Our Second Class A Motorhome

[ajshepherd]

Hello Gang:

I wanted to share our new (Used) 2009 County Coach Allure 470 Crain Prairie 45ft motorhome.  This is our second Class A pusher, our last MH was a 2007 Fleetwood Revolution LE bath and a half.  While we enjoyed the first MH, we found the overall interior space was an issue if we went out more that a few days at a time.  I should mention we have three boxer dogs all of the time and two grandchildren from time to time!  We will use the current MH for the next two year on single one week vacations (2-3) each year, but plan on almost fulltime after 2018 for a year or two.

We are the second owner of the rig and decided to re-baseline the maintenance using the Country Coach factory to do the work.  So far I'm very pleased with the service support and reasonable pricing that will get us back up to spec for now and the future.  We also took advantage of upgrading the A/V while at CC.  They pulled HDMI cables throughout and replace two TVs with smart units while updating the dish to get HD.

More to come as we take our first vacation.  Travel safe and see you on the road!

 

[CarlAda]

Sweet!  We just had our coach up at Oregon Motor Coach to talk about remodeling ideas and estimates.  Enjoy your Country Coach!

[manholt]

ajshepherd,  Welcome to the Forum.

Very nice looking ride !  CC did build a top of the line product...enjoy it.

[ajshepherd]

Thanks!

I have seen the forum posts on new vs. used.  Now having experience both new and used, used is by far the best option for us.  We never could have afforded this MH new as it was $533K.  We waited and took our time to find this specific MH and interior for over the last 5 years.  This one was located in Ontario, Canada.  When this one came up for sale it met everything we wanted, but most importantly a price we could afford to finance.  A win/win in my book.

The updates and maintenance issues we are resolving at the factory are nothing compared to other folks that purchased new.  They have several issues due to poor manufacturing from organizations the do not build MHs the same anymore.  Seek out a high end used RV with a price point you can afford.  It worked well for us!

[manholt]

I agree.  I got mine in 13'....spent about $30K in extras and fix it over the past 3 years!  Have had many new ones and used ones over the past 48 years and used is the way to go!  Off course, even a used coach is no guarantee that it's not a lemon, but if it is you take a much smaller loss by getting another coach.  So now, I let the original owner take the first big loss.  Coach, or cars!   

[hermanmullins]

By my calculation you got your first coach at the age of 12, in Norway, right??

Herman 

[kaypsmith]

Herman, be nice, I thought he was 76, not 60.He's got to be older than me, and I'm older than dirt. 

[manholt]

Hush, both of you!  I'm 73 and I was 24 in 1967.  Winnebago, bought at the Los Angeles, Ca., Auto show.   Used it for about 18 months in Texas and La.  Then had to sell it, when I got a job to train the local boys in Amsterdam, Holland for a year, followed by the Ecofisk Drilling operation in the North Sea.  69' - 76'.  Came home and got a 73' Landau 24'!  Now I feel as if I'm older than dirt.  Thank You. 

 

Herman, like your occasional spelling, you got to work on your math !

[jleamont]

Nice coach, love that interior  and Welcome!

As for the rest of you  

[ajshepherd]

Thanks!

We are still adding to the to do list while its at CC.  I was advised to get the PTO updated from dry to wet.  And replace the shocks (We have 65K on the ODO) while the replace the steering bell crank and re-align everything.  Anything else I should think about while it there?

[wolfe10]

Yes, the wet kit is a MUST for the PTO-driven hydraulic pump. Hopefully it has not yet been damaged by lack of lubrication.

[RodgerS]

1) As to the baseline maintenance, I would be sure to have fluid samples pulled and analysis done for trend starting points. There are some very specific Country Coach specialists that I assume you are using for the chassis as well as qualified diesel mechanics. Some are in Oregon, among other places. 

2) Now would be a good time to have water damage/leak inspections done. There are various ways to do that, which include a detailed and slow hands and eye inspection, infrared, and bubble leak detection methods. 

3) The CCs I have inspected were in good shape with very little rust. However, it has been reported that some of the outside storage areas on some builds were not coated in rust preventative, so I would check each storage area carefully. 

4) You are of course replacing the tires if they are 5 years beyond the DOT date. 

5) You are of course going through the electrical system carefully, looking for evidence of warm or hot wiring/loose connections and doing some creative electrical preventative maintenance.

6) You will, of course, put in some low/high voltage protection, tire temp monitors, etc. 

