ForeForums FMCA chapter interest poll

Topic: ForeForums FMCA chapter interest poll (Read 1915 times) previous topic - next topic

ForeForums FMCA chapter interest poll

May 20, 2011, 09:02:17 am

This is a study to see if we have enough interest to form a ForeForums FMCA Chapter

Many folks have expressed the desire to get together so we can socialize as a group. At chapter gatherings we can actually share in our cumulative experience "live". Imagine that you can now be actually shown where that mini light bulb is by one of the more experienced and technically inclined and willing folks on the forum. Or, how to get at that forsaken fuel filter for the generator? Or, more importantly, decide, once and for all, which is "the best hot dog in America"?

Reason to organize as an FMCA chapter: FMCA provides the liability insurance at no cost to the chapter for gatherings at public & private campgrounds.

To become a ForeForums Chapter member you would need to be a member of FMCA.

Annual Foreforums Chapter dues of $15 would cover the ForeForums SMF web fees and other chapter activities.

You do not have to be a Chapter member to continue enjoying the ForeForums.

The ForeForums FMCA chapter is not intended to compete with, duplicate, or replace the Foretravel Motorcade Club, its chapters, or activities. Foretravel is aware of the interest in formation of a ForeForums FMCA chapter and isn't opposed to it as it will be separate from and doesn't compete with Motorcade.

Re: ForeForums FMCA chapter interest poll

Reply #1 – May 20, 2011, 09:06:53 am

I'm in... FMCA/Motorclub member

Re: ForeForums FMCA chapter interest poll

Reply #2 – May 20, 2011, 09:14:56 am

Quote from: Dave Head – May 20, 2011, 09:06:53 am

I'm in...

Dave,

There's a poll on the website at the top of that topic (I'm suspecting you replied to the topic by e-mail, and you won't see the poll unless you visit the site). Don't forget to vote

Michelle

Re: ForeForums FMCA chapter interest poll

Reply #3 – May 20, 2011, 12:46:49 pm

Answered poll saying I would become a member. As to the rest of it, have been officer and organizator of other (non-RV organizations) and enough is enough. We will let someone else take their turn. If you need help, I will be more than glad, but it will be long distance (email and phone) due to my location. As to rallies, if we hit one right, but we plan a year in advance and already have next March planned. If you do something in my area, I will be here to help and do footwork.

Re: ForeForums FMCA chapter interest poll

Reply #4 – May 27, 2011, 10:08:21 am

Quote from: Steve & Michelle – May 20, 2011, 09:02:17 am

This is a study to see if we have enough interest to form a ForeForums FMCA Chapter

Hey folks,

Over 1300 members (ok, not everyone is active) but only 50 votes so far. Please take a moment to answer the poll and let us know if this is something you're interested in.

Many thanks

Re: ForeForums FMCA chapter interest poll

Reply #5 – May 27, 2011, 11:05:35 am

Pardon a dumb question, but just what exactly is a FMCA? When I ordered parts from FT they asked if I was a motorcade member. I don't know what that is either.

Re: ForeForums FMCA chapter interest poll

Reply #6 – May 27, 2011, 11:16:18 am

For me, I would be interested in a Forefourm group rally, I have little interest in the FMCA mass confusion. Count me in for a Forefourm rally, if wihin a reasonable distance, or not in FL in mid summer or Me in dead winter.
Cheers

Re: ForeForums FMCA chapter interest poll

Reply #7 – May 27, 2011, 11:33:13 am

Ditto on Dave's remarks. The only reason we belong to FMCA is to get their Coachnet roadside service. A Foreforums rally would be great. It would be fun to meet some of our forum friends in person.

Re: ForeForums FMCA chapter interest poll

Reply #8 – May 27, 2011, 11:36:50 am

Quote from: Dave M – May 27, 2011, 11:16:18 am

For me, I would be interested in a Forefourm group rally, I have little interest in the FMCA mass confusion.

Dave,

The whole idea behind forming an FMCA chapter is so we could have a Foreforums group rally.

Quote from: Steve & Michelle – May 20, 2011, 09:02:17 am

Reason to organize as an FMCA chapter: FMCA provides the liability insurance at no cost to the chapter for gatherings at public & private campgrounds.

Many campgrounds are now requiring a liability insurance certificate in order to host a rally. By being an FMCA chapter, we'd get that automatically and for free. It would make a rally possible. Without insurance, no rally.

