FMCA Plaques

[Paladin]

Are the plaques\plates that FMCA gives of any real service value or are they just vanity and a throw away?

[H3Jim]

I suppose if someone pisses you off on the road and they have a plaque, you can look them up and vent.

I did get a discount from an RV park because I had the plaque displayed.  I have not yet paid my dues this year and so I do not have a current card - but the guy still gave me the discount.  lets see, 10% off $17, I saved $1.70 by having it.  Take that to the bank!

[FloridaCliff]

I thought that number on the plaque was how many miles you had to drive the RV/Bus until you broke even......

[Jerry Liebler]

At least 1 had to be on the bus to stay at the FMCA headquarters free campground near Cincinatti Oh.
Regards
Jerry 4107 1120

[buswarrior]

Depending on how close your paint scheme resembles an in-service coach....

It might prevent a pull over to investigate if you are running a bootleg passenger service?

You'd think that Ohio would train them to see the roof airs....

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[jackhartjr]

Busswarrier, there has to be a story in that staement???
Please tell!
Jack

[Alan Baker]

Pick up an FMCA magazine and check out Member Services.

Fmca lobby's for your rights in Washington. I know it doesn't concern you until they want us all to have a CDL or be required to stop for inspection. Or just decide were too old to drive a junky old bus.

National conventions are not my cup of tea, but they're there if you wish to attend.
I have been a member since 1976 and some of the happiest memories of my adult life happened at local chapter rallies. The same is true for my kids. They kind of grew up in FMCA and have friends from all over the USA.

I display my "Goose Egg" proudly. Linda and I are off to a FMCA bus rally in Morehead City, NC next week  then on to Florida. You might spot our Eagle somewhere on Rt 95.
Also all FMCA rallies have insurance coverage. I know you don't need it. Of course you might need it. Why gamble.

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Hi Allen,

Here too... I have been traveling with my folks since I was 4 and the "EGG" has been the social piviot point for

us since the mid 70's also. Funny, Remember we chatted about our early numbers just last month at the Delaware Rally!

See you in Morehead next week.

Nick-

[Ncbob]

For the life of me I cannot understand what this thread is all about..unless displaying the FMCA oval is about class envy. It's not a Millionaires Club..it's other people who are Rv'ers and enjoy the same lifestyle we do when we're traveling.

For the record, FMCA was originally started by the old timers in our hobby...the early Bus Conversion guys. Through the years, by growth, it has pretty much been taken over by the S/S people. I've not sensed that they look down their collective noses at us.  But you have to understand that while they might be in a financial position to buy a half million dollar coach...are they less qualified to use our highways? Are they less cordial in an RV Park? Don't they put their britches on like we do...one leg at a time? They might outnumber us..but so what?

And, in most cases, in order to belong to one of the FMCA sanctioned chapters, as we do..the Southeast Cruisers..you need to belong to FMCA!

Not a terrible price if you're broke down along the highway with the Oval on your bus and a fellow Member
be he S/S or another Busnut stops to ask if he can be of assistance.

Let's try to get our heads back on here, please......

NCbob

[jackhartjr]

What does "S/S " mean?
Probably the most laughs you have had all week when you read the question, right?
I have seen it everywhere...and when I get the answer I will probably go "DDUUHH" that was easy Jack...but until then...what is S/S .
Thanks in advance!
Jack

[Gary '79 5C]

You are correct NCBob,

But my head is low as Nick's bus is Sooooooo much cleaner than mine which is inside of a building.......

nice ride Nick,

Gary

[FloridaCliff]

What does "S/S " mean?

Sticks and Staples

[JackConrad]

    We have been FMCA members since 1984 (F72092).  I can tell you about one great benefit that is free to members and I hope none us every needs to use it.  A friend and his wife, who own a beautiful converted MC-7 were touring the Blueridge Parkway on their motorcylce (bus was at home) when they had an accident. She ended up being airlifted from the scene and required surgery to repair the open fracture to her lower leg.  They contacted MedEx (a free FMCA member service).  MedEX had her flown home to Georgia from Virginia. A nusre accompanied her from the Virginia hospital room to her house and did not leave until she was resting comfortably on her sofa.  The trip was a limo from the hospital to the airport and a limo from the other airport to her house.  Their motorcycle was not damaged and her husband drove it home, but they offered to have it transported home for them.  This service alone is worth the $35.00 per year. There are many other benefits as well.  Jack

[buswarrior]

 well....

It was back in late December 2003, southbound on I75, heading for Jack's party in Arcadia.

Ohio, as many of you know, ranks highway offences right up there with murder and treason.
The State employs vast numbers of Troopers to clearly communicate their expectations for safe and legal vehicle operation.

As a "foreigner" passing through, I am particularly careful to be operating in an approved manner while within the bounds of the state that is round at both ends and welcoming in the middle.

Since Troopers are measured in cars per mile, not miles between cars, as in other jurisdictions, having one ahead, behind or closing is not unusual.

So, the Trooper of the story appears in the mirror and closes from behind. Dramatic change in speed as he pauses off the rear bumper for a while, draws part way alongside, drops back the approved distance, and sure as shooting, turns on the Christmas lights.

Lady Buswarrior's anxiety level goes to the stratosphere for the second time that morning, as we had done the border in Detroit not that long before. God fearing honest citizen that she is, any attention from the enforcement community gives her the palpitations.

An interchange is coming up, so I wait and use the shoulder on the exit lane to stop in, so as to give the Trooper a safer place to wander at roadside.

He comes to the door, and is greeted by the family. A look of some minor confusion appears on his face. From ground level, I am scolded for not pulling over immediately, despite my attempts at professional courtesy. He steps up and has a look down the inside of the coach, stops mid-sentence and then apologizes for pulling us over. Turns out he's a commercial enforcement type, and there have been problems with bootleg charter operators, no operating authorities, no licence, no insurance, and he thought we were one.

That's it, and away he goes, wishing us a happy journey on to Florida.

The roof air conditioners weren't a clue? The non-commercial licence plates from Ontario? The wooden supports and plywood for the bunk beds visible through the side windows at the back? Maybe just curious and wanted to have a look?

So, the brand new FMCA plate, which was onboard, at Lady Buswarrior's insistance, was affixed to the engine room door at the next rest stop, where it remains to this day.

Not been stopped since?

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

You are correct NCBob,

But my head is low as Nick's bus is Sooooooo much cleaner than mine which is inside of a building.......

nice ride Nick,

Gary

Hay Gary,
When are you going to come over and see it?  You know you only live 10 miles from me....
You got my # man...Lol
Nick-