6a) You might want to have a complete flush out of the black and grey tanks by an RV sanitizing service.

7) Just because it is me, I would throw out the couch and put in a couple of recliners, and put in a dining room table so there is room for a crate and raised dog bed for my 75 lb boxer, Mace. Mace is very much a working dog and needs a lot of engaged strong effort work outs. An amazing dog. 

I could go on, but those are my first thoughts.  

Rodger S. 

 

[ajshepherd]

Hi Roger:

Many thanks for the great input!  Let me try to respond in some order as follows:

1. Country Coach (Manufacture) has and will do everything for us for now.  I drove the MH there as my only recommended choice after we purchased it in MO.  I'm expecting they will do a good job, and so far so good.  We have had previous issues with non factory mechanics - none of it was good!

Your idea of getting the oil analyses is excellent, however, I forgot to add that to the list!  FWIW, before driving the MH 2000 miles to CC, I checked the oil and it was very clean (On the dipstick) but the motor had not been serviced for 12 months by the previous owner. (Air & oil filters were marked 6/15)  It was driven from Florida to Missouri where I purchased it, but no service worked performed b y them, but the oil was pristine.  **I will make a note to do an analysis in the next 12 months**.

2. CC did a two day end to end inspection including seal related issues.  From that review, they did a full roof peal and seal.  Sealed all of the windows and parts of the windshield.  The also found a hairline crack between the front cap and the roof.  They repaired that and will repaint that section before we pick it up.

3. We saw a little surface rust in two spots that I can see on the bottom of the two front slide outs.  We plan on addressing that next year when we return for the 12 month service check.  It will require a full clean up and more painting, so this year we are going to not proceed for now.

4. All tires were replaced about 3 months ago (Michelins).

5. The electrical was inspected with the two day bumper to bumper inspection process.  We had to resolve a bad ABD connector on the DS TAG.  Nothing else so far.  Also with the A/V upgrade they had a good amount of the MH apart pulling HDMI cables from end to end.

6. OK, need some guidance here.  I have not checked, but I thought my MH came with a whole MH surge protector?  Not sure, but will check with CC as it seemed like an option that was checked on the build sheet.

 ** If we are not protected, what do you suggest?  **I have the factory tire monitoring system, but not the temperature monitor sensing.  **What do you suggest.  **Also the same system for the toad?  Do I need to send you a check, LOL?

6a. Entire fresh, grey and black tanks have been cleaned and scrubbed out by CC.  They found a hose issue on the black tank that was resolved and fixed.

7.  My wife insisted we get this MH because of the "Extra Long" couches.  No other changes for this MH please!  We also have Boxer dogs.  Three, one 12, 4 and a 2 YO.  They will fill up the couches nicely!

Great thoughts Roger, much appreciated!

[wolfe10]

15 minutes ago, ajshepherd said:

6. OK, need some guidance here.  I have not checked, but I thought my MH came with a whole MH surge protector?  Not sure, but will check with CC as it seemed like an option that was checked on the build sheet.

 ** If we are not protected, what do you suggest?  **I have the factory tire monitoring system, but not the temperature monitor sensing.  **What do you suggest.  **Also the same system for the toad?  Do I need to send you a check, LOL?

 

 

Surge protectors are a reasonable upgrade.  Not mandatory, but if you are not comfortable checking power before plugging in and monitoring it while on shore power, a reasonable idea.

 

A tire pressure monitor system that monitors just PSI is absolutely fine.  The Ideal Gas Law (PV=nRT) applies.  Said another way, in a given V (volume) when temperature rises, pressure rises.  And visa versa.  So, monitoring just PSI is perfect.

 

And, do not get an oil sample until you are ready to change oil.  Sending in new/clean oil is just a waste of $$-- it will always test good. Sure, if you see signs if issues such as coolant in the oil, that is a different matter.  But, that is VERY rare on these larger diesels.

[RodgerS]

My Boxer does not get to sit on the furniture or the bed. Last night, he was looking longingly at the bed, but he got a firm NO! from me. Yes, if yours do, then certainly keep the couch. 

Check with the fluid testing service as to their recommendations based on mileage or time, as to when to pull the samples and establish the baselines. Roughly about 5 different fluids to pull and test. You can order a complete testing kit and learn to pull your own samples. Some samples may not be easy to pull. Basically a simple tube attached to a plastic suction device. No need to change the fluids. 

