Possible expansion of "Help Assist"...just some thoughts.....

[Ncbob]

While reading the FMCA Monthly this morning I came across a Thank You article from an RVer who'd injured his back
in CA but lived in AZ and his wife could not drive their coach.  It got me to thinking as to how we could make our world better for all who live in it.

Dave Siegel manages the Help Assist list of folks who can volunteer some measure of assistance to those of us traveling and break down or whatever. That list does not include Pinch Hit Drivers...but it well could. Think of this:

Our pal, Florida Cliff and his family, take their bus out to TX every couple of years for a family visit.  That's a long way from FL. Hypothetically (sorry to make you the ginuea pig here, Cliff, but you have broad shoulders) he is injured out there to the point where he's unable to drive the bus home.  I know that Julie might want to try to drive and probably well could but managing two children and an injured husband while driving cross country might just be too much to ask.

If we had a Pinch Hit Driver list it's likely that someone, and their partner, could meet Cliff and get checked out on his bus and drive (with the partner following in their personal vehicle) to a point where perhaps another Pinch Hit Driver Team could take over or bring them all the way home.

Right now we have no safety net for this scenario. Too, why not add a button to the Board Home Page, as we have for the Chat Room, for 'Assistance'?  Our Moderators are on and off the Board many times a day as are many Members.
Anyone posting a situation requiring assistance would feel confident that someone would be with them quickly.

Just some thoughts and I hope, some seeds, which might fall on fertile ground.

NCbob

[H3Jim]

It would seem that this scenario does not happen very frequently.  I suspect that if anyone was in that situation and they were to post here, they would get any number of volunteers to help on the spot.  Given that belief, I don't think we need to create another tracking system that maybe no one would need to use. 

I know I've put my name on bus help / chat while you're in town etc, for 4 years and have never been called once.

[Eagle]

Bob
The MEDEX program with FMCA will do just what you are referring too.  This is in effect if you are 100 miles from home.  This alone is well worth the yearly FMCA dues.


JCB

[Ncbob]

Quite true, JC, but then not all our BusNut friends are members of FMCA (most are) but I can't imagine a person who's used to driving an RV stepping into a bus and feeling comfortable.

Guess I was wrong in my thinking.  If the Moderators wish to eliminate this thread...it's OK with me.

Bob

[Darrell]

I like your suggestion NCBob.  My personal feeling is that although the thought is great, I would not want anyone that is not experienced in driving a COACH to jump in the seat of my investment and drive it home for me.  I'm not a member of FMCA, and have not convinced myself to join yet.  I'd support your idea completely!   

[JohnEd]

Bob,

I am on the "help and visit list" and I have been called.  I was delighted to respond and made a really nice and informative friend and so did my wife.  Please add my name to your driver assist list.  I live on I5 in mid Orygun and can help in either direction to the next driver assist. 

Thanks for putting this together.

John

[mikelutestanski]

Hello      The FMCA   also publishes a list once yearly january edition of the monthly mag  that lists stoppin spots  pinch hit drivers and mechanic helpers  .     Happy bussin   mike

[Busted Knuckle]

Well yawl know me......always willing to help when able! Now hmmmm do I know anybody qualified to drive a bus? I'll have to look around and get back to ya on that one! LOL!

It would seem that this scenario does not happen very frequently.  I suspect that if anyone was in that situation and they were to post here, they would get any number of volunteers to help on the spot.  Given that belief, I don't think we need to create another tracking system that maybe no one would need to use. 

I know I've put my name on bus help / chat while you're in town etc, for 4 years and have never been called once.

