shields

Welcome to FMCA! I too will look forward to hearing about your time in Europe. Happy travels when you hit the road stateside. Tim and Beth

John, Note that Wayne is using lumber wide enough to support the full width of the tire tread. It's important to have support all the way accross. Similarly, if a rear corner is low, supporting both the tires is essential. Does your coach allow you to lower the suspension (such as by deflating air bags)? If so, lowering the coach first will put your jack pads closer to the ground and give you more lift range. Good luck, Tim

John, The points Brett raises are all valid. It's critical to know your current usage, battery capacity, and charging requirements. With that data, you can determine the proper specs for a new, smaller, generator. In the meantime, we are assuming your coach came with a diesel genset; which should consume about 1/2 a gallon of fuel per hour. A new gas powered generator in the 1,000W range should run about 8 hours on a 1/2 gallon of gasoline. Good luck, Tim

Hi John, Welcome to the FMCA forum. Assuming that your coach is diesel powered, carrying a small generator also means gas cans which -- in your basement compartments -- may create safety issues. Assuming your existing genset burns about 0.5 gallons per hour, fuel costs at $300/gallon, and a quality gas-powered generator costs $250, then you will use the small generator about 150 hours (since the small unit uses some fuel) before you break even. If you dry camp often, it may be a good plan. But do think through the safety issues carefully. Good luck, Tim Shields

We seem to get faster results with the furnace; so we use it even though the shore power (for heat pumps) is free. Glad your problem was simple to resolve. Tim

If you reside in California, or if you store the vehicle in California, you will be fighting an uphill battle. The rules are complex and you'll need to spend sufficient time to make sure you are complying. The Bennett Law Firm in Missoula, MT (866-543-5803) has extensive experience in these matters and I would recommend them to you. However, California is cash strapped and is trying collect every possible dollar. So make sure you are wholly compliant if you go that direction. Good Luck!

Chuck's comments above are, in my estimation, the right approach. Between 2 and 5 new lawsuits against Wal Mart are filed (in the Federal Courts alone) every business day. Wal Mart is no stranger to litigation -- it's just a cost of doing business for them. For those of us who value Wal Mart's open invitation, what can we do? Just the same things we've all read before. 1. Don't abuse Wal Mart's invitation by overstaying your welcome, leaving a mess, damaging their pavement with leveling jacks, having a party, etc. 2. Stay on the outskirts and don't block traffic with your coach, carpets, chairs, toad, etc. 3. Buy things in the store! And, while you're there, visit the manager, thank him for the hospitality, and let him know you are BUYING whatever you need from Wal Mart. 4. If you see anyone doing things that might jeopardize Wal Mart's continuing hospitality to us, remind them of these points and that there are lots of full hookup campgrounds where they can relocate. Keep well, Tim Shields

I have an account to access the records and docket in the federal courts and will check up on the status of the Coltellino suit from time to time. The discussion above indicates the Coltellinos are FMCA members. Had anyone verified that? Tim Shields

Here are the details as far as I can tell from the court file and related public sources. The RVers are Carl and Tracy Coltellino. The event occurred on 7/26/2006 at a Wal Mart store in Cedar City, Utah. The Coltellinos were parked for the night near the loading dock. Their two daughters, then aged 9 and 15, were with them. A 26 year old man named Steven Stubbs knocked on the door and the Coltellino's apparently opened it. He then forced his way into the motorhome. Stubbs and Mr. Coltellino struggled and Mr. Coltellino brandished a shotgun. In the struggle over control of the shotgun, the gun discharged and Stubbs was killed. Mr. and Mrs. Coltellino apparently suffered some injuries in the struggle for which they received medical care. The Coltellinos (Carl, Tracy and their daughter Kara) filed a lawsuit against Wal Mart Stores on 7/21/2010 in the U.S. District Court in Utah. The case is assigned to Judge Ted Iron. The Coltellino family is represented by attorney Alyson Carter of Salt Lake City. Wal Mart filed papers 9/16/2010 denying all charges. Wal Mart is represented by attorney Mitchel Rice of Salt Lake City. The case number is 2:2010cv00686. Things are apparently congested in Judge Iron's courtroom. The case is set for a 5-day jury trial commencing 8/13/2012. Tim Shields

Chuck, We have a combination washer/dryer. It is fed with a regular three-prong duplex outlet. I hope this helps. Tim Shields

Welcome the FMCA forum. After three years (2014) the two coaches will be 9 and 12 years old, respectively. By that time, both will be heavily depreciated and their resale value will depend mostly on mileage, condition, and amenities. So, with that in mind, you might want to focus on the mileage first. Once a gas powered coach exceeds 100,000 miles, the values tend to drop faster. Since both are low miles, will you still be under 100K in three years? Next, look carefully at the condition of each coach and think through what repairs, replacements or refurbishments will be needed during the time you’ll own it. Finally (and maybe most importantly) which coach will you and your family have the most fun with? Getting an RV you really like and will use more often is an equally important value proposition. No matter what, you’re likely to loose money; but it’s an investment in fun, adventure and memories. Good luck and happy RVing in the New Year. Tim and Beth Shields

Gary, We installed a US Gear proportional brake system and have been very happy with the results. Our coach is a 40' Monaco Dynasty and we use a full size Ford Bronco as the toad. The US Gear system includes an auxiliary vacuum pump which allows the brake pedal on the toad to be activated with slight pulling pressure from a small cable mounted to the back side of the brake pedal. The whole installation in invisible in the toad and there is nothing to set up or install when you want to put the toad behind the coach. I don't have any experience with the other brand suggested in the discussions above, but can report that we are happy with our choice of the US Gear system and would purchase it again. Good luck. Tim Shields

