of the Newell Gurus forum posted they would be at Spearfish, SD, for a week in late June. If anyone wanted to join, call the park, make reservations and say you wanted to park with the Newells.
25 Newells, 3 Foretravels, 2 Prevosts, 1 Wanderlodge and 1 Class B showed up. Newell sent the Senior VP of service who ask the FMCA show coach to stop for one night for show and tell.
The VP brought a gift package for everyone. I have a Newell desk clock, Newell cap and Newell coffee mugs. The VP announced he would give a Newell seminar, I attended and next day gave a Aqua Hot seminar that he attended. I was assisted by Roger Berke who drove in from Sturgis where he was staying. Three pot luck dinners were announced and also well attended.
I was taken off roading in a RZR with a group of six vehicles, went to see the Air Force Museum in Rapid City and drove though the hills on county roads, through Dead Wood and went coach to coach tinkering on things. Three guys helped me replace the electric solenoid valves on my washer.
Just a grand time with no volunteers, no membership even in Newell Gurus needed to attend. Most Newells were 1987 to 2004. One member brought his 2013 and the brand new 2014 show coach made an appearance. Too much fun.
How does one find a site large enough to host 100 or more coaches? It must be possible.
The EAA site in Oshkosh WI hosts some 80,000 or so campers at its campground and in the past few years they have added electric and water to a couple hundred sites and sewer to some. They have a 4 or 6 hole dump station on site, no waiting. There are meeting spaces, enormous display buildings, showers and bathroom buildings. It is right at the airport. Nearby is the EAA Museum, the Pioneer Airport, the Oshkosh truck factory and the city of Oshkosh. Not far away is Green Bay, Door County, Apostle Islands Natl. Lakeshore and Lakes Michigan and Superior.
They host events, this would be something new for them but they will help figure it out if it makes sense. Some cost involved, I'm sure.
Just an idea.
Roger
I agree - it IS a great idea, Roger.
I think one of the major hurdles, in the past, to further organization of a ForeForums rally was the fact that many RV parks want insurance from an organized group. That meant - to obtain such insurance - a FF rally would need to become either a Motorcade or FMCA chapter... which requires leadership, planning, communication... lots of work (and not by just one person or couple)... and there were no "takers." So the idea withered on the vine.
Sounds like the Newell forum group was just a "happening" (yeah, yeah... some of us date back to the 60s! :)) )... and most likely the Spearfish RV park didn't require insurance, since the 32 motorhomes just "happened" to make reservations for that same week, and all wanted to be near each other. Also, luck, timing, and location, location, location were key elements!
Rudy, from a comment RVparkreviews, it appears that it was Elkhorn Ridge RV (Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort & Cabins :: Spearfish, South Dakota :: RV Park Reviews (http://www.rvparkreviews.com/view_campground_review_details.php?cgid=5354®ion=South-Dakota&city=Spearfish&park=Elkhorn-Ridge-RV-Resort-&-Cabins)). Looks like it was a great location for a wonderful event - and one that sounded like there wasn't much planning, but rather evolved and developed through the week.
Maybe such a casual gathering would be a way to start and, if successful, could perhaps in the future become an official chapter of MC or FMCA.... who knows?
Like Roger said... just an idea....
Live Oak (I think it's a County Park) in CA once hosted 300 LazyDazers.
Years ago it started raining, and raining, and raining, and because of gopher tunnels, LazyDaze RVs started sinking into the mud up to their axles. The tow companies had a field day.
Here's what it looks like:
http://lazydazers.com/index.cfm?fa=ShowItem&ID=1463 (http://lazydazers.com/index.cfm?fa=ShowItem&ID=1463)
best, paul
Pat,
Worked out just fine for the Gurus. They are discussing perhaps a get together next year at Lakeview in Austin where they were several years ago or perhaps near Branson.
No set in concrete schedule was no impediment to a grand time. Something was always going on somewhere so you could always fine something or someone to visit with that interested you.
There was plenty of room at Elkhorn and they rented a meeting room to the Newell VP for his seminar and gave us the large pavilion with tables and chairs for the three pot luck dinners.
One of the Foretravels was a friend of a Guru and since no type of membership was required, he attended and was one of the off road vehicles in fact two of the vehicles.
Any Foreforum member can attend and would be most welcome as they are very inclusive and admire several brands including Foretravel.
What Brad is saying is that when we met face to face he realized I was old, fat, deaf, and have trouble seeing. What else would you expect!
