[Davy]

my first trip with the Blue Moose was Skyline drive and Blue Ridge from DC to Asheville. Parking was fine but I will warn you, Skyline is very tight with lots of cyclists and can get hairy if a bus comes the other way. We averaged 4mpg on the way down as well. We drive it often in the car. Gorgeous

[Davy]

did you do the wine tasting at the lobster bake.

[Davy]

VW seems to be thinking about mileage. They use a standard gear box that shifts automatically, called direct shift gearbox (dsg) which makes the shift in six milliseconds. Generically they’re called dual clutch transmissions. They also now have electronic power steering to eliminate the pump that the engine spins. Of course there is some offset with the alternator producing some extra amps. We see 37 city, 43 highway mpgs.

We are not scheduled to get it in the US, but Mercedes Benz is thinking about mileage. They are producing a hybrid diesel tested at 67 mpg. The electric motor is inside the torque converter. The one we will get is not a hybrid, but its is a 2.1 liter diesel in an E chassis that will get 45 highway. Since this is not the place, I’ll stop here.

[Davy]

I love Freightshakers…..

[Davy]

When you take it in. check voltage— 12V or 24… On my older one both were used. I had aux air on the 89 (bed room air) it had a 24 volt clutch. Prob not same system but worth a simple check. bob

[Davy]

+1 on Jon’s remarks.

Another factor to be considered (which has also been mentioned on this site frequently) is that many systems on our coaches age without regard to mileage and some systems actually do better with some use.

[Davy]

I’ve been talking to Gary at DFW location and he has been really helpful. I am currently at Prevost this morning and they are going to start removing the 4″ piece of trim at the top. Hopefully we can see something behind the strip. I am going to ask them to do a complete air test, on the rest, of the coach to make sure I don’t have any other areas.

[Davy]

Guys,

Thanks for the input… Jon is there a resource somewhere for what is the upper limit for each gear or do you just pick that up from experience…. Honestly I will have to check not sure if the allison displays the gear you are currently in or the highest available… I know on my old coach until I got VMSPC I had no idea what gear I was actually in at any given time.

Thanks again for the input….

Bill

[Davy]

I doubt that a owner will let u take apart aqua hot but if you listen close you can hear if bearings are bad if it leaves black soot on ground it’s not working good and that can cost a lot of money. Tires and battery’s are just the cost of driving it and I would say lots of gen hours… no problem.

I don’t think driving it 50 to 100 miles a month is the key to a good coach…whether its a big truck or bus there are lots of things to look for. One that is being used regularly and kept in good working order is more beneficial than one that the owner has sitting in the shop messing around with little things.

[Davy]

Another belt which I changed, and always carried a spare of, was the belt for the generator blower motor. A royal pain to get to on our bus, but a must should it break and for whatever reason you’re dependent upon the generator. Mine was a project because I had to empty the storage bay to access the belt behind a panel, and it happened to be the spot where I stored all my tools and most of my spare parts.

I changed my engine belts based upon appearance, and never had one break. I did inspect them with at least a quick once- over every time I drove our Liberty.

[Davy]

No problem Rob. This is a stocked color and I have the name in your file. Just let me know when you are ready.

[Davy]

look at Normandy Farms in foxbourgh ma. Should be fairly close to where you describe

[Davy]

Jim,

Let me start with first thanking you for the trouble you went to in searching out my prior owner and our conversation. Next WOW what great people. The prior owners and I had a great conversation for over 2 hours. They could not have been more gracious and helpful. They are a wealth of information and great stories. I was able to get information that every owner wants but could never get without this kind of help. Thanks again for your help.

George

[Davy]

Susan et al,

The check valve is actualy like wearing suspenders with a belt. Most compressors will not allow air to flow back through them after they cycle off but adding a check valve to the circuit assures the aux system will not leak down through the compressor.

The check valve where located is the best possible place because it is the furthest possible from the compressor. The heat of compression is greatest at the compressor outlet and it is usually too hot for most valve seats. Some install copper tubing from the compressor so the heat of compression is more easily transferred to the atmosphere.

The bus engine driven compressor has its discharge air delivered to the air dryer through a very long stainless steel braided air line so the air is cooler when it enters the dryer so if you have an opportunity consider copper tubing perhaps with a couple of loops in it from the compressor to the tank. Nylon DOT tubing might not be acceptable for the heat generated which might be why the hose was of the material shown. But you know how the heat impacted the life of the original hose.

[Davy]

Anybody have any pictures of where these filters are hiding in your coaches??