Community Forums

osok · 11-29-2013, 06:57 PM

My short membership experience(6 months) has been excellent. I purchased a MH that needed tires due to age and saved many years of member dues by using the Michelin tire program. I find the magazine okay reading and it has been an aide to get me adjusted to RV lifestyle and options.

Presently we are in the planning stage to attend the Perry rally in March by including it in our second 6 week trip since getting our MH. Also, next year we are going to visit a couple of Chapter's outings to see if that is of interest.

For me I will participate in FMCA and if we no longer find a benefit for DW and I, we will move on.

CampDaven · 11-29-2013, 07:16 PM

Did a quick poll of my neighbors today.

MH owners with FMCA placards:
2 said they have not renewed, just have not taken the placard.
1 said the placard came with the rig. Not a member.
7 said they belonged, of those: 3 did not know why. 4 said just for the tire discount. None had been to FMCA events.

5er and TT owners were not polled. That would have been a bit awkward. FMCA is not discussed with them. They are my friends.

UFO Pilot · 11-29-2013, 07:32 PM

At the FMCA Rallies we attend, I see 40 year old MH's to new MH's, Class B's to New Prevost. The local FMCA Chapter we belong to has 30 year old MH's and new MH's. Maybe the "elitism" is only in one's mind? I have never been to a FMCA Rally where day passes weren't sold.

CampDaven · 11-29-2013, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UFO Pilot

At the FMCA Rallies we attend, I see 40 year old MH's to new MH's, Class B's to New Prevost. The local FMCA Chapter we belong to has 30 year old MH's and new MH's. Maybe the "elitism" is only in one's mind? I have never been to a FMCA Rally where day passes weren't sold.

Will they sell day passes to 5er and TT owners? Can they join?

Nevermind. It does not matter. I am done here.
FMCA may someday all meet around a small campfire and wonder. But we all know.

UFO Pilot · 11-29-2013, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CampDaven

Will they sell day passes to 5er and TT owners? Can they join?

I have friends who don't own a MH and they attend the Indio Rally. I meet MH owners who are staying in local RV Parks also attend on a day pass. I don't know if they would let you bring your TT or 5er on site.

They can't join now but the last vote on letting them join barely failed to pass. I think they will open up to towables pretty soon, but that is only my opinion.

UFO Pilot · 11-29-2013, 07:48 PM

I'm not trying to get you to join. FMCA membership works for me and that is why I choose to belong.

CampDaven · 11-29-2013, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UFO Pilot

I'm not trying to get you to join. FMCA membership works for me and that is why I choose to belong.

Understood.

But FMCA is truly losing allure, and customers, and revenue, with their current limited customer base.

How can they close their doors to the majority of the RVing public, the 5er and TT folks; truly very fine folks; a tremendous cash-flow source. They are ignoring fairness and possibly their own survival.

How could I display an FMCA placard on my rig and face my neighbors that are not welcome?

**JohnRR** · 11-29-2013, 08:04 PM

dons2346 · 11-29-2013, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UFO Pilot

They can't join now but the last vote on letting them join barely failed to pass. I think they will open up to towables pretty soon, but that is only my opinion.

Sorry to disagree but I was one of those voting at the last convention. The vote failed with a greater margin than it has for the past few years.

And yes, towables are welcome to attend any FMCA rally/convention. There are quite a few that come to an FMCA event to purchase a motorhome.

UFO Pilot · 11-29-2013, 09:50 PM

"The vote failed with a greater margin than it has for the past few years."

I was misinformed then by one of those who voted also.

CampDaven · 11-30-2013, 07:13 AM

FMCA membership declined at a 7.8% annual rate in the first 6 months of 2013. Staffing was cut by 45% during the same period.

Sad

Steve Ownby · 11-30-2013, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CampDaven

Will they sell day passes to 5er and TT owners? Can they join? Nevermind. It does not matter. I am done here. FMCA may someday all meet around a small campfire and wonder. But we all know.

For a guy who professes to be "done here" you seem to be having a hard time letting go.

I'm not sure why a guy who has so obviously never been a member, is so negative about an organization that he is gleefully hoping fails.

Why does an organization named:
Family
Motor
Coach
Association
Seem to be elitist to you? It was founded for motorhome owners and their unique issues.

I personally have never been a joiner and certainly not a "elitist country club type". FMCA is a diverse organization whose members own motorhomes of all types and ages and I have never met anyone at an FMCA event who seemed the least bit elite.

If you are truly "done here" then give the rest of us a break. Please don't even consider joining FMCA. I for one am sick to death of the relentless negative posting. Nobody here is advocating for you to join.

palehorse89 · 11-30-2013, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Ownby

For a guy who professes to be "done here" you seem to be having a hard time letting go.

I'm not sure why a guy who has so obviously never been a member, is so negative about an organization that he is gleefully hoping fails.

Why does an organization named:
Family
Motor
Coach
Association
Seem to be elitist to you? It was founded for motorhome owners and their unique issues.

I personally have never been a joiner and certainly not a "elitist country club type". FMCA is a diverse organization whose members own motorhomes of all types and ages and I have never met anyone at an FMCA event who seemed the least bit elite.

If you are truly "done here" then give the rest of us a break. Please don't even consider joining FMCA. I for one am sick to death of the relentless negative posting. Nobody here is advocating for you to join.

Very well said Steve and with that in "mind" HATS OFF TO YA!

CampDaven · 11-30-2013, 08:04 AM

I was invited to join. I had thought of joining. I would like to join. But I cannot in good concience leave my non MH friends out.

The idea of including non MH RVs is not new. I was hoping to revive the thought, only because it makes such good sense in light of the possible demise of FMCA.

The letter from Bill Reichert is totally on point. I do wish the "motorcoach holdouts" addressed here can finally see what is happening.
http://community.fmca.com/topic/3495...nkel-oct-2009/

Membership is down 40% since 2004.

I will not raise a white flag on this issue, but I am done trying on this thread as it is obviously futile.