Daniel_C_
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Re: B+ motorhomes
It is heartwarming to hear from all you guys! My reasons for getting a new motorhome was the 130K+ miles I had put on the old one. I considered a couple of Trail Lites on EBAY, but got this one for 29K one year ago, with 27K miles. I drive 20-25K miles a year, so will probably keep this one for about 3 more years. I DO NOT like the fit and finish, but do like the E450 chassis - no alignment problems like the traditional A frame front end Chevy. I would prever teh 8.1 chevy as it got 10 mpg, and I now get 8, but very much like the 5 speed auto. I did buy the Good Sam warranty, and it has served me well with many of my repairs. I had mentioned elsewhere, that I am considering getting a class 4/5 hitch, because I am pretty confident I can tow my 33' trailer with little trouble (heavier chassis, and relatively short distance from rear axel to rear bumper). I do have a nagging vibration in the driveline. I first noticed it when I was driving home to Texas from Seattle (where I bought it). Replaced the U Joints, but they cracked the harmonic balancer on the drive shaft, so I had to have it balanced, and it has never been completely smooth. I am afraid that the harmonic balancer is essential for that shaft, but hate to spend the price to completely replace it (about 1500). Plan to have it balanced again and see if I can advise the shop to balance it at the RPM that averages 65 mph. I suspect that they will never get it completely right, because the balancers are static, and I vaguely remember forces changing when the rig is in forward motion, not to mention the change in size (slight) as the shaft warms up(?). I'll try to be a little better in updates in the future. Dan660Views0likes0CommentsRe: B+ motorhomes
Just checking in for the first time in a couple of years. I have replaced my original B+ with a 2006 Lexington 235S. While I love the additional room, and it is just as easy to drive (on E450 chassis), the Ford engine just isn't the engine as the 8.1 Chevy. I have also had several problems with the unit, that I never had with the other one, such as driveline vibration that defies solving, and a separation between the coach roof, and the cabover nose. I use this vehicle in my counseling business, as I did the last one, so I will just have to tolerate higher maintenance costs (and 8mpg, vs. 10mpg).656Views0likes0CommentsRe: B+ motorhomes
I realize that I am talking out of turn of sorts, but thought it might be interesting to update on my original thread. I have now had my Traillite for 5 years and 7 months, and have about 102,000 miles on it. In summary, I have had only minimal problems. As I noted some time ago, if I could do it over, I wouldn't have gotten the slide, as I never use it, and if it isn't cinched just right it leaks on the floor a little during a heavy rain. That was a problem when it was new and never was really fixed. Aside from that (it is more of an annoyance than a problem, as there isn't enough leakage to create mold, or rot), it has been pretty trouble free. No problems with the drive train. I have had the normal preventive maintenance, a crankshaft sensor (for ignition) replaced, the throttle position sensor replaced (this was a year ago and was the first time I have ever had to have a vehicle towed - ever). I also had a couple of minor exhaust leaks, some alignment probs at first, but none in the past 4 years. In short, it has been an excellent vehicle. The appliances have needed some repairs (refer (I leave it on all the time), ac, converter, several generator repairs, a door lock, water pump, a couple of propane leaks). I don't keep exact records on everything, but have definitely gotten my money's worth, and continue to do so. I expect the engine to last about another 100K miles. The big stuff is still covered by the CSP warranty which I bought when it was a few months old. As you can see in my signature, I am moving to towed vehicles eventually, but primarily for a mix of added space, and eventually an added very small trailer once I sell the motorhome in order to improve fuel usage. I still get about 9-10 mpg around town and 10+ on the road. Oil usage has gradually diminished as I changed to a heavier synthetic mix oil. The Air Force used to have a "lead the force" program to build up a lot of flying time in a hurry. Maybe the miles I have accumulated will give some indication of what you can look forward to. I will try to keep in touch with this thread and answer any questions about my rig. Dan555Views0likes0CommentsRe: B+ motorhomes
