Opening the engine compartment door on the diesel pusher revealed some oil and dirt accumulation, faded paint, and rusty areas. So, I decided to attack the problem with the goal that when I was finished with the job, the engine would appear much like factory new.
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I believe owners can employ three basic types or levels of maintenance on the exterior surfaces of any motorhome.
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While traveling in different parts of the world, I have learned lasting lessons about going without, making things last, and getting things clean without using harsh chemicals. In many places on earth, going “green†has always been a way of life.
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Holiday Rambler Debuts Aluma-Lite Type C
Monaco RV recently unveiled the 2011 Holiday Rambler Aluma-Lite Type C motorhome. According to product literature, the easy-to-maneuver, fuel-friendly RV was designed especially for families and developed for today’s price points.
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Insect Repellent Candle
The Coleman Citronella Candle from Wisconsin Pharmacal Company is designed to resemble the classic Coleman Northstar Lantern, with the added insect-repelling benefits of citronella.
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Twenty-one motorhomes belonging to members of FMCA’s Gulf Coasters chapter rolled into the Anchors Aweigh RV Resort in Foley, Alabama, the weekend of June 11 through 13, 2010. Excitement was in the air as the group prepared to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the chapter’s formation back on June 3, 1985.
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Pump Problem
Dear RV Doctor:
I have a SHURflo 4.0 Smart Sensor water pump in my motorhome, and I get an air lock in the line. I have had the fittings tightened, and it still has to burp the air out to run right. -
Xantrex Technology Inc. has announced NHTSA recall 10E032000, which affects some Freedom SW 3000 inverter/chargers (part number 815-3000) manufactured from January 2010 to June 2010 (serial numbers ranging from B12330337 to B12382728). The recall population includes inverter/chargers sold to motorhome manufacturers to be used in new motorhomes and as replacement equipment, and also includes units made available to dealers for aftermarket sale.
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Ignition Problem
I own a 1999 Monaco on a Ford chassis with a V-10 engine. The starter will not engage from the ignition switch. I can turn the ignition switch to the “on†position and jump the starter and the engine cranks okay.Â
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Classics Never Go Out Of Style
Dear Editor:
Thank you for the great article on the classic FMC coaches (“The Classic, Luxurious FMC,” August 2010, page 52). It was so nice to see the pictures of the families that own and enjoy these motorhomes. -
FMCA’s 84th International Convention — titled “Redmond Rocks! Feel the Excitement!†— was held August 11 through 14 in Redmond, Oregon, at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center. What a great convention it was!
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Fill That Tank!
Do you fill your diesel fuel tank before parking the motorhome at a campground for an extended time or putting it in storage? You should, and here’s why.Â
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Gary Bunzer discusses simple maintenance procedures owners should perform to make sure their motorhome’s forced-air heating system will work when they really need it.
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Combine the phrase “necessity is the mother of invention” with the words “creative design and engineering,” and you end up with the 2010 Roadtrek SS-Ideal motorhome. Its signature feature is an innovative slideout room that extends from the rear …
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During the fall, football stadium parking lots across the United States become places to enjoy the company of friends and good food — and some folks even enjoy going to the game.
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It was a time unlike any other before or since. Today we might describe it as sheer madness — the wild hope, the driving desire that led farmers, sea captains, politicians, and even clergymen to abandon careers, responsibilities, and even families in the race for instant wealth.
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The Spring is the green season, with grass sprouting from barren ground and ever-changing shades of verdant foliage appearing. Summer heat mutes these colors and the natural world slows down, seeking shade from the overpowering sun. But then, with the arrival of cooler weather, brilliant colors …
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Storing Batteries
Last year, when storing my coach for the winter, I ran a jumper wire (fused) from my house battery bank (six 6-volt batteries) to my three other batteries — the gen set starting battery and the two chassis batteries.
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Water Inlet Connector
My new motorhome came with a pressure regulator to limit the water pressure in the plumbing. But if the regulator is attached to the water inlet, I cannot close the compartment door.
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Portable Oven
The OM4500 Omnia Oven from InterCon Marketing Inc. makes it possible to prepare meals on a stovetop or electric hotplate that normally would require the heat of a conventional oven.
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“RV Doctor” Gary Bunzer Receives Award
Gary Bunzer, a contributing writer to Family Motor Coaching magazine whose monthly “House Calls” column provides technical advice to motorhome owners, recently was honored by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) with the 2010 National Education Service Award.
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Fleetwood RV Inc. has announced NHTSA recall 10V304000, which affects some 2010 Encounter and 2011 Storm model 28MS Type A motorhomes built from December 16, 2009, through July 1, 2010. The potential number of motorhomes involved is 77.
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Whether they’re grand events attracting tens of thousands of people, or small gatherings in quaint towns, festivals can make for an enjoyable day. This month we share comments from two FMCA members with a particular fondness for specific events. Describe a festival you’ve enjoyed attending.
