B+ motorhomes
I just bought a Trail Lite B+ 211s with 8.1 Chevy engine. This is my fifth motorhome (others range from an old 20' Vagabond, and three Winnegagos, from 19 to 32'. This vehicle is fantastic. I am...
Forum Discussion
Greetings Fellow 211 Drivers,
Its been nearly a year since I picked up my Ford Chassis 211. And equally as long since I posted last. Here's a long overdue follow-up.
I take my 211 out once a month. Each round-trip averaging 500mi to some of my favorite fishing spots. Not over-working the 211, to say the least.
Being an aerospace computer support engineer requires that I be in position to perform corrective tweaks and fixes to the networks of my customers via remote. So I've installed a MotoSat DirectWay satellite system on the 211. An expensive tool ($6500 for the gizmo and $100 a month to operate). But then, I can now fish for a few hours and then perform network status checks for my pay... and then fish a little more. :)
I originally had the 'FireBoom' (Firestone) tires. Never had a blow out, but the ride was terrible ... very rough. Four months ago, I mounted Michellins and the ride was greatly improved. Also, the original tires where LT225/75R16 ... replaced with LT245/75R16 to add more rubber. Ford offers LT245s optionally for this chassis., and I believe the LT225s are insufficent for the 211s. Seems I was right. The rig seems to have a firmer grip of the road, more stable, better clearence and smoother ride.
To increase my DC-AC conversion time I installed two solar panels (125w combined) and replaced the TV with a flat panel LCD version for use as TV, DVDs & Laptop. During daylight, the panels power my gear with placing a drain on the coach battery., which leaves me a full battery at dusk for leisure web surfing or DVD watching. Havn't drained that single battery yet, using this configuration. Still, looking into adding another battery for a dual config. For the LCD panel, I hung a bottom openning door where the TV was and mounted the LCD to the outside of the door. Now I have nice new storage unit too!
As for the Microwave bouncing around in its flimsy harness., after getting tired of reinforcing, I decided to fill the voids of the enclosure (Top and Sides) with expanding foam from Home Depot. Less than one can did the trick. The Microwave is now sturdy as a rock!
WARNNING!!! Check the coach-to-chassis welds! I don't know when, or how, I managed it., but I discovered broken welds on the angle-iron mounts R-Vision employed to anchor the coach to the chassis. I travel high-country dirt roads slowly (2miles/hr in tough spots), which often involves some chassis torc. Still, nothing that would justify the broken anchors. In fact, one of the flimsy pieces of angle-iron had torn like a piece of paper. My welder cut out the original angle-iron anchors and replaced them with heavier grade angle-iron. Being an ex-naval aviator, I've gotten into the habit of doing complete 'walk-around' inspections before every trip ... they now include a good look underneath too.
One the whole, I'm still VERY VERY happy with my 211. Its kept me comfortable in the heat and cold while I chase the elusive thropy trout of california's sierras. Its the perfect size to get me into places bigger coaches can't.
Sorry for the lengthy post. Consider it my annual contribution. :) Happy Trails to All.
Its been nearly a year since I picked up my Ford Chassis 211. And equally as long since I posted last. Here's a long overdue follow-up.
I take my 211 out once a month. Each round-trip averaging 500mi to some of my favorite fishing spots. Not over-working the 211, to say the least.
Being an aerospace computer support engineer requires that I be in position to perform corrective tweaks and fixes to the networks of my customers via remote. So I've installed a MotoSat DirectWay satellite system on the 211. An expensive tool ($6500 for the gizmo and $100 a month to operate). But then, I can now fish for a few hours and then perform network status checks for my pay... and then fish a little more. :)
I originally had the 'FireBoom' (Firestone) tires. Never had a blow out, but the ride was terrible ... very rough. Four months ago, I mounted Michellins and the ride was greatly improved. Also, the original tires where LT225/75R16 ... replaced with LT245/75R16 to add more rubber. Ford offers LT245s optionally for this chassis., and I believe the LT225s are insufficent for the 211s. Seems I was right. The rig seems to have a firmer grip of the road, more stable, better clearence and smoother ride.
To increase my DC-AC conversion time I installed two solar panels (125w combined) and replaced the TV with a flat panel LCD version for use as TV, DVDs & Laptop. During daylight, the panels power my gear with placing a drain on the coach battery., which leaves me a full battery at dusk for leisure web surfing or DVD watching. Havn't drained that single battery yet, using this configuration. Still, looking into adding another battery for a dual config. For the LCD panel, I hung a bottom openning door where the TV was and mounted the LCD to the outside of the door. Now I have nice new storage unit too!
As for the Microwave bouncing around in its flimsy harness., after getting tired of reinforcing, I decided to fill the voids of the enclosure (Top and Sides) with expanding foam from Home Depot. Less than one can did the trick. The Microwave is now sturdy as a rock!
WARNNING!!! Check the coach-to-chassis welds! I don't know when, or how, I managed it., but I discovered broken welds on the angle-iron mounts R-Vision employed to anchor the coach to the chassis. I travel high-country dirt roads slowly (2miles/hr in tough spots), which often involves some chassis torc. Still, nothing that would justify the broken anchors. In fact, one of the flimsy pieces of angle-iron had torn like a piece of paper. My welder cut out the original angle-iron anchors and replaced them with heavier grade angle-iron. Being an ex-naval aviator, I've gotten into the habit of doing complete 'walk-around' inspections before every trip ... they now include a good look underneath too.
One the whole, I'm still VERY VERY happy with my 211. Its kept me comfortable in the heat and cold while I chase the elusive thropy trout of california's sierras. Its the perfect size to get me into places bigger coaches can't.
Sorry for the lengthy post. Consider it my annual contribution. :) Happy Trails to All.