:-)
hmmmm. ForeForums Motorcade chapter?
Another organization to which I belong has two "camp outs" each year. Each lasts the better part of a week. There is no over-riding agenda other than a Sat. night BBQ dinner/& meeting. We usually use a county fairgrounds with plenty of shade and hookups. In past years I've purchased event insurance through the fairgrounds for an "RV Rally." The cost was quite modest and based on attendance. Usually under $50 for 200 RVs. ;D
That's a very good idea. Nonetheless, Foretravel is a commercial entity and Foreforums is not. Would you have to be a member of the MC in order to be in Foreforums? as an example of questions folks will have as well as Foretravel.
If we have a "campout" the we get to see each other and each other's coaches, exchange ideas and add some new projects to the never ending list. Sife we welcome anyone to the Foum who has an interest in Foretravels, they should be welcome as well. Wht a great way for someone to see thr range of models available and talk directly with owners.
We are already blocking out big chunks of next year for travel. The sooner we figure out if this is possible and when and where the more folks we are likely to attract.
State Fairs usually have campgrounda. Minnesota's is grassy and shady. Wisconsin's is a huge paved parking lot. We look for county campgrounds. usually pretty nice.
Roger
A lot of great ideas! As a new FT owner of a 89GV we would LOVE to attend something like this. I have learned so much in such a short time from all of you here. I can only imagine how much we could learn from each other by showing one another our "projects" instead of typing them. Years ago my old motorcycle club did some spur of the moment (month ahead) gatherings with other local clubs. No big plans...just meet up and share some knowledge, good conversation, and of course good food with good people.
One of our local county parks has 3 group camping site that have 10 sites in each area with there own huge fire pits and pavilions, and that's just a small county park. There has to be a few bigger ones based on a similar platform. I'm blocking off the last two week of July from work...if it's I'm the lower 48 the wife and I will be there
Since the Lemon Rally is no more what about doing a ForeForum Rally in the same location. I've never been to the Lemon Rally but remember it was at mile marker 99 or maybe 100? Wouldn't need to worry about insurance. Everyone would just be on their own.
I'd love to just meet and see the coaches of all the great people I've virtually met on the forum. There is the FMCA rally in Indio Jan 8 to the 12th. We could do something the next weekend. Say Jan 24 thru the 27?
see ya
ken
I was thinking if we stick closer to Nac, I coukd ask either FT or MOT to send a technical guy. Maybe Mineola again and we could get James T up there.
How about Canton, Tx weekin before tradedays and you could stay over. Great park up there with meeting area. DAN
This sounds like a great idea to us (right Tys? ;D ;D ;D )! We dropped by the Lemon rally last year sans coach (still up on blocks in my former back yard). It was sad to think we weren't ever going to be able to participate fully in that event since it would be no more, but something like this would go a long way to make up for it! A lot to learn, a lot to share... I hope this gains some traction because it would fit right in our schedule when we're heading back to California ::)
Don & Tys
Interesting this is coming up again. I asked the EAA if it was possible to use their campground for an informal get together. The guy from EAA is goimg to call me on Friday to let me know more about what they could do.
In any case it seems like we should try for less than more for an initial get together. Just seewho shows up and how many. Maybe we should have a poll or something to see who wants to go where and when. We are blocking out big chunks of time for next summer already so sooner is better than later.
It too would enjoy putting people to names that I see on the forum.
Roger
I had hoped to have an informal get-together in September, but had to drop the idea due to work. How about someone (or several someones in various parts of the country) simply pick a nice place they like to go to and announce a date that they will be there. Let others make their own arrangements and see what happens.
The downside to that is that whoever starts the ball rolling will be publicly posting that they won't be home at that time, so perhaps it would be best (for security reasons) if a full-timer were to be the one to set the time and place.
Any takers?
I think an informal FF get together is a great idea, and see where it goes.
We're going to be at the SEA rally in Brooksville, FL in January and will have a ForeForums sign in the front window.
I talked to the EAA events fellow today. He sid they would like to host this even if it is just using their campgrounds. They are also talking with a Newmar group along the same lines. It is hard to guess how many might show up so he is going to let me know what sort of minimum numbers make sense to them.
Looking at the map of where we all are it is clear that somewhere south central makes sense (maybe bot in mid-summer). We are blocking out time for Mar and April and Aug-Oct now. This needs to get on the map pretty soon or we will miss this year eapecially for those of us whose coaches hibernate for a while in the winter.
