We are planning to delve into Mexico this winter. I know, I know.....
What I NEED to know is what spare parts do I need to carry, without going crazy. I will carry spare belts, fuel filters etc, but need suggestions as to what else I may need. I realize that no one has a crystal ball, but a lot of you full time and have lots of experience with this concern. I also need to know WHERE to purchase the items suggested. Reading past posts, I come across the word ignition solenoid often....it's that kind of stuff I am interested in. Getting parts shipped to Mexico is not something I would look forward to. Thanks for any help. John........?????? Twig ??????
You know, I would think the fuel filters and possibly the belts, but otherwise look the coach over good before you leave. I cant think of anything that gives repetitive problems. These coach were engineered and built with the best parts available. I think if you do a good inspection you probably will be ok.
Make sure the Aqua Hot is serviced as no hot water is a bummer even if you don't need heat. I carry some A.H. spare parts probably too many, but that is my way.
Always be ready for the unforseen:
Don't bring any shells or a weapon,remember the Marine.
I like to carry a spare fresh water pump relay, hot water tank switch, water pump switch, maybe an ignition solenoid, light bulbs, any special oils or additives, etc. Have a great day
Air brake D2 governor. Get at NAPA auto parts. Cheap and easy to change. Also here is how to do it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHGcXvDmZ5E
Keith
Air Bag/Spring
Air Solenoid for HWH leveling system
Ride Height Control Valve
Glen.....you KNOW.....all you need is Me!
And Mike Leary said it best.
I have travelled México for years, and one thing I have found is their mechanics actually fix things. Of coarse they can't fix an air bag, but they sure can repair a lot of things . Their charge for labor and the time they take has always been satisfactory to me..
Dave
Throw an unmounted spare tire on the roof. Spend a few bucks and make/buy a Sunbrella cover.
Been there, done that.
Wolfe, one of the previous three owners removed the " luggage rack" do da that I've seen on other roofs. Once I figured out how to muscle up a very heavy tire, how would you suggest that I keep it in place?? I am thinking of getting the " Yacht" some new shoes, so this might be a good time to consider this idea. I know there has been discussion about this on the forum in the past.
I have a friend with a small tractor to lift it. But worse case is angle a ladder and push it up the ladder-- just a little over 100 pounds unmounted so no huge deal, even if you have to pay some young strong guy.
Getting it off the roof is very easy-- gravity!
Had the luggage rack on the U240, and it "nestled" nicely against a side and back of the rack. Dianne made a Sunbrella cover with drawstring to keep it out of the UV. Used line (ya, sailor term) to lash it in.
With no luggage rack, don't know how you would secure it.
We carried it any place we did not expect to find our size tire within a reasonable time/distance. So Alcan, Mexico, some parts of the SW, etc.
I'd bring a spare set of keys.
May have worked for a few years, but when we got your coach, the Sunbrella cover had rotted out underneath, causing leaves, twigs and water to gather, filling the tire with water and shifting so the rack became bent and loose. The tire was shot. I had to replace the rack and have a divot in the roof that I'm worried about. I vote NO, unless, as suggested, one's going to Mexico and a spare may not be available. The PO after you told me it fit our tires, WRONG, whole different size! I would suggest the tire stay up on the roof for certain trips, but take it down after returning from a trip.
A spare might fit in the basement on a U320.
Since phones work in Mexico, as well as internet, and you can mail things there, and since there are thousands of moving parts on these things, any of which can break at any time, I would have the coach serviced before you go, replace anything that looks old or near replacement if you can, like tires, shocks or airbags, and then not worry to much about it. I bet you can get almost anything you need there, as they have plenty of 18 wheelers in Mexico. But for those hard to find things, order it and have it mailed to where you are.
As to spare tires. If you don't mind the room it takes in a bay you will need a spare tire, "fully inflated" for any of the breakdown services IE: coach net to not charge you to change. If they put a tire on a rim you are on your own. Read the fine print carefully.
Keith
I have travelled México a lot... filters, ac pumps, belts are readily available and at a lot lower price than in Canada.. They run the same truck engines we do so parts are readily available... a spare fuel filter is always a good idea.. And remember these folks can actually repair things!! I have never been " Ripped Off ", if anything I feel a little guilty paying them so little for a job well done...
Others may have different experiences, but I have found if you treat them, the way you would like to be treated, I just have nothing bad to say...
Dave
VHB tape.. seems to hold the solar on the roof pretty good and I am sure your spare tire will not be a challenge... Now getting it off the roof might take some muscle... ok, maybe a lot of muscle :)) ^.^d
Next question ^.^d ?
Our coach does not turn a wheel without a mounted spare in the compartment and the tools to install it. Too many people rely on cell phones but out here, because of the mountains, there are lots of areas without service. HF bottle air jack is outstanding and gets the coach up in the air fast off the coach air.
A member just sent me a PM that some coaches don't have the 40 inch wide compartment to fit a spare in.
Having the correct belts, eight rib in our case, is good as most auto parts stores have to order them.
Yes, the Mexicans actually know how to fix things and don't rip you off. Years ago, I had the Ford factory down there put my car on their lift, replace the driveshaft bolts and didn't charge anything. Saved my bacon.
Pierce