schoonmakerjon

All following this post and project, I'm continuing to make progress. I've completed a power consumption assessment for the coach identifying daily watthours and Amp hours. Both are needed metrics to size the solar panels and batteries. Additionally, I've identified 2 firms that can provide initial project outlines w/limited bills of material to sort details and finer cost estimates. For folks interest these firms are imtra.com and nohma.com. Also, while the solar panels are commodities, the batteries are the essential core. So the complexity comes to the batteries - number/size, the solar charge controller and related integration and support software to run the system. Also, it seems the EV mnftrs, e.g. Tesla, have solved the battery and charging issues, so the open questions are managing/charging and distributing an EV battery pack through solar generated input. I've posed this question to one of the system designer/integrators. More in a few days, when I have these initial proposals.

Hello All Interested Folks, I'm implementing a Solar system on a MCI coach. This conversion was implemented in 2000 with a Trace/Xantrex SW4024MC2. The chassis/engine batteries are 2 standard 12V 8Ds, and the House batteries are 2 standard 12V AGMs GPL8DL, rated at 255 AmpHrs each. The chassis/engine batteries are supported by the standard MCI battery charger and the house batteries are charged through the Trace. Additionally the coach has an on-board PowerTech 20KW generator. The solar system objectives are to substantially reduce the generator use and increase boondockinig possibilities. We are planning a X-country trip in Feb 2025. I've done a power consumption assessment and have summertime usage of about 45K watts or 3.8K AmpHrs. The roof A/C units are ~85% of this total. My current forecast is for 4-6 600+watt roof solar panels and a battery upgrade to 4 AGMs at the 255+ AmpHr rating. What can folks recommended here for the 2 system components, solar panels and house batteries? Also, the Trace/Xantrex SW4024MC2 is original, and while operating well, I'm considering replacing it with a comparable Xantrex unit. There are complications to this upgrade, wiring to a new driver's control panel, PowerTech generator integration/linkage, etc. I'm interested in folks perspective on replacing the inverter and working through the complications, value and worth the effort? And, what might I be missing here that might cause added implementation/operating complications/disruptions? Thank you for your help and interest. --- Jon

Bill and Rayin, I appreciate your responses and adding some information. This celebrity coach was converted in 2000 on a MCI stock transit bus. The conversion was done in OH, and unfortunately the converter is no longer operating. Since this is a MCI coach, the maintenance is done by MCI's northeast service ctr in Blackwood, NJ and additional local maintenance is done by Peter Pan Bus (PPB), and exclusive MCI operator. So the coach is well maintained by fully informed, trained techs. I will also inquire with both MCI's blackwood crew and the PPB folks to understand other possibilities for sorting through this situation. And I'll have look into any nearby RV salvage operations for related RVIA information. Thank you very much for your insights and suggestions. --- Jon

All, in my prior to campground reservations, I've been asked about RV certification in some form, e.g. RVIA. We own a former celebrity coach, MCI, with all well-maintained, fairly high-end equipment, Aquahot, Protech, etc. Additionally, the coach is annually maintained by MCI's Northeast Service Ctr and is always current with the required state inspection. Park still are requiring RVIA decals and/or all equipment must be factory-installed. How are folks handling this situation, when you own a RV that does not come from an identified manufacturer, e.g. Newmar, HR, Tiffin, etc? Also, does RVIA or others have an inspection process that will certify a RV not made by one of the industry participants? Please advise any possibilities, Thank you for your help and insights.

Jim and others, I'll follow-up your leads/pointers to learn more. This is all helpful. I had an initial run through eBay, and did not find anything, and understand the value for having an appropriate pointer to focus the search. Thank you.

Bill, good morning and I appreciate your reply. Thank you. Also, I've received other information identifying this opening/"crack" as a grooved fitting for a shim. This shim is used for aligning the 50DN with the engine pulleys and related belts to drive the alternator. I've a contact for the shims and will be following this up. This added information will close out this topic for now and I'll update it if there is more information. Thank you everyone for having a look and your feedback. --- Jon

Hello Forum Members, I have a '99-'00 MCI converted coach used initially as a celebrity coach and now a highly functional RV. It has been working well for us until this year's recent annual inspection and the coach now has a parts sparing needs issue. I'm interested in understanding more about MCI bus used parts availability and sourcing. My goal is to keep the coach on the road. The electrical parts the coach needs for improved reliability, safety and sparing are the 12V and 24V modules used to manage the electrical current throughout the coach. I've had a 12V fail, with lose of most dashboard gauges and was able to obtain a used module for replacement. NFI parts currently has the 24V remanufactured modules available and unfortunately no 12V modules and unknown availability. The respective part numbers are 12V -- 07-18-1016 and 24V -- 07-18-1017. Currently the 12V module need is the priority. Please provide any information, connect info and related pointers to MCI/bus used, salvage and/or "junk yards" for possible parts. Thank you for your help. Regards, Jon

