wolfe10

Mike, The 295/80 is quite a lot larger than the 275/80-- it is wider, taller and fewer revolutions per mile (will have some effect on speedometer and gearing). From Michelin's RV tire guide: Revolutions per mile: 275/80 is 518 295/80 is 500 Michelin does not show a 295/75, but a Goodyear 295/75 is 517 revolutions per mile-- VERY close to the 275/80R22.5.. A 295/75 is VERY close and is often substituted. With the 295/75, if minimum dual spacing is OK (very likely it is) you are good to go.

"I'm not sure what the salesman switch is; can someone explain that term? I do have a master control panel inside the door." Different names for the same device. Either a mechanical switch or switch controlling a RELAY/SOLENOID that connects house battery bank with 12 VDC house systems.

If the shock did pull apart, first thing I would do is check RIDE HEIGHT. If too high, the weight of the rear axle could hang from the shocks as you come off of bumps/a wheel fall in a hole. They are NOT designed to do that. Some chassis have straps or other means of limiting rear axle travel. You certainly want something other than a shock to be the limiter.

Let's get this thread back on track: Camping World 3rd quarter results. Thanks. Moderator

But, do NOT use jumper cables while driving. Both ends are HOT and if it were to jump off and contact any surrounding metal (read that ground) a fire could result. If we know what coach you have or how it is wired, there are a number of reasonable diagnostics that you can preform with a simple, under $20 digital voltmeter. And if we know what coach you have and how it is wired we can suggest some safe work-arounds that will allow you to drive.

bkat11208, Welcome to the FMCA Forum. One set for the front (one for each wheel position). One set for the rear (one for each wheel position). Should not affect heat one way or the other. As far as "will they give a better ride"--- difficult to answer. If your tires/wheels are in balance now, can't see that you would see any difference. If out of balance, the improvement would depend on how much out of balance they are now. And, if you have run-out (tires not perfectly round) ....................

Pam, Welcome to the FMCA Forum. Hopefully, someone else with the same or similar model will chime in. GFI's can be located anywhere between the coach 120 VAC main breaker box and the first "Protected" outlet. Also check in the bathroom, as they are also commonly GFI protected.

HasteMaker, Welcome to the FMCA Forum. No first hand experience, but believe that Lippert bought them: https://lci-support-doc.s3.amazonaws.com/manuals/atwood/leveling/ccd_0002294.pdf

ATS (which controls source of 120 VAC-- shore power or generator) should not affect operation of the 12 VDC water pump. Particularly while driving (alternator charging both battery banks) 12 VDC voltage should be in the 13's and therefore NOT the problem. While driving, have you verified that the pump is not running or just that no water is coming out. 1/4 of a tank could sure be too low for constant supply of water to the pump. Don't know the wiring of your coach. Do you have a single water pump switch or multiple ones?

Headed up through east Texas today (Saturday 11/9), Sunday and Monday. https://www.up.com/heritage/steam/schedule/index.htm Heard from a friend with a son at Texas A&M. Looked out his dorm window and saw Big Boy pull in yesterday afternoon. One of the "cars" it was pulling was the George H W Bush locomotive. Suspect at 1.2 million pounds, he may have even felt it. Yup, there is a reason they call it College STATION-- the RR runs right next to campus and how many students many, many decades ago got to the university.

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.

Not a comment on CW per say, but over-leveraging has brought down a number of companies. Bigger is not always better. Depleting cash reserves can have the same result.

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.