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Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Bill Willett on October 03, 2011, 03:24:38 pm

Title: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Bill Willett on October 03, 2011, 03:24:38 pm
I had the thermal cutoff blow on the water heater, I installed a new thermal and an adjustable thermostat, the new thermostat cut the burn time on the heater buy a good 25%,you can lower the temp from 140+degrees to 120 or less, I also made and installed 2 new flush heads in the gray and black tanks. ^.^d ^.^d
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Kent Speers on October 03, 2011, 03:33:16 pm
Bill, how difficult was the thermostat replacement, where did you get the thermostat and what was the price?
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Bill Willett on October 03, 2011, 05:28:43 pm
Here ya go Kent.
 Atwood 93105 thermostat $26.21
 Atwood  93866 thermal $16.25 for a 2 pack.
 RV Plus 1-855-578-4357
 Kent it took me all of 15 min. to change it, I had been wanting to make this change for a long time,when the thermal went out I said I will do both at the same time,boy am I glad I did, the thermostat come's set a level C, it was still to hot so I backed it down to B and then set it between A and B, for us that seems to be just peachy.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Horace B. Cupp on October 03, 2011, 05:42:52 pm
We changed the bed and are washing the sheets and pillowcases.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Michelle on October 03, 2011, 06:07:10 pm
Nothing today, but yesterday Steve replaced the 2 quick connects on the check valve in the HWH bay that were leaking, found the check valve was frozen open and freed it (need to order replacement), replaced the Square D pressure switch (which wasn't shutting off like it should), and we identified that the solenoid controlled by the "air tank" switch wasn't closing properly (another part to order).  I think we now have the most external-air-leak-free HWH system of any FT in this park (we're the only one).

After that, like Horace and his wife, I did 3 loads of laundry: sheets, blanket, and the bedspread, plus ran the Splendide through the lint cleaning procedure.

Today all we did was hit Trader Joe's and Natural Grocers to stock up on items we can't get back home and to fill up any room in the freezer not already taken up by roasted Hatch green chiles.

Michelle
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: txforetravel on October 03, 2011, 07:18:47 pm
Let's see.  $1200 on a new slide block and and new valve for the dash AC!    The "Free campsites" are FOT are now $600/night! 
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Michelle on October 03, 2011, 08:45:56 pm
Quote from: txforetravel –
The "Free campsites" are FOT are now $600/night!

Must be the "summer clearance sale"  :))

M
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Patricia on October 03, 2011, 08:55:40 pm
Quote from: Steve & Michelle –
Quote from: txforetravel –
The "Free campsites" are FOT are now $600/night!
Must be the "summer clearance sale"
Either that or we must have been upgraded  ;)  since we were in the $1,000/night spaces last March!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave Head on October 03, 2011, 08:57:22 pm
I will need to order tomorrow. Our new Atwood is so hot that Starr can barely stand to take a shower.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: txforetravel on October 03, 2011, 09:12:20 pm
Oh those $1000/night spots have been reserved for months, we are in the low rent district!  But hope to flee the mothership by morning!

If we can all sober up by then!

Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: gam on October 03, 2011, 09:30:33 pm
Replaced 70ft of heater hose and found a bad air leak at the regulator for the door step. gam
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on October 03, 2011, 09:38:43 pm
Inspected the roof today and then covered the coach with a big tarp. First rain of the season tonight and our RV garage is at least a month away from completion. Getting ready for highway 395 and June Lake Loop next week. Greatest road in the U.S.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Duld on October 03, 2011, 11:07:05 pm
On Saturday I pulled the old insulation out of the engine compartment. Should finish cleaning it up tomorrow then after a day of rest will start fitting the new insulation. Can't wait to do the generator!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Don Hay on October 03, 2011, 11:47:57 pm
I thought I would take a minute and change out the Onan's (7.5 KW) air filter.  An hour later  :( I finally got the bolt aligned with the threaded hole (the canister faces away, towards the middle of the coach, so have to do it blindly) and got it tightened up.  Done for another 500 hours. :))
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave Katsuki on October 04, 2011, 12:52:00 am
Replaced the original Moen Shower valve with a Moen pressure balancing temp and volume control valve.  No more screams from the shower when someone uses water in the kitchen or flushes the toilet!

New Moen valve - Moen 3570 - temp and volume control
Amazon.com: Moen 3570 M-PACT Moentrol 1/2-Inch CC Valve with Stops: Home (http://www.amazon.com/Moen-3570-M-PACT-Moentrol-2-Inch/dp/B000XH9KF6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317702617&sr=8-1)

I got the valve version with solder-in 1/2" fittings to make the job of alignment with the lower outlet hole easier, but did take out all the valves before soldering to avoid possibility of overheating the o-rings.  You have to cut the plastic disk to match the hole (easy) and ease the wood cutout on one side to fit the new valve (also easy).  If you don't replace the brass trim piece on the shower side (I didn't), you have to drill new holes and blank off the old ones.  Also may want to drill new holes through the wall behind the trim piece to access the built-in shutoffs (optional.)

The hardest part of this project was trying to get the access panel out of the vanity cabinet.  Finally just scored and split it in the middle to get it out. Looks like the cabinet was installed after the shower plumbing but before the shower enclosure...
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Wattalife54 on October 04, 2011, 06:42:44 am
Washed the old girl yesterday and Wash Wax ALL'ed the roof.  :)
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Tony Pasquale on October 04, 2011, 07:03:29 am
Replaced a plastic connector for one of the steps on roof ladder and the vent cover lift arm on the bathroom vent.  The manual lift arm assembly was mailed free in 2 days from Fantastic Fan after calling and describing what I needed, great service and product support!
 
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: nitehawk on October 04, 2011, 08:53:00 am
Sprayed the stone guard with Armor-all Extreme Shine Tire Spray. Makes the rubber look like new!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dub on October 04, 2011, 12:05:09 pm
Walked by mine and said boy somebody needs to wash you.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Pamela & Mike on October 04, 2011, 07:00:07 pm
We removed the water pump. Disassembled, cleaned the valves & seats, installed new internal o-ring, put it all back together. While it was out we added 2 isolation valves so we can remove the water pump next time without having to drained the fresh water tank.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Gary Bouland (RIP) on October 04, 2011, 07:05:02 pm
Mike, When removing a water pump you don't need to drain the tank.  Use a 1/2 plug, quickly remove the inlet line to the pump and put the plug in the line.  You will lose some water but it may be preferable to draining the whole tank.
Gary B
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Pamela & Mike on October 04, 2011, 07:34:50 pm
Gary,
Ours is in such a tight spot that even with the shelves out there isn't much space. The pump is hid under everything and behind a Aqua Hot radiator. With everything in the way we opted for valves so hopefully there won't be as much drama next time. (we have been using "00" rubber plugs) That is good info as some here may not know that a 1/2" pipe plug will plug off one of those PEX threaded fittings.
Pamela & Mike
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave Cobb on October 04, 2011, 08:03:38 pm
Last week I found a bunch of white tubing laying in the refer. outside access area.  So with a new hose in hand today we pulled out the refer and installed a new hose.  We did the job in about  40 minutes, just sliding it inside onto a ice chest platform with spacers for correct height, and full of the food out of the refer.  Found out the easy way to do the job after we finished.  I learned, had I known where the old broken off flush hose was, I could have done the job in 10 minutes from the outside standing.  Live and learn.

While disconnecting the 12 volt wiring, it touched metal and blew a fuse.  Well after an hour not finding the blown fuse, in the paper work, or in any panel I could find, I called the old owner, Kent Speers and he guided me to the correct panel.  Everything is good now.

Guess my next question is why no drip tray, or hole thru the outside wall for the drain tube?  I added a new drip tray and can still run the new hose outside when we defrost if the lower unit has lots of frost build up.  I found the end of the old hose complete with a bug screen.

Dolly replenished food, linens, and rum, used this past long weekend in east Texas, so we are good to go.

Last week I added a 600 watt inverter in the passenger foot area side wall, for "on the road computers" and Clear Wire Spot unit to connect to the internet.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Benjie Zeller on October 04, 2011, 09:42:16 pm
I replaced my old B&W monitor with a newer one that Brad Bissonet gave me.  Works like a champ!  Now on to a new actuator for the HWH and an alternator adjustment.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: J. D. Stevens on October 04, 2011, 09:52:00 pm
Quote from: dub –
Walked by mine and said boy somebody needs to wash you.

+1  ^.^d

I've have also been thinking about our next trip, and thinking about installing the Battery Tender for the chassis batteries, and thinking about ...
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wayne m on October 05, 2011, 11:29:29 am
no more  drip  drip  drip
american standard fairbury
stainless
m/n 4005ssf
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: jeff on October 05, 2011, 03:38:33 pm
Watched 4 mechanics attack a very long list here at the mother ship....as usual, some easy, some not so and one or two will be budget busters.  Pulling the slide tomorrow. 8 hours labor to probably just replace  tape. Hopefully, the bladder is ok. HWH still behind on shipping bladders as FOT have non in stock...  If anyone need questions answered from someone here let me know and I will try to get the answer.  Only person I do not speak to is P.T.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: txforetravel on October 05, 2011, 03:45:54 pm
Jeff & Carol,
After FOT get's the slide back into it's normal position, be sure that they align the HWH sensors for the "Level System" indicator.  We left and got about 1 1/2 hours down the road and the "Level System" indicator would come on and go off.  I talked to FOT emergency service and we all determined that the senor was slightly out of alignment.  We will see what happens when we pull the slide in next week and travel to see if we still have the issue. 
Just food for thought! 
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: jeff on October 05, 2011, 03:58:51 pm
T & B.  Thanks, great idea...
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Bill Willett on October 05, 2011, 04:29:49 pm
I made 2 extension cord for DW, in our U270 there is an outlet in the cabinet over the microwave(I don't know about other models)and one next to the drivers set that is hard to get to,I had dome service cord's left over when I quit working, I made her a short cord to go over the microwave so when she want's to use the crock pot,all she has to do is pull down the cord,when done roll it up put the cord in the cabinet, the driver plug has a 6ft. cord so she can put her lamp on the dash, she is happy. ^.^d
 The cords were made from service cords from commercial laundry equipment, with 15 amp cord caps. :)
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Michelle on October 05, 2011, 05:11:38 pm
Quote from: txforetravel –
After FOT get's the slide back into it's normal position, be sure that they align the HWH sensors for the "Level System" indicator.  We left and got about 1 1/2 hours down the road and the "Level System" indicator would come on and go off.  I talked to FOT emergency service and we all determined that the senor was slightly out of alignment.

Steve has instructions on aligning the sensors here on the board (if they're similar in your '02)

Level System alarm momentary on rough roads (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=11018.msg53524#msg53524)

Michelle
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: George Stoltz on October 05, 2011, 05:29:20 pm
First. I washed the roof.  Then Sandy and I washed the rest of Moose. I wash and she rinses and I do my best to stay out of the way, but she does get a little wild with the hose every now and then.  Then I treated the tires with 303 protectant.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: txforetravel on October 05, 2011, 06:05:30 pm
Michelle, thanks for posting the sensor re-alignment "how to".  I knew I had seen it someplace, i just could not find it.  If the alarm is bothersome, you can just disable the alarm!  The light still shows on the dash though. 
We'll tackle this when we get home OR if we run back through NAC, FOT can do it. 

Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Gayland Baasch on October 05, 2011, 09:00:41 pm
Bill - my 96 270 also has a plug on the underneath side of the cabinet by the sofa.

Didn't do it today, but ran a wire from the inverter panel at the end of the bed around and put an outlet by the head of the bed so I too can have an alarm clock in the bedroom if I so choose (like those guys with the big fancy rigs) :))
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: oldmattb on October 05, 2011, 11:04:32 pm
Removed the 8D batteries and bought new ones, measured the carpeted area for laminate flooring replacement, made sure the engine hour gauge is working, measured sway bar end link bushings for replacement, and talked with vendor about sway bar bushings.

oldMattB
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Benjie Zeller on October 06, 2011, 03:54:25 pm
Installed a new rear driver's side hydraulic actuator on my kick down stands.  I haven't tested it yet, but really hoping I did it right!  :'(  Will bleed it sometime today or tomorrow.

Working conditions on the side of a country road and no way to remove the springs made it a little more interesting than I would like.  Anyone around Austin want to sell me 2-3 acres with a nice 2500+ sqft house and barn large enough to fit my RV?  A mechanics pit in the floor would be a bonus!  :P
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave Head on October 06, 2011, 05:28:33 pm
does that thermostat install on the front or (shudder) the back?
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Lewis Anderson on October 06, 2011, 06:02:46 pm
Third day home from a 1,500 mile trip.  Finished winterizing using an air compressor and a fitting to connect to a water hose to blow out the plumbing lines this morning before it gets below 32 here in northern New Mexico.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Bill Willett on October 06, 2011, 07:42:45 pm
Quote from: Dave Head –
does that thermostat install on the front or (shudder) the back?

Dave, it goes on the front, remove the thermostat on the right,bend the 3 ears in to the tank,install new stat with spring and retainer clip, rewire and test,about 15 minutes to install.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Michelle on October 06, 2011, 07:53:59 pm
Quote from: Wayne Macauley –
no more  drip  drip  drip

Nice faucet!  Make and model?

Michelle
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Carol Savournin on October 06, 2011, 10:07:16 pm
Quote from: Wayne Macauley –
no more  drip  drip  drip

We replaced our faucet with one almost exactly like that, but ours is a Kohler.  I had it in the stick house and loved it.  We also straightened out some small issues with our TVs, are working on the irritating "fading water pump" issue, replaced the cracked windshield, had the generator serviced, checked the air dryer, differential oil checked and filled, slide bladder replaced (what  project THAT is!!) latches on the closet doors so they stay closed, wiring repaired for blower motor in the dash, new arm on the auto patio awning, new pull down straps on all the other awnings and the vacuum pump tightened down for the Turbo Load 5000 Magnum Opus Toilet.  ALSO ... we have been having some "sticking" problems with the door latch that suddenly revealed itself to be the little black slidelock / deadbolt thingy.  the sudden part happened when I found myself locked INSIDE the coach and Jeff OUTSIDE the coach at 4:35pm ... when there were no mechanics left on the premises!  I called inside and explained to the receptionist that I needed technical assistance on what to do with my screwdriver as I began to disassemble the door from the inside.  Jeremy Rocha was on his way out when I got the cover off, which allowed the slide to go just a TAD farther to the right, which allowed the door to open.  The mechanics also took a look at that little item, because it was gonna be a looooong evening trying to get me OUT of a window or my husband IN!!  We could, however, have posted the event on Youtube. 

I should also clarify that all of the things that "we" are doing to our coach are actually performed by Qualified Mechanics ... because we know our limitations and are here to represent the folks who proudly pay others to do the things we know we would screw up if we tried to do it ourselves.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Pamela & Mike on October 31, 2011, 09:31:09 pm
Big day of preventative maintenance on the bay doors
Cleaned & lubed the latches & checked the bolts for tightness
Lubed the key lock tumblers
Cleaned, lubed, and checked the tightness of the pivot pins for the actuation arms (don't let these get loose or they can get in a bind and shear off at the threads, Not Good)
Pamela & Mike
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: J. D. Stevens on October 31, 2011, 09:48:22 pm
Defrosted the 'fridge yesterday.

A few days ago, I installed a Battery Tender to charge the chassis batteries from 120VAC supply. It's another alternative to Trik-L-Start, boost switch, shore powered isolator jumper, etc.

Checked the tire pressures a few days ago. All pressures were as expected. We'll tweak them up based on lowest expected ambient temperatures for the next trip.

Left towed Jeep at the garage a few days ago to fix looseness in the front end.

Looked at what's for sale, what other folk are doing, what other folk are driving, and smiled.  :)
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Keith and Joyce on November 01, 2011, 03:58:06 pm
Protected itself against over-voltage, fortunately.

Parked at Naval Station, Great Lakes.  Got in coach the other day and nothing worked.  Looked at the built-in surge protector it read 133v.  Had the base electricians check out pedestal, they said, over the phone, it's all OK.  Sunday 127v and coach OK.  Tuesday 131v and coach shut down.  Gal who is helping me detail coach before storage plugged in an electric drill and sparks flew.  Dropped drill and called me.  133v again.  Told the park manager and he sent one of his people over.  Sure enough 133v.  Now they gotta fix it before someone gets hurt.  And yes, I did check voltages with 2 other multimeters.  Now I am wondering about the coach's house batteries.  Have them on a separate charger bring them back.  As the park is almost empty I suspect the transformer, it sure can't be a load fluctuation.  Electricians please feel free...

Keith
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: oldmattb on November 01, 2011, 04:13:27 pm
Finished the last bit of new laminate flooring, replaced the hour meter on the generator, finished replacing the sway bar bushings and bar end bushings.  Discovered that the engine water pump is seized - removed tensioner and two belts to inspect for removal access.

oldMattB
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: gam on November 01, 2011, 09:34:24 pm
 not to but for, building a 40' carport to cover it for the Mich winter to come . Wife is working on the inside we leave for  the world of Harry Potter in 10 days. Gam
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Paul Smith on November 01, 2011, 10:04:50 pm
I had both belts (engine AC and alternator) replaced on my 1999 U320 M11 by R Mechanic in Livermore, CA $202.50

We are now a bit outside Jackson, CA on CA 88 at the Jackson Rancheria RV Park. Probably the nicest RV Park we've been in (and perhaps the most expensive).

A green park. They dump your tanks for you before you can go in. They don't want any renegade chemicals on their site, and give you a bottle of the chemicals they approve of!

Over Carson Pass tomorrow 8573ft. Then on to US 395 and South to CA 58 - CA 247 - CA 62 - I-10 CA 86 - S30 - Sunbeam Lake RV Resort outside El Centro, CA for the Winter. (I understand the British Prince is still desert training at the Naval Air Station 5 miles from our RV Park. Perhaps we'll see him when we go the NAS for dinner.)

best, paul
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: nitehawk on November 01, 2011, 10:20:22 pm
Quote from: Gayland Baasch –
Bill - my 96 270 also has a plug on the underneath side of the cabinet by the sofa.

Didn't do it today, but ran a wire from the inverter panel at the end of the bed around and put an outlet by the head of the bed so I too can have an alarm clock in the bedroom if I so choose (like those guys with the big fancy rigs) :))

Washed windshield inside & out in prep for leaving week from Friday.

Aah, Gayland, we have a built-in alarm clock at the head of the bed on driver's side in our '89 GV ORED. (came with coach) Does this qualify us  as a big fancy rig??  Sure would be nice!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: jeff on November 01, 2011, 11:16:03 pm
Emptied all the bays...got rid of a couple of totes  (now I have more room for toys). Tomorrow, set up new pressure pros.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Don Hay on November 02, 2011, 12:23:52 am
I changed the Cummins oil and filter today, checked the belts. Also, replaced the air filter in the Onan 7.5 KW generator (supposed to change every 500 hours) and changed the oil and filter (every 100 hrs) in it.  I wanted to change out the differential fluid, but can't get the fill plug to budge (it's a 1/2" square hole), so I guess I'll leave that for MOT.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Wattalife54 on November 02, 2011, 07:23:36 am
Removed, cleaned & re-caulked shower. Second time in two years. Silicone just does not stick very well to that plastic.  >:(
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: niagarachip on November 02, 2011, 07:57:37 am
Just replaced my 160 amps alternator with a 210 amps alt. Half an hour job.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Jeff and Victoria Moses on November 02, 2011, 11:14:47 am
Climbed on roof, pulled A/C units apart and cleaned coils, getting ready for cold weather and using heat strips. Installed a Tornado tank cleaner on black water tank.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Jerry Whiteaker on November 02, 2011, 03:19:48 pm
Noticed a burned out light bulb under the Sharp microwave.  It had 2 40watt bulbs for the range cooktop.  Getting the plastic cover open was a bit of a chore, finally had to read the manual.  These are screw in bulbs with a small base about 5/8 " in diameter.  Neither one wanted to unscrew and the bulb part came out of the base.  I got both bases out of the sockets with needle nose pliers, but broke one socket.  Found I could remove the sheet metal that holds the filters (7 screws) and a piece of sheet metal around the sockets (1 screw) without removing the microwave.  Removed the broken socket (1 screw).  Rapped the equivalent of bailing wire around the 2 broken socket parts(3 turns) and twisted the ends together.  Went shopping with the socket for bulbs; bought 2 25 watt bulbs that fit for $6.98.  Put everything back together.  The lower wattage bulbs seem bright enough.  I can work on the leaking fresh water pump some other day. 
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Kent Speers on November 02, 2011, 06:17:27 pm
Quote from: flite2010 –
Removed, cleaned & re-caulked shower. Second time in two years. Silicone just does not stick very well to that plastic.  >:(

Bob, try a good quality urethane (polyurethane) caulk like Sonneborn NP1, Dicor Non-Sag or GeoCell RV caulk. They will adhere much better than Silicone. If you clean the substrate properly they should last at least 10 years. 
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: oldmattb on November 02, 2011, 07:57:23 pm
I was great!  I jumped into the rear hatch and removed our seized water pump.  I was a little intimidated by it, but with slow, deliberate progress I went from gloves on to pump in the car trunk in less than two hours.  There are a bunch of hoses and some tricky bolts (The AC compressor mounts to the water pump from the side.)  Tomorrow I get the new pump, and maybe Saturday...

oldMattB
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Bill Willett on November 11, 2011, 12:12:32 pm
Replace the old mattress with a new Simmons Beauty Rest firm plush pillow top, should make for a good night's sleep. ^.^d
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Haygarth on November 11, 2011, 12:23:34 pm
Packing it with a whole pile of crap to go south in the am
John
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: rbark on November 11, 2011, 07:43:47 pm
Installed a new Sharp R1875-T microwave/convection oven in place of the old one. Received a new speedometer from MOT and plan on installing it this weekend.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: George Hatfield on November 11, 2011, 08:52:33 pm
Installed a new plug in our gas/AC water heater.  It has had persistent leak (drip, drip...), so I bought a new plastic plug.  Didn't help.  Wrapped it with Teflon tape.  Didn't help.  Bought a brass plug from Camping world (Anderson Brass Company - Water Heater Drain Valve - Water Filtration - Camping (http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/water-heater-drain-valve/55605)).  No drip!

I thought about putting an anode plug in the water heater, but due to the cautions concerning anodes provided on this forum, I checked with Atwood and got this response.

"Thank you for visiting the Atwood Mobile Products, LLC website. Atwood's water heater tanks are aluminum which DO NOT use an anode rod. It will do more harm than good. If you are using the plastic plug then I would recommend using a brass plug. The plastic ones are fine but they tend to warp over time creating the leak you are experiencing."

That makes sense if you are talking about the usual zinc anodes used on boats.  See this site for a listing of electrochemical potentials.

the electrochemical series (http://www.chemguide.co.uk/physical/redoxeqia/ecs.html)

The anode plugs sold by Camping world are either aluminum or magnesium, not zinc (Replaceable Anode Rods for Atwood and Suburban Water Heaters - Product - Camping (http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/product/replaceable-anode-rods-for-atwood-and-suburban-water-heaters/2470)).  I guess they might work, but I took the advice from the guy at Atwood and went with the brass plug.

One additional point.  Be very careful about removing that plug.  The hot water tank is under a fair amount of pressure.  Turn off the water and relieve the pressure before carefully removing the plug. 
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: George Hatfield on November 11, 2011, 09:21:20 pm
Installed an Intervac central vacuum cleaner (Vacuums for your Home, R/V, Garage and Yachts - interVac Design (http://intervacdesign.com/)).  Pat didn't like our portable vacuum cleaner because it always left a odor in the coach after it was used.  With the Intervac the exhaust is down below, as is the noise. 

I installed the unit in the back half of our main storage bay.  From there it took about 16 feet of 2" hose ($1 per foot from Intervac) to get to the location for the vacuum hose plug-in located in the galley (see photo below).  I used a 2.5" hole saw to cut through the floor below the galley drawers (cut from below).  The floor has about 1/2" plywood on top with about 2" of blue foam and then a thin plastic layer on the bottom.  No problem to cut the hole.  Running the hose was no problem either (secured with wire ties).  In addition to the hose, I had to run two wires (16g) to the plug-in.  These turn the vacuum on when the hose is plugged in. 

The only problem I had was with the mounting screws for the vacuum in the bay.  The wall is very thin plastic material and not the plywood I expected.  But the screws held.  I may put in some wall anchors later.

The vacuum works well.... lots of suction.  It comes with a 40' hose, but there is a problem with the hose.  It compresses to about 10' when the vacuum is on.  The compressible hose makes for easy storage, but is a bit of a pain when using the vacuum.  But all in all, it was a good addition to the coach. 

One fun moment during the installation was when I spoke  into one end of the hose while the other end was near Cosmo, our Miniature Schnauzer (see below).  It was priceless.  Where is that guy in the hose?

Update: Tried to put some wall anchors in  to secure the vac on the wall.  Tried several types and none would hold.... very thin wall.  So mounted vac on a piece of plywood and bolted the bottom to the frame as shown below.  I think this will hold it.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: philtravel on November 11, 2011, 10:04:33 pm
We had the deadbolt re-keyed today to match our (land) house key.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Patricia on November 12, 2011, 05:24:43 pm
Quote from: George Hatfield –
Installed an Intervac central vacuum cleaner (Vacuums for your Home, R/V, Garage and Yachts - interVac Design (http://intervacdesign.com/))....  The compressible hose makes for easy storage, but is a bit of a pain when using the vacuum.
This is a GREAT addition, and thanks to Karl & Madelyn Brenneman for showing us their system!

First, I scoured the internet for pricing (yes, even CW), as well as the factory itself.  These units are made in the USA (Florida) and their customer service is outstanding.  The phone is answered by a very knowledgeable rep (Susan), and technical installation questions are referred to Peter in the factory.  LazyDays here in Tucson was able to match the factory price (~$250), but no shipping charge.  They obtained it from their distributor in a couple of days.  When I spoke with Susan, she advised me to purchase it from LazyDays.  Her explanation (besides saving on shipping) is that the factory unit ships with the older model of the mini turbohead (which she told me was not a very good accessory).  However, the accessory kits that are shipped to distributors (LazyDays uses Stag Parkway) include the newer turbohead.

The stretch hose (stretches to 40 ft, and compresses to 8 ft for storage) is a more of a challenge, than a pain (as George mentions above).  As he said, the suction is so powerful that it tends to keep the hose mostly compressed.  However, I put one foot on the hose, one hand about 3 ft from the grip, and it is easy to use and reaches to both ends of our 36' coach (and Madelyn says it reaches all areas of their 42' FT).

I did read reviews on both the InterVac and the Dirt Devil central vacs, and the interVac clearly was the "winner" with regard to positive comments.  I also learned that the Dirt Devil, made in China, has a 3-year warranty, while the interVac, made in USA, has a 6-year warranty.  interVac systems are also made for boats, airplanes, and home installation as well.  Great product!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wolfe10 on November 12, 2011, 05:48:56 pm
Changed transmission fluid (Transynd) and filters.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Gayland Baasch on November 12, 2011, 06:46:01 pm
Installed a new ignition solenoid to hopefully solve previously mentioned problem.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: chris von ravensberg on November 12, 2011, 07:17:39 pm
All new LED clearance lights...

She looks really nice!!

chris
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: J. D. Stevens on November 12, 2011, 08:09:03 pm
Replaced the black trim (edge guard) around the frame for the entrance door. The folk at Xtreme suggested that we replace it because it had been installed in pieces and there were about four small gaps in the trim.

Created a better route for the charge wire for the Battery Tender to the chassis battery. Have been testing the Battery Tender for a few weeks. It appears to be serving the purpose of maintaining the charge on the chassis battery without using the boost switch.

Replaced the failed latch the secures the bed down on top of the engine compartment.

Pressured up the water system with the water pump to verify things were working well, and to make sure the water heater had plenty of water in it. Checked the toilet bowl to verify that there was water in it, and there were no dead animals in the water. (Found a dead mouse in the toilet a few weeks ago.) Fired up the propane water heater to discourage mud daubers and verify that they haven't plugged it yet.

Looked for locations to place the Lasko Personal Heaters (200W ceramic heaters) in the bays. We are planning some trips to areas where it gets cold. (Montana in December.)

Told the coach, and some people, about plans to drive up on I-35 to Kansas City, MO, next week.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Don Hay on November 12, 2011, 08:38:44 pm
Removed and cleaned bathroom fan screen; cleaned A/C fillters, treated paneling with Zep's Wood Doctor.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on November 12, 2011, 09:07:47 pm
Quote from: Don Hay –
Removed and cleaned bathroom fan screen; cleaned A/C fillters, treated paneling with Zep's Wood Doctor.

Hi Don,

Have been using "Old English" on the paneling and floor. What's Zep's Wood Doctor like?
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Mike on November 12, 2011, 09:24:36 pm
i went and picked up another motor for it
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: J. D. Stevens on November 12, 2011, 09:28:20 pm
Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart –
Quote from: Don Hay –
Removed and cleaned bathroom fan screen; cleaned A/C fillters, treated paneling with Zep's Wood Doctor.

Hi Don,

Have been using "Old English" on the paneling and floor. What's Zep's Wood Doctor like?
It appears to be a cleaner/oil. It is recommended and sold by FOT. It comes in an aerosol can. We bought a can and have used it on the walnut in our U295. It does spiff up the walnut. I renews a rich look. It looks like a can would "do" the coach two or three times.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Don Hay on November 12, 2011, 09:38:40 pm
Quote
Pierce asked: "What's Zep's Wood Doctor like?"

It comes in a spray can; one can is enough to do the entire coach's paneling twice. I treat the paneling once a year with this. Normally I spray 12-18" square, let it absorb for a short time, wipe with a clean, absorbent cloth. Surprisingly, it has a pleasant odor after using, not at all like the 50:50 linseed oil/turpatine mixture I used to use. I get mine from MOT, but I have seen it at other RV stores.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: sedelange on November 12, 2011, 10:55:08 pm
Removed the Dash A/C unit to determin the reason for the low air flow.  Found all the plastic deteriorated and missing pieces aloowing the air to recirculate around the evaporator coil rather than be pushed out the vents.  Now I need to find replacement parts or I have to fabricate new pieces from fiberglass.

Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Tony Pasquale on November 13, 2011, 09:19:25 am
Washed coach Saturday with Meguiars wash and using the HD Oxidation Remover today hope to do entire coach but I may have to do in stages. 

Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dick & Sue on November 13, 2011, 11:02:23 am
* Still trying to figure out how to reach the gen feed line in the middle of the fuel tank. I think we have a plan.
* Removed the closet door in pre for the installation of the Splendide w/d.
* Pulled the Splendide out of the corner of the garage and will clean that up. Already have the louver doors, drip pan,   
  outside vent kit-painted to match, and plumbing parts.
* Just replaced the Dometic ref vent and both Vac-Jet vents.
* PTl door gasket parts, both screen and outside door should be delivered tomorrow by UPS.
* Earlier this week used gasket silicon to fill all gaps on all the bay doors. Cleaned and lube all door hardware.
* Fri-Ordered new Delome atlas for Mich, Fl & Tx.
* And last, but not least, putting finishing touches on the 32" Sony & Blu-Ray project.


Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Jimmy Freytag on November 13, 2011, 11:53:49 am
Put on a new set of Bridgestone R250's 295/75/22.5 G load range.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Gayland Baasch on November 13, 2011, 01:30:31 pm
Dick and Sue said
Quote
Earlier this week used gasket silicon to fill all gaps on all the bay doors. Cleaned and lube all door hardware

Timely subject, I've just been crawling around in my bays, appalled at how dirty they are.  Is it conceivable that they can be sealed tight enough that they don't leak dirt in?
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: MAZ on November 13, 2011, 03:37:58 pm
Recently replaced the leaking vacuum breaker in the shower.

Alsons 49002010PK 1/2" Vacuum Breaker in Polished Brass at OverstockDeals.com (http://www.overstockdeals.com/Alsons_49002010PK_p/alsons-49002010pk.htm)

Regards, Mark
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dub on November 14, 2011, 01:00:43 pm
Hand washed mine yesterday including the roof.... I have never chopped cotton... but think I would rather.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Bill Willett on November 14, 2011, 03:14:30 pm
Went to Home D and picked out the tile for the bathroom, and carpet for the bedroom, On Sat. we went and bought the fabric to upholster the sofa, next it is the floor material for the living room.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Peter & Beth on November 14, 2011, 07:25:10 pm
Today I took the coach to the local Michelin tire dealer to have a small leak in inside driver side dually.  Bad luck...Forrest is there overnight.  One of the studs was frozen (on the inside wheel) broke-off and no one in Cincinnati had a spare part.  Called Mark Harvey and could not pinpoint the axle make...either Meritor or Rockwell.
 
More tomorrow...
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wolfe10 on November 14, 2011, 07:27:42 pm
Peter,

I believe they are one in the same-- that Meritor bought Rockwell.

But to verify, there will be a thin stamped plate on the axle housing itself that will identify the maker and particular model number of your axle.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Peter & Beth on November 14, 2011, 07:31:53 pm
Brett,
Thanks...these guys are from TCi Tire Centers which is a Michelin, Inc. wholly owned subsidiary.  Apparently they do not do much chassis repairs.  They seemed confused when they saw the axle & hubs.  My luck...
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Bill and Ricki on November 14, 2011, 07:37:25 pm
Seems like we 'automatic leveled' too much recently so got a new driver side windshield.  Sure is nice to have one that is free of rock nicks!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: MAZ on November 16, 2011, 08:55:06 pm
Replaced the metal (rusting) bathroom sink with a new porcelain one. No more rust problems ever again.

Mark
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Wattalife54 on November 19, 2011, 03:28:22 pm
Replaced the entry door gasket.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on November 19, 2011, 04:04:39 pm
Installed the 4" drop receiver adapter, then shortened it up about 10", had to drill the 5/8" hole so it did not put the Blue Ox so far behind where it had been, now it is back an additional 12" from the original non 4" drop position.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Carol Savournin on November 19, 2011, 04:12:56 pm
Cleaned and siliconed the window frames, so hopefully they slide a lot easer.  Got out the Old English scratch cover, Beeswax & Wood Dr, and gave the "dry" spots a good going over.  I just love it when the wood has that nice, rich "glow"!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: George Hatfield on November 19, 2011, 08:57:07 pm
Fixed the bay lights... 5 of six were out.  There were three bad bulbs and two were out due to a bad connection with the push on/off switch for the bay door..... turns off light(s) when bay is closed.  Removed the bay door on/off switch for the utility bay and installed an LED array bulb in one of the lights.  I am going to leave this on 24/7 to hopefully keep rodents out.  We're living in the desert to the west of Tucson (Justin's Diamond J RV Park).

Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dick & Sue on November 20, 2011, 09:15:12 am
Replacing the entry door gasket today and the screen edge (latch) bulb yesterday.
Replaced the D5 relay that unlocks the bay door left side the other day.
Finished up the  generator fuel line project.
Moved the Splendide washer/dryer inside of the bus. Need to do a little more rework on the closet. 
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Wattalife54 on November 20, 2011, 10:01:28 am
Did weekly "Turd Herding" task.  AKA 15 minute black water flush  ^.^d
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: J. D. Stevens on November 20, 2011, 12:58:46 pm
Slept in it. Drove it. Just had lunch in it.

Things are working well. Identified leak at output shaft of steering box. (Oh, no!)

Plan to drive and live in it for another week +-
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Bob Mulder on November 20, 2011, 01:06:25 pm
Installed a new Sealand Traveler 511+ toilet.  Installed new ballast and bulbs in a Thin Lite overhead fixture.  Cleaned shower, and replaced some caulking.  Installed a repaired day/night blind at kitchen window.  Replaced wooden roller for entry door shade.  Wiped the desert dust from the exterior with a California Duster.  Love that FT shine.

Started, but stopped, cleaning interior cabinets with extra-moisturizing lemon Pledge.  Still looking for Zep Wood Doctor to use instead.  Can't find any locally, and internet search is coming up short except for whole-case purchases. 

Reluctant to choose between light wood and dark wood Old English scratch cover alternatives.  Has anyone already determined whether light wood or dark wood option is the best choice for cherry wood interior?
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Rudy on November 20, 2011, 01:11:45 pm
J D,

Chalk's Truck Parts here in Houston has a seal kit for my Shepherd M100 steering box for about $85.

My retired mechanic friend and I will change the leaking pitman shaft seal down at his house on the intercoastal canal when he returns from a Galveston based cruise.

My shaft leak is on the side facing out as you look into the front compartment where the generator radiator is located.  Would be harder if leaking on the inside where the pitman arm is attached.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Patricia on November 20, 2011, 01:16:21 pm
Quote from: Bob Mulder –
Reluctant to choose between light wood and dark wood Old English scratch cover alternatives.  Has anyone already determined whether light wood or dark wood option is the best choice for cherry wood interior?
Bob, I don't know about '02 cherry - but we have '03 walnut, and last week I used the light Old English scratch cover successfully - perfect.  I decided to start with the light, figuring I could go back and buy the dark - but it wasn't necessary.  I don't know if that helps for your cherry wood, though, since IIRC it is quite a bit "redder" than the walnut.

Hope this helps.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wa_desert_rat on November 20, 2011, 01:51:50 pm
Installed and tested an outside 50-amp service receptacle on the shop so I can park the coach outside while storing building materials inside. Once the shop siding is up we'll mine out some space for the FT.

It will be nice having an inside parking spot for the RV only 1.5 blocks from the lake house. I am soooo glad I specified a 14-foot door on that bay. I should have put a 12-foot door on the other one, though.

Craig
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Horace B. Cupp on November 20, 2011, 02:07:46 pm
I had my 84,000 mile service at a local RV service, Chassis Master. This is a one man operation just about as far back in the "boonies" as it is possible to go, in the very northeastern corner of Tennessee but only 20 miles from my house. I had heard very good things about this man (Pete Scalf) and sure enough they were all accurate. The work was thorough, efficient, and all procedures and results were explained. The price for labor is a lot less than TN RV, FOT, MOT and Parliament. He did the service on the Aqua-Hot burner and it fired right up. I was sure to check it before departing. I recommend this man for anyone living in this area, although he does have 2 RV sites with full HU and wifi and cable. There is, however, NO CELL PHONE SERVICE. As I said, it is in the boonies.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: J. D. Stevens on November 20, 2011, 02:52:15 pm
Quote from: Rudy –
J D,

Chalk's Truck Parts here in Houston has a seal kit for my Shepherd M100 steering box for about $85.

My retired mechanic friend and I will change the leaking pitman shaft seal down at his house on the intercoastal canal when he returns from a Galveston based cruise.

My shaft leak is on the side facing out as you look into the front compartment where the generator radiator is located.  Would be harder if leaking on the inside where the pitman arm is attached.
Rudy,

Thanks for the hint. Mine is leaking on the inside. Oil is running down the Pitman arm. It looks like it will be difficult to get to it. The leak just started yesterday and is significant. I'll watch the oil level in the reservoir. We are about 350 miles into a 1600 mile trip. I think we'll try to complete the trip.

The current problem is that we lost the cooling unit on the refrigerator this morning. We are picking up an ammonia smell and the temperature in the freezer is rising. We have turned on exhaust vents turned off the refrigerator. We just bought a Coleman 12volt chest to keep some food cool, and have turned on the U-Line to store some frozen stuff. I'll start reviewing the threads on refrigerators.  :(

Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Kent Speers on November 20, 2011, 07:54:15 pm
Quote from: J. D. Stevens –
Quote from: Rudy –
J D,

The current problem is that we lost the cooling unit on the refrigerator this morning. We are picking up an ammonia smell and the temperature in the freezer is rising. We have turned on exhaust vents turned off the refrigerator. We just bought a Coleman 12volt chest to keep some food cool, and have turned on the U-Line to store some frozen stuff. I'll start reviewing the threads on refrigerators.  :(


Dave, arrived in KC yesterday. Temp last night was 25 degrees. Today is got up to 34. It won't stay this way but you wouldn't have had to worry about keeping things cold the last couple of days.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: J. D. Stevens on November 20, 2011, 08:20:16 pm
Thought about cursing it, but instead laughed with Marilyn about "adventures in travel."

