RE: anyone ever use slide out dry lube?
If the stuff is an open gear lubricant, then it should work just fine. We used a type of this lubricant on the rings and gears of exterior escalators for years and it worked ever bit as well as a liquid gear lubricant. We got our stuff from a bearing supplier. When applied, it coated the gears with a black, tar-like lubricant.
I stress the statement "if it's an open gear lubricant".
Another issue, if it's a dino product, might be a propensity to harden up in cold weather.
RE: Freightliner launches first Hybrid Electric type A chassis
This may be a similar system design as used in train locomotives, and they get fantastic mileage when compared to the weight they pull. The diesel motor simply runs a generator that powers ac motors that actually drive each wheel. You most always get more HP per pound out of electric motors, thus requiring much smaller diesel motors when compared with trying to pull the same load with the diesel.
I'm not really sure why they need the batteries though, unless, they need a place to put the electricity when the ac motors become generators (downhill driving) or, like has been said, the diesel motor turns off below a certain speed. Keep in mind that battery technology simply is not where it needs to be yet.
It doesn't take much of an imagination to realize that the costs for this type design can really soar. The solid state drives required to power the ac motors are used in all sorts of equipment now; they are high tech., high maintenance items with high initial costs. The ac motors themselves are low maintenance items, but using only one electric motor doesn't provide much benefit. You also need encoder technology to keep the electric and mechanical motors working as one unit if they are physically connected.
Don't forget to add generator maintenance to the equation and we're not talking about your little 7kw generator here either.
You've probably noticed that train locomotives are really, really heavy. All this extra technology adds a great deal of weight.
Forget a reasonable ROI, as it simply will not pencil out. I am no engineer, but I would leave purchase of the first models to others with far more money than I have.
RE: Used prices
Boy. I'm not sure where you have been looking. We have been in the market for a DP for about a year and the prices just keep going down, although I believe we are looking for a coach a little older than you are.
If you can't get one for NADA wholesale, (have you bought the book?) something is wrong. Expect to pay more for a coach right now, then, say, in the fall.
You probably cannot deal with a private individual because they haven't owned the coach long enough to reach the current depreciated value. You can likely buy one from a bank or repo. auction for far less than was owed on it. Now don't get me wrong, the dealers are trying very hard to hold the prices up, but it's not working in their favor. There comes a point when all lots must liquidate some inventory and they will just as likely sell to an individual as wholesale a unit off at $5,000 or more below book wholesale. Just put your negotiating cap on, make a knowledgeable offer, and don't be afraid to walk away and look elsewhere. Understand that if the dealer acquired the unit a year or more back, they too, likely have too much invested in it, given today's market.
The current economic situation is bringing out the worst in many people and has spared few. Have you noticed that Monaco just closed its doors this week? Class A RV sales are in the toilet.
Better check your financing though as that may not be an option. Next week, more reasonable money may become available for those with fine credit. If you are paying cash, all the better.
One thing seems certain. 2009 will bring a better buyer's market in class A RV's.