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I’m lying on my back on a gurney that is demonstrating its distant kinship with a shopping cart, in that it has one of those prerequisite wobbly wheels. I’m okay. I finally decided that the cataract I have been nurturing in my left eye for some time had to be corrected.
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Keep ’Em Clean And Dry
Dear RV Doctor:
You have taught me so much over the years. You have discussed every aspect of vehicle care, including the importance of taking proper care of your tires. I know you’ve mentioned that something should be placed between your tires and the concrete. What type of material should be used? -
The 2010 edition of the Great Lakes Area Spring Spree (G.L.A.S.S.), the annual gathering of the Great Lakes Area MotorCoach Association hosted by the Michigan Knights of the Highway chapter, took place May 27 through 30, 2010, at the Berrien County Youth Fair in Berrien Springs, Michigan.
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Cooking on the Go, by Janet Groene
Approximately 90 miles north of Charlotte, North Carolina, you’ll find a historic area with a new moniker. The area that includes Mount Airy (Andy Griffith’s hometown) and the Yadkin Valley wine-growing region of North Carolina and Virginia is now known as the Cascade Highlands region. -
Chincoteague reminds me of what the shore was like in my native New Jersey when I was a boy. The houses are mostly smaller and modest with a coastal feeling about them, and they don’t bear the gaudy decorations from the local discount store. In Chincoteague, the rusty clam rake leaning by the back door is probably put to good use every low tide …
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Just as preparation pays off when embarking on a motorhome adventure, a few hours spent at the outset of the off-season will pay big dividends when the weather turns nice again.Â
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It’s a celebration! On August 11 through 14, FMCA members will gather in the high desert region of Oregon to take part in FMCA’s 84th International Convention. Motorhomes, custom coach conversions, chassis, and more will dazzle outdoors, while supplier and component displays will be available for perusing throughout the indoor exhibit venues.
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“Food Machinery Corporation” may not sound like the name of a motorhome manufacturer, but between 1973 and 1976 the company produced “tasteful” high-line motor coaches.
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If you’re a full-timer — or are considering becoming one — and you’re looking for a larger diesel-powered motorhome, you’ll want to consider the 2010 Itasca Ellipse 42AD. Filled with amenities and storage possibilities, this Type A manufactured by Winnebago Industries features a forward combination dining and galley area, a midcoach living area, and a rear bedroom, along with a split bath.
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At certain times of the year, many of us travel in climates where we depend on our RV air conditioners to keep us cool and comfortable. A simple temperature test can help determine whether an RV air conditioner is delivering the appropriate amount of cold air. However, in so doing, you also must make a few assumptions…
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The Executive Director Search Committee is continuing the process of seeking candidates for the position of FMCA executive director.
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Sorry, but I’ve heard all the excuses. I also have met dozens of people who are full-timers in spite of the same drawbacks.
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According to Wine Business Monthly magazine, more than 5,000 wineries are located throughout the United States. Here are 13 wineries that have public tours allowing a close-up look at the fascinating process of winemaking.
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RV Centennial Recognized
A crowd estimated at more than 1,000 gathered at the RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum in Elkhart, Indiana, on June 7 to mark the 100th anniversary of the RV industry at the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association’s (RVIA) RV Centennial Celebration.
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Grill Fuel
FlameDisk from Sologear LLC is a convenient alternative to charcoal when grilling outdoors.
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Former Midwest Area vice president (1991-1995) R. Bruce Holcomb, F54442, died on May 17, 2010, in Bloomington, Illinois. He was 79.
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Silent Air Dump
Last month, as we were setting up camp, a fellow camper noted that our motorhome made a lot of noise while I was dumping the air from the air bag suspension to lower the vehicle. So, I located a couple of air exhaust mufflers that screw right into the dump solenoids.
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LP Leak At Range
Dear RV Doctor:
I have an LP-gas leak around one of the compression fittings going to the stove/oven. I have done everything I can think of to fix it. Can I use some high-temp silicone around the tubing on the outside to stop the leak?
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Thor Industries Inc. has announced NHTSA recall 10V268000, which affects some 2009 through 2011 model year Four Winds International Freedom Elite 21C Type C motorhomes built from February 2009 through May 2010. The potential number of motorhomes involved is 415.
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Stalling Problem
I have a 2000 Pace Arrow Vision with 28,000 miles on the Ford V-10 engine. I occasionally have trouble keeping the engine running after starting it.
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Coach-Net Is There For Us
Dear Editor:
Coach-Net Emergency Roadside Assistance came to the rescue again! We can say only good things about this emergency road service for RVers.
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“Hey! You in there?†My work at the computer was put on hold by a voice from the past. I know that voice, I thought to myself as I went to open the screen door on my motorhome.
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Those attending the “Redmond Rocks! Feel The Excitement!†convention, August 11 through 14, 2010, at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond, Oregon, will have plenty of opportunities to expand their knowledge of the RV lifestyle.