Hello Forum Members, I have a '99-'00 MCI converted coach used initially as a celebrity coach and now a highly functional RV. It has been working well for us until this year's recent annual inspection and the coach now has what might be a significant repair issue. I'm looking for insights, advise and related guidance to accomplish a resolution. My goal is to keep the coach on the road. The repair situation is the lower, 5 o'clock position on the 50DN bracket has developed a crack. Please see attached picture, 50DN w/lower bracket section and bracket crack at the 5 o'clock position. As identified the coach has a Detroit Diesel (DD) series 60, 12.6L engine and the 50DN alternation is attached to the upper right side, when viewing the engine from the rear compartment. I'm interested in anyone's information about repairing this cracked bracket. Can it be welded? replaced? other options? and information related to costs,, risks, success/reliability after repair. Thank you in advance for your insights and suggestions. Regards, Jon

All, This is quite helpful information and I will avail myself to these additional social media resources. The goggle earth/satellite view and measure is particularly useful to take the uncertainty out of showing up at these campgrounds and trying to sort it out, "on the spot". thank you again for everyone's comments and insights. --- Jon

Campcop, Again, I appreciate the pointer to RV Parky, I've the app and have occasionally chased up the listing to verify the big rig compatible information. I will now use it and other social media available information, e.g. trip advisor, Goggle reviews etc., for added validation. Thank you for taking the time and safe travels. ---- Jon

Wayne, I appreciate the pointer and will avail myself to this site and the related directory. I expect it will be helpful. Thank you for taking the time. Safe travels. Regards, Jon

All, How are folks with Class A RVs making the determination about an appropriate Big Rig friendly campground? We are traveling in a Class A, 45ft convert entertainer coach, and I always search the Big Rig friendly sites, using the FMCA road atlas as the starting point. Once a I have a few identified campground possibilities, I'll review there websites and call to verify both date availability, site location and maneuverability throughout the camp. Mostly my phone inquires yield a general response, "we've had 45ft units here with no problems". When I arrive I'm still finding challenging maneuverability, sometimes needing an open campsite to be able to get the coach situated. This can be challenging, so any added approach, inquiry method and information for identifying a truly Big Rig compatible/friendly RV campground will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your help. --- Jon

Johnarch, Hello and I appreciate you providing your experience about this trip. We will consider going through Canada as part of the trip. Although since we will be traveling with pets/dogs, it might be more difficult to get in/out of Canada. My initial approach is to travel I90 and I69, staying in the US. So we will see. Thank you. --- Jon

All, we are planning a trip, late June - mid-July, through Eastern MI, from New Buffalo to Mackinac Island. What recommendations do you all have for campgrounds, stopovers/waypoints and specific locations to experience the area? We will be traveling from the Albany, NY area and will start our trip on I-90/NY Thurway. From this starting point we have quite a bit of flexibility and are traveling in a 45ft motorcoach. Thank you for your recommendations and suggestions. -- Jon

All following this upgrade post, I've nearly completed this upgrade and have the complete system in a trial installation prior the RV installation. In starting this project, I've removed a 26" JVC plasma TV, quite heavy, a Magnavox VHS/DVD and Sony AV receiver. I believe all components are 12+years old. I've left the Bose surround sound in place. There was previously a cable/satellite (DirecTV) box providing TV and internet access. This was removed prior to my acquiring the coach. As replacements, I've installed Verizon 5G Hotspot (Inseego) for internet and streaming TV. The Inseego tech team has been quite helpful. Verizon less so. Samsung 32" SmartTV N5300. This was fairly easy to wirelessly connect to the hotspot LG Blu-ray DVD player, and Denon AVR-S540BT for AM/FM radio, mobile phone/Bluetooth connection and USB port. This also connects to the Bose system. These newer TVs and AVRs with ARC connections are much easier and simpler to use, as Audio Return Channel (ARC) eliminates a cable and links controls between the TV and the AVR simplifying audio/speaker setup/integration. While the 5g hotspot currently is receiving 4G LTE, it appears to work fine and the Inseego crew has verified the 4G's capability, so getting 5G anywhere will make the signal better. I'm still sorting out the antenna situation, and the prior owner has provided some insights and I believe the antenna cabling is in place. Hopefully this will be reusable. Additionally, there is a 2nd system in the former rear lounge, and I'll be upgrading that will a similar implementation, sharing the 5G hotspot. Please advise any additional insights and/or questions. --- Jon