Family Motor Coach Rallies

I'm not a member of FMCA. I did get a day pass to the National Rally in Indianapolis, IN. My wife and I had a great time visiting with members and vendors. Spent an entire day there. What I liked most about the rally was it was ALL motorhomes. We left there thinking we would definitely join. They also have a great magazine with articles pertaining to motorhomes. When we arrived home we discovered that FMCA would be voting to allow ALL RVs to be members. I have nothing against TTs. I owned one for several years but the draw for me was FMCA is all motorhomes because that's what I'm interested in. I've been following the FMCA forum and it appears the motion to accept all RVs will pass. I've contacted the Cincinnati office several times trying to get more info on this motion, and my opinion is the "vote" is not legitimate. The Board will manipulate the out come in their favor, pro TT. Just my opinion. FMCA will be just another Good Sam Club.

The only Chapter I am aware of that has left is Freightliner Owners Chapter (now Club). Freightliner wanted to offer the benefits to ALL Freightliner owners but the FMCA required FMCA membership, so they created their own club. I have abbreviated and oversimplified but that is the gist of what happened. I was a member and am a member of both FMCA and the FOCC. There may be others I am not a part of.

Not sure that any benefits have been dropped in recent years. Some have been renegotiated and exchanged for other providers such as road service. The Tire program alone is enough to justify my continued membership. Deep discount on six new Michelins every five years more than cover the cost of membership.

RLS7201 wrote:

wallynm wrote:
FMCA membership is dropping and something needs to be done to have more members. IMHO they can not survive on the current membership. Some affiliated FMCA clubs are dropping ties because of FMCA restrictions. The perks membership were provided have been scaled back.

We belong to both Good Sam and FMCA and enjoy both.

Could you please provide the details of "PERKS", that have been scaled back. And what "restrictions" are in place that are driving chapters to leave. Also would you share the names of the chapters that are leaving.

Thanks
Richard

Richard, I believe he was simply repeating what FMCA has been saying at their rallies. We went to the one in Phoenix and FMCA leadership talked about those very items when they said they were considering opening up the membership to others that did not own motorhomes. This change may, in fact, impact FMCA to the extent it becomes a Good Sam type club. That, IMO, isn't all bad. FMCA provides more 'perks' again, IMO, than GS does, but they are both worth their membership fees....Dennis

wallynm wrote:
FMCA membership is dropping and something needs to be done to have more members. IMHO they can not survive on the current membership. Some affiliated FMCA clubs are dropping ties because of FMCA restrictions. The perks membership were provided have been scaled back.

We belong to both Good Sam and FMCA and enjoy both.

Could you please provide the details of "PERKS", that have been scaled back. And what "restrictions" are in place that are driving chapters to leave. Also would you share the names of the chapters that are leaving.

Thanks
Richard

Bill.Satellite wrote:
FMCA is in the process of voting to allow all types of RV's into the club. This will dilute what was a great organization into just another Good Sam club. If you have a motorhome and can go to one of their rallies now you should have a great time, be able to visit with vendors selling products specific to motorhome owners. I appears the measure to allow all RV's into FMCA will pass which will end the unique quality this organization has provided to it's members for many years.
You are about to witness the death of FMCA and the birth of another Good Sam. It will no longer be called the Family Motor coach Assn. as that would no longer be appropriate. It will just be FMCA with no particular meaning.

What is missing from Bill's post is, all chapters will have the freedom to allow or disallow any type of RV. Including the capacity to reject any one requesting membership in the chapter.
So the chapters are still in control.

Richard

FMCA membership is dropping and something needs to be done to have more members. IMHO they can not survive on the current membership. Some affiliated FMCA clubs are dropping ties because of FMCA restrictions. The perks membership were provided have been scaled back.

We belong to both Good Sam and FMCA and enjoy both.

Bill.Satellite wrote:
FMCA is in the process of voting to allow all types of RV's into the club. This will dilute what was a great organization into just another Good Sam club. If you have a motorhome and can go to one of their rallies now you should have a great time, be able to visit with vendors selling products specific to motorhome owners. I appears the measure to allow all RV's into FMCA will pass which will end the unique quality this organization has provided to it's members for many years.
You are about to witness the death of FMCA and the birth of another Good Sam. It will no longer be called the Family Motor coach Assn. as that would no longer be appropriate. It will just be FMCA with no particular meaning.

FMCA is in the process of voting to allow all types of RV's into the club. This will dilute what was a great organization into just another Good Sam club. If you have a motorhome and can go to one of their rallies now you should have a great time, be able to visit with vendors selling products specific to motorhome owners. I appears the measure to allow all RV's into FMCA will pass which will end the unique quality this organization has provided to it's members for many years.
You are about to witness the death of FMCA and the birth of another Good Sam. It will no longer be called the Family Motor coach Assn. as that would no longer be appropriate. It will just be FMCA with no particular meaning.

Have been to several Family Conventions and regional and chapter rallies. Always fun, great bunch of RVers. Benefits of membership are excellent, tire program, FMCA/Assist for medical issues away from home base, great magazine and much more. Been a member since '04
oops, just noticed member since '02 - ooee that was some long time ago :)

I belong to FMCA and have gone to two rallies. I enjoyed both of them a lot. There were lots of good seminars, I learned a lot, and the people were great. I recommend that you go to one.

I'm a FMCA member. Was thinking about the Texarkana rally but decided to do SeaLand and Perry in the spring insead. You'll find a bunch of great people at the rally and a good way to enjoy a few days of fun and relaxation. Useally plenty of vendors and some good music. Since you are in Texarkana it would be a good tine to check one out.