CLIFF918

18 hours ago, dereeves said:

I like that color. How does the piece connecting it to the tile holding up? This has some ugly brass or gold colored trim on the floor now and on the molding for the entry stair case. That alone makes me want to change the flooring. 

I used the original trim pieces around the top of the stairs the trim at the very top where it connects to the tile was to only be temporary but looks good and is holding up well. The black trim with the green stripe on the stairs is non skid tape I sourced at Amazon, The green stripe is reflective did not want to re use the black step covers wife thought it looked too much like a bus entry

3 hours ago, dereeves said:

Yeah the transition...couldn't think of the name of it. Yeah i like that color, it blends well with everything. Looking at the stairs, i can see how it will be a little work. I have already bought the lights for that that will install flush into whatever flooring i use as long as it is 1/4" thick. I noticed your dinette is in the slide? Totally opposite of my 2000 Diplo. The kitchen and couch is in my slide. How long ago did you redo the floor?  If within the last couple of years, do you by chance have the stock numbers from Home Depot? 

Looking at your pics...i wonder if i have floor vents under the flooring. Only exposed floor vents i have is one in bedroom at the doorway, one under the passenger side of dash facing into the coach and one blowing out of a side vent at the floor under the fridge. That vent blows right into the side of the dinette table wall cabinet. I guess i will find out when i take the old flooring out.

Here is a pic of the end panel from the carton. This stuff has a foam backing so no need of an additional backing and is kind of soft under foot Lifetime warranty and waterproof.

2 minutes ago, dereeves said:

I like that color. How does the piece connecting it to the tile holding up? This has some ugly brass or gold colored trim on the floor now and on the molding for the entry stair case. That alone makes me want to change the flooring. 

2 minutes ago, dereeves said:

I like that color. How does the piece connecting it to the tile holding up? This has some ugly brass or gold colored trim on the floor now and on the molding for the entry stair case. That alone makes me want to change the flooring. 

3 minutes ago, dereeves said:

I like that color. How does the piece connecting it to the tile holding up? This has some ugly brass or gold colored trim on the floor now and on the molding for the entry stair case. That alone makes me want to change the flooring. 

The transition to the tile, I used clamshell molding like you would use on doorways. Bare wood stained close to what color the floor is. 

All seems to work well not a trip hazard.

The entry way was a chore lots of cutting and piecing. I added the the lights on the stairwell.  

I have a 2002 Diplomat that I used vinyl plank flooring in purchased from Home Depot.

1 hour ago, jacwjames said:

I just received my premium notice for next year for Auto-Owners.  Both home and auto went up substantially.  I switched from Grange Insurance to Auto-Owners in 2020 and at the time saved a substantial amount but it seems like the increases are unrelenting. 

Being a bit of an analytical freak I created a spreadsheet so I could see the costs for the 5 years of premiums.  This years premium increased between 12-14% for my autos but the RV insurance went up 30% from $261 to $340.  I have an agreed value of the coach of $57K which I think is fair considering I pair $67K in 2008.   But the $340 is still less then what I was paying through Grange. 

I have sent an inquiry to my agent but doubt there is an alternative.  I have read that auto insurance has gone up substantially so if one insurance company increases the rest will follow suit just because.   He is a broker so I have requested competitive quotes from the other companies he represents and will get a couple more just to keep everyone honest (but considering there is no honor among thieves it's loosing proposition).

Homeowners is probably worse, in 2022 my premium went up 17% with the reason being inflation to rebuild and general insurance increase.  So last year I kept the value the same and the cost still increase 7%, this year with the same value it went up ~14% and up 44% from 5 years ago. 

Running out of options to try and hold insurance costs at bay.  

Jim,

I am with Auto owners as well and have seen the premiums go up this year. My MH rate stayed the same at $115.00 but the truck and car went up. I have about the same agreed value of 58K but I use the MH about 6 months of the year and it is garaged at my home that may make the difference.

I searched about every other company and they are about the same but most will not cover a MH. The MH by it self would wind up costing about $1600/yr so that wipes out any savings on the auto's. 

So long story short, I'm staying with Auto Owners

Cliff

6 hours ago, Frank McElroy said:

I'm curious - before cutting out that side wall metal support, did you look at what other structural support you had in the wall and if cutting that metal support would compromise the wall structural integrity?

