RE: Few Repair/Maintance questions for new RV owner
soloblazer,
Really important that you give us aas much info as possible. Year, make, model, chassis of your coach.
You said it is a Flair, so based on the model year it is probably on the Ford F53 chassis. Again, year makes big difference in what/how to fix.
If it is a pre-1999 model then it is most likely the Ford 460 V-8. If that is the case, I highly recommend you make the investment in the Banks exhaust system. Full Banks Powerpack w/TransCommand runs around $3500. Best investment I made on my previous coach, a 1998 Dolphin with the 460. No more header bolt problems, terrific increase in poower and torque and the engine ran much cooler, even on long uphill grades.
Happy Trails! :W
Darryl
RE: Campgrounds near Badlands
I recommend Rafter J Bar Ranch in Hill City. Close to Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse and just a short jaunt to Wall, SD and Badlands.
Very nice park with large, grassy sites and full amneities. Not fancy, but very nice and centrally located.
Happy Trails! :W
Darryl
RE: Where and How to buy RV?
I am not a tax expert, but believe that a used coach may not qualify for the LLC route. I have two friends who did purchase new rigs thru their businesses and one has to consider purchasing another new coach because his depreciaiton/tax write off expired. Check with a tax man to get better info.
As to choosing a coach, I think you are on the right track with a Class A with bunks. Daughter can bring a friend along! My suggestion is to visit as many dealers and RV lots as possible and look at all the choices. Drive before buying and try out all the systems on your final choice.
If you check Craigslist.com, rvt.com and some of the other sites, you can make your search easier.
You will be buying newer models as bunks were not available until recently. That is not a bad thing!
Happy Trails! :W
Darryl
RE: 2001 National Tropical????
National did, indeed, make great coaches! The Tropical was a gas coach up until 2002 or 2003, when they became the entry level diesel for National.
I have several friends who own older model gas Tropicals and they love them. I had a 1998 Dolphin before moving up to our current Sea Breeze. Dolphi was an the F53 Ford V-8 chassis. Solid coach, ran well. I added a Banks Powerpack Exhaust system and got greatly increaased power and torque.
There are Natiional Owners FMCA Chapters all over the country. Lots of expertise available along with really nice folks.
Happy Trails! :W
Darryl
RE: FMCA Michelin Advantage Program Seattle / Tacoma Areas
TomN
In my experience, and hearing from others, I think most billing is done the way I said. Billed direct from Michelin for tires and pay dealer for installation. It is an option to be billed all at once, if you wish.
The instructions I received from Michelin was that I would be billed by Michelin for tires and oay the dealer for install.
How ever it is done, the bottom line is great tires, excellent price and good service.
Happy Trails! :W
Darryl
RE: Safari trek
zigpep,
Driveability issues would be with the chassis, not the brand of coach. The chassis, if gas, would be Ford or Workhorse (Chevy engine). Workhorse chassis has a better reputation for ride and stability. Much of a coaches handling characteristics are due to overloading, or improper inflation of tires.
The Ford F53 chassis, up to about 2004, was noted for poorer handling and more aftermarket steering/suspension modifications were needed.
The Safari coaches have a decent repututaion for build quality. The best advice I can give you is to look for the coach that gives you more of what you want. The considerations are, IMHO, floorplan, slide-outs, amenities, chassis.
I suggest you drive as many different coaches as possible before you buy to see how they drive and handle. Walk through them and check out the features each coach offers. There are so many different configurations that it can be confusing, but when you come across one that strikes your fancy, go for it.
One other thing to consider, if you have not RV'd before, rent one for a week to see how you like the lifestyle. Or, you could buy an older, less expensive coach, then trade up if you love it!
Happy Trails! :W
Darryl
RE: FMCA Michelin Advantage Program Seattle / Tacoma Areas
j-rooster,
If you go to www.michelinman.com and use the Dealer Locator, it will give you the Nationally Authorized Michelin dealer nearest you who can install the tires.
Did you register your credit card with Michelin yet? If yes, then when you find the dealer, call them and give them your FMCA member# and the last 4 numbers of your CC. Also, the tire size you need. They will order the tires and call you with an install date. You will be billed by Michelin and pay the dealer direct for the install.
Happy Trails! :W
Darryl
RE: Thor quality
The word in the RV circles I roam in is that Thor make a very decent quality coach, for the money.
I have not seen many negative comments from Thor Brand owners. mostly positive comments.
The Hurricane is comparable to the Bounder, with just as good a service record.
Just my 2c, and worth EVERY penny!
Happy Trails! :W
Darryl
RE: What is the best Tow/Brake set up for a Towed Vehicle?
RedQuad,
While I agree that the ReadyBrake Elite System is pretty bullet proof, it is a surge braking system, not fully proportional.
