Back in the late 90's (1999 to be exact) Connie and Norm Lankford sat down with me as I drafted their testimonial on a very frightening experience they'd survived in their Allure motorcoach. When I heard about it, and saw the photos of the coach back then, I knew there was a story there worthy for all Country Coachers to hear. I'll share an excerpt from their testimonial here because frankly I find it a timeless reminder. With all the Country Coaches still out there on the road it is great to know that Country Coach took extra steps throughout the CC motorcoach build process, including when Your Coach was built.
Safety, Safety, Safety throughout!
Norm was born in Hanford CA on a cotton farm. He had a career with IBM before launching his own business. Connie is a London England native who came to the US in 1956. She and Norm married in 1962 and Connie applied her accounting background to the family business. They raised four boys and then eventually retired in 1995. They enjoyed motorcoaching since 1973.Out there finally able to embrace the lifestyle fulltime since 1995, the Lankfords had purchased a new Allure by Country Coach in 1997. They traveled coast to coast after retiring exploring the tiny villages, off the beaten track places, as well as busy metropolitan areas. They developed a special affinity for the Pacific Northwest, the beautiful national forests, and especially the Oregon Coast.
May 10, 1999 stands out in their memories as one of their 'darker days.' Yet when they originally related the incident of that day, it was the blessings in the situation that they seemed to draw attention to... they found much to be thankful for in the midst of tragedy.
Where's there's smoke, there's fire...
We've heard that adage, where there's smoke, there's fire, and it certainly proved true for the Lankfords. Connie and Norm were driving their Allure north on Highway 95 leaving Yuma AZ. Norm was easing his 1997 40' Allure on down the road when he checked his side view mirror and saw smoke rising behind the coach!
Pulling swiftly to the side, he yelled for Connie to get out and away, while he did the same making sure the propane was off. In retrospect, he joked, that after he shouted for Connie to "get out, there's a fire!" it took him "a quarter mile to catch up to her and get her stopped." She retorted with a little smile, "I was going for help!"
Norm discovered his tow car was in flames. he tried unsuccessfully to unhook it from the coach. Unfortunately, the jammed receiver would not release. A passerby called the fire department while the Lankfords stood at the side of the road waiting for help to arrive. When it did arrive, the fire had spread to the coach.
Firefighters used over 6500 gallons of water fighting the flames in the interior. They worked over two and a half hours. This was quite a testimonial in itself, Norm pointed out, as a fireman in charge had told him that this was the very first time they had so aggressively battled such a fire in a RV interior. "Normally," the fireman stated, "a RV would be up in flames in a matter of minutes. Not this Country Coach, though. Whatever chassis this coach is built on, it is most impressive..."
Although the Lankfords car and coach were totaled, the firemen were able to HOOK UP TO THE REAR END OF THE ALLURE AND TOW IT 45 MILES!
Norm pointed out that was due to the fire protection materials in this coach's floor. When the Lankfords accessed the bays to assess the losses, they found NO water damage at all. What they lost was due to smoke damage only.
At the time of my interview Norm said, "We are full-timers and safety is a primary concern. This experience confirmed what we have always felt about Country Coach. It is the safest mode of recreation travel on the road."
"The fire department did not determine the cause of the fire in the tow car. But we're certainly not letting this keep us on the curb for long...." In fact the Lankfords had their new coach on order and shortly after the interview it was delivered to them. "We can't say enough about the Quality and Safety built in a Country Coach."
"One of the most important reasons we purchased a Country Coach was because of the solid way it is built. Boy are we glad we did. We are trusting our lives in it."
I haven't spoken with Connie and Norm Lankford for many years, and yet today, I remember the Lankfords' spirits, their enthusiasm for the lifestyle, and their ability to find the good in one of life's big tragedies.
Over the years I heard countless testimonials like theirs from other motorhome owners about how their coach stood up to a test, survived a storm, a rollover, etc. Each of those people's stories and their obvious passion for their Country Coach, helped to make me a life-long Country Coach cheerleader.
Truly if you are out there on the road today enjoying the changing scenes from the cockpit of a Country Coach--your home on wheels exudes not only luxury, but stability, safety and quality engineered in from the chassis up.
Keep enjoying those safe travels, and if YOU have stories to share, I'd still love to hear them!
Drop me a line!
(If you DON'T own a Country Coach, and would like to, the good news is there are many reputable Country Coach sales specialists who can help you find that perfect new-to-you Country Coach. Two of them that immediately come to mind are Damon Rapozo and Louie Courtemanche, two of the best, most knowledgable Country Coach salespersons I've ever met....dealerships like Country Coach Corporation, Premier RV Services, Motorhomes of Texas, Premier Motorcoach Services of Tucson Arizona, and many other great dealerships can help you find the coach of your dreams in a gently used, pre-owned Country Coach motorcoach. Give Louie, Damon or one of the other dealers above a call....take a test drive, see if you agree that the Country Coach motorcoach is STILL the World's Finest Motorcoach on the road today.
AND, on an exciting closing note, we may in the future again see NEW Country Coach brand motorcoaches roll onto First Avenue in Junction City Oregon. It is CCC owner Ron Lee's vision, intent and business plan to offer a New Country Coach product to America's motorcoach enthusiasts. You can keep apprised on these developments at www.countrycoach.com.)
Country Coach Friends Inc, a fast growing International FMCA Chapter of Country Coach owners and other brand motorcoach owners, has done it again! Given Generously to Charity that is! $3500 raised for Wounded Warriors at most recent club rally!
Wounded Warriors received $3500 as a result of the philanthropic souls who dug deep at the rally to benefit those who have given so much to our great nation. Jerry OConnor, club president, said, "It's the least we could do to say 'Thank you for your service.'. What an amazing group Country Coach Friends members is, and what a privilege to serve on the board of directors for one of the fastest growing international chapters of Family Motor Coach Association. At this Holiday Season, I would heartily recommend supporting the Wounded Warriors organization."
