[Andy]

Many many thanks to Al for keeping this thread alive. I review it every time he revives it and I hope I never have to experience what it shows.

The amount of energy a 50,000 plus pound rig has when traveling at interstate speeds is scary, and that energy increases exponentially with speed. So being able to handle a sudden loss of tire pressure is critical because with our momentum, it will bring us quickly to the scene of the accident if we make a mistake in dealing with the situation.

By far the best practice is to avoid a tire issue at all costs. Tire pressures in the correct amount based on weight is perhaps the most important thing you can do to avoid a problem. Understanding if the tire is driven on when 20% or more below the specified pressure has just ruined the tire and while it may look OK, it needs to be replaced. That hurts, but nowhere near as bad as an accident due to a blowout.

Tire age is a second factor. Michelin has a chart that shows acceptable sidewall cracking, and that which is excessive. Do your really want to risk your life or the coach to stretch the life of a tire?

Speed is another factor. “I drive the speed limit” is often repeated by owners. And while legal, keep in mind the tires have speed limits also. Know what yours is. Most are 75, but there are tires that have lower speed ratings. And even if the tire can handle the speed, please be aware the stopping distance at 60 is just under 300 feet, and at 70 it increases to nearly 450 feet. So in addition to a blowout possibly taking you to the scene of the accident (yours) you are going to cover a lot of real estate getting there.

[Andy]

Just to follow up with a question on Energy Management. For a new owner, Do you folks recommend cycling everything on/off individually to see how many amps each draws to determine what you can run at the same time and what you cannot?

Also, once you do run your generator, is your coach completely running on the generator or do you still have access to the 50 amp plugged in service?

[Andy]

That is hard to answer not knowing how it’s wired. It’s setup as an entertainer bus, not a motorhome. Rock Stars generally are not bus savy and are known to push buttons until something comes on.

They may have it wired that way so you can only run 3.

3 roof airs operating correctly should freeze you out, I don’t care what climate your in. My bus I can run 4 with tv’s and only did that one time.

It was 98 degrees with 95 % humidity, we shut the blackout shades and went back to normal with 2 running.

If the bus is heat soaked pulling in, run the generator and turn them all on. Cool it down and go to shore power and run 3.

From what you are describing I don’t think they are performing as they should. Anything you can do to keep the sun out will help.

Entertainer buses are made to run on Gen power, that’s why you have 2, in case 1 goes down. They rarely plug in and if their advising only 3 on shore power I would listen to them.

Also I would shutoff at least one if you are using the microwave or convection oven and also a hair dryer

Later

bv

[Andy]

Maybe I’am wrong…the pictured coach appears to be a 40 ft XL-II

AL

[Andy]

My initial motorhome was a low end late 80’s Holiday Rambler. We had a great time with it, there was usually something minor to fix but simple enough that I don’t recall ever having to involve the dealer. In fact the entire coach was very simplistic. Next was a new 1990 Foretravel Gran Villa and while much higher end, by today’s standards it was still simple. In the pecking order of the day I would compare it to Entegra, King Aire and Allegro Bus today. Again I had only very minor issues and owned it 5 years. Foretravel was great to deal with and I believe today’s Foretravel and Newell would be the best non Prevost coaches to own. My Prevost is a 2002, was well kept and has been a delight to own. No high end motor coach will be inexpensive to own but my personal experience suggests that apples to apples they are not that different. Jon mentioned a lot of talk about fixes or maintenance on this forum and this is a great place to learn, but look at mileage of the coaches on this forum and you will soon realize the coaches you are considering are not in the same league. Drive ability, safety and security, and overall Prevost quality is not comparable. I have not owned a new Prevost, maybe Mr. Mark will weigh in, but I cannot imagine the current converters just telling you not to worry about the flood problem and in my opinion the future problems to come from the flood of the King Aire owner in the link you posted. The windows alone give you an experience like no other. Best wishes on your selection.

[Andy]

There is a water temperature switch but I do not know the location. This would account for the gen set starting and then gradually overheating. The fan belt on the 17.5 is behind a cover on the front of the unit but you should be able to confirm it’s working with out removing the cover. I check the tension occasionally thru a small area on the lower right side of the cover. Powertech has their manuals on line and they contain a good troubleshooting guide. Low oil or coolant would shut the generator down completely and not allow it to continue to overheat. I have talked with them a couple of times with questions and to order filters and spare belts and found them very willing to help.

[Andy]

Thanks for info Fred, but I got a quote from Steve last week and forwarded it to my insurance company.

As for my friends Prevost from what I can see all the roof AC,s are smashed and the two fantastic fan’s. Hope to move it out this weekend,right now we are heading for a few days of heavy rain so I’ll wait until the sun shines again.

[Andy]

Post a picture of that manifold when you can Peter

[Andy]

Isn’t the mach 5 the model that needs the external accumulator tank? I may be confused.

[Andy]

Bernie, I wish you wouldn’t beat around the bush….but you’re right. Get some knowledge, use some common sense, ask questions and take the plunge. The #1 thing to remember is that almost any used Prevo is a better choice than any plastic. They are all a huge expense. Geo.

[Andy]

Nice job Dean, thought you didn’t need tools with that new to you bus?:)

[Andy]

We started out using higher end RV resorts but after 3 years we have come to appreciate the space, locations and views offered by county and state parks. If you can plan ahead 6 months you can reserve some choice spots.

Our worst experience so far has been at a high end motor coach resort in Las Vegas. For 5 days from 8am to 5pm, we had to listen to a jack hammer ripping up the neighbor’s concrete pad for a cabana remodel. When we complained we were offered 5% off the rate. Not worth it.

[Andy]

Hi Mark, Yes it pumps water but just won’t turn off for a long time like 10 minutes or so. I can recycle it at the breaker and it will run again so I’m ok for now. It’s not running hot and there’s plenty of water getting to it. I’ll give Headhunter a call on Monday. Do you know if there is a contact number or someone at Headhunter that I should get a hold of directly?

Thanks for your reply and help.

Fred

[Andy]

Ronald:

To answer your question: I’ll pay whatever it takes to get us where we want to be. However, like Jon I won’t drive far from the Interstate just for one night. Simple overnight parking requires a much lower set of standards than stopping to visit a particular location. I won’t stop overnight in rest areas or any public location except in an emegerency. We will spend a night in a truckstop, but only as a last resort. We like the feeling of security being in a campground, resort, etc.

[Andy]

Andre, just fueled at that Loves about 3hr ago. You’re right about exit 49…discovered it by accident last Oct returning from BT. See you Thurs…we’re on our way to NOLA. Geo.