The InvisiBrake System, also by Roadmaster, is fully proportional and once installed there is nothing to do but hook up the car to the tow bar and go! I had it added to my new towed vehicle and love it! I use the Blue Ox tow bar because I already owned it from previous RV/Towed. I like the Blue Ox because of the "hidden" connector system. When the tow bar is unhooked from the car, you hardly notice any connections on the front of the car.
I also prefer the proportional braking system as it applies the brakes in the same proportion as the MH brakes instead of only when enough surge is transferred to the braking system. I do not mean to infer that the ReadyBrake is inferior, the InvisiBrake is just my preference.
Happy Trails! :W
Darryl
RE: Tire Replacement on Class A Goodyear or Michelin
Michelin! if you are an FMCA member, and you should be, you can take advantage of the FMCA/Michelin Tire Program. Check it out at www.fmca.com. Info is right on the Home page!
Happy Trails! :W
Darryl
RE: National Dolphin MH
National RV was one of the higher rated, mid-priced motorhomes made. They went under at the end of 2007 due in part to the economy, but also, IMHO, bad management.
I am on my second National, and love it! Great coach. Which model are you considering? Model # and chassis info would help. Either Ford or Workhorse.
Also, LazyDays RV in Seffner, Florida was Nationals main dealership on the East Coast. I imagine they still have some leftover parts, plus their service techs will be familiar with NRV produsts.
There are also National RV owners clubs all over the country. RVNUTS in Florida, and SeaNATS in SouthEast.
You should post this on the National RV owners forum at iRV2.com. Also a National Owners group on Yahoo Groups.
Happy Trails! :W
Darryl
RE: ANNOYING buzzer on slide
jaybird,
Do you have the owners manuals for your coach? If so, I would look for the pages covering the slides and there operation. May find your answer there.
I, too, have never heard of warning buzzers on slide-outs. Oh, well! Learn something every day!
Happy Trails! :W
Darryl
RE: Atwood water heater will not light
Might be something as simple as a spider in the nozzle! Insects love to build nests there, so I suggest you take a look at that. Simple brushing, and/or blowing out may clear the line.
Happy Trails! :W
Darryl
RE: Towing a 2012 Honda CRV
brabono,
Honda CRV is one of the best towed vehicles, as well as one of the most popular.
I suggest the Invisibrake Supplemental braking system with a charge line to the battery. As you can see by my sig, I now toe a 2008 Saturn Vue with the Invisibrake System and love it! Invisibrake is completely proportional and once installed, nothing to do, put in, take out, etc.
Just my opinion,
Happy Trails! :W
Darryl
RE: Leveling on slop
You are correct. While I would not want to spend a month like that, a couple of days should not hurt. I have had the front tires off the ground at a couple of campgrounds where the sites are very uneven.
Happy Trails! :W
Darryl
RE: Camper World Inquiry
Donee,
If you are a member of the Good Sam Club, that membership comes with the President's Club Discount at Camping World. Good Sam and Camping World are now one giant company. They have been improving service, benefits and upgrading their existing services, such as ERS.
Happy Trails! :W
Darryl
RE: Top 5 Motorhome Manufacturers
wolf10 hit it on the nose. Best RV is the one that gives you the mmost of what you are looking for. In addition, there are separate answers for Class A and Class C. The best Class C manufacturer does NOT make Class A's! Lazy Daze and Born Free make excellent quality Class C's, but do not make Class A's!
If you are looking for the motorhome manufacturer with the highest quality reputation, they are, in my opinion (in the $180K range)
TiffinWinnebagoThorMonaco(now Navistar)::Fleetwood
Fleetwood has increased their QC a great deal in the past 4 or 5 years, and I would not hesitate to buy ine if I were in the market.
Others may disagree with me, but this is my opinion. I own a National RV and wish they were still in business as they made one of the best coaches on the market at the time.
Happy Trails! :W
Darryl
RE: Looking for a Ready Brake, new or used?
I recommend the InvisiBrake System. It is fully proportional and once installed, you don't have to do anything more! Installs under the front seat and a cable runs under the floor mat to the brake pedal. When the motorhome brakes are applied, so are the towed vehicles!
I think it is worth the investment. Two most important safety issues are, the tires you ride on and the brakes that stop you!
Happy Trails! :W
Darryl
RE: Toad Braking
I recently installed the Invisibrake and love it! Except for the box type of braking systems, ie: Brake Buddy, they all cost money to install. I, for one, do not plan to change towed vehicles every year!
I vote for Invivibrake!
Happy Trails! :W
Darryl
RE: Maiden Voyage
Tommy,
First, congratulations on the new rig! Enjoy many miles of happy, carefree RVing!
There are special rain gutter extension spouts that will direct condensation and rain away from the coach body. Can be found at any RV store, or Camping World.
On a 2013 model RV, the dash air should help cool you off. Definitely have it checked out at a Ford dealer.
Happy Trails! :W
Darryl
