Well, we finally picked up the coach yesterday. I have been asking some questions but have not said much, but now that it's home, I figured it's time.
We started searching 4-5 months, came close to buying one out west but passed on it. This one comes via MOT, the sales person was Mike P. I cannot emphasize how awesome he is, nice guy, very responsive with communications (including taking a call at 10PM Friday), does what he says. Straight shooter with no pressure sales. He knows these pretty well too and was able to answer a lot of our questions.
We went to MOT about a month ago to look at a 1996 34' U270 we put a deposit on. It was not bad, we liked the size. Mechanically sound but definitely needed some work inside and out- they all do right! Well Mike said they just got a 2000 U295 36' in that was not listed so we went across the street to look at that. Wow. The DW and I liked this one better. Better condition, nicer upgrades, including the LED euro front end. It has the ISC 350.
I enlisted Keith to check it over, glad I did. He said it had a shorter list that what he has seen on similar rigs, so that was nice to hear. His list comprised of about 30 items vs 100 the see on some others. He found a hole in one of the rear bags and a front wheel seal leaking. That needed to be addressed before driving, so I had MOT replace all 8 air bags with Contis as well as the seal and a couple of smaller items. Bulkheads looked very good to me but Keith confirmed there was no issue at all. Others have recommended and used Keith, so add me to the list of another happy camper, thanks Keith!
We headed over Thursday to MOT to stay the night and test it all out. Upon arriving, it was detailed, staged, tanks emptied, LP and diesel tanks fulls. It was nice to see that level of attention.
We did have an event at 2:30-3AM. The dogs wanted to go out, so the wife and I let them out and then back in. Upon re-entry, the ACs and lights were not working, and it was getting muggy in there. I checked the 50A breaker outside, checked the breakers and fuses below the bed. Repeated this. Microwave was on, so AC power was present. Pulled out the muliti-meter checking for a few things, but I was really out of my expertise on this new to me system.
I finally laid down and opened the window to let some air in. Decided to get on here and just search. Two minutes later, I find a post where someone had a similar episode and Brett said to check the "salesman switch". I jumped up and go check it . Yup it was off, changed it back and voila, 12V lights came on as did the AC. One of the dogs must have knocked it coming/going! Now, I know some of you are thinking the AC is not on 12V, but the thermostat controller was upgraded and is digital and this is on 12V. I need to make or buy a safety switch for that, so if you know of one, please LMK!
Some random comments:
- I had been emailing Roger beforehand and did get a VMSPC earlier in the week, that was nice to have on the drive back. Thanks Roger!
- It has a TST flow thru system, but I bought a TST cap system, so will put those on and sell the flow thrus
- It needed cabinet supports all around, picked up 30 at FOT, which the kids replaced. Current price is $12.70 each, much cheaper than anywhere else I found
- Need to get a tow system, I started another thread on that
- Water alarms purchased and installed
- I have to sanitize the fresh water tank
- I did not know the sewer tank was a larger connector, ordered some proper fittings
- Have to get a folding bed/chair for one of the kids to replace the single chair. We're are family of 5, the other two use the jackknife sofa
Questions
- The hot water heater is a 3 way, is this switched automatically? If so what is the order of operations? I'd prefer to use electric over propane
- Need to get a surge guard, any inputs on hardwired vs plugin? Leaning toward hard wired due to theft control
- Is an external compressor needed? I have a quick connect on the passenger side that I can connect a hose to
- Any other to dos/advice for a new FT owner?
Glad to be have one finally and looking forward to meeting some of you. We're new to FT but not to RVing, most recently coming from a classic Avion travel trailer (that is entirely too small for us), and the difference is night and day all around, including parts availability and forum support.
When we were looking, nearly 3 years ago, we worked Mike Phillips too. Really like him and want to buy from him but found the one we really like at FOT. One of your questions about the air quick connect, I would connect an external air compressor there unless you put an air dryer and regulator on it. I think its main intent was to air your tires up if needed.
Welcome! Let the learning begin.
