Frequently Asked Questions
Do we all travel together in a convoy?
No we do not, we usually meet at the chosen campground around 5pm for happy hour and snacks the first night. This allows us to meet each other and coordinate the activities for the rally.
Some Rallies are Traveling Rallies where we Break Camp one day and travel (same day, same way) to the next campsite for a few more days.
Are pets allowed?
Yes we are pet friendly. Please consider the heat or cold when bringing pets in your car during the side trips.
What kind of rig does everyone have?
All types of recreational vehicles are welcome in the club in accordance with FMCA Member Guidelines.
Do I need a tow car?
You do not need a tow car. You can get rides from the members who have tow cars. It is customary to offer fuel money.
How do I sign up for a rally?
Make your reservations with the RV Park as soon as you can because spaces fill up fast. We do not hold spaces. When your reservation is confirmed, contact the rally master and let them know you will be joining the Rally.
How much does it cost to attend a rally?
Generally nothing beyond your camping fee (paid to the campground). But plan on shared potlucks (bring a dish) and out to lunch or dinner (pay individually). The rally master may require some 'up front' funds to ensure booking a special event or special meal.
Frequently Asked Questions Cont.
What do you DO at a rally?
Whatever the rally master for that rally creates on the schedule! Including but not limited to: day trips to interesting, scenic, or historic sites; exploring back country via jeep trails or hiking trails; kayaking lakes or rivers if nearby; happy hours & potlucks in evening (& sometimes campfires). All activities are optional, of course. (If you want to enjoy relaxing at camp all day, that's perfectly fine ... but you'll miss out on the adventures!)
What benefits are there to joining Cuatro Estados?
· more use of your RV
· socializing with like-minded people
· creating life long friendships
· venturing to places you may not normally go and see things you might not have seen
What are the annual dues?
The club dues are $10 per person or $20.00 per couple
Must I also be a member of FMCA?
Yes, you must be a member of Family Motor Coach Association because we are a chapter of that organization.
Are children welcome?
Yes. We do many things in which they may be interested (visiting historic sites, jeep or hiking trails, etc.). However we do not plan specific activities for children, and currently have no member families with children....maybe some grandchildren!
What benefits are there to joining FMCA?
Your FMCA membership includes,
· A monthly magazine, (your source for RV insider news, repair & travel tips and member stories)
· Member credentials to identify you and your RV as a FMCA member
· A free medical emergency and travel assistance plan that protects you 24/7, worth $105 annually. If the driver of the RV becomes incapacitated, the RV is returned home.
· Roadside assistance for only $69 per year for your RV and household cars.
· Many discounts for campgrounds, tire saving program that saves you hundreds of dollars. Discounts on mail forwarding, RV insurance, mobile internet plans and health care options.
FAQ's -for Chapter Coordinators
CE Chapter Coordinators for RMMA Region I Rally-
- Have a list of attendees with contact info
- Welcome everyone from our chapter
- Poll attendees for things they might want to do as a group
- Secure a table for us to sit together
- Host post dinner campfire(s)
- Host happy hours
- Planned a driving excursion for those who wanted to attend
CE Chapter Coordinators for RMMA Regional Rally-
Prior to the rally CE members will be asked to volunteer to assist with things such as security, transportation, and seminars.
- · Secure chapter fair posters, easels, tablecloths, business cards, signs etc. from chapter president
- · Make a list of attendees and their locations or contact info
- · Welcome everyone
- · Host a happy hour(s) with heavy snacks or a pot dinner (maybe salad and soup or chili)
- · Set up the Chapter Fair and recruit new members
CE Chapter Coordinator for FMCA National Convention-
- Make a list of attendees and their contact info
- Advise members of your location
- Welcome everyone
- Host a happy hour(s) with snacks
- Host a discussion of events and reports from our National representative
- Participate in other chapter events like skits, races or competitions
The chapter coordinators job as doing just these kinds of things – Being the face of Cuatro Estados at the event, letting our members know where they are and just being there for our members. Not a big responsibility but just a friendly, welcoming face in the crowd.
FAQ's for Rallymasters
I have never been a Rallymaster, what's involved?
For those who have signed up as Rallymasters or are considering doing so:
Never been a Rallymaster before? Then ask one of the “experienced” members to co-host with you; then you too can become a pro at it! Here’s what’s involved:
How do I HOST a rally ?
Select a rally you would like to host. I always pick a place I have never been or would like to go to. If it is at a reserve-able RV Park you or the Wagon Master will reserve approx. 10 spaces for the time frame. The RV Park may hold the spaces for an agreed upon time prior to the rally. For example, if your rally begins August 15, they might the slots until June 15. If the slots are not reserved by the club members the park manager can make them available to people outside our group. If done this way we are not required to make a deposit to hold the spaces. If the RV Park will not hold spaces encourage attendees to book early.
Whats next?
Please provide our Wagonmaster with details about your upcoming rally at least a 6 months prior to your rally. This is what I like to call a tickler, it is used to peak members interest and get them to sign up for your rally. This would be general facts about the area and things they can do & see while they are there.
What should we do at my rally?
Check Google and Trip Advisor for things to do in the area. Select the things you would like to do. Then make out a rally schedule with specifics, days and times and locations of the activities. Remember this is your rally and you plan things according to your likes. You might prefer a super organized, jam packed schedule; or you might want a more open schedule with a few joint activities (such as meals, museums, shows or a few activities). In an open schedule you would make suggestions for nearby activities people can do on their own.
Share the big news
Two months prior to your rally you provide the Newsletter Editor with your specific rally schedule, for inclusion into the newsletter. This will let attendees know what to bring in the way of food and equipment/clothing and generally how to prepare for the rally. Rally fees are collected to reimburse you for your expenses for any foods you provide. This is usually around $6-10 per person. You may collect the rally fees from those attending.
Rallymaster pointers
- Call ahead to book places, (restaurants, museums etc.).
- Stick to your schedule, don’t second guess yourself· Try to have same departure times each day·
- Don’t have a pot luck the first night, which was a travel day, there's no prep time·
- Please don’t have a breakfast potluck on departure day, a continental breakfast is fine.
- It is best NOT to have a free day the last day of your rally, because people will go home.
- Advise group of schedule in advance, make sure all have a schedule, bring extras
- Bring membership directory with you. Save it on your smart phone or load attendees phone numbers and email into your phone so you can contact them with updates.
- Remind attendees that they don’t have to do everything on the rally schedule but to let you know if they will not be attending an event.·
- Call places such as restaurants, museums etc. when you arrive to remind them you have a group coming.
TEll everyone about your rally
Within two weeks after the rally (while the memories are fresh) -- you should provide the Wagon Master / Website Editor with a rally report: who attended, what happened, etc. -- for publication on this website. Photos are also nice (these can come from anyone who wishes to provide them). Feel free to give yourself accolades, you deserve it!
FMCA
