wolfe10

Have you verified 120 VAC in from the main breaker box to the inverter and inverter breakers reset?

Tag axles are used when two axles will not adequately carry the weight of an RV. So, yes, length, weight and "toys" make the difference.

The only risk is if you try to run any of your appliances on less than about 12.2 VDC. Some of the PC boards are not forgiving of low power. And, as long as you are mostly plugged in, if a battery or two goes bad, the remaining pair may serve your needs until next year. Another option if all the batteries are bad, since you are plugged in would be to buy a reasonably inexpensive 12 VDC marine battery for the house duties over the winter.

What make and model inverter? What is failing/not working?

Actually, climbing a grade at Wide Open Throttle and high RPM demands the most fuel flow. So, this is where a restriction would first show up.

I know of no bad engines in the last decade. Much of engine preference comes down to one of two things: 1. "Ford vs Chevy" type debates. 2. Engine size/HP/torque (with bigger generally being better) And engine compression brake= jake brake. More effective in braking HP than an exhaust brake or variable vane turbo. Found only on larger engines.

DDEC: Detroit Diesel Electronic Control (DDEC) system. ISL: Cummins 8.9 liter engine. 370-400 HP. Most 1,200 lb-ft torque. Can have either engine compression brake or exhaust brake. ISB: Cummins engine. Early ones 5.9 liter. Later ones 6.7 liter. Cummins smallest engine used in motorhomes Properly cared for, the diesel engine will outlast the coach.

DD is Detroit Diesel. What other abbreviations would you like "translated"?

bchallal, Welcome to the FMCA Forum. More details would insure a better answer, but in general: An inverter is not needed for a motorhome to run. But most are inverter/CHARGERS. So if the batteries are charged, you can indeed start it. And the alternator will keep the batteries charged while driving. And, a converter, particularly a smart converter will keep the batteries charged, but will likely require some coach re-wiring as most coaches with inverter/chargers run certain circuits through the inverter/charger.

Actually, in those steep, rolling hills, vary your speed A LOT-- on purpose. Gain speed going down and "trade it" for elevation on the steep up-grade.

Carl, You do not want to add minerals to the coolant. Filtered water can still have high mineral content. Suspect your engine owners manual (coolant section) gives actual specs for how much (actually how little) minerals the water should contain.

Carl, IMPORTANT-- do nothing until you call your chassis maker with your VIN. They will tell you what coolant is in there (unless you have changed it). Many coolants are NOT compatible! If you verify that the level is low, safest is to add distilled water. Later, if your freeze point is too high, you can drain some and add concentrate (of the correct product).

Those hills outside of Branson are short, but quite steep. Sure, check for junk in primary fuel filter and look at boost next time you drive, but bottom line is they ARE very steep. Been there done that.

What is your destination in Mexico? That will help you hook up with others headed south.

kytruckerman, Welcome to the FMCA Forum. Let's start with two questions-- your hitch is rated for 3,600 pounds. What does the Dakota quad cab weigh? And, does the weight of the loaded motorhome and Dakota fall under the GCWR?

Rick, Sorry, don't know anyone out that way. We are still in Wisconsin-- procrastinating heading back to Texas until it starts cooling off!

Thanks, Steve. That is indeed good news. Wish Texas would adopt something like that. And, looking at what Dianne spent in Madison over the last 10 days, a VERY wise move economically for Wisconsin!

Ron, Welcome to the FMCA Forum. Can you read a brand name on the wiper arm? Dyna? Monaco Technical: 877-466-6226

Actually, I (and the towing equipment manufacturers) recommend against ever backing with the toad attached. Way too easy to do a lot of damage to the toad and towing equipment.

Depends on the price. At some price, "AS IS" is reasonable and just fine. At some higher price, some kind of a warranty/service policy may be reasonable. As you mention, there is no "remaining" original warranty on a coach of that age, though there could be the remainder of some kind of extended service policy (verify that it is transferable).

Steve, I can't comment on Wisconsin law (we are "foreigners" from Texas enjoying your wonderful summer temperatures), but can tell you that in many states, the vehicle dealers have successfully lobbied their state legislatures to pass laws making it very difficult/impossible for out of state dealers to sell vehicles within their state. Certainly that can have a negative effect on number of dealers/coaches at an event. Hopefully someone familiar with this aspect of Wisconsin laws can comment.

Sorry, I do not know the answer to that question. Have you confirmed that the Nelson filter is 25 micron, or is that from a manual?

This should be the appropriate Wix cross reference: http://www.wixfilters.com/Lookup/InterchangeMultiSearch.aspx?q=84101B&o=me http://www.wixfilters.com/Lookup/PartDetails.aspx?Part=1751920

gracercurt, Welcome to the FMCA Forum. Please tell us what chassis you have. Have you had the axles weighted? If not enough weight on the tag, the brakes could lock up even if the brakes are working as designed.

To my knowledge, this filter is NOT on your chassis/engine. But, you can certainly call Freightliner with your VIN to confirm. Here is the information that I have: Cummins Fuel Strainer: Every Cummins ISB02 RV from FCCC since 9/2002 has a fuel strainer/filter on frame rail: 025-RAC 10. http://www.freightlinerchassisownersclub.org/PDF/ISB02_Fuel_Strainer.pdf