[David]

Dave,

Glad you got it sorted. BTW…..I grew up in McAlester, OK. Been to Talihina many times……

[David]

Excellent article. It’s taken me months to accumulate that knowledge found in that article.

Eventually I assume I will be going LiFePo4, probably when my lead acids show signs of end of life. I was planning on assembling my own battery, using something like the REC BMS, integrated with Wakespeed W500 alternator voltage regulator. I have not checked yet if the Trace inverters can be programmed to work with a LiFePo4 charging profile. If not, was going to move to Victron inverters.

[David]

CONGRATS on fixing it!

Know that was an unsettling experience!

Please do let us know the details when you have time.

[David]

All my 3 buses handle my 30 degree driveway and have for 32 years. Anything less than 30 degrees is not steep.

But I am glad I am not backing up with 20,000# of trailer.

[David]

I was wondering how the long term performance of SharkBite has been. I guess we have one man’s opinion!

[David]

Well things just didn’t pan out for the visit to Nashville and ETLC so it looks like it will be another time. 🙁

[David]

Good landing, walked away.

[David]

I purchased the PressurePro FX with 12 sensors. I was able to install 6 of the 8 on the coach’s wheels, and 2 wheels (outer drive wheels) required the valve stems to be swiveled about 90 degrees. I like the system overall, and now I am seeing that inner right drive wheel is losing pressure. Not yet sure if this is because of the PressurePro sensor leaking, a valve stem extension leaking, or I have a new leak in this tire. I am hoping it’s one of the first two. I just replaced the two front tires with new Michelins, and I am kicking myself for not asking to keep the two old ones for spares.

BTW, I used the National Tire Concierge tire buying service ($90 one-time membership fee), they set everything up with the installer for me. Main reason I went this way is they have a road-hazard warranty that is for 3 years and *not* pro-rated.

[David]

Another way to do it is make an extension bar, and use your existing 1/2″ drive 150 or 200 lb torque wrench. I made one up (pictured at end below) using some scrap lying around. Cannibalized/welded on Harbor Freight socket adapters 1/2 to 3/4 to get the holes for the torque wrench to fit one end and the the 3/4 output on the other end.

https://www.harborfreight.com/impact-socket-adapter-set-3-pc-61991.html

There is a calculator here

http://www.rv7.us/a_u-torquewrenchsetting.htm

that gives you torque setting to get output you want. For my extension tool which is 40 inches long center to center on the 1/2 and 3/4 fittings and torque wrench length 21.5″ (there is usually a line on the handle showing effective length to the socket drive output) indicated torque of 166 lbs is 475 at the 3/4 drive output. Make your extension appropriately based on capacity of your existing torque wrench.

TORQUE STICK OPTION

The opinions and postings about accuracy/inaccuracy of torque sticks are legion. However I convinced myself this weekend when putting on my new front tires, they (at least the set up I used) are pretty darn accurate and close enough even for an OCD person like me. I used a 3/4 drive CP 772 set on near max number 6 on the dial, 1/2 air hose at 110 psi at the regulator. I used this torque stick and 1 1/2″ socket combo tool

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0811XZJ88/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

and let it bang away for about 2-3 seconds until the nuts stopped turning. After tightening them all this way in the prescribed sequence, I went back and checked each nut with my torque wrench set up. About half of the nuts clicked before they turned, so I tightened those no further. The other half turned maybe a few degrees ( the end of the torque wrench which was 60″ away from the torque axis moved 3-6″) and the wrench clicked. To me this means on average the nuts were pretty close to 475. Since the torque spec is 450 – 500 ft lbs I declared “Close enough!” and put away my tools. I mean, I am going to recheck them after driving 100 miles or so anyway. In the future I am just going to use the torque stick, call it done for that day and just do the confirming check after 100 miles.

[David]

I get an emailed receipt within a few minutes I see the charge in the app. Receipt emailed a business day or two later.

Edit for clarity, sorry

[David]

Coolant or Oil would be my 1st guess.

2nd might be clogged filters

[David]

I helped a buddy put 1050 gallons in a yacht today. I pumped the diesel. He paid the man. Felt right.

[David]

Dick,

Yep, those fellas are definatly famous in the Prevost world and even in the broader bus community. I was thinking more on the lines of Bob Seger or Willie Nelson. Charlie Daniels bus was at ETLC years ago and Jeff allowed me to go up the steps and poke my head in. I felt like i was robbing a bank :). Needless to say i get star struck pretty easily. Even by the PC guys. I remember seeing something about Earnest Borgnines Prevost. I wonder where that one is now. Good stuff though.

Cool pics Mike. Except for some blemishes i bet it doesnt look much different today.

[David]

Well Done! Glad to hear a success story.

[David]

Thank you for input. That is certainly doable.

Davy