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It's been a good run, but it's over
I've been a member since 2004 when I bought my B. Yesterday I sold it. I learned how to RV on this forum, because it is not something that you can learn easily by yourself without making some big mistakes. But, life changes made owning my van something more of a burden than fun. So, unless things change, and they probably will, bye for now.2.8KViews0likes7CommentsNew information on genreator
I've been a member for 12 years and had the same Gulfstream Vista Cruiser all that time. Recently I was trying to start my propane Onan 2500LP genset and it suddenly quit cranking. I took it to an Onan service center after replacing the coach battery and tracing the wires as best I could without finding anything. They dropped the unit out from under the floor and tested it, it cranked perfectly. So, they checked the battery wire and found a small (1-1/2" x 3/4") 50 amp inline circuit breaker over by the water pump.(that's 4 feet from the battery) So, I learned a $450.00 lesson (they only charged me for 3 hours and had 6 in it) that the generic books that came with my van, said nothing about the existence of this breaker. Frankly I would have never thought this little piece of plastic was a circuit breaker. My genset has 59 hours on it and looks like new and now runs like it.2.1KViews0likes9CommentsRe: MPG woes
3 things affect mileage the most: aerodynamics, speed and gearing. You can't do anything about the aerodynamics. Most trucks built back then were designed to run at the 55mph speed limit. However, engine speed will drastically affect fuel consumption. Too slow causes lugging the motor, too fast puts the engine past peak power. Both conditions use fuel. See if you can find out the rear gear ratio. It's possible the truck was built with a numerically low rear axle ratio, like 2:52 - 2:73. If so, the engine at 60 mph is running way too slow to use it's power and lugging the motor. That runs the throttle more open to keep speed up. There are online calculators that will convert engine rpm, vehicle speed with tire size and give you the gear ratio. For a heavy vehicle will poor aerodynamics a better ratio would be in the 3:30-3:50 range.491Views0likes0CommentsRe: Need new tires
I just put a set of Sumitomo Encounter HT on my Sprinter. Highway all season I took off Michelin XLTs because they were 12 years old OEM. 6 yr 60k mile tread wear 5 year material/construction warranty They also have a 30 day test drive and 2 year road hazard warranty. Least expensive tire for my van on Tirerack You should know, I have my own tire and balancing machines.252Views0likes0CommentsRe: 2006 Sprinter transmissions
The transmission fluid used in a Sprinter is not regular transmission ATF. It's actually a light weight synthetic gear lube. Do not put anything in that transmission accept that fluid, additives for ATF may not be compatible and cause very expense damage to internal parts. There is a huge difference in load capacity between ATF and a gear lube.488Views0likes0CommentsRe: MB Cruise inspection
I can't help with the rv part, but there should have been recall work done on the EGR valve on the truck. I'm sure there is a Mercedes-Benz dealer in the area that can run the VIN and check. It's an important recall, there is an engine fire potential if the EGR valve leaks oil on the intake.143Views0likes0CommentsRe: Proper gear
It's not as much about which gear, but engine rpm. Most newer trucks have a tachometer from the factory. If you look up the specifics of you engine, it will show peak torque rpm. That is the rpm you want to use if possible climbing hills, whatever gear that takes. Also, if you do not have a tach., temperature gauge will show an increase in temperature if you are lugging (too low of rpm) the motor on a long incline. Transmissions only heat up for a couple of reasons, if you really want to protect it, have a shop install a separate transmission cooler and a temperature gauge. Heat is a transmission killer..340Views0likes0Comments
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