Quote from: Gayland Baasch – May 27, 2011, 11:05:35 am

Pardon a dumb question, but just what exactly is a FMCA? When I ordered parts from FT they asked if I was a motorcade member. I don't know what that is either.

Gayland,

In a very small nutshell

FMCA is "Family Motor Coach Association". It's an organization for motorhome owners. They put out a pretty good magazine and have lots of chapters that focus on regional and "special interest" rallies.

Motorcade is a Foretravel organization. It costs about $75-80 per year to be a Motorcade member. They organize "motorcades", which are several day to several week-long organized trips, have an annual Grandvention, have regional chapters for local rallies. Membership also gives you a 10% parts and labor discount at FOT.

Michelle

Re: ForeForums FMCA chapter interest poll

Reply #9 – May 27, 2011, 11:53:10 am

Michelle,
Understand the insurance thing. I have no issues with FMCA as long as the Foreforum Rally is not held with the expectation of going to or being at a FMCA Rally.
I have had all the joys of a FMCA Rally once, so "Been there and done that" and no need to go again. While it was fun, educational, interesting, it was also full of very snobby / intoxicated to some extent owners who did not like my MCI with the 12V-71 monster. Gave me a less than wonderful / welcome feeling in general. Have never been around such a low life class who tried to appear above it all. WOW

I am just crazy, not real stupid

Cheers

Re: ForeForums FMCA chapter interest poll

Reply #10 – May 27, 2011, 12:36:41 pm

Quote from: Gayland Baasch – May 27, 2011, 11:05:35 am

Pardon a dumb question, but just what exactly is a FMCA? When I ordered parts from FT they asked if I was a motorcade member. I don't know what that is either.

FMCA is for motor coach and motorhome owners. Motorcoach articles, motor home

Many FMCA members display the oval license tag on the back of their coach.

In addition to the benefits associated with FMCA membership http://www.fmca.com/join-family-motor-coach-association/why-join-fmca, FMCA is the "parent" organization to over 500 different chapters.

One of the primary reasons so many groups are organized under the FMCA umbrella is that FMCA provides free insurance coverage for chapter gatherings. Without that umbrella coverage, most CG's will not even consider allowing a group to hold events on their property. And if they did, and someone were injured, it would put club officers/rally hosts in a very bad position personally.

Brett

Re: ForeForums FMCA chapter interest poll

Reply #11 – May 27, 2011, 12:54:23 pm

We have attended 2 FMCA rallys... one at Perry Nat'l fairgrounds in 2009 (which was HUGE!!) where we had lots of things done to the coach at our site(!) and got some great deals from umpteen vendors. We split up and attended seminars on all manner of topics, saved a good bit of money on things like filters, window tinting, headliner cleaning, etc. We met a very nice bunch of people who were more interested in enjoying the event than they were in what kind of rig we were driving or how old it was. Our second FMCA event was in Albuquerque ... a bit smaller and more work to get from the parking area to the venue, but still top notch management by the event coordinators. They work their tails off, are totally organized and if you have a question or a concern and contact them by phone or email before the event, they actually get back to you promptly. I may not get to a big rally this year, but will certainly go back to others in the future.

Re: ForeForums FMCA chapter interest poll

Reply #12 – May 27, 2011, 03:57:38 pm

One of the major benefits of FMCA Membership ( at $45 Annually ) is the medical repatriation coverage. If you are incapacitated away from home they will arrange to transport you to a medical facility near your home and return your motorhome also. Actually more to it than this but that is the short version. I have no idea what it would cost to buy this kind of coverage elsewhere.
I had an experience with it that convinced me, a friend had a stroke while visiting in my coach, 8 days later they flew his wife and him home with a MEDICAL escort, and then had his MH driven to his home, only cost was airline ticket for his wife.
Gary B
Added, Thru the FMCA I have met Motorhomers all over this country and count all of them as friends. More than one experience where someone traveling thru had a problem and called for advice which I gave freely and I have received the same from others.

Re: ForeForums FMCA chapter interest poll

Reply #13 – May 27, 2011, 04:58:31 pm

Hi Steve, I noticed the slow/low response to the Poll.

Could it be kept at the top of the "Home" page for a week or so?

I think more members would see it that way when they sign on...