As to the water inspection, if they did not do a bubble test, get one done. If anything was missed something will bubble out. Even the best hands and eyes can miss something. I would research the Armor roof. 

Be sure to inspect twice a year for water intrusion, one of those being a bubble test. 

County Coach is at the top of my list, but probably closer to 40 feet since I only have one Boxer and visitors can pitch a tent. 

If you haven't, check out the Custom BBQ grill for the basement post. However, I would prefer a Green Mountain, Davy Crockett size smoker/grill and style because there is something special about smoked ribs. I have the Daniel Boone size at home at it is really excellent. I have had thoughts of towing a 1/2 ton truck that can hold my smoker and a place for Mace in the back seat  when on site. However, my grill requires 110 voltage, so good use of the 30 amp plug in on the pedestal. 

Whether or not you install or attach a low and high voltage protection (a bit more than surge protection) please do become comfortable testing the pedestal, monitoring voltage, and being able to do a hot skin test. A simple hand held voltage sniffer is a great safety device, but it doesn't actually test for a voltage...so you have to be able to do a real confirmation test with a multimeter. But, better to get a false positive, rather than miss a hot coach. Check you friends coach with the sniffer before you grab onto the coach. 

Rodger S. 

[ajshepherd]

Thanks Everyone, great advise!

[manholt]

Rodger.  I have not run across a " hot coach ", since the 70's!  Back then, they where transitioning from 15 - 20A, to 30A pedestals  and you would get problems.  Now a days, unless your in a very old, small, campground, your not going to find "hot coaches"!

[RodgerS]

My third inspection I identified a hot coach. The SB home wiring was not grounded and the extension cord was underrated for the electrical hookup...cord was very hot to the touch, but not sufficient to shock anyone on that particular dry day. We hunted around his house until we found a good ground, then I continued on with the inspection. As you know, the coach depends on the pedestal for its grounding. 

I find it easy enough to carry a voltage sniffer with me when I do inspections and am prepared to do a confirmation test, as a sniffer doesn't directly check the voltage. Easy to research if anyone wants to get into the details. I recognize I am dealing with low probabilities, but a certified technician should be more careful than an owner, just because we are trained to avoid being caught unawares across the broad range of issues. 

Yeah, I can be a real pain in the rear to work with.

At the rental dealership, I smelled a propane leak and a fellow technician working on the vehicle blew me off. I got permission from the manager and checked the propane tank with my propane sniffer that went off, then verified it with a standard leakage test. We found a bad o ring seal that had been damaged by screwing it down too tight. 

My nature is similar to my Boxer, always alert. If I never find another hot coach, that is ok with me, I will continue to carry my various sniffers and such.

I have no reason to trust people, coaches, dogs, and pedestals I'm unfamiliar with. And if I do trust, I make an effort to verify.

(Use a quick read digital thermometer for cooking and taste as you go so you can adjust)

Rodger S. 

[ajshepherd]

We have picked up the DP from County Coach.  Very happy with the service and results.  We can now get on the road with confidence!

I promised the fix it list and here it is.  While its extensive, I needed to get everything done while I'm still working.  I hope this will be the last of the big ticket items.

Major Items:

Fixed crack in front cap with paint

New custom BBQ Grill in the basement

New Fridge/Freezer in basement

Replaced entire exhaust (Rusted)

PTO wet kit upgrade

Replaced steering bell crank, several steering parts to resolve a very loose steering situation (65K miles)

A/V Upgraded:

• New Wineguard Traveler HD Auto Dish
• 32” UHD Smart TV and sound bar in the basement with HD Genie
• 55” UHD Smart TV, updated surround sound and Blu-ray mid coach with HDTV
• Updated surround sound and Blu-ray in bedroom with HD Genie
• Replaced the dash unit with a Pioneer NEX Apple play Bluetooth and three new cameras
• Pulled HDMI throughout the MH

WeBoost Cell booster

JEFA Tech Wi-Fi booster

Peal & Seal

Seal all windows and windshield

Upgrade headlights to LED/Polish lenses

 

Minor Items:

Annual service for engine, generator and aqua-hot - all fluids and filters.

Chassis service with alignment

Ride height adjustment/Auto level

MB Carpet stretch

Black Tank internal hose replacement

Fix DS horn

Fix PS footrest

Install USB and 12 volt outlets

Align cabinet doors

Replace select basement handles

[jleamont]

Wow, sounds like you have your work cutout for you. Glad you have it back!

[JustCruzzin]

Looks great, now that is my kind of coach