Was curious as to what suggestions anyone might have as to what tools and parts to keep on board ?
We carry a pretty well stocked tool box including an extensive socket set, most hand tools ranging from basic pliers, vise grips, etc., various sized screwdrivers, to a large hammer :) and so on. Also, a full 20 volt cordless tool set, with accompanying bits, and blades.
For parts, have full set of all filters, and belts. Various sizes of rubber hoses, wiring, solderless connectors, fuses, many types of adhesives and tapes. Circuit tester, various bulbs, spare Air Regulator and just added a spare Ride Height Valve.
Any suggestions on additions ? Or maybe something you used the road that might be unusual ?
Add a D-2 governor to your list, cheap insurance.
A credit card with a empty balance can be a lifesaver .... 8)
A self re-filling bank account does help.
Personally, if I could, I'd trailer a small machine shop behind me. Stopping short of that, I carry a basic tool kit, monitor all systems and if I suspect a problem carry that part with me.
I would add travel solenoid and 1 if not 2 hwh six pack rebuild kits.
Extra oil, coolant ,and transmission fluid that is in your coach now is always handy too............
The best extra to carry around would be Keith Risch but I don't think I can afford him. He has forgotten more about Foretravel than I will ever know and knows how to fix them too.
Best thing is to keep a calm head and a sense of humor. A few adult beverages for the evening might not hurt either.
Cya down the road................ ^.^d
I carry 10 ft of airline hose and a few couplers for brake lines. If I run over something I can patch the line until I get it replaced.
Lots of zip ties of various lengths and an assortment of gear clamps.
A chain wrench. It will fit odd large and odd shapes and you can get some serious leverage on it. A 24 inch 3/4 pipe nipple to help you get that leverage.
36 inch crowbar. Never know when you may have to bend something.
Like this: 36 inch crowbar. Never know when you may have to bend something.
Old school.
jk
Tools you carry should coincide with your skill level,the more you can do yourself,the more tools
You need.
Along with all my tools and spares, I have a good pair of Dickies coveralls, an old blanket to throw on the ground and a junk cushion off a couch for when I have to work on my knees.
Stock holder in NAPA helps! Seriously, NAPA has a good assortment of filters, etc for your coach. Usually located in most towns nationwide. We always carried our oil and fuel filters with us, as we used truck stops on the road and they don't always have all the filters needed when you do an engine service. I always changed our fuel filters when we changed oil and oil filters.
In addition to all that stuff, I carry a complete set of bosch 18 volt tools and chargers including grinder, drill, mutlitool, impact driver, jigsaw, etc.
Vice. Pry bar, duct tape (200 mph tape) sander/polisher. Breaker bar.
Volt meter, soldering iron, solder, and everything to join wires and protect them.
Smart phone! Many uses from lighting up the area, to level, to seeing in spaces you can't get your head into. Recording your part, or how it is installed, what wires connect to it and how... smartphone is a invaluable tool!!
For spares, I am in the process of adding to and thinking of what is needed. On a sailboat, spares are invaluable. You can't order a part in the middle of the ocean. But we are not in that dire need, so, what is needed to get us off the road and into a area where I can receive parts is what I want. Nothing more. Tools and parts should marry that, the ability to get my rig to where I can get parts and service and not be stranded on the highway or road.
I add tools all the time. Just added this week, a wire finder, a pex tool, and a bosch 12v screwdriver.
After reading this thread added a 36" pry bar to my list to buy. Used to have one. Don't know where it is now.....
I carry a Magic Creeper instead of an old blanket-very useful under the coach and as a kneeling pad.
What is a magic creeper? Inquiring minds!!
Chris
I just Googled it and ordered one from Ebay, looks like a keeper for me.
Looks good
Some carry a length of rope for various reasons such as if the throttle cable should fail. I might add genset spares might be prudent to keep the dw happy and the a/c systems working.
All good suggestions here.... Especially the one about fitting your skill-level to the tools and tasks. Years ago, I lost a belt just as we were entering Mexico. Walked around a corner, to NAPA, and got a replacement. But putting the belt on with the mythical 36" crowbar was a frustrating knuckle buster. I now also carry a 36" long, 1/2" breaker bar (inserting it into the tensioner for leverage) and spare belts. (Breaker bar is handy for repelling bears and bandits, replacing belts, alternator, etc.) Andy1
Oh, and converting to LEDs has diminished my need to carry spares of all the damn bulbs needed on this machine.
Ah that magic creeper. We use something similar in the hospital to save nurses backs on moving patients. The two sides slide together like butter.
In looking at the ebay models, not sure its the same thing as the original. Would like to hear from you if it is the same as the amazon original magic creeper. Used to be Ebay was a great place to buy, but now its buyer beware. Most times you do get what you pay for....
