wolfe10

Answers in SOLID LETTER CAPS

AprilWhine, Contentious issues always bring out very divergent opinions -- and few issues are more strongly contested that the one you posted here. No problem. But let's all keep the comments on a non-personal level. Said another way, it is fine to attack someone else's ideas, but NOT the person. BTW, interesting post you made here-- couldn't tell if you agree with it or just think it is inevitable and you don't like it: http://community.fmc...lly-attendance/ Interesting thread. I believe the future of FMCA will include towables, simply because that is what most people buy.

It is very rare for that size/brand to get worn out (i.e. wear out tread) unless there are severe alignment issues. Age before replacement is quite dependent on how they are treated. Michelin's recommendation in writing is beginning with the 5th year, to have them inspected by a tire professional and replace them at 10 years. Things that will add to their long life: Don't overload/underinflate. Keep the sun off them with tire covers if stored outdoors (white is best, as it is cooler than black). DRIVE THEM-- Driving allows the emoluments in the tire to migrate to the surface (they evaporate) where they can protect the tire. My Michelins (7 years old) have 50,000 miles on them, no cracks in the sidewall and roughly 50% tread. They get the care mentioned above.

Guys and Gals, It is fine to disagree, but let's not let this get personal. Thanks. MODERATOR Now, my personal opinion: Sure, there are those in FMCA who don't want to change anything. And there are those ready to open FMCA up to towables. I see the stance for this Rally as a compromise -- allow towables to attend and see what motorhoming and FMCA are about-- it might give them the motivation they need to make the move to a "qualifying coach." This is especially true of FMCA members attending the Rally who have good friends who might make the switch. I see this as a minor extension of the ability for someone to subscribe to the FMCA Magazine without being a member and I view it as a good recruitment tool. Brett

Rigit, Welcome to the FMCA Forum. Using an extension with male on both ends is inviting electrocution if anyone not familiar with that setup tries to use it. I would NEVER recommend it! Why didn't he get an RV or marine male 15 amp shore power receptacle and use a standard HD extension cord? Here is one: http://marinco.com/p...wer-inlet-white And, as stated, there is a lot to changing from 30 to 50 amp service requiring replacement of: shore power cord, new coach inlet receptacle, new wiring from receptacle to ATS, new ATS, new wiring from ATS to Breaker Box and new Breaker Box. Yes, it can be done, but it is not inexpensive. Brett

Ron, Yes, if your front axle weights are 5150 on the heavier wheel position and your rear axle weights are 9370 on the heavier side, then indeed, 105 would be the correct pressure. But, it is rare that pressures work out the same from one axle to the other. Each axle is considered separately, with the heavier wheel position determining where to go to the chart-- all tires on that axle getting the PSI based on the heavier wheel position. And "cold" is not a particular temperature, but " before driving at whatever the ambient temperature is. So in the winter in the morning, it may be 32 degrees F and in the summer 80 degrees F. The PSI would be adjusted to the same specified for your loads. Brett

Biggest reasons I can think of is that many move from 5th wheels/trailers to motorhomes and want to gain some knowledge before jumping in. Just as those who don't have a motorhome can subscribe to the FMCA magazine to get more information on FMCA and the motorhoming experience. The other is that many FMCA members have friends in 5th wheels/trailers and want to share the FMCA experience with them.

The chart shows the amount needed for that weight. If a Walmart "stock up" trip in in your near future, or you are going to dry camp so decide to top off potable water, etc, adding 5 PSI to that PSI makes sense so you don't need to recheck after the the grocery carts of stuff comes on board. Can you get "too much of a good thing"? Sure. Look up the load your tire at 80 PSI can carry. Are you ever going to carry that much weight-- perhaps if starting a new rock collecting hobby???! Truly excessive PSI causes loss of tire footprint, wear in tire center and really rough ride. Of course, if your chassis/coach maker did not oversize the tires/load range of the tires, you will never get into that "too much of a good thing" PSI as you may be close to the max carrying capacity/highest recommended cold PSI to begin with. Brett

Andy, It may be just a matter of semantics. If your weight is XX, a certain PSI is required. If it weights more, you move to the next higher PSI increment. That is why I said the minimum PSI for that weight-- as any more weight requires more air. Brett

I would pull the air tank drain lanyards/ open air tank drains. Then confirm zero pressure on your dash gauges. THEN remove the single plug where you want to install the quick disconnect. And, I always use a DOT approved ball valve between the manifold and quick disconnect. That way, if a hose or fitting failed you would not loose pressure while driving. Brett

Tim, If not better solution comes along and the inverter/charger is the only thing left on in the coach, while stored with 15 amp service, go to Home Depot, etc and buy a 20 amp timer. Set it to come on 1 hour a week-- a little more frequently of you have a lot of electrical loads on the batteries. That will keep the batteries up without your having to plug/unplug, but not have them constantly overcharged.

