[Mark]

This happens much more often than you’d think. Given purported horrendous build quality by the RV industry over the last 8 to 12 years these situations are becoming common place.

[Mark]

10 4

[Mark]

Yes Sir George, Ken Robertson… I really enjoyed my conversations with him. He was smart, knew all the converters and had a great sense of humor. Do you know what he’s doing now?

Harry

[Mark]

I really don’t want to muddy the waters…but our 2001 XLII measures 45 feet from the front bumper to the rear bumper. The only thing that adds to the length and the only reason I’m commenting after Jon is the passenger side mirror actually extends forward a few inches (3-5 inches) from the front bumper. Our storage is a little tight and when I have to work on the rear of the coach and we want maximum room to work in the rear we move the coach slightly forward and the first limitation that we run into is the mirror.

That may not make a difference to you but I thought I would mention it…just in case.

Happy hunting!

[Mark]

Bill: Have you checked with general aviation paint shops?

[Mark]

Link to the site would be appreciated

[Mark]

That’s a broad statement Bill and your experience can be the result of a number of factors.

First, it is easy to bitch about tire sidewall cracking and pointing fingers at the tire manufacturer. But consider the wizards that write environmental standards created massive heartburn for the tire industry when forcing tire compositions to change so more environmentally friendly tire compounds were used.

Europe in particular suffered greatly because it impacted their consumers first. Now tire manufacturers are using better compounds that are more resistant to cracking. The years you had sidewall cracking issues could have been when Michelin (and all others) first had to switch to new materials that were not fully developed.

The other thing you fail to mention was the tire age. I suspect you will run your tires as long as possible. As much as I would like a tire to not crack until I have worn out the tread, the reality is we are using tires designed for a commercial application, not an RV application. Our tires are going to last for about 700,000 miles and as many as 4 recappings. And in commercial service that might all occur in 7 years. So the tire and its compounds designed for the application are intended for a 7 year life. And to get that life the tires need to be exercised daily so the anti-cracking compounds are released. It is our use of the tires that often shortens their life.

If more RVs used our size tires so the amount produced was large enough for a dedicated tire design we would not likely have tires that aged out.

[Mark]

Repairs are done to engine after removal. Back on the road tomorrow. Fyda Freightliner/DD, Jimmy, did the work. Excellent shop. Road test checked out A+. “You’ll never have a problem with this engine again” they say. I’ll post in a couple of days if we have problems.

Lesson. You need a bunch of $$$$ up-front nowdays before work even starts. These shops say they have problems with ‘gentlemen’ who buy cheap financed trucks, they breakdown, then they disappear without paying.

[Mark]

The DN50 Seems like a continual source of leaks. Front seal has been replaced twice, the plug on the side was replaced by Prevost last September for the second time, and it loosened up on our last trip. Tightened with an Allen wrench did the job so far, but on the same trip, the drain hose installed by Prevost 2 years ago is leaking badly. I’ll have Prevost look at it again on our next trip up to Ft Worth, but still waiting on Marathon to get CruisAirs in before we make the trip. Never had an oil leak on our Cat!

[Mark]

Do you have to repaint outside of door latch

[Mark]

What does this 1/4″ line go to? What does it operate?

Dick, the 1/4″ line that busted runs from a valve near the floor of the steer compartment to my air ride seat. That is why I was able to squeeze it with vice grips and drive 140 miles to my destination. I did find out how much I appreciate the air ride seat.

Davy

[Mark]

Tim, thanks. Where did you find/buy the Atwoods?

Kirby

[Mark]

It might be smarter to tow it up but I’m looking at it as a shakedown cruise. I’ll be putting a lot of miles on it and the sooner I become one with it the better.

But we’ll be safe and not rush anything.

Thanks.

[Mark]

roof of spare tire compartment toward pass side will have a u-turn fluid by pass attached to it. must have 24volt for your heat or defrost to work. opens valve and let fluid thru(hot) Normally closed

[Mark]

We just got back to the coach after a great night at Claw Fest. Had a great time, the food was excellent, the conversation and adult beverages was even better then excellent. Had a really good time seeing old friends and making new friends. Really glad we made it here. Hopefully someone will post some pictures.

I had never had Stone Crab before and I have to say it was a real treat. Thanks to all the people who made this happen, especially the sponsors who paid for it.