Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » First EVER camping trip in GMC starts Friday! (3 months of fixing, installing and tidying up hopefully pays off)
| First EVER camping trip in GMC starts Friday! [message #365163] |
Fri, 02 July 2021 01:52  |
boybach
Messages: 566
Registered: December 2020
Location: Vancouver Island
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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Hi guys, total newbie to GMCing on the road ....other than delivering it back in March, just been around the block, to and from the local gas station plus a few test drives.
Tomorrow I pull out on the maiden voyage ..not too far, maybe 220kms to destination plus a few side trips.
One thing I forgot to ask and hopefully get an answer to before I leave - the #1 concern I have is about my fridge contents ...My fridge is a 2-way, generally running on propane (switches to AC if I have Onan running).
If the route is pretty flat, would it be ok to run the fridge on propane while I'm driving? I've had it switched on in the driveway for a couple of days and things are nice and cold at the moment.
When I leave base tomorrow morning, I have to do a fairly stiff long climb over a mountain pass then down the other side, about 20k in all, but after that the route is pretty flat all the way. I thought I'd switch off the fridge for the climb and descent and fire it up again when I got to the other side.
Does that sound OK or is it a bad idea?
TIA
Larry
Larry - Victoria BC -
1977 ex-Palm Beach "Ol' Leaky" 40,000 miles, PO said everything working but forgot the word NOT. Atwood helium fridge, water heater & furnace. SS exhaust system, Onan, Iota Converter, R134A, New fuel lines & heat exchange hoses
[Updated on: Fri, 02 July 2021 02:18] Report message to a moderator |
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| [GMCnet] Re: First EVER camping trip in GMC starts tomorrow! [message #365166 is a reply to message #365163] |
Fri, 02 July 2021 06:50  |
Margie Van Winkle
Messages: 51
Registered: March 2012
Karma: 0
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Turn it on and forget about it. We only turn ours off for storage or when
filling propane tank.
Also, when filling tank, be sure valve is fully on or fully off or it will
leak.
On Fri, Jul 2, 2021, 1:52 AM wrote:
> Hi guys, total newbie to GMCing on the road ....other than delivering it
> back in March, just been around the block, to and from the local gas station
> plus a few test drives.
>
> Tomorrow I pull out on the maiden voyage ..not too far, maybe 220kms to
> destination plus a few side trips.
>
> One thing I forgot to ask and hopefully get an answer to before I leave -
> the #1 concern I have is about my fridge contents ...My fridge is a 2-way,
> generally running on propane (switches to AC if I have Onan running).
>
> If the route is pretty flat, would it be ok to run the fridge on propane
> while I'm driving? I've had it switched on in the driveway for a couple of
> days and things are nice and cold at the moment.
>
> When I leave base tomorrow morning, I have to do a fairly stiff long climb
> over a mountain pass then down the other side, about 20k in all, but after
> that the route is pretty flat all the way. I thought I'd switch off the
> fridge for the climb and descent and fire it up again when I got to the
> other
> side.
>
> Does that sound OK or is it a bad idea?
>
> TIA
>
> Larry
> --
> Larry - Victoria BC -
>
> 1977 Palm Beach 40,000 miles, PO said everything working but forgot the
> word NOT. New Atwood fridge, water heater & furnace. New SS exhaust system,
> 6000w Onan, Iota Converter, R134A A/C, New fuel lines & heat exchange hoses
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>
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| Re: First EVER camping trip in GMC starts Friday! [message #365167 is a reply to message #365163] |
Fri, 02 July 2021 07:07 |
Tilerpep
Messages: 404
Registered: June 2013
Location: Raleigh, NC
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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Congrats! I had never been out of the neighborhood before my first multistate launch - made it, but would not recommend!
As far as fridge, it should do fine on its own, a few spells off level doesn't really hurt anything, it just won't cool because of the physics of the heat and loops in the unit. That being said, I like the idea of turning it off when other factors are under load, especially on a shake down cruise. I have a tow car, and in general I unhook and have my wife drive it separate when I know a tough pass is coming. I stop every few hours anyway, it only takes a few minutes to hook/unhook and it allows me to focus on the coach instead of coach and toad. Same logic might apply here - do everything you can to feel confident. One way to bolster any RV type fridge is to have freezer blocks that you rotate between freezer and fridge. A few hours in the freezer, and then move them to fridge, or overnight in freezer, and then put them in fridge during the day to help on hot days. This will extend the fridge temp time and, depending how far the whole trip is, might be enough to leave it off the whole way (don't open the fridge door more than you have to is the key to success on this strategy).
You know that it is best to manually shift the gear lever to "S" to pull a mountain correct? You will be running about 40 mph, but it should climb all day like that. Something about how the tranny engages it is better to pull the lever than let it kickdown.
