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Forum
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RE: Fleetwood/Freightliner ecoFRED Hybrid
Freightliner's press release on the ecoFRED chassis.
Instead of FRED, maybe we can call it a BOB... Batch Of Batteries.
:) ;)
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texasbaskets
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12/03/08 10:51am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Getting out of this MAC Stuff
Maybe this will help. ;) ;)
Cheers !!!
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texasbaskets
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12/01/08 01:09pm |
Technology Corner
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RE: Is 2 lbs difference OK on Dual Tires
Unlike car, light truck and SUV tires, the pressure on the sidewall of a heavy duty truck tire is the minimum pressure required to carry the tire's rated load. Anything less than that reduces the tire's weight carrying capacity, which doesn't leave much wiggle room for most RV's.
Actual load may be less than the tire's max, in which case you use the tire manufacturer's inflation tables to determine the minimum pressure. Weight unknown, you are wise to inflate to the pressure on the sidewall until you can get it checked.
I understand tire technology and the effects of under-inflation, all I am saying is that on my 22.5" Michelins there is a max pressure indicated on the sidewall.
Yes, there is a max pressure on my Michelins as well, but it is still the minimum pressure required to carry the maximum rated load. :) ;)
(Go to page 5 of this very informative document from Bridgestone Tires.)
Maybe we should ask ourselves why such a high percentage of tires actually checked on RV's are underinflated?
I think some of it is psychological. Maybe the average guy is accustomed to putting 28 psi in their car tires even though the max pressure on the sidewall is 35, and they just can't bring themselves to putting the "maximum" 115 psi in a truck tire when it might be the "minimum" required to carry the load. :) ;)
Cheers.. !!
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texasbaskets
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11/26/08 07:47am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Is 2 lbs difference OK on Dual Tires
Most don't realize the minimum pressure is posted on the side of the tire, while the maximum cold inflation is 10 PSI higher.
The sidewalls on my Michelins state maximun pressure cold is 110 psi. What am I not seeing. :h
Unlike car, light truck and SUV tires, the pressure on the sidewall of a heavy duty truck tire is the minimum pressure required to carry the tire's rated load. Anything less than that reduces the tire's weight carrying capacity, which doesn't leave much wiggle room for most RV's.
Actual load may be less than the tire's max, in which case you use the tire manufacturer's inflation tables to determine the minimum pressure. Weight unknown, you are wise to inflate to the pressure on the sidewall until you can get it checked.
Here is some good reading from Bridgestone. :) ;)
Cheers..
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texasbaskets
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11/25/08 02:48pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Do I need brakes
I have a 2002 39' Winnebago Journey on a Frieght Liner chassis with a 330hp Cat and a 6 speed Allison. Do I need brakes on my tow dolly if I am pulling a 2004 Mercury mini van +/- 3,200 lbs GVW? Thanks
Keith :-)
Welcome Keith
This topic usually brings up spirited debates. Just my opinion- yes you should have aux brakes as well as break away protection. Also are you sure on the weight of that Merc minivan? 3200 lbs seems light by about 1000 lbs.
Keith, I have to question the weight as well. I found a resource that says this about your van:
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Weights: curb weight (lbs) 4,340 and gross trailer weight braked (lbs) 2,000
As said, there is usually a spirited debate, but rules, laws, and fuzzy math aside, my personal experience of towing an Olds that weights about the same with a DP of similar size is you need brakes. Adding the weight of the dolly you could be pushing the hitch limit as well, and I doubt very much you will still be within the rig's GVWR with the dolly and van added in.
FWIW, I towed a very light Saturn four down without brakes and would do it again, but the van is just too heavy and yes, you can really feel the difference. :) ;)
Good luck...
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texasbaskets
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11/25/08 10:52am |
Dinghy Towing
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RE: Coachman is selling out to Forest RIver
Consolidation was predicted in this market and I'm happy that Coachmen didn't fold. Forest River (Berkshire Hathaway) has some pretty deep pockets. Warren Buffet said invest in American right now, I guess my thanks go out to him.