Re: ForeForums FMCA chapter interest poll

Reply #14 – May 28, 2011, 10:03:35 am

I did my vote but almost missed the whole thing. It is in the middle of all the other topics.
Dan Stansel 99 U270 36 on its way to MOT for consignment next week.
Now 02 U295 40

Re: ForeForums FMCA chapter interest poll

Reply #15 – May 30, 2011, 02:55:36 pm

Quote from: Steve & Michelle – May 20, 2011, 09:02:17 am

This is a study to see if we have enough interest to form a ForeForums FMCA Chapter

Reason to organize as an FMCA chapter: FMCA provides the liability insurance at no cost to the chapter for gatherings at public & private campgrounds.

To become a ForeForums Chapter member you would need to be a member of FMCA.

Annual Foreforums Chapter dues of $15 would cover the ForeForums SMF web fees and other chapter activities.

The ForeForums FMCA chapter is not intended to compete with, duplicate, or replace the Foretravel Motorcade Club, its chapters, or activities. Foretravel is aware of the interest in formation of a ForeForums FMCA chapter and isn't opposed to it as it will be separate from and doesn't compete with Motorcade.

Steve/Michelle,

Just like all your effort to get this Forum underway and all the hard work and very long hours you both put into making this project such a success, I certainly feel that your proposal to create an FMCA chapter is an admirable one.

Since I will soon be without a Foretravel to attend and participate in any of your planned programs and rallies, I don't feel it is right for me to participate in the poll. However, two things I do wish to point out are that if you don't delegate right off the bat to others in the group, you may find yourselves once again biting off a lot more than you wanted to chew. A lot of people taking little pieces, can often accomplish more and quicker than if only one or two are doing all the planning and organizing. Of course that approach also brings about a major headache. For every 10 people working on a project, you get 20 different opinions! ;-)

My second and probably biggest point is that as a Foretravel owner, I (and several others) for various reasons, have chosen NOT to belong to the Motorcade Club. That decision has prevented me from ever being allowed to attend any and all rallies, GrandVention or any other organized gathering of Foretravel owners if any kind of sponsorship or sanction that came from Foretravel corporate. In yet, if you were driving an S.O.B., you would be allowed to attend up to 3 such events--no questions asked! In my way of thinking (perhaps demented in some way), what better way to introduce someone to the "real benefits" of membership than "hands-on experience" at the local chapter level. Yes, I was given a one year FREE membership when I first purchased my coach, which did me no good whatsoever. I was automatically assigned a local chapter 3,000 miles from my home and my local chapter didn't discover my whereabouts until six months after my membership lapsed.

So, my question (or maybe concern is the better term) in organizing this new FMCA chapter, will these same ARCHAIC rules that are set forth from Corporate enter into this new FMCA chapter? While your last sentence above states "Foretravel is aware...." whose allegiance will be supportive when attending one of the FMCA National Conventions. For instance, if you are a paid MCC member, will you still be "eligible" for the 10% discount on that 50% markup?

Re: ForeForums FMCA chapter interest poll

Reply #16 – May 30, 2011, 03:04:01 pm

John, The intent is to form a group that is all inclusive of all FT owners regardless of other affiliations. Major benefit of FMCA Chapter is that we can hold Rallies ( title them, get to gethers, picnics, bull sessions etc ) and have the backup of FMCA Insurance which is required at almost any venue that you can find to hold a meeting. There is a small group operating in the background in forming a chapter and when all our ducks are in a row and interest can be accurately gauged we will proceed.
Sorry to see that you are selling your FT, whoever buys it will really get a fine machine.
Good luck in your future endeavors.
Gary B
BTW, You can remain a non coach owner of FMCA and then still be eligible to attend Chapter Rallies.

Re: ForeForums FMCA chapter interest poll

Reply #17 – May 30, 2011, 03:29:20 pm

Quote from: Gary Bouland – May 30, 2011, 03:04:01 pm

Sorry to see that you are selling your FT, whoever buys it will really get a fine machine.
Good luck in your future endeavors.
Gary B
BTW, You can remain a non coach owner of FMCA and then still be eligible to attend Chapter Rallies.

Thanks Gary. You know it took me three SOB's with a fourth motorhome (my FT) and 10 years to find the PERFECT coach. I've poured lots of money into her, but all with the idea that I was going to keep her for at least another 10 years. I can't stand to have anything that has something broken or not working properly. You're right, the person that gets this baby will have something that is better than NEW! And I'm going to miss her an awful lot.

I never knew that a non-coach owner could remain a member of FMCA. Now if only I hadn't terminated my membership a couple years ago...I wonder if the same holds true with the ForeForums?