Enjoy your trip
1975 Glenbrook, 1978 Royale rear bath
Raleigh, NC
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| Re: First EVER camping trip in GMC starts Friday! [message #365169 is a reply to message #365163] |
Fri, 02 July 2021 07:20 |
6cuda6
Messages: 975
Registered: June 2019
Karma: -6
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Senior Member |
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Leave the fridge on if you like...no harm there but dont forget to shut it off when you fuel the RV. Someone already said to put the trans in "S" for steep hills.
Personally i just shut our fridge off before we leave unless it more than a 5 or 6 hr ride as the contents stays cold and the coach movement keeps the amonia in the system moving a bit helping it hold temp. (Everything is either frozen or prechilled before we put it in there....including the fridge itself)
Enjoy you maiden and dont forget to post back here after.
Rich Mondor,
Brockville, ON
77 Hughes 2600
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| [GMCnet] Re: First EVER camping trip in GMC starts tomorrow! [message #365175 is a reply to message #365163] |
Fri, 02 July 2021 07:59 |
Rob
Messages: 651
Registered: November 2013
Location: Victoria, BC
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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Our fridge is a 2-way and we always run with it on - it works great. The
short duration over the hill won't be long enough to be noticed. It will
stay lit, but may not cool well during that time - but won't damage
anything.
Due to the slope on our driveway - we quite often have issues when
"pre-chilling", but after we leave and start driving the fridge gets
cold pretty quickly...
Have fun!
Rob
Victoria, BC
76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath
On 2021-07-01 11:52 p.m., twlldeen@gmail.com wrote:
> Hi guys, total newbie to GMCing on the road ....other than delivering it back in March, just been around the block, to and from the local gas station
> plus a few test drives.
>
> Tomorrow I pull out on the maiden voyage ..not too far, maybe 220kms to destination plus a few side trips.
>
> One thing I forgot to ask and hopefully get an answer to before I leave - the #1 concern I have is about my fridge contents ...My fridge is a 2-way,
> generally running on propane (switches to AC if I have Onan running).
>
> If the route is pretty flat, would it be ok to run the fridge on propane while I'm driving? I've had it switched on in the driveway for a couple of
> days and things are nice and cold at the moment.
>
> When I leave base tomorrow morning, I have to do a fairly stiff long climb over a mountain pass then down the other side, about 20k in all, but after
> that the route is pretty flat all the way. I thought I'd switch off the fridge for the climb and descent and fire it up again when I got to the other
> side.
>
> Does that sound OK or is it a bad idea?
>
> TIA
>
> Larry
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Rob -
Victoria, BC -
76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath
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| Re: First EVER camping trip in GMC starts Friday! [message #365176 is a reply to message #365163] |
Fri, 02 July 2021 08:32 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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Larry,
Asking questions here is a very inexpensive way to get great information from very experienced people.
About the reefer, a lot of fear is raised about running an absorption reefer out of level. While the basis is fact, the worry is exaggerated. From what a manufacturer told me once and repeated by the guy that used to run National Refrigeration, the device has to get uncomfortably off true before it is an issue. As far as driving with it running, not an issue. It is not very likely that the GMC will be able to negotiate a grade steep enough to matter. Highway grades in the US are supposed to be limited to 10%. A 10% grade is a little less than 6°. So, leave it running if you want. If you are concerned still, your planned excursion looks to be less than 3 road hours. Just turn it off. If the planned excursion is longer and you are paranoid (being paranoid is how I have stayed alive this long), you can bring a small cooler for the enroute snacks. If you never open that big door, things stay cool a really long time.
I wish you a boring drive and a wonderful time.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: First EVER camping trip in GMC starts Friday! [message #365182 is a reply to message #365163] |
Fri, 02 July 2021 09:08 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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If your concern is that the fridge will be out of level for the drive over the mountain, that is not something to worry about. As Matt said, above, the little bit of an angle is not enough to affect it. Plus, the amonia mix is always sloshing around the tank while underway. Completely a non issue.
I have had a Norcold 3-way for about 11 years now, and while I generally do not run down the road with the propane on, the fridge is always on during a trip. It operates on 12v DC power to keep it cold, and should do even better on propane. Just a personal preference on the propane, but I know plenty of people who run theirs on propane while driving, and have for years, without issue
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| [GMCnet] Re: First EVER camping trip in GMC starts Friday! [message #365185 is a reply to message #365182] |
Fri, 02 July 2021 09:19 |
Rob
Messages: 651
Registered: November 2013
Location: Victoria, BC
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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My previous class-B van had a 3-way fridge and the cooling on 12V was to “maintain” cold only - it would take a VERY long time to get cold on DC only. Very little cooling compared to propane or AC...
So - I started running it as a 2-way and rarely used the DC functionality (mainly because the fridge we had was not auto-switching between modes).