Yesterday, the puddle of clean oil under the front of the coach indicated that the steering box was leaking. I added three quarts of oil to the reservoir today. I'll get another gallon or two to take along. We'll try to get home at the end of the week and figure out what action to take.

Today, the smell of ammonia indicated that the refrigerator has failed. We moved food to other appliances in order to keep fresh food available. We'll study options now and take action when we get home.

Tonight, Marilyn complained that the water closet was chilly. I found that the front furnace was not firing. It circulates cold air nicely. It appears that all is working properly except for the ignition spark. I may try to fix that on the road. I expect a new igniter board will fix the problem.

I'll be doing a few things to the coach soon, in preparation for our Christmas/New Years holiday trip.

"Adventures in travel" will continue.  :)
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Michelle on November 20, 2011, 08:47:56 pm
Quote from: J. D. Stevens –

Tonight, Marilyn complained that the water closet was chilly. I found that the front furnace was not firing. It circulates cold air nicely. It appears that all is working properly except for the ignition spark. I may try to fix that on the road. I expect a new igniter board will fix the problem.

Dave,

I see from your SPOT check-in that you're just south of Wichita - reasonably close to Ron Hawkins at Innovative Coach Works.  Ron's a member here (rhawk6) and a FT owner http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=profile;u=147 (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=profile;u=147) . 

You might ping him at ICW - www.icoachworks.com (http://www.icoachworks.com/)

Michelle
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Kent Speers on November 21, 2011, 09:56:08 am
Dave, I once had a problem on my U225 where the front furnace fan would run but no heat. Like yours it would ignite for a few seconds and then the flame would go out. It turned out to be a propane regulator. Somehow the back furnace and water heater worked fine but not the front furnace or the refrigerator while on gas. It was a $29 fix but I spent 10 times that trouble shooting and changing furnace parts before an Atwood tech checked the gas pressure.  FWIW
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Rick on November 21, 2011, 04:11:26 pm
Replaced the 400 pound round corian table with a nice "harverst" table. Secured to the old table mounting arm with an aluminum angle bracket. Much better arrangement and seating.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on November 21, 2011, 04:20:32 pm
Most interesting discovery today, while tracking down a possible fuel leak on the Power Tech Generator, I found (1) the air filter is stopped up enough to collapse the air hose between the air filter and the intake, found it had 417 hours on the filter. (2) the generator is a 2006 year model and a 12 kw, so looks like it had been changed out since the coach is a 2001 model. Similar to Steve & Michelle's experience last year. Love to know the rest of the story.
Back to the air filter, I think I will look for a better intake position for the intake air to the filter.  I feel the air filter should last longer than 400 hours.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Mike on November 21, 2011, 07:24:06 pm
this is what i did to mine today. anyone want to help
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Don Hay on November 21, 2011, 08:06:20 pm
Mike,

Based on the black on rear grill, I would say that you are replacing your exhaust manifold. Am I right? I had a slightly more round black "tatoo" on the grill last year, and fortunately it was just the exhaust manifold gasket. Unfortunately, for some reason the thermostats got toasted during the process, so I had to turn around before I got it home and take it back for new thermostats.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Don Hay on November 21, 2011, 08:11:38 pm
Dave M said: "I feel the air filter should last longer than 400 hours."

Dave: My Onan 7.5 KW instruction manual says change out the air filter at 450 hours (200 hrs for fuel filter and 100 hrs for oil filter).
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on November 21, 2011, 08:57:24 pm
Hi Don,
Yes, I guess it was due on time run, I see I put more hours on the generator that I had thought. 
Also was good to meet you at Xtreme last month, I seem to be visiting That shop more than needed, but do like the work they do.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Mike on November 21, 2011, 09:44:30 pm
don that was coming out of the radiator cap and im pulling the old motor out and putting another one in
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wolfe10 on November 21, 2011, 09:45:50 pm
Quote from: mike –
don that was coming out of the radiator and im pulling the old motor out and putting another one in
8.2 DD??
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Mike on November 21, 2011, 09:49:37 pm
yes it was brett
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: J. D. Stevens on November 21, 2011, 10:42:54 pm
Quote from: Kent Speers –
Dave, I once had a problem on my U225 where the front furnace fan would run but no heat. Like yours it would ignite for a few seconds and then the flame would go out. It turned out to be a propane regulator. Somehow the back furnace and water heater worked fine but not the front furnace or the refrigerator while on gas. It was a $29 fix but I spent 10 times that trouble shooting and changing furnace parts before an Atwood tech checked the gas pressure.  FWIW
It appears I am getting propane to the furnace. I hear a click, then smell propane, but there is never ignition. I think the click is a propane valve opening. I never hear the snap of an igniter, nor do I see any flame or feel any heat from the exhaust.

We are doing fine with the rear furnace, which heats the bays, the bath, and the bedroom. We are using a small electric heater for the front when we are parked. I'll probably wait till we get home to address the equipment failures on this adventure.

I'll have more to report on "What did you do ... ."
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave Head on November 21, 2011, 11:37:37 pm
You could swap boards front to rear...
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: J. D. Stevens on November 22, 2011, 09:51:43 am
Quote from: Dave Head –
You could swap boards front to rear...
Yup! Thanks for the suggestion. We are good for now. We plan to be home in a week and we'll make do until then. I'll work on it at my leisure. Time with the grandkids is the priority right now.

If only one furnace works, I prefer to keep the rear furnace working. It provides some ducts into the bays. I'll probably buy a Dinosaur board in any case. If it fixes the problem, I'll probably buy another as a spare before we head for the cold weather again. If it doesn't fix it, I'll keep the board for a spare.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Bill Willett on November 22, 2011, 02:33:28 pm
Yesterday I removed the main a/c grills and cleaned the blower wheels with my fridge coil cleaning brush, today I removed the duct grills and cleaned the duct system front to back,if yours have never been cleaned you will be suprised what is in there,we clean ours every 2 years and the a/c coils yearly. ^.^d ^.^d
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wolfe10 on November 22, 2011, 02:47:18 pm
Bill,

When you say you clean the A/C coils every year, do you clean both condenser AND evaporator.  It is the evaporator that really gets cruddy and affects air quality inside the coach.  But, on some A/C's it is also much more difficult to access than the condenser.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Bill Willett on November 22, 2011, 03:22:11 pm
Brett, as you know the filter system on RV a/c is not the best, I clean both coils yearly, a little TLC will go a long way.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Don & Tys on November 22, 2011, 03:55:42 pm
Bill,
Could you describe your process for cleaning the ducts etc.? I am sure that that is something ours desperately needs!

Don
Quote from: Bill Willett –
Yesterday I removed the main a/c grills and cleaned the blower wheels with my fridge coil cleaning brush, today I removed the duct grills and cleaned the duct system front to back,if yours have never been cleaned you will be suprised what is in there,we clean ours every 2 years and the a/c coils yearly. ^.^d ^.^d
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Bill Willett on November 22, 2011, 04:09:58 pm
Don,  remove all duct grills,what I use is a 10 ft.  piece of #6 awg wire,clean rags dampened with a mild solution of bleach water, fasten rag securely to wire, feed wire from one grill opening to the other, pull rag through the duct repeat as needed.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Mike on November 22, 2011, 10:53:11 pm
well after 5 hrs working by myself its out on the ground
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wa_desert_rat on November 22, 2011, 10:58:57 pm
Quote from: mike –
well after 5 hrs working by myself its out on the ground

Wow! Quite a job to do alone. I would have just unfastened everything and let 'er drop. :P

Good job. Do you have another one to put in place of the one you took out? And will you do that alone, too?

Craig
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Mike on November 22, 2011, 11:03:30 pm
yes unless some of my friends get off work to give me a hand
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave Head on November 22, 2011, 11:12:39 pm
Well I'm impressed... You putting in a rebuilt or a used one?
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Mike on November 22, 2011, 11:15:11 pm
i picked up a used one for 500 ill use it tell i find a 3208 for it
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Gary Bouland (RIP) on November 23, 2011, 01:23:02 am
Mike, Next engine change I do I want you to be there.  :) You may not live long enough though. ;)
Gary B
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Don & Tys on November 23, 2011, 01:08:18 pm
Thanks Bill! I will give that a try. I assume that you use stranded #6 wire?
Don
Quote from: Bill Willett –
Don,  remove all duct grills,what I use is a 10 ft.  piece of #6 awg wire,clean rags dampened with a mild solution of bleach water, fasten rag securely to wire, feed wire from one grill opening to the other, pull rag through the duct repeat as needed.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: jrdrag6396 on November 23, 2011, 04:05:00 pm
Well its winter again, its in the shop and time do some maintenance/repair. 

Got the waste tanks flushed, heater and fresh tanks drained last weekend.    Pulled the black and grey level sensors, quickly figuring out why they stopped working-- yuck.  Lots of corrosion.  Will do the fresh also just to be sure.

Winter plans;
--  New house batteries
--  Clean cable to the starter and check voltage across the relay;  (even with the trik-l-start maintainer, had an issue with starting the motor.  Once it was started, it was no big deal, but it suprisingly struggled on the first hit.
--  Wire in a coil cooling fan on top of fridge to pull excess heat  (need ideas/thoughts on this)
--  Wiper washer pump
--  New drain cap for water heater... it broke (twisted head off) trying to reinstall.  Any good replacement besides nylon?
--  General cleaning


Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Peter & Beth on November 23, 2011, 04:29:10 pm
Mike,
Since I have to winterize the coach and drain the tanks often, I installed a brass plug with a valve to open/close so I do not have to strip the nylon plugs all the time.
 
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: jrdrag6396 on November 23, 2011, 05:38:13 pm
Peter,
Any corrosion issues?  Brass was the direction I was headed, but didnt know if there was any long term issues with corrosion (not sure why I was wondering that anyway....).  Perhaps cost was the only reason that nylon was used...  thanks!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Peter & Beth on November 23, 2011, 05:49:52 pm
If you look closely at the picture, you can see that the only corrosion is on the valve handles.  The brass is fine.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wolfe10 on November 23, 2011, 05:58:37 pm
YES, there will be corrosion. Brass is a much more noble metal than aluminum (Atwood tank an aluminum alloy).  That is why Atwood only uses/sells nylon drain plugs-- about $1 each.

YES, the aluminum threads will serve as the anode, sacrificing themselves to protect the more noble brass.  How fast?  LOTS of variables-- hardness/mineral content of water, number of heat cycles the heater is used (more reactive when hot than cold), tank stored dry/wet, etc.

Will it affect the longevity of the water heater?  No hard and fast rule, see above paragraph.

I only use the Atwood nylon drain plug.  Were I to want to install a permanent drain, I would use a non-conductive adapter to isolate the metals.

Brett
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Peter & Beth on November 23, 2011, 06:04:49 pm
I was wondering about that corrosion issue as well.  I used lots of thread tape on the brass fitting and all is well for the past 7 years.  Once a year I remove the plug to flush out the tank to try to remove any sedimentation.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Mike on November 25, 2011, 07:19:59 pm
well if all goes well ill be startng up the new motor tomorrow
well new too me anyway
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on November 26, 2011, 09:37:55 am
Replaced all fuel lines inside the Power Tech 10 kw sound housing, for most part, they all were getting dried and hard. Had in my stock the 1/8" fuel return/bypass hose, fabric covered, new 4mm spring clamps. Then did same on the 5/16" supply fuel line, using new premium hose and new spring clamps, including fuel pump and filter lines.  Seems the fuel lines closer to the heat are drying out much quicker requiring replacement.
Found the outside fuel lines, still in good condition between generator bulkhead and coach bulkhead including through the Racor filter assembly.
Now, no more stumbling on cold starts.  Love these Kubota engines, not sure about the generator end built off shore, only time will tell.
FWIW
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wa_desert_rat on November 26, 2011, 11:29:10 pm
We like exploring out-of-the way places but worry about poking the nose of a 36-foot Foretravel down roads and into spots that it might not be easy to get out of. Especially with a towed. So today I set up the Kia Optima (5-speed front-wheel-drive) with a Class I hitch so I can hitch up the tow dolly. The major reason is that we need to drive the car over to Puget Sound to pick up the coach and the dolly needs to either go with us or one of us gets to drive the Kia back.

This way we can tow the dolly over with the towed and then tow the towed on the dolly home.

Say that five times real fast!  :P

Craig
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Gary Bouland (RIP) on November 27, 2011, 12:08:07 pm
Craig, Why not put a base plate on the KIA and tow it with your coach ?  I think I am missing something here and yes I am NOSY.
Gary B
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wa_desert_rat on November 27, 2011, 12:28:41 pm
Quote from: Gary Bouland –
Craig, Why not put a base plate on the KIA and tow it with your coach ?  I think I am missing something here and yes I am NOSY.
Gary B

Gary... we own a car dolly and we would have to find - and install - a base plate and towing system. And we live in a small town almost 200 miles from any place that sells those. It was just easier to install a Class I hitch on the Kia and that way we can tow the car along with a couple of bicycles on our hitch bike rack mounted on the car.

We may change this but for now it was the least difficult route.

Craig
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Gary Bouland (RIP) on November 27, 2011, 12:58:59 pm
Craig, If you can find a baseplate I have a Blue OX Aladdin that I will let you have cheap as I sold the car that it went with.  Only draw back might be shipping cost, or you pick it up when you pass thru GA.
Try Blue OX web site for base plates, or Ebay, Craigs List.
Gary B
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Michelle on November 27, 2011, 06:31:47 pm
Steve replaced a check valve and the "air tank" isolation solenoid valve for the HWH system, then we winterized the coach with the pink stuff and Pri-D, pulled out anything that shouldn't be allowed to freeze, and resigned ourselves to a major cleaning effort in the spring.  Santa Fe seemed to fill the coach with lots of fine dust (and Posse slobber).

Michelle
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: oldmattb on November 27, 2011, 06:47:01 pm
Plugged in space heater and fan for a cold night, and wished to go somewhere.

oldMattB
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: J. D. Stevens on November 27, 2011, 10:32:24 pm
Drove it 400 miles from Norman, OK, to home. Checked a couple of tires with a gauge before rolling this morning. "Thumped" the tires at each stop. Checked the hydraulic fluid level at each stop. Added three quarts of oil to the hydraulic system to replace the losses from the steering box. Thought about the plans to fix the failed cooling unit on the Dometic reefer, fix the failed Atwood furnace, and getting to Nac to get the steering box fixed. We need to get all fixed before going to Missouri for Christmas visits and Montana for New Years visits. Brrr!

Everything needs to work well for the trip in December! Failures on the recent trip were annoying. Failures on a trip in subfreezing weather could be dangerous. 
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave Katsuki on November 29, 2011, 12:52:25 am
Atwood furnace not putting out as much heat as it used to.  Assumed bad propane regulator.    Made a manometer and measured the old one - 6" H2O pressure!  11" H2O specified.  Old one had lots of oil in it from propane crud over the years, I assume.  Put in a new one but could not get it to adjust over 9" H2O. :(.  May need a different spring on the final diaphragm.  Thoughts?
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: J. D. Stevens on December 02, 2011, 07:59:44 pm
Took the coach to a local welding shop. For $15 the welder fabricated a fine new support for the air tube that runs over the engine from the charge air cooler to the intake manifold. He built a cradle for the tube rather than just a tab with a rubber bushing like the OEM support. The tab broke off the OEM support. We'll see if it holds up under the vibration of that big diesel engine.

Washed some oil and dirt off the engine.

Washed some oil from the driver side of the coach. We dumped about seven quarts from the bad seal on the steering box during about 1300 miles of travel. I have an appointment for Wayne at FOT to fix the steering box on December 12.

Started fabricating from a few small pieces of wood a mount for the Turbo Boost and Turbo Pyrometer gauges. I think I can put them in a visible spot on the little deck just above transmission selection panel.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: kenhat on December 02, 2011, 09:24:06 pm
Shrink wrapped the single pane windows in the coach in prep for the 2 cold fronts coming our way. Put a small electric heater in the battery/fresh/gray/black bay. Down to 3° by Monday.

see ya
ken
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on December 02, 2011, 09:36:36 pm
Decided today was the day to dig out the HVAC info for the 01 320 with my build #, nothing in the supplied manuals, so went to James T and received .pdf drawings.  in my unit, the HVAC has many vaccum operated units, many, scr bridges and many relays, and is controlled with a computer. Not the old simple system I was informed it was. So now it is much snooping/playing to rewire this in a simple mode with selector switch for a/c clutch coil.
The HVAC system is built by an Ohio Company and installed early on.
James T told me when the selector is set for hi/low discharge, the defroster works with the a/c on, it does not use the a/c in straight defrost mode.
Never ending learning curve on these Foretravels, with all the gidgets and gadgets, etc & etc.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: J. D. Stevens on December 02, 2011, 09:40:30 pm
Quote from: kenhat –
... Down to 3° by Monday. ...
Brrr! Prediction at our home is low of 25F on Tuesday. That's pretty chilly for here.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: J. D. Stevens on December 02, 2011, 09:47:50 pm
Quote from: Dave M –
... in my unit, the HVAC has many vaccum operated units, many, scr bridges and many relays, and is controlled with a computer. ...
No sweat, Dave. I bet Steve, the wizard forum master  ^.^d, may have already written code that he can use to flash the computer and fix everything immediately.  ;D  ;D
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Don Hay on December 03, 2011, 12:25:27 am
Spent the afternoon rebuilding the bracket to the air strut on my biggest (~6')bay (D-2) door. The rivets had pulled out of the fiberglass, so I took a 3"X5" plate, attached that to the fiberglass with flanged rivets (something like a toggle bolt), and connected the bracket to the plate. I had previously (couple years ago) fixed the left bracket in a similar fashion, so with any luck I shouldn't have any more issues with that bay door for awhile. Famous last words. :)
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on December 03, 2011, 05:01:10 am
Don, Fully understand the "Famos last words" comment, just a note, Rance has a magic fix to such issues, my D-1 seemed someone "meathead" tried to open it when it was locked, so the rivets were pulled out of the latch, so "Magic Rance" fixed it where there is no sign of anything ever happening to it.  It showed up when had the Aqua Hot serviced and needed to get to the filter. Now the smoothest door on the coach.
Dave M
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: MAZ on December 03, 2011, 01:15:17 pm
Installed a new air cylinder under the step. I wish all repairs were that easy.

Regards, Mark
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: rbark on December 03, 2011, 11:34:17 pm
Worked on the ABS system. No joy yet!!!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave Katsuki on December 04, 2011, 12:58:23 am
Installed a parallel set of switches for the front MCD shades.  Now they can be operated as sun shades by both the navigator or the pilot while under way.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: bbeane on December 04, 2011, 12:04:34 pm
Gave the coach a good inspection, now fixing to put rotors and brakes on the rear before we leave (caliper hung on the slides) in 3 weeks.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: oldmattb on December 04, 2011, 06:47:45 pm
I drove by our coach, sitting in its storage slip and looked at it through the cool rain.  I imagined us and the dogs a thousand miles away,in Joshua Tree parked at Big Rocks.  The sun was just down, and we were cooking bratwurst over a pinion fire.  We watched the last of the color of the sky fade, and looked at the ghost-like shadows of the trees bouncing from rock to rock, as if they were visual echoes.

oldMattB
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Bill Chaplin on December 04, 2011, 07:03:51 pm
I just sit down & cryed
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Paul Smith on December 04, 2011, 07:11:34 pm
We took our 1999 U320 out for its monthly Sunday drive.

Boy does it drive nice. Nary a problem in 50 miles.

best, paul
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: rbark on December 04, 2011, 07:39:41 pm
After the second day of trouble shooting the ABS I sat down and had a Blue Moon!
Sure tasted good!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Don Hay on December 04, 2011, 08:37:41 pm
Quote
OldMattB said: "We watched the last of the color of the sky fade, and looked at the ghost-like shadows of the trees bouncing from rock to rock, as if they were visual echoes."

Matt, what an incredibly vivid description! We enjoyed traveling vicariously with you.

Thanks again.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: oldmattb on December 04, 2011, 11:49:16 pm
Quote from: Don Hay –
OldMattB said: "We watched the last of the color of the sky fade, and looked at the ghost-like shadows of the trees bouncing from rock to rock, as if they were visual echoes."

Matt, what an incredibly vivid description! We enjoyed traveling vicariously with you.

Thanks again.

Joshua Tree may be my favorite place on earth.  I have been going there since I was a tot.  A few years ago, we went hiking at 9PM - the full moon illuminated our path over the light-colored rock.

Last year, we were caught in a sandstorm and I contracted pneumonia.  We had to stay in a hotel in Flagstaff for a couple of days until I was well enough to continue travel.  I STILL love the place.  Here in Texas, we are growing two Joshua Trees.  They are about ten inches tall and probably four years old.

If work and life were not intervening right now, I would head out tomorrow AM.

oldMattB
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave Cobb on December 09, 2011, 08:08:09 pm
With Bill Chaplin's help and guidance I watch and helped him build one and then built another $2 dollar engine battery trickle charger.  5 minutes later is was installed and sharing power from the converter on the house batteries. 

Bill just laughs at how easy things are to build, fix, modify and improve.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Bill Willett on December 09, 2011, 08:28:26 pm
This is a bit of topic, I went and bought $150.00 worth of toys, and took them to the Toys For Tots at the Marine unit here in Tampa, it was a great day.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: J. D. Stevens on December 10, 2011, 12:17:55 am
Quote from: Bill Willett –
This is a bit of topic, I went and bought $150.00 worth of toys, and took them to the Toys For Tots at the Marine unit here in Tampa, it was a great day.
^.^d  ^.^d
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: J. D. Stevens on December 10, 2011, 12:36:32 am
Finished replacing the cooling unit in the Dometic refrigerator. So far tonight, it's looking good. When I checked it with the IR thermometer, back of freezer compartment was -1F and fins in the refrigerator where generally around 39F. So far, so good.  :)
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: rbark on December 10, 2011, 11:27:49 pm
polished the wheels
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Michelle on December 11, 2011, 02:11:19 pm
Just so no one thinks they're going crazy and can't find their post - I've split out a couple of topics from this one where some good discussions had been generated that deserved their own threads.

Carry on  ^.^d

Michelle
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on December 12, 2011, 10:32:53 am
Thought it was time to exercise both the Power Tech and the Aqua Hot, so I turned off the electric heater on the Aqua Hot and turned on the Diesel Boiler, than turned off the 50 amp breaker to the coach, manually started the generator and ran all for 3 hours, Love that Aqua Hot, it makes such great heat, Thank you Rudy Leggett.  And of course the Power Tech ran flawlessly as usual.
After 3+ hours restored back to normal.
Amen
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Rudy on December 12, 2011, 12:00:21 pm
Dave,

You are most welcome.

Merry Christmas
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave Cobb on December 15, 2011, 10:30:48 pm
Picked up a new AD-9 Air Dryer, and was able to get the old one out of the special hidden spot.  And with the help of Bill Chaplin and another friend able to install the new one.  I keep looking in the rear entry behind the locked grill, for a diesel engine, hear it running in there, it must be back there.

And it is a shame not to have any storage under the queen bed, seems a good place to keep things.

Getting more comfortable with attacking projects.  Even replaced the door bell, and turned off the shop lights to enjoy the glowing button in the total darkness.  It was like the only star in the sky tonight.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: J. D. Stevens on December 15, 2011, 10:40:06 pm
Quote from: Dave and Dolly Cobb –
And it is a shame not to have any storage under the queen bed, seems a good place to keep things.
The space under our bed is taken up by a big, spare engine. I am surprised the spare is so big. The engine in the front is so tiny. I don't understand how it makes the bus go so fast.  ;)
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave Cobb on December 16, 2011, 07:50:05 am
When and if I ever get another coach, it will not have a rear radiator.  I am not looking forward to working on any belt or bolt on parts that are on the end of the diesel at the back facing the charged air cooler.  What were they thinking when they installed rear radiators blocking everything?  The idea of laying on top of the engine to reach down to work just seems wrong.

I came very close yesterday to making a new access door under the taillight, or in the side of the coach at the clearance light at bay door hinge height to access the dryer location.  Then I would have had a trip to see James in Nac. for a clean up and door mod.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Gary Bouland (RIP) on December 16, 2011, 07:53:49 am
Quote
Getting more comfortable with attacking projects.  Even replaced the door bell, and turned off the shop lights to enjoy the glowing button in the total darkness.  It was like the only star in the sky tonight.

Dave when you replace the doorbell if it does not already have a fuse in line please put one in.  FT in KS Burned up due to a short in this circuit, a dollar fuse would have prevented it.
Just my opinion.
Gary B
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave Cobb on December 16, 2011, 08:34:09 am
Will check to see it there is one, would think one is already in the system. 

I was sort of pushed to make a dead button work by my warehouse buddy.  I pulled it out, and clamped the short wires with hemostats, and had a new button in the garage.  Did not realize the button would light up, neat feature since I am plugged in at the warehouse.  System works fine.  Got to wondering in my early hour waking up, is the system 12 volt, or 120?  I will have to explore and find out.  Now you got me worried.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Haygarth on December 16, 2011, 10:19:41 am
JD, do not know if your 97  is same set up as my 2000 for rear side panels but I have found that it is so easy to remove side panels if you have to do some heavy/awkward work on engine or radiator etc rather than be a contortionist. I can have a panel off in 30 mins and then the whole thing is there in front of you-easy to work on.
John
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: J. D. Stevens on December 16, 2011, 10:35:48 am
Quote from: John Haygarth –
JD, do not know if your 97  is same set up as my 2000 for rear side panels ...
I am not aware of any removable side panels on the 1997 U295. There is a radiator grill on one side and the air conditioner grill on the other. They are both held on with rivets. I don't think they have ever been pulled.

The only access appears to be via the big rear door, the hinged bed support, the chassis battery door, and the air cleaner/isolator panel door.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Gary Bouland (RIP) on December 16, 2011, 11:11:01 am
Dave, Doorbell is 12 volt.  Just find the hot wire in the cabinet where the doorbell is, clip the wire and butt connect in a fuse holder.
Gary B
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: amos.harrison on December 16, 2011, 11:22:48 am
Changed the flame detector in my Aqua Hot system.  Rudy Leggett helped me diagnose my intermittent flame out condition.  Then he drove an hour to meet me with the only one he had in stock.  When the unit ran poorly with a lot of black smoke, Rudy diagnosed over the phone what I had done wrong during re-assembly.

Thanks, Rudy
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Rudy on December 16, 2011, 11:24:42 am
J D,

On both sides of the coach, the two rear panels and all four wheel well panels are removable by removing the aluminum trim strip screws and easing the trim out of the caulk.  Then remove the screws holding the panel and easing the panel out of the caulk.

Clean and re-caulk when re-installing the panel(s) and trim strip(s).

For more detailed info, call James Stallings at Xtreme as he is most familiar with doing this procedure.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Rudy on December 16, 2011, 11:27:36 am
Brett,

Thanks for the compliment.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave Cobb on December 16, 2011, 01:36:31 pm
Gary,

Thanks for the door bell info, I have a fuse holder on the dinette table that can be installed the next time I am at the parking warehouse.  Have everything I need just 4' from where it will get installed.  Had not found the door bell till I heard the shorted wires ring it when we pulled the dead switch.

Next is to attack the touch module for the door light and Foretravel grab bar.  See the wires are cut now.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Felix and Gail on December 16, 2011, 07:19:38 pm
Changed differential fluid. Used chevron delo synthetic 80W140 as I did four years ago. Should be good for another four years or 250,000 miles according to the meritor TB-9539. The magnetic drain and fill plugs had only small amount of microscopic sludge.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave Katsuki on December 16, 2011, 11:59:53 pm
Installed another solar panel from AM Solar (total - 5 now).  Once again I'm impressed with the high quality of the kits they provide.  Roof cable is high-flex shipboard cable, glue-filled shrink wrap and butt crimp connectors, hardware that fits perfectly, excellent instructions even for this simple task.  Highly recommended!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Don & Tys on December 17, 2011, 12:10:07 am
Wow! 5 panels, that is impressive. How about some pics? I would love to see the layout, cable runs etc. How many watts total? Do you have two AGM house batteries, or did you add a 3rd? Okay, shuttin' up now...
Don

Quote from: Dave Katsuki –
Installed another solar panel from AM Solar (total - 5 now).  Once again I'm impressed with the high quality of the kits they provide.  Roof cable is high-flex shipboard cable, glue-filled shrink wrap and butt crimp connectors, hardware that fits perfectly, excellent instructions even for this simple task.  Highly recommended!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave Katsuki on December 17, 2011, 02:12:39 am
Yeah, I could put more on, but the A/C covers would shadow them for part of the day, so I think I'm stopping at 5.  I can still walk around easily on the roof, and that's also an important consideration.  I'll take some shots of the roof  to post tomorrow (assuming weather permits.)
Total wattage is 500, and I have 2 8D AGMs (need to modify the battery support brackets to get a third one in.)
The four older panels are AM Solar's older 24 volt panels, which have higher output at the start and end of the day, but no longer available from them.  New one is an 18V.  Panel roof wiring goes to a combiner box next to the fridge vent, and then the main line goes down the vent and to the MPPT controller in the passenger side center bay on the rear wall.
Easy wiring.  (Your rig is the same as ours)
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wa_desert_rat on December 17, 2011, 05:03:02 pm
After measuring and thinking it over I decided to take out the old flat-screen (but not HD) Audiovox someone installed and put the Sanyo LED HDTV up front instead of in the bedroom. I had to modify the front of the coach using a piece of walnut-stained poplar over the hold with a 1-1/2 inch hole for the cables, then attached a static mount. The HD Sanyo has a bigger picture area but is not as wide as the Audiovox was so now I can open the doors on each side. So I put the BluRay player in the co-pilot's cupboard, connected the cables, and "Viola!" we have a decent little tv up forward.

I have to say that the combination of BluRay and the HDTV (even though it's just 720p) is remarkable. Bought it at WalMart for $138. With a 42-inch LED HDTV in the living room at home I was sure I'd need at least a 26-inch screen in the RV. But I was wrong (that's TWICE now!!!); the TV is jfine. :)

Next step will be a pure-sine inverter with enough power to run the BluRay, the TV and a decent audio amp without having to be plugged in to shore power or running the gennie.

Craig
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Kent Speers on December 17, 2011, 05:59:33 pm
Quote from: wa_desert_rat –

Next step will be a pure-sine inverter with enough power to run the BluRay, the TV and a decent audio amp without having to be plugged in to shore power or running the gennie.

Craig

I think you will be very surprised at how little power the LED TV's draw, usually less than 75 watts. I presume the Blue Ray will be even less and you can easily run the sound through the indash radio if it has an AUX input.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Haygarth on December 17, 2011, 06:20:24 pm
re-solar on daves coach. As mentioned before I have 4 x150watt panels from AM Solar= 600watts and 3 8D AGM batteries from them. I will be putting 2 more up next year and 1 more battery although am really happy with performance of recharge rate so far. The sun shines most of day here so that helps a lot. Having the extra 1000watt pure sine inverter for tv/stereo and front plugs only helps  by not using main one in evenings (less standby power usage). LEDs also make a big difference in lighting power use.
John
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Don & Tys on December 17, 2011, 06:40:07 pm
Thanks! I am looking forward to your pictures. Solar, additional batteries, pure sine inverter (or two) is definetly on my list of want to do projects. If only my list of must do projects wasn't quite so long... Oh well, back to my bulkhead/subframe project...
Don
Quote from: Dave Katsuki –
Yeah, I could put more on, but the A/C covers would shadow them for part of the day, so I think I'm stopping at 5.  I can still walk around easily on the roof, and that's also an important consideration.  I'll take some shots of the roof  to post tomorrow (assuming weather permits.)
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave Katsuki on December 17, 2011, 11:04:36 pm
Here are pics of the roof with old and new panels & combiner box, and the MPPT controller and DC breaker from MPPT controller to batteries (both in the drivers side center compartment.)  The feed from the combiner box simply drops down the fridge vent duct and then punches into the center compartment.  Very easy install.

The latest panel is the passenger side at the rear.  And still enough room between the rear panels to get sleeping bags up there for star gazing!

All panels are held on with 3M VHB tape (Dicor around them), and roof cables are held down with cable tie-downs (via 3M VHB to roof) and Dicor around them.  I'll redo the roof cables with lots more tie-downs and very little Dicor when Extreme does the roof next winter (have to put the VHB down before the paint, though.)  I may also use metal cable ties, since the black plastic ones seem to have a limited life in direct sun.

Another reason to keep walking space on the roof is to be able to tilt the panels when boondocking for an extended period (we say 3 days or more).    We use the AM Solar tilt bars, which are a bit of a pain to put up, but do the job (I've read tilting 45 deg. adds 30% in the winter, and that seems right from our experience.  Takes about 10-15 min to put them all up or take down.  We always take them down for highway travel.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Don & Tys on December 18, 2011, 06:15:52 pm
Thanks for the pics! I am looking forward to these more "elective" projects... So do I understand correctly that these panels, cable ties, tilt mechanisms etc. are all attahced to the roof of the coach by ahdesive with no screw penetrations? That kind of blows my mind!
Don
Quote from: Dave Katsuki –
Here are pics of the roof with old and new panels & combiner box, and the MPPT controller and DC breaker from MPPT controller to batteries (both in the drivers side center compartment.) 

All panels are held on with 3M VHB tape (Dicor around them), and roof cables are held down with cable tie-downs (via 3M VHB to roof) and Dicor around them.  I'll redo the roof cables with lots more tie-downs and very little Dicor when Extreme does the roof next winter (have to put the VHB down before the paint, though.)  I may also use metal cable ties, since the black plastic ones seem to have a limited life in direct sun.

Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on December 18, 2011, 07:06:04 pm
Speaking of the power used by a flat screen TV, my Sony 26" flat screen does a nice job, but am very surprised at the amount of heat it puts off, when I reach up to turn it off, the heat is very noticeable, to me that is a sure indicator of a wattage hog, why I try to limit its use while not connected to a AC outlet. The 19" Viao in bedroom runs cool. So if I get more serious about dry camping/boon docking, there will be a change in the front TV.  One day I will measure the actual power draw on that TV, just curious, feels about like the old CRT models.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: bbeane on December 18, 2011, 07:41:46 pm
Enjoyed brake work this weekend, replaceing the rear brakes, pads, wheel seals, and one Rotor (Replaceing the rotor is not fun) this weekend. All is good now ready to go toward the Keys next weekend.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wa_desert_rat on December 18, 2011, 08:12:53 pm
Quote from: Dave M –
Speaking of the power used by a flat screen TV, my Sony 26" flat screen does a nice job, but am very surprised at the amount of heat it puts off, when I reach up to turn it off, the heat is very noticeable....

The term "flat screen" doesn't necessarily mean "low power". I can think of three different "flat screen" TV sets that are not equal when it comes to drawing current. While they all use considerably less power than the CRT set most of our coaches came equipped with, they can still suck down a lot of current; especially when it's translated to DC amps.

Plasma tv sets consume the most. This is because each pixel on a plasma set is a discrete point of light. As the resolution of an HDTV set increases so, too, does its power consumption. A plasma HDTV will typically draw twice the current of an equivalent LCD set and almost 3 times the current of an LED system.

LCD tv sets use less power than plasma sets but they still dissipate a lot of heat. We owned a 32-inch Samsung LCD television and we could feel the heat coming from it on our arms when we walked in front of it. Fortunately someone broke in and stole it so we had to replace it with an LED system. :D  That 32-inch HDTV sucked down about 100-watts of power.

At the moment LED tv sets use the least amount of power. My little Sanyo 19" LED HDTV set uses about 30 wats of power for operation and a typical 32-inch set would probably draw about 70 watts.

If you increase the brightness of your set you also consume more power. If your set includes WiFi capability that little radio-frequency transceiver will also consume extra current.

In addition, not all of these sets actually turn everything "off" when you turn them off. Most of them keep some power on. Evidence of this can be found in sets (like my Sanyo) where a red LED changes color to green when you turn it "on". Something is powering that red LED and you pay for it. I have my entire HDTV system (BluRay and television plus any sound system on a power strip that I can turn off. Or even unplug if I need to.

Craig
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave Katsuki on December 19, 2011, 01:33:38 am
Quote from: acousticart –
Thanks for the pics! I am looking forward to these more "elective" projects... So do I understand correctly that these panels, cable ties, tilt mechanisms etc. are all attahced to the roof of the coach by ahdesive with no screw penetrations? That kind of blows my mind!
Don

Yep, All attached by the 3M VHB miracle tape, which is also used to hold various parts of cars together.  I questioned using it when I got the first panels from AM Solar 3 years ago, and they said they had been using it for more than 10 years with no reported failures.  Pretty good stuff in my experience!  No good for attachment to paint since the bond would only be as strong as the paint. 
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wa_desert_rat on December 21, 2011, 10:37:06 pm
Took advantage of a sunny day (but still cold) to pull the coach out and drive 10 miles west on I-90, then ten miles east on I-90 and back into its spot behind the shop. Everything ticking along nicely. We have had heat on the rig (both furnaces set to the lowest setting) and still have 3/4 of a tank of propane in temps down to 16F.

As soon as the siding is on the shop (and out of the big bay) we'll see if we can't snuggle the 36-footer under cover.

Craig
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: J. D. Stevens on December 22, 2011, 12:52:06 am
Picked up the coach at FOT after Wayne replaced the steering gear, fixed the front furnace (dauber damage, bad burner fixture), and replaced failed 120VAC controller on water heater.

Hired Precision Auto Clean in NAC to wash the coach and polish the wheels. It was nasty after driving 1600 miles with a very leaky steering box.

Drove from NAC to Bellville. Loaded the coach with "stuff" for a two week outing to cold places where our offspring live. We are spending the night in the coach in our driveway. We'll have breakfast and get dressed in the coach. That helps us figure out what we forgot before we leave home.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Christis Dream on December 22, 2011, 05:32:49 pm
We just picked up our newtous 40' 1993 U300 on Monday.  Well, today is the first day we've really been able to spend hours going through all the systems - much to our delight everything seems to be functioning.  We got the fridge cooling and are sanitizing the fresh water system.  The tank sensors are working properly.  Still have a few questions about the electrical system - probably gonna need new batteries - I'll save that for the appropriate thread.  I started cleaning and getting her ready to load as we intend to start fulltiming right away.  We are constantly amazed at the quality of this coach and look forward to many years in her.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Bill Willett on December 22, 2011, 07:11:23 pm
Greased the front end,changed oil in front hubs,aired all the tires. ^.^d ^.^d
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Felix and Gail on December 22, 2011, 07:52:27 pm
Installed three new optima red tops starting batteries. Old ones were going on seven years old.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Rick on December 23, 2011, 01:55:40 pm
Minor repair work done to the donated microwave and then installed it. Thanks to Bill Willett. If anyone needs my 1995 Sharp R-1830 (while in convection mode it will shut off after 4min 15 seconds  but just push start again and it resumes cooking and the original cook time sequence) speak up real quick. It is available for pick up in Wauchula, FL until Dec 29.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Rick on December 23, 2011, 02:00:10 pm
Quote from: Christis Dream –
We just picked up our newtous 40' 1993 U300 on Monday.  Well, today is the first day we've really been able to spend hours going through all the systems - much to our delight everything seems to be functioning.  We got the fridge cooling and are sanitizing the fresh water system.  The tank sensors are working properly.  Still have a few questions about the electrical system - probably gonna need new batteries - I'll save that for the appropriate thread.  I started cleaning and getting her ready to load as we intend to start fulltiming right away.  We are constantly amazed at the quality of this coach and look forward to many years in her.