Good luck for everyone involved. :) ;)
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texasbaskets
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11/21/08 07:23am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Something to ponder... from the other side
Nothing new there, that's the public. If you want some real interaction, try City Government... lol.
If I was that disgrungled and fed up with my business I would SELL to those developers in a heartbeat. That is unless dying of a heart attack is appealing to you. :) ;)
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texasbaskets
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11/19/08 10:21am |
Campgrounds, Resorts and Attractions
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RE: Manufacturers: who has staying power
Survey of 147 Dealers in RV Industry News from 10.03.08.
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texasbaskets
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11/19/08 08:24am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Why do tires have a reduced capacity whe used as duals?
I still don't believe heat is the right answer to the OP's question.
GoodYear also says the carrying capacity of a tire in dual is due to the disproportionate load one tire might carry. That is the same as the link I already gave you from Bridgestone.
Goodyear Dual Carrying Capacity.
That said, can you guys who insist the primary reason load capacity of tires in dual is reduced because of heat build up give us some credible sources for your claim?
Thank you. :) ;)
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texasbaskets
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11/17/08 09:11am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Furnace will not light. Help needed, it is getting cold!
Hey Jason,
Mine did the same thing and it could be the sail switch which is in the outer blower housing and easy to get to. Clean it with some contact cleaner and be sure it works without binding.
This diagram will give you an idea of where it is and how to get to it. Mark all wires before you remove them.
Atwood Heater Diagrams.
Good luck. :) ;)
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texasbaskets
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11/17/08 06:42am |
Tech Issues
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RE: Why do tires have a reduced capacity whe used as duals?
A single tire may to have to support most of the load at times on an uneven surface. Take for example a rutted road.
That's the main reason. The Bridgestone Tire Doctor agrees with you as well...
Dear Lena,
The main reason that dual tire load limits are set at a lower rating than single tires is that tires paired up as duals do not always contact the road surface equally. Examples of this would be ruts in the road surface, climbing over curbs, mismatches in inflation pressure and/or remaining tread depth, to name a few.
This unequal road surface contact results in one of the dual tires ending up carrying more than its fair share of the load. In order to provide a “safety cushion” for when this happens, the maximum weight allowed is set lower than for a single application.
Best regards, Tire Doctor
Entire article.
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texasbaskets
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11/16/08 02:47pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Booth Dinette vs Table & Chairs??
When we bought our last MH we thought we would like the table and chairs since our last MH had the booth. The DW looked at both set ups and did not like that if you needed to get the wall mounted storage cabinet under the standing table you had to bend under the table or close back against the wall. Also you could store large pots and pans in the drawers. I did not care for the booth since to me it was hard to get in and out and I felt confined. Well, we got the booth set up and it had a corian table top that was really wide to be able to fit across the booth seats to make a bed. Since we never use the booth as a bed, I took the table to a local factory that makes granite and corian counter tops and had the table cut down 3" on each sidefor an overall 30" wide table. They did a great job and you would never know it was reworked. Now we have plenty of room and the bench seats are very comfortable and now I have a functional table that I do not feel crammed into. The wife is happy since she still has the seat drawers for storing her large pots and pans.
Hmm... good idea because I like the booth as well but DW has the same problem getting in and out because of her back. My tabletop swings down and stays connected to the wall. The kiddos don't come that often, but we have a crowd when they do and I need the sleeping space. I could cut a couple hardwood boards the right length to bridge the face boards on the two booths and let the table top set on those for extra sleeping? The boards would store under the booth. Could be a good weekend project? :) ;)
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texasbaskets
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11/14/08 09:19am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Jack noise
Yes, wood blocks under the jack pads will reduce the amount of noise. :) ;)
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texasbaskets
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11/12/08 02:00pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: please help with any info possible
Hi Frank,
The company stands behind their product and mine has given me good service for over 3 years. The overall satisfaction of other Sportscoach owners on this forum seems to be good.