Rob
Victoria, BC
76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath
> On Jul 2, 2021, at 7:08 AM, Carl Stouffer wrote:
>
> If your concern is that the fridge will be out of level for the drive over the mountain, that is not something to worry about. As Matt said, above,
> the little bit of an angle is not enough to affect it. Plus, the amonia mix is always sloshing around the tank while underway. Completely a non
> issue.
>
> I have had a Norcold 3-way for about 11 years now, and while I generally do not run down the road with the propane on, the fridge is always on during
> a trip. It operates on 12v DC power to keep it cold, and should do even better on propane. Just a personal preference on the propane, but I know
> plenty of people who run theirs on propane while driving, and have for years, without issue
> --
> Carl Stouffer
> '75 ex Palm Beach
> Tucson, AZ.
> Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles,
> Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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Rob -
Victoria, BC -
76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath
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| [GMCnet] Re: First EVER camping trip in GMC starts tomorrow! [message #365186 is a reply to message #365175] |
Fri, 02 July 2021 09:54 |
sgltrac
Messages: 2797
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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I third that advice. I’ve always run my propane refer while underway in all
of my rvs and trailers.
Sully
Bellevue wa
On Fri, Jul 2, 2021 at 6:00 AM Rob wrote:
> Our fridge is a 2-way and we always run with it on - it works great. The
> short duration over the hill won't be long enough to be noticed. It will
> stay lit, but may not cool well during that time - but won't damage
> anything.
>
> Due to the slope on our driveway - we quite often have issues when
> "pre-chilling", but after we leave and start driving the fridge gets
> cold pretty quickly...
>
> Have fun!
>
> Rob
> Victoria, BC
> 76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath
>
> On 2021-07-01 11:52 p.m., twlldeen@gmail.com wrote:
>> Hi guys, total newbie to GMCing on the road ....other than delivering it
> back in March, just been around the block, to and from the local gas station
>> plus a few test drives.
>>
>> Tomorrow I pull out on the maiden voyage ..not too far, maybe 220kms to
> destination plus a few side trips.
>>
>> One thing I forgot to ask and hopefully get an answer to before I leave
> - the #1 concern I have is about my fridge contents ...My fridge is a 2-way,
>> generally running on propane (switches to AC if I have Onan running).
>>
>> If the route is pretty flat, would it be ok to run the fridge on propane
> while I'm driving? I've had it switched on in the driveway for a couple of
>> days and things are nice and cold at the moment.
>>
>> When I leave base tomorrow morning, I have to do a fairly stiff long
> climb over a mountain pass then down the other side, about 20k in all, but
> after
>> that the route is pretty flat all the way. I thought I'd switch off the
> fridge for the climb and descent and fire it up again when I got to the
> other
>> side.
>>
>> Does that sound OK or is it a bad idea?
>>
>> TIA
>>
>> Larry
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
Sully
77 Royale basket case.
Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list)
Seattle, Wa.
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| [GMCnet] Re: First EVER camping trip in GMC starts tomorrow! [message #365199 is a reply to message #365163] |
Fri, 02 July 2021 12:39 |
Ken Shaffer
Messages: 89
Registered: September 2017
Location: Marion Iowa
Karma: -1
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Member |
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1st trip......Don't forget to manually downshift when climbing that steep
grade.
Enjoy driving the GMC! so much fun!
On Fri, Jul 2, 2021 at 1:52 AM wrote:
> Hi guys, total newbie to GMCing on the road ....other than delivering it
> back in March, just been around the block, to and from the local gas station
> plus a few test drives.
>
> Tomorrow I pull out on the maiden voyage ..not too far, maybe 220kms to
> destination plus a few side trips.
>
> One thing I forgot to ask and hopefully get an answer to before I leave -
> the #1 concern I have is about my fridge contents ...My fridge is a 2-way,
> generally running on propane (switches to AC if I have Onan running).
>
> If the route is pretty flat, would it be ok to run the fridge on propane
> while I'm driving? I've had it switched on in the driveway for a couple of
> days and things are nice and cold at the moment.
>
> When I leave base tomorrow morning, I have to do a fairly stiff long climb
> over a mountain pass then down the other side, about 20k in all, but after
> that the route is pretty flat all the way. I thought I'd switch off the
> fridge for the climb and descent and fire it up again when I got to the
> other
> side.
>
> Does that sound OK or is it a bad idea?