Christie and Ray,
Welcome to the forum, (not sure if I missed a welcoming post or not) Good luck with your coach. Any relation to good ol' George Stoltz?
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on December 23, 2011, 02:11:51 pm
Today, in honor of the up coming trip to Arcadia, Fl, I decided to change the hydraulic filters (3) and using  new rubber gasket ring, took about 4.5 gal 15w-40 Rotella.  Ran on hi speed idle for half hour all seems good.
Old oil looked dark, cleaned up as there was a lot of crud and rust, now feels and looks great.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave Head on December 23, 2011, 02:26:30 pm
Ahh, Wauchula, a real Florida "spot in the road".
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on December 23, 2011, 05:25:08 pm
Dave, You bet, About 20 years ago, I joined a motley gang called CCO or Converted Coach Owners, every new years eve we met somewhere in southern Fl, had tried other popular areas, but wound up around the lake area, then  we got to joining a Busnuts group, that is how it became Arcadia, I have made that event at Arcadia 4 times and the other sites 9 times.  Then I took a different route with the RV, wound up with this Foretravel (Store bought) RV, this will be my first time going with out the MCI, sort of testing the waters  so to speak, they might start throwing empty oil cans at me.  ;D
This had turned out to be rather large, up to ab out 200 coaches of all types and sizes now, good chow, entertainment and different classes of interest to the bus gang types, lots of fun for the over the hill kids.
Come on down !  $75.00 + daily $6.00 dry camping or $25.00 hookups
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: red tractor on December 23, 2011, 09:55:14 pm
I replaced the antenna head while in a campground in Nebraska, the temp got up to about 40 degrees, had to wait for the frost and ice on the roof to melt before going up there and also unhooked the grab handle ground wire as the outside light was staying on all the time. Right now wished that I was back in Florida. This is not the time of the year to go north, but so far the aqua hot is doing fine.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John S on December 24, 2011, 08:19:44 am
Replaced the exhaust system with a resonator. Much free flowing and better milage and power..... Maybe Dave M's turbo and ecm upgrade will be next.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: PatC on December 24, 2011, 12:59:45 pm
Still waiting to get mine out of the shop!!!  Been there longer than expected.  Told him to take his time cause I know that this time of year he can get real busy.  Got a new PRXB Pac  brake installed and new Cruise King cruise control to replace the Bendix one.  The cruise control has been a pia!  First had to replace the speed sensor.  And it still was not working right.  After a bunch of diagnosing, it was determined that the new circuit board was bad.  So we have been waiting for Cruise King to send the replacement.  Hopefully this will fix it.  It was working but the minute it hit a down hill run, the cruise would start accelerating to full throttle, and that was not good at all.  Few other thing I want to get done are not on the back burner because of this delay.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Al Miller on December 27, 2011, 09:10:17 pm
We moved the 12v comp switch to the Pass aide with a led light .We shut off every night ,It drives my wife crazy .Not FARe to go .
JUST KIDDING
Al
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave Katsuki on December 27, 2011, 09:30:29 pm
It was revealed to the Planning and Decorating Department that the original shiny brass knobs were very dated, and SO last century, so we replaced all 36 cabinet knobs with new antiqued brass ones.  Actually a big improvement.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on December 27, 2011, 09:53:12 pm
Ten years ago, I found a tire shop in St. Lucie, Fl that knows what they are doing and they do it too.
SO today I had then balance all six wheels using the rolling road test for hard spots etc, all took between 4-6 oz each.
Also had new stems installed in the outter dual for easy access plus installed the long stem on the inner wheel. (Had one done at Nac) now both are done.
The new short stems make for easy access for the pressure Pro and of course one is now leaking, so in the AM, will have a look see, mean while I removed it and screwed on a regular cap. (Always hoping PP would design the idiot proof sensor)
Tomorrow off to Arcadia for the gear head vention.  ;D
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: philtravel on December 28, 2011, 08:06:30 am
Dave K, Do you have plans for the brass lamps, puck lights and the shower door? I have been wanting to change ours to a rubbed bronze along with the faucets but the shower door is the big stopping point. I wonder if any one has tried to paint or change the brass anodized shower frame?
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Kent Speers on December 28, 2011, 10:33:15 am
Quote from: philtravel –
Dave K, Do you have plans for the brass lamps, puck lights and the shower door? I have been wanting to change ours to a rubbed bronze along with the faucets but the shower door is the big stopping point. I wonder if any one has tried to paint or change the brass anodized shower frame?

We used the hammered bronze spray paint on a porch light and a over sink bathroom light. It came out looking great but I'm concerned that it would peel if used on a slick surface that would be handled on a daily basis like the shower frame. If you sanded the smooth surface of the frame it would probably adhere OK but it would still be paint and not a plated finish. It really does look good and matched the sink hardware.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave Katsuki on December 28, 2011, 12:36:54 pm
Quote from: philtravel –
Dave K, Do you have plans for the brass lamps, puck lights and the shower door? I have been wanting to change ours to a rubbed bronze along with the faucets but the shower door is the big stopping point. I wonder if any one has tried to paint or change the brass anodized shower frame?

We did change the "Aunt Ethel" style lamps in the living area to a more modern lamp that would match our Southwest theme (sort of antique copper - from Gustafson lighting -  and changed the bedroom "Aunt Ethel" lights to more modern brass swing arms, but the Decorating Department is looking for replacements for those.    Luckily we only have two puck lights, so they may stay, or we may try Kent & Peggy's spray.

No answer for the shower frame.  I think we will just live with it.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wa_desert_rat on December 28, 2011, 01:55:44 pm
The Magellan Roadmate 1700LM we ordered from Amazon ($150 or so) arrived this morning. This unit has one advantage in that the Co-Pilot SD-chip can be inserted to make it into a Co-Pilot RV device which is then configurable according to the RV (MH, 5er, trailer, etc.) and weight and length. The chip is about $80 at Amazon. We did not order the Co-Pilot device but will be testing the 7" 1700LM (with free map updates but no traffic info - and no ads!!!) and reporting back after this week's cross-country ski trip to Winthrop, WA.

Craig
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: J. D. Stevens on December 30, 2011, 10:31:54 pm
Fixed the 12VDC compressor for the HWH leveling system. It would not run.

Checked wiring diagram for 12VDC systems. Identified breaker switch for compressor. Input to breaker was 13.2 VDC. Output was 0. Reset button was depressed. Applied "percussive adjustment" to the breaker switch with the butt of a big screwdriver. Ahh! 13.2 VDC in; 13.2 VDC out.

Pump would run, but would not inflate air bags. Climbed into main storage bay and pulled compressor from the cubby it shares with the inverter. It came out without having to remove and wires or hoses. Pulled condensation bowl and disassembled drain valve. Cleaned bowl and valve with RO water and tooth brush. Reassembled and reinstalled. Joy! Compressor will now add air to air bags. It's slooww, but it works.

Did the work at a campground in Billings, MT. High temp today was 55F. It was very pleasant! It was also satisfying to successfully complete a task with the tools at hand.  :)
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Jan & Richard on December 31, 2011, 10:13:08 am
J D, I love your term, "percussive adjustment."  I have used the technique countless times in the past but never knew the proper terminology.  Thanks for the edification. 

Richard
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: J. D. Stevens on December 31, 2011, 11:01:39 am
Quote from: Jan & Richard Witt –
J D, I love your term, "percussive adjustment."  I have used the technique countless times in the past but never knew the proper terminology.  Thanks for the edification. 

Richard
I think I picked up the term "percussive maintenance" from Michelle in this forum. I keep a rubber mallet on board for many adjustment and maintenance tasks. The handle of a screwdriver is useful for more than just guiding the pointy end.  ;)
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: red tractor on December 31, 2011, 05:08:38 pm
My water pump wa cycling on and off every once in a while. I checked and found the water pump was leaking out the seams of the head and around the pressure switch. I installed the spare pump that I always carry with me, so will have to pick up another spare pump. I was sure glad that I had a spare. The weather has warmed up to about 60 degrees today, so felt very fortunate about that.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Bill Willett on December 31, 2011, 06:50:14 pm
Cleaned and polished the wheels,tomorrow it is windows.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: txforetravel on January 01, 2012, 09:04:25 am
Washed the coach yesterday, it was 80 degrees in central texas.  Coach is all tucked inside and will start waxing as soon as the coffee kicks in this morning!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Bill Willett on January 02, 2012, 07:06:46 pm
Today started of as a good day until the furnace decided to start to squeal, no big deal ,take heater a part put oil on motor shaft and make sure the fan spins freely,reassemble fan housing,test furnace,fan runs but no heat, check wiring all looks good no loose wires,still no heat, check sail switch, power in no power out,pull sail switch and ohm out, checks good, check again still no heat, to make along story short , the wires to the motor were reversed
 the fan was running in the wrong direction,so the sail switch could not close,swapped the wires and now we have heat, Oh the low tonight in Tampa 31-34.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Benjie Zeller on January 05, 2012, 01:07:56 am
1. Replaced the front rafter arm and wound the spring another 4 times as the awning was not rolling up once started past 12".

2. Cleaned old caulk off water heater cover and recaulked with polyurethane no sag caulk.

3. Began loading basement storage with miscellaneous items.

Tomorrow, C8.3 and Powertech coolant flush and change.  Start cabinet water stain restoration.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Don & Tys on January 05, 2012, 10:11:54 am
Removed the Grey and black tanks (after some copious flushing with fresh water...). Today to remove the FRP skin off the floor, the wet wood, and the foam insulation. Then start the metal clean up process...
Don

Dave K, I am interested in hearing more about your resonator project. What resonator and plumbing are you using? Also, how hard is it to remove the panel?
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Benjie Zeller on January 05, 2012, 09:54:51 pm
Flushed and changed coolant to Final Charge. 

Starting to try and debug generator issue.  GRRRRRR!!!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Don & Tys on January 05, 2012, 10:48:59 pm
Took off the maniblock, misc. trim, the fiberglass compartment floor, the plywood sandwhich between the frame members, and the foamboard insulation in the utility compartment (area under the grey and black tanks). Quicker and easier to say than to do!
Don
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: jeff on January 05, 2012, 11:31:53 pm
WOW.  I am going to have to stop reading this tread. You all making me feel really lazy. Today I had Kent unplug my rear radio (never used and uses a lot of power). Changed a light bulb. That was it for the last 6 weeks. Oh, paid someone to wash and wax the coach...but that doesn't count as the tread says what did "you" do your coach today.  :P :)) ^.^d ;D :D :D :o  Next few days I will check the fluids to get on the road Monday...
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: J. D. Stevens on January 05, 2012, 11:45:34 pm
Quote from: Jeff Savournin –
... Oh, paid someone to wash and wax the coach...but that doesn't count as the tread says what did "you" do your coach today.  :P :)) ^.^d ;D :D :D :o  ...
Sure that counts! It doesn't last, but it counts.

Fifteen days ago I paid someone to wash the oil off our coach after the steering gear leaked eight quarts of oil in 1600 miles. The coach looked great! Then we went to Missouri and Montana. It was a great visit, but there was a bit of snow and rain along the way. After driving through slush in Wyoming, the coach and Jeep are a mess.

What did I do today? I unloaded clothing and groceries after the trip. Still to do: fill with fuel, empty waste tanks, wash, wax, get HWH leveling system fixed, check why water heater works intermittently, check why passenger set adjuster works intermittently, ...

Ain't it fun?! If we are fortunate, we have fun toys and tools.  :)
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Gayland Baasch on January 06, 2012, 10:58:47 am
Took advantage of the 55 degree weather here in ND to run the 60 miles into Fargo and filled up with propane and the cheap diesel ($3.70 only) :P  Bought a led light to replace the one under the bathroom cupboard that had burned out. 
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Michelle on January 06, 2012, 11:18:58 am
Quote from: Jeff Savournin –
WOW.  I am going to have to stop reading this tread. You all making me feel really lazy.

I can beat your laziness level.  My coach "efforts" were paying the first quarter 2012 storage invoice.  I used PayPal so I didn't have to get off the couch  :))

-M
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Steve & Kathy B on January 06, 2012, 02:47:24 pm
Man, you guys are driving me crazy with the mods and updates.  I've washed mine... once.  BUT today that all changed!  I got my new window latches in and now I get to replace the broken plastic latches on a few windows tomorrow.  :dance:
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: jeff on January 06, 2012, 10:28:32 pm
Quote
I can beat your laziness level.  My coach "efforts" were paying the first quarter 2012 storage invoice.  I used PayPal so I didn't have to get off the couch

Ours are on bank draft...Haven't written a check in a LONG time...xo
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on January 07, 2012, 06:44:06 pm
My D5 door behind drive wheel would not open, crawl under and release it, ok, clean & lube, still not wanting to release the latch, so found the linkage was a tad bit too long, so put more "S" in the link, now works fine. Now the door will not latch closed, the latch works fine, it is just not hitting the pin correctly, so tomorrow will have a better look see.  Hate cranky latches.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Michelle on January 08, 2012, 11:30:47 am
Quote from: J. D. Stevens –
I think I picked up the term "percussive maintenance" from Michelle in this forum. I keep a rubber mallet on board for many adjustment and maintenance tasks.

Wish I were that creative, but no, credit goes to Dave Katsuki for that descriptive terminology  :)

Michelle
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Jimmy Freytag on January 08, 2012, 01:23:04 pm
Replace the 2 Engine start batteries, old ones were 6yrs old
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Don Hay on January 08, 2012, 08:12:47 pm
Did Dave K's pictures of the resonator get moved to a different topic? Can't find them anywhere.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on January 08, 2012, 08:16:41 pm
Hi Don, They split the page, that is now listged under What did you do to your coach today-Dave K upgrade of close to that.
Enjoy
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wolfe10 on January 08, 2012, 08:17:29 pm
Quote from: Don Hay –
Did Dave K's pictures of the resonator get moved to a different topic? Can't find them anywhere.

What did you do to your coach (Dave K's resonator upgrade) today. (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=14497.0)
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Rick on January 09, 2012, 06:46:58 am
Quote from: Don Hay –
Did Dave K's pictures of the resonator get moved to a different topic? Can't find them anywhere.

Unfortunately many good upgrades are getting buried under this title and would like to see this topic title go away. Searching for an item like the resonator upgrade info could prove difficult without providing a unique topic title. In the future I will not post upgrades or repairs under this topic but will post under an appropriately individually titled topic.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on January 09, 2012, 04:23:09 pm
Today, repaired/adjusted door latch on D5 (one behind driver side drive wheel), had been a bear to get adjusted correct where it held and would release, found that narrow range of adjustment is very narrow indeed, but bingo it now works great.
Next changed oil & oil filter on teh Power Tech at 1932.3 hrs, still runs like a new young puppy.  Did both fuel and air filter a week ago.  Did replace the small fuel filter with a much larger and finer 10 micron filtering spin on.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Peter & Beth on January 10, 2012, 04:38:04 pm
The weather was kick-butt today in Cincinnati...54F and sunny, so I decided it was a good time to exercise the coach.  Ran genset for 20 minutes with boost & block heater "on".  Checked oil levels for Cummins block & hydraulic reservoir.  Cummins started right up!  Aired-up one tire (the same one every time...still...even after repair...yeah, right...it could be a bad inner dual driver side).  Drove 30 miles with engine A/C running...Batteries were at 12.77v. coach (8 years old) & 12.55v. start (8 years old).

Needs the other auto belt tensioner replaced...darn, I wish I had purchased the two instead of just one.  Oh well...

Decided to not dump the air bags this time, and left the air supply tanks full.  I'll check in a couple weeks to check if there is any "listing".
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: George Hatfield on January 11, 2012, 07:42:00 pm
Re-installed the interior door panel on our coach after having it recovered by a furniture restoration company in Tucson (Restor-to-Nu).  I had this done because a hole in the material had developed under the handle.  They found a material that was a close match.  Cost was $138 and it looks great. 

George
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: philtravel on January 20, 2012, 09:40:24 am
I just updated our Slingbox. Slingbox is a device that connects to a video source in your home, cable, Sat. Air and allows you to watch through the internet on your phone or laptop. So you pay for the system equipment and if you have Internet service you have your home tv service. We bought tried and returned an in-motion sat. System and this works far better while going down the road. It is a fraction of the price of the sat system. I have an unlimited account with verison so for us it is great. I also connected a router up with my sterio equipment that lets me connect the tv, blueray, laptop with a DSL cable and allows up to 30 wireless connections near or in the coach. This lets the I phone and I pads to connect.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: red tractor on January 21, 2012, 04:22:27 pm
We have been parked in a campground in Nebraska for the last month and the aqua hot has been running quite a bit so today while the roads were dry we took the coach to a truck stop to refill the diesel tank, took 93 gallons, not exactly cheap to keep warm but then we were comfortable all the time. DW does not like to have to wear a sweater to keep warm so the aquahot does a fine job. Looking forward to being able to leave here and return to Florida.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: bbeane on January 22, 2012, 07:31:01 pm
Well nice pretty day, removed the pass side couch (came out relatively easy in 3 pieces). Replaced it with euro chair, and looking for some kind of small computer desk. Ride height valves and air leaks next weekend.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Bill Willett on January 23, 2012, 03:01:54 pm
The weather is just peachy, so I removed the troublesome bladder tank and re-plumbed some of the water bay, after our trip to the FMCA meet at Brooksville, I will re-plumb the entire water bay with new pex tubing and Sea Tech fittings. ^.^d
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: r.schwab on January 25, 2012, 03:38:24 pm
Bill Willett .. ref the installation of adjustable water heater temperature thermostat. I'm getting prices as high as
$51 and as low as 24+7 shipping. Is this in line w/ your experience? part #93105
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Bill Willett on January 25, 2012, 04:55:28 pm
Atwood 93105  $26.21 for the kit from RV Plus ^.^d
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Keith and Joyce on February 03, 2012, 05:42:50 pm
Here is a little something that improves life a little.

Mounted soap dispensers in the shower and at the bathroom sink.  They stick on with tape and silicone and once up they are immovable.  We had them in our trailer and it is nice not to have to hunt the soap down after a trip. They have a lot of nice stuff and are a good company to deal with.  Other than as a customer I have no connection with them.

Soap Dispensers | Dispenser for Soap, Shampoo, Lotion | Comfort House (http://www.comforthouse.com/dispensers.html)

Keith
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wa_desert_rat on February 06, 2012, 12:12:40 am
It was a beautiful warm and sunny day here on Saturday but discovered that a fastener that held the front left fender assembly on our U225 had disappeared. Bought a new fastener and replaced it. Not sure when it happened but it was tight getting between the bumper and the body. Relatively easy fix, however. :)

Edit: Friday I had a friend who has never been in any motor home visit which coincided with time to drive the coach 20 miles every month. Took her down the freeway and back and she was plenty impressed; although thinks a 36' RV is a mite too long (she has a "Scamp" TT about 13' long). Nice weather hear. I love global warming!!!

Craig
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Lewis Anderson on February 06, 2012, 10:50:09 am
In pursuit of the coach's ability to hold air as it did 10 years ago, I removed both solenoid manifolds (2x2x10 metal 'stilts' to keep the body off the frame, marked air hoses and electricals) for workbench inspection and cleaning/lube.  Will probably replace 'O' rings and such with a kit from HWH if they have something like that for a '96.  Groundhog said 6 more weels of winter..... Andy1
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Ralph on February 07, 2012, 09:18:55 pm
Installed Air Force One system on the pickup today...that sort of qualifies as doing something to coach :P
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: butch901 on February 09, 2012, 03:46:10 am
Started the process of removing the old graphics from my 1993 U240. It's my first RV and I've had it less than a week. It's needs some cosmetic updates, but the cabinets and counter/tabletop, as well as the over the top high quality, will always be in style.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Keith and Joyce on February 09, 2012, 01:24:01 pm
First, I would like to welcome Butch to the forum.  You will find much here to help you maintain and enjoy your coach.  One thing that will help is if you fill in the details of your coaches model, year, layout code & or build number in the profile, so when you ask a question others will know how to answer.

Now what did I do to my coach today?  It's a small thing but removed all the leaded glass panes in the cupboard doors, an easy job,  cleaned them with Dawn soap and a soft brush, cleaned the mirror glass and reassembled.  Amazing how bright they are cleaned.

Keith
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wa_desert_rat on February 13, 2012, 08:05:42 pm
I discovered a cardboard box with all sorts of information about upgrades and features on our U225. A previous owner (I think I'm #3) had installed turn signals with audible warnings that are actually pretty cool. Easy to listen to and all. Another paper indicates that he also installed "side indicating turn signals) but I haven't checked them. I also found the data on the Banks Stinger and on the PACBRAKE (which is not the latest model, unfortunately). It's always nice to discover something that a previous owner installed; kinda like Christmas. :)

The new HDTV antenna arrived and while installing it I noticed that the cable leading to the fitting that goes through the roof had frayed almost through in several places and had come completely apart at the roof fitting. Which explains zero tv reception over New Year. Just bought a new cable from Radio Shack plus new boots and will install them tomorrow. Fortunately the new antenna does not interfere with anything when stowed.

Craig
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave Head on February 13, 2012, 10:12:59 pm
You can buy the PRXB as an upgrade for a significant savings as opposed to the entire kit and swap it out... Like $800 vs. $1150.00.

Dramatic improvement...
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wa_desert_rat on February 13, 2012, 10:32:24 pm
Quote from: Dave Head –
You can buy the PRXB as an upgrade for a significant savings as opposed to the entire kit and swap it out... Like $800 vs. $1150.00.

Dramatic improvement...

I'll put that in the budget... right now the big purchase will be 600 watts of solar panels, the regulator, the combiner, and the inverter. So far the retarder seems to be pretty good. The PRXB should be awesome.

Craig
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Jeff and Victoria Moses on February 14, 2012, 01:05:49 pm
Hey everyone, just got through putting up blinds that I got from Bob & Faith Rozek. Look great.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Jon H on February 16, 2012, 07:24:58 pm
Today's projects were - 1st - Remove the VDO analog speedometer from the dash (reminded me of a service dept tongue in cheek saying "we design with service in mind".  2nd - removed some of the 1/2" wide decal stripes on the passenger side of the coach. 3rd - replaced the "missing" AM / FM radio antenna on the R/S rear cap.
That's all folks !
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wa_desert_rat on February 16, 2012, 11:54:26 pm
Lubricated the PACBRAKE. Started working on the trailer electrical connection (which disables the brake lights when a trailer is plugged in) but decided it was too cold to lay on the cement (36F). Plus my fingers started to get numb. At least I managed to lubricate the fasteners so I can get it off easier next time.

Craig
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: r.schwab on March 04, 2012, 04:20:05 pm
Quote from: flite2010 –
Removed, cleaned & re-caulked shower. Second time in two years. Silicone just does not stick very well to that plastic.  >:(

Same thing happened to me. Cleaned everything and used the proper silicone but it never (4 days) cured. Called 3 M "What is date on tube" told her it was one that indicated 3 months beyond "too old" date. She said that this is one product that has a very specific "to old") date. Cleaned every thing again and reapplied new. All OK after two years. She said to be sure to get the right stuff.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wa_desert_rat on March 04, 2012, 04:46:42 pm
Working on the coach in the first really nice day this year. Temperature 58F with sunshine and no wind (for a change). Issues are:

1. Tow dolly lights disable some coach lights and disable cruise control Problem is that previous owner connected the ACC lights to the brake lights. This created some problems. I removed the trailer connector (rusted fasteners, too) and the electricians tape, found where he had connected two wires together, cut them, determined which was the actual brake light, connected only that wire to the correct terminal.

2. Some rear lights not functioning properly on the coach itself (independent of the ACC/brake light issue). Removed the inside cover over both port and stbd tail lights and identified burned out lights. Bought new lights and replaced. On our '93 U225 the light assembly cover is held in place by two small screws which must be removed before the cover can be taken off. The DW found and removed them. Then the light assembly itself has three tabs which must be pushed UP in order to remove the assembly and access the lights.

3. Identified the voltage regulator on the alternator but did not try to remove it. Looking through the instructions carefully before I determine whether the alternator itself should come out anyway.

Much more fun in semi-warm weather with no wind!!!

Craig
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: David Smith on March 04, 2012, 07:25:46 pm
Re-enforced main awning fabric attached to roller with aluminum pop rivets.  One pop rivet on the awning had pulled away from the fabric completely and 3 others were starting to pull away.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave Katsuki on March 05, 2012, 12:13:50 am
Removed all 16 (!) pieces of upholstered dash and door to take to the upholsterer tomorrow.  Got a new appreciation of how well put together our coaches are.  TV replacement is next.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Steve & Kathy B on March 05, 2012, 05:46:41 am
Quote from: r.schwab –
Called 3 M "What is date on tube" told her it was one that indicated 3 months beyond "too old" date. She said that this is one product that has a very specific "to old") date...
Hmm. I did not know this!  Great bit of info to be aware of... thanks!  Guess I should look at the tubes I have that's been sitting for a couple of years. HA.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Haygarth on March 05, 2012, 08:14:43 pm
we are at Xtreme along with Carol- Jeff and Bob Magee and wife and today I took off our 6' centre bay door and stripped it of parts and  steamed a replacement door decals off and rebuilt that to suit ours. Surprise surprise it works great and fits perfect when I installed it. Rance wants to know if I will work with them as he said I did it in great time !!! Hopefully we can get it into the paint shop  tomorrow pm and by thursday on our long way home. Boy, are these guys busy, and great work too.
We have really enjoyed these few days here in Nac and meeting everyone, and today I bought 24 LED puck lights from FOT to change over the others--not cheap but it is done!! Now just the rest of the thinlites to do once I get home and pick up the rolls of LED Peirce has sent to me then we are total LED inside and out (except for the bay lights). Lowes delivered the fridge today so that is sitting in the Dining area for our trip home so will have to secure it somehow. Ruth is really scratching her head trying to figure out how to get our regular amount into this small cabinet. We will have to cut back a lot.
John H
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Michelle on March 05, 2012, 09:16:33 pm
Quote from: John Haygarth –
Hopefully we can get it into the paint shop  tomorrow pm and by thursday on our long way home.

John,

Please consider sticking around for an extra day or two.  Steve and I are currently talking about arriving in Nac on Friday to beat the weekend DFW shopping traffic.  We'd love to meet you and Ruth.

We did nothing to our coach today, but Sunday we reinstalled 4 of the 8 upgraded MCD blinds and replaced 6 of the bay halogen bulbs with LED bulbs from Lowes (nice price, but not warm in color temperature enough and too "bright/harsh on the eye" for our interior ceiling lights).  And we measured for a replacement TV.

Michelle
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: txforetravel on March 06, 2012, 11:48:46 am
Let's see.  I moved the new shower valve and bathroom vanity faucet from the house to the coach.  Hope to get those installed by the end of the weekend.  Looks like rain here in Central Texas so it'll be a good rainy day project. 

And carpet should be on it's way to Nac for installation! 
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Haygarth on March 06, 2012, 09:04:45 pm
well Greg says we are in the paint shop at 7.30 in the morning. It is all prepped ready for them and I took off the step cover to paint too while the door is done. I rebuilt that a year ago in mexico and spray bombed it there so never really matched. Jennifer Stalling wants me to stay and clock on a time card while they are so busy!!! I have enjoyed doing the work and learning a bit of this job.
My rear deflector for air intake has been a hit with some members and a few have made sketches etc to do when they arrive back home as they think it does make sense especially were it rains a lot.
Steve and Michelle, not sure that I can convince Ruth to hang around any more as she really is missing her cat (after 4 months away) but will see what I can do. This would make a good reason to come visit our beautifull area of BC Canada if we did not meet now!!!
John h
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: red tractor on March 06, 2012, 10:13:24 pm
I installed a third dump valve, repaired a small hose to the coolant tank for the generator and cleaned the slide mechanism for the aria toilet. Have just returned home from a 2 1/2 month stay in Nebraska. The aqua hot did great, kept us nice and toasty. Getting ready to go to a tractor show this weekend in Leesburg Fl. Really enjoyed working on the coach in short sleeve shirt. Great to be back in Florida.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: nlh1250 on March 08, 2012, 10:07:03 pm
Re-strung the day-night shades on front D & P side windows. had string from "fix my blind" It is becoming easier with each additional blind I do.  These are the 2nd and 3rd ones to require attention.   
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Michelle on March 09, 2012, 07:55:56 pm
Steve pulled off all the 3M film from the front of the coach - my "help" was starting corners where I could and manning the steamer we used to soften the adhesive.  It took him 5 hours and he can barely use his hands now (I hope he doesn't drop his beer on his keyboard).  Goo Gone didn't do much on the residual adhesive, unfortunately, so we'll deal with that in Nac.  We managed to get all the plastic film itself off (well, except what's underneath the mirror mounts) with only 2 small paint chips (and the "Foretravel" and "U320" raised gold decals coming off the front of the coach (the gold decals were put on over the film).  Very hard work, especially in 50 degree overcast weather, but our shop rate is much less than FOT's for what we can do ourselves (ask Kent ;) ) and we want to get Armor Coat on the front of the coach as part of the headlight conversion.  Maybe we can get the new font "Foretravel" for the front of the coach. 

Steve also reinstalled the final 2 walnut window returns (side pieces) that had to be trimmed down to make room for the new style MCD mechanisms.

I sanitized the fresh water system (well, chlorinated it.  It needs to sit overnight), and loaded a few things for the weekend trip to Nac, particularly the interior cleaning paraphernalia. 

Michelle
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave Katsuki on March 10, 2012, 02:53:17 am
Reinstalled all 16 of the newly-reupholstered dash & door pieces!  The front chairs go off to get done on Monday.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dan Stansel on March 10, 2012, 09:12:12 am
Michelle:  Try "Goof Off"  better than "Goo Gone" for left over glue.  DAN
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Kent Speers on March 10, 2012, 09:23:12 am
Quote from: r.schwab –
Same thing happened to me. Cleaned everything and used the proper silicone but it never (4 days) cured. Called 3 M "What is date on tube" told her it was one that indicated 3 months beyond "too old" date. She said that this is one product that has a very specific "to old") date. Cleaned every thing again and reapplied new. All OK after two years. She said to be sure to get the right stuff.


All caulk has limited shelf life but I suggest trying a urethane or waterproof urethane/acrylic caulk rather than silicone. Urethane has much stronger adhesion to most surfaces and excellent elongation. Make sure the surface to receive the caulk is really clean. Denatured alcohol is a good solvent/cleaner for most surfaces.

Good quality, properly installed caulk should last ten years or more.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Bill Willett on March 10, 2012, 12:20:03 pm
Replaced the ADC filter with Omnipure E5520, 2500 Gal. or 1 year,$54.00 for 2 filters delivered, found them on the Web.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dick S on March 10, 2012, 02:18:16 pm
If the emphasis is on "you", I watched. FOT installed front cabinet mod and 40" Samsung TV and MCD Shade on windshield. We are lov'in them.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Haygarth on March 13, 2012, 11:07:08 pm
well we arrived home with the new Whirlpool fridge safely still fastened to the dining table and every day I had to unhook it so we could get food out of it. Worked great powered by the smaller inverter I installed a year ago and overnight use was around 8 per cent of total battery power. So after we get organized here from trip I have to rip out Dometic and install this new one and make a cabinet to fit the rest of old opening. I am going to remove lv room carpet and put wood floor in and also change over the ceiling flourescant lights with LED that I got today from Pierce to complete the install. First I have to build some Raspberry frames for Ruth in the garden or life will not be nice!!
John
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: George Hatfield on March 27, 2012, 03:32:27 pm
I installed some carpet on our entry stairs.  Got the carpet (by the foot) from Lowes.  It is available in brown and black.  It is thin, but stiff and lays flat on the stairs.  I had planned to use Velcro to hold it in place, but the double stick variety would not adhere to the back of the carpet.  So glued some non-slip padding to the back of the carpet with contact cement, then used Velcro on the back corners for additional stability.  Got the carpet idea from Karl Brenneman.  See photos below.  Time will tell if it holds up, but it certainly looks better than when I started this little project.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: oldmattb on March 27, 2012, 04:58:00 pm
Kelly found that one of the bedside drawers would not open fully.  The slides were clogged with dirt.  Lots of lubricant and working it back and forth loosened it, so we could remove the drawer.  Inside was a thick coat of dust - and apparently a small joint in the cabinetry that was never caulked.  Cleaned caulked, and hopefully problem gone.

Spent some time on the non FT.

oldMattB
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Peter & Beth on March 27, 2012, 05:24:41 pm
Still waiting for the copper bus bar to arrive from Storm Copper Components Co. so I did thankless tasks:

1.  Checked oil levels at the front axle hub oilers.
2.  Took home all the plastic & glass components, shelves, door trays from the Norcold, washed, dried, then took back to the coach at storage facility.
3.  Cleaned & detailed all the inside surfaces of the Norcold.  Put it all back together...looks like new.
4.  Riveted together three of the fridge fans I bought from ebay, and installed in Norcold. This type:

DOMETIC NORCOLD REFRIGERATOR FAN FOR RV 12 VOLT | eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/DOMETIC-NORCOLD-REFRIGERATOR-FAN-FOR-RV-12-VOLT-/250905640959?pt=Motors_RV_Trailer_Camper_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a6b243fff&vxp=mtr)

Now just waiting to get the copper to fabricate the battery cut-off switch mount.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: red tractor on March 27, 2012, 07:34:42 pm
I replaced the auto gen start on my 98 u295 and took it out for a test drive, and than when I got home gave it a good bath, a good day
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Haygarth on March 27, 2012, 07:58:53 pm
took apart all the inside of clothes cupboards to look for a nagging rattle when we hit bumps etc. Could not find it and decided to remove floor of cabinet where the rear heater is. Hopefully I found it as the metal top cover was very loose and makes the same kind of noise so put new screws (extra) in it and now we will have to wait and see. I have never really been fond of the massive overhang of counter on the passenger side cabinet with the very narrow closet under so took the top off and cut 9" off it on the saw. Siliconed it back and now it looks right and opens up the seat area a bit more. I had removed that table lamp 2 yrs ago as did not see the point of it with the overhed puck lights that are on a dimmer and now LED.
John
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wa_desert_rat on March 27, 2012, 10:25:54 pm
Quote from: John Haygarth –
....puck lights that are on a dimmer and now LED.

John... do the LEDs dim? I always figured they'd just suddenly come on when you reached the right point.

Craig
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Haygarth on March 27, 2012, 11:03:54 pm
yes mine do because when I had the old lights in I installed a dimmer switch in place of the toggle ones that were original to soften the other lights and cut down on power usage from batteries. They worked great but I still decided to change to LEDs so wondered if they would dim the LEDs once installed. They do, but not to the same extent as before. It is sort of 70% light at turn on then 100% full on turn. All my puck lights are controlled by dimmers.
John H
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wa_desert_rat on April 03, 2012, 12:39:11 am
Removed the old OEM charger/converter and replaced it with a 60-amp Progressive Dynamics unit with remote pendant. Installed a new trailer hitch with a 5-1/2 inch drop to replace the 2" drop unit which made the tow dolly (Kar Kaddy II) tilt at too great an angle.

Craig
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: gam on April 03, 2012, 07:59:15 am
Replaced the four front shocks with konis. The job took less then 2hours start to finish. Then continued to work on a 40 ft carport not on but for the coach. Gam
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Ronb on April 03, 2012, 10:30:05 pm
Replaced the original Heart inverter/charger today with a new 2500 watt Xantrex Freedom 458.
All wires on the old unit hooked up in the rear of the unit, where the new Xantrex all wires connections go the front of the unit. There was adequate amount of length to all wires to hook it up with out any trouble. The size was almost the same as the Heart unit, so I was able to install it in the same shelf bracket as the old one.

The old unit quit charging and a repair shop said that there were not any parts available for the old "black box" type, and that is what mine was. My batteries are happy now.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: lavocat on April 04, 2012, 10:38:05 am
I had it easy, all I did was load up for our Easter trip to Orange Beach Alabama!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Bill & Deanne Brown on April 05, 2012, 09:58:25 am
Finally got the right connector to wire my original '03 Foretravel installed NMO ROOF cell antenna (replaced with a Wilson Dual Band - 800 -1900 MHz NMO Trucker Antenna) to a new INDOOR Wilson Dual Band - 800-1900 MHz Slim Low Profile Antenna.  You need a TNC female to FME male adapter.  I finally found it at:

Pan Pacific RFA-8452 TNC female to FME male adapter from Wholesale Electronics (http://www.weisd.com/test/WEISD_TBL_view.php?editid1=PPERFA-8452)

This combination is not available from Wilson Electronics because they said they haven't used a TNC connector on antenna in many years.  Seems to improve signal but may add amp in future..... Bill
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave Head on April 05, 2012, 11:36:19 am
An amp with this config makes a huge difference.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Gary Bouland (RIP) on April 05, 2012, 01:48:59 pm
Got the coach out of storage with the help of the DW and an employee where I store it. First time driving it since surgery, much easier to get in and out of drivers seat than the car or PU. G'son due over t'morrow to help wash and load.  We plan to leave Wednesday to host SC MC Rally in Thomasville, GA.
Back is doing better, I am still weak as a kitten. Nurse took 30 Plus stitches out y'day and that should help some.
Gary B
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Felix and Gail on April 05, 2012, 02:58:49 pm
Waiting for FOT to call be back to make appointment to have  generator and engine sound insulation changed and soft area of entry step repaired. Thought about doing it myself but just briefly.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Bill Chaplin on April 05, 2012, 05:35:38 pm
I just sat there and cryed !

Dave M had open heart surgery less the a month ago
 :o HE'S SITTING IN HIS MOTOR HOME PLANNING A TRIP THIS MONTH!

 :-X Gary B Had major back surgery less than 6 weeks ago.
HE IS PLANNING TO HOST A RALLY THIS MONTH!

 :( :( I just broke my leg, it will be 6 weeks or better till I can hit the road.
I JUST CRYED
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Peter & Beth on April 05, 2012, 06:00:32 pm
Bill,
Sorry to hear about your leg.  Hope all heals well...and, you gotta look where you're going.  You should see me!  I ran into the engine battery door while it was open as I was walking and looking down.  This happened last Friday.  The folks at the emergency room have seen it all, still the embarrassment was all mine.  Huge shiner on the left eye.  No stitches (too close to eye) but glued the puncture wound with some sort of Crazy Glue type stitching.  Too ugly to post a picture.

Peter
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on April 05, 2012, 06:19:13 pm
Bill,  I am sorry to learn about the broken leg, Looking at the bright side, lets hope it was the left leg, that way you can still wobble the coach down the road with the good right leg.
Truly am saddened to hear about the leg.
Good luck
Smile
Dave M
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Gary Bouland (RIP) on April 05, 2012, 07:30:32 pm
Bill, Sorry bout the leg.  The happy pills will help a lot and when those run out try single malt.
Sounds like the doctors are going to do well this year..... If they will go out and buy new FT's maybe there will be some good used ones for the rest of us later on. :)
Is the story of how you broke the leg too gruesome to tell ? :D
Get well soon.
Gary B
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wa_desert_rat on April 05, 2012, 08:51:58 pm
Bill, my sympathies on the leg. Hard to take just as the weather begins to look like it might be nice (at least here... most of the country is having much nicer weather than the PNW). Hope you get well soon. Gary has the right idea on pain killers.

Craig
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Larry & Karen Pontius on April 05, 2012, 09:56:06 pm
While doing an inspection and getting ready for our first trip of the year we found a small chip in the driver side windshield that had previously been repair had grown over the winter.  Glass company was here today to replace windshield.  Driver side mirror had to be moved to allow installation of windshield.  Since I had the mirror loose I decided to do some adjusting. Drivers side turned out so good I decided to adjust the passanger side mirror.  It's amazing how much better I can see with just these minor adjustment.  Winshield turned out great.  Changed engine oil and checked all other fluid levils last week.  Nearly ready to go.   
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Michelle on April 11, 2012, 06:14:38 pm
Steve removed, regasketed, and reinstalled our front A/C unit to eliminate some vibration noise.  He also replaced a broken auxiliary drain kit drip "cup" for that A/C.

Then we went to Lowes in Nac and bought the coach its own cordless drill and a set of drill bits.  Steve is using it to modify the existing bedroom TV mount hole pattern to accept a new Samsung LED TV.

Michelle

Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dick S on April 12, 2012, 02:35:59 pm
Steve, how involved is regasketing the A/C? We are having our roof repaired and repainted at FOT on the 23rd. Maybe I should have them install the new gaskets on both units while they are up there? I don't think they pull the A/Cs when they paint the roof. I don't think those gaskets have ever been replaced. Do you think age alone is reason enough to replace?
dick
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Michelle on April 12, 2012, 03:59:20 pm
Today Steve replaced the Girard awning wind sensor (had a noisy bearing), replaced our Winegard antenna head with the Jack retrofit model, and he is presently outside doing our Aqua-Hot annual maintenance.

