[Jerry]

I may have used the 2 by method but I think I just used an extra thick wax seal and then sat it down. You will have to rock it around some to get it to sit flush with the thicker wax seal. But no Leaks.

[Jerry]

I stand corrected about the inverter ability. I have only had experience with the way Country Coach had set up theirs up in the late 90s and Liberty’s set up like Dick had mentioned. Generally speaking, just because a coach does not have OTR, doesn’t always mean you automatically have the ability to run multiple a/c units via the inverters.

I would think it would would be pretty taxing on an inverter to run an a/c all the time. Anyone know if it can or will cut the life of an inverter short?

[Jerry]

How did I know the compressor was unloading (i.e. taking 2 or 4 of the 6 compressor cylinders off line)? Well, I saw the high end pressure go from 200 psi to 150 psi and the temperatures of the left and right cylinder heads went from 150 deg F to 105 deg F. The compressor clutch did not cycle. I think this behavior is normal but when it happens you are pretty much done charging using freon vapor.

Gerald

[Jerry]

I wonder if the tanks at lots of stations will be pumped “dry”. Is there a danger in getting bad stuff off the bottom? Or when the tanks are replenished and all the “stuff” on the bottom gets stirred up?

[Jerry]

If the bus somehow ended up on its side or roof, the windshields would probably be the best direction for exit, if one were able to move about. The windshield glass in that scenario might even be broken or popped out. If not, you’d need one of those emergency hammer tools to break the glass. Linda

P.S. Kirby said to sign my name on this because it sounds like a girly way. A real man would just kick out the glass with his feet.

[Jerry]

This is a wild ass guess since it’s showing low voltage.

Gen battery? Is the gen alternator/regulator doing it’s job? Is it possible the solar panel is providing the only battery charge and does the solar panel automatically disconnect when the engine is running? Of course if it runs while dry camping at night it shoots that theory.

Another thing to try is start the gen from the gen itself and not the remote start, then drive to see if it still quits.

One more, do you have the autostart turned off to rule out any electrical gremlins?

[Jerry]

If you have an Elegant Lady the problem may be as simple as a bad relay.

If you have a Classic it could be a fuse. Tell us what you have and we can help.

[Jerry]

Usually those “racks” are a viewing platform and likely what you see are the sides that fold up when the viewing platform is in use.

There is likely a ladder attached at the rear for access to the platform but I have also seen one that had access from inside the coach.

[Jerry]

I think there are two lights associated with the chassis electrical system in that vintage coach. A red light indicates an issue with voltage, high or low.

A blue light indicates an issue with the relationship between the chassis 12 and 24 volt systems.

Both are driven by the Vanner monitor located above the chassis batteries.

The red light will come on to indicate the chassis system voltage is out of an allowable range due either to a failed alternator not charging the batteries or excessively high voltage. I cannot remember the exact upper and lower limits, but for this discussion assume the Vanner will alert when the voltage drops below 24 volts or exceeds 30 volts. Any time the light is on the immediate response is to verify the voltage has come out of the allowable range, or if it is correct. For convenience the easiest place to check using a voltmeter is at the chassis booster cable attach points. With the engine off the voltage can be expected to read about 25.2 to 25.6. With the engine running on high idle the expected voltage would be around 27.7 volts. If the voltages are at or near those voltages the Vanner monitor might be defective.

If the blue battery balance light comes on the 12 volt system is not exactly 1/2 of the voltage reading of the 24 volt system within 1/2 volt. Again if the light comes on the actual voltages should be checked using a volt meter. For convenience they can be checked at the base of the Vanner monitor, but I prefer the terminals at the Vanner equalizer. The 12 volt reading should be within 1/2 volt of being 50% of the 24 volt value. If those readings are within the range the monitor might be defective, and if they are outside the allowable range the equalizer could be defective.

It is important if you get a warning on the dash you pay immediate attention to it.

[Jerry]

One other item to check is the low-pressure bypass valve. It is in the picture above at the bottom left center. It has the copper tubing going in and out from it. It is used to prevent the system from cycling on the low pressure side by allowing hi-side gas to be inserted into the low side line to prevent this low pressure cycling. This device was added long ago due to the long a/c lines in the dash a/c system. It is normally set to begin allowing high side refrigerant into the low side line when the low side pressure get around 28-30 psi. If for some reason the valve is not closing properly or is opening too soon you keep the low side pressure too high and the system does not cool as effectively.

