Motorcade

Topic: Motorcade (Read 2798 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Motorcade

Reply #25 – May 31, 2016, 10:24:30 am

Quote from: TheGadgetGuru – May 31, 2016, 10:02:24 am

I'll ask if it's possible to place a placard that displays the membership number on the dash when participating in Motorcade events?

When we were MC club members, we felt the same way about the numbers and did not install them. We taped them to the inside of the windshield in order to attend a Grandvention (you are required to display them for any MC event, there are even rules about placement, IIRC). When questioned we just said we hadn't had time to put them on the coach. Otherwise they lived in a cabinet.

Re: Motorcade

Reply #26 – May 31, 2016, 10:32:55 am

I think it is a requirement. If you are in a motorcade they need to be able to identify you. They are not hard to remove with a low setting on a heat gun.

I believe the minimum number of coaches in a Motorcade trip is 14. Many will have more and the trip managers need to keep track of every one. They want you to have a CB radio too. Now that everyone has a cell phone maybe not but half way to Alaska that may be the only way to call. They don't always travel in a convoy either. Usually when they are going from point a to point b departure is no later than some rime and arrival is no later than some time. So you travel at whatever pace is comfortable for you.

Re: Motorcade

Reply #27 – May 31, 2016, 12:27:50 pm

Quote from: TheGadgetGuru – May 31, 2016, 10:02:24 am

The Motorcade sounds like a wonderful method of traveling safely in a group with others who share common interests. My only question has to do with the numbers that are affixed to the top/front of the coach. My questions is: Is this a requirement or is it optional?

The reason I ask is that if I purchase a new or pre-owned Foretravel, I'm going to be a bit apprehensive to affix decals to the exterior of a new (or new to me) coach. I'll ask if it's possible to place a placard that displays the membership number on the dash when participating in Motorcade events?

I think it's a requirement.

As were name badges to be worn at rallies.

I supported the so cal and north cal local chapters while I sales managed the ca store in the late 80's.

Everyone enjoyed the gatherings.

Had 115 coaches dry camped at the LA Rv show at dodger stadium in November 1988. Giant barbecue in the parking lot.

Made it into a buddy rally as it was not a motorcade or chapter rally but a sales rally.

What fun. Miss those old days a lot

Re: Motorcade

Reply #28 – May 31, 2016, 12:48:44 pm

Yes the numbers, properly affixed, along with the name badges are a "requirement". Unless you are with a group traveling for many days, a Motorcade, I don't think anyone will push for adherence to the rules.

When I bought my then five year old coach, the numbers had already been removed. Although they were originally affixed at the factory when brand new, they left no lasting sign of ever having been there. I went about four years without asking for my own set of numbers and having them applied according to the directions.

Re: Motorcade

Reply #29 – May 31, 2016, 12:52:43 pm

I do not believe that the MC decals placed on the nose and tail of the coach are mandatory. I like to see them as it helps identify fellow MC members - many of which are also members here. I also use them as a visual identifier for visitors. I tell them look for # 17212 - our MC #.

Re: Motorcade

Reply #30 – May 31, 2016, 01:03:03 pm

According to the rules book "In order to participate in Motorcade Club activities, Club Numbers and emblems (logo) must be applied in their Proper location on the front and rear of your motorhome. See article VII-Sec 1.
JohnH

Re: Motorcade

Reply #31 – May 31, 2016, 01:36:14 pm

While I understand the need to keep "gate crashers" I believe that many times the rule can be rediculous. We were new to MC and new to FT, had put the numbers up where they were supposed to be but had trouble getting the MC name thinging up. Got to our first rally and the two guys at the gate didn't want to let us in since we didn't have the name thing displayed. They knew who I was and could cross-check my displayed number, name, and registration on their clip boards but they tried to hold firm of not letting me in. Wonderfully friendly group who need/want more members but some are a bit too big for their britches.

Re: Motorcade

Reply #32 – May 31, 2016, 02:30:53 pm

For the few years I ran without numbers, I was only told a couple of times they were required. They let it slide. But these were chapter rallies, not Motorcades with many coaches from all over and for weeks at a time.

We all frequently look up numbers when we see an an unfamiliar coach. It is helpful to know who these people are when we introduce ourselves as members, not as strangers.

Re: Motorcade

Reply #33 – May 31, 2016, 03:53:47 pm

We are not members, yet, but seems like a great group! I'm still fried from when we unknowingly pulled into a Airstream convention; everyone was wearing the Wally Byam berets at the entry, all waved, until someone noticed WE HAD NO NUMBERS! Hands went down, eyes were averted, and I could feel the "vibe". We bailed, too "cluby" for us!

Re: Motorcade

Reply #34 – May 31, 2016, 06:15:45 pm

This is coming from the point of view of an outsider and no disrespect is intended.

I can understand the need to know that specific coaches are a part of a rally, event or a long group trip. However, not having an alternative method to somewhat permanent decals does seem to have its share of drawbacks. It seems like having some identifying factor that's easily removable when not needed, while being fully visible in the windshield during events would suffice for this purpose.

I'm sure some seasoned motorhome travelers can answer this: How do other organizations differentiate participating coaches to those who are just tagging along? Is this type of designation specific to the Motorcade Club or is it a standard for other groups as well?

This brings up another question: What do the numbers designate?

Yes, I'm still learning!

Re: Motorcade

Reply #35 – May 31, 2016, 06:24:01 pm

I took a Fantasy RV tour and they had stuff they wanted me to put on the front and back of the coach but I taped it in the front window as we were not moving during the Balloonfest. At the GV they have a listing of numbers when you come in for parking and have laid out where to park and the parkers only have a number. It is how the mobile techs find you as well. In some years there are a number of coaches that look alike so the number helps me find a friend. It seems some have opinions on them and others do not really care. I would say putting them in the windshield for an event should be enough but the club wants them on the front and back cap. I can see on a motorcade to know who is coming in and who is parking with the group.