His "honey-do" list is getting awfully short :))

ETA as part of the maintenance, Steve replaced the hoses going from the main radiators of the AH and the genset to their overflows.  The one on the AH was so aged that it cracked at the AH when he removed it.  The one on the genset wasn't so bad but in the process of removing it he discovered the fitting on the upper tank had apparently been repaired before and the repair had failed (cracked).  We're hoping to find someone here tomorrow AM who can do a little brazing for us.

Michelle
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dick S on April 12, 2012, 04:23:57 pm
Ok. Thanks. I'll just leave them alone for now.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: oldmattb on April 12, 2012, 08:21:03 pm
Replaced a bad ground wire for our dash ac condenser fans.  hoping for news on our pump for the radiator cooling fans.  nice parking lot, but we are ready to move.

Oldmattb
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: J. D. Stevens on April 14, 2012, 09:33:13 pm
Replaced the ooold ShurFlo fresh water pump with Aquatec 550-ES. Attached new pump to old fittings with "soft loop" hoses. Turned on the pump and thought something was wrong. I couldn't hear it running. Nice! Replacement was easy. I chose the smaller Aquatec pump so old wiring was adequate. How will I know if there is a leak if I can't hear the pump running? ;D I think we can become accustomed to the quiet pump.

Put a bypass plug in the ADC filter fitting. We use RO filtered water throughout the coach.

Changed the shower head for one from RV Water Filter Store. We'll see how that works.

Loaded up for a trip to Missouri to visit the grandchildren. (We hope to travel and visit without the added excitement provided by tornadoes, hail, and other bad stuff.)

Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: nitehawk on April 15, 2012, 09:57:10 am
FINALLY installed the last seven red LED clearance lights on the back end and back corners!!
Now all clearance lights are LEDs Anyone know the amp draw for four LEDs as opposed to two 192 incandescent bulbs? Just curious as to how much drop in requirement. Also will probably never again have to replace any of these lights, short of catastrophic failure due to physical damage.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave and Nancy Abel on April 15, 2012, 02:14:51 pm
Howdy nitehawk, 
  I recently completed replacing all my marker lites with LEDs.  Although mine were 194s.  Assume 192s would be similar.  194 pull .27 amps  Sylvania 34761 194 Light Bulb - Buy 3.78 watt (.27 AMP) 14 volt T3.25 Wedge Base (http://www.servicelighting.com/Sylvania-34761-194-T3-25-Miniature-Incandescent-Light-Bulb)

leds pull .030 amps (30 milli amps)  WLED-x6 (194 type) Wedge Base bulbs Specifications (http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-bin/store/index.cgi?action=DispPage&Page2Disp=%2Fspecs%2FWLED-x6.htm)

so 4 leds = .12 amps, 2 194s = .54 amps.
I'm really pleased with the outcome..Replaced all the lens at the same time..< $100 total.
Dave Abel
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Barry & Cindy on April 15, 2012, 02:52:51 pm
RE: How will I know if there is a leak if I can't hear the pump running?

We have an electronic sounder in our kitchen that has a soft beep whenever our water pump is running. It lets us know if we have a an unexpected leak or faucet open. There is a switch to turn off sounder if we want. We installed the sounder after we purchased a very quiet pump. The sound has helped us several times.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Bob Thomas on April 17, 2012, 06:32:24 pm
Today I washed the 3126 Cat motor.  It was over due for a cleaning. I spray it down with about half a can of "Scrubbing Bubbles" and then hose it off well.  This works on dust and dirt. 8)
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Bill Chaplin on April 17, 2012, 08:19:42 pm
I tripped to Athens, TX. Home of M & G Engineering, makers of a supplementary braking system. It was  a good visit. Talked with Mike, the installation Mechanic.
Visited the Mock up of the system. Watched it do it thing of applying the towed brake in proportion to applied motorhome braking.
Mike showed me exactly what and how he would install the system, in 1 to two hours ($200.00).
Had a very good "brunch" in Mabank TX. Good old GI SOS & biscuits. Got Fried pies to go, Blueberry and Peach.
A worthwhile trip.  Eat you heart out Fave Cobb !
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Caflashbob on April 17, 2012, 09:08:47 pm
Learned not to believe the air filter restrictor gage on my new to me u320.

Restriction gauge said air filter was fine.  Cummins mechanic pulled it out and the dirt fell off on the ground.

M11 used to shift at 1400 rpm full throttle. Now 1700 in lower gears. 

Also water in fuel separator. Do not put away a diesel without filling the tank to avoid condensation in the tank was my experience.

Idle was set too low at 650. Now at 750 and with a new air filter coach idle is very smooth and much faster.

Bob
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: MAZ on April 17, 2012, 09:12:57 pm
  Replaced the U-line ice maker head. The old one worked great but was shedding its coating in the ice tray with the ice cubes. New one was $165.00 on ebay. Works great. Good to go for another 14 years.

Mark Z
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Caflashbob on April 22, 2012, 06:08:16 pm
Replaced three still good megaton ll interstate flooded batteries with three optima red tops for engine starting.  anyone need three?

Replaced April 1997 2.8 gpm coach water pump with a new shureflow 5.2 pump.  Massive

Had my mechanic friend install a new 120 watt large solar panel that showed on its controller to be charging a 8 amps.  Ran the  wires into the refer compartment to the 8 gauge wire that feeds the refer seperate from the house shutoff switch.

Obviously this 102k mile 1997 with 720 hours on the gen was hardly ever dry camped.  Only hooked up. 

Reinstalled motosat controller verified it's operation.  Reset inverter breaker that runs front tv outlets.  Old tv works but it's going......

Need a dish network sat box.  I know very little about which one and need advise maybe?

Buzzing noise in Trekmate alarm brain.  Anyone seen this?

Bob

Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wolfe10 on April 22, 2012, 06:15:10 pm
Bob,

You will be happy with the upgrade to the Optima starting batteries-- we have used them for over a decade.  2 of their 800 CCA's in parallel really turn over our "little" Caterpillar.  Three in parallel will give you 2,400 CCA's and should be perfect for your M engine.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Michelle on April 22, 2012, 06:46:24 pm
Today I added a few things to this year's dynamic "to do" list and researched them for purchase when we get home next week.  Tires (5 1/2 years old per date code, installed back in March 2007, starting to show some tiny cracking), TPMS, rear ladder "plastic ends and screws" since Brett pointed out some cracking while we were in Kerrville together.  And calling US Gear tomorrow to find out how to reattach the manual lever to the tow brake controller (it popped off and there's no obvious way to reattach it).

Michelle
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Mark... on April 22, 2012, 07:06:22 pm
Installed a Tire Traker extender and also installed a Trik-l start finally.  We have a bedroom slide so, locking down the engine cover between the closet and the bed probably took longer than the install.  Anybody have any tricks for locking down the engine cover? 
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Caflashbob on April 22, 2012, 09:52:07 pm
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Bob,

You will be happy with the upgrade to the Optima starting batteries-- we have used them for over a decade.  2 of their 800 CCA's in parallel really turn over our "little" Caterpillar.  Three in parallel will give you 2,400 CCA's and should be perfect for your M engine.

Definitely spins over faster.  I used to go into winter.  The old oreds did not like 30 below.  This one I think could actually do such a thing if I was dumb enough to do it again.  300 cat barely turned over in Colorado.  Took a jump from the ski resort grooming unit to start the gen and ether start for the cat after block heating.  Tanks finally froze.  Went to Phoenix to unthaw the frozen tanks.  Propane regulator froze.  This was in 1988.

Drove from telluride to southern California straight through.  That coach got 8mpg at 90mph at 3000 rpm floored. Was in a hurry.  Wife coughing as cold weather finally got us.
Slid it out partislly in a intersection on the brakes in wet ice.  Take foot off brake and the back tucked in.  Whew...
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Lewis Anderson on April 22, 2012, 10:11:42 pm
On my 1995 270, replaced the o-rings in the slightly leaking kitchen swivel faucet.  Good thing I stayed parked in the Lowes' lot at ABQ as the packet of faucet fittings only had one o-ring of the proper size.  I trundled back in to buy another as the faucet requires two.  This old thing still wants to do 70+ unless in have it on cruise control.  I guess we will keep it as the "selling value" is far below what we think it is worth to our lives....  andy1
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Lewis Anderson on April 22, 2012, 10:26:56 pm
Oh, and I replaced the indicator bulb in the BOOST switch.  This, so far, seems the only disadvantage of not using the Trick-L-charge set up, to me....  andy1
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Ronb on April 22, 2012, 10:36:34 pm
Here is a job that anybody can do on a rainy day. I replaced all the felt bumpers on every door and drawer in the RV. I found many missing, a few new ones and many very old ones. All the doors and drawers close nice and quite now. It took over 200 of them to do all of them. I also treated the walnut finish with Old English dark stain and scratch remover. I am in awe of the craftsmanship that went into the wood work in the Foretravel's. They still look new after 15 years.

Also replaced rear radio antenna that had been broken off by previous owner. The antenna is a 31 inch universal antenna w/ heavy duty stainless steel support w/ spring. For those that might need one here is the Model number, 44US71.I got it through CB World in Albany, Or. for about $16.00.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Bob Thomas on April 23, 2012, 06:24:34 pm
I changed the oil on the generator. It was 100 hrs. exactly since the last change.  There are only 1208 hrs on the clock. 
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wa_desert_rat on April 23, 2012, 08:20:52 pm
When we bought our U225 it was the end of November and we drove it home in December (through the Cascade Mountains). All this time I have been wondering if the air conditioner units (Dometic) would work but had to wait for warm weather in order to find out. Today the temps got up into the upper 80s so I put both A/Cs on "auto" and turned on first the front and then the rear. About 5 minutes later they were both pumping out cold air.

And about 85db of noise. (Sigh)

At least they work. :)

Craig
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Ralph on April 23, 2012, 08:47:56 pm
Changed oil and filters on both engine and generator, greased chassis and brakes...yes, with proper grease. First time i had greased brakes since i have owned the coach (5 years) and :-( sigh, found they had been given a shot of the wrong grease sometime in their past...some odd colored old grease came out anyway. Got it all pushed out, ran the slack adjusters full travel both ways a couple of times, should be good for another 5 years. (or more)

While greasing, noticed driver side wheel seal was seeping, so got new seal and installed it...whew, what a day. (those hub/rotor assemblys don't get any lighter as years go by ??? )
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wolfe10 on April 23, 2012, 08:57:52 pm
Ralph,

Wow-- replacing front hub seals is quite a job.  You must have an impressive shop to include equipment to check bearing end play.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: nitehawk on April 23, 2012, 08:59:34 pm
Fuel door was warped badly and no longer available so I welded a stiffener and pop riveted it on the inside of the door and this straightened the door out. Replaced a leaking no-longer-spinning tank flush attachment with newer style. Turns out P.O. apparently caulked the spinning part in an effort to reduce leaking. Hopefully we now will have better rinsing action. Next project is to resolve non-functioning fuel gage. It quit completely on the way home this March. Loss of ground?? Sender unit bad? I'm going to find out!!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Ralph on April 24, 2012, 04:34:14 am
Brett....no not real impressive, a good magnetic base and a dial indicator will take care of the end play/preload thing. I'm old school i guess, but i still like the "preload by feel" method...you can just tell when it's right. I had more trouble finding a suitable "driver" to seat the seal than anything else, don't normally deal with anything that big....
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: red tractor on April 24, 2012, 07:49:12 pm
I would guess bad sender as they seem to go bad quite a bit, as I have changed a lot of them, Hope your tank is not all the way full.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Don Hay on April 24, 2012, 08:48:40 pm
Drained the freshwater tank today and refilled it with 1 3/4 cups of bleach and 100 gallons of water for tank's annual sterilization. Tomorrow I'll drain and add a couple cups of vinegar to "freshen" the tank before filling with fresh water. I found the end of the overflow hose (up high above the passenger side bulkhead), but it looks like I'd have to drill through 3 inches of flooring/foam insulation to get it to drain to the pavement. And the hose would be in front of the gray cover for the manibloc (I think). Not sure of alternatives.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John S on April 25, 2012, 06:08:05 pm
What about putting an extension  on the hose and routing it somewhere where you will be able to drop it to the ground that way.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: bbeane on April 27, 2012, 08:21:03 pm
Nothing, just sitting waiting to get the HWH controlls back. Might wash all the pollen off tomorrow.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: nitehawk on April 27, 2012, 10:05:38 pm
Craig, if you don't use a ladder try making a safety belt with an old nylon webbing belt and two pitons The pitons either have to be large enough to hook on the "handles" below the windshield or thread them thru the handles and hook back onto the belt after putting the belt around your waist. This will enable you to stand on the bumper hands free so you can install your cover or wash the windshield.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: kinger65 on April 29, 2012, 12:26:48 am
Drained transmisson, removed old tranny filters and reinstalled new filters using NAPA 7740XE kit (includes all orings and seals), and refilled with BP Autran Syn 295. Drained rear end and refilled with Castrol Syn Gear 80 W 140.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Cooper on April 29, 2012, 11:45:29 am
Since I just came upon this thread I have a lot of catching up to do.
Sunday: Spent the day making a ramp so that I could get the coach in the driveway.  The ramp wasn't permanent, it was more like the lumber roads oil well driller crews use.  It took all day to get my wood out of the various places I am forced to keep it and to remove nails from a bunch of 2x4s that a neighbor was tossing.
Monday:  Got the coach from storage and backed into the driveway, it only took two back and fills to get it in.  Spent an hour or so removing as many spiderwebs as I could.  Next I used my builder's level to find out how high to build the ramps under the front wheels (a 6" drop over the 19' wheel base) and finally build the ramps for the front wheels.
Tuesday through Saturday:  worked on the engine bay insulation, removed the generator and insulation, started repair work on the wood backing for the louvered door for the air cleaner.  Spent many hours chasing parts and researching repair procedures on the Internet.
Today: more of the same.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wa_desert_rat on April 29, 2012, 01:33:58 pm
Nitehawk: good tip on the safety belt idea. It is a little precarious up there, all right.  :D

In preparation for the installation of solar panels I spent some money. I bought an "Solar Torrent" MPPT solar regulator (30Amp) that will allow me to buy 30volt panels and use them to charge my 12volt battery bank. I probably would have passed on this but a reviewer who seemed clueful gave it a "pretty darn good" review. Price was $178 (via Amazon).

I also bought a "Ramsound" pure sine-wave 1500W inverter for $$259.99 (via Amazon). I have read conflicting reports about these relatively inexpensive inverters so I plan to do some checking with my handy-dandy Kill-a-Volt (every RVer should have one).

The budget next month should allow me to get two or three solar panels (up to 250watt depending upon the deal I can find) and either fabricate or buy tilt-mounts. I plan to install everything using tape. Should be interesting. With any luck I won't get rained on.

Craig
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Glockjock on April 29, 2012, 05:02:19 pm
Pulled both grey and black tank water valves to grease them.  Both were EXTREMELY difficult to operate, but a little plain axle grease worked wonders once I finally got the valves out.

Now I have to figure out how I'm going to bolt them back on.  The two rear-most bolts on the black tank valve were very difficult to access.  I'd seen a post by Brett Wolfe saying that he pulls and greases his every two years as it is only a 10-minute job on a U-240.  I know I'm not the wrench Brett is, for it took me over an hour to get the last two bolts out of my U-240.  I'm going to go to Plan B to reinstall them.  Now I just need to think of a good Plan B.

Glen
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: txforetravel on April 29, 2012, 07:29:23 pm
Installed a new bathroom faucet and a new shower valve.  I'll post some before and after pictures once i get the pictures over to the PC. 

Also cleaned all the A/C ducts and caulked things needing caulked.  Looks like we are almost ready to roll.  A wax job this week and we'll be good to go! 

Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wa_desert_rat on April 30, 2012, 06:53:11 pm
On Friday I noticed the smell of propane around our coach that we traced down to an additional line installed to provide a quick-connect propane fitting to a bar-b-que grill (or perhaps it was standard). At any rate we determined that one of the hoses was leaking where the hose and the fitting rubbing due to a tight bend. Ferrelgas made up a new hose for $15 and it's installed now. No more smell but I'll double check later on today.

Edit: Checked it just before dark last night and even laid down under the propane compartment to sniff around with the bay door open. Nada. I love $14 fixes!!!

Craig
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Cooper on April 30, 2012, 10:56:58 pm
I did it!  I did it! ............ Yes, I FINALLY finished my engine bay insulation replacement.  Taping some of the joints required standing on my head and others were awfully hard on my back.  Now I need to check it with the sound meter to see if it was worth the expense and all that work.  Now that I can get the coach in the driveway I was able to remove the leaking sight glass in the radiator and reinstall it with a new o-ring.  I was so nervous before when standing in the street I just could not seem to get the sight glass out.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John S on May 01, 2012, 07:56:09 am
To get the bolts on my black tank, I tack welded a piece of steel line right to the end of the bolt.  Slide the nut right down it then pushed it on the threads and turned it a half a turn with my finger. 
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: George Hatfield on May 01, 2012, 12:26:36 pm
This was an exciting project!  NOT!  Cleaned the carpet yesterday using a inexpensive wet/dry vac from Lowes.  See photo below.  Most of our coach is in tile, but have about 10 square feet of carpet near the sofa.  It actually worked very well and the carpet looks as good as I think it could after 9 years of wear.  Used a Hoover shampoo (3 tbs per gallon, sort of) and really wetted it down with a sponge.  But not too wet (how is that for vague?).  Then used a brush to work it in, but not too hard.  Then vacuumed.  Rinsed with water in same way.  Vacuumed again.  Finally wiped down with a towel.  Used a couple of fans to help in drying.  Water in vac was like mud!  Was almost dry after about 6 hours (very low humidity here in Tucson).  Repeated cleaning.  Water in vac much improved. 
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Glockjock on May 02, 2012, 08:29:18 am
John S-  That's thinking out of the box to be able to get the nut back on, and thanks for the note.  I decided to change out all the bolts on both valves.  I went with stainless bolts and washers, and used stainless wingnuts on the back side.  The stainless guarantees that there'll be no corrocion to make removal difficult.  The use of a wingnut allows me to get at least one finger back there to hold a backup while I'm using my power drill/driver on the front side of the bolt.

Now, the next time I do this job I expect it will be much, much easier.

Glen
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John S on May 02, 2012, 08:56:17 am
Never thought about wing nuts... See it goes both ways.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Carol Savournin on May 02, 2012, 01:25:52 pm
Quote from: txforetravel –
Installed a new bathroom faucet and a new shower valve.  I'll post some before and after pictures once i get the pictures over to the PC. 

Also cleaned all the A/C ducts and caulked things needing caulked.  Looks like we are almost ready to roll.  A wax job this week and we'll be good to go! 



OK ... how did you clean your AC ducts?  Not that I am gonna jump up and do it, but I really would like to know.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: George Hatfield on May 02, 2012, 01:28:17 pm
Has Jeff run out of projects?

George
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dan Stansel on May 02, 2012, 03:14:11 pm
Today, I drained my hot water heater and holding tanks.  It was nothing but clear water, no sediment.  Got the Hydrogen Peroxide so I am going to put some into the water hose when I put some water back into the coach.  Will run a little thru the water pump as well and into the hot water heater.  I am going to back flush the black holding tank then add a little there. Will put some down every drain.  What else should I do??  DAN
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John S on May 02, 2012, 03:20:13 pm
Why hydrogen peroxide?
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dan Stansel on May 02, 2012, 03:23:57 pm
From the forum I got that recommendation instead of bleach.  Works as well and disolves better.  DAN
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Peter & Beth on May 02, 2012, 03:27:09 pm
Quote from: John S –
Why hydrogen peroxide?
John,
This was discussed before in this thread:
Odor from water (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=15208.msg91656#msg91656)
Peter
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John S on May 02, 2012, 09:10:25 pm
Interesting, I will have to try that next time.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Ronb on May 02, 2012, 10:27:48 pm
Pulled all three coach batteries, cleaned all posts and used my Dremel tool to take the film off the cable lugs. Reassembled with dielectric grease.
The reason for doing this was because I was getting 14+ volts out of the inverter, but when checking voltage at the battery post, it was only around 12.4v
The former owner just installed the new batteries last fall and aparently didn't get all the cables real tight. Several were loose. It now reads the same voltage at the batteries as to what is comming accross the 300 amp fuse from the inverter.

One thing I added to the upper battery tray was a piece of flat bar welded across the trey in the middle of it. When I was removing the upper battery it fell through the bottom of the tray because the sides of the bottom were wider than the battery, it was only supported at each end. Something you might think about if you are removing a 152 lb. battery by yourself. Your coach may be different, but it wouldn't hurt to keep this in mind. No damage done, but was a close call.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: bbeane on May 10, 2012, 08:16:04 pm
Got all the controls back from HWH all was ok, installed them still no workiee. Looks like I have a cable to the touch panel with some rodent damage where it crosses the fuel tank. So looks like I will enjoy pulling a new control cable from the second bay back to the dash. Anyone ever done it, I'm sure it will be fun.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: nitehawk on May 10, 2012, 11:09:08 pm
Mounted a Culligan sediment filter in line with the water inlet in the engine compartment. Now only have to hook hose to faucet, thread it up into the engine compartment in the back driver's side and screw onto the filter.
We have built-in filtered drinking water filter & dispenser so only need sediment filter for sinks & commode.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Jerry Galliart on May 11, 2012, 01:36:06 pm
I installed an hour meter on the burner circuit on the aqua hot. I don't know why supposed to be 108 Monday had to move to 50 amp Parker AZ.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Gary Bouland (RIP) on May 11, 2012, 03:13:27 pm
Replaced the original swing up ladder with a two piece ladder.  Obtained the ladder from James S's junk pile and with parts from another ladder, new capture nuts and stainless hardware rebuilt it completely. Ladder is now sturdy and steady and I will not be so anxious going up it.
Gary B
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Caflashbob on May 11, 2012, 03:47:14 pm
Finally got the time after 1570 miles to go over our new to us U320 at my sister-in-laws place in Kansas. 

Right front tire was 90 psi left front was 100.  Both now 105.  Left inner dual was 85 psi the rest 95.  Now all 95.

Checked the two year old flooded cell three 8d's for water and cable and terminal condition.

Thanks to the poster above I compared the post versus the terminal voltage and all had the same readings.  Good contact.  Batteries seemed like needed some work based on voltage drops after long drives.  Hygrometer tested all 18 cells and all were fairly similar in specific gravity at 1274 plus or minus a little.

The three  8D batteries took exactly 1 gallon of distilled water.  Poor baby had been plugged in only  so who cared apparently.

Cleaned the aluminum corrosion off the main awning arms as no one had put up the big one in a while. 

Similar charging rate over 14 volt got me to check the batteries.

Bob
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Ralph on May 11, 2012, 06:25:15 pm
My coach got it's new shoes today.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: red tractor on May 11, 2012, 09:45:35 pm
I changed engine oil and oil filter and lubed the chassis but the brakes had plenty of grease so did not grease them. replaced the air dryer spin on filter and filter, and replaced the ac line from the engine compressor to the dryer as it was leaking at the compressor and replaced the dryer and recharged it and now have nice cold dash ac, also replaced both front tires with the FMCA program at TCI in Tampa. The old tires were only 4 years old, but had quite a bit of weather checking and were only load range G, which was not heavy enough for this coach, so put on load range H. I think that now we are ready to hit the road for a while. Looks like we will be buying plenty of diesel as figure to drive over 6,000 miles. Enough for now
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: coastprt on May 13, 2012, 01:10:45 am
Since bringing the coach home in March.

Lights- Fixed or replaced a lot of burn't out lights- rocker switch, power mirror control, map light, clearance lights and lenses, front docking lights, storage compartment lights , interior flourescents (bad ballast in the shower fixture and will have to replace).  Replaced the door handle light bulb, porch light and replaced the lighted door bell button(still works!).  Replaced engine compartment light fixture.  Also adjusted the warning beeper to alert for air pressure, antenna up and turn signals as I am still new and need some help! 

Leveling system- Fixed a broken wire on the hwh 12vdc compressor (now working) and cleaned out plugged up exhaust ports(mud daubers). Auto leveling seems to be working okay.

Fluid levels- Checked radiator level and filled reservoir (needed about 1 gal)  Noticed a small leak at the cap driving it home so I replaced it with a new one but not sure if it stopped. All other levels,  oil, trans, etc. are okay. I will change them all including filters in the near future. I also filled the winshield washer reservoir with rain-x  and adjusted the wiper blades.

Fixed leaks in ice maker filler hose, under kitchen sink and kitchen faucet. Small leak around the  shower skylight and I'm still working on that.

Checked the bulkhead bolts and will address that when possible. Tire pressures are good and front hub oil levels are to.
 
Original inverter isn't working (taytronics 1500).  12vdc in is good but no 120vac out so I disconnected it and will have it repaired or replace it.
Any suggestions?

kubota 10k runs good but noticed small leak around radiator. I will do more more checking as I service it.  Coach batteries(wet cell) became to weak to start the genny so I pulled them out and discovered they were almost bone dry. They are almost 6 years old and probably bad by now. The PO had them replaced but I don't think he ever checked them for water level! It took over 2 gallons of distilled water to top them off and I hope I can charge them back up and get them to hold.

I believe I have covered everything thus far and probably left out a few things.  Thanks to all the expert advice from fellow members I am confident and will be able to do most of the maintenance myself. Pride of ownership has turned this into a hobby/obsession that I really enjoy!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wa_desert_rat on May 13, 2012, 01:35:06 am
Quote from: coastprt –
Original inverter isn't working( taytronics 1500).  12vdc in is good but no 120vac out so I disconnected it and will have it repaired or replace it.
Any suggestions?

Possibly fuse or circuit breaker problem. These are repairable but equivalent inverters are probably cheaper than the cost of repair. I have been a skeptic of buying "pure sine" inverters but the prices on these in the 1500 watt range have come down to the point where they are within reason.

If you have not yet done so, I recommend buying a Progressive Dynamics charger/converter and replace the original. I have no idea what you have in your coach but the older chargers were famous for burning up batteries and the first symptom is boiling out the water.

I chose not to get a combination inverter/charger and opted instead for separate units. I had no "original equipment" inverter in my coach so this let me install it in the place I chose (under the refrigerator in the vacuum cleaner cupboard) right over the batteries.

Good luck. :)

Craig
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: coastprt on May 14, 2012, 12:05:16 am
Craig, 

Thank for the info. I currently have a Progressive Dynamics PD9160A and just added a charge wizard on advice from Dave Head and is working very well(only$22.89+s&h from adventurerv.net).  I measured 13.6vdc on normal mode and the charge wizard will prevent overcharging by automatically switching to storage mode to maintain optimum charge without boiling the water.  I, like you want to have separate units so if one goes out the other still works.

I tested my batteries with a hygrometer after filling them with distilled water and charging them up. All cells showed discharged so I will be replacing them.  They are Interstate Workaholics about 6 years old.

The Prosine 1500-1800 looks like a good replacement for the old taytronics 1500.  It's made for those who already have or want a separate units like you and I have.

thanks buddy .b^.^d
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wa_desert_rat on May 19, 2012, 05:20:54 pm
Replaced all incandescent lamps in the bedroom and bathroom with LEDs. Not cheap but you can't throw $100 at a dead battery and bring it back to life!  :D

Yesterday we cleaned all electrical connections on the isolator and found a corroded wire (snapped at a butt splice when I touched it); repaired with a new butt splice.

Craig
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: txforetravel on May 20, 2012, 11:24:58 am
Just finished waxing the coach. Installed new King Jack antenna this am. We will test that out in a few weeks when we pull out for a 6 week tour. 
Next up will be recharging the water softener, flush the tanks, clean out a few inside cabinets and pack. Oh and install the new wine chiller in the outside entertainment bin. Then load up with wine and beer and head out!

Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John S on May 20, 2012, 09:29:15 pm
Well, when I get home in on Tuesday, I am going to have to track down a connection on my backup camera. It is going in and out with the bumps...
It is on an AVIC not the FT installed one.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: txforetravel on May 25, 2012, 08:51:33 pm
Bill installed the new wine chiller and is working on building a cabinet for the slide out closet for shoes and folding clothes.

The chrome exterior mirrors are polished as are the genny, aqua-hot and engine tailpipes.

Coach is all waxed and we are ready to pull out June 3rd. 
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: red tractor on May 25, 2012, 09:53:52 pm
My vmspc came today and with the help of my wife and son, have gotten it installed in the computer, I am very computer challenged, but give me a wrench or screw driver and I know what to do with them
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Felix and Gail on May 25, 2012, 11:06:49 pm
Did some caulking repairs in the shower and kitchen and polished all electrical connections in the area of the isolator under the bed and applied corrision X.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Haygarth on May 26, 2012, 12:35:13 am
got tiles installed on kitchen backsplash finally and tomorrow will grout. Will post pictures pm.
John h
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Steve & Kathy B on May 26, 2012, 07:27:45 am
Had a guy install an Airforce One brake system on my car.  Found out that if I leave my booster switch on while parked in storage for a week, it'll drain down my batteries :P  After 20 minutes of running the generator and a 30 mile drive, it's all good again.  Whew.

Nice forum background for today BTW!  Kudos.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: nitehawk on May 26, 2012, 09:09:50 am
Tightened the nut UNDER the horn so when I adjust the wheel by turning the horn assembly the wheel stays at the height I set it at.
Took the door handle assembly apart. Found a broken spring that returns the outside handle to the in position. Replaced spring. Also found the "lubricating" material (could not determine just what kinds were in there) had congealed/solidified so it was actually hindering/slowing actuating of the parts. Totally cleaned internals and relubed with non-grease lube.

Tried running independent ground wires from fuel gage to frame and from fuel tank to frame to see if my malfunctioning gage was due to bad ground or bad sender. Must be bad sender as grounding didn't change anything.

Next project: Mount female snaps on the sunscreen material we bought in Mission, TX and male snaps on Zip Dee roller. On the roller--screws or rivets??
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Duld on May 26, 2012, 10:08:45 am
I think Zip Dee uses rivets in the sun screen kit they have.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Barry Beam on May 26, 2012, 11:12:51 am
Quote from: nitehawk –

Next project: Mount female snaps on the sunscreen material we bought in Mission, TX and male snaps on Zip Dee roller. On the roller--screws or rivets??
Here is some photos of Orren's sunscreen installation
Awning Sunscreen (http://www.beamalarm.com/Documents/awning_sunscreen.html)
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: nitehawk on May 26, 2012, 11:42:06 am
Thanks Barry & John.

Heading out to do the sunscreen part right now. The Zip Dee roller will have to wait until the wind dies down.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Kent Speers on May 26, 2012, 06:37:13 pm
Quote from: nitehawk –

Tried running independent ground wires from fuel gage to frame and from fuel tank to frame to see if my malfunctioning gage was due to bad ground or bad sender. Must be bad sender as grounding didn't change anything.


Before replacing the sending unit, be sure to thoroughly clean the connectors on the switch and to insure a good ground and clean terminals on the fuel gauge itself. A bad sending unit is very rare from my experience. My coach did the same thing until I removed and cleaned all of the terminals. After that it worked perfectly.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Roy Dameron on May 26, 2012, 07:10:38 pm
Today I said "no" to a acceptable offer for my coach and took it off the market. 


Roy D
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Kent Speers on May 26, 2012, 07:20:24 pm
Quote from: Roy Dameron –
Today I said "no" to a acceptable offer for my coach and took it off the market. 


Roy D

What a smart guy. Money isn't near as much fun as owning a Foretravel.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Michelle on May 26, 2012, 10:26:58 pm
I provided encouragement while Steve replaced our fresh water check valve.

This after he had to disassemble the utility bay last week and order PEX tools and fittings in order to do the job.  (I think he secretly enjoyed being able to buy more tools.....)  It's leak testing overnight and Steve has already modified the utility bay panels to use the access door Dave and Dolly included in their "dinner and an access door" trade for our old mudflap parts ;)

-M
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: J. D. Stevens on May 27, 2012, 09:33:30 am
Quote from: Roy Dameron –
Today I said "no" to a acceptable offer for my coach and took it off the market. 

Roy D

 ^.^d  ^.^d
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: nitehawk on May 27, 2012, 09:37:19 am
Quote from: Kent Speers –
Before replacing the sending unit, be sure to thoroughly clean the connectors on the switch and to insure a good ground and clean terminals on the fuel gauge itself. A bad sending unit is very rare from my experience. My coach did the same thing until I removed and cleaned all of the terminals. After that it worked perfectly.
I actually swapped locations between the water temp gage and the fuel gage. The connections were very tight and I scraped the male terminals on the back of the fuel gage. When I turn on the ignition the fuel gage needle jumps up to the empty bar. The previous owner had an arrow made of punch tape stuck to the face of the gage at the 1/2 full point and the arrow read full. During our trips to TX the gage sometimes went as high as 3/4 full just after a fill-up. It is just plain erratic.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Haygarth on May 30, 2012, 06:37:09 pm
Not too much, just getting ready for a little trip to Cody and some new front tires, but, I did make a little change on the buffet side cabinet. Put the piece of backsplash I took off the side of fridge/stove and cut it down to fit left side of buffet. Then cut a couple of strips and siliconed them on the counter as a front and side stop for our "Nespresso" coffee machine that sits there while driving. Normaly it is fine but one sudden stop in Mexico threw it onto the floor!! Sits next to the wine glass rack hanging under cabinet. They are handy there as it makes for a fast grab and wine when needed.
John
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Jimmy Freytag on May 30, 2012, 08:22:03 pm
John, I like the stops for the coffee pot, I had one take a dive also and it had hot coffee in it. What a mess. Thanks for the idea.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Eric Rudolph on May 31, 2012, 08:14:38 am
Replaced the 4 rear tires, that were Load Range G, with Load Range H. Already had "H" on the front.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: sam7 on June 01, 2012, 09:50:26 pm
Replaced the Fantastic Vent Fan in the bathroom with a new Fantastic Vent Fan that has a built in thermostat, automatic opening, rain sensor, 3 speed and pulls air out or blows air in. I have four solar panals on the roof so I have power to the fan while stored (outside) and it will help keep the interior cool in the So Cal sun. Also washed the moho. Tonorrow more stuff to do.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Barry Beam on June 02, 2012, 05:30:38 pm
Had a little minor service work done:  :  (

I was driving thru Denver from the Durango CO. 4 Corners Rally on my way to Cody WY. for another Rally. When I made a rest stop I noticed fluid dripping from the radiator.That started to make sense since I was periodically overheating. I had already stopped in Flagstaff to have thermostat replaced, hoping that was the problem.

I called around the Denver area for a repair shop and "Denver Radiator" was recommended but they do not remove the radiator. They recommended "Transwest Trucks" 5550 E. 76th Ave Commerce City CO. After calling them they said they could take care of me right away. This was Wednesday.

After looking at the leak they said the core would have to be replaced. They called "Denver Radiator" who said if they did not have one they would make one for me asap. After taking the radiator out on Thursday in about 4 - 5 hours, they sent it over to the radiator shop and they had a new one made and delivered by 12:30 Friday. They stayed late and reinstalled it and was finished, driven and tested by 6:30. They put it together like an erector set and it was obvious this was not his first time. Incredible service I must say. They made sure I did not miss the Cody Rally.
Photos of the install:
Radiator Replaced on a 2003 U320 Cummins M-11 (http://www.beamalarm.com/Documents/radiator_replaced_on_a_2003_u320_cummins_m-11.html)
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Haygarth on June 02, 2012, 07:12:29 pm
wow, now we know what to do with all those great pictures showing the process. Hope to see you thursday in Cody if we make it!!
John H
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Barry Beam on June 02, 2012, 07:17:37 pm
Quote from: John Haygarth –
Hope to see you thursday in Cody if we make it!!
John H
IF should not be in the equation. We are expecting to meet you  8)
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Ralph on June 02, 2012, 08:25:55 pm
Finally got around to rerouting that pesky fresh water overflow hose I've been intending to for years. Foretravel engineers were experiencing major brain farts when they designed that original overflow! Formed a screen from aluminum screen wire and sealed pipe with polyurethane sealer. Mercy, that is messy stuff...had it all over me, even a gob in my hair!...but it is a good sealer. Now I won't have to watch so closely when filling, if it overflows it goes directly to ground. (sounds like electrical talk) Also fixed leaky kitchen and water bay faucets.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Michelle on June 02, 2012, 08:55:40 pm
Steve spent 5+ hours installing a hardwired Progressive EMS only to have the unit experience early life failure  after running for 15 or so minutes >:D  Now we get to wait for a replacement circuit board to be shipped to us.....

Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dean & Dee on June 02, 2012, 09:26:26 pm
Quote from: Steve & Michelle –
Steve spent 5+ hours installing a hardwired Progressive EMS only to have the unit experience early life failure  after running for 15 or so minutes >:D

        Ouch.........I know that feeling. Nothing worse than feeling like you wasted an afternoon.

      I spent several hours today in my garage sorting and rearranging 5 tool boxes and trying to make up a Foretravel toolbox. Tried to keep the weight in mind but still have a very heavy box with all the "might need" stuff.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Michelle on June 02, 2012, 09:31:00 pm
Quote from: Dean & Dee –
        Ouch.........I know that feeling. Nothing worse than feeling like you wasted an afternoon.

Especially when we're trying to leave on a trip this coming week...

Quote
      I spent several hours today in my garage sorting and rearranging 5 tool boxes and trying to make up a Foretravel toolbox. Tried to keep the weight in mind but still have a very heavy box with all the "might need" stuff.

Steve has a small nylon tool bag inside the coach, and we carry this in one of the storage bays.  Very handy set.  I think we bought ours 12 years ago at Camping World.  Uline's price is about 1/2 what we paid.

Deluxe Tool Set in Stock - ULINE (http://www.uline.com/BL_3303/Deluxe-Tool-Set)

-M
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: smillner on June 04, 2012, 12:34:53 am
Today I made wonderful use of the info on this great forum.  Yesterday I was coming home from out of town pulling a large trailer.  I stopped at a light and suddenly my air pressure warning light came on, yuck.  When I pulled over to inspect I found the leak fairly quickly close to the starting batteries.  I wasn't sure what the part was, but I did know from past experience (code for a crazy story) that I could afford to lose that much air continually since I had mostly highway driving for the remaining 2 hrs of the trip.  When I got home I looked closer at the part and realized then that it tied to the transmission and it was the accumulator for the retarder.  That made sense because I had noticed the retarder acting somewhat intermittent lately.  A search turned up this thread transmission retarder solenoid (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=3418.msg12541#msg12541) where David had the exact same symptoms and this thread Big Air Leak Hydraulic Accumulator (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=15185.msg91353#msg91353) where J.D. had a picture of it and a simple solution.  My rubber mallet apparently works very much like his because I got the exact same result and at least as big of a sense of relief as he did I'm sure :)

My only question is this, when I tapped the valve, it actually spun clockwise on the end of the housing - is it on a threaded mount and was tightening up, or is the connection made to spin?  The air leak stopped and the retarder is working much better than it has in a while - BONUS!

