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RE: shocks
How much do you want to spend:)!
Road Kings are great. Very pleased with them on our Country Coach.
Koni usually has two models to choose from:
-FSD - If sized properly for your chassis, improves the ride whild
still dampening. Unique to FSD, the dampen on the rebound, vs
the compression down stroke.
-Adjustable - Just be sure it is the SP3 generation, as SP2's are
still being sold.
Bilstien - Choose carefully on these, but they are suppose to have
some new ones out with different valving.
And the, the rest like Monroe, and private label items for Sears, Wall Mart, etc.
I have found that if you call with the info on your rig and chassis, that Henderson's Lineup gives pretty good advise.
Best of luck,
Smitty
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Gsmitty77
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05/19/12 04:11pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Class A diesel pusher chassis....what's best
I agree with buying the rig that fits your lifestyles as priority over a specific chassis or engine.
That being said, besides the chassis you mentioned, add:
-Foretravels TravelRide
-Country Coaches Dynomax or on older units the Gillig
-Alpine had Peak
-Wanderlodge and Bluebird had the their own chassis (I think)
-Workhorse had a DP chassis (same as UFO with 8.1)
-Beaver had the Magnum
-And, etc. etc.
The other factor is which year coach you are looking at, as models in the chassis lines changed over the years.
In general, the level of the coach in a line up, generally determined the quality of the chassis, and engine. So buying mid level coaches, usually gets you mid level chassis. Like Diplomats on the 8 bag Roadmaster. Moving up the food chain to say Executive, you end up with a Roadmaster S chassis (depending on year).
Best of luck on your research,
Smitty
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Gsmitty77
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05/19/12 04:01pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Banks transmission shift unit
The 1st owner of our first rig, added the full Banks system. A little 98, with the first year V10 99 Chassis, T28 Bounder.
It is all I ever knew, the unit with the Banks. But, his comment was it made the just OK 275HP a very fun unit to drive.
He lost the first trans on a trip thru Canada. Said that the 'Old Timer' that was helping them from where it was towed into, told them it would take two days to get the torque converter, and the one day to finish the install. He complained a bit, commenting that back just about an hour away, he passed a large Ford truck dealer, and asked if he could borrow the garages truck to run up and pick up the torque converter. He smiled when the told me the response of the Old Time Mechanic. Sir, if you want a stock torque converter, I'll arrange to have your RV towed to that dealer. He then turned his back on him, and walked over to work on another car.
He realized the Old Timer was trying to 'tell him something'. Later, when the new converter was in the shop, the Old Timer called him over to look at it compared to the bad unit sitting next to it. Though he could not see all that the Old Timer told him - he did learn that the After Market Converter the Old Timer had ordered, was a much heavier duty unit. By itself, it had a more 'positive' shift. But he commented with the Banks, that it should be very nice. He commented it was the weak link of the newer F53, and once it was replaced once - you were good to go for the distance... He put in synthetic fluid, and told him to go in and have it flushed with pump of the converter, every 40K, and he would not would never have trans problems. He also, without really asking, just sort of did it, added a trans temp pick up and gauge on the dash. Telling him on the long grades of the Rockies, after much 3rd to 2nd to 3rd jumping that the four speed V10 combo does, to watch his temps, and keep in in 2nd when it got above a little red mark he put on the face of the gauge.
The last comment this Old Time made to the 1st owner, is that if you are going to keep this rig for the long haul, and travel in the mountains the bulk of the time. To get a Gear Vendor, as the V10 with the Banks systems, would climb any hill in the split gear between 2nd and 3rd - it would be the sweet spot.
The first owner did tell me, and this gent was a retired Air Force Sargent, that when this Old Time was talking to him - it made him feel like he was a kid back in Boot Camp!:).
No, he did not have a Gear Vendor installed, but I agree it would have been a sweet gear ratio for climbing...
That trans had another 85K on it when we sold the unit, with two flushes as directed by the Old Timer....
OP - I think the Trans Command is a winner. The Old Timer Mechanic apparently did too. Next time you service the trans, consider the pumping of the torque converter, and a switch to synthetic. I also had good results with the Scan Gauge I added, which I believe now can be adapted to include a Trans Temp reading (not positive on this, but think I've read this). If you do lose this transmission in the future, be sure to check into a Heavy Duty AM replacement, of Heavy Duty one from Ford, which I bet has them available too. If this is a long term keeper for you, consider looking for a used Gear Vendor, and set this up for those long hill climbs ahead... Also, if a keeper, look for used Banks Headers, or others, as that era V10 does respond well to easier back end breathing.
Have fun, be safe, go RV,
Smitty
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Gsmitty77
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05/19/12 07:50am |
Beginning RVing
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RE: If you dont travel with the FW tank full???
