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Topic: Things to check before long trip. (Read 634 times) previous topic - next topic

Things to check before long trip.

I have a 98' U295 36' and do all maintenance myself. We are planning a long road trip across the U.S. (almost 4000 miles round trip) I am wondering what things I should check before we go. I plan on changing the engine oil and filter, fuel filter, air filter, and the same on the generator. I will also be changing the fuel lines on the generator (they are a little cracked) I don't know if the axle fluid has ever been changed and the coach has 80,000 miles on it. Same goes for the transmission fluid. I have purchased a transmission filter and plan on changing it.

What else should I do before such a long trip?

Thanks in advance!
JP
JP
98' U295 8.3 Cummins
10KW Power Tech Isuzu 3 cylinder

Re: Things to check before long trip.

Reply #1 –
Welcome to the Forum, JP.  We are happy to suggest ways for you to get dirty and learn all about your new ride!

Fresh engine accessory drive belts (keep old ones for emergency spares), and new idler pulleys (if required)?

Change oil and filters in hydraulic drive systems (cooling fans and power steering)?

Fresh windshield wiper blades?

Check all exterior light bulbs for proper function, and carry spares of each type.

Replace, or rebuild, your air dryer, unless you know it is "fresh".

Make up a EDB kit?    Air Dryer Bypass Demo
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Things to check before long trip.

Reply #2 –
We are planning a long trip also....
So far :
Changed engine oil and filters
Fuel filters / primary & secondary
Transmission fluid and filters
Hyd fans- oil and filters
Power steering oil and filter
Changed engine coolant and filter ( extended life OAT )
Replaced any questionable collant hoses
New belts and tensionsrs
Generator oil & filter /air filter / new coolant
Of course new tires and airbags
Still to do :
Rear axle and front hubs.
Did I forget anything?

Edit : oops! Forgot
2 new coach batteries
3 new starting batteries


Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Things to check before long trip.

Reply #3 –
If your trans doesn't have trans syd synthetic then change to now.  Much better.

Automatic Transmission Fluid - Truck & Bus Products | Castrol Australia |...

Also inspect and tighten all battery connections.

Keith
Keith, Joyce & Smokey the Australian Cattle Dog
1995 U320 SE Extreme 40' WTBI Build # 4780, with a Honda CR-V hopefully still following behind.
Motorcade # 17030
FMCA # F422159

Re: Things to check before long trip.

Reply #4 –
Check you wallet, make sure it's well serviced. Confirm that your road service account is current, AND you have the number available in your coach. Then go have fun !

Actually, I wouldn't obsess over it, if it's due a service, take care of it. Give it good looking at, check your tires, then hit the road.
Dave W. (AKA Toyman )
'03, 270, 36', Build 6095, Pulling whatever I hook it to.

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
Dr Seuss

Re: Things to check before long trip.

Reply #5 –
If you have not changed out your steering gear box yet. You might think about doing it before you go. Coach has the right age for a seal/seals to start leaking. You will find out it is leaking when you stop and see oil all down the side, and under the coach, along with filling up the people behind you windshield with oil specs if they stay behind you very long. They will not know what hit them, unless they turn their wipers on.

You will find lots of threads talking about this.
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Things to check before long trip.

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Jp –
I have a 98' U295 36' and do all maintenance myself. We are planning a long road trip across the U.S. (almost 4000 miles round trip)

What else should I do before such a long trip?

If you have been doing all the maintenance and on-schedule, you'll be fine.  We do a 5K mile trip every year and don't do anything special to the coach in preparation other than following that schedule, making sure important things like fluids, filters, air dryer, tires, and batteries are at their proper life point.

You might make sure you have at least one spare set of fuel filters all around, just in case you pump a load of bad fuel (don't forget there are usually 2 for the big engine, a primary and a secondary). 

Other than that, just make sure you have Internet access so you can ping the forum if you run into any issues.  Somewhere, somehow, someone is on, 24/7 and if they don't have an answer, they'll be moral support until someone who does signs on.

Enjoy your trip!
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Things to check before long trip.

Reply #7 –
I love this forum. Lots of good information.
Thanks everyone! ! !
JP
JP
98' U295 8.3 Cummins
10KW Power Tech Isuzu 3 cylinder

Re: Things to check before long trip.

Reply #8 –
And after all you have done, remember, "the adventure begins when the plans fall apart".  Enjoy the trip.
Dave Cobb
Buckhorn Lake Resort The Club, #6202, Kerrville TX
check the map.  I do rent it out when I am traveling!
2001, U320, 36' #5887, in Kerrville, FT Club #17006, (7/23 to present)
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Summit, white
EX: 98 U295, 36' #5219, (mid door), (4/13-10/23)
EX: 93 U225, 36' (4/11 to 4/13)