FMCA Memebership ?

Skid Row Joe wrote:

John S. wrote:
THe FMCA is dying a slow death. They have not embraced the younger demographic and still run their rallies during the week. I asked the former EVP Eversman why and he said that their members were retired and they saw no need to change. So, the big rally's went from 5-8000 units to 2-3000 and will continue to dwindle. Now some of this is because the number of new coaches sold has not come back so the total number of MH owners is less. I belong since they are a MH advocacy group but find I get very little for my money. I do not think I will get much out of the big rallies they hold either after being around motorhomes for 14 years and 350,000 miles and remodeling from the frame up one coach now. I think that the demographic of joiners is slowing fading and the next demographic needs more substance to join something.

I would not join it to get insurance. There are better ways and cheaper to do that.

Yup. FMCA is a dying breed. What with the conglomeration and synergy of all the Camping World/Good Sam/RV.net/Trailer Life, etc. that Marcus Melonis' powerhouse is expanding into - I don't see them lasting much longer. I haven't been an FMCAer in almost 30 years!

The only thing I liked about it because I own one, was that it was specifically for motorhomes - not trailers, etc.

A valuable opinion from someone who had the same opinion 30 years ago! Sure FMCA is losing members as are most other organizations. IMHO FMCA offers great benefits to the RVing world and is in no danger of failing. And by the way FMCA now offers membership to trailer owners. The Good Sam conglomerate's rapid expansion is risky and I wouldn't invest. The huge amount of mail I receive demonstrates more and more desperation. Good luck.
Jack H

Also the Office Depot discount. I saved $20 on a purchase a few weeks ago.

Jaime

I joined FMC when we switched from fifth wheel to a motorcoach and I was looking for information on what car we could use as a toad. Read the magazine and this year on our way home from Texas went to the big rally in Perry GA. We have now joined a chapter and have registered for an other regional rally. At the rally the new president announced that they had a net gain in membership in the recent past.

John S. wrote:
THe FMCA is dying a slow death. They have not embraced the younger demographic and still run their rallies during the week. I asked the former EVP Eversman why and he said that their members were retired and they saw no need to change. So, the big rally's went from 5-8000 units to 2-3000 and will continue to dwindle. Now some of this is because the number of new coaches sold has not come back so the total number of MH owners is less. I belong since they are a MH advocacy group but find I get very little for my money. I do not think I will get much out of the big rallies they hold either after being around motorhomes for 14 years and 350,000 miles and remodeling from the frame up one coach now. I think that the demographic of joiners is slowing fading and the next demographic needs more substance to join something.

I would not join it to get insurance. There are better ways and cheaper to do that.

Yup. FMCA is a dying breed. What with the conglomeration and synergy of all the Camping World/Good Sam/RV.net/Trailer Life, etc. that Marcus Melonis' powerhouse is expanding into - I don't see them lasting much longer. I haven't been an FMCAer in almost 30 years!

The only thing I liked about it because I own one, was that it was specifically for motorhomes - not trailers, etc.

I recommend FMCA for what you get for your$$$, "BUT" it's not for everyone. On a recommendation from a friend we joined shortly after buying our 1st. MH in 1992 and became affiliated with a "large" local very active chapter here in So. Louisiana. Don't regret it a bit and have made lifelong friends in the group from many parts of the South.
From the chapter a few smaller groups have formed and each has some sort of get-together every year.
Now we don't attend the national FMCA but will attend the 6state rallys when near enough and our chapter is a host or co-host. These are OK but not near as much fun as our local chapter rallies.
Check the magazine and find out the schedule of rallies and talk to anyone who has the black egg with their number on their coach.
As in any organization you need to be active to get the most out of it.
Try it, you might like it.

Dave & Miss Sue

Medico wrote:
Two benefits that make the low membership fee cost effective:
1) Tire discount if you wish to have Michelin tires.

2) FMCA has a 15 site, full hookup campground in Cincinnati at their mail forwarding service that members can use for free 2 nights per month. I paid for my membership the first night I stayed there.

I guess there are 3 primary benefits:

3) Aforementioned mail forwarding service works well.

Wish you had said something....Id have come down to visit you....Im only about 10 miles or so from their camping spaces....:E..:S

See you are from Vermont..check out the NE FMCA Rally coming up this summer in the Burlington area, we made the trip in our B+ two years ago had a great time.

You can also recoup part of the $50 if you belong to or join Sam's Club. I received a $10 Sam's Club gift card when I renewed my Sam's Club membership last month. I tore the page out of the FMCA magazine and brought it with me. I think you receive a $25 gift card if you're a PLUS member.

FMCA Chapters are a great way to meet people and socialize. We belong to two chapters and have met so many wonderful people thru them both.

Thank you all for the great information.

As an FMCA member you can download the yearly FMCA magazine towing guide for free, going back to at least '99, Motorhome magazine requires a fee per year the last time I looked. We use the Cincinnati RV parking with hookups at least 3 to 4 nights a year.