As you probably found out, there isn't much competition at those pricepoints, so you buy a Coachmen for what it is, not what it compares to. Add to that Coachmen has been around for over 40 years and that makes the choice a little easier for us guys with a smaller budget. The chassis has as 3 yr. warranty and most of the components would be serviced by the makers so your risk is probably not great.
BTW, if you have questions that Coachmen might be able to answer, don't hesitate to ask them. I found that even before the sale they were eager to make me feel like a customer.
Good luck no matter what decision you make. :) ;)
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texasbaskets
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11/12/08 11:34am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Do you run your genset every month during winter?
When it's too cold for the AC to start, add a load as already suggested or if you have an electric water heater that works as well.
If you are suggesting using the electric hot water element it's important to mention that you should NOT use the electric hot water tank element as a generator load if your RV is winterized - the tank will be empty and it will burn out the element.
It's actually a good thing to double check for anyone exercising your genny - remember to ensure that your electric element on the hot water tank is disabled before turning on the power.
Thanks for clarifying that. :) ;)
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texasbaskets
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11/10/08 08:10am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: New F.L. Chassis
Freightliner makes a great chassis and motorhomes are just a fraction of their medium duty chassis business. I would be more concerned that the RV manufacturer used one with enough capacity to meet your needs.
These manufacturers built/have built on Freightliner chassis. BTW trop-a-cal, that probably includes yours but since National is no longer in business it's hard to guess what they would use today. :);)
Freightliner Custom Chassis.
Good luck..
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texasbaskets
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11/10/08 07:43am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Another First Timer in Texas!!
Bring lots of cheese but leave your football team at home. :) ;)
Welcome to Texas. We hope you have fun here and an enjoyable trip to and from.
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texasbaskets
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11/10/08 07:30am |
Snowbirds
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RE: Do you run your genset every month during winter?
This sounds too simple, but the manufacturer recommends running the generator every month so why is there a question, lol? :) ;)
When it's too cold for the AC to start, add a load as already suggested or if you have an electric water heater that works as well.
We put 100 hours a year on ours mostly for AC and I still run it every month when it's cold out.
Cheers !!!
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texasbaskets
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11/10/08 07:24am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Another Newmar nightmare !!!!!!
After reading this entire thread, I think it boils down to this.
It's obvious that when you buy a used motorhome you assume some risks, but as said time and time again on this board, water leaks almost never turn out good. In this case, maybe a professional inspection would have exposed the problem before the papers were signed.
As my practical example, we bought a used Class C for our first MH. It was a fairly old unit, but not knowing what I was doing at the time, I passed over an obvious water problem in the overhead. I was able to fix it only because I caught it in time, but not everyone might have the resources I have to accomplish that.
That said, I as well don't believe this is a manufacturer's responsibility, but I do have empathy for the owner. :) ;)
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texasbaskets
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11/07/08 06:46am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Sportscoach introduces a new 45' tag axle?
It should come pretty close to the typical tractor trailer height which is 13'6". I'm sure Coachmen will use the low profile AC units and according to this ad, the height of the low profile AC unit is 9.5".
Duo Therm AC.
A top Newmar tag is 13'4" from the ground which is only 2.5" lower than the Coachmen after adding the AC, and again, only 2" lower than the typical tractor/trailer combination.
Newmar.
As for the Coachmen, I suspect that the flat floor in the bedroom has something to do with the overall height and yes, it is taller than most, but not so bad if you compare it to the average tractor trailer truck. :) ;)
That said, Heads up !! I always say... :) ;)
I hope they don't strap a dome on that thing, they seem to be about a foot tall. Be an expensive scratch.
This one would work just fine. :) ;)
In practice, my rig is 12'4" and my radio antenna is a good 2 feet taller and I've never hit the antenna on a highway overpass. :) ;) A few low lying tree branches, but not on a highway overpass, not to say they aren't there though... lol.
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texasbaskets
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11/06/08 12:16pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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