Raymond

As sited numerous times in this tread: JoSam’s in Orlando. They are the most reliable, thorough, and attentive to any issues on the chassis overall. Birmingham to Orlando could be a short getaway trip. 

Went to CarPlay—abandoned all the download headaches. Use Apple Maps, Google Maps or Truck Routes. 

Thanks for the information, but I have owned many brands over too many years and Michelin has never failed. I am inseparably attached to Michelin. Everything I own with an engine that rolls have Michelins. 

I appreciate the feedback/comparison. I admit I like the X for the reasons you site, as I have no experience with any other version. I don’t need much to convince me to stay with the X—as they have served me well. This feedback settles my conundrum; sticking with the X. I will deal with wear on the edge by rotating side to side. I know my alignment is on point because I annually have JoSam’s check it. THANKS!

On my second set of EnergyX, but having wear on the edges of steer tires. Now preparing to purchase third set but in discussing wear on steer with tire folks at Love’s they recommend Z for motorhomes because of the shoulders. 
 

2 hours ago, saflyer said:

I sent a request for info to Sumitomo via their website. Evidently they forwarded it to a U.S. distributor, TBC Corp. who responded as follows:

Mr. Fogle,

 

We are in receipt of your inquiry.  We are a wholesale tire distributor of multiple brands of tires, not a tire manufacturer, and we create dedicated websites for each of the brands of tires we distribute; we distribute the Sumitomo brand of tires in North America.  Most tire manufacturers only provide us with the maximum psi and maximum load a particular tire can hold, as they cannot foresee where the tire will be installed on; however, Sumitomo has provided a load inflation table which you can find by clicking on the link below:

 

https://tbc.scene7.com/is/content/TBCCorporation/TBC%20Brands/Commercial/Sumitomo%20MRT/Catalog/2022/Medium-Truck-Technical-Data_0322.pdf

 

This information can be found if you return to the website, go to the DEALER RESOURCES section, and under the 2023 MEDIUM TRUCK TIRES catalog, clicking on the third link that reads Medium Truck Technical Data; the information you are looking for is on page 4 of this document.

 

Thank you,

 

 

Olga Fraga

Consumer Relations

Tel. (800) 238-6469

Fax. (800) 467-4638

Email: ofraga@tbccorp.com

It is obvious there is significant experience contributing information on tires on this thread, so relative to mpg I am interested in any advice on a related matter. I regularly replace my steer tires every 5-years with Michelin Energy X tires, which are considered aggressive tires; I do this primarily because I experience noticeable wear on the edges (steer) after a few years. My suspension is checked annually at JoSams and Barry says “…that’s how these tires wear”. So, in talking to the tire folks at Love’s Truck Center they suggested I use the Michelin XLEZ model on the steer axle which has defined shoulders and are more resistant to wear on the edges. I am wondering if there is any experience out there with the MICHELIN XLEZ. I do not want to diminish my current mpg or handling. 

Not that I would ever consider switching from Michelin tires, this is an interesting topic—would really like to know the final conclusion on your mpg dilemma. 
 

Ray W

36 minutes ago, myrontruex said:

I play a game I call (20 questions), that is telling a customer that I will be asking them a lot of questions and seemingly the same ones, however slightly different, not because I forgot their answer.

Unlike many service centers, I endouraged customers for be right there and sometimes even helping chase things down, especially intermittents.

Teasing the customers and asking if I had to beat information out of them I would. While asking the same question for the third or fourth time, no immediately in sequence, they would elicit some piece of information that seemed to them to be useless.

You just gave a very important clue. 

Banging on the steering wheel causing it to work surely leads me to a loose connection. This also mostly eliminates any issues in other compartments.

That will be $500 please. $5 for hitting it, $495 for knowing where to hit it. 

Based on inputs over the years I remember folks having trouble installing clock rings properly. Having a front end alignment the tech popped my steering wheel cover right off. I grittet my teeth a bit. However this tech had me sitting right next to him all through the process. This gave me great confidence in his expertise. 

So perhaps your installation techniques have not been perfected, or some little plastic tab broke and you don't see it.f

If you are ever in the Orlando area, Josams is the place to take it. I would ask them to just check the installation of the clock ring. This would then eliminate any issues there.

I think I would be getting kind of physical with the steering column. Not driving of course. I mean I would be doing some serious (qualified tech), bashing around. Tugging and possibly using the proper words to encourage it to give up its secrets. 

