Bill
Forum Replies Created
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I want to echo what Jeff has posted.
Age is indeed a factor in our tires. No matter how good a tire looks if it is older than six years old nobody recapping tires will touch it.
We as owners can get good service from our tires but the quickest way to destroy a tire is to run it at a pressure that is less than called for based on the weight it carries. Every coach is different, not only due to variations in how converters distribute weight, but also due to what we carry and where we carry it. The only way to know the correct pressure is to weight the coach and know each axle weight. If there is any doubt use more pressure than might be required, but never less.
A new owner that buys a coach with relatively new tires is making a leap of faith. If the previous owner ran a tire at low pressure, or had a poor quality tire repair done the tire might fail unexpectedly. Besides checking date codes when inspecting a coach, checking tire pressures looking for pressures within an accepted range may be an indication of proper tire care.
If a TPMS is not used part of every pre-trip inspection has to include a tire pressure check. Thumping the tire with a club is not a suitable way of checking pressures.
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Also take into consideration on a coach of that era that the Refrigerator will need changed out if its original. Then you need new inverters , Microwave and all the A/V components. If it has a combo W&D it is most likely worthless , upgrade to a stack that is usable. The generator bay insulation will need replaced , roof sealed and the drivers and entrance door fixed windows that are double pane will fog up if they have not already. Replace them with a one piece 3/8” safety glass. Take your time and check out all the heat and AC systems. They can be costly to repair or replace. Any issues found can be used for negotiations. Read the articles here and search the archives and learn all you can about these conversions. Due diligence is called for as a potential owner. They are a wonderful platform with the best ride and drive available in a class A RV. Also the safest one on the road.
Good luck and safe travels
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Jon are you a FMCA member or Good Sams member?
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Jon. Have tried contacting Roger Beauchemin at Signature Rv in Beaumont CA. He was service mgr Marathon CA, same location, then took it over when Marathon relinquished facility.
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I would suggest caution regarding the use of engine block heat.
Doing that over time is going to cause condensation and the last thing we need in our engines is moisture.
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What Bob said makes sense to me. Check the operation of that ride height valve.
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those leveling valves have a built in delay before they change to allow going around corners. If that rod comes loose or hangs on something that gives them a false signal as what to do. They are less than $50. I think it is dumping air and letting bag go flat and pinch.I’ll check and see if I still have part numbers that were screw up around then..Most bags last at least 10 yr. FWIW
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For those planning vacations around the Rally, I would suggest you go to Petoskey anyway since it’s a great place in the summer. Hopefully you can make a reservation, but it won’t be fun.
I believe there are other folks who may go as well.
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Welcome to the insanity. In addition to making sure you pay your dues, it is customary for recent members to provide Tom and I with small gifts such as a Rolex.
You will enjoy your coach. Nice looking and probably the most reliable and economical of all Prevost coaches to own with the bullet proof chassis and the economical and reliable 12.7L Series 60.
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Thank you all for your input, guidance and answers.
My inverters are Freedom 25 and at first glance without digging into the manuals it does not appear there is any way at the inverter or at the Crestron Controller panel to adjust to lower input amps. I do have a 50amp combiner adapter with plenty of 30amp extension cords so hoping I can find a second 30a receptacle on an opposite leg so I can come up with the shore power I need. I do plan on just running the generator and manage the loads at night if I get busted for running the generator otherwise I’ll just run it the entire time.
I have not learned from this chain of conversation about the lack of a full charge off the Detroit alternator. I had not noticed that before but always had 50 amp shore power upon arrival.
Cheers all,
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Here is a link to some hose pinch off pliers you could use on both sides of the filter to minimize getting air in the system.
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My previous 02 and current 04 Marathon H does not have the high heat button either, must have been an option.
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Dan, mine has a High heat button in the main switch cabinet. It’ll speed up your fans.
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Michael, you can do anything you want to these coaches, depending on the size of your wallet. But I have two thoughts, neither of which is influenced by facts.
First, if you do make the change from solid axle to IFS you might be underwhelmed. I cannot sense any measurable difference between the two and for sure the maintenance on an IFS ramps up considerably. Solid axles are nearly bullet proof and I wish I had one.
Second, it might be cheaper to just go buy a coach with IFS rather than changing one with solid axle. There is a lot of difference between the two axle configurations and my guess is trading for or buying one with IFS is going to be more cost effective. You will not recover a penny of the investment if you do make the change.
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Those are likely converter installed fans and I am not aware any were variable speed.