Various answers, as stated by many, depending on where we are going.
But, we very seldom, travel full, and very seldom drop below 1/4 tank while on the road.
I consider this a contingency, as you just never know when weather or other problems may lay you up for a bit longer then expected.
The other angle on water, food (dry/canned/coffee/dog food/Etc., LP, fuel - is when we are home. At the end of each trip, we top up all of the above, except water. Where I'll refill to between 1/3 and 1/2 of our 100 gal tank. We do have good filtration, but also use bottled water for drinking and cooking. So we also restock (four 2 gal, and two cases of smaller bottles) in out basements. We keep the unit plugged in, and with the float charge, the batteries are always ready to go. Same with flashlight batteries, we keep that stock rotated too, with the fresh stock going into the RV. And, we always wash our 'camping clothes' and return to the RV. Another item is med's, where we keep a rolling 60 day supply in the RV (Rolling out old stock, with new.) We keep the RV ready as our Emergency ready escape.
We live in San Diego, where we have had fires and never know when an earthquake will wake you up out of a sleep. And when traveling, just more peace of mind, and knowing you don't need to worry about 'what if'.
We have over 11K of CCC when fully fueled, water, LP, waste tanks empty - weight is not a factor. Though, I do find it a bit tight to cover my desired 'Road Wine Selection':)!
Have fun, be safe, go out an do...
Smitty
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Gsmitty77
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05/19/12 07:23am |
Beginning RVing
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RE: Beaver Model Compaisons
I believe the 2003 Patriot would be better then the 2006 Monterey - conditions being equal. More miles on a well maintained 2003, would not be a concern.
Subjective to opinions, and opinions will vary.
I agree with the balance of the input. I also will follow this post, to see the input on the 2003 Baron... Not up on that unit...
Best, and have fun on your search!!
Smitty
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Gsmitty77
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05/18/12 05:58pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Shopping for a 36 foot Diesel
Sure hope you enjoy your new coach. Nice of the sales dude to keep up with you.
However, what I hear you say, is that you are doing their (and Tiffens) job on final QC. I would look the dealerships management in the eye, and let them know they fumbled. Waste of your time, and money for fuel when you go back.
Sure, complicated rigs, and stuff happens. But this 'stuff' should have been caught pre delivery and walk thru by you.
Two years from now it won't matter...
Enjoy!
Smitty
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Gsmitty77
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05/16/12 04:31pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: CC Whats it worth?
Worth? What a buyer will pay....:)!
NADA and also PPL's (Sold RV prices can be found), are two sources of value.
But, you made comments like it may not be what you really want? Size of coach and bed, are quite often important items to be sure you could live with that coach.
At Camping World, probably means no access to Maintenance Records. So besides a casual look, a full inspection including oil analysis should be done before understanding 'price worth'.
I would also go ask on a few CC User Groups owners of that era Magna, what to look for. A few general things I can think of include to validate:
-OEM Batteries?
-OEM Tires
-OEM Koni Adjustable? If so, are they the SP1 or SP2? Do they work??
-Does it have a dry PTO, if so, has it been converted to wet?
-Radiator alluminum or not. If yes, has it been repalced?
Those are some basics, with the last two maybe not pertinent to this coach. Assume it is the Big Cat, and I think that era had exposure to both of these items - but admit I'm not sure.
Magna's are nice coaches. Of courese, I admit that I'm partial to CC's!!
Best of luck, have fun if you pick it up!!
Smitty
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Gsmitty77
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05/16/12 12:39pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Coach Batteries
If you are looking at the Trojan T145's, then they are in a different capacity level then the normal Costco/Wallmart 6V Golf Cart units.
If you've priced them, you know they will cost more coin.
I'd caution you to double check your height limit, as our 98 Bounder only had enough head room for the Trojan T125. T145's are tall ones:)!
If the extra coin does not keep you away from the T145's - they will provide you with the most reserves of all of the ones else mentioned.
If coin is a concern, then concur on the Golf Cart 6V, or the blemish Interstates, as getting you new units at a lower buy in price.
So as always, comes down to how much you want to spend:)!
One last tip, if not on a nice slide out tray for access, consider the water filling cap systems, as it does simply the maintenance... And T145 in a tight setting, will have less access then normal 6V... Being able to slide the hose into the bottle and squeeze the bulb, is paid for by less maintenace and thus damage due to dry plates - from the PITA of normal maintenance:)!
Best of luck,
Smitty
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Gsmitty77
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05/15/12 01:18pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: $100k Budget, Hydronic Heating, Quality Coach
You mentioned Quality Coach. We all have different perceptions of Quality, so suggest you first choose the manufacturer and models that meet your criteria for quality.