Yes I did Frank. I started with a 3 inch hole saw and found the vertical support then looked on both sides and saw that there were additional supports outside of my area to be cut. With the support from plywood on the inside and the aluminum skin under the outside skin and that the vertical stud that needed to be cut was not load bearing I decided to remove it.

It's been like that for two years and many miles and no structural problems.

I have owned many Rv's and the Monaco is the first one that I have seen Vented inside. In my opinion venting inside does not work well in a house and did not work well in the Monaco thus the decision to vent it outside. 

Rick,

If the 05 is the same as the 02 the microwave is attached to the rear mount with 2 long screws accessed from behind the filters on the underside of the microwave.

The picture shows the rear mount with the mounting points that the screws attach to at the extreme left and right in the picture. 

if you have space on the top it might be that the 2 mounting screws have loosened 

22 minutes ago, windsorbill06 said:

I wish my stud was in the center of the 2 holes.  But mine will be blocking about 1/2 of the right side.(total of 25% total blockage).   Definitely not idea. 

I cut it out with the saws all. Did not have an effect on stability of side wall.

One of the first things I did in my 2002 Diplomat was vent the Microwave outside!

I ran into the vertical metal stud right in the center of the hole I need to create. I started with a 3" hole saw so I could see what I was getting into and discovered the vertical stud, you can see it in the center of the hole picture. I saw that there were more studs to the left and right of the area I need to cut out so I went ahead and removed the obstruction and installed the vent duct and replaced the microwave back in it's place. That was in 2002 and have had no problems and no smelly coach.

 Cliff

26 minutes ago, Dr4Film said:

I received my Progressive RV Insurance renewal in January for the March 1st renewal. OMG!!!

The renewal bill came in at $2877 for a full pay discounted rate.

SO, this month, I made up a list of 8 RV insurance companies to call for their current rate do do some comparison shopping.

I only made three calls before settling on one company in particular that writes insurance for my state, Florida.

My first call was to RVer Insurance Exchange. Second call was to National General Insurance and the third call was to RV America. They happen to be in that very same order from the top on my list. I never called the other 5 companies.

RV Insurance Exchange quote came in close to the Progressive as they were quoting Progressive.

National General came in around $2300.

However, my third call was the "CHARM". That was to RV America which landed me at a brokers office in Tennessee.  They quoted me a rate of $899 for one year. All three quotes were for basically the same level and type of coverage so as not to mix apples with oranges. The gentleman on the phone remarked that the state of Florida was only writing RV insurance policies with three companies, Progressive, National General and Auto Owners. Don't know if that statement is true or not.

Well, this is a no brainer. My progressive policy will be cancelled at midnight February 29th and my new policy with Auto Owners Insurance company begins at 12:01 am March 1st. 

Richard, I have been with Auto Owners for several years and they are very competitive. 

I also live in Florida and the insurance rates, Auto and Home, have gone through the roof.

Cliff 

OK I have completed the removal and install of the toilet and all is well. It fought me the whole way but I won.

The old flange was glued on to the pipe leading to the tank so had to use the Dremel tool to cut it from the inside.

Thanks for all the tips 

Cliff

Try this shop they have done several repairs for me with no issues and reasonable. 

They are in Melbourne, FL

https://www.glennstire.com/

Don't let the name fool ya they are way more than tires.

Cliff

Thanks for the tips. Looks like I will have to do what Richard did with the dremel tool and Lowes has the rest of the parts i will need.

Had the POS aria apart several times last summer the $140. kit lasted just over 30 days. Not doing that again with a half full tank. It's going to the round file.

Just ordered the the new Dometic 320 will be here Friday. Tank is empty but to be sure I added some Tank perfume to the tank.

Again Thanks for the tips.

Happy New Year all !

Cliff

My winter project this year. 

The Thetford Aria has failed for the last time had to replace the flush mechanism on the road last summer and it lasted about 30 days so out it goes!

My question is since the Aria is held to the floor with lag screws do I need to install a new floor flange with the new toilet? Has anyone done this conversion?

Tips, Tricks?