Jim,
While I agree it doesn't happen that often, neither does "Hurricane Katrina". And we all saw what happened there by lack of preparedness. I'm using it as an example only because it shows in a MAJOR situation what happens, I know if it happened on a personal level it wouldn't be so dramatic. But on the other hand if it's you, that are the one in desperate need of assistance then it is THAT dramatic to you. Which may not be a national emergency, but still none the less a dramatic experience for those directly involved! Just the same with the California wild fires this past summer where Mike (MAK) personally loaned out his "Moose Creek Cabin" & at the same time requested that any board members in a postion to give any assistance to victims of the fires to do so. Which I sure those who could did! I'm all for anything that we/I can do to help anyone I can when needed if I'm able to help in a way, that is actually beneficial help!
Also I am listed on the help list and I too have been called (more than once). And I did what I was able to do. Several times I was only able to offer a # of someone much closer than I was to them (I was 3 hrs away), and several times I went and personally assisted and saw to it they got back up and going to where they were headed! So just because you haven't been called doesn't mean (A) it doesn't work! (B) or that you are not needed or important to this system! It just means that so far you have not had anyone of those who use the list need help in your area yet. Which to me is a good thing as it means no one has been in need in your area, but it still can and probably happen will some day! FWIW JMHO.
 BK  

[uncle ned]

   Evening bob how is florida  25 degrees here this morning.

A help list is great idea but i believe if someone posted on this board that they were having trouble .more help would come out of the woods than you could handle. greatest bunch of friends ever."BUSNUTS"

uncle ned

ps  hurry back to franklin

[Don Fairchild]

 uncle Ned Nice to see you posting. How are you and Wilma, I look forward to seeing both of you again.

Hey, did I ask you if you know where I could find a frame for a 1966 norton atlas. If not got any ideas. Also what do you think the Honda 250 and 305 scrambler would be worth.

I to am on the help list and have been called and helped all I could. I would do it again with out hesitation.

I believe that is one of the things we are here for.


Don

[H3Jim]

NC Bob, I did not mean to criticize the idea and the thread.  In no way was I suggesting the the moderators remove the thread.  Keep the good thoughts and ideas coming.

Jim

[Ncbob]

Jim, I know you didn't suggest that the thread be pulled, I did. It met with such a negative reaction that I felt it was probably best todo so.

I've seen once last winter and already twice this winter where RV folks had to return to their home state because of health or injury problems but didn't realize that the Pinch Hit Driver system was involved. I liked the idea particularly as it pertained to some of my friends and me. But in the future I'll concern myself about #1 and keep my thoughts to myself.

Bob

[jackhartjr]

Bob, PLEASE don't keep your thoughts to yourself...that's how we learn!
I did not take any of the responces as negative at all.  I have learned something here.

OT; Marilyn Monroe was married to Auther Miller!  And he was an playwrite!
She was married to James Dougherty first, Joe Dimaggio second and Arthur Miller last.
(You would have had to been at FLCliff's "Gathering amongst the Oaks Friday to understand that!)

Jack

[Dallas]

Bob, Get your fuzzies out of the vice and don't be so sensitive....

I just reread all the posts and ALL of THEM were positive in one way or another.

As you told me once, "Just because you didn't see the response you wanted, didn't make it a bad idea!"

I think it's a great idea, and you are just the guy to implement it, figure out the parameters and take care of the logistics. Once you have that done, set up a type of format that you want it in and I'll post it to all the boards I belong to with a link to wherever it's hosted.

It doesn't have to be hosted here or at BNO or on any of the major boards, but it could be set up in one of the free hosting sites and have links on the help pages of each of the major boards and possibly places like SKP's, Tincan Tourists, FMCA, or any other place that would have it.

Keep the ideas coming, we need them!

Dallas

PS: How many does it have to help to make it viable? My guess is some number less than 2.
DF

[uncle ned]

   Don 

I will get back in the barn and see,  think i have one but it is most likley older than that ,about the first or 2nd year of the swing arm
56 or57. Honda scrambler type are getting more valuable ever day. check on vintage motorcycles mag.

look forward to seeing you again. working on a cold air rad for huggy to see if that will help keep her cool. Then i won't have to slow down on the hills.

bob

don't let some people get to you we all like to hear your ideas and your humor. Miss seeing you and the nice lady that has to put up with you.


ned