How about somewhere near the Great Smokies mid- late April? That's where we are likely to be.
Roger
Ken, The good lord willing I am going to Quartzsite... I would be happy to join you and others at the site of the Lemon Rally. QT: Hwy 95 7 miles south at Mile Marker 99 black top road to West (LasPaz) go 1/2 mile west.
Where, Roger. We're free right after Easter until 3rd week of May.
We'll be at Quartzsite this year also and would love to circle the wagons at the Lemon Rally site!
We will be in the area all Jan and Feb . A get together would be great . Lets all stay in touch . Brad Metzger
What are the the dates for the Quartzite meet?
Roland
I think this this important topic needs its own subject to bring attention to a Quartzsite gathering....
We will be there if it's at all possible. Had a great time last year.
Richard B
We are happy to hear that Richard... Look forward to seeing you at Qartzsite. I'm not sure that there is any firm date set yet, but as more forum members indicate that they will be showing up, perhaps the dates will emerge. We will be looking forward to meeting all of those Foreforum members we've yet to meet and renewing acquaintances with those that we have. Informal gatherings suit us just fine ;D
Don & Tys
Good morning,
What exactly is Quartzite? I understand it is a place to go but what is the draw? I have seen lots of references to it.
We have started planning our 2014 travels and may want to include this place while everyone else is there.
Rick,
Quartzsite is a "Happening" out in the desert in western Arizona. Kind of an RV hippie thing. Mid January. It is on my list of places to go sometime.
Larry,
Our plans are flexible on purpose. We are thinking Great Smokies during the last half of April. I got lots of great suggestions of campgrounds and places to see and things to do last summer on this forum. Search for Great Smokies. I'll keep you posted.
South Carolina has a great deal at the coastal state parks between Dec 1 and end of Feb. 1/2 price for 30 nights. Hunting Island SP has 102 sites with water and 50 amp service for about $18/ night at full price. We are going to be meandering through northern FL, SC, NC, TN and KY.
Roger
Quartzite is a bit difficult to explain, as Roger says "Happening", say it well. Google Quartzite and you will get more information than anyone needs.
Roland
The 2014 Quartzsite dates are Jan 18th thru 26th, 2014 The Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show :: General Info (http://www.quartzsitervshow.com/rv/rv-general-info/)
We will be there.
Roland
Problem with the rallys that are being planned or at least considered is that they all take place in the South or South East. That is a long way for us in the North West that would love to participate but wouldn't travel that far just to do so. Any one interested in a rally or get together in the Pacific North West? Thanks and have a great day ---- Fritz
We'll be in Anacortes for most of July (Pioneer trails). There are usually other FTs there.
George and Pat
I'm not a fan of Quartzsite. IMHO, a God forsaken place. But we would like to support a FF Rally. However, we plan to attend another informal Foretravel Rally in Indio, CA in conjunction with the FMCA rally in Indio from January 8-12, 2014. That FT "rally" is still in the planning stages...only a few coaches are planning to be there as far as I now.
Anacortes in July, Sounds great. Would it be feasible to have a place in this forum for people to list rallys, get togethers, etc. so that other people wandering thru that area could stop and have a show and tell??
George ---- Send me some details, phone numbers, etc by pm. Thanks and have a great day ---- Fritz
A rally in the North West ---you bet say maybe St Anthony , Idaho in July . I will for sure do that .Brad Metzger
George, do you have any more details on that FT informal rally in Indio?
We plan on going to the FMCA one but not sure where well be staying.
Richard B
Dori & I are planning to do the FMCA rally in Indio but this is the first I've heard of an "informal" Foretravel rally. If there is one I'm all for it. We plan to head to Quartzsite afterwards. We'll probably be there from the 19th till we tired of dry camping. So maybe a couple of days. :) Depends on how much fun we're having.
see ya
ken
The Indio thing is still very informal, but I guess we better start getting things organized. I just asked for some time off from my job at Kitt Peak today. I'll talk to Pat and let everyone know what we plan to do... when we know what we plan to do!
George
I guess you missed the great museum in Q
best, paul
We could possibly do an Idaho in July thing. Gotta be in Wyoming for a family wedding in August. Are we talking Idaho is this the Indio thing? Big difference. Spent 14 months in Calif a couple of years ago and that's all we need of them for a lifetime.