Al_Jones
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Re: Handling advise
My coach was hard to handle. I took it to a shop and wanted the front end alignment done, Steering stabilizer, new shocks, oil change, flush and new fluid and filter to the transmission. They said well that's a pretty good list but they wanted to do an inspection of the chassis and see what did and did not need to be done. Turns out front end alignment was done, they said the shocks were fairly new the steering stabilizer was fairly new and the transmission had been serviced because it had an after market filter on it. They did find that the dash air conditioner compressor was leaking Freon. So I had that replaced. So I had a front end alignment, oil change, dash air repair and they aired up all the tires to the correct pressure. All shops do not try to rip you off. The rig did drive better after they were done. I still had the 'tail wagging the dog' thing going on when passed by big rigs or in the wind. I installed a rear track bar by SuperSteer. Now the coach drives like a dream. Coach is 2003 Holiday Rambler Vacationer 34' with 34000 miles with the 8.1 gas motor and Alison 1000 transmission on a W22 workhorse frame. This should be enough information to get you going in the right direction......559Views0likes0CommentsRe: Trust Worthy Service
ArchHoagland wrote: Nice to find a place you trust. What engine do you have? I have the 8.1 gas. But if you have a diesel my guess is they will have no problem considering all the big trucks they service are diesels. There were 2 or 3 other motorhomes there while we were there last week. Going back tomorrow.277Views0likes0CommentsTrust Worthy Service
The work I'm having done is at River State Truck and Trailer in Roberts Wisconsin. When I took our Holiday Rambler Vacationer there I told them I wanted them to check the shocks and replace if needed, steering stabilizer replace if needed, Service the transmission, flush the break fluid and refill, change the oil, new plugs and wires and do a front end alignment. This is what they came up with: 1. The break fluid looked good and recommended no service 2. The Transmission Had a new filter and clean fluid recommended no service 3. Plugs and wires, They told me those are the original and said on that motor not to change until 100k miles ( at 33K now) no service recommended. 4. They said the steering stabilizer looked brand new not even any rust. recommended no service. 5.They said the shocks were almost new and recommended no service. 6. They did a test drive and recommended a front end alignment, they did not feel a four wheel alignment was called for. 7. During the test drive the Mechanic noticed the dash air was not cooling very good. After inspection found two leaks in the compressor recommended a new compressor. 8. The Mechanic said he would test all the batteries, no results yet. 9. They greased the chassis. 10. Hoses and belts passed inspection 11. They noticed some coolant on the upper part of the engine and found that a drain plug in the coolant system was leaking and said it just needed tightened. 12. This is my bad, they found that the rear tires were down to only 50lbs pressure. They consider 20lbs below minimum pressure to be the same as flat. They aired the tires up to proper levels and the coach rides and drives like new. The dealer where we bought this coach let us drive away with flat tires and I didn't know any better. There is more to list but my main reason to post this is to let everyone know that this shop is honest and does not do repairs that are not needed. They take time to have the Mechanic talk to the customer. If you are near this area I would recommend this shop and if you are traveling and going to pass by (they are right off of Interstate 94 in Wisconsin near the Minnesota border). Call ahead for an appointment and they even have power hook up if you need to boondock over night if they have to order parts for you.1.1KViews0likes5CommentsRe: I need a RV mentor
Matt_Colie wrote: Al, I did not follow this thread real carefully, but I have some experience to lay on you. As far a routine maintenance, if you cannot document that it has been done, it has not. Even with a coach that new (way newer than ours) some things will have aged out and not just tires. At that age all rubber parts like coolant hoses, fuel lines and brake hoses should be inspected. The cooling system and brakes should be flushed. The corrosion inhibitors in the coolant are depleted and the brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air. If you can get under it to grease it, buy a nice grease gun and a couple of tubes of Valvoline Syn-power (~8$). This is expensive grease, but it is synthetic and will not run with high temperatures and contains molybdenum disulfide (so it can permanently stain anything). Caterpillar Desert gold may be better, but it is hard to find and costs way more. No Matter, grease is always cheaper than parts. Matt Thanks Matt, all good info.489Views0likes0CommentsRe: I need a RV mentor
wolfe10 wrote: Al, How about let's start over. You have succeeded in attacking quite a number of people here who, over the year have been very patient and helpful with their answers. We look forward to assisting you with your questions. How can we help? My deepest apologizes to anyone that felt they were attacked by me. That was not my intention. I will now take a break and use google for a bit to gather information. Happy Trails.490Views0likes0Comments- 489Views0likes0Comments
Re: I need a RV mentor
ArchHoagland wrote: There was a brake recall on the Bosch brakes that are installed on these chassis. You need to find out if that was completed. The calipers wouldn't release and would drag. Have you weighed the coach yet and set the tires pressures to the tire makers recommended pressure for your weight? I will check to see if recall was done. As for weight and tire pressure, Still loading and unloading to figure what we really need. We sold our homes and now are living full time in the MH. We won't head south until September. I'm hoping that the dealer that we bought the MH from sent us off with the correct tire pressure. We've only had the MH for about a month. Much to learn. We did make a few changes that cut some weight. removed the heavy tube TV's (replaced with flat screens) and one of the couches that was a hid-a-bed.489Views0likes0CommentsRe: I need a RV mentor
dalenoel wrote: Come over to the Facebook site for Holiday Rambler Monaco coaches. Great info and more specific. ***Link Removed*** Thanks, I just asked to join group it's now pending.... How do I get my signature to work on this site? Al & Cindy 2003 HR Vacationer 34PDT489Views0likes0Comments
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