Sit down, come up with a list of Must Have's and Nice to Have's. Both of you agree on this, or do independent grading of coaches as you see them, then compare your ratings. We did a simple Excel sheet, and if the coach had an item, we gave it 1 point. But, for those items that either of us felt were very important, we allowed up to a 5 point weighted rating for that item. (DW wanted a large galley, so 5 points. I wanted tag and side radiator, so 5 points each.)
On age. IMO (and OK if it is not yours) I was more concerned with 'Staying in budget, while hitting quality.' So, I took on an attitude of dropping years to retain quality while remaining within budget. I also retained an allowance to baseline any maintenance and making it our coach.
I have opinions on what Quality meant to me. So if you search my earlier posts, you can read those if you like. But, it is your two opinions that matter.
Some great coaches out there. Focus on condition, condition, condition, as long as it meets your combined lists. And yes, we did compromise on some of the 'Nice to Have's' - and are OK with that... Because getting out and getting going is what these things are for... Don't lose 6-9 months looking. Do your homework, get out and look, and get some wheels under your legs!!!
Go have some fun, and best of luck,
Smitty
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Gsmitty77
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05/13/12 05:12pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Comparison of RVs
I don't see a bad one in your trio!!! Shop condition and floor plan, and take the best of the bunch...
That being said, we are very pleased with our 04 CC Allure... I'd also add the Intrigue to your list, as it sits between the Allure and Magna line. Not as heavy as the Magna. But respect the others you mentioned...
Best of luck,
Smitty
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Gsmitty77
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05/12/12 01:42pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: It Does NOT get any better thab This
Sounds like a great start of the day...
Follow at lunch with a beer and a nap...
Then dinner with a Cab, and steak...
Moonrise with a sipping glass of Drambuie...
Boy - You have it made in the shade!!! Just glad your not driving while doing all of that, especially the fire:R!!
Keep it up, and great 'leading by example'...
Smitty
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Gsmitty77
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05/10/12 01:11pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: What do you think about Bounders???
As always, Scott (Fired Up) is spot on with his observations.
We had the same year, baby T28, no slide. It could get a bit snug with three adults and a dawg - but doable!
Concur with the 275HP needing the Banks, and if I were to have kept that unit, or any V10 unit with the 4spd trans, I would look into a Gear Vendors too. On the spark plugs, same comment as Scott - take the time to torque them in correctly, and chances are you too would not have any problems:)!
Solid coach, good bang for the buck.
Have no experience to share about the older F53 chassis with 460, know the 460 is a runner. Some, cover your ears, come with a Chevy in them too... Suppose their owners are pleased too:)!
Several times, I wish I had retained out rig as the extended families 'second rig'. Frankly, their are places I will not take the new 40' - that I would have had no concerns with in driving the little T28 into. Back country roads, and tighter smaller parks.
Best to all,
Smitty
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Gsmitty77
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04/29/12 06:06pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: She's Gone....
Congrats on the sell! Key messages I picked up on are:
1) Solid maintenance - Keeping current, and documents to prove it
2) Pride of ownership - Taking care of a unit, not only makes your enjoyment while owning better - but also paves the way for when you do need to move on.
Solid advise... thanks for sharing,
Smitty
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Gsmitty77
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04/28/12 03:47pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: 100,000 Mile club
Just about got that pup broke in, take a few more laps. While you're at it, add a two digit numbering input per state, so you can keep your 49 state tally accurate!!!!
Sure do like those Travel Supreme's...
Smitty
(Such a mileage rookie, at only 12K of our miles on our current rig, but dang if we are not soon going to downshift and chase after some of you other high mileage gang:)!)
(And Wolfe gets those great MPG's from two reasons:
1) Air Tabs - of course
2) His advertised favorite gear - coasting....:)!
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Gsmitty77
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04/28/12 03:35pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: "upgrade" to Class A
Seems like you are still deciding on DP vs Gas in general. Suggest you sit down and surf many of the DP vs Gas posts, and come up with your own decision on what is the right coach for your expected usage.
If gas, both the F53/V10 and Workhorse/8.1 chassis rigs will do you well. (Make sure the recall Brakes is done if a Workhorse.)
Another gas unit to consider, is the Workhorse UFO (8.1 in the rear). They come down to the 37' size.
If budget range is an issue, for both Gas or DP - drop years to meet budget, while still purchasing the best quality rig you can locate.
If used, condition, condition, condition and records, records, records - is what to look for.
If used, also retain budget to cover baseline maintenance items to make the rig 'your rig', and catch up on any needed updates and normal maintenance items. Start off with a 'I now know what I have baseline.'.
