Table of Contents Show
If you’re thinking about snagging an FMCA membership but aren’t exactly sure what benefits you’ll receive, read on! We know many RVers that love their FMCA membership and take advantage of all their discounts, services, and products. Like any other RV membership, you’ll need to ensure you’re an active participant to ensure the membership pays for itself. Let’s review what you can receive with this type of membership program.
FMCA Membership Review
History
Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) was started in 1963 by a group of 26 families. The families met in Hinckley, Maine to get to know other RVers (back then called, “house car owners”). It was at this meeting they decided to form a motorcoach owners’ common interest group.
Since then, FMCA has issued over 500,000 memberships and is the world’s largest non-profit RV group. FMCA is based in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is a member-owned association and employs a full-time office. The governance of the organization is overseen by volunteers that are elected from within the association.
While the FMCA still has plenty of events for RV owners to get to know each other, they offer so much more. Members get access to RV discounts, lifestyle resources, rallies, Family RVing Magazine, and more.
Organization
Family Motor Coach Association has nearly 400 chapters all across the United States and Canada. It’s within these chapters that you will find like-minded individuals. Some chapters are based on specific regions, topics, or RV types. They even have special interest Chapters that cover sports, instruments, food, wine, and more.
When you join a chapter you can meet up with other individuals that have similar interests as you at chapter rallies, area rallies, and conventions. You don’t have to be a chapter member to participate in FMCA rallies though, those are open to all members. While there are tons of rallies put on each year, you won’t want to miss their biannual FMCA International & RV Expo Conventions. These conventions bring together thousands of FMCA members for four days of RV education, entertainment, shopping, and friendship.
While you could only become a member of the FMCA RV Club if you had a motorcoach, as of July 2017 they now welcome all self-contained RVs!
Demographics
In 2018 the average FMCA membership age was 71. Because they have now opened up their memberships to include towables, we believe that average age will work it’s way down.
FMCA Membership Benefits & Discounts
Family RVing Magazine
Family RVing magazine is the official publication of FMCA. The magazine is included with your membership and can be delivered via hard copy or digital, and you get access to the online archives. The topics included range from tech, RV news, membership highlights, destinations, submission pieces from RV owners, and more.
FMCA Tire Saving Program
We know many FMCA members that have told us they’ve joined simply to take advantage of the FMCA Tire Program. They have negotiated special pricing for FMCA members with Michelin, Hancock, and Continental. You will pay the same price for tires that authorized dealers do. In other words, you’re getting tires at cost. If you need to buy tires for your RV, car, or truck this benefit pays for the membership alone.
FMCA Roadside Assistance Program
FMCA’s roadside assistance program is called Roadside Rescue and is powered by SafeRide RV Motor Club. When you become a member you can have access to their Roadside Rescue program for $129 (towables) or $159 (motorized). Some of the benefits included in this program include:
- Towing to the nearest qualified repair center
- Fuel delivery
- Lockout service
- Tire change
- Battery boost
- Tech assistance
FMCAssist Program
While it’s a service you hope you’ll never have to use, your FMCA memberships comes with something called FMCAssist. This service provides emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage. Additionally, some of these services are even available to members abroad! However, there are some restrictions so be sure to read more in-depth on this program if you’re interested.
RV Internet and WiFi
FMCA offers discounted mobile internet plans through Sprint and Verizon. For instance, they offer one plan from each provider to help save you money and stay connected on the road.
- Tech Connect Plus Program through Sprint
- The Tech Connect Plus package includes 3G-4G LTE as a truly unlimited monthly service. Access to this benefit package is $49.99 per month with a one-time device rental fee of $39.99.
- Connect On The Go Program through Verizon
- Get a Verizon mobile hotspot for $0.01 (yes, a penny) with a 2-year agreement when you sign up for the $49.99 per month Verizon Mobile Broadband Plan. Included is 25GB of high-speed data each month.
FMCA Campground
FMCA has a members-only campground located in Cincinnati, Ohio. When you become a member you are able to stay two nights a month for free, with additional nights only costing $20 per night.
Membership Plate
Have you ever seen the Family Motor Coach Association plates? They are black with white lettering and typically hung proudly in a window. Well, when you become a member you will receive your own plate as well. These plates make it easy to identify other FMCA members and encourage you to get to know each other!
Advocacy
Family Motor Coach Association is one of the largest associates dedicated to fighting for RV rights in the RV industry. If you are facing parking right restrictions or other regulations regarding your RV, you can turn to FMCA’s Governmental and Legislative Affairs Committee for assistance. Additionally, FMCA’s Parking Rights Manual & Guide can help members understand their legal rights when it comes to restrictions placed on motorhome parking.
FMCA Membership Cost
So let’s get to the big question here. What does an FMCA membership cost? The price for a one-year membership is $85. You receive a discounted rate if you buy more than one year at a time; their two-year membership is $160 and their three-year membership is $225.
FAQ
How much does an FMCA membership cost?
One year is $85, two years is $160, three years is $225.
How do I join FMCA?
You can join here.
Why should RV owners join FMCA?
There’s a lot to learn about the RV life. There are many reasons to join FMCA including RV education, RV rallies, RV groups, plus member benefits and discounts.
Other Memberships
FMCA is a great membership but it might not be the best membership for you. Choosing the best RV Club benefits vary based on your travel style.
If you full-time, you might want to check out the different Thousand Trails membership options.
You can also check out the famous 50% discount membership Passport America.
Good Sam Club is a great all-around membership that grants discounts on camping, accessories, fuel, and more.
If you like to camp in unique locations, check out Harvest Hosts or Boondockers Welcome!
Looking for a community on the road? Escapees is the membership for you!
Plan your route and save money staying at campgrounds where you get a discount using the RV Trip Wizard travel planner.
Still unsure? Check out our article with our recommendations for the right campground memberships or join our free RV Club e-mail course below!
Stop Wasting Money on Unnecessary Memberships!
While every RV club offers something great, it’s not always applicable to every RVer. Find out which clubs and memberships will save you money and which ones will be useless for your travel style.
Sign up for our completely FREE RV club e-mail course today!