Interesting side note, as I walked around the coach listening for leaks, I went around the trailer too - and found another leak!  I apparently found a 3/8" carriage bolt that I couldn't resist on the road, it was stuck in the tread of my trailer tire and leaking, amazing what 14 ply tires will hold.  I was glad I stopped in a shady spot as I was changing the trailer tire before I limped on home........
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Harvey Nelson on June 04, 2012, 09:34:22 am
Quote from: Barry Beam –
Had a little minor service work done:  :  (

Radiator Replaced on a 2003 U320 Cummins M-11 (http://www.beamalarm.com/Documents/radiator_replaced_on_a_2003_u320_cummins_m-11.html)

Barry, great photos.  I counted four heat exchangers in your photos and per our chatting know they are for engine coolant (the big replaced one) then I need help.  I'm looking for the CAC, the transmission oil cooler, and the hydralic oil cooler.  Which is which?  Thanks.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: J. D. Stevens on June 04, 2012, 09:53:59 am
Quote from: smillner –
... My only question is this, when I tapped the valve, it actually spun clockwise on the end of the housing - is it on a threaded mount and was tightening up, or is the connection made to spin?  ...
I suspect something is looser than it should be. I just checked the valve on our hydraulic accumulator. It is attached firmly to the accumulator and does not move at all.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Gary Bouland (RIP) on June 04, 2012, 09:55:28 am
Barry, Being picky..... You say that coolant capacity is 10 QUARTS.... Should this not be TEN GALLONS ?
Gary B
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: steve on June 04, 2012, 11:01:21 am
Quote from: Harvey Nelson –
Barry, great photos.  I counted four heat exchangers in your photos and per our chatting know they are for engine coolant (the big replaced one) then I need help.  I'm looking for the CAC, the transmission oil cooler, and the hydralic oil cooler.  Which is which?  Thanks.
from the outside to inside ....
A -- Fuel Cooler (small, sits along the top)
B -- Charged Air Cooling System (C.A.C.) (all those 4" diameter pipes you see in the engine compartment)
C -- Hydraulic Fan System Cooler (about 1/2 the size of the CAC and radiator, sits between the CAC and main radiator)
D -- Radiator, the thing that cost Barry some $$

The transmission cooler looks like a tube muffler.  Its located behind the cooling fans down at the base of the coach.  It gets its cooling fluid from the radiator as well.  If you look in the engine compartment at the very lower right rear side  of the radiator a 2.5" output goes right to the trans cooler. (its a fluid/fluid cooler not an air/fluid cooler)
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Roland Begin on June 04, 2012, 11:04:28 am
I'm cheating here,  but three days ago I sprayed my awning with Starbrite waterproofing. The awning was acting as a water filter. We have had two days of rain here in Maine, and the water is just running off the awning. One job crossed off my todo list. ;D
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Peter & Beth on June 04, 2012, 02:28:53 pm
Since I am at Xtreme Paint & Graphics, Greg gave me some adhesive remover and a plastic putty knife and I was able to remove all the goop adhesive that oozes out of the Creation windows.  Looks great and I'm having the detailng done at Precision here in Nac on Thurs/Fri this week.
Peter
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Roland Begin on June 05, 2012, 01:43:05 pm
I brought the coach to the Cummins Power club dealer in Scarborough Maine to diagnose the power systems problems that I have. No loss in power but lots of smoke hill climbing and a few fluids leaking. They already found a leaking transmission yoke, a leaking exhaust manifold which may lead to a new manifold and head, a turbo that is passing oil. Still trying to trace out some other oil leaks. By the time they finish I may have to take out a mortgage. :'(  Oh well I guess that is what you get when you purchase a coach that was not well taken care of. Should have joined the forum before I purchased a coach, would have saved me some heartache. Thought I had to own a coach before I joined the forum, silly me. But my wife and I love the coach.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: amos.harrison on June 05, 2012, 09:01:58 pm
Roland,

Please add your coach information to your signature.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Michelle on June 08, 2012, 11:12:52 am
Dropped it off, along with an Aero 5050XL and a box of parts and a printout of Barry (B)'s exhaust mod photo essay, at Inland Truck.  Fingers crossed it all goes smoothly.

Michelle
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Tim Fiedler on June 08, 2012, 11:27:02 am
nat want them to do mine in the fall when I am down for the race if yours goes well
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on June 08, 2012, 02:02:38 pm
Quote from: Roland –
I brought the coach to the Cummins Power club dealer in Scarborough Maine to diagnose the power systems problems that I have. No loss in power but lots of smoke hill climbing and a few fluids leaking. They already found a leaking transmission yoke, a leaking exhaust manifold which may lead to a new manifold and head, a turbo that is passing oil. Still trying to trace out some other oil leaks. By the time they finish I may have to take out a mortgage. :'(  Oh well I guess that is what you get when you purchase a coach that was not well taken care of. Should have joined the forum before I purchased a coach, would have saved me some heartache. Thought I had to own a coach before I joined the forum, silly me. But my wife and I love the coach.

As a kid, I worked for a shop than required all customers take out at least a second mortgage on their home. The new head and manifold may be only a gasket replacement or having the manifold surfaced if the exhaust gases have eroded the mating surface. As far as turbos go, there are many replacements on the market at reasonable prices. Here is a new turbo replacement for a 8.3 Cummins on ebay for $390: CUMMINS DODGE WH1E TURBOCHARGER TURBO 3530994 8.3L brand new 1 year warranty | (http://www.ebay.com/itm/CUMMINS-DODGE-WH1E-TURBOCHARGER-TURBO-3530994-8-3L-brand-new-1-year-warranty-/170683917058?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item27bd8de302&vxp=mtr)  Shops are like doctors in that they have to cover their rears and by installing all new parts, they do just that. Depends on personal situation whether the cost is a mere blip or a major setback. Finding a mechanic that is retired, out of work, likes extra money on weekends, can save a lot of money while still doing a good job. As we have read on posts here, just because you take your rig to a big shop is no guarantee that the work will be done correctly.

Turbo seal failure may be attributed to hot shutdowns after pulling a good load as in climbing a grade and shutting down for view/food at the top. 1000 rpm after stopping for two or three minutes will usually be enough to cool both the engine and turbo so the oil does not "coke" in the turbo. Severe seal leakage will result in higher combustion chamber temperatures and piston damage/failure.

Pierce
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dean & Dee on June 08, 2012, 03:09:54 pm
Quote from: Roland –
I brought the coach to the Cummins Power club dealer in Scarborough Maine to diagnose the power systems problems that I have.

                    Roland what's the name of the Cummins shop in Scarborough? I don't need any work done right now but it would be good to know of a nearby shop for future work.

                    Dean
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dean & Dee on June 08, 2012, 03:17:16 pm
Quote from: Dean & Dee –
                    Roland what's the name of the Cummins shop in Scarborough? I don't need any work done right now but it would be good to know of a nearby shop for future work.

                    Dean

                  Never mind. Google found it for me.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: oldmattb on June 08, 2012, 04:19:54 pm
Removed all of our stuff:(
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on June 08, 2012, 04:31:14 pm
Over the past three weeks while at Nac, I had the Aqua Hot totally rebuilt by Rudy Legett, total cost about $1,100.00 included new 12 V motor, fuel pump, fan bearings and many other little items, Told Rudy to make it new again, not fix it for a week or two.
Rudy did a very fine job and the unit purrs smooth and quiet Yeah! !  ;D
Then FOT Body & Paint Shop,  New Fog Lights, repair damage from a road side barrel I had been forced in to, then had the new Armour Shield installed on front.
Now have a new looking coach again, returned home with no scratches and the Aqua Hot working great, what a three week vacation.  :)
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Michelle on June 08, 2012, 10:13:31 pm
Quote from: oldmattb –
Removed all of our stuff:(

Matt - I note the sad face - hopefully just because it means you don't have a trip in the immediate future.

Michelle
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: oldmattb on June 08, 2012, 10:46:43 pm
A more formal announcement will be made later.  We are selling GrandZilla, our beloved FT (and two homes, jet skis and a boat, books, guitars, etc) and moving to Arizona.  Time for a regrouping and restructuring.  The last several years have not been kind to us financially.

I spent the morning boxing up our travel clothes, kitchen items, etc.  We have done 48 states in the last 6 years, so we had some great times.  Boxing up the stuff was very sad, but we will have a new adventure soon.  Thanks for asking.

Matt B
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John S on June 09, 2012, 08:24:15 am
Sorry to hear that. Good luck in your move and stay in touch.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Roland Begin on June 09, 2012, 11:42:18 am
Dean

I found the dealer through the Cummins Power club website, but I see you already found it through the almighty google search engine. :D

Roland
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Roland Begin on June 09, 2012, 11:47:17 am
Pierce

Not sure if they will actually have to replace both the turbo and the cylinder head. Because of the exhaust leak they don't believe the turbo is spooling up correctly. As to the head it depends on how many head bolts have been broken. We always let the engine idle for two or three minutes before we shut down, but I'm have now clue what the previous owners did.

Roland

Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: philtravel on June 09, 2012, 04:53:24 pm
Changed the engine oil/filter & replaced the house pump. I installed a sureflo extreme 5.7. the old one was a sureflo 4 with a bladder tank. the flow and pressure are much better and it is dead quiet.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Caflashbob on June 09, 2012, 09:04:20 pm
Had my mechanic buddy trouble shoot my aquahot.  Bad coil.  Replaced. Needs to run to burn off the oil in the burner.  Replaced the three drain valves below the manablock.  Replaced both tank valves with new valterra parts sent by mike grimes at FOT.  Was already a new one on the grey but it leaked. We will see.

Replaced rear a/c cover as it disappeared.  Replaced shade over center entry door as it was torn at the top.  Readjusted the fuel gauge.  Second half reads low.  Still looks the same?

Tried to install a new voltage regulator for the gen but the mechanic said does not match the current install and needs a wiring diagram.  Voltage fluctuates.  115-120.

Still need the main chassis air controller replaced as the valve sticks sometimes and the air pressure drops until the brakes come on. Main fuel line is cracked.  Next week. 

Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on June 09, 2012, 10:13:00 pm
The voltage regulator should have two pots, one for voltage setting and one for stability.
Dave M
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Caflashbob on June 09, 2012, 10:26:24 pm
Quote from: Dave M –
The voltage regulator should have two pots, one for voltage setting and one for stability.
Dave M

I'm not good with power stuff.  May take a picture of what mr grimes sent me.  You tell me what it is.

Bob
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave Cobb on June 10, 2012, 08:47:08 am
Installed a new hot stick into the Atwood water heater after flushing the tank.  Will use it when we have electric power when plugged in camping.  Might save enough propane some day to pay for the new up-grade.

Turned into a job when trying to find and route 120 volt power along the galley wall.  I have a totally new understanding of what is inside and behind all the walls, floors, trim, cover boards.  I had every drawer out, and was able to just reach my way under or behind to get the 120 volt from the cabinet under the refer. where vacuum power plugs into a duplex.  There are not many places to find 120 power in these coaches.

Replaced the sink top water filter while I had everything apart as well.  Good for another year.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dean & Dee on June 10, 2012, 08:01:32 pm
             Worked on installing a 50 amp service for the coach. Also prepped lower drive for a new gravel base with re-claim pavement surface for a nice spot to park it.

        I will be glad to get all the home-base work done so I can start actual coach projects.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: J. D. Stevens on June 10, 2012, 11:50:54 pm
Mostly finished installing and tested Magnum AGS-S automatic generator start. Seems to work properly. Still need to spiff up a few details and calibrate settings.

Found that a schematic was wrong and the associated relay function table was correct in the installation manual. :headwall: Also found out the our single solar panel works and has no disconnect switch or fuse. :facepalm: Covered it with a couple of ground cloths to kill voltage to the house 12V circuits while I installed the AGS-S. I don't like sparky surprises when I splice wires.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wa_desert_rat on June 11, 2012, 01:26:59 am
Finally finished the alternator... what a debacle! Ran a wire from the remote start switch to the sense node of the Hehr alternator after removing the jumper that had the alternator trying to bring the batteries up to full level while sensing through a silicon diode. I suspect that was what did the alternator in; plus it's not in the best spot for cooling anyway.

In the throes of the installation we touched a green wire that attached to some device on the top of a filter (just ahead of the alternator and slightly below it). Dunno what the wire did but the connection (and wire) was so corroded that we had grind off the attaching screw and then ended up grinding down the tang so we could just press-fit a new connector onto it. We assume that many wires are almost ready to let go; we've found three that didn't last.

The DW also installed a set of seat belts for the bucket seat (behind the co-pilot) which will give us seat belts for 5 (two on the sofa).

Ran the generator for 20 minutes.

Put out the awning. This wasn't the first day suitable for putting the awning out but it was the first day that we were actually there working on the coach. Three small holes very close together. DW suggested that it was a campfire that someone set too close.

Bought another set of LEDs for the clearance lights; some of which are no longer working.

Long day... glad we got so much done.

Craig
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: nitehawk on June 11, 2012, 09:20:24 am
Finally got around to installing snaps on the 18' Zip Dee awning and the Paddy Sun shield we bought in Mission, TX.
Ground up a driving iron so we can use it as a pull down for the awnings.
Got some 5" pitons( those things like large key rings that climbers use) and made a better safety belt to hook onto the assist handles just below the windshield so I can wash the windshield handsfree without falling off. Sudden stops at 69+11/12s can hurt.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Gary Bouland (RIP) on June 11, 2012, 10:39:43 am
Awning tool (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=14962.msg89035#msg89035)
Never thought of grinding down a club head, here is my method.
Gary B
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: nitehawk on June 11, 2012, 02:10:58 pm
Gary, you might have heard the old saying that : "Even God can't hit a #2 iron straight."
I know I sure couldn't!! So, rather than let it languish in a dark corner in the garage or suffer disappointment at the garage sales, being a leftie, I thought I would follow your advice so I gave it a new life.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Gary Bouland (RIP) on June 11, 2012, 02:40:08 pm
OK, Lefty is a good reason to grind it down.  Next batch of awning tools I make I'll include some for you lefties. :)
Gary B
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Bob Thomas on June 11, 2012, 05:25:51 pm
The coach went in for a lube and oil change this morning.  Excellent service at the Sacramento 49er Truck Service Center, at I-80 and West El Camino exit.  They do a 31 point service including oil and coolant analysis for $249.99.  Includes oil and filters.  Very clean shop and a well trained tech. 
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wolfe10 on June 11, 2012, 05:34:20 pm
Bob,

One thing you need to tell even good shops is NOT to lube the Bendix air brakes!  They get CLAY-BASED GREASE ONLY.  And normally only once during their life.

I have seen a reasonable number of coaches I have inspected with red grease coming out of the caliper slide zirks.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Michelle on June 11, 2012, 06:38:40 pm
We brought ours home from storage after a visit to Inland Truck in Denton to have the shiny new exhaust tip/pipe installed to finish our exhaust upgrade. 

Michelle
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: red tractor on June 11, 2012, 09:03:18 pm
Those holes in the awning that you thought were caused by a campfire were actually put there by zip dee to let out water, but that will not save the awning in a down pour
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Haygarth on June 15, 2012, 02:53:14 pm
As most people read this thread I think more than any other, I just want to take this moment to thank both Brett W and Wyatt publicly for their recent help in PM's (many) to me regarding my 2  little problems that are now working fine. Their input to possible problems was great, and just solidifies my feelings about this Forum. I am not forgetting all the other members that have helped on earlier issues at all, just that this was really bugging me and wanted to say it openly.
You are all great people to have as friends in times of need.
John H
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Ronb on June 15, 2012, 10:53:42 pm
Just finished removing all decals. For the time being I guess I will call it the Great White. The gel coat looks so good that it may be awhile before doing a paint job on it. I am also nearing the finish on replacing all the carpet with Allure flooring. Useing the one foot square tile layed on 45 degree. I will try to get some pictures posted when finished.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Haygarth on June 15, 2012, 11:58:01 pm
Put the new primary fuel filter on and pumped away, then turned the key. Started up fine and all systems go.
Then I started to  take each bay apart (not fully) but looking for possible rattles and points that new a splash of tlc. Found one at the exit area of CAC were the flex pipe joins, Bracket to support rad' has been touching the pipe so ground the corner off brkt and inserted a small rubber bushing to keep them apart. Then check a few electric connectors and make sure no corrosion in it. Had a look at Manablock set up and fixed some loose level sensor tape on black tank. then checked the reel s for water and power and found the water one rattles a lot when banged (maybe that is were the noise comes from when driving on rough roads-really drives me nuts but not Ruth!I will take that unit out in the morning and take apart. I should do the electric one as well as latch does not catch a lot of the time till you let it in and out a few times. Lots of fun.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Caflashbob on June 16, 2012, 01:40:30 am
Quote from: Ronb –
Just finished removing all decals. For the time being I guess I will call it the Great White. The gel coat looks so good that it may be awhile before doing a paint job on it. I am also nearing the finish on replacing all the carpet with Allure flooring. Useing the one foot square tile layed on 45 degree. I will try to get some pictures posted when finished.

Our 97 is graphic challenged also and we named it moby....Not planning on any paint.  I intend to scrape the sides once in a while.

Bob
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: nitehawk on June 16, 2012, 09:58:16 am
Because our "big old batteries" are located under the steps and weigh just short of a ton apiece when you have back problems, I removed them in order to properly check water levels and then fill where necessary. THIS TIME I did premark all cables so I would get them back correctly(electric etch pencil and cable ties). Also cleaned and wire brushed all posts and clamps. Then, because the fiberglass inboard of the rear battery is gone I installed a keeper chain so the battery wouldn't end up someday dragging down the road!
Made a hanger bracket to hang "Ernie", our purple stuffed ape that "drives" our toad. Ernie wears a court jester's hat.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: J. D. Stevens on June 16, 2012, 11:19:12 am
Quote from: nitehawk –
Made a hanger bracket to hang "Ernie", our purple stuffed ape that "drives" our toad. Ernie wears a court jester's hat.
^.^d
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: J. D. Stevens on June 16, 2012, 04:05:59 pm
Installed a new 120VAC heating element in the Dometic refrigerator. Bought the new heating element from Dometic Elements - RV Cooling Unit Warehouse (http://rvcoolingunit.com/Dometic-Elements-C213008.aspx?sid=298).
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: prevostart on June 16, 2012, 07:19:14 pm
I changed my primary fuel filter, I took the old Baldwin filter (cartridge) type and replaced it with a modern type Racor filter 10 Micron, Much easier and not over the batteries .
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Haygarth on June 16, 2012, 08:26:36 pm
Took the "Reelcraft" water hose reel out and apart as the spring in the end casing rattled a lot when I hit a bump and it could be heard in the coach while driving. I always thought it was the pocket door but it is the reel. A bit fiddly taking it apart. I made a big teflon gasket to go between the spring and outside end cover then re assembled. Now it is quieter. I used one of the flexible kitchen counter cutting sheets (about .020" thick) and it is perfect. I will see how it works while driving and I may take out the electric reel and do the same.
John H b^.^d
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: David Smith on June 17, 2012, 07:07:06 am
Replaced fridge vent cover with new "Camco" universal cover.  The old cover was chalky and falling apart, in fact when I removed it and dropped it from the ladder to the ground it fell to pieces.  It was a simple install as the cover is made to fit either Dometic or Norcold bases.  Mine was a Dometic and has four screws that you remove then it comes off.  The new cover has 8 dimples indicating the location for the new screws and are marked "D" and "N" (Dometic and Norcold).  I pre-drilled the 4 "D" dimples and used the original screws that I removed from the old cover as they were stainless steel and the new ones were not.  I then used silicone caulk on the screws and under the screw heads and installed the cover.  Took about 15 minutes.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Caflashbob on June 19, 2012, 02:00:05 am
Barely made it a major repair shop to finally replace the chassis air pressure governor.  With it not working the chassis will not air up or lose air pressure as you drive the coach and work the brakes and suspension.  Amazing the guy who sold it did not notice this issue.  Did it the day I drove it home.  Oh well.  Next the dried out fuel line.

Bob
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: sam7 on June 22, 2012, 04:56:36 pm
After reading about the black end caps on ladders breaking or cracking I checked mine and sure enough several were cracked. I use my ladder quite often so I ordered new end caps and screws for all 9 rungs. Today checked all the connections where the ladder attaches to the moho and all was good. Installed new end caps and now I'm good for another 12 plus years.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Gary Bouland (RIP) on June 22, 2012, 05:00:18 pm
Jon and Others,
After repairing my ladder I have as surplus several black end caps.  These are used bur I have checked them and there are no cracks.  If anyone needs some let me know and I'll send them.
Gary B
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Steve & Ginny Hill on June 22, 2012, 06:18:24 pm
With the help(he actually did almost all the work) of Bill Willett, we replaced the fuel pump on my generator. Physically relocated it off the hot engine block to the slide-out frame, and also placed a small in-line filter prior to the pump itself since mine did not leave the factory that way. We were done in about 30 minutes.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: red tractor on June 22, 2012, 08:11:47 pm
Where did you order the black end caps for the ladder from?
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: sam7 on June 22, 2012, 09:54:24 pm
Red Tractor, you can order the parts from Factory RV Surplus (http://www.factoryrvsurplus.com), or call:574 262-3327. 2 caps and 6 screws to do 1 step (rung) costs $5.50 plus shipping. I replaced all 9 of them for $61.41.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wa_desert_rat on June 22, 2012, 10:01:31 pm
Finally managed to acquire all the parts needed to install the 1500 watt pure sine inverter on the aft bulkhead of the vacuum cleaner compartment. This compartment is conveniently located (for once!) directly above the batteries. Since our batteries reside in their own handy-dandy sealed container we had to drill two holes in the forward lower portion for the cables. Fortunately I remembered to only install one connector and *then* feed the cable through and install the other.

The DW (who does most of the dirty work being still young enough to be free of arthritis and various injuries) installed the 150-amp fuse on the forward bulkhead in the battery bay which will fuse the positive line to the inverter. Tomorrow I'll drill through the floor of the vacuum cupboard into the battery bay so I can measure, cut and assemble the cables and then run them into position and finish the ring connectors.

It will probably be Sunday or Monday before we have everything in place to turn the inverter on and see if the magic smoke stays inside the case. Nothing is easy on a motor home... but it's a lot easier than a boat!

Craig
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: nitehawk on June 23, 2012, 08:55:55 am
Read post about the ladder caps so went to check mine yesterday. Caps OK but bottom eight screws thru fiberglass holding the ladder on were kinda loose, as in stripped. Went and got 2" long stainless bolts and nuts and blocks of pressure treated lumber. The old screws only went thru the fiberglass and really didn't support much. Luckily I could access the inside in the engine compartment to hold the wood blocks and nuts in place while assembling. The ladder will now support my "fluffy" self.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Yetch on June 23, 2012, 09:09:15 am
I picked up my coach and drove it home last Monday.  I want to thank Mel Cordray and Mike Rodgers  at MOT for all of the help with getting me on the road.  That place is great!  The coach fits in my barn, and is docked with my newly installed 50 amp service, (Big concern).  I have been busy with cleaning and conditioning all of the leather, cleaning and conditioning all of the cabinetry, (man, there is a lot of wood!), and removing the antiquated audio-video components, and rewiring what is left.  The old Datron 3000 doesn't seem to work, so that is going, also.  Plan is to install some sort of stationery Dish sat system. Installed a new Sirius radio to interface with the audio and Bose system. Steam cleaning of the carpeting and overheads is next.... 
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: J. D. Stevens on June 23, 2012, 09:43:19 am
Quote from: Yetch –
I picked up my coach and drove it home last Monday.
^.^d Nice.

Please add some information about your coach in your signature line. Also, contact Beverly Koonce and Foretravel of Texas to get your Motorcade membership. With your MC number on the coach and some coach information in your signature, it will be easier for us to recognize you.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Caflashbob on June 23, 2012, 12:08:18 pm
Quote from: Yetch –
I picked up my coach and drove it home last Monday.  I want to thank Mel Cordray and Mike Rodgers  at MOT for all of the help with getting me on the road.  That place is great!  The coach fits in my barn, and is docked with my newly installed 50 amp service, (Big concern).  I have been busy with cleaning and conditioning all of the leather, cleaning and conditioning all of the cabinetry, (man, there is a lot of wood!), and removing the antiquated audio-video components, and rewiring what is left.  The old Datron 3000 doesn't seem to work, so that is going, also.  Plan is to install some sort of stationery Dish sat system. Installed a new Sirius radio to interface with the audio and Bose system. Steam cleaning of the carpeting and overheads is next....

Mine is 5 numbers from yours.  We should communicate more.  Yours is prettier than mine.  I have an x foretravel mechanic/friend to do the big stuff.  The a/v equipment is a future mod.

Bob
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Yetch on June 23, 2012, 05:27:24 pm
Well, I have updated my signature line, but for some reason it didn't take.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Michelle on June 23, 2012, 05:31:03 pm
Quote from: Yetch –
Well, I have updated my signature line, but for some reason it didn't take.

Don't forget to scroll all the way down after you type in the changes and click "change profile" on the bottom right ;)

Michelle
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: philtravel on June 23, 2012, 06:48:52 pm
I reworked the windshield washer nozzles/fittings and tubing up to the wipers. I was able to do it without any major work as I was able to reach around to get to the passenger side from the removable panel in front of the passenger seat.
 
Replaced the dash air compressor clutch and the circuit breaker. It is blowing cold!

Bought new wiper blades.

Removed the muffler from the Aqua Hot exhaust.

Replaced the sped/odometer as the old one the readout on the odometer faded out to where I could no longer read it. This is the second replacement on this coach.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: nitehawk on June 23, 2012, 11:21:39 pm
Sanitized the water system..getting ready to go somewhere!! Don't know where, don't care, just want to go!!

I had added the "spinner" attachment to the black water tank and decided to try it out. It really works, so much so that it broke three pieces  of crud loose that looked like they had been in the tank for 20+ years. It did pay to do a complete, thorough flush plus multiple rinses before we got home this spring.
Made a set of wood risers so I can set the "step" at a decent height. Checked out my stand for the 32" LCD TV so it sits on the fresh water tank. The TV clears the visors by about 1-1/2"
Next project on Monday: Wash and wax the entire coach. Can't have a Foretravel going down the road dirty!!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: ratbug on June 25, 2012, 06:09:30 am
   Finally have our pad poured for Chugs resting area.    48x20 pad that will join existing shop.    50 amp service, water, and dumping station.  Made to order trusses will tie into slope of existing roofline.        Rv deserves a shady area to spend resting between trips.

David
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Yetch on June 25, 2012, 09:56:48 am
That is a nice setup!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wa_desert_rat on June 25, 2012, 10:17:07 am
The DW had her sewing group over yesterday and then our grand-baby while mom and dad saw a movie so I had to do all the work on the RV yesterday.

I don't like to complain.... but I don't let that stop me!

At any rate you'd be surprised just how difficult it is to decide to drill holes in the floor of your new-to-you RV. The holes in the battery box I drilled to barely fit the 1/0 cables for the inverter but that meant soldering and swaging lugs "in place". Not so bad when you can extend the cables out over the pad. I decided to not solder lugs inside the coach's living area so drilled holes in the floor enough oversize to fit cables through with connectors in place.

While everything is in disarray I also decided to mount and wire the MPPT charge controller for the solar panels now rather than do it all again in a couple of weeks. So more holes.

Much easier with the DW helping. Those 1/0 cables are really difficult to bend into tight turns that are required to keep them out of the way with arthritic hands. (See above disclaimer on complaining.) Lucky for me that the wires for the solar panels are much smaller.

Craig
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Don Hay on June 25, 2012, 09:06:33 pm
I found an oil spot below the radiator and a swath down the passenger side of the oil pan last week.  I have been keeping track of the air pressure via the dash gauges and noticed an appreciable drop over just a 48 hour period.  I couldn't find the source of the oil leak, despite getting underneath with lots of light.  So, I took advantage of living here in Nacogdoches and took it to MOT.  Keith Risch figured out the source of the 2 oil leaks; the breather tube extending out of the valve cover is supposed to have clamps securing the "slobber" tube hose to the breather.  No clamps.  Oil had pooled on top of the valve cover and was dripping down the side of the engine and oil pan.  The gasket on the power steering reservoir had loosened up and oil was dripping down a hydraulic hose to the low point (in front of the radiator) and dripping on to the concrete. 

The air leak was "major", according to Keith R.  The Bendix pressure regulator for the cruise control was toast.  Fortunately, since you can't buy replacements any longer, Keith was able to re-build it with a new solenoid and O-rings.  It's now working well and pressure is holding for several days.

While drive-testing the coach, Keith found that IN REVERSE the brakes were not very effective. I had no indication previously that brakes weren't optimum.  The left rear ?? was "way out" while right rear and left front were a "little out".  To what are they referring?  Brake pads? 

Finally, all is well with the Hayfever Express, thanks to Keith and MOT. :)
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wa_desert_rat on June 26, 2012, 12:40:10 am
The inverter is in and works! Next job will be to decide what outlets to power and wire in the switch. Meanwhile, if we want coffee we just plug the coffee maker in to the inverter and turn it on. Kill-a-Watt measured 114.9 vac. I didn't check on frequency. Will do that tomorrow.

Craig
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Haygarth on June 26, 2012, 12:40:52 am
way out most probably is referring to the slack adjusters. These should be set all the same and checked at least every few months. To get a licence here in Canada for air brakes they tell you at school that you check them every day before moving!!!
John
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Bob Thomas on June 29, 2012, 06:22:51 pm
Thanks to all who posted about brake slack adjustments, I got that done today.  Made a significant difference I could feel.  Also tested the coolant and topped it off.  I think the FT is ready for our run to Wyoming. 
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Christis Dream on June 29, 2012, 07:22:11 pm
After a couple of months of playing "Is the Refrigerator Cold Today"  we changed out the cooling unit with one from those Amish folks.  My fridge has never been so cold and on the lowest setting!  I think I can actually buy ice cream now  ^.^d

It was quite a process - with just a couple of hiccups.  All I can say is thank you You-Tube!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: J. D. Stevens on June 29, 2012, 07:45:51 pm
Quote from: Christis Dream –
After a couple of months of playing "Is the Refrigerator Cold Today"  we changed out the cooling unit with one from those Amish folks.  My fridge has never been so cold and on the lowest setting!  I think I can actually buy ice cream now  ^.^d
I did the same drill in December. Installed a new cooling unit from RV Cooling Unit Warehouse. I've been pleased with performance. The old electric element failed a few weeks ago and I bought replacement from same place. Ambient temps here have been up to 104F. Freezer stays around 10F and refrigerator about 40F. We have no auxiliary fans in the compartments or heat exhaust stack.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dean & Dee on July 02, 2012, 03:56:04 pm
             On Friday we had the pleasure of meeting Steve and Michelle for lunch. After meeting and chowing down we stopped back at our place and checked out our U270. As we were poking around the rig and with me trying to glean all the knowledge I could from them they found a couple issues that I had not noticed.

            Steve noted the coolent system overflow was empty. When he turned the radiator cap slightly the coolent started to surge into the overflow jug. Conclusion was bad radiator cap. I also just got a Progressive HW50c that I was ready to install in the wrong location :o! As Steve was showing me the correct location (which had I bothered to reference the elec. schematic It was obvious) he noted my dessicant in my dc compressor dryer filter was shot and that the HWH slide cyl. that FOT had fixed was still leaking. :-(

                So I started on the list and finally found the correct Stant radiator cap on E-bay. The closest Napa one was in Connecticut. I will post the part numbers later in the "Part number collection" thread. Rotella ELC is hard to find around here so after much research I found that Chevron Delo EL 50/50 (red) is compatable. Just wanted some for the overflow jug anyway.

              Now I will start on the dessicant. If anyone knows of a cheap source for it let me know. I know I saw a post on it before but can't seem to locate it. Also if someone has a fix beyond replacing the HWH cyl. let me know.

                  By the way Steve and Michelle, whenever your ready to come back and continue the pm on our coach we will have the lobsters waiting........ ;D

                          D&D
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Tim Fiedler on July 02, 2012, 04:00:07 pm
Had two leaking cylinders on my 2001 slide - HWH was a lot of $$ and a three week wait. MOT found a local supplier that rebuilt the ones I had, good as new, about a $100 each, went back in day after they came out - perfect ever since....

Any competent local hydraulics shop should be able to fix, or take it to MOT.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dean & Dee on July 02, 2012, 04:04:30 pm
Quote from: Tim Fiedler –

Any competent local hydraulics shop should be able to fix, or take it to MOT.

              Thanks Tim, Good idea. I will look into that.

                          Dean
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: arwilson on July 02, 2012, 04:24:01 pm
First, this obviously was not a one-day project.

REMOVED:
Front and back TVs
Audit unit, monitor, backup camera
Barrel chair, reclining chair, Flex-steel sofa
Dinette seat
Trash compactor
Freedom 25 Charger/converter
Carpet from cockpit drop-down to beginning of bedroom including bath
Atwood 6 gallon water heater
Interior 12v florescent lights

INSTALLED:
New color backup camera and GPS
Cushion vinyl floor covering from cockpit drop-down through kitchen to bedroom
   and bath
Computer desk with laser printer, color printer, sheet scanner, monitor on swing mount
   and computer plus for drawer cabinet. The monitor will also serve as the TV.
New carpeted deck over furnace, water pump
PEX to replace all reachable urethane pipe
Two personal chairs to be equipped with aircraft-style seat tables.
New storage area under the former dinnette overhang
In the former trash compactor area:
   Xantrex Freedom SW 2000 charge controller/inverter. The inverter supplies the
      computer desk through an uninterruptable power supply to cushion
      against "shock" loads when the laser printer fires up.
   Xantrex 5000 inverter to supply AC power to coach when not connected to
      shore power
Girard Instant-on water heater with PEX lines
seeLevel gage system for fresh/black/grey water and LP
Interior 12v florescents with warm (2400K) LED tubes
Have not figured out what to do with the former TV spaces, but I am sure the DW will come up with something.

Unfortunately I do not have any wiring diagrams for this coash and have not been able to locate any (1992 3600U240) so we are having to create our own which is something of a job. If anyone has any wiring diagrams I would be happy to pay for copying and FED EX charges.

NEXT STEP:
Move two 8D starter batteries to engine compartment.
Install 6- 6 volt 250 amp-hr deep cycle batteries to supply house power in battery bay
Install roof-mount solar panels and controller system
Possible installation of a second alternator for additional on-road charging capacity

So far it looks like there will be a weight savings of around 500#, mostly on the front axle.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dick S on July 02, 2012, 08:00:32 pm
Dean, thanks for the post. I had just noticed the same thing and was wondering where I could find Rotella ELC. I was able to pick up the Delco Dello EL and a radiator cap at the local parts store today. It took 1/2 gal in the expansion tank; the radiator was full enough that a little dripped out when I replaced the cap.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: nitehawk on July 02, 2012, 10:09:41 pm
Got tired of DirecTV dropping out during storms, crappy crime scene shows, Bachlorette staged type shows. Needed weather station when weather started getting bad, so I ran a cable from the bedroom tv supply cable in the coach, out under the bed, into the garage, into the basement and then up into the living room in the house. We have now gained 17 channels, of which two are also on satellite. All I have to do is leave the 12V power on to the Jack antenna. The Jack antenna does not have to be raised or turned for reception so things work out OK.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: minibeast on July 03, 2012, 08:47:17 pm
Two days of clay bar and waxing and Beatrix is done. Shining like a new penny for the Fourth! Now, if only I'll be able to walk to the grill. :-\
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Duld on July 04, 2012, 03:19:53 pm
I replaced the step air pressure regulator, found one at Home Depot for $22. It's plastic, we"ll see.
Also made some "final?" adjustments to the HWH leveling system sensing unit>
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dean & Dee on July 07, 2012, 06:13:53 pm
         Installed my new Jack antenna on the roof. Found the coax. port going into the roof port was corroded so cleaned it up and added some die-electric grease to the fittings. Took about 20 minutes.

              Then installed the Progessive HW50C EMS. Installed it to protect from external and generator issues.That took about 5 hours, lot's of cuts and scrapes, and a whole lot of sweat. Almost have to be a contortionist to work inside that compartment. ::) But it works!
  Btw kudos to Steve and Michelle for advice and input on the install.

              Dean
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Roland Begin on July 08, 2012, 09:46:47 am
I replaced the exhaust manifold which had "shrunk" 1/4" and was leaking, had the cylinder head machined and all the exhaust manifold mounting holes chased and fitted with helicoils (because some monkey installed english bolts in metric threads), had the fuel pump rebuilt as it was leaking, installed six new injectors in, lieu of having the old injectors cleaned up at half the cost of new ones, replaced the main drive belt tensioner, resealed the trnsmission yoke as it was leaking, reset the TDC timing, adjusted the valves and replaced all the associated gaskets seals and o rings. Actually that's not true, all I did was pay for it. :'(  the Cummins dealer in Scarborough Maine did all the work.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wa_desert_rat on July 08, 2012, 04:29:14 pm
Turned on both air conditioners and went to Lowe's for some hardware. Figured that a magnet attached to the screen door would keep it secured to the entry door but I wuz wrong. Perhaps a stronger magnet. Finding a latch is probably called for.

The bathroom door has a button-stop when open but this routinely allows the door to swing farther open than the hinge really likes. We installed a stop just after the spring-loaded button so that the door is held in place (gently). I feel much better about this now.

Re-installed the co-pilot seat after finding and fixing the loose electrical connection that had stopped it from moving. I installed thin "keeper" nuts on the capscrews to make this job easier in the future. Capscrews now extend down with the nuts holding them in place; just mate them up with the holes in the base and install the nuts and "Viola!", it's done. :)

Have some LEDs from O'Reilly Auto Parts to install in the rear clearance light fittings (red) but it got too hot outside.

The two air conditioners worked well to cool the coach down in 90F temps. Much easier to work inside a motor home that is not too hot.

Craig
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Christis Dream on July 08, 2012, 07:49:20 pm
Finally got my Splendide installed!!!  It took a little modification but its in!

(https://www.foreforums.com/imagecache.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ash4%2F428952_4411020677601_1867596516_n.jpg&hash=4a4af05e1081aee73a56d130b8617ea0" rel="cached" data-hash="4a4af05e1081aee73a56d130b8617ea0" data-warn="External image, click here to view original" data-url="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/428952_4411020677601_1867596516_n.jpg)
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: nitehawk on July 09, 2012, 10:07:21 am
DW opened up the windows so it wouldn't get too hot in the coach. Hooked the screen door on the inside, opened outside door onto the "plug" holder stop. Later in the day I noticed the outside door was closed. OH OH!! Wind closed it. Now outside door rooster catch captured the screen door which is hooked on the inside.

Got a two step ladder, slid open the kitchen window screen over the sink, reached in and slid the plastic slide on the screen door with a 10' pc of PVC and then actuated the rooster catch while the DW operated the handle on the outside door.

10' PVC was actually the reconfigured clothes drying rack as it was not glued together so I was able to take the short pieces and put them together with the t-fittings to attain the length I needed.

Had thought about climbing in a window but had ladders over at G-daughters.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wa_desert_rat on July 09, 2012, 10:27:59 am
Last outing I discovered that a 6-inch piece of wire inserted into the antenna input of the LED HDTV brought in 10 stations but the external antenna brought in exactly none. I would rather have more rooftop room than that antenna anyway so I will either remove it or make it a lot smaller.

Meanwhile I bought a $20 "flat" HDTV indoor antenna at WalMart. The installation was tedious; I had to open the cupboard door over the driver's seat, put the antenna in and route the wire through a hole behind the TV and plug it in. I had to have a beer and relax after it was all over.

We'll see how well it works. No way to test it here since we have had zero over-the-air television for ten years; the CATV group disbanded when no one bothered to send in money to support them.

Craig
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Peter & Beth on July 16, 2012, 05:55:17 pm
Well, it finally happened; the fuel tank full and home to calibrate it, that is.  After 9 years...all's okay.  It's never too late to do the small stuff.

Thanks to Cliff Knudsen for pointing out the right little screw to adjust.  (While I was down in Nac last month)

ps  Hey Cliff, is the work done yet on the remodel at FOT?  We all need to see pictures....waiting....waiting...waiting...

Peter
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: nitehawk on July 16, 2012, 11:32:31 pm
Temp outside 98 with winds blowing.
Made PVC flagpole--that the DW wanted.
Made PVC clothesline/frame to hang on ladder--that the DW wanted.
Made three tier spacers to go under "porch" platform--that the DW wanted.
Made wooden slotted playing card holders--that the DW wanted.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: bbeane on July 17, 2012, 07:10:29 pm
Cleaned up and repaired the vacuum pump for the AC controls, and replaced the metal (leaking) vacuum can with a new plastic one. No more leaks, and only $15.00 to fix it.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Peter & Beth on July 17, 2012, 08:37:19 pm
Beth & I washed Forrest, checked tire pressures, fluids, general all around pre trip ckecks & inspections...loaded with provisions, beverages, snacks, golf clubs, ...Ready to go to the Indiana Dunes tomorrow for family outing...
Peter
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dean & Dee on July 19, 2012, 04:28:10 pm
                                 Tore the wet bay apart again and rerouted the fresh water overflow hose to beneath the wet bay floor. Had just enough hose and room to put it behind the sewer drop down door. Capped the hose with aluminum screen.
              Then finished installing 1/4" mesh screen on the radiator access door and foamed gaps around the belting.