LOL! You may have steered me in the right direction. When I go in for my annual alignment check I will ask Barry to see if he can chase this down. Yep, I am a JoSam’s regular but I have only had him service the chassis never considered the electrical—even though in this case it is directly related to the alignment (steering). Really nice session Doctor, I believe you have helped to find the cure. 

2 hours ago, myrontruex said:

Intermittent issues are the bane of an electronic tech. I told customers experiencing them to drive into my parking lot slowly. There is a small gutter but the simple bump could clear their issue. Happened too many times to remember.

 

Getting voltage measurements upstream and downstream while it is working is important.  These measurements should be easy to access without tugging and pulling. Even if it means attaching a wire and bringing it out to a place you can test. This of course done when things are working. 

If there are plugs such as molex plugs and sockets they can be problem. They can often be tightened up a bit using a thin blade of some sort. This is a shotgun approach of course and not advised unless the problem has cleared because of the parking lot bump. 

 

OMG how right you are! I found, out of frustration, if I hit my steering wheel while driving everything starts working again!

1 minute ago, myrontruex said:

If you are changing a part out multiple times and it seems to clear the issue temporarily, you are likely bumping or tugging on something while changing it. It is hard to fathom a part would fail four times. 

You are absolutely right. But no one seems to be able to find what’s loose and I am near clueless on eletrical diy projects. 

Sure would be grateful to hear how this problem is solved as I have the exact same issue. If I tilt the steering wheel into a new position (up or down) the problem clears up for a short while. My resolution has been to change the clock spring and I’ve replaced it at least 4 times. I have had the problem examined at REV, Lazydays, and a couple of other shops over the years without a lasting resolution. That is the only issue I have had with our coach so I am grateful for that, but sure would be wonderful to solve this mystery. 

We listed our 2008 Dynasty for sale on this site but my wife decided she was not completely read to give it up. It has been professionally maintained and is in tip-top condition; in about 8 months we will be ready to sell this time for real. You might want to take a look— it is still in the coaches for sale listings. 

A larger section of the corian countertop was added to make the bottom shelf into which the cooktop drops directly into. May be impossible to find that same countertop material and pattern—we were lucky. A section of stainless steel or butcher block could serve the same purpose and retain the aesthetic value.   Good Luck!

Hope this pic helps…

I’d really like to know how this turns out—ventless-dryer in motorhome. We installed a ventless-dryer in a residential property we own and we absolutely love the way it leaves the clothes when dry. I would like to replace (when the time comes) the current vented-dryer in our coach with a ventless-dryer to avoid moisture passing through the wall to the exterior. Water (moisture) in a motorhome is a continuous worry/concern I often think about and inspect. 

36 minutes ago, Tom Cherry said:

Looks great...and some folks MIGHT try to share the Microwave.  That would UGLY if one turned on the Microwave and the Cooktop unit.  It might actually burn up the contacts in the Inverter where the ATS that supply power to the interior is and that would effectively destroy the Inverter as that relay is part of the main board, typically, so new board or new Inverter.  At best, it would pop the pin breakers on the Inverter.

All our inverters were never designed to supply TWO full line load (15 Amps each) circuits.

I assume you have a dedicated line from the main 50 Amp AC panel and it only can be used when on Genny or Shore.  That is the proper way...and the way that Monaco did them on the all Electric MH, UNLESS they added a second, standalone, Inverter..

Just want to reinforce this as the mythical circuitry of the Inverter and how it HAS to work to get 120 VAC power inside is a but overwhelming...

Thanks for the post.

Thanks. The conversion was done in 2018, your assumption is accurate, as it is supported by a dedicated line from the main 50 AMP panel. The only problem we’ve had was the Tru-Induction which went out after exactly one year; we replaced it with the Empana brand which has been problem free ever since. 

On 8/24/2023 at 4:06 PM, richmelcole@sbcglobal.net said:

To make my 02 Windsor all-electric coach, I want to replace the gas cooktop with a True Induction double burner TI-2B counter insert cooktop.  I noticed an enclosed area above the silverware drawer where the gas cooktop set in will have to be removed for ventilation and some countertop will have to be cut out and some countertop gap filled in.  Appreciate any guidance to help me complete this upgrade.  Rich

We replaced our propane with electric in the same space. A new circuit had to be added otherwise it would share the same circuit as the microwave. We kept the propane tank and use it to run our outdoor bbq. Love it!

