Questions About MOT/FOT

Topic: Questions About MOT/FOT (Read 2639 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Questions About MOT/FOT

Reply #25 – October 28, 2018, 10:20:35 pm

Quote from: Don & Tys – October 28, 2018, 07:00:46 pm

No argument on your other points except to say that our large propane tank makes planning for fills easy. We fill up maybe once a year, unless boondocking more than usual. As to the smell factor, I don't think there is any contest. I have to be right on the exhaust vent to smell the LP appliances at all, and then it isn't particularly objectionable. Not so with the smell of diesel. As a matter of curiosity, if anyone who has a perfectly tuned Aquahot wants to demonstrate the low odoriferousness of their unit, I would be interested! Now leaking LP is a different matter altogether... that odor is there for a reason and is not a situation one wants to accept! But of course, most consider Aquahot a very desirable feature, I know that. I am just saying it is not a universal obsession
Don

Don't forget the smell of raw diesel in the bays with a Aqua Hot. All coaches have it, but new the A/Q coaches always smelled to me.

I have a sensitive nose, I'll admit it. LP furnaces' and hot water heaters, produce zero smell as far as I am concerned, and any smell is cleanly burned fuel..

And lets not forget the DC it takes to run all those pumps and zone heaters.

Not to offend either, just not my thing. Did my time working on them.

Just Sayin'
Chris

Re: Questions About MOT/FOT

Reply #26 – October 28, 2018, 10:29:52 pm

We'll never owned a coach with Aquahot. However have owned 5 motor homes with propane water heaters and furnaces never spent any $$$ on them and never been cold. JMHO 😎

Re: Questions About MOT/FOT

Reply #27 – October 29, 2018, 01:50:19 am

My propane furnaces are grossly oversized per Riva standards for batt insulated units I'm guessing, most of the noise is for the fan trying to force too much air thru tiny ductwork bent into many elbows. I reducted the bedroom unit and it was a great improvement. All of these furnaces have the same dimensional factors to force air thru so a less btuh unit may be quiter and run at a higher efficiency than the Excalibur two stage unit that is still grossly oversized. Even at 15 degrees outside my furnaces shut the gas valve off due to high limit switch at about 200 degrees air temps, and then repeat horrible efficiency. Smaller btuh units would be better

Re: Questions About MOT/FOT

Reply #28 – October 29, 2018, 08:39:08 am

I have no diesel smell in the bays with aqua hot. Check fuel lines for cracking?

Re: Questions About MOT/FOT

Reply #29 – October 29, 2018, 09:44:50 am

Bottom line on most of these choices is MONEY,if you have lots of it chances are you love aquahot and slides,if you don't have
alot you tend not to like these things,I can do alot of mechanical work but probably could not put a bladder in,I also have a
sensative nose and tend not to stay in cold temps and we have a single furnace and our basement has ducts.

Re: Questions About MOT/FOT

Reply #30 – October 29, 2018, 10:30:15 am

Seems to me that many folks who hate AH seem to have never had one. We have had an RV since 1974 all with propane furnaces and now a FT with an AH for 8 years. Yes, there are some maintenance costs. If the nozzle needs replacing it will not burn cleanly. Sometimes some diesel exhaust smell if the nozzle needs replacing. Sometimes a bit of diesel fuel smell but no more than from the generator. Small bits for a great deal of quiet comfort.

We like the heating comfort, the heated bays, the endless hot water. Just like slides, most who don't like them have never had one. Buy what you want, maintain it and enjoy what you have.

Re: Questions About MOT/FOT

Reply #31 – October 29, 2018, 10:46:59 am

I've had both. In my opinion the AquaHot is a better system but both work well. Regarding the endless hot water argument, we've never run out of hot water with a ten gallon tank so to me it's not really an advantage over the tank system.
jor

Re: Questions About MOT/FOT

Reply #32 – October 29, 2018, 10:53:37 am

One more Aqua Hot comment from the Peanut Gallery:

We don't have it, never have had it, don't know anything about it, and get along fine with our propane furnaces and water heater.