Re: Motorcade

Reply #36 – May 31, 2016, 06:42:50 pm

This number thing is not unique to Mororcade. It might have started with airstream, and other clubs do the same. It solves a lot of issues with nearly identical units.

I for one don't mind having the numbers there. For One thing, another MC member can greet me by name when he rings my doorbell. We all have the directory.

Re: Motorcade

Reply #37 – May 31, 2016, 07:22:28 pm

Gee Andy, I hope putting a MC ID on your coach doesn't dissuade you from joining for a year to try it out. Unless you put your Gadget Guru likeness on the front of your Foretravel (when you finally buy one) how else are we going to know that it is you! 😀
There must be some display gadget for this.

Re: Motorcade

Reply #38 – May 31, 2016, 07:39:08 pm

+2. Numbers are free from the club they go way up high where you have to look forward to seeing him and frankly that real estate is not that important from an aesthetic standpoint, and the only people that can identify me via the number other motorcade club members that have the directory For me the numbers ate a non issue and I do have them on my coach.
As for what they designate it is a sequential number based on when you join.
So if you maintain your membership and change coaches your number stays the same and moves with you Not only do they produce the numbers for free, but in the past if you were in Nacogdoches they would also put them on your coach. They are also capable of color coordinating different colors based on your coach color scheme

Re: Motorcade

Reply #39 – May 31, 2016, 09:06:20 pm

Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 – May 31, 2016, 07:22:28 pm

There must be some display gadget for this.

I was thinking something on the level of an LED display that can be turned on or off for a rally or meet up. But, I have to say, I like your idea better!

Re: Motorcade

Reply #40 – May 31, 2016, 09:15:44 pm

Quote from: TheGadgetGuru – May 31, 2016, 09:06:20 pm

I was thinking something on the level of an LED display that can be turned on or off

*SNORK* I just pictured a city bus with the revolving "destination" lettering

(now who's going to clean the wine off my laptop?)

Re: Motorcade

Reply #41 – May 31, 2016, 10:22:14 pm

Ya, the city bus image was what I was going for. 🚍

Re: Motorcade

Reply #42 – June 01, 2016, 12:29:50 am

I love having Motorcade numbers on my coach! We have been to very few Grandventions, only a few Chapter events, and never on a Motorcade trip (although we have signed up for several and then life intervened). But, as John said, it helps tech or others identify your coach in a large parking site at an event ... we can look up the identity of a coach we see parked somewhere or heading down the road, and then contact them later ... usually through this Forum!! I have Foretravel Motorcade numbers on my coach, FMCA numbers on a plaque, an Escapee number ... I am proud to be members of these groups! I will admit that I have been to a Grandvention where I was totally on the fringes of some of the long-standing and cherished procedures. Lots of "Kumbayah" and some holding of hands and singing the goodbye song in a circle... and it can feel a bit "clubby". But I was never made to feel like an outsider because I chose not to participate in certain activities. 99% of the folks were warm and friendly and inviting and open. The few who might be otherwise are easily identified and avoided. I am totally good with having numbers on my coach!!

Re: Motorcade

Reply #43 – June 01, 2016, 09:00:31 am

Only problem I have with the numbers is they don't stick very well. When we got our coach, the old numbers on it were a large, blocky style with lots of surface area. They were stuck on GOOD! The new style numbers sent to me by the Club are all frilly and delicate looking, with thin little sections of vinyl. I did my best to apply them to a clean surface, but after three years they are already peeling off in several places. I wish the Club would go back to a more "manly" design. End of rant.

Re: Motorcade

Reply #44 – June 01, 2016, 01:12:46 pm

We are going on our first motorcade trip this August ! Looking forward to it . We have been to our local chapter rallies and to some Grandventions . We have enjoyed all that we have been too! We have also been to another chapter's rally and was very welcomed and loved it too. We just happen to be in their area when they were having a rally. Enjoyed meeting everyone

and the activities. And of course, we were well feed!

Re: Motorcade

Reply #45 – June 01, 2016, 02:20:51 pm

Quote from: ems3135 – June 01, 2016, 01:12:46 pm

We are going on our first motorcade trip this August ! Looking forward to it...

Ellen - upon your return Mary and I, along with others I'm sure, would be interested in your experience as a 1st timer. Please share.

Re: Motorcade

Reply #46 – June 01, 2016, 09:42:27 pm

Sure ! But we are going to Colorado and it is beautiful during Aug. and Sept. I know we have two train rides and two rafting trips .

Re: Motorcade

Reply #47 – June 01, 2016, 11:35:58 pm

Discounts, adventures, rallies, a "hot line" (for a little more cash), --- what's the downside? Compared to the cost of operating a DP coach, the price is trivial. Try it out.

The vinyl graphics that stick to your coach will not harm the finish. (That's my experience with a "Level 1" paint job.)

We've been to several rallies, and we toured Alaska on a Motorcade experience. The events have generally exceeded our expectations.

We consider our participation in Motorcade and Foreforums valuable enhancements to our RV and "travel adventure" experience.

Re: Motorcade

Reply #48 – June 02, 2016, 08:12:11 pm

As far as Audrey and I are concerned the Motorcade Club including Motorcades, Rallies, and the Grandvention, and this forum, ARE the primary reason to own a Foretravel for all the great reasons noted above. The common thread being the Motorcade people. Absolutely the greatest. The quality of the Foretravel is just a big bonus.

Re: Motorcade

Reply #49 – June 02, 2016, 08:26:48 pm

Great thread.

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