wolfe10

And, be sure to verify the AGE of the new tire you select (from the DOT code molded into one side of each tire). I would not accept a tire over 4 months old unless desperate. Last 4 digits of the full DOT code (again only molded into one sidewall) indicate the WEEK and YEAR of production. IMO as important as tire specs/brand. Over the last 20+ years, each time I have purchased tires (100% because they aged out, not wore out) I have required this. Have had several tire "salesmen" look at me like a deer caught in the headlights, but every single warehouse manager knew exactly what I was talking about and when out of his way to get me the freshest tires in the warehouse.

Again, suggest you call Spartan: (800) 543-4277. But going from a rear tire of 275/70 to 295/75 should really throw off your speedometer. How accurate is your speedometer compared with your GPS?

The 275/70R22.5 IS a different tire size and not particularly close to the 275/80R22.5 or 295/75R22.5. That IS unusual. What tires are on there now? Wouldn't hurt to give Spartan a call with your VIN to confirm.

Judy, Welcome to the FMCA Forum. 275/80R22.5 and 295/75R22.5 are virtually the same size and in most cases have exactly the same load rating. 275/70R22.5 is a different size. As you narrow down your list, make sure to verify that the 295's are OK on your 7.5" rims. Also, need to verify minimum dual spacing, but VERY likely will not be a problem. The tire manufacturer's websites are an excellent place to start. Be sure to check for the FMCA tire discount programs with Michelin, Continental and Hankook: https://www.fmca.com/rv-tires-discounts

While the discussion of trailer towing and the trailer tongue weight is interesting, let's remember, the OP is FLAT TOWING, so no tongue weight (other than the few pounds that the tow bar weights) to consider.

Verify that the "salesman switch" by the door is ON. Any other things that do not work. If you have a light on the control panel for the water pump, does it come on, but pump not run or does it not illuminate at all?

Thanks for the correction, Bill. So, the "Big Boy" is even larger/more powerful? WOW. I know RV systems, but have to admit I am a RR novice. Rode one across Turkey (Erzurum to Istanbul) in the early 1970's but that was the extent of my steam engine RR travel. Debating on whether to go back and delete that incorrect link, but some may still find it entertaining.

Carl, Have you asked the two manufacturers. I have no idea if they independently decided on the same braking force for a given PSI or not. No reason to ASSUME either way.

Largest steam engine ever built has been restored and is on a tour of the western U.S. Saw it in Houston today-- viewing is FREE. https://www.up.com/media/releases/190905-big-boy-southwest.htm The schedule: https://www.up.com/heritage/steam/schedule/index.htm If you want to see REAL HP, go to this Youtube video. A diesel freight train stalled out on a steep grade in Wyoming. The old steam engine was behind it and pushed it over the summit. ON EDIT: AS BILL POINTS OUT BELOW, THIS STEAM ENGINE IS QUITE IMPRESSIVE, BUT IS ONLY THE "LITTLE BROTHER" TO BIG BOY. About 1:30 into the video watch the drive wheels carefully. You will see all 8 driving wheels break loose and reconnect with the rails. So, wheel spin with 8 wheel drive. DUDE!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RU9uEwSGp9M

As Ray said, you need to verify the amp rating of your engine-driven alternator. If both battery banks are fully charged from shore power when you start, very likely it will be adequate. If batteries are deeply discharged, it may not be adequate. And, as Don said, very likely you can go hours before needing to run the refrigerator. Our last coach had a residential refrigerator. We had a remote-read thermometer in the refrigerator. Would only turn on the inverter to power it if the refrigerator temperature rose to 40 degrees F. Unless ambient temperature was high, this could be many hours/miles down the road.

Weight applied well behind the rear axle DOES by leverage put more weight on the rear axle and remove weight from the front.

The Alpine Coach-specific site I posted above is your best bet. Please keep us posted on your progress.

Just to close out this thread, and on a happy note. Election results: STATE OF TEXAS PROPOSITION 5 For: 1,201,856 (87.96%) Against: 164,473 (12.04%) "The constitutional amendment dedicating the revenue received from the existing state sales and use taxes that are imposed on sporting goods to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Historical Commission to protect Texas' natural areas, water quality, and history by acquiring, managing, and improving state and local parks and historic sites while not increasing the rate of the state sales and use taxes." Just after polls closed last night: The other propositions were poised to pass easily. Proposition 5 would stabilize funding for state parks and received overwhelming support. The proposition allows money accumulated from existing sales tax on sporting goods to be used for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Historical Commission. Current law allows the Legislature to allocate that money however they see fit.

Excellent presentation of the correct approach.Many, many View's are at or over GVWR.

Trailer YES-- tongue weight must be taken into account and will apply well more than its actual weight to the rear axle and subtract some from the front axle. Toad pulled 4 wheels down NO effect on coach weight (other than weight of tow bar).

It may be that this because of a "larger enclosed trailer". Agree, a toad that is towed 4 down only adds a few pounds to coach weight (the weight of the hitch that actually rests on the coach).

Mike, Let us know how the update/upgrade work in the "real world".

Absolutely true.

Correct-- together loose connections and switching under load account for probably 90% of ATS failures. And, both are easily preventable.

With the 2006, you have Vansco MULTIPLEX WIRING. "Computer front and back". I have no experience with these-- our 2003 had conventional wiring. Always to hate to have someone come to one Forum and be referred to another, but this is where you need to post that question along with exactly what does and doesn't work. http://www.irv2.com/forums/f104/

Thanks for the detailed description. And GOOD JOB on annually tightening all the connections. Loose connections is the #1 killer of ATS's.

If OE, it is definitely time. Though it is somewhat dependent on where you operate the coach (say desert SW vs hot, humid Gulf coast) 3 years is a reasonable interval. And, my strong suggestion is to just replace it with a FACTORY REMAN. Factory as in the factory that made it not a "made to replace" one of unknown quality. That not only replaces the filters (two filters in most), but also the heater, valves, etc. With the price of labor, about the same price as a complete rebuilt and you will have all new "internals". And, not a difficult DIY job.

drdively, Welcome to the FMCA Forum. First question: what is their age from the DOT code (last 4 digits are the WEEK and YEAR). That full date code is only molded into one sidewall, and may not be facing out.

Yes, a copy of an e-mail from Jon Walker sent yesterday 11/1/19: SUMMER 2020 INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION & RV EXPO Dear FMCA Member, FMCA’s Executive Board has voted to withdraw from contract negotiations to stage the association’s 102nd International Convention & RV Expo at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, July 29 through August 1, 2020. After many months of waiting to receive a contract for signature, the Executive Board determined that the time had come for FMCA to look for another location to stage this event. FMCA officials are currently busy vetting other sites for the association’s 2020 summer convention and hope to have an announcement about a selected location in the coming weeks. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause members. I hope to see you at a future FMCA event. Remember — registration is underway now for our 101st convention in Tucson, Arizona, March 26 through 29, 2020. Sincerely, Jon Walker, F268778 National President

Please don't misunderstand, I agree with you-- a great idea. But, probably very difficult to sell with the huge disparity in what different states collect and spend on supporting fishing in their state.