I can tell you this: you DON'T want to be parked next to a coach with a malfunctioning Aqua Hot system. We made that mistake one time when "camping" in the FOT parking lot. First morning we were there, it was in the 40's and the coach next to us fired up his Aqua Hot on diesel. Calm conditions - no wind. I looked out our side window and saw a HUGE cloud of dense white smoke belching from somewhere under our neighbor's coach. I honestly thought he was ON FIRE! I stepped outside to gauge the level of threat, about the same time the coach's owner came out. I pointed out the white smoke cloud which now totally enveloped our coach, and he said "Sorry about that..." Turned out he was at the factory waiting for his appointment to get his Aqua Hot serviced, because it seemed to him like it was "...smoking a bit...". I agreed with him. Later that day we moved to another parking space on the other side of the lot.

SO, if you DO have Aqua Hot, please keep it in proper operating condition. Your neighbors will appreciate your efforts.

Re: Questions About MOT/FOT

Reply #33 – October 29, 2018, 10:56:14 am

Haven't heard any discussion on it but if the Showers look good at the campground I use them,unlimited hot water.There's always
an exception but don't think many hate aqua hot,if you don't camp in the cold you don't need it for heat.You could say the same for
synthetic oil,people who don't like it have never used it.

Re: Questions About MOT/FOT

Reply #34 – October 29, 2018, 03:53:00 pm

Quote

I stepped outside to gauge the level of threat,

Gotta love that statement!
jor

Re: Questions About MOT/FOT

Reply #35 – October 31, 2018, 01:10:19 pm

So we have made plans to be at MOT on 11/9 to look around and see what's available.

Mike Harbordt has been very helpful on his end looking at some coaches for us in person and extending an invitation to the Thanksgiving dinner on the 9th. We are looking forward to the whole day.

More questions:

1. If we end up buying something we are going to need to go to sewer school 101 for sure. Is there any directions, best practices, tips (3rd valve? best sewer hose?) etc I can start reading about?

2. I saw someone had a tire dolly in one post but I didn't see any info beyond that. It was yellow and sitting on a piece of plywood and under a rear tire. They said it was a life saver. Anyone know what it is?

3. Is there a list of recommended "things" to carry with you somewhere? Must haves?

4. Do you guys wash your own coaches when you are in a campground if you have the time? Is that frowned upon, not good etiquette? I wouldn't really want to let it get away from me, like it to be looking nice.

5. Did I see somewhere there's a driving school at FOT? Is that for buyers of new or used at FOT or for anyone?

That's it for this go round. Thanks again for all the help.

Steve

Re: Questions About MOT/FOT

Reply #36 – October 31, 2018, 01:29:29 pm

1- no sewer schools,you can read up on that,all coaches the same,2-the dolly lifts the tire after you take it loose,the tires are pretty
heavey,3-can research that on this forum,alot depends on what you are willing to do yourself,at $100 plus an hour I do all I can
4-Some parks allow it some don't,again it's up to you.5.Foretravel LADIES driving school is once a year around this time,we went
well worth it.

Re: Questions About MOT/FOT

Reply #37 – October 31, 2018, 02:17:59 pm

Watch the Robin Williams movie RV. Some people thought it was a comedy. Rhonda and I swear is is our documentary. Everything you need to know.

Re: Questions About MOT/FOT

Reply #38 – October 31, 2018, 02:44:43 pm

As long as you have a hose for DRINKING water (make sure it is marked as such), a sewer hose that fits your coach, a 50A cord and a 30/50 adapter, you are set for utilities. You should get the main power cord and a sewer hose with the coach, and you can get the other two items at nearly every RV dealer and Wal-Mart. Adding the third valve is fairly easy, and many of us have done it, so you may find a coach that has it already done. If the coach you choose hasn't had it done yet, you can do so whenever you want.

