Member Spotlight

Mike Cianci
Full-timer based in Livingston, Texas

FMCA membership number:
F358180 (joined in 2005)

FMCA chapter memberships:
Monaco International, Coaches for Christ Southeast

My current motorhome:
A 2007 Monaco Diplomat

Other motorhomes I have owned:
A 2005 Itasca Suncruiser

Three words that best describe my current motorhome:
In my opinion, big, luxury, diesel pusher.

The best thing about my motorhome:
The 8.8-liter Cummins ISL, 400-horsepower turbo diesel engine with 1,200 pound-feet of torque at 1,300 rpm!

I decided to buy a motorhome because:
As a full-timer, I wanted the ease of operating a motorhome as compared to a fifth-wheel. Plus, I wanted all the features of a diesel pusher, including generator, etc. I’ve been a full-timer since May 2005.

Occupation:
Continental Airlines flight attendant for the last 23 years; now based in Houston, Texas.

The best thing about motorhoming:
You can live wherever you want, whenever you want. Full-timing allows me to lead a simple lifestyle without having to pay high property taxes.

My all-time favorite motorhome trip:
Don’t know that I have taken that trip yet since I am new to full-timing and the motorhome world.

One of my fondest motorhoming memories:
So far, I would say attending FMCA rallies and meeting up with people I have met at previous rallies. Also attending the Life on Wheels conference in Bethlehem, Pa., and making friends with others there who were new to RVing.

My “dream” motorhome trip:
Hit the open road for awhile without having to work, boondocking in the western United States and doing humanitarian work like volunteering on Habitat builds, visiting nursing homes with my therapy dog, etc.

My perfect day of motorhome travel:
Getting an early start and avoiding traffic areas. Traveling leisurely, stopping to stretch and walk the dog. Finding a good campground with a pull-through site and then having a nice dinner with satellite TV.

My worst motorhoming experience:
When my steering wheel locked up on the toad and I dragged the car for a few miles, nearly causing the front tires to blow. Thank God for Coach Net service!

My motorhoming pet peeve
I am pretty easygoing and don’t let too much bother me. I kind of feel sorry for RVers who don’t take the time to get educated on how to use their coach or RVing in general and ruin things for the rest of us or give motorhomers a bad name.

Something motorhoming taught me about life:
Don’t’ worry, be prepared for anything, be proactive and get educated.

The additions I’ve made to my motorhome:
New tire, mirror and windshield covers from MCD.

If I could change one thing about my motorhome:
I miss my La-Z-Boy recliner and would prefer it over the two couches I have.

Something about motorhoming that I know now but didn’t know when I started:
I knew nothing when I started and am still learning with each day on the road.

When driving the motorhome, the most important thing to remember is:
Stay focused and aware of your surroundings.

My favorite thing about FMCA:
Attending rallies and being with other motorhomers to learn, and the fellowship we have with each other.

Advice for other motorhomers:
Read your owners manual, research the things you don’t understand, and remember just because your neighbor says you should do something “this way,” doesn’t mean it will be appropriate for you and your coach.

My hobbies:
Doing a therapy dog visit with my dog, Otis, at local nursing homes, care facilities, etc.

My favorite way to exercise: I am a regular runner.

Favorite book: The Bible

Favorite song: “Mercy Me” by the Newsboys

Favorite restaurant: Home-cooked meals, by others, or in my coach.

If I won a free shopping spree at the store of my choice, I’d choose:
I think I have all I need at the moment. As for gadgets for the coach, I would have to say a spin around the vendor’s tent at the FMCA international rally could be fun.

Favorite campground: Rainbow’s End, Livingston, Texas

Items always stocked in my refrigerator while traveling:
Homemade hummus and celery sticks

My advice to new motorhomers:
Go to a Life on Wheels conference, read all your manuals, use common sense and have a blast.

Behind my motorhome, I tow: A 2003 Jeep Wrangler

My favorite activity to do inside the motorhome:
Anything I can do in my coach is a blessing, laundry included!

My pet who travels with me:
My dog, Otis, is a 4-year-old male mixed breed obtained from the Lancaster Humane Society in Pennsylvania. He is a registered therapy dog with Therapy Dogs Inc. and brings joy and smiles to those in need of a little friendship.

A tip I’d like to share with other motorhome owners:
You don’t need all the things you think you need to enjoy life on the road. Downsize, right size, and maximize your available space in the coach.

Other comments:
Don’t wait to do the things you want to do. Think “outside the box” and make your dreams possible sooner rather than later.

Other FMCA members may contact me via e-mail:
m.cianci@yahoo.com