    Dean
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: txforetravel on July 22, 2012, 12:21:20 pm
Not really work on the coach but we did coat the floor of the barn where the coach is stored.  Thought it was a perfect time to do this while the coach is back at the Factory for service. 
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Jimmy Freytag on July 22, 2012, 06:59:06 pm
I wish that was mine.  Great shop.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Steve & Nancy Snow on July 22, 2012, 07:24:58 pm
Removed hard water stains from the mirrored surface of the windows by using Red Rubbing Compound, works real well.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Michelle on July 22, 2012, 09:28:49 pm
Quote from: Steve –
Not sure you can call it the "barn" any longer ... does not do it justice ... The Barn Mahal is more like it ... looks great ^.^d

Yeah - wrap around staircase/observation walk, guest living quarters with deck, separate shop and dog grooming area....  I think your should sell your coach and we'll rent/move into "the barn"....

Where do you store your coach? (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=13276.msg72674#msg72674)

(We've seen the Barn Mahal in person and photos don't do it justice)

-M
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dick S on July 23, 2012, 12:19:32 am
Tested all bulkhead bolts at 240 inch pounds. There are 18 across the front and 17 in back. All tested good and the joints look tight.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wolfe10 on July 23, 2012, 10:07:09 am
Excellent, Dick.

A few minutes for peace of mind.

Brett
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Steve & Kathy B on July 23, 2012, 11:14:55 am
Quote from: Jimmy Freytag –
I wish that was mine.  Great shop.
Me too!

I installed a Jack Antenna yesterday to replace my fairly new Winegaurd Sensar IV antenna that wasn't working well.  I went from 11 channels to 21 channels.  That's the good news.  The not so good news ( for me anyway) is that I picked up 4 Spanish channels, 4 Christian channels and 2 shopping channels :sleepy: On the other hand, if I want to buy something or get saved in Spanish I'm all set though! :D  Adios amigos...
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Haygarth on July 23, 2012, 11:53:17 am
Dick and Rockey, now that your Rolocks are good it is time to spray coat that area and joints. Pay a youngster to crawl under and do it as it could be a bit messy. (after securing the coach of course)
John H
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dick S on July 23, 2012, 11:01:49 pm
Fixed rattling screen door that has been an irritant for a long time. Whenever we shut the door/screen door it would have this darn rattle. While at FOT David Flanigan showed me how to fix it, so if yours does this, here is what you can do.
The metal grids on the screen door were our rattle source. By tapping each point where the grid attaches to the frame you can tell where it's loose. Squirt a dab of clear silicone into the loose ones. Both grids on our door needed attention. The door now has a nice solid sound when closed. ;D
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Haygarth on July 23, 2012, 11:40:41 pm
to continue on the rattles of door parts etc a while back while travelling I noticed that the sliding floor panel moved up and down on the track making a small rattle so I made up 2 little wooden  "retainers" and screwed one on each side so the floor sits tight up against the top taper in blocks and stops this noise. It took me a bit of time to figure out were the noise was coming from, not much but noises bug me while travelling.
John h
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Michelle on July 24, 2012, 08:14:26 am
Quote from: Dick S –
Fixed rattling screen door that has been an irritant for a long time. Whenever we shut the door/screen door it would have this darn rattle. While at FOT David Flanigan showed me how to fix it, so if yours does this, here is what you can do.
The metal grids on the screen door were our rattle source. By tapping each point where the grid attaches to the frame you can tell where it's loose. Squirt a dab of clear silicone into the loose ones. Both grids on our door needed attention. The door now has a nice solid sound when closed. ;D

Karma to you ^.^d  We have the same problem.

Michelle
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dean & Dee on July 24, 2012, 11:48:39 am
                               This morning I had the coach inspected for a State of Maine truck inspection sticker. They were quite thorough. It passed with flying colors. ^.^d
        While at the truck center I asked them to check the tourqe on the Rolocks. All good! Now to the bulkhead cleaning and sealing process.....

                                Dean
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: jor on July 24, 2012, 10:38:46 pm
100% knock off of Steve and Michelle's access door to the waste valves. (thanks, guys) I gotta say, changing those babies out was quite the project. My 24 hour rule kicked in almost immediately. The rule states that a one hour job works out to one day, two hours to two days and so on. Anyhow, I ended up using a 1/4" drive and about an 18" extension to get at one of those elusive nuts. Came out OK though and now they are nice and smooth with a defined stop. Before, both cables had kind of a squishy feel to them and I always had some anxiety that they might fail.

Glad I decided to do this as I found that the basement heater on that side had been disconnected. Not sure why as it works fine.
jor
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Christis Dream on July 24, 2012, 10:40:59 pm
Since we bought the bus the faucet in the wet bay has been disconnected with the water supply lines capped.  We figured it was due to a leaking faucet.  When we had the black tank problem and tore the bay open I wouldn't let Ray close it back up until we fixed the faucet.

Well finally today we got into it and took the faucet apart - the hot water is now working and we have the cold water cartridge out to take to Home Depot to replace.  We will go ahead & replace both while we're at it.  I had Ray cut the access panel just above the faucet hook-ups so at least now accessing that bay behind is not quite the hassle it was.  I will post pics tomorrow.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: nitehawk on July 24, 2012, 11:43:15 pm
DW wanted satellite reception in the bedroom in the GV so I reworked the TV mount so the 15" Dynex hangs down from the inside of the TV compartment with the DirecTV box right below the TV and the VCR tape machine still in the original compartment. Ended up with 1.5" at the top of the TV that I did a temporary fill with some expanded mesh. Need a place for hot air to go out.  We still have lots of VCR tapes, The machine works fine, and there are lots of tapes out there yet at CGs. Up front we have the new DVD player and are now capable of watching 23" LED or 32" LCD depending on length of stay.
We have Kingdome up top, carryout dish with multiswitch option on a tripod, and the Jack antenna I installed last year.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: nitehawk on July 26, 2012, 10:55:23 pm
Above the dining counter (next to the mid-entry door) are the compartments where we keep dishes, coffee stuff, napkins, etc.
I noticed that inside the left compartment there is, about 5" from the outside, a piece of paneling. Seems like a lot of room for something so I removed the paneling, saw the back of the two light switches + wiring. I moved the panelling about 4" toward the front of the coach, increasing the holding capacity of that compartment.
In the right compartment I took out the panelling, cut it down and reinstalled it so it was parallel to the face of the cabinet, but would protect the tambour(sp?) door on the inside. Gained another 4"x6" approx.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Haygarth on July 27, 2012, 12:38:34 am
weathers great so I just had to do something to the coach, so decided to redo the overflow from fresh water tank like most others. I did not use hose but ran a 1" pvc solid pipe from the original drain line down thru the floor. Had to put 90 deg elbow first then the pipe. Nice and solid. Then, what next, so moved to the other side and took out a box I made and put in to hold electrical adapters etc then the fibreglass cover for tank. WOW, thank goodness I did as I found the tank 1/2 cut thru near top from one of the aluminum angles that the cover is screwed too . The tank must have moved ever so slightly or they did not give enough clearance at the factory. Fixed that first then cut a hole in the tank then made up a brass flange and 3/4" pipe extension with a shut off ball valve in the middle, then at the end a nice brass hose bib connector. Screwed all this to the tank(sealed first) and supported the end and it works great. Way faster than the normal fill way as I am sure you all know. Now what next???
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: nitehawk on July 28, 2012, 11:15:07 pm
Washed & waxed the ENTIRE coach today. The roof was quite dirty. Went along and cleaned out the little "gutters" on each side at the roofline. Really dirty. Had to tighten a lot of screws that had apparently worked loose. POs were quite liberal with caulk so had a lot of cleaning to do. Tomorrow I use the soft terry cloth to remove excess wax. (Turtle Wax Ice synthetic) It goes on clear, does not dry white on anything, including rubber!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dean & Dee on July 30, 2012, 04:14:58 pm
                               Crawled under the coach today to clean and undercoat the front bulkhead. Had done the rear one last week. Gave it two good coats of protection so should be set for a while. Glad that job is done.
                          Now I gotta go find the Advil.

          Dean
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: lgshoup on July 30, 2012, 05:14:14 pm
Changing out dump valves. Wish those things were at chest level so I didn't have to squat and bend over so much. Whic I didn't weigh so much. Wish I were rich...well, at least I can empty my sewage.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Raymond Jordan on July 30, 2012, 07:22:08 pm
Hi lg,
  Ditto! Sure can relate to this story.
Raymond
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dick S on July 30, 2012, 09:12:50 pm
Fixed the Power Line Monitor. Replaced the four resistors and green neons. Thank you Dave Abel for the encouragement.
I have never soldered or un-soldered anything on a circuit board before; sure glad no one inspected my work! :D
Without a solder sucker, I used canned air with a straw to blow out the holes on the board, it worked pretty well. Just had to chip off a little solder splatter.
Anyway it is nice to have it working.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave and Nancy Abel on July 30, 2012, 09:49:33 pm
Howdy Dick,  Good job!!!  I knew you could do it..Good thinking on using canned air,  I can see where that would work great...Just have to watch out for those small gobs of solder..
Glad it worked out..Hope all is well, ttyl, Dave A
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: lgshoup on August 01, 2012, 04:49:37 pm
Today is sorting out the stuff that's accumulated for a couple of years. Good Will...Here we come!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Ralph on August 04, 2012, 10:30:18 pm
Replaced air dryer with new rebuild from NAPA....Haldex DA33100x.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Haygarth on August 05, 2012, 11:37:38 am
I did that one 2 yrs ago Tony (before I removed muffler) and I put one with slide out box over the batteries on passenger side. my batteries are AGM so no need to get to them. Both give that added storage.
John H
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Michelle on August 08, 2012, 05:47:21 pm
Bought it a new blender since the immersion one we had died in battle with frozen pineapple chunks this afternoon.  Margarita disaster averted thanks to Oster...

Michelle
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wolfe10 on August 08, 2012, 06:20:01 pm
Yes, redundancy of critical machinery such as margarita appliances is very important.

Will add that to my "Critical Spare Parts List".

Yea for pineritas.

Brett
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: gam on August 12, 2012, 01:55:06 pm
If you like pineapple drinks try homemade pineapple infused rum using Rom Abuelo dark 12 year old rum. Takes 2 weeks to make but it is so good. Gam
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: lgshoup on August 12, 2012, 04:14:38 pm
Washed that sucker and it looks great! Do have a seep in the blackwater valve I put in last week sooooo...
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dean & Dee on August 12, 2012, 04:38:06 pm
                           Not so much "to it" as "for it". Ordered a full set of filters for engine and genset from FilterBarn and full set of belts from Amazon to carry on board.

                  Dean
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Tony Pasquale on August 12, 2012, 11:50:14 pm
Hi Dean,

It will be convenient for the tow cables versus where they were in the center compartment.  hmmm Having air back there would sure makes airing the tow car convienent also!

I also installed an LED light strip with a motion sensor I purchased from Costco, quite bright and it works on 3 AA's. Should have a decent life using regular batteries if not I have some Lithiums I bought from Wally World today just in case.

Tony 
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: nitehawk on August 13, 2012, 09:36:39 am
DW hurt her right knee awhile back. Pain has now returned with a vengeance. Can barely get up steps into the coach. SO---Put bubble wrap insulation in all windows until she can be mobile again or until the sun quits beating us up.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: lgshoup on August 13, 2012, 12:47:21 pm
Putting new seals in toilet.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Larry Rubin on August 14, 2012, 10:06:20 am
Removed rug cover on plumbing channel in potty room and replaced with vinyl tile.  Glad I did since the plywood frame was starting to fail with water damage from floor cleaning.  I cleaned it all up and painted the plywood with mold resistant paint.  Got the tile for about $4 at Loews and used tub caulk to seal the edges.  Next project is to put the same tile on the shelf under the sink.  I had replaced the shelf rug with vinyl under the main bathroom sink a few years ago.  The water tank fill valve on my 295 is under that sink and condensation ruined the rug.  (A small thing but a poor design.)
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: sam7 on August 17, 2012, 04:16:30 pm
First I washed the moho.
Second I replaced the pull strap for the slideout awning. The old one had the last foot or so ripped off and a make shift extension tied on. Looked pretty ugly. The new one from Zip Dee matches the awning and was fairly simple to attach with three pop rivets. Looks like new again. Cost (including shipping to CA) $34.50. FYI:When you order one you need to know the color and the depth of the slide.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: nitehawk on August 17, 2012, 11:20:26 pm
Kicked it, cussed it, swore at it and the blasted tow lights still do not work right!!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John S on August 17, 2012, 11:36:30 pm
Nitehawk.  Make sure the connector on the purchased lights is wired right. I had that problem with a new cable I bought. I plugged it in and it did not work right. The old one did but it was worn thru.  So I took the ends off and say that they had switched the wires.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: lgshoup on August 18, 2012, 01:57:51 am
Putting new cover on bathroom vent. Cleaning windows after last week's wash job. Just didn't have the energy then after five hours of intense washing.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: ChuSmith on August 18, 2012, 12:13:05 pm
I replaced the tail light assemblies this morning. The gasket was just about dust. The pains of resting in the hot Texas sun.

Ordered from Foretravel in Nacogdochez and the came the very next day, I couldn't get just the gasket but the lens was very weathered. looks great if I do say so myself :)
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: aspenpilot on August 20, 2012, 12:14:24 am
Removed all of the old caulking, and replaced with new on the roof.  ie. skylight, vents covers, etc.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dick S on August 27, 2012, 03:48:46 pm
Replaced CO & LP Monitors, thanks Dean.
Made shoe holder around base of bed, thanks Barry.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: nitehawk on August 29, 2012, 09:05:28 am
Off the jacks, off the ramps, off the house electric, off the water hookup, on the road for two weeks right after the DW's two Dr's appointments for her surgery Sept. 12.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Roland Begin on August 29, 2012, 02:50:12 pm
I cemented a piece of Filon from the passenger side of the coach to the generator exhaust. This is one of the last steps for bulkhead repair completion. I used contact cement for most of the filon to filon adhesion and epoxy to seal the edges.  I also discovered while working on my back that epoxy and long beards don't mix well......or rather they mix quite well to my dismay. :o
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wa_desert_rat on August 31, 2012, 11:22:45 pm
This morning I got up at 4:45am so the DW could help me get the coach out of its parking spot behind the shop; then she went off to work and I went to breakfast to wait for 7am when the Cummins shop opens.

On the way to the Cummins shop (5 miles) the engine went right into heat/cool/heat/cool cycle but I got it there safely. New thermostat had to be delivered so we got the engine ready to remove the old unit.

I took a nap.

At 1:30pm the mechanic began his work and by 4pm the new thermostat was in and we were putting new coolant into the CAC.

The road test would tell the tale. I had specified a "thermostat replacement" rather than "overheat problem" so that we wouldn't put a lot of time in on trying to find some other cause. This saved me some money but if I was wrong it would mean another appointment on another day.

But I wasn't wrong. The engine water temp rose to 180F and stayed there over hill and dale.

Bill: $524

But it's wroth it to have our motor home back.

Craig
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Haygarth on August 31, 2012, 11:51:01 pm
Quote-At 1:30pm the mechanic began his work and by 4pm the new thermostat was in and we were putting new coolant into the CAC.




I hope you did not put coolant into the CAC as that just has hot air in it (just like me ???)
John H
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wa_desert_rat on September 01, 2012, 12:24:38 am
Quote from: John Haygarth –
Quote-At 1:30pm the mechanic began his work and by 4pm the new thermostat was in and we were putting new coolant into the CAC.

I hope you did not put coolant into the CAC as that just has hot air in it (just like me ???)
John H

I'm still a little hazy with terminology. It looked like a radiator but I thought it was called the CAC. At any rate, the mechanic did the pouring. I just watched. :D

Craig :)
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Twig on September 01, 2012, 02:21:11 am
Man do I feel good. I just replaced my 2 thermostats for $24.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wolfe10 on September 01, 2012, 08:43:39 am
CAC= Charge Air Cooler= After-cooler= Inter-cooler. Takes hot intake air from the turbo and cools it down to close to ambient temperature.

Radiator takes hot coolant from engine and cools it down.  Thermostat determines amount of coolant sent to the radiator, and therefore has a big influence on temperature in the radiator.

CAC is in FRONT OF the radiator, so air flows through the CAC, and then the radiator.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dick S on September 01, 2012, 06:15:38 pm
Got tired of the rattle from the decorative glass (plastic) every time we close the doors above the small counter by the dining booth. Removed the clips on the back of the doors and adjusted them to be tighter. Simple to do and sounds a lot better now.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Steve & Kathy B on September 01, 2012, 08:04:51 pm
We're parked close to Elkhart, IN waiting for Isaac to pass by on our way home to FL so we went to a local RV furniture re-sale place (Welcome to RV Parts Nation your #1 source for all RV Parts and RV Accessories. (http://www.rvpartsnation.com) ) and bought a recliner to replace our aging Euro chair.  Normally $600, it was on sale for $200.    It's really sad to drive around this area and see all the places that have closed since the hey-days of 2002-2006.  Newmar is still open and so is Thor, but there are tons of support businesses that have closed everywhere.  Sad sights so common in most of our travels now. 
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave Head on September 01, 2012, 10:29:15 pm
I grew up in Elkhart in the 60s. This isn't the first time this has happened.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Haygarth on September 02, 2012, 04:26:42 pm
Doing a bit of sorting out and had decided to put a couple of things below the fuel tank filler. So in the picture I have my additives then below a couple of chocks and alongside the 4-11" steel safety supports. All fit together nicely and no rattling around.
John H
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dean & Dee on September 02, 2012, 04:44:13 pm
Quote from: John Haygarth –
Doing a bit of sorting out and had decided to put a couple of things below the fuel tank filler. So in the picture I have my additives
John H
                   
                                 
        John glad to see you have that can of OFF to keep the bugs out of the fuel. :))                     
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dean & Dee on September 15, 2012, 11:57:16 am
                               Replaced all the belts with new Gates Fleetrunner V-belts. Pretty easy to change out. Saved the old belts for backup.

                  Dean
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Haygarth on September 15, 2012, 02:58:17 pm
D & D, actually if you give the fuel a shot of  it,  once you start engine you are "off and running"!!!
John H  :P
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wa_desert_rat on September 16, 2012, 09:15:54 pm
Finally finished the installation of the new Trimetric TM-2025-RV battery monitor system. In the photo you can see it mounted just below the AC monitor (with a broken meter that I'm going to repair next). While the drawers are out I'm also going to see if I can't fix the doorbell system which has never worked on our watch. It's a nifty design in which two hammers strike a sounding plate. I had thought it would be all digital. Nice to see that it's old school. :)

The Trimetric monitor will monitor both the house and starting batteries but will give us more detailed information about power use and battery condition. The solar panels are in the shop along with the combiner box, the MPPT controller and the wiring ready for me to recover from this job and get at the next.

Earlier I bought a Progressive Industries 50A EMS voltage protection device. I cannot really take credit for "installing" it as all I did was plug it into my shop's 50A circuit and then plug the coach's 50A power cord into that. It seemed like the simplest solution for the U225 which I like to keep as simple as possible but still comfortable.

Craig
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: nitehawk on September 16, 2012, 11:17:05 pm
Mounted a 12V pump behind the front bumper, driver's side. Sucked RV Antifreeze into fresh water holding tank by adding a "Y' fitting on the overflow. Can add a lot of fresh water from jugs real fast when boondocking!! Intake fitting for intake hose is easily reached right below the bumper and above the fiberglas thingee below the bumper. Just remove a cap and then screw on the intake hose. I used 5/8 ID x 7/8 OD clear hose for the intake and 5/8 x 3/4 OD going to the tank. The heavy wall clear tubing does not collapse under load. Added a toggle switch to turn pump on & off. Also a bayonet connector so switch is totally inoperable unless connectors are engaged.

Finished winterizing today (whimper, sobs, sighs, a few tears) DW has surgery tomorrow--removing Gall Bladder. Next month surgery on right knee. In between--- followups with doctors.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Steve & Kathy B on September 17, 2012, 01:49:49 pm
I gave up on trying to replace my 1st entry step myself.  No place to work and not the right tools.  I'm taking it to a body shop and having them do everything from carpet cleaning to step repair to oil changes.  Just call me when it's done!  :P
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: andyr on September 18, 2012, 11:46:51 pm
New chassis batteries. The moral of this story is save your receipts. A year and a half into the life of three year batteries and I had a problem. Brought the old batteries to an authorised dealer and got them replaced for free!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Don Hay on September 22, 2012, 12:11:11 am
I bit the bullet today and finally installed my version of the overflow bypass system originally proposed (I think) by Barry and Cindy.  While doing so I removed the carpeted partition in front of the grey and black tanks, and I presumed, the manibloc.  To my surprise, my '92 U-280 doesn't have one, just the sensors for the two tanks.  When did they start using maniblocs in Unihomes?  I guess that's one less system I have to worry about.  After triple-measuring the location to cut the hole in the floor, it took less than 20 seconds to go through the layers.  I lucked out and didn't hit any frame members.  I am including a few pics of the progress.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: sonshineclg on September 22, 2012, 10:07:31 pm
Today I finally got my furnaces working, cleaned the contacts, set the new thermostat to 0.4 instead of 1.2. Cleaned them too. Installed an 6" LED step/entry light. Converted the outside door light to four water-proof LED strips. Now that is a great change. Great because it is cheaper than bulbs and changing the ballast. Total for four strips is about $25.00. Lasts longer too. Tomorrow I will tackle finding out why my ice maker isn't making ice, then building insulated covers for my A/C units. Then, find out why I have a reeaaalll slow drip from my water to my sink. Then. . . . .

Curtis
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wa_desert_rat on September 23, 2012, 05:56:42 pm
Costco in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho had Samsug HDTV/Monitor for $169 so I picked one up plus a mount. Fits perfectly in the bedroom. Too bad we have zero tv here. Lol

Edit: Regarding the replacement of old-style television sets with new LED HDTV sets: If you haven't done it yet, you should! Prices are low and because these sets are so slender and light the installation itself is pretty easy.

My first replacement was the old front TV. Because our coach has the two cupboards on either side of where the original CRT television was installed, I had to buy a unit that measured less than about 19" from side-to-side. This ended up being a 19" LED HDTV which, even though it's small by 2012 standards, is huge when compared to the TV sets that originally were installed on these $200k (plus!) motor homes back in the 1990s. I did shift the hinges over a bit so that the doors did not overlap the opening as much. I put the BluRay player in the passenger side cupboard and both the TV and since both the BluRay use less than 40 watts of power I run them from a $24 inverter (modified-sine-wave) that plugs right into the DC cigarette lighter plug behing the TV.

The bedroom offered me a little more versatility because there was more room. Someone had already drilled holes in the bulkhead above the bureau so I could use a couple of them for the mount installation. The mount is multi-position so we can pull the TV out and move it around. I plan to use a bungee cord to keep the TV secured when underway.

The front TV is only 720P while the back TV is 1040P and 22" (versus only 19" in the front). The extra screen size does make quite a difference.

My plan is to pull the bat-wing antenna off the roof completely and install a "Jack" antenna. This frees up some roof-top room for one of the 24VDC 240-watt solar planels.

Craig
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Pamela & Mike on September 23, 2012, 06:07:00 pm
We pulled in the back yard Friday after a 6 month trip. So today was the start of putting the RV on a diet program. (Mike likens it to Liposuction) Yes over the years we have discovered that the RV gets a little "fluffy" around the edges as we travel. It has been a while and was over due but the process has started and may take a week or so to complete before we put the RV back in the barn.
Pamela & Mike
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: red tractor on September 27, 2012, 09:55:11 pm
I replaced the norgren valve for the step slide cover with a mac valve which works just fine. We have been home for about 3 weeks now and I still have a few other things to fix. We have put on 15,000 miles since Nov 2011. We needed to get back home so that I can keep up all the maintenance on the coach and also yard work. I am ready to leave again, but DW wants to spend some time at home, so will haave to wait until next May, can't wait to get back on the road
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: nitehawk on September 27, 2012, 10:49:29 pm
Added extension hoses (5/8 inside dia) to the drain outlets under the couch so I could catch the RV antifreeze in jugs rather than let it run on the ground and kill the grass. The outlets barely stuck thru the floor so I had to use rubber hose and adhesive sealant along with a jury-rigged hose holder down near the angle iron that supports the generator.
Bought a bunch of snaps and a roll of aluminized bubble wrap. The male halves of the snaps are the ones with short screws built in. Mounted the males on the walls up inside the valances where they are not visible.  Cut the bubble wrap to fit each window. Put one female snap near an end and then snapped the bubble wrap in place so I could determine where to put the other female snap. I can now put all six window covers in place in less than five minutes!! DW labeled each cover so there is no guessing as to where each sheet goes.
The coach now stays cooler inside and I can close the blinds and not worry about UV rays ruining anything.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: morninghill on September 29, 2012, 12:49:00 pm
It wasn't today - it was last Saturday. It wasn't me, it was Roger Berke.
When we bought the coach last May, Aquahot wasn't working on diesel. Met Rudy Legett, he replaced bearings in the Webasto, found a leak in a copper elbow in the engine preheat line, got me in to MOT for this repair and others. MOT couldn't/wouldn't replace the elbow but did put in a bypass to stop the leak. Rudy was visiting here last month, let me know Roger is staying nearby on the Oregon coast.
Called Roger who said it is a horrible job but he would do it. He did. He also found and removed a check valve which has caused problems in this model Aquahot, repaired cracked fuel lines at the filter and the Aquahot, and replaced the tempering valve which was sending us 100 degree water.
We now have a fully functioning Aquahot with engine preheat and a supply of 120 degree hot water.
Many thanks to Rudy and Roger.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Green99 on October 10, 2012, 07:52:01 pm
Replaced Air dryer filter and eng. coolant filter.
Plan on replacinhg coach batteries this weekend.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: red tractor on October 10, 2012, 09:55:57 pm
We bought a cabinet to go above the drivers side window in the bedroom from a fire damaged foretravel in Ky. My wife sanded all the bad finish and smoke from it and refinished it to like new condition and today I hung it on the wall. Looks really great and the extra storage is very welcome. She is a great helper.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: nitehawk on October 11, 2012, 09:25:33 am
We have the old vinyl ceiling with the vinyl covered board and buttons running down the middle. The foam backing had crumbled and the ceiling sagged, the center strip looked terrible with the buttons sunk in. I took down the center strip, removed the staples down the center that held the ceiling vinyl up, pulled the vinyl tight, restapled it, put new foam behind the center piece, ran a new wire for a new rear camera, installed a new rear camera that has night vision and a microphone. Ceiling looks a lot better now, as we got tired of looking at that center strip with the sagged look to it.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Bob Thomas on October 12, 2012, 05:59:41 pm
Todayi drained, flushed, and replaced the coolant on the generator.  Nice to have that done. Also adjusted the belt, which looked in good condition.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Roland Begin on October 12, 2012, 06:14:28 pm
Ordered a whole bunch of STUFF;  backup monitor and camera, new radio to replace the Sony cassette player, new three stage converter, Trimetric battery monitor, 1000 watt True Sine wave inverter (stayed with Xantrex on this one, hope I'm not sorry) with remote switch. Guess I'm in for a lot of "puttering" when it all comes in. :)

Roland
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Jim Frerichs on October 12, 2012, 11:37:59 pm
Roland,

When you install the Zantrex inverter, be very careful not to short either the positive or negative cable to the case while the opposite one is already installed.  It blows some internal components...don't ask me how I know.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Roland Begin on October 13, 2012, 09:54:01 am
Quote from: Jim Frerichs –
Roland,

When you install the Zantrex inverter, be very careful not to short either the positive or negative cable to the case while the opposite one is already installed.  It blows some internal components...don't ask me how I know.

Thanks for the advice, will take precautions.

Roland
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dick S on October 13, 2012, 12:24:41 pm
Sprayed two coats of 303 High Tech Fabric protectant on all awning fabric and washing with Ivory soap solution. Finished the day before rains hit the northwest! ;D
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on October 13, 2012, 06:13:35 pm
Today, the urge struck me to take the coach for a ride to Wally World about 12 miles away, felt it was time to get the oil splashed over the gears and bearings again, I am always amazed closer to surprised at the acceleration since the convert to the ISM500 setting with the resonator, you sure do not need to look at the speedo to see your picking up speed rapidly.  Watched some TV and restock the vitals, then back to the garage and wash the front bug splattering from the Black Hills trip.
Was disappointed there "Biscuit" FOT, had painted the front with the Armor Coat, a piece size of a dime chipped off from the pressure washer, it chipped down to the gelcoat (white). Not a warm fuzzy feeling about that.
So guess another trip to Xtreme for solution.
Anyway, the coach is bedded down in the garage all warm and snugly.
Sometimes it is harder to laugh
Dave M
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dick S on October 13, 2012, 08:38:32 pm
Dave, I had chips too. Look at this one, it actually had green paint blown under it.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Haygarth on October 13, 2012, 08:55:23 pm
I am part way thru' my newest little project as I am changing the cable set up for the 3 AGM batteries for house power. I bought a length of 3/8 x 2" copper and made 2 bus bars bolted to 4 insulators I had poured from fibreglass resin. The frame and bars are mounted to the right side of battery support frame and my next job is to make all new cables 4/0 up with boltable lugs etc. The feed to Inverter will come off the copper bars. Hopefully this arrangement will work to have a more even loading and wear on the 3 batteries. I will be doing the cables etc while on holiday in San Carlos Mexico along with adding more solar power on the roof. I will pick that up at AMSOLAR on the way thru Oregon.
John H
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Roland Begin on October 14, 2012, 10:11:06 am
Quote from: John Haygarth –
I am part way thru' my newest little project as I am changing the cable set up for the 3 AGM batteries for house power. I bought a length of 3/8 x 2" copper and made 2 bus bars bolted to 4 insulators I had poured from fibreglass resin. The frame and bars are mounted to the right side of battery support frame and my next job is to make all new cables 4/0 up with boltable lugs etc. The feed to Inverter will come off the copper bars. Hopefully this arrangement will work to have a more even loading and wear on the 3 batteries. I will be doing the cables etc while on holiday in San Carlos Mexico along with adding more solar power on the roof. I will pick that up at AMSOLAR on the way thru Oregon.
John H

Great set up, think I'll copy when I redo my inverter setup.

Roland
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: gam on October 14, 2012, 10:46:28 am
I'm just thinking out loud , but I assume your going to have some type of electrically insulated guard or cover over the bus bars when in service. The though of a short across something with all but unlimited instantaneous amps is scary. Gam
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Haygarth on October 14, 2012, 11:40:31 am
you are correct Gam, I have a fibreglass cover that is to be fastened above the bars and it WILL protect from shorting out. I will be covering the sq tube below the unit too. I did not post this as job not done yet. Once connections etc are made I will take a picture of complete install.
Thanks anyway.
John H
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: lgshoup on October 15, 2012, 10:47:12 am
Had the front-end bearing oil drained, bearings inspected, new seals...all back together and ready for another 150,000 miles.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on October 15, 2012, 11:05:58 am
Chased air leaks, only one found was on the check valve on the inlet side.  From the air compressor which I decided to  replace since I have carrying a new one for about a year.  Took apart the original / identical compressor  to see how it is made etc.  It has a reduced air flow/pressure compared to the new unit.
My leaks were to about every 55 minutes, the compressor ran about a minute or so.
Now maybe things will  go back to sleep for a while. 
Time will tell.
Dave M
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John S on October 15, 2012, 03:43:47 pm
How about take out the entire inside front section.  I think we will have a new TV.. why yes we will 46 inches LED.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Michelle on October 20, 2012, 09:25:11 pm
I bagged some more desiccant (FYI Sorbent now charges $4.95 handling if your order is less than $45 so my latest batch cost more like $4-5/bag), made some Pourtravel snacks to take to the Grandvention, and loaded some stuff in the coach.

Steve re-did both roof a/c's (again, once more with feeling, the never-ending quest to try to make them quieter, this time with Dynamat in critical areas), adjusted bay door latches, updated our sewer hoses, tightened a loose ground screw in our Power Line Monitor, loaded the "Freecycle" items, and did quality control on the snacks.

Michelle
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on October 20, 2012, 09:48:30 pm
Today was the day !!!
Another Puck lite burned out and I have a big bag of the LED replacements, problem, could only do a very few as not able to remove the cover to expose the bulb and make conversion to the LED.  TODAY, I had had it, so I used a small hook and just jerked the lens cover down & off, was expecting to need a new assembly, nope, just make the conversion and put the lens back on with a slight twist to make snug.
What a joy to have good light and no heat, BINGO !!
FWIW w/ a ;D
Dave M
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Jim Frerichs on October 20, 2012, 10:12:09 pm
Hi Dave,

The ceiling puck light lenses become midley adhered to the vinyl ceiling due to summer heat. You might try using a dull table knife or putty knife (even a credit card) to separate them - about 1/2" under the perimeter all the way around. Then maybe use a rigid jar lid opener or strong finger grasp to the outside edge of the lens to unscrew it a 3/4" so it will come off as designed. The retention mechanism is somewhat fragile so be pretty careful about pulling down before it is released by rotating it counter clockwise.

If you brake the plastic fingers of the lens latch mechanism, maybe make a super glue repair so it will have a normal connection to the base catch of the fixture.

Another hint, possibly bend the pins a little of the LED replacement disc so that they reliably will make better electrical contact with the socket. Seems the pins many of the LED discs are smaller in diameter than the halogen pins.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on October 20, 2012, 10:24:39 pm
Jim,
All good words & thoughts, I had in fact run my small butter knife around the outside to make sure it was not attached to the vinal head liner, and with a large channel lock pliers, could not rotate the cover, that was when I did the real red neck thing and simply hook on and jerk it down and off, Bingo, worked great, so for me, all bets are off for the next batch I attack.  Ya, gotta do what works best, I found it. :o

Oh, No damage to either lens or housing, everyone I did, looked like the new one I have in reserve
Thanks
Dave M
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John S on October 20, 2012, 11:12:52 pm
Use the palm of your hand. I had an issue with one on my coach and one of David's guys showed me how to take it off.  I could not budge it he popped it right off.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: nitehawk on October 21, 2012, 10:11:31 am
Put the coach in secure, locked storage about 30 miles away. Totally enclosed, owner lives right next door, no kids around, but also no electricity in the storage. I removed the two large batteries and brought them home.
DW had gall bladder removed last month, Catheter exploration of her heart last Monday, and Knee surgery this last Wednesday. Heart is OK but she had a "floater" causing problems in the knee. Can't walk without crutches. Other health issues so we decided best to stay home this winter--but next year LOOK OUT!!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: J. D. Stevens on October 21, 2012, 06:46:21 pm
Norm,

Yuck! Best wishes for quick and full recoveries. We look forward to seeing you on the road.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John S on October 21, 2012, 06:58:54 pm
Just finished having the desk cut down to a cabinet and the part that was cut off is now hanging of the wall so we can flip it up and have a full desk or push the chair back when we are underway. I had the front TV replaced with a 46 inch LCD and the back TV done as well but much smaller. 
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Raymond Jordan on October 21, 2012, 11:53:21 pm
Hi John S,
  Any pictures of the new desk, up and down? And the new TV?
Raymond
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: nitehawk on October 22, 2012, 12:15:01 am
Thanks for the well wishes J.D.
Why is it that we almost always get a statement from someone that:"when we want to get rid of our GV, to give them first chance"? The Foretravel quality shows!!
I turned the owners of the storage facility onto Foretravels. FOT, MOT, and Encore, along with this website. So I think we will be having another Foretravel owner in the near future. Their Class C only has the cabover bed and they are tired of that arrangement. SO---?
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: PatC on October 22, 2012, 08:57:57 am
Got a new cylinder head installed on the Cummins 5.9 6BT.  One of the threaded nipples(?) that the exhaust manifold bolted to was broken off.  The price of the head wasn't bad, but the labor was ouch!  Have had a minor exhaust leak for a very long time.  No more exhaust leak and now the PRXB exhaust brake works great.  Also knew that my charging voltage from the alternator was low.  Found the wire to the alternator exciter was broken.  Now the chassis batteries are getting a proper charge!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Barry Beam on October 22, 2012, 09:43:11 am
Quote from: John S –
Use the palm of your hand. I had an issue with one on my coach and one of David's guys showed me how to take it off.  I could not budge it he popped it right off.

I use a rubber jar opener to get a good grip and it comes off easily.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: amos.harrison on October 23, 2012, 06:59:27 am
PatC,

B engine exhaust manifold distortion with miles is a known issue.  If you're lucky, a manifold leak will tip you off to the problem before you crack the head.  It's best to annually check the manifold bolts.  They run through slots in the manifold.  Look at the end one at the front of the engine.  If there is no clearance at the end of the slot, it means the manifold is starting to bend the bolt.  Either replace the manifold with OEM, or better with a three piece aftermarket manifold that grows adjusts for thermal expansion and contraction.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Rodger on October 25, 2012, 04:26:55 pm
During the past few weeks...
Replaced both dump valves and fixed some leaks in the sewage and waste water tank flush connections.
Replaced the old house water pump with a new Aquajet ES pump from the RV Water Filter store.
I used the Soft loop kit which made installation much easier and the pump runs quieter.
Also got some new washers from the RV Water Filter store for the fittings in case they did not want to seal to the new pump.
Thanks to JD and others for pointing me in the right direction.
Rodger
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Peter & Beth on October 25, 2012, 06:20:14 pm
Today Forrest was exercised and winterized...He'll hibernate for the next 30 to 40 days until the next jazzercise... ;D
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Ronb on October 25, 2012, 10:58:58 pm
The 110v outlets on either side on the foot of the bed just never seemed like it was well thought out for practical use. Today I install an extra 20 amp breaker in the aux power panel on the base of the bed and ran two lines from it to each side of the bed. I installed a 110v outlet on the face of the cabinets next to the top drawer on both sides.

There was a phone plug in outlet on the drivers side. I removed that and a power outlet box fit right in where the phone outlet was. I don't think many people use them anymore with all the cell phones in use now days. Now it is easier to plug in a heating pad or a cell battery charger without getting tangled up in a cord while getting up in the middle of the night as some of us old timers tend to do.

I also removed the old strip lights that are on the kitchen and bathroom baseboards and installed the 12v strip lights available at WalMart. 
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: J. D. Stevens on October 26, 2012, 09:56:49 am
Quote from: Ronb –
The 110v outlets on either side on the foot of the bed just never seemed like it was well thought out for practical use. Today I install an extra 20 amp breaker in the aux power panel on the base of the bed and ran two lines from it to each side of the bed. I installed a 110v outlet on the face of the cabinets next to the top drawer on both sides.
Our coach came with sockets installed near the head of the bed. Previous owner installed them. We use them often for chargers and bed heater.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: BobW on October 27, 2012, 04:10:45 pm
About two years ago, I replaced the original VCR with a DVD/VCR combo unit. The new unit lacks the RF modulator output to channel 3 or 4. I use an HDMI cable from the VCR/DVD to the front TV but could not get the signal to the rear TV.
So yesterday I replaced the OEM video control box with a Quest Technology Model QS53D box that has separate inputs for satellite, park cable, and antenna. Plus, it has a RF modulator that sends the DVD/VCR combo unit signal to the rear TV on channel 3.
Today I fixed one of our Fantastic Fans. The lift arm popped out of its gear box where it was geared into the open/close knob.
Bob
2000 U270
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Benjie Zeller on November 19, 2012, 04:41:47 pm
Was at my daughter's soccer game yesterday and went to turn the coach on.  Nothing.  Messed around with the switch a few times and got the solenoid to engage.  Luckily the former owner had a spare lying around so I was able to change the solenoid today and she lit up like a Xmas tree immediately.  So nice when things go right the first time.  Now I need to purchase another back up solenoid.  Have heard it suggested to get the solid state device.  Will probably end up ordering sometime this month and just replace with that so never have to do it again when this one goes bad.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: lgshoup on November 21, 2012, 10:02:18 am
Washed her today. Darn those maple trees! Need to fill LP bottles and wash windows then settle in for Thanksgiving. Friday heading to Vero Beach, FL for a SOWERS project. Stopping along the way to see friends and family. Takes a week to go 1300 miles. Hope all have a great Holiday season.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Keith and Joyce on November 22, 2012, 07:50:49 pm
The other day we cleaned the interior and exterior ("Wash Wax All" - good stuff). Aired tires, flushed tanks, filled with fuel etc and then put it into it's warm warehouse for the winter. WHAAAAA! sob.