Best of luck, have fun,
Smitty
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Gsmitty77
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04/25/12 12:44pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Uphill downhill
We ran our 275HP 2V v-10, with full Banks, at 4,000 to 4,300 range. Using the Banks provide torque values. Mobil One. I would take it to 4,500 RPM in 2nd, if I felt it would save me from hunting back and forth between 2nd and 3rd.
Same on the down hill, but I really tried to keep it at 4,000 and under.
Best,
Smitty
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Gsmitty77
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04/23/12 01:33pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Trade option. Does it make sense?
OP - Understand the slide difference, could make the coach more livable. Plus probably less weight and less slides usually means fewer problems and maintenance...
As some others commented - never hurts to go in and sit down and talk. If the coaches take the same tires and shocks, maybe swap those out as part of the deal?
Bruce - Thanks for your further explanation. I understand what you are getting at, and this could very well be the case - know one knows what the dealer will do, but the dealer:)! Appreciated you taking the time to go further in your thinking.
Best to all, be safe, have fun,
Smitty
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Gsmitty77
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04/20/12 06:08pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Who do most people use for private health insurance
We too are shooting for 2013 to retire. 60 and 56, at that time. Looking into catastrophic insurance to bridge us to whatever will be around, and at whatever the new age rules may be... It is the single biggest unknown to our planning, with the largest 'contingency upon contingency' allowances being set aside. It too, may mean we work a few more years, until we know what is what...
I'm not pleased with the current systems available. I'm not pleased with the Health Care Plan that was shoved thru. I expect the people working for me to do a better job. Yes they 'did something', but dang if anyone can tell exactly what it is... We know for sure it has cost millions of existing retirees their old company retirement plans. We know that if not changed, it will force many smaller companies to not hire employees due to the costs. I plan to vote very heavy based upon my expectations of what I want my representatives to do on many areas, Health Care is just one area. Yes it is broken. Yes it looks like they made it worse. Yes, all of the existing programs mentioned are a mess too. Zero, and worse case predatory, accountability by 'those that are their to serve us'.
Sure makes this retirement planning a 'fun' exercise... Thank goodness we have such a simple tax structure, so I can at least take pleasure in paying my fair share... :)!
It's a great county, as I don't think they can shoot me for not liking what I see them doing...
Best to all, and all kidding aside - it's a tough subject, and no easy solutions exists. We are a capable nation, so we should be able to work this out... I remain hopeful!!
Smitty
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Gsmitty77
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04/20/12 01:23pm |
Full-time RVing
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RE: Trade option. Does it make sense?
Hi Bruce - If you, or anyone got the impression from my post, that I felt dealers were crooks - that was a mistake. Yep, dealer crooks do exist. But honest dealers and sales rep also exist too. We bought our current coach off of Holland Motors in San Diego. It was on Consignment, and Steve Wilson the sales rep - was/is a straight shooter. He and Holland - were fair, and did everything they said they would.
Good observation on your part, that no one but the dealer knows what they are in for on the newer rig. And, it never hurts to ask.
That being said, I stand by my input, as that is how I expect it would come down...
That is my opinion - not trying to 'argue my point' - just wanted to be clear that I meant no slam to dealers in general in my earlier post. OK for you to think I have no idea what I'm talking about, you are entitled to your opinion... :)!
Best to all,
Smitty
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Gsmitty77
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04/20/12 12:53pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Have you been turned away?
I too have no problems with 'Private' places having rules, and enforcing them evenly across the spectrum. That also means, that if they have a '10 year old' rule, but then also have a policy of 'subject to inspection'. Private places, can have their own rules, as long as they are not illegal.
I did have one experience, when driving in the Toad to go check out a park that had a place coming up for sell. Had a few friends that had spaces in this park, and they toad me about two good spots that were soon to be coming on the market. We got to the park, and asked at the gate if we could drive into look at two spots. We were told "No, that we would need to go to the office, for a 'sales rep' to join us." OK, so off to the office, where the 'sales rep' was not available until a few hours later. I asked the Office Manager, if we could please just drive thru and look at the two spots - as we may have no interest in them. Again, no sir, you need the 'sales rep'. OK, see you later, as we're not waiting for a 'sales rep' to just go look.
I could see this from two view points:
1) Private Membership Park - They did not want people just driving thru. OK, for security reasons I understand that. Did not like it, but understood it.
2) Found out from my friends, that yep, the policy is for the 'sales rep' to do a full court presentation 'before' going into the park. Between 30-45 mins of up front sales. Now that I take exception too, and would never had sat thru if the 'sales rep' had happened to be available. All I wanted to do, was look over the two lots, to see if I had any interest in more 'due diligence'. This was sort of a 'Time Shares Hard Sell' feeling from my perspective.
OK with Private campgrounds legal rules. OK for me to also not care to get involved...
Best to all,
Smitty
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Gsmitty77
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04/20/12 12:39pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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