[Jerry]

Very nice clean look… way to go !!

Diane

[Jerry]

Per….

Dorothy and I pulled into Marathon this afternoon after a bruising trip to Alaska. Just wanted to reiterate what you had posted about the new black water sensors. On my 2000 Marathon, the black water had gotten down-right undependable….about two months ago we came by and had them replaced with the system they are now using and have found them to be great. The black water tank now registers properly….we’ve enjoyed knowing when to dump….instead of guessing!!! ty

[Jerry]

Hey Ron,

What’s happening with you and Jane’s new ride? Although you were unable to post the video I’m curious if you’re still looking at the same bus? I hope its not a reenactment of “See Jane Run”!

I know I may be dating myself a little here, me being 55 and all, but Jane can still be Jane even though she dumped Dick for you! Her family is still talking about that move by the way… Dick has been driving a Prevost for years you I know?

So what’s your deal, what’s your plan, what’s your story Ron? You can tell us you’re story’s safe with us… You guys think he bought that? Naaaaaa!

Harry

[Jerry]

George was correct. Got the bus loaded yesterday, now for last minute shopping for our self sufficient camping experience. As Andre discovered, road construction around the school will cease during eclipse week

Monte, the Teton Schools 401 Superintendent emailed and said Student athletes will be using the school’s locker room

Here’s the “shower” scooop. We can have access to locker room showers, but at this point cost is unknown until we get there. Monte said as long as school staff is present in the school during their operational hours we can have access when sports teams aren’t using them. No after hours use

Because of the unknown numbers of people descending ( we hear by the thousands) on the Teton Valley, and with 5 temporary campgrounds that have been set up between Victor, Driggs, and Tetonia total distance18 miles, we will attempt to be as self sufficient as possible. Driggs main St will be a carnival style atmosphere, so “don” your walking shoes, parking maybe impossible.

We will eat as a group on site, since restaurants are not many and will be inundated with people. Chris and I are bringing a Four burner Blackstone Grill for all to use. If you have a grill, may we use as back up. Many have offered their tables to use. Thankyou

ALCHOL on school grounds. Officially, no booze on school grounds per Supintenent. Soooo, we must be very discreet, possibly utilizing sippey cups or coffee mugs. Red SOLO cups are a traditional identifier of hidden adult beverages, so please use something different That’s why our wine tasting event is off site

We have 49’pair of solar sunglasses by HighPoint Scientific to hand out As with everything in life, please use at your own risk !!

We are on a hard paved surface, no water is available, so arrive fresh tank full, others empty. We will be running our generators, so be sure to top off fuel in nearby cities. Locally, might be tough and expensive. Locals are understandably trying to cash in on this event

Schedule:

August 18 Teton High school 555 E Ross Ave. will post directions around the construction on the 17th

Check in and park in north student parking lot thru out day. Look for White Signs indicating “PC Rally Parking”. Anyone volunteering a table, we’ve can set it up after youre settled

5 pm welcome, fried chicken dinner. Please bring own table service.

Dinner provided. Local fried chicken, potato salad, green salad, lemon bars.

August 19. 4-6 pm Happy Hour Wine Tasting courtesy of Teroestates Winery-Doug Roskelly.

Day on your own. Happy hour off site at the Driggs Senior Center, 60 S Main, west side of Town Hall. Town Hall is right next to Broulims Grocery and Ace Hardware

Grill your own meat or meat replacement on community grill on site and bring a side to share.

Last name beginning A-H. Bring side to share

Bring your own table service

August 20 4-6 pm

Free day. Happy Hour at camp site at Teton High school

Potluck Dinner. Bring your own meat product or replacement to cook on community grill. Bring a side to share

Last Name beginning with I(eye) to P bring side to share and your own table service

August 21. Eclipse Day

Breakfast provided by the Hilger s

Day on own and watch the phenomenon of nature

Happy Hour 4-6 on site

Dinner to follow once again, bring your meat. Last name Q-Z bring side to share

August 22. Departure. School needs our space, classes begin 23rd

Hope you enjoyed our Teton venue! Thanks for coming!!

Safe travel, and see you down the road!!!

[Jerry]

Major improvements, looks like a new coach