Keith
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Pamela & Mike on November 23, 2012, 07:49:22 pm
Well time had came to rebuild the water fill valve on the toilet. (LF-220) The deed is done along with a new wax ring. So we are setting pretty.  :)) :)) :))

Pamela & Mike
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Roland Begin on November 25, 2012, 04:30:44 pm
Made a "to do" list.

Roland
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Michelle on November 25, 2012, 06:31:43 pm
Winterized it and tucked it into storage :'( 

The absolute worst day of the RV year :thumbsdown:
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Haygarth on November 25, 2012, 06:50:21 pm
I just took ours out for a drive, put some fuel in and started to think what I should check before we start to load it up for our trip south in 27 days. I am going thru all the ares that could pose a problem while on road, but so far all looks well, and it drives really smooth and fast. Whant a drag Dave M?
John H
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: J. D. Stevens on November 25, 2012, 07:13:41 pm
Quote from: Michelle –
Winterized it and tucked it into storage :'( 

The absolute worst day of the RV year :thumbsdown:
Hey! We plan to be traveling north past your "southern home" about December 20. You could "un-winterize" and tag along. We know where there are campgrounds in Missouri and Montana that are open year round. Bring your heated water hose and down jackets. :P :P Dogs love to run in the cold air ... and then come inside a warm coach.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Chuck Pearson on November 27, 2012, 10:22:30 pm
Quote from: J. D. Stevens –
We know where there are campgrounds in Missouri and Montana that are open year round. Bring your heated water hose and down jackets. :P :P Dogs love to run in the cold air ... and then come inside a warm coach.

J.D. is my hero.  I've always wanted to spend at least one winter where it gets truly cold. And snow, lots of it. I say give me enough propane, books and liquor, some sun during the days and trails to hike and I'll be as happy as a pig in.....  I've been vetoed many times on this but guess what?  It's my turn to choose.  Though it's cooled down here in Tx I'm still hot from the blistering summer we had. Eternal summer is overrated.

Chuck
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: P. Wyatt Sabourin on November 27, 2012, 10:35:22 pm
Yesterday, I moved the 12 volt battery switch from the bottom step to the top step. I also cut a 6.5 inch diameter hole where the 12 volt battery switch used to be and installed a 6 inch diameter spin off access door (used in boats). This allows easy access to the airbag fittings and nut on the front passenger side. I cut a 4 inch by 8 inch hole in the rear wall of the generator fan compartment to provide easy access to the diver side front air bag fitting and nut.

Today, I replaced all four front airbags without removing the fenders.

I now have easy access to all the airbag fittings to check for leaks.

I previously replaced the rear airbags in the spring of 2012.

Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: P. Wyatt Sabourin on November 27, 2012, 10:54:28 pm
During the summer, I removed the start battery bank which was behind the passenger side rear tires. Then rebuild the start battery tray so that it can hold two 8D sized batteries. I installed two 8D deep cycle batteries in this tray. I installed one 8D deep cycle battery in the original tray, which is behind the driver side front tire. I then rewired the very heavy battery cables so that there are three deep cycle 8D size batteries for coach and starting functions. This provides 3500 cold cranking amps (original optima size 34 batteries provided 2400 cold cranking amps) and more then 700 amp hours for coach functions. Battery isolator and boost functions are no longer used and all the watts from the alternator reach the batteries (none are lost in the isolator diodes).

I did a lot of testing/measuring and found that with this setup, the voltage at the starter during steady state cranking with a cold engine was raised from 10.5 volts (three optimas) to 11.5 volts (three 8Ds).
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Haygarth on November 27, 2012, 11:13:31 pm
luckily I (like others) already have 3  8D for coach (AGM)765amph, but just the 2 regulat AGMs for  cranking. The charging direct from Alt would be nice as I  had turned down the voltage also on Alt output. I think I will leave all this part alone as I have a few things already on the go for this winter, and next will be the floor replacement in living area. just got back my first oil analasys and had trouble reading it but now they sent me a chart showing good-bad levels and most of mine do not even register on the chart so am pleased and will keep the oil in for another trip and test again in the spring. Happy with the syn Amsoil I use.
John H
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: rbark on November 28, 2012, 12:01:31 pm
Washed coach and loaded it up for the looong trip to Chula Vista RV Resort for our annual Christmas rally. :)) :)) :))
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: txforetravel on November 28, 2012, 12:20:24 pm
Richard, Don't burn too much fuel on your trip to Chula Vista.  Hmm, you could probably coast the entire way! 

Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave Katsuki on November 28, 2012, 06:58:53 pm
Well...not me doing it, but Xtreme is busy prepping our coach for full body paint, roof paint, new headlights, new steps, new windows, etc., and we are staying in their apartment over the holidays.  Being at Xtreme feels sort of like we are visiting the Stallings family.

And Nac actually has quite a bit going on in the holiday season, plus I've got lots of projects if there is any time in the shop, so no danger of boredom here!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Don & Tys on November 28, 2012, 07:04:41 pm
 ^.^d Excellent! I can't wait to see the pictures... So I can fantasize how our coach might look after similar treatment ;D
Quote from: Dave Katsuki –
Well...not me doing it, but Xtreme is busy prepping our coach for full body paint, roof paint, new headlights, new steps, new windows, etc., and we are staying in their apartment over the holidays.  Being at Xtreme feels sort of like we are visiting the Stallings family.

And Nac actually has quite a bit going on in the holiday season, plus I've got lots of projects if there is any time in the shop, so no danger of boredom here!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Haygarth on November 28, 2012, 08:07:05 pm
Dave K--now I know who won the last Powerball !!!
John H
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John S on November 29, 2012, 03:37:00 pm
Hey Dave, I hope to see you . I will be there in early Jan.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Roland Begin on November 29, 2012, 08:43:31 pm
Got up on the roof and raised the solar panels.

Roland
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wayne m on November 29, 2012, 09:21:02 pm
replaced sewer dump valves, and added a third valve, yuk.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Don Hay on November 29, 2012, 10:26:40 pm
Cleaned the coils and squirrel cage blowers on both roof A/C's and replaced the foam insulation that separates evaporator and condenser coil areas.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: lgshoup on December 01, 2012, 03:47:39 pm
Unscrewed the lenses on the side indicator lights and wiggled the blubs to get them working again. Always happy when a wiggle will do raher than spending dollars. Was going to wash it after the trip to Florida but the pole for the brush mercifully broke soooo...
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Roland Begin on December 01, 2012, 07:24:52 pm
Fixed the inoperative light in my DW wardrobe. Loose wire. ^.^d

Roland
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: smillner on December 04, 2012, 11:22:08 pm
Replaced my 8 shocks with the Koni shocks.  Wow, big ride difference, the others were pretty dead.  Took about 2 hours total with a buddy and my impact wrench.  Now I'm watching all the bumps to see how they feel......or don't anymore ;)
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Mark... on December 05, 2012, 09:14:06 am
Headed to the storage facility and cared for a couple of things prior to our next trip after Christmas.  Installed a fridge fan - simple but not alot of wire to work with where it connected to the light.  Also replaced the handle on the Splendide.  Looks very similar to the previous one so not sure how long this one will last if pulled at the wrong time...   
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Roland Begin on December 05, 2012, 01:59:41 pm
Got on the roof to raise my solar panels. Do not have a gauge to measure the correct angle.  I had to get on the web first to research plane geometry, my mind is ancient ;D and couldn't remember all the relationships between angles and sides of a triangle. Would still be scratching my head if not for the web. ^.^d

Roland
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Michelle on December 05, 2012, 04:54:39 pm
Quote from: Roland Begin –
Got on the roof to raise my solar panels. Do not have a gauge to measure the correct angle.  I had to get on the web first to research plane geometry, my mind is ancient ;D and couldn't remember all the relationships between angles and sides of a triangle.

Ah yes, good old SOHCAHTOA ;)


Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Roland Begin on December 09, 2012, 12:57:59 pm
The DTV roof antenna was very loose just flopping around all over the place. I removed, cleaned tightened and re-installed it...OK now! ^.^d
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: drcscruggs on December 09, 2012, 01:49:26 pm
Put in a new car stereo.  I got the JVC KDR 530.  It has a rear aux hook up and I plan to replace the CRT (old panasonic OEM) with a new LED TV and use the jack on the back of the new stereo to run the speakers from the new TV to the Stereo.  This will give me "surround sound" on a budget.  I do like the sounds of the new JVC which hooks up well with the iphone.  I have to admit I did not put in the stereo.  Got it from Best Buy and had them put it in.  I am now ready for Rockin down the Road!  LOL
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Pamela & Mike on December 17, 2012, 12:24:52 pm
After mooching some used cargo door handles from another member (there initials are: Steve & Michelle) when they upgraded to chrome, we removed the cargo door latch that was causing us grief and did surgery on it. We were able to take the good handle along with the tumbler and brackets out of ours and make a handle that functions properly. Thanks to Steve & Michelle for gifting us with there old latches.

Pamela & Mike
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Roland Begin on December 17, 2012, 06:51:50 pm
Installed a Xantrex 40 amp Truecharge2 Series Battery Charger . If it works out well I will install another in parallel to boost the battery charging capability up to 80 amps.

Roland
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: lgshoup on December 17, 2012, 08:47:33 pm
Decided it was time to put in a new air filter on the genset. GRRRR! Had a friend hold the nut while I undid the clamp on the main body. Got the filter out without TOO much trouble but it fell behind the genset and had to get the filter housing off to get it out. Went to the sotre to get a new filter and have to wait as they didn't have one. Let's see, maybe FOT could have welded a thick sheet of metal in front of the genset so that when I ope  the front All I would see is this metal. Yes, that would make it more difficult.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: lgshoup on December 27, 2012, 01:16:27 pm
JOY! got the air filter back in and all buttoned up. Gonna' sit and enjoy the recliner in the coach for the rest of the day.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Roland Begin on December 27, 2012, 02:36:14 pm
Had to drive 2 1/2 miles to "flush the toilet". Good to go for a while now.

Roland
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: coastprt on December 31, 2012, 01:35:59 am
Cleaned the coach up today( 93 u300) after a one week trip (actually our maiden voyage) to Legion state park in Louisville, Ms.  This was our first real trip since bringing it home from alabama in march.  I've been working on various issues that needed to be addressed on the coach and I finally have some time off from work to have some fun!  Having your own business leaves precious little time for anything else as I am sure many of you know first hand!
 
Everything went great and other than losing a hubcap and some burned out lights had no major breakdowns or problems.  I did have the rear bulkhead bolts fixed a week prior to my trip as I inspected them and noticed several broken ones and some separation. I went to Johnson Diesel Home Page (http://www.johnsondiesel.com/) in biloxi just off I-10 and they drilled and added about 15 new bolts with access holes. The job cost about $600 which I thought was fair considering the work involved and I didn't have the tools nor the time to fix it properly.  The guys at Johnson diesel were great and I will give more info on a later post.  I did take Pierce's advice and found the guys that work on most of the fire trucks and school busses in this area for Detroit owners. Thanks Pierce.

It did get down to 25 one night but since we used a duraflame electric fireplace the propane furnaces didn't even have to light up to keep us warm!  The thick curtains and the
heavily insulated walls and floor were excellent as the wind howled outside with heavy rain for two days.  Another testimonial to the quality and craftsmanship of these magnificent well built machines.


Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: J. D. Stevens on December 31, 2012, 10:43:53 am
Quote from: coastprt –
It did get down to 25 one night but since we used a duraflame electric fireplace the propane furnaces didn't even have to light up to keep us warm!
If you are in temperatures below freezing for more than 24 hours, you may need to run a furnace or provide auxiliary heat in the bays that contain water lines.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: coastprt on December 31, 2012, 12:56:56 pm
Thanks  J.D.  I did forget to mention that it was only 25 degrees for a few hours and I did let the water trickle in the bathroom sink to keep the water hose  from freezing.  I did feel for the deer hunters camped out in  a tent.  Cold and wet ...  Burrr!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Jimmy Freytag on December 31, 2012, 06:12:20 pm
Jerry, glad to see you and Cindy are getting out and enjoying your great coach.  Have a Happy New Year.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: CAPEHORN31 on January 01, 2013, 04:09:04 pm
Installed a new dash mounted Denon CD player.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: lgshoup on January 01, 2013, 06:17:36 pm
Did a light wash and touchup with the Poly-Prep then started on the annual (actually every two years) PolyGlow spruce up. I know the stuff has been discussed on the Foreforum and it's not the most popular stuff but I think it's great and the coach looks better than any others here. Oldest one here, too.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: coastprt on January 01, 2013, 08:33:14 pm
     Thanks Jimmy. It was nice to finally be in an actual campground instead of visiting the U300 in the storage facility for the afternoon pretending we were camping, lol. Everything went very well. I was anxious to see how everything would work out when day to day activities were added. Pleasantly surprised that it is so easy to keep neat. There's so much room, everything has its place.

    I just love the DuraFlame heater Jerry mentioned. It adds so much coziness at night and kept it really toasty inside the coach.

    So, all in all, even with the 2 days of non-stop rain, it was an enjoyable trip and already looking forward to the next one. Probably not till July and hopefully to Nac to have the 2 remods I want.

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year celebration.

Cindy

Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: bbeane on January 10, 2013, 08:18:12 pm
Just finished installing a new Flojet fresh water pump and accumulator assy. As it was the same as the 13 year old original, easy install. Nice to have nice steady water flo, and quite operation.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John S on January 10, 2013, 09:12:25 pm
Just finished up putting in the new dinning bar and slide floor extensions. as well as a couple of new chairs and an arm on the sofa.  Pictures will follow tomorrow I hope.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Mark... on January 11, 2013, 09:51:19 am
After a week of use I can report on my latest hydro-hot repairs.  Had the blower housing replaced (cracked off an ear from over zealous tightening - expensive lesson) and a tuneup.  Runs quiet and smooth and smokeless.  Experienced, efficient and fair pricing with on site service here in Bonita Springs, FL from a guy Roger Berke recommended.  Thanks Roger.

For those interested: 
MasterTech RV Services - Lew Farber
Mobile service only
Marco Island, FL
541-490-6357

Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John S on January 11, 2013, 11:20:57 am
Breakfast Bar and new chairs.
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Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Raymond Jordan on January 11, 2013, 11:50:00 am
Hi John,
 That looks great. I want something like that to replace our table, and chairs. What style base do the chairs have? Did Foretravel recover your chairs?
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: gam on January 11, 2013, 04:58:13 pm
Not to but for. Completed construction and had final inspection on 40' x 16' foretravel port. Gam
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: gam on January 11, 2013, 04:59:42 pm
Tryed to post picture, but it didn't work .Gam
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John S on January 11, 2013, 05:10:08 pm
Yes FT did recover the chairs. They are the old spider legged chairs with new rocker and springs padding and recovered. Also they created an arm on the couch and the Table. They extended the slide room into the coach 9.5 inches too.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: bbeane on January 12, 2013, 03:05:58 pm
Installed new glow plugs in the generator and checked operation, all is good once again. Pulled the cover off of the water manifold compartment to investigate why the black tank gauge doesn't work the aluminum tape was loose. Just a fun day around the Foretravel.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Roland Begin on January 14, 2013, 04:13:27 pm
Bathroom vanity was not draining very well, removed the trap and cleaned out the gunk from the trap and stem, draining well now, even get a tiny whirlpool. ^.^d

Roland
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: nitehawk on January 14, 2013, 11:16:32 pm
Roland, I read somewhere that pouring boiling hot water into a drain dissolves the soap and accumulated crud in the trap. I tried it and it does work, altho I had to pour two pots of boiling water with 10-15 minutes between pours. I then used a plunger to assist whatever solids might not have moved on. No problems since.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Michelle on January 14, 2013, 11:23:59 pm
Quote from: nitehawk –
Roland, I read somewhere that pouring boiling hot water into a drain dissolves the soap and accumulated crud in the trap. I tried it and it does work

I do this when I fix pasta or lobster in the coach - pour the post-cook hot water down the bath sink.  And lest you think we "live large", during our summers in Maine lobster is cheaper per pound than hot dogs.

Michelle
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: philtravel on January 15, 2013, 07:34:48 am
Be careful poring boiling hot water down plastic drains. It causes distortion and the expansion / contraction will cause the nuts to loosen. I have seen the plastic traps melt and fall off.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Rick on January 15, 2013, 09:37:37 am
Quote from: Roland Begin –
Bathroom vanity was not draining very well, removed the trap and cleaned out the gunk from the trap and stem, draining well now, even get a tiny whirlpool. ^.^d

Roland
The source of most crud in the bathroom sink/vanity trap is accumulated toothpaste sludge. Unless you run copious amount of water while spitting the sludge down the drain it will accumulate in the trap and continue to trap other debris. This is my conclusion after years of rental property ownership and maintenance. After brushing we discharge our toothpaste waste into a cup that we later throw outside and rinse with a squirt from a water bottle. Since I changed to this technique, even in the sticks and bricks home, the trap cleanouts needed are far and few between.
Hope this helps,
Rick
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Roland Begin on January 15, 2013, 11:43:10 am
The trap itself was clear. I removed it thinking that was the problem. The gunk was all trapped in the stem between the sink drain and the trap, and it was hairy gunk. Had I know this I could have removed the stopper and cleaned it out from above, that would have saved removing the shelf and trap. I usually clear drain stoppages using baking soda and white vinegar, just thought I'd make that drain squeaky clean this time.

Roland
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Rick on January 15, 2013, 12:47:33 pm
Quote from: Roland Begin –
... hairy gunk. Roland

Yes, sometimes you would think it was a small rat that you are pulling out.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Yetch on January 16, 2013, 03:56:33 pm
Well, I finally did it!  I was so worried about the coach in these freezing temps, and the damage that would be caused by a failure of the AH if it occured that I went ahead and winterized the water system.  At least now I can have some peace of mind...
Mike
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Steve & Kathy B on January 16, 2013, 05:43:05 pm
Spent $5000 for a new awning over my slide, a tiled entry and steps (redone from a previous post) oils changes, chassis lube, 3 new engine batteries and the coach is now parked in covered storage with power.  No more dead batteries :-)
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Ronb on January 16, 2013, 09:54:16 pm
Finished installing a 96" windshield shade with remote 12v control. This thing works so nice, just set back and push a button. No more fighting with the folding type that came with the RV. They were either open or closed, with the new shade I can park it in any position that I like.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Raymond Jordan on January 17, 2013, 12:44:01 am
Hi Ron,
  What brand shade did you use? Who is the supplier?
Thanks,
Raymond
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Ronb on January 17, 2013, 10:07:58 pm
Raymond, I ordered it through Countryside Interiors in Junction City, OR. The outfit is called United Shade LLC, and I believe they  are in Indiana. They shipped it direct to me. It is of good quality and works well. The remote is programable.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Peter & Beth on January 29, 2013, 03:43:20 pm
Today Forrest and I did the Jack Lalane thing... Exercise. It's been 54 days since the last exercise so I am a little bit overdue, But I was in Florida for a few weeks.

After a very cold spell, today is 65° here in Cincinnati.  The coach had a lot of condensation on the exterior and even in the interior engine parts due to the extreme change in temperatures. All batteries measured excellent on the DC voltages. The gemset ran great for about two hours. Then it was on the road for 30 miles. Afterwards topped off the diesel fuel tank at $3.80 per gallon.

Can't say enough good things about Foretravels.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: CAPEHORN31 on January 29, 2013, 04:54:13 pm
Removed and replaced the stereo/CD in the dash. 
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dean & Dee on January 29, 2013, 05:06:07 pm
                     Shoveled last nights snow off the roof. :(
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John S on January 29, 2013, 06:20:16 pm
I should have been washing the coach today in the 71 degrees we had but I was laid up and still am with bronchitis and by the time I feel better we are going to have another storm. I got to drive thru it last weekend and on the way home from TX so it is dirty and it looks like I will have to wait till I get the next warm day.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dick & Sue on January 29, 2013, 06:45:23 pm
Washed the roof and bus. Got the first 1/2 roof wax today and will wax the back 1/2 tomorrow.
The side walls were waxed when we were at Riverview, Fl before coming to South Bay, fl.
Off to the Key this Saturday for 6+ weeks.
 



Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dick S on January 29, 2013, 07:21:01 pm
Installed double dome on Fantastic Vent due to cracking near the hinge. Just in time I think; the hinge broke off in my hand while getting it off the roof.
Dick
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: red tractor on January 29, 2013, 09:08:47 pm
About 6 weeks ago the rear of our coach would leak down, and as time went on it was leaking down quicker. I checked aqir bags and lines and could not find any leaks, but appeared maybe it might be in the six pack manifolds. I took the air solenoids off and took them apart and cleaned them up and replaced all 3 o rings on each solenoid and now stays up, so am now a happy camper.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: lgshoup on January 29, 2013, 11:42:10 pm
Scrubed all six awnings with ZipDee soap and mildew preventative. They really look great!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave Katsuki on January 30, 2013, 01:14:19 am
Had all 8 air bags replaced by a truck shop in Lufkin.  They were deteriorating on the  bottom (outside), and we decided to replace them before leaking started.  Probably would have been good for another 1-2 years, but we wanted to check that one off.  The one that I cut open looked mostly quite good inside but had a small area at the bottom that had some wear or deterioration, so I feel better about spending the money.

After seeing what a job it was to take them out, I would probably just wait for FT if I had to do it again (and we WILL NOT have to do it again... :))
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Carol Savournin on January 30, 2013, 09:24:04 am
Jeff washed the windshield a few days ago ... you guys make us feel exhausted, just reading all this stuff!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Jim Frerichs on January 30, 2013, 10:44:30 am
Quote

Jeff washed the windshield a few days ago ... you guys make us feel exhausted, just reading all this stuff!

Carol & Jeff Savournin
'02 U320 / 40'

Carol,

Actually you should be feeling sorry for us...it is exhausting doing all this stuff. But then it's a labor of love and we crazy people can't tell the difference.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Haygarth on January 30, 2013, 10:51:23 am
Getting the coach all packed up again as we leave here in Mexico tomorrow and head for Tucson and a brief stop for the evening with George and Pat at their place, on our way to Phx, and the cooler weather--Brrr
Did manage to get all my jobs done to coach while here so that feels good, and learnt a lot about Zip Dee power awning repairs ( and not have Legacy Coach do it as they did a lousy job on the replacement-repairs when my friend bought the CC from them)
John H
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: lgshoup on January 30, 2013, 09:17:55 pm
Washed all the windows inside and out. Put the chairs, rug, and other misc stuff underneath. Supposed to rain tomorrow and we leave Friday AM from SOWERS project at Vero Beach, FL for Brooksville FMCA. Gotta remember to take the Texas flag in. Probably play the Yellow Rose of Texas on my Kazoo while I do that.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Roland Begin on January 31, 2013, 09:02:07 pm
Fished wires from the battery compartment forward, mounted my phenolic terminal board behind the coach batteries. First steps to re-wiring the batteries to install the Trimetric meter and our new morningstar solar controller. Drank a bit of whiskey in celebration of a job well done. Will post pics when the installation is complete. WHEW I'M TIRED :))

Roland
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave Katsuki on February 01, 2013, 12:05:04 am
Replaced the old Javelina tube monitor with a 7" LCD, surface mounted with velcro.  Next is the camera...
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Peter & Beth on February 01, 2013, 10:14:21 am
Quote from: Dave Katsuki –
Replaced the old Javelina tube monitor with a 7" LCD, surface mounted with velcro.  Next is the camera...
Smart use of Velcro!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: lgshoup on February 01, 2013, 07:11:44 pm
Bought and replaced yet another front hub cover. I should just drive back over any road I've been on in the past 5-6 years and pick them all up. Stuck this sucker on with Shoe-Goo!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: andyr on February 02, 2013, 12:44:19 am
Big couple of weeks for my old girl. I replaced the carpet in the front and in the bedroom. (hardwood down the middle). New stair treads on the entry steps. Also replaced the sink in the bathroom. Topped off the water in the house batterys. I noticed if you do enough little things it really starts to show.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wayne m on February 08, 2013, 09:36:46 pm
bye bye dometic
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: kenhat on February 08, 2013, 09:59:11 pm
@Wayne Nice job. Looks great! BTW what microwave is that?

see ya
ken
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: wayne m on February 08, 2013, 10:32:28 pm
ken
the microwave/convection is a sharp R1874f.
I installed it in 2005
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Tom Endres on February 09, 2013, 12:59:27 pm
I replaced 20 of the gas struts on overhead cabinets. They were all rated at 20#. I think 10# on the double strutted doors would have been sufficient, but couldn't find any even through the OEM.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dakota Slim on February 09, 2013, 01:38:31 pm
Big day yesterday. I replaced the 7 year old Shurflo fresh water pump and the 32 year old kitchen faucet, then cleaned & watered the 6 volt house batteries. 
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Peter & Beth on February 09, 2013, 01:42:46 pm
Quote from: Dakota Slim –
Big day yesterday. I replaced the 7 year old Shurflo fresh water pump and the 32 year old kitchen faucet, then cleaned & watered the 6 volt house batteries. 
They don't make 'em like they used to.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Haygarth on February 09, 2013, 02:41:48 pm
while here in Phxx need some things to do so have bought #2 wire to change out the #6 wire from solar panels to controller and then to batteries etc. present combiner box on roof cannot take this size so a trip to Lowes and got all the stuff to make my own design. Ordered from Amazon a new 60 amp Morningstar controller at 1/2 reg price so that will arrive next week. Putting in an 80 amp cutoff switch before controller so I can cut power from panels if ever needed. Will do the install back home in case I get into a problem. System works fine now, just trying to cut out voltage drop and have it set up if I want to put on more panels. I have 700 watts now.
Also wired in the new Progressive surge box before transfer switch.
Hmmm what can I do next!!!
John H
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Chub on February 09, 2013, 05:14:11 pm
John, I wonder what the open voltage might be on the solar panels once you open the circuit ?
Chub
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: philtravel on February 09, 2013, 07:03:31 pm
John, looks like you must have been reading HandyBob's Blog.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Haygarth on February 09, 2013, 07:46:45 pm
who's Handybob?? Must have missed a posting while we have been travelling.
John H
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Barry Beam on February 09, 2013, 08:29:15 pm
Quote from: John Haygarth –
who's Handybob?? Must have missed a posting while we have been travelling.
John H
Handy Bob's Solar Stuff (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=7976.msg34965#msg34965)
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Michael j on February 09, 2013, 09:19:19 pm
Got up bright and early this morning and started fixing thing that don't work on my coach. Started with the generator that would not start. The problem turn out to be no fuel to the fuel pump. So I removed the fuel line from the on board fuel tank and put on another hose and ran that to a 3 gallon tank. The main tank has 60 gallons in it so I need to find out whats up with that. After priming the fuel pump, the thing started right up. Yippee!!
Next I go inside the coach, nothing, no power, rats. The problem turn out to be they, the PO, had rewires the transfer switch to eliminate the generator. Lid missing on the transfer switch, so back to the web to see how to wire this thing. Rewired the switch, fired up the generator, nothing, but wait what was the noise? It's the transfer switch, we have power, another Yippee!! Found the lid under the kitchen drawers, it had sled forward during travel I guess. Yep it had the schematic on it. 
Next up the propane tank. It is not hooked up. So I connected everything as it should be, but another no go. Turn out the propane tank was empty, but I thought I heard gas hissing when I open the valve. Need to check my hearing. So I unconnected and reconnected to a 5 gallon tank, another Yippee!! Stove works, heater works after reconnecting some wires and so does the hot water tank, after a bit of messing with.
I spent a lot of time with the refrigerator, but it's dead. Going to Lowe's tomorrow and get the 10 cubic foot model.
More fun to be had tomorrow.

 
 
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Tim Fiedler on February 09, 2013, 09:51:24 pm
Front 460 engine, probably LOTS better than my Rear engine Ford 460, plus I was pushing a 36' Oshkosh, you are 29 Feet.

Pictures please.....

Congrats on your progress!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Barry Beam on February 09, 2013, 10:14:24 pm
After doing some additional air leak troubleshooting I found 2 leaking check valves (very corroded) on the Front and rear air tanks from the protection valves on the line with the aux compressor. I replaced them with part # Bendix 800372. Original part # Midland N13526BR.
Also found another leaking check Valve on the rear air tank coming from wet tank. I replaced it with Bendix Part # 800375. Original Part # Midland N13526H.
Also added another ball valve to isolate another air line to further troubleshoot this elusive leak.

While working under the coach I found a broken weld on the frame support and what looks like a hairline crack. That will have to be re welded and supported.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Tom Endres on February 10, 2013, 12:59:30 pm
Replaced the Wilkerson desiccant dryer and blue indicating silica gel desiccant for the 12V air-compressor. I let it go too long and it acclimated too much moister and dissolved the desiccant, also had to clean out air lines up to the check valve.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John S on February 10, 2013, 02:18:31 pm
I just finished rearranging the two lower bays. I consolidated one whole bay into the other so now I have the front pass thru totally empty. I can put two scooters in it for the next trip.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: lgshoup on February 11, 2013, 03:19:36 am
At the SEA Rally at Brooksville I had both windshields replaced. They covered half the deductable so my cost was $250! Excellent job. I'd tried to have these same folks replace them while in Oregon last summer and they said they couldn't ge tthe glass. Glad I waited and got both pieces dinged enough to cover on one deductable.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Michael j on February 12, 2013, 11:08:33 pm
Installed the rebuilt carburetor on the my 2900 today. The 460 runs much better, but need to change the plugs as the carb was running to rich before the rebuild.
Also bought seven new solar panels and a 45 amp Morningstar TriStar controller. Just need to find a good deal on 4 Trojan T105's.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: lgshoup on February 15, 2013, 05:38:52 am
Going to put a new lube pump on the PT Cruisr today and hook it up to the coach pending leaving Orlando Thousand Trails tomorrow (Sat).
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Ronb on February 15, 2013, 10:22:28 pm
Had the bedroom recarpeted with a lighter color of brown, and out with the old dark green carpet.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on February 15, 2013, 10:43:59 pm
Today I drove the coach to Wilmington NC (325 MILES 1 WAY) for the BB55 Fire Power Tour tomorrow, looking forward to learning more about the 5" & 16" Guns.  Nice trip since had to get another pc with serial port for the VMSpc as the old pc died.
Parked at one of my favorite spots Cracker Barrel, short drive to the ship in the AM.
By the way the new Samsung 24 cuft frig, is a wonderful replacement for the origional gas/electric fire/time bomb.
Cheers
Dave M
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Michelle on February 15, 2013, 11:13:15 pm
Quote from: Dave M –

By the way the new Samsung 24 cuft frig, is a wonderful replacement for the origional gas/electric fire/time bomb.

Great to hear since we are presently discussing the need for a new basement freezer/using that $ and going residential upstairs instead - net more capacity than we currently have with the 2 units.  Will need to research further since I don't see the Samsung currently in Lowes' inventory.

-M
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Haygarth on February 15, 2013, 11:29:51 pm
Michelle, I gather we have 2 John H's as I see in the birthday section of calander I am back to 56 !!!  Wishfull thinking on mine behalf
John H
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dakota Slim on February 16, 2013, 06:41:28 pm
I replaced my 7 year old starting battery today and finally identified the reason my turn signals weren't working. Somehow I must have inadvertently pulled off a spade connector. I checked all the fuses for continuity and one was totally dead. The one with the disconnected spade connector. b^.^d 
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: bbeane on February 17, 2013, 09:51:43 am
Just finished up replacing the water heater board with a dinosaur board, along with local spark sense/ igniter, all is good now.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: prfleming on February 17, 2013, 01:28:58 pm
My boost solenoid was not working (clicking, but not connecting the batteries). I removed it and did open-heart surgery on it - I pried off the cap, and a-haa, the copper ring that the solenoid pulls down and the terminal contact pads were corroded with a black film on the copper - after 22 years. I used some sandpaper to brighten up the copper, re-assembled everything and crimped the cap on, and now the boost switch connects the batteries. Cost of the repair - $0.00.
Peter
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dick S on February 17, 2013, 04:44:28 pm
Put new desiccant in the Wilkerson filter for the accessory compressor, again. :D
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Glockjock on February 17, 2013, 11:58:37 pm
Removed all three belt tensioners for the belts on the 3116 Cat.  Only one is squeaking, but I'll replace the bearings in all three since they are probably the same age.  I'll carry them to a machine shop tomorrow to get the bearings pressed out and then buy new bearings.  While I'm at it, I am going to follow Brett Wolfe's advice and drill a new hole in the idler arm for the hydraulic pump to detension the belt.

Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: lgshoup on February 19, 2013, 05:20:11 pm
put in a new kitchen faucet. Old one was only 7 years old but terribly gummed up with chemicals. Easier to put in a new one then clean the olld one for a spare. Also fixed a leak wheere the washer/dryer was. Going to do the bathroom faucet tomorrow. DW is deleriously happy!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Mark... on February 20, 2013, 08:52:18 pm
Quote from: lgshoup –
put in a new kitchen faucet. Old one was only 7 years old but terribly gummed up with chemicals. Easier to put in a new one then clean the olld one for a spare...

Plastic part broke in my single handle kitchen faucet and I thought I too would just buy a new one.  Cheapest we could find the OEM Moen faucet which we really like was $250+ so, I quickly decided to get the internal parts and just fix it and spiff it up.  Looks like new and works great for about $40 in parts.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dick S on February 20, 2013, 09:16:39 pm
We have had excellent experience with the manufacturer. In previous SOB, Moen replaced needed parts at no charge. In current FT, American Standard has done the same. Both of these have lifetime warranties.
Always worth a call to ask them.
Dick
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on February 20, 2013, 09:27:44 pm
This must be faucet day. Our kitchen sink faucet had been leaking with as much water on the counter as in the sink. We looked at some Euro faucets but the German varieties were $299 to $800. Since this was out of the question, where else could a nice faucet be found? Answer; China and it's buddy, Ebay. Here is the Euro style faucet we decided on: New 16" Brushed Nickel Kitchen Sink Faucet Pull Out Down Dual Spray Swivel Spout (http://www.ebay.com/itm/221171123866?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649)  Looks the same for about 25% of the price.

Installation: in order to remove the old faucet, it has to come out the bottom but before that, the major parts can be removed by taking off the lever and spout from the top. They just unscrew. The working space below is VERY tight. You can see it easily but have to really twist and turn to get wrenches back there to remove the water connection. What should have been a 15 minute job turned into an hour and a half.

Tools: just a couple of end wrenches, bright work light and a couple of adapters from any plumbing or hardware store. One large wrench is needed to secure the large brass nut that holds the faucet from turning. Lots of patience also needed as well as muscle relaxers when finished. No teflon sealant is needed, the rubber O rings work fine.

It works well with the stock water pump. You have to push the button for a spray. The button automatically returns to straight stream when the water is turned off.

There are two colors for the covers for holes left in the Corian. Off white matched ours perfectly. They only had one so waiting for the other one. 

Second photo shows the location for one of the adapters.

Pierce
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dean & Dee on February 20, 2013, 10:33:49 pm
Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart –
Answer; China and it's buddy, Ebay. Here is the Euro style faucet we decided on: New 16" Brushed Nickel Kitchen Sink Faucet Pull Out Down Dual Spray Swivel Spout (http://www.ebay.com/itm/221171123866?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649)  Looks the same for about 25% of the price.

Pierce

                      Nice find Pierce. Looks good and a great price. We may have to order one to replace our leaky galley faucet.

                            Dean
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: CAPEHORN31 on February 21, 2013, 07:03:48 pm
Replaced the following solenoids : ignition, boost and remote start and all circuit breakers and Bosch switches next to the isolator.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Larry Rubin on February 21, 2013, 09:17:42 pm
Installed (with help from a muffler shop) a new AquaHot exhaust.  The old one had rusted pretty bad and I was tired of having the exhaust come out under the living room slide.  There was no way to open the window even if just using the AquaHot for hot water.

It's a 1.75 inch pipe welded from two pieces and mounted with 3 hangers.  I used the old chrome tip which was very pitted but sanded and sprayed it with high temp aluminum color paint.  The tip is butt mounted with a strap which was cut down from one for a larger diameter pipe.  (Most fun part of the whole project.)

I will paint the whole pipe to reduce the chance of rust and may add a heat shield over the first bend.  Infrared temp sensor showed it got to almost 300 degrees at the bend --- really not that bad but who needs that heat baking the bottom?

Additional plus is the long pipe really cuts down on the exhaust noise.
The selected media item is not currently available.  The selected media item is not currently available.The selected media item is not currently available.The pipe is not as close to the AquaHot air input as it looks in the picture.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Roland Begin on February 21, 2013, 10:21:52 pm
Must be a kitchen faucet week. I replaced the kitchen faucet with an American Standard that I picked up at Lowe's. I also installed two shut offs. I removed the shelf under the sink when we first moved into the coach to store some tall stuff under there. That a and shark bite fittings made the installation a as snap.

Roland
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Horace B. Cupp on February 22, 2013, 10:15:55 am
Reupholstered the sofa with ultra suede (generic) and recovered the valances, both in something other than the "zebra" stuff that Ray,s sister had put in there originally. It looks fantastic. I am very pleased and so is the HLWAIC. I haven.see the bill yet.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: red tractor on February 25, 2013, 09:17:18 pm
I replaced both dump valves and while I had the valves out also replaced the water check valve as it can not be changed while the dump valves are in place.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Don Hay on February 25, 2013, 09:36:10 pm
Had the carpets (original - 21 years old and still in great shape) professionally cleaned. Finally fixed the locking mechanism of the biggest storage bay (D2). Apparently over the years the frame has twisted just enough that the tang wouldn't insert behind the frame member. Some "high-pressure" bending of the tang solved the problem. It required disassembling the locking mechanism and a few e-clips, but all is well.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: ChuSmith on February 26, 2013, 07:51:52 pm
Just a quick Note of thanks to the forum as a community.
I had to replace the chassis batteries over the weekend and after some close visual and audible inspection, noticed that the belt tensioners were really squealing at me. After a bit a searching I found Barry's information and along with some other input, ordered the 2 Gates 38504 tensioners from Amazon. 

Glad to be a part of the group.

Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Horace B. Cupp on February 27, 2013, 05:52:39 pm
I got the bill for reupholstering my sofa (ultraleather) and recovering the valances. A bit less than $400. My DW ordered the material from some place in Naples, FL. It was less tha $100 and the labor was $295. I am one happy camper.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: gam on February 27, 2013, 11:18:10 pm
Replaced the silica crystal cat litter inside the coach . I use half of a bag front and rear in open buckets to control moisture inside the coach when in storage.Gam
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave Head on March 02, 2013, 01:26:36 pm
Oil and filter changes on the 10KW. 4 quarts, Napa gold 1064 (oil) and 3390 (fuel). 210 hours since last filter change (Sept 2010). 400 more hours to next air filter change (Napa gold 2276).
I need to replace the iso mounts. Only issue found - lock bolt for tray had vibrated out and the gennie was riding 2" forward, contributing to the vibration.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on March 02, 2013, 11:45:23 pm
Six degrees this morning, roads are clear, no snow in the forecast so after turning on the block heater last night, checking engine oil and coolant, tire pressure and making preparations to get under way we opened the doors to the barn and started our coach, let her warm up, and pulled out for a twenty minute drive.  She started right up, no hesitation. Very good feeling.  After our drive the coach was up to normal operation temps and it was time to back into the barn, a 400 ft trip with about 150 degrees of turn.  While the roads are free from ice our gravel driveway is not and there was a bit of slipping going on until I stopped and put down some sand.  Life is good!  Some dewinterizing to do and then we are leaving for Nac next weekend and then points west for 4-5 weeks.