Just a short update... Had a pretty significant maintenance month. in the past 30 days, I have had to replace the engine starter, replace the back door lockset (the "striker(?)" broke so that pulling the handle yielded nothing - I had to cut the metal away on the device with a dremel and work out the material with a screwdriver in order to open the door - installation was simple, but expensive after that - $227 for both sides of the lockset overnighted - there were none in San Antonio), refer just went out. I have the CSP coverage, which will pay for a rebuilt sealed unit to be installed for $100. I didn't use CSP for the starter and door, as I use the motorhome almost daily to drive, and didn't want to put it out of commission, waiting for someone else to do the work - also, they wouldn't have paid for the overnight on the lockset anyway). I am at 89K miles now. If I keep this unit more than one more year, I am looking at some serious renovation of the interior - though it is still doing okay (no tears - just worn). If I do that, I will probably look at someone doing some reengineering on the slide, so I can eliminate the leaking once and for all (open or closed). Overall, ownership of this unit has been a satisfying experience. I really do believe the assertion of Chevy that the 8.1 is good for 200K miles. Also, though I have read some nightmares about the smaller ONANs, and had misgivings about the lack of a low oil shutoff, or oil filter, I have used the H--- out of that unit, with virtually no problems for 5 summers! The cost of ownership for 100K miles will actually be minimal. When I get to that point in the next year, I will summarize what I have spent for preventive and corrective maintenance. Dan Walker695Views0likes0CommentsRe: B+ motorhomes
Just a quick update. I have been out of touch for the past couple of months. I now have 87K miles on the rig. I got stranded for the first time EVER, when the 8.1 "reduced power" light came on and would not go out - the vehicle came to a gradual complete halt as I was transporting three pets home from their annual Vet visit. Had to get a taxi to take them and my wife home. My USAA towing service towed the vehicle 50 miles to a Chevy dealer in New Braunfels Tx, where I knew it would fit and they would work on it right away. The culprit was the "throttle position sensor". The computer didn't know how much throttle I was applying, so it decided to shut it down to idle - I am told. Works fine now - added some preventive maintenance. Good for another 50K miles? Has anyone out there had carpet replaced? It is about time for that and reupholstery. I have never put so many miles on any vehicle I owned and intend to wring out every mile it is capable of!645Views0likes0CommentsRe: B+ motorhomes
It really sounds to me like the fan (either side) is being jammed by something. If the compressor is coming on briefly, it may overpressure due to lack of fan across the condenser and shut itself off. See if you can move the fan freely without being plugged in; then try again if you can. Hope that is what it is; otherwise $.193Views0likes0CommentsRe: B+ motorhomes
I use a 300 watt inverter that plugs into the cigarette lighter and that will power the 19" mounted TV for at least a couple of hours without hampering engine start. Earlier question: I have used the generator (ran for about two minutes) to start a dead eng battery. I have found with the inverter that the TV starts up quickly if I have the eng running (higher input voltage = less amperage required), but will struggle for a few seconds if not running. I have used this arrangement for at least a couple of years with no apparent adverse affects. I like to eat my lunch in the coach (I commute in it)and watch the noon news several days a week.182Views0likes0CommentsRe: B+ motorhomes
I would assume that the inverter would be hooked up to the deep cycle battery. Especially if you are using 1000 watts or so - a 120 amp/hour battery would be dead in less than two hours. A staring battery would probably be dead in less than an hour (not to mention the damage to the thinner plates from frequent complete discharge). That said, I have had to use the generator/emergency start switch several times and it works fine - never used jumpers in 4+ years of heavy use.182Views0likes0CommentsRe: B+ motorhomes
I put a sub-woofer amp (about the same size) under the driver's seat in mine. That might keep the 12 volt line shorter for less loss. Are you planning to power the microwave? Otherwise, I have found a smaller inverter works for just about everything else. Of course the AC is out of the question. Never mind. It just occurred to me that you will be taking off the coach battery, not the chassis battery.182Views0likes0Comments
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