Make sure to read the discussion under Tom Butler's posting in this forum. It's listed under the "coach modifications" heading and has lots of good advice, photographs, and suggestions. Good luck. Tim Shields

I wanted to let you all know how things worked out, and say THANK YOU for the advice. As many of you guessed, the two problems had two causes. As to the washer/dryer, Monaco installs a switch to direct power either (1) to that w/d outlet, or (2) to another outlet for an optional dishwasher. The unmarked selector switch is buried in an overhead cabinet above the dinnette, and had gotten bumped to the wrong setting somehow. I repositioned the switch and got power to the w/d. As to the lack of power to the microwave, we found the trouble upstream in the circuit and corrected without much of a challenge. Once again, thanks for all the help; it's most appreciated. Tim and Beth Shields

Nice workmanship! I've been planning on a similar re-do and you've definitely provided additional motivation. Thanks for sharing the details and the pictures. Tim and Beth Shields

We have a 1997 Monaco Dynasty with a 7500 KW Onan genset. The coach runs on 50 amp service. The entire electrical system has worked flawlessly until this trip. The problem is that two of the 110 volt duplex outlets are suddenly inoperative. There is no power to them either with the genset, the inverter, or on shore power. These two outlets run the microwave oven and the washer/dryer. There is no voltage to either of them. Both are on the same side of the coach and are on different circuits. The microwave is on a 20 amp breaker, and the washer/dryer is on a 30 amp breaker. I checked and reset all the breakers, checked and reset all the GFI's, reset the breakers on the genset, and reset the switches on the inverter; none were tripped. None of those actions changed anything. Every other duplex on the coach is working fine. All have proper voltage the the polarity and grounds checked out fine. At this point, I'm without further ideas other than starting to open the wiring. Do any of you have suggestions before I engage an electrician? Thanks so much! Tim and Beth Shields

I have a similar problem, and have been hesitant to try liquid cleaners in case the adhesive is water based and the fabric might come loose. Has anyone experienced that problem when trying to remove these stains? I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving! Tim Shields

Hi Fred, Let me recommend El Capitan State Beach just north of Santa Barbara. Its on a lovely beach and has good access for your size coach. Also, just north of LA on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, there is a private RV park called Malibu Beach RV Park. The park sits right above the ocean and has fantastic views. You can walk down a short trail to a wonderful fresh fish shack to either buy and cook back at the park, or have them cook and serve for you. Have a good trip. Tim and Beth Shields

I look forward to retirement, full timing, and joining those or you who are servicing your own coaches. Until then, I'm having the service work done by a trusted mechanic, and I inspect everything frequently. Save travels to you all, Tim Shields

We carry a spare of every belt, filter (other than the air filter), fuse, and fluid that the motorhome requires. We also carry a supply of light bulbs for the coach and whatever we are towing. We don't carry a spare tire, or extra cooling system hoses. We don't have room for everything and just keep a close watch on those items. Safe travels to you all, Tim Shields

Greetings everybody, Let me add a comment to RobFike's note about using an thermometer to help check tires. I use an infrared thermometer to check the axle temperatures on our boat trailer, and often check the tire temperatures on the motorhome too. Yes, its true that an under inflated tire will run hotter. So, a temperature differential between the tires can indicate something is amiss. However, please remember that the sun can also create a substantial difference. I have noticed temperature differences of 15-20 degrees between the sunny side and the shady side of our coach when traveling in the summer across the desert. However, the next morning when everything is cool, they all read the same as the start of the day. Happy travels, Tim Shields

Brett, Gary; Thank you for the suggestions. I'll certainly move forward with the window insulation and check the duct connections. Thankfully we don't have more desert trips scheduled until next June; so I have time to plan and work things out. Thanks again! Tim

Its’ usually about 110 degrees when we drive through Las Vegas for our annual houseboat vacation. Our 1997 Monaco Dynasty has two rooftop Dometic Duo Therm air conditioners (13,500 btu each) and dash air too. Even with everything operating properly (recently serviced and checked) the temperature in the coach is still uncomfortably hot; probably in the upper 80s. With each rooftop unit rated to draw about 12 amps, it seems we could run a third unit with the Onan 7.5 diesel genset. Otherwise, we could replace the two existing units with 15,000 btu units. Replacing the two existing units would take us from 27,000 to 30,000 btus. Adding a third unit would take us from 27,000 btus to 40,500. If absolutely necessary, we could do both and get up to 45,000 btus. It seems like exchanging the two existing units with 15,000 btu replacements would be a simpler installation since the existing ducts and wiring could all be reused. The extra cost of cutting the roof, new wiring, and new controls for the third unit would probably offset the price (buying one unit instead of two). However, adding a third unit would provide the largest btu gain. I’m not sure the generator will actually handle all three units. Am I going about this the right way? I don’t want to incur unnecessary expense, but we really need a cooler coach. Can anyone offer suggestions? Thanks so much. Tim Shields

I have a Monaco Dynasty wired to illuminate the brake lights when the PacBrake is activated. Since the purpose of the brake lights is to warn drivers behind that you are slowing -- and potentially slowing suddenly -- the PacBrake sends out "false alarms" because it does not slow the coach suddenly. In my estimation, a better arrangement would be to just have the brake lights illuminate when the service brakes are used. Good luck. Tim Shields