Cliff

2002 Monico Diplomat

I did the same with Verizon home. It worked all the way from Florida to Vermont 

Cliff

1 hour ago, Joint Venture said:

I replaced 4 old fluorescent ceiling fixtures with these Leisure fixtures. https://leisurervparts.com/led-rv-led-ceiling-interior-light-fixture-1450-lumen-with-touch-dimmer-switch-12v-20-x-6-natural-white-4000-4500k-bronze-trim/ . I bought 4 pieces of 1/8" thick 6" x 20" to cover the original mounting holes and bolted the new fixtures to them after drilling a 1/2" hole in the middle of the adapter plate for the wires. Very easy swap and improved the lighting by at least triple. Very nice in appearance too.

Exact same ones I used.

I secured them by drilling 6 holes in the aluminum frame in the ceiling and using 6  3 1/2 SS screws.

Either way, like you said. We can see now !

Cliff

8 hours ago, dl_racing427 said:

Nice. 
How does the light output of these fixtures compare to the original fluorescent?

Much brighter and has dimmer so you can control each one 25/50/75/100%

The fixtures have been claimed thanks to Fasthobie16

Cliff

36 minutes ago, Fasthobie16 said:

I’m interested i taking your fixtures. Are they the 18 “ lamps inside them ? I have some that need ballasts etc. I have  a 2000 Dynasty. My fixtures measure 20 1/2” by 6 1/2” (outside of framework). Yours look very similar to mine. 
 

cliff18

how do I pay you for this?  Send me a private message please  I’m afraid everyone will respond fo $$$ 

 

 

Send me a private msg please. I’m afraid everyone will respond for $$$   Thanks, Jim 

37 minutes ago, Fasthobie16 said:

I’m interested i taking your fixtures. Are they the 18 “ lamps inside them ? I have some that need ballasts etc. I have  a 2000 Dynasty. My fixtures measure 20 1/2” by 6 1/2” (outside of framework). Yours look very similar to mine. 
 

cliff18

how do I pay you for this?  Send me a private message please  I’m afraid everyone will respond fo $$$ 

 

 

Send me a private msg please. I’m afraid everyone will respond for $$$   Thanks, Jim 

Message sent

These use the 18 inch lamps but I just measured them and they are 19 X 6 outside with a switch on one end. Here is a picture of one that I have removed. I calculated USPS to your zip code $22.50 If they are what you can use I'll get them out tomorrow.

Used working fixtures available free just cover cost of shipping I have 4 available until November 20 then they go to the recycle bin. Or you can pick up in Titusville, FL

cliff918@gmail.com

I replaced all with these slim LED fixtures from Amazon : 

Leisure LED RV LED Ceiling Light Fixture 20" x 6.5" - 1450 Lumen with Touch Dimmerold Fixture

19 minutes ago, tomevansfl said:

Most of our trips so far have been local weekends.  Last weekend we went to Sebastian Inlet State Park.  The drive was a little over 2 hours and when we arrived I found this when I hooked up the electrical.  I have never seen this before.  It appears to be coming from the top of the electrical bay door next to the engine. 

Below is a photo of the exterior door and a photo of what's behind it.  It looks like oil of some kind, but it doesn't appear to be coming from inside the compartment, as there is no fluid in the electrical bay.  Any suggestions where/what is leaking? Thanks in advance.

It is rust from the fasteners of the door hinge or the cover of the door hinge. I had same issue on my front electric panel door.

Power steering reservoir and filter and I believe ATF would be used although some use 10-30 oil

Cliff

1 hour ago, 2004beaver said:

How many years ild are they? Are they cracking or anything?     3 years old, always covered and Pressure maintained even in storage. No cracking still look new.

Cliff

I have. I see there are a few, just not the names i would like to purchase. Maybe i am just being too picky  

Yeah in just not sure that they will clear. So i was just wondering if someone with same coach could confirm or deny. Thank you

They are more expensive than 295/80/22.5 and a lot of higer or middle end tire manufacturers dont make them in that size, so im guessing not anymore. 

I have a set of Roadmaster tires on my 2002 Diplomat and have put about 8K on them since new with no issues.

Cliff

Thanks Matt.

This will be my winter project on my 02 Diplomat and the tips will help!

Cliff