Several on this forum have meant a lot to me over the past four plus years. I may not post as often as I used to, but it's not to say that I don't think of you! Best of everything to all those who have helped me or that I've had the privilege of helping in some small way. I just knew that all those classes at FMCA, Escapees, and Life On Wheels would pay off someday!

GypsyJohn - Soon will beginning a new chapter

Re: ForeForums FMCA chapter interest poll

Reply #18 – May 30, 2011, 04:03:02 pm

Is there a way to amend my previous vote? I didn't see the "choose ALL that apply" notation when I voted earlier.

Re: ForeForums FMCA chapter interest poll

Reply #19 – May 30, 2011, 04:12:45 pm

Quote from: Carol Savournin – May 30, 2011, 04:03:02 pm

Is there a way to amend my previous vote? I didn't see the "choose ALL that apply" notation when I voted earlier.

Carol,

You should be able to just vote again and have it replace your previous vote with your new one (if I set it up correctly....)

Michelle

Re: ForeForums FMCA chapter interest poll

Reply #20 – May 30, 2011, 04:29:04 pm

Quote from: Gary Bouland – May 30, 2011, 03:04:01 pm

BTW, You can remain a non coach owner of FMCA and then still be eligible to attend Chapter Rallies.

Quote from: John Christman – May 30, 2011, 03:29:20 pm

I never knew that a non-coach owner could remain a member of FMCA. Now if only I hadn't terminated my membership a couple years ago...I wonder if the same holds true with the ForeForums?

I did a quick check on FMCA.com and here's the relevant info

Join FMCA

"FMCA also offers a Family Associate (A) membership, which is open to former Full/Family members who no longer own a qualifying motorhome. Annual dues are the same as for Full membership."

So it appears once you're a qualifying member, you can change to "associate" membership when you no longer own a motorhome. Although they do clip you for full dues....

ForeForums will always be open to anyone with an interest in Foretravel motorhomes. There won't be a requirement to be an FMCA chapter member to be a member of the forum. The FMCA aspect, as Gary said, is so we can actually hold the rallies folks have been wanting to organize. It makes it infinitely easier since the needed insurance is provided free by FMCA.

The reason we mention "Foretravel is aware" is that we (the small group working behind the scenes) knew it would be a question asked here - "does the factory know about this?", "What do they think?". We sat down with FT earlier this month to make them aware of the interest and answer any questions or concerns. Most important was to make sure everyone knows this isn't an attempt to compete with or replace the Motorcade club. It was a successful discussion and let us go forward with the poll to gauge interest here. The chapter isn't FT-sponsored or supported, but FT is not opposed to our formation of a ForeForums FMCA chapter as long as it doesn't compete with Motorcade.

Hope that helps clarify things!

Michelle

Re: ForeForums FMCA chapter interest poll

Reply #21 – May 30, 2011, 04:31:49 pm

Quote from: Carol Savournin – May 30, 2011, 04:03:02 pm

Is there a way to amend my previous vote? I didn't see the "choose ALL that apply" notation when I voted earlier.

Thanks, Michelle! ... Jeff helped me (!!??) and I figured it out! Removed previous vote and added all that apply.

Re: ForeForums FMCA chapter interest poll

Reply #22 – May 31, 2011, 12:17:43 am

We are new Foretravel owners and are interested in Foreforum FMCA so that we might meet other FT owners. We purchased our 2003 U320 from MOT Feb. 2011 and we are really enjoying it.

We attended the FMCA Rally in Perry, Ga. this year and loved it. So many vendors and informative seminars. It would have been great to have parked with other Foretravel owners.

Re: ForeForums FMCA chapter interest poll

Reply #23 – May 31, 2011, 12:35:26 am

Hi Jim & Sandy. . .welcome to Foreforums! Noticed you are in Madison, GA. . .that's our Cocker Spaniel's name (Madison, not Georgia lol) Be sure to put your "pin" on the members' map. . .others can pull it up and see if you are close by for a "shout out". If you have trouble getting on the map, just ask. . .you'll get lots of help. Hope to see you on the road!

Re: ForeForums FMCA chapter interest poll

Reply #24 – May 31, 2011, 04:25:03 am

Welcome aboard Jim and Sandy, We are almost neighbors, I am in Conyers about 30 miles from you.
Its 4:30 AM and I am headed to the hospital for a hip replacement t'day. Would love to meet you, drop me a PM when you will be in the Conyers area and I'll buy you a beverage, but wait a couple weeks til I am up and around.

Gary B

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