Safest way is to weigh each wheel position and then go to your tire manufacturer's Inflation Chart to determine the MINIMUM PSI for that weight (that is what the chart shows). Most of us add 5 PSI to that minimum so every shopping trip to Walmart does not mean stopping to add air. If all you have is axle weights, you might add 10 PSI to account for both Walmart and left/right imbalance. The PSI on the GVWR sticker assumes, as you suggest, that each axle is loaded to its GAWR-- not over or under AND that that weight is distributed perfectly left to right. Lots of assumptions there! Brett

Look at the manifold carefully, but most are all plugs into the same air port and supplied by the same single air line.

Less than 3 months old is preferable.

Welcome to the FMCA Forum. Are you asking about which of the ports in the auxiliary manifold (usually in the front or forward most basement compartment on driver's side) to use?

Over the years, there have been many discussions about traveling to Alaska. So, a little background: Dianne and I were married and lived in Juneau, AK in the mid 1970’s and have driven the Alcan Highway three times. We just got back yesterday from our eighth cruise to Alaska—on the Holland America Zaandam. So, what is my favorite way to see the wonders of Alaska? By water! Yes, the Alcan is interesting and a reasonable choice if you have the time to spend the summer exploring Alaska. But, for scenery and wildlife viewing, a cruise is the way to see Alaska. And, this last cruise on the Zaandam was one of the best, with a Captain who actually went right up to glaciers instead of doing a “drive by.” We also enjoy a “medium size” ship vs those huge floating cities. I’ll post some photos to show what makes the Alaska cruise our favorite — all these taken this week from the ship or a shore excursion. Brett

Joyce, Both are good and have their purposes. Many CB radios have built in Weather channels. Weather Channel (WX) will give you forecasts and warnings. CB will tell you what is happening right where you are. We use both if bad conditions are forecast.

Ed, Yes, the problem is unique to the Monaco (they call their chassis Roadmaster) 4R suspension ONLY. Brett

RJ, Not sure anyone can properly answer that question-- it depends on your skill level. Adjusting valves is not rocket science, but if done wrong can sure be expensive. Said another way, yes, a good mechanic familiar with adjusting valves on other types of engines CAN adjust his own valves, but most can't or don't. But, I have been adjusting valves for 40+ years, so no big deal FOR ME.

Only certain Michelin tire dealers who handle national accounts are able to sell through the FMCA fleet discount program. The description on the Michelin program explains it well: http://www.fmca.com/join-family-motor-coach-association/member-benefits/fmca-connections/3455 Not aware of any "battery program".

Sounds like the classic symptoms of an A/C evaporator that needs cleaning-- the condensation and dirt on the evaporator allows mold and mildew to grow. Use a commercial evaporator cleaner from any HVAC store and many box stores. It is accessed from the roof.

Ed, Disclaimer-- I am not an attorney, so don't take my advice as gospel. Monaco Corp that build your Roadmaster chassis and coach filed for bankruptcy. The company that bought Monaco assets is a different company and has no responsibility (legally anyway) to work with you on this. And, as it is a known manufacturer's defect, it would surprise me if an insurance company would cover it. But you loose nothing by asking.

Dirk, Did you take it to an authorized Caterpillar dealer or just a "truck center"? With any engine issue, I would consult a dealer who works exclusively on your brand of engine.

Since this is a well known manufacturing defect, I am surprised that the insurance company will participate at all. But to answer the more important question, YES, you do need to replace both rear trailing arms NOW. Brett

Without knowing what converter, charger or inverter/charger you have, we can't answer that question. If you have a smart converter, charger or inverter/charger, you can safely leave it turned on 24/7 (IF it is properly programmed-- many allow you to program them). Basically, you want the float voltage between 13.2 and 13.5 VDC.