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Topic: I pulled the trigger (Read 1053 times) previous topic - next topic

I pulled the trigger

A bit over 3 years ago, as I was looking to upgrade from my old 26' class A gasser,and had settled on the perfect one being a 1999 to 2003 36' U320.  Things turned a different direction for a while, and we ended up selling our motorhome to focus on a larger boat.  About 2 months ago, my wife and I decided we missed having a motorhome and started looking for one.  Since I already knew what I wanted, I did a quick search and happen to find what I was looking for just 50 miles away. I will spare you the long version, but it turned out that it was one I had actually looked at when it was not for sale. It only took a quick poke around a test drive to make me  pull the trigger and bring it home. 

In the last few years, the PO had replaced the air bags, shocks, tires, rebuilt the steering box, replaced the old inverter charger, chassis batteries, replaced the Aquahot with a new Oasis and probably some other stuff I am forgetting.  All the fluids had been changed in the last year except the generator which was due for annual oil change.

Everything I have touched and tested works and I have started opening every nook and cranny and cleaning and testing and seeing what could be upgraded.

I replaced the house batteries, with new AGMs. installed a Fridge Defend, purchased a chassis battery charger, am upgrading the sound system with a newer Bose system. I have a TMS system coming, and am adding battery state monitoring too. Almost everything I have wondered about; I have been able to sort out by doing a deep dive into this forum.  Thank you all for the wealth of knowledge that is here.

This unit was changed over to super singles which I don't have a strong opinion on yet.  It seems like there are strong opinions on both sides by some.  I would have preferred standard duals, but it does really ride nice.
My short-term plans are a few winter 3-day weekends to work out the bugs, building up to a two-week trip to either Southern Utah, or Glacier etc. this coming spring or fall.

I do have other questions I will post up later, but for now my main query is opinions on the top spares to carry, and the main proactive maintenance items I should be looking at to ensure reasonably uneventful trips.  I have not found a list yet for the spares so it may be that you just need to point me to it. It seems that the pumps hanging off the engine are my biggest risk points for stopping a vacation, but please educate me if there are other things I should be looking at.  I am pretty much a do it myself person and have not yet found the limit of what I can do.  I do all my own boat maintenance but the systems that make up a U320 are a bit more complex than my boat is.

Thanks again for the fantastic brain trust that is available here.
Mike

Re: I pulled the trigger

Reply #1 –
Mike,

With the M-11 you need to worry about something else.
Tops that will spoil a trip for me
commode failure get repair kit for your make of commode If you still have the Microphor multiple of some.
water pump failure just get a replacement for quick swap out
Various parts for the Oasis other can expand on this I have the A/H
Keep these things going = happy wife= happy life

With that said I most likely carry several $ worth of light bulbs, relays, & switches
Back to engine related parts rebuild parts and knowledge to install in the alternator or extra alternator.

Pics. we want to look & see

Mike

Re: I pulled the trigger

Reply #2 –
Mike,

Welcome aboard!  Always nice to have a new active Forum member.  We really appreciate owners who want to learn about their coaches and can do a lot of the work themselves.  Every project you complete and document here adds to the knowledge bank.

I don't recall anyone in recent times (last 10 years or so) running the super singles.  Please keep us apprised of your experience with them, and your opinion.

Photos or it didn't happen!

Re: I pulled the trigger

Reply #3 –
You might ask the PO where the original wheels went.

Re: I pulled the trigger

Reply #4 –
Quote from: craneman –
You might ask the PO where the original wheels went.
The PO got it with the super singles. He liked it enough that when he bought new tires he stayed with the singles.  I have a few years before I need tires but will keep my eyes open for wheels.

Re: I pulled the trigger

Reply #5 –
Do you have some pics of your new coach you would like to share?

Re: I pulled the trigger

Reply #6 –
Chuck,

Seems like there has been 2 coaches here on the Forum that swapped out to the SS wheels back when they came out.  One of the owners said he was able to break even by trading it his old wheels for the new ones. The other coach not only did they change to SS wheels on the rear but they added wider wheels with a different offset on the front to accommodate wider tires for the front.

Mike

Re: I pulled the trigger

Reply #7 –
Here is a pic.  Decals have been removed and I like this look. 
Good idea on the water pump.  I was considering getting a spare alternator.  I think the compressor and the hydraulic pump worry me more since they are probably harder to get on short notice. 
I have bulbs as I have been swapping out to LED since they had not been changed.  I plan on dry camping and will need to reduce my electrical usage as much as I can.  I have just started on the light bulb swaps. 

Re: I pulled the trigger

Reply #8 –
Mike,

On an M-11 if you ever need to change the compressor make sure you read up on how to time it (the compressor) before you even start. You can do more damage than you can imagine not doing it right.

Mike

Re: I pulled the trigger

Reply #9 –
Thanks Mike, did not know the compressor needed to be timed

Re: I pulled the trigger

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Pamela & Mike –
Mike,

On an M-11 if you ever need to change the compressor make sure you read up on how to time it (the compressor) before you even start. You can do more damage than you can imagine not doing it right.

Mike

I don't understand.  Timing the AC compressor?  Please explain.

Re: I pulled the trigger

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Geodmann –
Timing the AC compressor?
Mike's "timing" comment refers to the engine driven air compressor, not the AC compressor.

Gear driven air compressor (on some engines) is "timed" to to the engine to help quell "harmonic vibration".

Found the page below on a trucker's forum.  Supposedly for M11.  Just an example of how "timing" is accomplished.

Re: I pulled the trigger

Reply #12 –
Great looking coach. Wonderful forum with huge amounts information availed and a bunch of really smart people.

Sounds like a important tidbit of information

I never would have guessed. Mike thanks for sharing

Re: I pulled the trigger

Reply #13 –
@ George, Yes we are talking about the air compressor mounted on the engine.  The air conditioner compressor don't require anything special just make sure the drive pullies are in line with each other.

@ Chuck, Yes that is the correct diagram as to how to time the compressor. Seems like a step by step timing write up is in the purple Cummins M-11 book.

@ Mike, With the mileage uncertain first thing I recommend is to run the valves to make sure that some of them aren't tight. If you have ever adjusted the valves on an older VW bug you have the skill needed to do one of these engines.

Mike

Re: I pulled the trigger

Reply #14 –
Congratulations!
Looks like u picked up the unit in marysville.
I am in cashmere WA
 

Re: I pulled the trigger

Reply #17 –
Quote from: Mgreen5228 –

I have bulbs as I have been swapping out to LED since they had not been changed.  I plan on dry camping and will need to reduce my electrical usage as much as I can.  I have just started on the light bulb swaps.

Well if you can find the time head to Quartzsite this Winter,  many Foretravel folks gathering and boondocking in the desert, the price is right. We'll be headed down after Christmas, you're welcome to roll along since we're close by here in Washington.