PM On 20 Yr Old Coach
Went to Pomona RV show today. Saw lots of interesting coaches (big and small, expensive and less so). We came home, thought for a while, and decided what we have is fine for another year or two. So, I’m wondering what sort of additional preventive maintenance I should consider on my coach of 12 years.
Background
Question
Now that it’s approaching 20 yrs old, anything else I should be doing to prep it for a couple 1,000 mile trips over the next year or two?
Background
- Coach: 1999 Freightliner XC chassis (23,600 GVW), ISB 275 hp engine, MT643 trans; 75k miles (3 – 4 k miles per year). I know mileage is not an issue, but years might be.
Fluids: I change oil/filter and lube all fittings every 24 months. Coolant and trans fluid was changed 6 – 7 years ago (~20k miles ago). Hydraulic fluid has not been changed.
Engine – The only significant problems in 12 yrs have been a bad starter, cracked exhaust manifold, and leaking heater core. I’ve changed the fan belt, have not changed hoses.
It smokes for a second or two upon cold start up. I’ve been told it’d due to leaky injectors, but to wait until it gets worse before doing a $1,500 injector replacement service. Otherwise, it runs fine, still get’s 10 – 11 mpg (not towing).
BTW – this is a “Code 53” engine, no cracks in block, no coolant loss (has been pressure tested to confirm).
Tires – replaced 4 years ago.
Brakes – no maintenance has been performed. (plenty of pad remaining)
Air system – have had cracks in air bags for years, but haven’t changed them or air lines. Air dryer has been serviced twice.
Generator – 6500 Onan LP unit. Runs fine, only 250 hours, is “exercised” regularly.
Question
Now that it’s approaching 20 yrs old, anything else I should be doing to prep it for a couple 1,000 mile trips over the next year or two?