53 minutes ago, birdshill123 said:

Raymond: Do not be so sure that AAA  roadside will cover you in an accident. Or for that matter in many areas you have ZERO coverage Some states do not have any MH coverage with AAA. AS well there is a miles limit and maybe a $$ limit. I see that you have anj 08 Dynasty. Is it a tag model? In many cases after an accident you may not be able to tow via the front wheels or front axle. I would nver let them tow our 08 Tag Dynasty except on a Landoll. They could end up damaging your frame. Will AAA provide a special trailer? Many here are shocked to find out that towing can cost up to $10,000. In some states the highway patrol provides the towing at your expense. They do not all ow any other services. They may also insist that it be moved to the first open area before being loaded to a trailer. As mentioned in this thread not all insurers provide towing after an accident.

In 2018, we had a coolant hose burst traveling through South Carolina on our was to Hilton Head; I was too green at RVing and still afraid of the size of an eight-wheel motor home to realize this was an easy diy-fix. We called AAA roadside several hours later (near midnight) a massive flat-bed diesel truck arrived. Long story short the tow-driver went to the truck stop at next exit and obtained the hose and replaced the ruptured hose on the side of the road. During this ordeal a State Trooper came by to check on us a few times because we broke down in the curve of an entrance to the highway. AAA paid for most of the cost and we tipped the guy for getting us done without having to tow us. AAA works for us. 

Be certain you carefully vet the inspector you hire. I know of people that advertise that they do inspections, but have little knowledge about the technical, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing details of a motorcoach. The same issue is present with home inspections. I always seek the expertise of a technician that works full-time on motor-coaches; if they don’t actually do inspections they typically know of someone responsible who does. Jim at Source Engineering (Oregon) is an excellent resource to consider. 

AAA takes care of the issue for coach and all my cars. Simple and reliable. 

Just heard from an Interstate battery engineer that Interstate is about 12-months away from releasing its ‘solid state’ battery. That may be a game changer for all these maintenance issues we’ve been discussing for years on flooded batteries!

25 minutes ago, Tom Cherry said:

AGREE…but, I’m NOT A BANKER….but a Debit Card, I thought and asked the question of my Personal Banker, is NOT as easy…or sometimes not at all, allow you to protest or disallow the charges.  Over the years, AMEX, is the most professional and also most “user and consumer” friendly.  With all the Artificial Intelligence and upgrades in the phone systems, I find that AMEX is the most “easy to talk to and easy to get them to understand”.  I don’t do but maybe one disputed charge every 5 years….and I rarely do after I contact the “vendor” and say, I WILL and AMEX understands that I am a long time loyal and trustworthy customer so they assist me.  

That’s just my own interpretation.  I would really want a personal banker or officer at my bank to sit down with me and explain the options on a debit card linked to my checking account….chose NOT to get s debit card.  Use  that one of three, each one for a specific type of charge….but anything that i have an “HMMMM?  I Wonder…”goes on the AMEX. 

Reversed on debit card numerous times—never an issue. Hope member with issue is able to reverse after the extended time— never disputed a charge over 2-months old. 

On 8/5/2023 at 11:47 PM, Carl Michael said:

Has anyone done business with Coach Supply Co in Michigan?  I sent them a deposit of $1600 for furniture in November and made many calls including our local police to resolve this problem. Mike or Josh were my contacts but no results. If you know these guys let me know. Carl Michael 

Did you provide the deposit by credit card? If so, easy fix; have the credit card company reverse the transaction. There is a lot of this happening in the marketplace today—its buyer beware all the time. If you used a credit card or debit card your money will be back in your account within 24 hours. 
 

Ray W

Until recently, I always wondered what the difference was; then our water Manabloc ruptured in our 2008 Dynasty while traveling. Glamping is the luxury of running water and all-hours convenience of a toilet, camping is walking to a “comfort-room” at 2:30AM.  In the event anyone experiences a damaged water Manabloc, Viega llc (formerly Vanguard) can rebuild the original Manabloc for an exact replacement and fit. The replacement part takes about a week to arrive and matches the dimensions of the original part—making the installation a breeze. Importantly, during the wait for the part to arrive one learns an invaluable lesson of the value of running water and the meaning of “Glamping”. 
 

Ray W. 

All this is deja vu! Fuel lines and filters replaced—still operated in an erratic manner—run 20 minutes then stop, started it up again and ran 30 minutes. Finally fixed when the mother board (electrical) was replaced $750.00.