Most campgrounds frown on washing coaches. Some have designated areas for that, and sometimes there is a charge. ASK first.

Some people carry only a cell phone and a credit card with a HUGE available balance. Others carry nearly every tool known to the industry. Most of us are somewhere between those two extremes. We started out carrying FAR more stuff than we needed. We've been paring down ever since, but the stuff seems to come back.

Re: Questions About MOT/FOT

Reply #39 – October 31, 2018, 02:58:50 pm

Quote from: unimog1300 – October 31, 2018, 01:10:19 pm

5. Did I see somewhere there's a driving school at FOT? Is that for buyers of new or used at FOT or for anyone?

Steve

My wife Sandy took the 2 day, 4 hours each day RV driving course in Lancaster CA this year (using our own coach). WELL worth the money! Locations around the USA. RV School

Re: Questions About MOT/FOT

Reply #40 – October 31, 2018, 03:00:18 pm

Quote from: kb0zke – October 31, 2018, 02:44:43 pm

We started out carrying FAR more stuff than we needed. We've been paring down ever since, but the stuff seems to come back.

True dat! Since we full time, it gets even worse, so every year or two, EVERYTHING comes out and a 'conversation' with the DW is had: I usually lose.

Re: Questions About MOT/FOT

Reply #41 – October 31, 2018, 07:19:07 pm

Steve, if you buy, MOT will help with lot of training.....I recall one fellow bought elsewhere, we ended up with a long lunch, MOT tech, and a list of things to do and not do, where and how on a FT.

You can attend FOT school without buying FT there and you can join Motorcade too if you wish.

Re: Questions About MOT/FOT

Reply #42 – November 01, 2018, 08:03:32 am

When we bought at MOT this spring they included a new Rhinoflex system hose kit. The coach had an integrated water hose & electric cord on reels. Some people use latex or vinyl gloves when handling the sewer hoses. I just use an antiseptic soap, hook up electric, then water, then sewer.
As far as washing your coach unless it is thick road grime lots of us use WashWaxAll waterless cleaner or other brands. Works really well and easy to clean. I've never had a problem washing the coach anywhere using that.
For tools I'd buy at least a multi-tip screwdriver, make sure it has the square tip for the square drive screws used mostly inside. An 8-10" crescent wrench, vise-grips, black electric tape, DVM voltmeter (you'l learn to use this to troubleshoot any electric problems), notepad & pen.
Another thing we learned from friends is to get a small dry-erase board so we can make notes of things that we think of as we drive, things to fix, a check-list for arriving or departing campsites.
Most importantly: slow down when driving! No need to be the first one there and don't worry about other drivers. They'll get over it. I find that it's usually best to stay in the right or middle lane on multi-lane highways. If you get into the left lane to let someone merge you can get stuck in that lane with impatient drivers zooming around you.
And have fun!

Re: Questions About MOT/FOT

Reply #43 – November 01, 2018, 09:54:56 am

Steve, two thoughts....I remember helping a nice couple from up Illinoiis way, looked at several coaches.. They bought a coach at MOT. They wee very rushed to get home for a major family event. So they cut short training and some minor installations, took the parts with them. Had to get on the road.

But the night before leaving, about 9pm, we went by to check on them. A small battle was under way....how to get fresh water in the tank? Had it hooked up right. But water would not go in.

They had not gotten to the training, or forgot that part in rush to cover quite a bit, that there is the valve under the bathroom sink that has to be opened to fill the fresh water tank.

Secondly...MOT will do a lot of coach operation training or instruction. Allow time. Make a recording, take notes of those instructions. And then when all that fails, contact your Forum friends! Even more....if it is your first coach (or even more)......spend a few nights on site, go for short drives...this will help a lot. Identify questions, uncover maybe an issue or two while still there for assistance.

Cheers!