Richard
Welcome to the group - officially, that is, now that you have a new-to-you coach to play with. Having many questions is normal. I would recommend the Forum
search tool as a valuable way to focus your Forum reading. For instance, I searched the term "hard wired surge guard" and got two pages of hits. Order the hits by "most recent topics first" to get current info. Sample hits:
Surge protectors (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=39573.msg389783#msg389783)
Where to Install a hard-wired Progressive Industries EMS (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=36430.msg346160#msg346160)
Hi Jason, Congratulation on your new coach. Welcome to our community.
We used the hard wired Progressive Ind EMS and 2 remote displays, one inside in the closet and one outside in the wet bay near the cable reels. It protects us on the incoming land line. Some wire them up to protect both from the land line or the generator, good place for the search engine.
Progressive industries EMS-HW50C surge protectors (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=19182.msg140249#msg140249)
And when you post, consider using key words in the thread title or in your post to make searching easier for others.
If your coach's air system has not been modified then connecting an external compressor to the Aux Air connection in the LP bay will supply air to the leveling system and allow you to adjust the level or raise the coach. Be sure to use an in-line water trap. It will not add air to the service tanks or the HWH air tank (if you have a slide).
If your HWH compressor is running you will get air out of the Aux Air connection (90-100 psi max and not much volume). You might be able at add air to a coach tire but not very fast, better for bicycle tires. There are compressors (120v or 12v) that many carry along for supplemental air. We have a 150/200 psi DeWalt 120v compressor that fits, good for tires, bicycles, and blowing out water from our water filter/softener set up when it is not in use (much lighter to pick up and stow).
110V Aux Air Compressor Install (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=31836.msg285975#msg285975)
Several use this 12v ARB-CKMTA12 compressor. Shop for price.
Amazon.com: ARB CKMTA12 '12V' On-Board Twin High Performance Air Compressor... (https://www.amazon.com/ARB-CKMTA12-Board-Performance-Compressor/dp/B0050DI9YQ/ref=psdc_155346011_t1_B07FMJ37NP?ie=UTF8&tag=foreforums-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957)
I have one from Northridge 4x4, you can get a $100 off coupon and free shipping if you look.
ARB 12V Twin Compressor | CKMTA12|Northridge4x4 (https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/compressors/ckmta12-arb-twin-compressor)
You can add fittings to add air to the coach's air system through the coach air dryer filling the wet tank and the front and rear service tanks and from there the leveling system.
External Compressor Connection to Add Air to Wet Tank and Service Tanks (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=37333.0)
Lots to learn, even after almost 11 years for me as well.
Welcome and congratulations on your new coach.
How about filling in your name(s), year and model of your coach?
I have two Senco 110V 1/2 hp compressors. They will both run off either one of our 1500 watt inverters and are very quiet @68 db. I had a contractor's compressor but too loud and needed the generator to power it. Lots of pressure with then Senco but nice to have a tank for volume. Also, good to have a hose reel and then a moisture remover/dryer for the outlet. I replaced the cheap rubber hose on the Harbor Freight reel with a poly air hose. No cracks, works well. Senco compressor from Craigslist/FB Marketplace for about $35 each. Good for adding the last few PSI over 100.
Pierce
Congratulations Jason! Knew you'd find your Foretravel. Say hello to Chinell and family.
Good Luck
Congrats and welcome! While I didn't buy from MOT, I met Mike Phillips when I was looking a few years ago. I stay in touch and stop in to see him with I'm in Nac....good guy.
Welcome Jason and family! I concur on the hardwired Progressive EMS system. Plus 2 on the VMSPC system. I rely on it only now!
Congrats. You'll love your FT and the wealth of knowledge here!
Congrats on your coach purchase.
We got our coach a couple of years ago using Mike at FOT too. Mike is a great guy, straight shooter, we still communicate with him frequently and consider him a friend. When we had a couple of questions when we first picked up the coach, we called pretty late in the evening as well as on a Sunday. Mike always answered and helped. Good Guy!