By Chuck Woodbury
The Family Motor Coach Association, commonly known as FMCA, has drastically reduced the cost of a new membership. The normal fee is $60 for the first year and then $50 per year thereafter. But through the end of July, the club is offering a one-year, no strings attached membership for $24, a $36 savings, as part of its a “60th Birthday Celebration.” The deal is for new members only.
I joined FMCA half my life ago, when I was just getting started RVing and was far younger than most members, probably in their mid-60s then. At the time it was the second largest club behind Good Sam. I have been a member off and on (mostly on) ever since. I am now a commercial member, which benefits me both as an individual and a business.
Until a few years ago, FMCA was for motorhome owners only. It’s now open to all RVers, no matter what type of RV. To my knowledge, it is still the second largest RV club behind Good Sam. But Good Sam is really not a club anymore, ever since Marcus Lemonis and his Camping World took over. Lemonis once called the club a “marketing tool” for Camping World and his other enterprises, and he has treated it that way ever since.
FMCA is still a non-profit organization. Its loyal members are mostly in their 60s and 70s, although the club is trying to lower that a bit. FMCA’s focus lately has been increasing member benefits, which you can see here. Many members consider the club’s monthly magazine worth the price of joining.
The club still holds national (U.S. and Canada) and regional rallies. It’s semi-annual International Convention and Expo is coming August 23-26, in Gillette, Wyoming.
To join the club for $24, you must use this link. Otherwise, you’ll pay the regular rate. And, for the record, RVtravel.com receives no compensation or benefits from the club for publicizing this offer.
If you have ever considered joining FMCA, now would be the time.
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The FMCA has some advantages for members including the fact that they have a service included in the membership where they will bring you and your RV home if you have an emergency on the road.
We also looked at the various roadside assistance programs and we feel theirs is the best so we have that.
Lastly, if you do join might I suggest joining a chapter. That’s where we’ve enjoyed our membership the most – spending time with others. There are also special-interest chapters – for example I belong to one that travels to rail-oriented destinations but there are also chapters for you normal people.
When we first got into RV’ing in 96 we quickly got a life membership in Good Sam – because it seemed like the thing to do. Now, we still are members of Good Sam but only because of that life membership.
I joined in the 80″s and took a life membership also. That’s when there were benefits – like Hiways Magazine, local chapters, trip planning, advocacy, discounts on merchandise etc.. Since Lemonis has virtually destroyed it by cancelling these benefits – I would not join it again and especially a life membership if it is even offered anymore.
I thought this article is about FMCA…not Good Sam! Are you and DW/ND members of FMCA? If so, would appreciate your thoughts on that organization.
We have Good Sam too but I don’t see a problem having both.
Too bad they can’t offer this for renewals too.
FMCA’s Tire Discount Program pays the price of membership many times over, and their magazine is great.
Joined today, thank you for the info. I did not renew my Good Sam a couple of months ago after being a member since the 80’s.
Thank you, Chuck! We’ve been members for 8, or so, years. I renewed several months ago when a different discount offer was made to existing members. I think that our current membership expires in three or four years. 🙂
Attempted to join but they are telling me “Promo Code Not Valid”. Any work around?
Hi, Tom. I sent your comment to Chuck to see if he can contact someone at FMCA about this. Thanks for your patience in the meantime. Have a great day. 😀 -Diane at RVtravel.com