Definitely want one of these. My harbor freight creeper is hard to use on the coach even with it raised and blocked. And size and weight differences are lots. Thanks for the idea.
It is also how much you want to do yourself. I carry much less than I used to. Spare parts that are critical like 2 sets of fuel filters, a fresh water pump, a D2 governor, belts, fuses and a few more things. These you need right now or you can be stuck. Almost anything you can get now in a couple days. My tool set is smaller and lighter too. I leave all the big stuff home, no more sets of giant wrenches. I have a small Bosch drill and impact driver, drill bits, impact bits, 1/4 and 3/8 socket sets and a few 1/2" drive sockets, wiring tools, wire and connectors, lots of screws and fasteners. A small dovetail saw and a couple chisels. A diamond sharpening stone. Some small clamps, glue and rolls of various tape including stretch wrap. I have enough to fix most stuff that have seen in almost 9 years. Anything else - I will call for help. I come prepared to do what I am willing to do and am able to do.
Roger,
Where do you purchase a spare D2?? Is it a specific part number?? How hard is it to replace, by yourself, should you need a repair on the road?? As always, I heed your advice. thanks
You can get a D2 at NAPA
John
Usually a 9/16" for the air line and 3/8" wrench or socket for the 2 bolts. I can change one in 3 minutes or less.
D2s are pretty common and easy to find. Not hard to replace especially if you get some help from Craneman. Now that I have on I will most likely never need it. But they are small.
I pre configure the valve when I buy them so that it just a quick change out. They come with 1/8 allen pipe plugs that have to be put in the same ports as the governor that comes off. That is what makes it so easy.
Are they all the same, or are they specific, say for an M11?
Do I just go into NAPA and ask for a D2? No part number? Generic part?
Glad to hear it isn't hard to replace. I still haven't located mine, but I'm sure one day I will be able to.
What's an allen pipe plug??
I am a novice, but was interested in learning more and found this document and videos helpful. Seems like they are frequently bolted to the side of the compressor. The video will answer your question about a allen pipe plug
NAPA D2 governor (https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/MBI275491RX#)
Amazon Bendix Brand Governor (https://www.amazon.com/Bendix-275707N-D-2-Governor/dp/B0056ZYJBA)
Video on replacing a D2 Governor (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gavC4ZWSNLY)
Bendix Troubleshooting Guide (https://www.bendix.com/media/documents/products_1/compressorsgovernors_1/troubleshootingguide.pdf) (this is a pdf file)
Regarding faux Magic Creepers, I think the best you can do is look for the blue label. I've never seen a new one for less than $50.
As far as spare parts and tools go, I am facing that issue directly. I was a Phd engineer in a prior life and can fix many things. Now my daughter wants to take my 20 year old(but perfectly maintained) coach to do travel nursing. She will not be willing or able to fix anything. These are complex machines. Things malfunction or fail, even on new coaches. I have advised her to get a CoachNet membership and have emergency funds to be able to use when stuff happens.
Brett, but a good idea for you to do to help her is show her were the fuse panels are and some some basic steps in fixing the usual items that do not mean turning wrenches etc ie replacing belts and filters.
I remember when after teaching my Daughter to drive at16yrs old, her Mom and I nought her a Plymouth Fury slant 6. I had her work with me while we fixed issues it had then had her replace a tyre and change oils. Actually she even learnt how to set valve clearences as that needed to be done. Other items too, and she enjoyed it. We felt it important that if a flat tyre happened in the countryside etc at least she would not be stuck out there.
JohnH
Thanks Daydreamer
The PDF showed as the same video
I had seen that video before.
Seems like there is a HUGH spread between NAPA and Amazon prices. The video says between $15 and $25 . Go figure.
I updated the link to the pdf file. Thanks for letting me know it was not linked correctly.
I too noticed the big priced difference between the Midland brand valve at Napa and the Bendix on Amazon. Gotta wonder if Bendix is that much better.
John,
I've also taught both my daughters and granddaughters how to change a tire, check tire air pressure, change oil and filters and religiously follow a maintenance schedule. I hope this transfers to the coach.
The one on Napa site shows as a remanufactured one.
Yes, good catch. I previously did not read through the detailed specs, but definitely shows it is a reman on Napa.
If they are rebuilt by Bendix, they are as good as new. That is all I have been buying for my Cranes. Because of our good drying system I still haven't had one go bad on the coach. I did however raise it to 130 psi. The air line that goes in the governor comes from air tank, on my cranes with no dryer that hose would transmit moisture to the governor and gum it up and I would replace it with a spare and clean it out and it would be my next spare. Always carried one in the box unused for emergencies just as the one I carry in the coach.