This is our third season with our Foretravel.  We have great confidence in its reliability and a much greater understanding of how all of the various systems work thanks in great part to the generous help from fellow owners on this forum.

See you on the road, our tag says it all, Home 2.

Roger
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: sawdust316 on March 05, 2013, 11:00:22 am
Gary & Dave:

Thanks a bunch, I think you guys just saved me a boat load of $$$. I forgot to mention that home is about 30 miles northwest of Bangor Maine. If parked here in the winter outside it could possibly qualify as extreme.

Do not have indoor storage at this time, ground to frozen for construction.

Had to return for many Dr's appointments DW and self. You know, This is the "Golden Years" You give all your gold to the doctors.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dub on March 06, 2013, 02:12:29 pm
Last weekend we removed the rear double stainless bumper to repair 2 cracks in the fiberglass on each rear corner just above the bumper. That bumper is as heavy as it looks and myself and 2 young men sat it to the ground. The 2 young men faired well but I have been taking aleve since then for my back. The young man did a really nice job repairing the cracks and repainting. Over the past 2 years I have had some yellow stains appear on/ in the gel coat. The man I have hired told me to get a bottle of 3m 06060 extra cut compound and we took that and a 7 in polisher to a 2 ft stain. It is cutting it off and left a pretty and white gel coat behind. We will togeother do the entire coach starting this weekend. I am anxious to complete the face lift on the 280 as it is a job over due... We will apply a coat of wax after finished. The 3m 06060 is a good product but at $42.00 a quart with tax it should be.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Peter & Beth on March 10, 2013, 04:23:17 pm
Today was a nice day in Cincinnati.  Temps in the 60's so it was a good time to take Forrest out for a 30 mile jog.  Exercised the genset, Roof & dash A/C's, etc.  All is good in the universe.  All workings are in good order. Tires checked and no air was needed to go on the track.  Boost solenoid working, pumped the air disk brakes as usual to keep the slide pins moving, retarder okay, etc.  Next routine in 30 days when we'll likely go to the spa at Cummins Bridgeway to get the full body treatment and annual physical...colonoscopy, all fluid tranfusions and all  ;D
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Ronb on March 10, 2013, 09:42:34 pm
I joined the resonator club today. Installed the 50x50XL using part of the original exhaust componets and a new 5" 45 and 90 degree elbows. Mine is 5" right off the turbo so no reducers needed. Sound is a little deeper but not excessively loud. Have not drove it yet but I expect a little increase in performance and hopefully maybe better mileage.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on March 10, 2013, 10:34:30 pm
Two things I was pretty sure I would never do.  We left Hastings, MN this AM.  There is more than a foot of snow on the ground and it rained all day yesterday.  This morning was wet bu no more rain and none of the snow predicted.  We left for Nac.  As soon as we hit Iowa it started to rain seriously then about Ames it snowed for about two hours.  I stopped once to clear the wipers.  There was almost an inch of snow plastered to the front.  A bit further on it returned to rain and then just mist.  Never thought I would drive in the snow.  Then because we were cautious and careful and drove a reasonable speed (saw 8-10 cars in the ditch) we were a bit behind schedule and drove through Kansas City in the dark on our way to Camp Walmart in Olathe.  Safe and Sound!

We found fuel just North of KC at $3.799/gal.  Filled up.  The 494 mile trip to that point used 50.2 gallons according to my newly installed VMSpc.  That is 9.84 mpg pulling my 3600 lb Jeep Wrangler at 65-67 mph except when the snow was falling.

Life is Good!  Nac for service on Wed.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Michelle on March 10, 2013, 10:41:20 pm
Quote from: Home2fromHastings –
Life is Good!  Nac for service on Wed.

Warming trend this week - perfect time to explore Nac.  I wonder if the azaleas are blooming at Mize Gardens yet?

Michelle
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Don Hay on March 11, 2013, 11:22:24 am
Quote from: Michelle –
Warming trend this week - perfect time to explore Nac.  I wonder if the azaleas are blooming at Mize Gardens yet?

Michelle

Answer: It's about 2 weeks too soon. By the last week in March, first week in April, azalea's will be at their peak. A few bushes are blooming, but not the majority.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: gam on March 14, 2013, 12:23:33 pm
Not to but for. I'm trying for an attachment for the first time. Completed Foretravel port and had building inspection. Gam
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Barry Beam on March 14, 2013, 01:29:53 pm
Quote from: gam –
Not to but for. I'm trying for an attachment for the first time. Completed Foretravel port and had building inspection. Gam

I may have to move out of Calif. just so I can have the room for one of these. Looks great.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Don & Tys on March 14, 2013, 01:32:35 pm
I want one! ^.^d
Don
Quote from: gam –
Not to but for. I'm trying for an attachment for the first time. Completed Foretravel port and had building inspection. Gam
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: nitehawk on March 14, 2013, 01:55:15 pm
Bought two new director's chairs from HF. Now going to get rid of the "bag" chairs as they are uncomfortable after awhile and start the back hurting. These new chairs have a tray on one side and a multi-pocketed bag on the other side.
Construction is quite good. Weight capacity is 250#. Seat height is 24". Fabric color is green.
Price was $27.99 each. Had 20% off coupon so price was $22.39 each. Not bad for something that will be used a lot.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: gam on March 14, 2013, 04:36:59 pm
Attachment worked so I'll try one more. I had to extend the existing concrete pad a little over 4' to get the nose of the Foretravel inside a fence. I poured  a free floating pad,and blocked in two piers. So I now have a split tailed parking spot. Works well to get all the way around the differential or checking the breaks. Turn the Foretravel around and you can work around the front end. Because it's free floating with that 350 HP diesel at Ideal the pad dose move but will not crack.GAm
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: minibeast on March 14, 2013, 08:00:27 pm
Well, reorganized the basements so all my sound equipment would fit in with my regular entertainment supplies (tables, grill, chairs, etc)
Installed a TV slide to mount the small outside tv to instead letting it bounce around in the basement.
Oil change next Monday and she'll be ready for the races in Homestead the following Weekend (22nd -24th)
Fingers crossed that the car holds together this weekend as I'll finally have some competition in my class.
OOOooooo, and I finally found the adapter so I can flush the holding tanks! Can you say FUN? LOL


Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John S on March 14, 2013, 08:17:29 pm
Must be something going around. I did the same thing.  I cleaned out one whole bay. I have a small fridge down there so we can survive while David changes out the current one for the residential model.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on March 14, 2013, 08:34:02 pm
OK, I'll play.
Today as usual, being the typical lazy bum, and after the days work, I enjoyed and took a nice cat-nap, why I call it the  Man Cave.  ;D
Dave M
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: J. D. Stevens on March 14, 2013, 08:43:26 pm
Quote from: Dave M –
OK, I'll play.
Today as usual, being the typical lazy bum, and after the days work, I enjoyed and took a nice cat-nap, why I call it the  Man Cave.  ;D
Dave M

^.^d
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dan Stansel on March 15, 2013, 03:16:29 pm
Today,  I am installing a 31 inch sound bar with built in woofer by Hitachi which I picked up at Sam's.
This will be under the storage cabinets on the passenger side all the way to the rear next to kitchen.
When traveling last summer I noticed that It was difficult to hear the TV over the air conditioners.
This will allow me to turn the volume up or down in the front and also have the sound bar to bring up or down the volume in the kitchen area.  This way no one is blown out at one end trying to hear.  I am also putting a switch on the aux air compressor so I can turn off, if desired, without having to pull the fuse.  I have also traced a thumping noise which sometimes appears over the driver's head.  It is in the roll up TV antenna.  Tks DAN
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dean & Dee on March 15, 2013, 05:38:53 pm
                   Finally finished putting two coats of wax on. Arms sore but coach shines like a mirror. Worth every aching muscle.
    Also cleaned and organized the lower bays preparing for our drive to Nac on Sunday.

                      Dean
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: nitehawk on March 15, 2013, 10:43:32 pm
Dean, hope you did the "Wax on, Wax off" thing.

Norm
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: qcj on March 16, 2013, 06:24:59 pm
Changed the oil and filter and greased the chassis.  3 hours total and ready to go another year.  Chappell
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: coastprt on March 17, 2013, 11:43:32 pm
Replaced the funky 20year old worn out recliner (Cindy made me replace it) with a Lane Oakbrook 28" wide swivel rocker recliner similar to the Lazy boy Harbor Town model.  Oakbrook Rocker Recliner - Lane 1729 (http://www.ifurn.com/lane-lane-1729.html?source=google_OakbrookRecliner&gclid=CMm69cWjhbYCFQ-xnQodomgAeQ) We had the swivel feature added and also the round base. It's very comfortable and plenty big enough for an average sized person.  It gives more space in the living room and I didn't have to bolt it down.  I've always loved a good rocking chair and now I have one in my coach!  Also with the money saved over other more expensive models I can think about other mods.

We also gave the carpet a good cleaning since it is springtime here and time to get busy!  The carpet is still in good shape after 20 years like Don and Trudy Hay's and its amazing what a good cleaning does for the psyche! 

Jerry and Cindy
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Jimmy Freytag on March 18, 2013, 12:58:25 pm
Jerry, that chair looks great, I bet Cindy picked it out.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: phenix40 on March 19, 2013, 07:12:55 am
  Changed all tank sensors & had silver leaf reprogramed! Changed out relay booster. Also ordered g4 replacement led bulbs $12.57 per bulb 800-844-8593. CSA Corp Riviera Beach FL 33404
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Haygarth on March 19, 2013, 03:35:44 pm
Question answered.
John H
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John S on March 19, 2013, 04:08:27 pm
Just had the Road Speed Sensor and my rear main seal on the transmission replaced. The cost including one gallon of transynd and labor and parts was a bit over 400 dollars. I was happy with that number as I did not hit the 1000 dollar a day threshold that I get in Nac.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Roland Begin on March 24, 2013, 05:28:58 pm
Not so much what did I do to the coach, but rather what did the coach do to me. Hot water heater crapped out. Had a sink full of dishes after baking bread. The thermo cut out went bonkers. Ordered a couple from Amazon. Have it out of the circuit for now, water heater works OK without it. I figure they must have in tree for a reason, ergo te order to Amazon.

Roland
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John S on March 24, 2013, 05:32:35 pm
If I remember from my old FT if you remove the thermo coupling it will not shut off. So you can make hot water but you have to shut it off when you are done.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Roland Begin on March 24, 2013, 05:34:53 pm
Thanks John did not know that, but we always turn it off after the water is hot....saves propane as we are usually dry camped.

Roland
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: cynjac on March 24, 2013, 09:44:25 pm
Converted the 5 Thin Lites to LEDs. Much better lighting - now I can see.

Added LEDs with door switch to the pantry for the DW.

I have 10 F15T8/CW fluorescent bulbs that need a home. If interested drop me an email or message.

Have converted all the incandescent bulbs to LEDs. All that's left on the interior is the 3 U-tube fluorescents down the center of the mid coach.



jack
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: bbeane on March 25, 2013, 08:50:04 pm
Fun weekend, removed all the old calking on all roof seams and re-calked them. Had a small propane leak around the refrigerator electric shut off solenoid, removed the valve and replaced the o-ring between the coil and the brass valve, all good now. Polished both front wheels.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Bill Willett on March 30, 2013, 09:56:13 am
Ordered a new Frigidaire FFHT10F2LB 9.9 cu.ft. black energy star rated frige. ^.^d
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Gary Bouland (RIP) on March 30, 2013, 09:58:07 am
Bill, Did your old reefer fail or are you just getting ahead of the curve ?
Gary B
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Bill Willett on March 30, 2013, 11:55:06 am
Gary, I replaced the coil 3 years ago with an Amish unit that worked great,the box on the Dometic developed a  stress crack in the freezer and let moisture into the coil area, there was no damage to the coil, so I junked the box and saved the parts in case someone needed them.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Rich Bowman on April 01, 2013, 04:50:02 am
Replaced both 10 year old A/C shrouds.  The old ones were cracking and missing some pieces.  Hope this fixes a water leak I found in the front unit when I took off the inside cover to find the model number.

Made a 2-piece birch-plywood cover for the sink to give us a little more counter space when making meals.

Rich
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: nitehawk on April 07, 2013, 08:47:54 am
Sent in the renewel fee ($95.00) for our personalized license plates.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: MR B2 on April 07, 2013, 01:06:25 pm
Pulled the Batterys out and have them on charge, Mainly to get rid of the acid that is all over every thing, will dose the lot with baking soda and hose it off,

As the Drag link was bent with an Oxy when it was converted to RHD, It has been Rejected by the Engineer and the Mechanic, So now I have to get a new drag link made and Engineered,
These parts are unobtainable here in Australia,
So the Company making the Drag link have asked for all the parts to be given to them, and they will machine them all so they will fit Ford ball joints, I can buy them off the shelf any where here,
The drag link will be remanufactured so that I will have a screwed ball joint each end and a threaded tube for adjustment, So in future, I only have to buy a ball joint for each end of the Drag link,

I have the bus up on jacks, the front wheel off, ( thats one heavy wheel,) I have to make up a puller tomorrow so I can get the steering link out of the bus,
It needs a sharp heavy impact to break the taper, But there is no way I can swing a 14 Lb hammer under there, So I will load it up with the puller, a bit of heat and the hit it again, Hopefully it will break out.

The Transformer that was put in, cooked itself, It was red hot, so I cut the cables with insulated bolt cutters and removed it from the Bus,
I could smell burning electrics, Had no idea where it as coming from, finally found the transformer under the bed, Lucky I was there, Or my bus could have been burnt to the ground,

I have a groove in the windscreen, right on the bend, So epoxy is out, and polishing will distort it to much, distortion is not allowable here for roadworthy,
So its going to be importing from FT or making my own mould here for it,
Cost is the big factor here,
$700 from FT, But the wooden box it comes in, has to be changed to wood that Australian customs will allow into the country, Then a shipping company to import it, Etc Etc, Which could end up around the 2000 mark by the time it gets here,
Or, $3500 to make the mould, But I will own the mould, so any one that needs a new right hand windscreen will have to buy it from me,
This way, I will have the mould, and if I break a windscreen it will only cost me, around $300 for a new one, But I can sell windscreens to the 7 other Grand Villa's already here, So in time I can recoup my very large outlay for the mould,
Decisions, Decisions,
I finally sorted the bursting hose on the steering box, 3 times so far, including a whole new hose, I replaced it with high pressure hose, The return line is pressurised, so it needs high pressure hose, Not the wire enclosed hose it came with,
It was getting very expensive, as it would pump all the fluid out onto the road and all up under the bus every time it split, At $50-00 a time,
Replaced burnt out wires on the back of the motor, Soldering wires that were just squeezed together in the dash for the conversion, they just pull out of the fittings.

Bought all the new lights, the ones on it were the wrong colour,  More reflectors on the sides, Still looking for why all the dash lights dont work, probably a loose wire some where,

The air bags are perished and need replacing, The bearings on the tailshaft are cactus as well.

I am lucky that I can do most of the work myself, 

Yes, I am very happy with my new second hand coach, Its 25 years old, so I expect it to be needing some things,

The TV's and DVD that were in it have been stolen, Who knows where they went,

Another installment later, At least it came with all the manuals, Whew, They have made it a lot easier,
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Chuck Pearson on April 07, 2013, 03:53:23 pm
Quote from: MR B2 –


I have a groove in the windscreen, right on the bend, So epoxy is out, and polishing will distort it to much, distortion is not allowable here for roadworthy,


I've seen some glass pits filled with water white clear epoxy that was undetectable when put over a smooth ding. The pits were slightly overfilled then sanded/polished to the level of the glass.  That might be worth a try anyway, the glass ding repair kits would be a likely place to start.  Really sounds like splitting hairs as you say there are Grand Villas around and I've never seen a coach glass that didn't distort somewhat where the glass takes a bend, nature of the beast. 
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Carol & Scott on April 07, 2013, 09:58:30 pm
Replaced the front TV with a 40" Samsung Slim and bypassed the DHS using a Samsung sound bar.  Full write up is on another thread. OK - I give up again - Bose amp. location? (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=17607.0) 
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: twobus on April 08, 2013, 01:22:40 am
Installed rebuild kits in both fanbelt idler pulleys. Tomorrow my mechanic pal "gets" to replace the driver side exhaust manifold gasket. I'd do that job myself but the fasteners are giving me the stinkeye, saying "go ahead, make my day"... I bet half of them break or strip or round off and he's got the tools to deal with that sort of poor behaviour. After that, it's Lubro Moly diesel purge time and hope that makes whichever injector that acts up when cold behave itself, then I need to find out why plugging my wife's fancy coffeemaker in the kitchen outlet results in popping the GFI in the head. Since it does this whether on the inverter, genset, or shore power, I suspect I need a new GFI outlet in there. But boy oh boy the list of things that need attention is so small I'm pinching myself still. It's kind of a joy working on something that was built with care and high standards by people that put some thought into how that something was going to get used.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: J. D. Stevens on April 08, 2013, 10:20:10 am
Quote from: twobus –
I need to find out why plugging my wife's fancy coffeemaker in the kitchen outlet results in popping the GFI in the head. Since it does this whether on the inverter, genset, or shore power, I suspect I need a new GFI outlet in there.
If the "fancy coffeemaker" is the only appliance that trips the GFI, it may be an issue in the coffeemaker rather than the GFI. I suggest that you try the coffeemaker in several outlets, including a GFI in a house without wheels.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: twobus on April 08, 2013, 11:12:00 am
heh.. it's on a GFI normally, at home. I haven't tried other power-drawing things on that circuit yet, but that's on the to-do list. All I know for sure is that having that machine making coffees for us in the morning is mission-critical...
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Tim Fiedler on April 08, 2013, 11:50:34 am
Most likely gfi, they weaken over time
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Roland Begin on April 08, 2013, 05:04:02 pm
Our GFI went south shortly after we purchased our Grand Villa. Took a bunch of troubleshooting to find out exactly where the problem was as there are a ton of outlets on the thing. I had outlets out all over the place, thought I had a serious problem. No sweat after I changed out the GFI.

Roland
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: jor on April 08, 2013, 07:09:07 pm
Trik-L-Start

Installed a nifty Triklstart deal. We put a Magnum in our last coach but I'm thinkin' this little guy ought to do the job. Wish the isolator was under the bed on this one!
jor


Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Roland Begin on April 08, 2013, 10:18:30 pm
Installed a new alternator, air dryer and replaced the hinges on the entry door.....Well, I didn't do it but I will be paying the bill before we leave Mecca.

Roland
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: rbark on April 08, 2013, 11:07:14 pm
Finally installed a resonator. Would post pictures but they'd look like all the other ones :P
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: coastprt on April 09, 2013, 02:04:52 pm
Installed a new starter solenoid. The old one was 20 years old and starting to act up.  It's a cole hersee #24213 and matches the booster solenoid that I replaced last summer.  I bought it at O'reileys for $65 and they told me it was a stock item now.  I also bought a new low-profile creeper from Harbor Freight on sale now for $30.  It's light, very comfortable and you can even sit upright in certain places under the coach.  The old solenoid was very rusty and I had to break off the old bolts that mounted it.  The new one has an extra terminal in front which you have to run a ground wire to the chassis for it to work. 

After raising the coach up I used the 12" hitch receiver tube frame blocks and disconnected the negative terminals on the batteries before installing for safety reasons. I now have new house and chassis batteries, boost and starter solenoids, trik-l-start, and charge wizard for the PD9260 charger.  After reconnecting all components everything checked out good.  I should be okay in this department for a while.

I wouldn't know where to begin without the advice from all my ForeForum buddies!

Thanks,

Jerry

Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on April 09, 2013, 02:50:26 pm
Jerry,

Brett moved the whole panel up under the bed. Thought that was really a good idea as the present location is terrible, picks up a lot of road moisture and rusts in a hurry. Will take some measurements and if I get to it, will post photos.

Yes, the HF creeper works well and for $30, a pretty good deal.

Forum is a good deal whether a seasoned shade tree mechanic or a novice.

Pierce
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Bill Willett on April 09, 2013, 02:56:10 pm
Installed a new circuit from the inverter panel thru the center channel to the fridge location in preparation for the new fridge install.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Roland Begin on April 11, 2013, 08:35:55 pm
Got the coach out of the shop here at FOT. The outside faucet was not working, apparently the PO had an issue with freezing water and the thing was split. Their idea of a repair was to wrap the split with electrical tape. Was not a big issue with me as we don't use it all that much. Decided to replace it while I was here. Was not as simple as I envisioned but it was not that difficult to replace.

Roland
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: lgshoup on April 11, 2013, 08:38:34 pm
Had four grand sons help sort out stuff under the coach and then re-seated the tubes in the proch light. They work so I'll wait until they go bad to put in the LEDs I got for there.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Keith and Joyce on April 12, 2013, 04:45:53 pm
Went to the storage warehouse.  Moved coach back 40' so someone could get their Airstream out.  Weather still too horrible to use so gave it a pat and went home.

Whaaaaa...

Keith
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Al Miller on April 13, 2013, 08:17:00 pm
I installed a new Resonator on my 2002 u 320 ism 450 .
I did the work in Indio Ca ,
I did the same as Barry Beam
Replacing the Muffler with a Resonator (http://beamalarm.com/Documents/replacing_the_muffler_with_a_resonator.html)
Aero 50/50 xl 5 in
It was amazing
I pulled the hill east of Indio on I 10 @65 mph in 5th at 2000 rpm
Thanks to the hard work of others .
The cost was 290.00
I did all the work myself

Keep in touch
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Tim Fiedler on April 13, 2013, 08:31:49 pm
pictures are always appreciated.

May get mine done ist weekend in May - already own the Aero 5050xl
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: gam on April 14, 2013, 08:59:23 am
Just received my 5" Aero 5050XL. A thing of bebeauty . $89 on ebay including shipping.If weather ever breaks I'll install.Gam
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: lgshoup on April 14, 2013, 06:52:16 pm
Washed the front. Been cooking for a couple of weeks in the heat and not supposed to do it here but with so many already having gone north and man still here at the beach...well...it just looked like I could get it done and nobody would be the wiser.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John S on April 14, 2013, 11:44:53 pm
Got to love the resonator. 
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Michelle on April 16, 2013, 04:37:19 pm
Dewinterized it :dance:

Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: geomm on April 16, 2013, 08:23:39 pm
Bought 2 ounces of 100% peppermint oil, a big bag of cotton balls, and a roll of heavy-duty aluminum foil. I made-up 12 packets, each with about 8 cotton balls that I soaked with about 25 drops of the oil -- folded them up and poked holes in the foil.

Then I placed them in each basement bay down both sides, and another in behind the fridge -- accessed through the outside service door.

Previous to this, after having vacuumed probably 20-30 lbs of turds out from the galvanized belly trays and behind the basement trim panels, repaired all the chewed-thru wires, and wire-brushed the trays to remove the corrosion damage from the mice/rats urine to the galvanizing and re-spraying new material -- I took the advice of someone on the forum and bought a bunch of the copper brillo-type pads and stuffed them around any opening where cables and wiring came through a bulkhead along the length of the Coach.

Hope that does it.

Thank goodness they had never gained entry upstairs at all. 
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Steve Mudd on April 18, 2013, 04:10:35 pm
Spent a few days at FT last week.....installed new back up camera, undated inside window treatments, installes a VSR so all batteries are being charged when stored and put on new tires all around, balanced and front end alignment. That's enough for this year!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: nitehawk on April 18, 2013, 10:34:02 pm
Bought it a ReadyBrake for the toad--delivered this morning. Can't use air brake or hydraulic brake auxiliary systems on our coach and this seemed the best alternative. Reviews were real good and method of actuation is easily understood by this slightly above average idiot.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Roland Begin on April 19, 2013, 09:54:47 am
Quote from: nitehawk –
Bought it a ReadyBrake for the toad--delivered this morning. Can't use air brake or hydraulic brake auxiliary systems on our coach and this seemed the best alternative. Reviews were real good and method of actuation is easily understood by this slightly above average idiot.
US gear makes a braking system that uses the toad's hydraulic brakes. Simple to use, activates through the pig tail (connection for the lights). Works well.

Roland
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: nitehawk on April 19, 2013, 10:36:44 am
Thanks Roland, BUT, already got the Readybrake. May someone else find benefit in your suggestion. This forum really helps!!!!!!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: MR B2 on April 19, 2013, 11:32:36 am
More like a week or two, Hahaha, 
Have got the steering all sorted out, made a new steering box holder, stiffened it up quite substantially, Finally got the drag link out, Cant swing a hammer under there, So I had to make a couple of pullers up, It went off with a bang when it finally cracked off,

Its now getting a brand new Drag link made up, It will have a ball joint each end, and bigger ball joints, Ford ones, I can buy them off the shelf any where here, I just screw them into the drag link each end, I dont have to buy a drag link ever again,

The steering box was an inch short when I put it back in, so I lowered the steering wheel, cut a bigger hole in the floor, Different angle, Fits perfect, A new rubber seal under the floor mat for the steering column,

The windscreen came out today, Its off to the supplier to have a new one made, They will make a mould for it, At least we will now have an Aussie supplier for our screens,

I had a groove in the window, It could not be epoxyed as it was on the corner, and the buffing would have created distortion to the screen, and would not pass a roadworthy,

I had to make up a platform for the installer to stand on, to get the window out, 4 feet off the ground,

The batterys and terminals are all cleaned up with Bicarb soda and ready to go back in, I will paint the battery box first,
The acid was 1/2 an inch thick in the box, The terminals were white fuzzy things,

Replaced the burnt out wires on the motor, Just old age I think,

Now to work on the bus electrics, Not my Forte, Just take my time, I will get there,

Quite a few clearance and coloured lights and reflectors had to be changed, Wrong colours for OZ,

Had to put a, Do not pass turning vehicle,  sign on the back as it is longer than 7 metres,

Crash course in learning all about my Bus, well worth the effort, As if it breaks down out in the back blocks, I can fix it on the side of the road, and it wont leave me stranded,
I shouted it a full set of 3/4 drive sockets, Ratchet and bars, up to 2 inch, I needed them to get the front wheel off,

Still very impressed with my Coach, The stress of buying unseen and from another country. now totally gone,

Thanks for your help, The people on here are wonderfull, and full of good advice,

Cant wait to take it for a decent drive, and go camping in it,

The couple of times that I have driven it, People stand and look at it, Its quite a novelty here, It definately stands out,

Cheers,
Brian,
The Crazy Old Geezer from OZ, Hahahaha

Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Benjie Zeller on April 19, 2013, 05:58:55 pm
Sold it, but I'll be back! :D
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Carol & Scott on April 19, 2013, 10:32:09 pm
After 5 attempts as repairs/replacement, my water faucet in the wet bay no longer leaks.  The culprit was a loose valve seat on the cold water side.  Replaced both rubber valve seat seals twice, "O" rings once.  Purchased new valves from a plumbing supply house after calling the manufacturer to get the part Number of the faucet and the valves.  Replaced the new valve seats using plumbers putty.  Reassembled with new valves and still leaked.  I removed the new valve seats, used Teflon tape on the threads and it no longer leaks...drip.....drip.....drip.....  The original Cold valve seat was loose, not tight when I removed it.  I didn't think about it at the time but I should have removed the original valve seats to clean, inspect and reset.

Should have done that first and it would have saved me lots of aggravation and 25 bucks. ??? 
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Bob Thomas on April 22, 2013, 07:42:19 pm
Had a front end alignment and replaced the two front tires, in the last couple weeks. The last three days did a wash and a three stage wax. So glad I had the help of a tall young man in the neighborhood.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: J. D. Stevens on April 23, 2013, 02:52:58 pm
In preparing to leave on a trip tomorrow, I checked the engine compartment for anything unusual. Found the wren's nest. Disposed of that fire hazard.

While cleaning out the debris from the nest, I saw the spring hanging loose. It was the throttle return spring which Barry and Cindy, and others, have mentioned. My brackets look good, but the hook of one of the springs had worn through. I formed a new hook and latched it up. I think this is a satisfactory solution. It's any easy fix. Having two functional springs reduces the chance of an ugly surprise. Thanks for the information on the C8.3 engine, Barry.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: minibeast on April 23, 2013, 07:27:48 pm
New MCD Shades and almost finished on the TV mod! ;D
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Michelle on April 23, 2013, 08:11:45 pm
Quote from: minibeast –
New MCD Shades and almost finished on the TV mod! ;D

Are you watching The Pedicure Channel? :P
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: lgshoup on April 23, 2013, 08:17:58 pm
Started packing up stuff getting ready to leave Ft Myers on Thurs AM for NE Tennessee and another SOWERS project. Grand kids about wore us out down here! Replaced both wipers...what a job! Nuts were stuck and had to use vise grips. Broke a nozzle from the washer on pass side.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Patricia on April 23, 2013, 08:35:48 pm
Quote from: Michelle –
Are you watching The Pedicure Channel? :P
Aw, come on... I'll bet you're a fan of the "The Big Bang Theory," too!  :))
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Rich Bowman on April 24, 2013, 07:17:16 am
"I changed my oil" or "I put air in my tires" doesn't do anything for me but there are some very interesting threads in the bigger post.  For example, we just made a tow skirt based on the information that started out in a "What did you...." thread.  I'd say let it run so people can post if they want but encourage members to start a new thread if the topic is not day-to-day activities.  I just made some modifications to our dinette, so in a few days, I will start a new post and throw in a couple of pictures in case members are interested.

Rich
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John S on April 24, 2013, 07:47:19 am
Out with the old fridge and the new one is in the box but not tied down yet.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Carol Savournin on April 24, 2013, 05:12:12 pm
Today in Tucson, I am cleaning and reorganizing all my pantries ... long overdue!  Jeff poked his head in the front door from outside and said,"Carol, I need you to take a look at our neighbors, across the way."  I stepped outside and took a look.  Now ... it is 2PM, 95 degrees, with bright sun and an intermittent breeze.  The coach is fairly dark in color and the roof does not appear to be painted.  The woman is on her hands and knees ON that roof, with a large sun hat, a basket of rags and what appears to be a bottle of wax.  She is busily rubbing and scrubbing, and has been at it for some time.  "You see!", he says to me ... "He has his wife VERY well trained!  YOU could be up on our coach doing that!"                          My response was unprintable. 
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Michelle on April 24, 2013, 05:15:03 pm
Quote from: Carol Savournin –
The woman is on her hands and knees ON that roof, with a large sun hat, a basket of rags and what appears to be a bottle of wax.  She is busily rubbing and scrubbing, and has been at it for some time.  "You see!", he says to me ... "He has his wife VERY well trained!  YOU could be up on our coach doing that!"                          My response was unprintable.

Carol - don't you guys have roof coating so you don't NEED to wax the roof?  Perhaps you should have told her about the forum and the current topic discussing roof coatings :))  It would have been the FoFum thing to do ;)

Michelle
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Carol Savournin on April 24, 2013, 05:22:58 pm
Quote from: Michelle –
Carol - don't you guys have roof coating so you don't NEED to wax the roof?  Perhaps you should have told her about the forum and the current topic discussing roof coatings :))  It would have been the FoFum thing to do ;)

Michelle

Yes ... we certainly do have the roof painted, Thank Goodness!!  I am trying to figure out what their SOB is ... and I may wander over and see them later ... but if she is nuts enough to get on that roof and and wax away in the first place, I don't hold out any hope that she's gonna want to hear from me.  They appear to be excruciatingly tidy people ... she may wax the seat on her commode, as well.  Ya just never know with people!
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Bill Willett on April 24, 2013, 05:32:06 pm
Carol, is Jeff sleeping on the roof tonight. ;D
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: txforetravel on April 24, 2013, 05:47:14 pm
God, I hope you don't wax the seat of your turbo turd 3000 or you WILL get sucked in for sure!  That "thang" is just plain scary! 
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John Haygarth on April 24, 2013, 06:01:17 pm
Carol, were are you parked, at Justins or skp's??
John H
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Barry Beam on April 24, 2013, 06:49:00 pm
Replaced B/R 15" TV with a Samsung 24" LED TV.
All I needed to do was move the TV mount over a few inches and drill new mounting holes on the mount as they were different on the new TV.

Cleaned out all the bays and storage areas and washed the coach.

Changed oil and Filter in Generator.

Went to Harbor Freight and picked up 2 - 12 ton Bottle Jacks just in case. Good Price $29.99 ea
12 Ton Heavy Duty Low Profile Industrial Hydraulic Bottle Jack (http://www.harborfreight.com/12-ton-heavy-duty-low-profile-industrial-hydraulic-bottle-jack-69481.html)

Working on the air leaks (Separate Tread)
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Kent Speers on April 24, 2013, 06:55:17 pm
Barry, are you going to carry the bottle jacks with you. I carried one in the coach for four years and the only time I touched it was to get it out of the way.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Barry Beam on April 24, 2013, 07:10:50 pm
Quote from: Kent Speers –
Barry, are you going to carry the bottle jacks with you. I carried one in the coach for four years and the only time I touched it was to get it out of the way.
I agree, but for now I will carry them. The other day while working on the air lines I could not raise the bag on one side. I wasn't sure how I was going to get underneath the coach to work on the problem.
Fortunately I could raise the opposite side and was able to squeeze under and work on it.
So I decided I better pick up the bottle jacks just in case it catches me unprepared on the road.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Carol & Scott on April 24, 2013, 07:54:27 pm
Finally - Today we put Texas plates on the ol' girl and donated some dough to the Texas economy.  (We also got our drivers licenses so we are now official "Texans".  It feels great to have those two HUGE items off our check list.) ;D
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: ohsonew on April 24, 2013, 08:36:20 pm
Scott & Carol,

Congrats on getting that far. When my time comes I may be bending your ear on the ins and outs.

Larry
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dick S on April 24, 2013, 09:48:04 pm
Upgraded our Dish Network DVR system. We have had a VIP 722 DVR for several years and it would get so hot it would shut off.
A few days ago we had Dish come out and install their Hopper/Joey equipment. The Hopper component sits where the 722 was, is just enough smaller to allow the cabinet door to close completely, and seems to run cooler.
The Joey part is much smaller, is installed on the wall behind the BR TV, and connects to the Hopper with the existing coax cable.
This thing is great. I don't know why we didn't jump on this much sooner. Because we have an equipment service plan with Dish and agree to continue it for 4 months, the service call was free. The equipment is free, but is leased and that increased our bill $10/month (we owned our 722 outright). We also agreed to a two year contract.
Rockey loves it. She can record ALL of the four prime time channels from 7 to 10 PM 7 nights a week. Then she deletes what she doesn't want and for those she does watch, it "hops" over the commercials! Such a deal.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John S on April 24, 2013, 10:02:33 pm
Put in an UPS for the DVRs so that they did not need to reset every time i disconnect
also had FOT finish putting in the residential fridge.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Barry Beam on April 24, 2013, 10:05:57 pm
Quote from: Dick S –
Upgraded our Dish Network DVR system. We have had a VIP 722 DVR for several years and it would get so hot it would shut off.
I had a DVR burn out in that cabinet due to the excessive heat so I put a muffin fan in that cabinet blowing on the DVR and it made a big difference. I also put a thermostat on it to turn it off wen it was cooler.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Barry Beam on April 24, 2013, 10:06:58 pm
Quote from: John S –
Put in an UPS for the DVRs so that they did not need to reset every time i disconnect
also had FOT finish putting in the residential fridge.
What model did you find that was small enough to fit in that cabinet??
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John S on April 24, 2013, 10:20:51 pm
Barry, it is RF197.  It is the biggest that will fit with the intellic on the bottom and in the small space I had to put it in.  I think it will work just fine.  Dick Henry put the same one in his Nimbus.  Dave M put a bigger one in but it would not fit in this coach so we chose to put in the RF197. I had David and Brent measure before I ordered it when I was here in January.  It barely fits but it fits. It took a full day to make it fit.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Barry Beam on April 24, 2013, 10:25:18 pm
Quote from: John S –
Barry, it is RF197.  It is the biggest that will fit with the intellic on the bottom and in the small space I had to put it in.  I think it will work just fine.  Dick Henry put the same one in his Nimbus.  Dave M put a bigger one in but it would not fit in this coach so we chose to put in the RF197. I had David and Brent measure before I ordered it when I was here in January.  It barely fits but it fits. It took a full day to make it fit.
I was talking about the UPS not the refer.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John S on April 24, 2013, 10:34:21 pm
it is a cyber power and it is pretty small and I put it in the compartment next to the DVD player.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dick S on April 24, 2013, 10:52:45 pm
Barry, we saw your fan and thermostat setup. We copied it. ;D
And we went through two 722s quickly. The 3rd one lasted about four years, probably thanks to the fan.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: John S on April 24, 2013, 10:59:04 pm
I put a muffin fan in as well. It works with the louvered doors to keep that area cooler.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Don Hay on April 24, 2013, 11:28:42 pm
To quote Scott:  "Finally - Today we put Texas plates on the ol' girl and donated some dough to the Texas economy.  (We also got our drivers licenses so we are now official "Texans".  It feels great to have those two HUGE items off our check list.)"

Just a question Scott:  Did you and Carol both pass your Class B driver's test for the coach, or was this just a regular automobile driver's exam?  If the former, that is indeed quite an accomplishment and hurdle to have behind you.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: rbark on April 25, 2013, 01:05:12 am
Barry, where did you get the fan and thermostat? Is it 110 volts or 12 volts?
  Thanks, Richard B.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Barry Beam on April 25, 2013, 09:42:43 am
Quote from: rbark –
Barry, where did you get the fan and thermostat? Is it 110 volts or 12 volts?
  Thanks, Richard B.

12vdc , The thermostat is one used for Home A/C Heating picked up at Home Depot I think
Fan can be bought at any Electronics store. I think I bought mine at Orvacs.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Dave Cobb on April 25, 2013, 10:05:38 am
With pleasure we almost finished emptying out everything from the U-225.  Wow, there is a lot of "stuff".  I found a crock pot, an ice cream freezer that works in the freezer, and a martini shaker!  We sure have lots of things, when I see all the new boxes stacked on the warehouse shelves.  Worst is that before we started unloading, not one single cabinet or drawer was full, and we had several cabinets completely empty for an over night guest.

We are getting the next coach in a couple of weeks, will have only basic getting home things, but will get an "empty" weight with all fluids full.  Then we can reload and reweigh in a month we will see how much our "stuff" weights.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Rob L. on April 25, 2013, 02:35:18 pm
took it in to Penske RV service to have routine yearly servicing.
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: minibeast on April 25, 2013, 02:39:26 pm
Today, new remotes for the locking system and some air leaks fixed in the leveling system.
Next Monday - Roof coating at FOT
Title: Re: What did you do to your coach today.
Post by: Michelle on April 27, 2013, 12:48:44 pm
Closing this topic to new posts

Quote from: Michelle –
74+% of the poll respondents prefer the topic be locked and new, individual topics be started.

Since it's in the Tech Talk board, which is for technical help on your coach, I think that makes the most sense for the current topic.  I will lock it (and as I get time, try to split out more of the topics from it), and encourage folks that if it's more than "I changed a light bulb" or "I bought it some parts" (particularly if you have some questions) then tell us about it in its own topic.

A generic, catch-all, light topic of "What did you do to your coach, part 2" can always be started in the Fire Ring since there is an interest (myself included) in sharing the smaller accomplishments.  Keep in mind than a number of folks prefer only reading Discussions, Tech Talk, and Renovations, so questions, etc. should be asked on those boards if you want their expertise.  In a Fire Ring topic, there won't be as much attention given to topic maintenance.  I won't split out off-topic posts that show up in the middle of the discussion (like photos of bears when the topic is a Prevost Bus Crash - sorry to use that example, Paul, but it's fresh in my mind since I just got done fixing it).  I may split technical discussion out as needed, but keeping on-topic/on-content won't be a priority like the first 4 forums are.

Going forward, if and when a topic in Fire Ring gets large (certainly well before 30+ pages), it will be locked and we will repeat the process.

Michelle
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