Re: Questions About MOT/FOT

Reply #44 – November 02, 2018, 11:07:16 pm

I was going to buy a coach when I retired in 1.5 years, then got a text from David that a 1999 U320 was available with some of the things I was looks for ( solar, lithium, Aqua hot etc) and after looking at it, having it checked out by Brett, bought it. Now I have a project on my hands but liking it none the less....
As for a survey, get one. If its redundant to what you get from a place like MOT or FOT, its still money well spent.
The layout has to work for you.
Slides vs non slides, tag vs no tag. Same. Has to work for you. IMO, would not get either as its more maintenance, more cash outflow for not a lot of return. But some people like it so there you go. Vanilla and chocolate.
I am a propane free coach.. Bought it that way, but would have done it anyway. No to me, Aqua hot is a necessity. Would not have it without it. Just have to learn to maintain it myself.
The biggest thing imo, is cost and age. The older you go, the cheaper, but you will spend money repairing it.
Go newer, and you will still spend money, but maybe not as much.. maybe more. I went with 1999 and am happy with that. Would not get slides, or tag axle. Would not go to new, say past 2002 or so. You can save a bit by getting older, but be sure its in good condition.
One thing is sure, if you get one, this forum and these members will be there to help you out. Great group of people that know these coaches.

Re: Questions About MOT/FOT

Reply #45 – November 03, 2018, 07:59:45 am

We full timed for 6 years in a non-slide U320 and loved that coach. The Aqua-Hot was finicky at times but well worth having. The electric commode broke once and it was just a switch. Carried an extra after that. The M11 is a great engine and will outlast the rig! The Allison with retarder is like winning the lottery! Well, not quite, but you get my drift! Unfortunately, one drawback is the queen bed, but we lived with it. Once you have the panographic doors, you won't go back to the lift up bay doors. All in all, best bang for the dollar. Now, wife wants a slide and I am doing my best to talk her out of one. Not working! So our next will have either one or two. Do your homework and decide what works best for you both.

Re: Questions About MOT/FOT

Reply #46 – November 03, 2018, 09:43:52 am

LR silde is worth having. A BR slide with an EW bed which keeps both side windows would be OK. The BR slide with a closet in it costs the the NS BR overhead cabinets on both sides and shifts the bed 4" or more to the side opposite the slide making walking room on that side even smaller. Slide mechanism in 2002 was a one year only use. I wonder why. 99-01 slide mechanisms used less floor space and interior volume than the 03 and later in the LR slides. You have to look too see.

Re: Questions About MOT/FOT

Reply #47 – November 03, 2018, 10:29:20 am

Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 – November 03, 2018, 09:43:52 am

. I wonder why. 99-01 slide mechanisms used less floor space and interior volume than the 03 and later in the LR slides. You have to look too see.

Not an expert or even a novice on these slides, but reading all the information on the forum, I have an idea that the newer slides being able to push back into the coach for bladder replacement and the older ones having to be removed, has something to do with it.

Re: Questions About MOT/FOT

Reply #48 – November 03, 2018, 10:44:02 am

The 01 and earlier and the 03 and later both have advantages and disadvantages. Replacing a bladder on an earlier one might cost a bit more but probably not significant. We are on our original bladder after 18 years. No leaks yet. Position adjustments to the 01 and earlier slides are easier according to Kieth R at MOT when he adjusted mine. The differences are just something to be aware of, something most do not know or see.

Re: Questions About MOT/FOT

Reply #49 – November 03, 2018, 12:43:12 pm

I personally look at the floor plans that would work for us.

The early slide coaches reversed the then almost standard across the industry design of having the galley on the street side and the dinette under your main awning and looking out over your campsite.

The reason was that the propane and plumbing lines would have to flex.

Fix to allow the later slide coaches to return to the early floor plans was to convert to all electric.

All restaurants use gas to cook on for a reason.

For the poster who full timed in a 97 u320 ask the DW to look at the resulting floorplans and in her heart of hearts agree the flipped floor plans would work for her.

Never liked dinettes on the street side,

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