>
> TIA
>
> Larry
> --
> Larry - Victoria BC -
>
> 1977 Palm Beach 40,000 miles, PO said everything working but forgot the
> word NOT. New Atwood fridge, water heater & furnace. New SS exhaust system,
> 6000w Onan, Iota Converter, R134A A/C, New fuel lines & heat exchange hoses
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
Ken Shaffer
Marion Iowa
73 Canyon Lands, 455, Micro-level, Alum radiator, Alcoa wheels, Lenzi hubs/bearings, Howell EFI/EBL, Rostra Cruise, Custom interior
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| Re: First EVER camping trip in GMC starts Friday! [message #365205 is a reply to message #365163] |
Fri, 02 July 2021 16:35 |
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Richard RV
Messages: 631
Registered: July 2012
Location: Full-timer for 12 years, ...
Karma: -17
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Senior Member |
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Larry,
When I first got my coach I was also a bit nervous about running the propane fridge while driving. I still don't run the generator while driving, but others do. Running the fridge while driving is pretty much mandatory if you're in warmer weather and driving for more than just a few hours. It's not a problem. Initially I had an issue with the fridge turning off sporadically, which I believe had to do with the shockwave of air from trucks.
Like most things, keep an eye on it until you trust it enough to feel comfortable. Then still keep an eye on it! 😉
Enjoy your trip and safe travels!
Richard
'77 Birchaven TZE...777;
'76 Palm Beach under construction;
‘76 Edgemont waiting its turn
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| [GMCnet] Re: First EVER camping trip in GMC starts tomorrow! [message #365207 is a reply to message #365199] |
Fri, 02 July 2021 18:25 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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When the coach is moving, the motion will off set the slant and not effect
the cooling system.
Only when parked still for about two hours would you need to shut it off.
On Fri, Jul 2, 2021 at 10:39 AM Ken Shaffer wrote:
> 1st trip......Don't forget to manually downshift when climbing that steep
> grade.
> Enjoy driving the GMC! so much fun!
>
>
>
> On Fri, Jul 2, 2021 at 1:52 AM wrote:
>
>> Hi guys, total newbie to GMCing on the road ....other than delivering it
>> back in March, just been around the block, to and from the local gas
> station
>> plus a few test drives.
>>
>> Tomorrow I pull out on the maiden voyage ..not too far, maybe 220kms to
>> destination plus a few side trips.
>>
>> One thing I forgot to ask and hopefully get an answer to before I leave -
>> the #1 concern I have is about my fridge contents ...My fridge is a
> 2-way,
>> generally running on propane (switches to AC if I have Onan running).
>>
>> If the route is pretty flat, would it be ok to run the fridge on propane
>> while I'm driving? I've had it switched on in the driveway for a couple
> of
>> days and things are nice and cold at the moment.
>>
>> When I leave base tomorrow morning, I have to do a fairly stiff long
> climb
>> over a mountain pass then down the other side, about 20k in all, but
> after
>> that the route is pretty flat all the way. I thought I'd switch off the
>> fridge for the climb and descent and fire it up again when I got to the
>> other
>> side.
>>
>> Does that sound OK or is it a bad idea?
>>
>> TIA
>>
>> Larry
>> --
>> Larry - Victoria BC -
>>
>> 1977 Palm Beach 40,000 miles, PO said everything working but forgot the
>> word NOT. New Atwood fridge, water heater & furnace. New SS exhaust
> system,
>> 6000w Onan, Iota Converter, R134A A/C, New fuel lines & heat exchange
> hoses
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>
--
Jim Kanomata ASE
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.gmcrvparts.com
1-800-752-7502
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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| Re: First EVER camping trip in GMC starts Friday! [message #365323 is a reply to message #365163] |
Sat, 10 July 2021 01:17 |
boybach
Messages: 566
Registered: December 2020
Location: Vancouver Island
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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Well my first week of GMCing went well, stayed at various friend's properties and didn't bother plugging in, so I guess you could say I boondocked the whole time. Went to four locations staying in each one for a day or two. About a 300 mile round trip if I count the ferry ride to one of the islands.
Didn't run the Onan much as I there was no need to use the microwave but one time and it wasn't really necessary to get the roof A/C on apart from doing the odd demo for my friends. Even though the days were hot, once I arrived at the destinations I spent most of the time outside.
Coach behaved well, steep long grades that I expected to crawl up ended up being no problem at all, even had to slow down so I didn't go over the speed limit and it was no problem keeping up with traffic. That 403 can really go some!
The biggest surprise was the heat exchanger, I had piping hot water for shower etc even after being parked for 16 hours and even then I had to mix the hot with some cold so as not to have it feel TOO hot. Amazing!
Fridge ran the whole time and hovered around 38 or so.
The only issue was my new furnace failed to start. The blower didn't come on so I'll have a look at the wiring tomorrow.
Larry - Victoria BC -
1977 ex-Palm Beach "Ol' Leaky" 40,000 miles, PO said everything working but forgot the word NOT. Atwood helium fridge, water heater & furnace. SS exhaust system, Onan, Iota Converter, R134A, New fuel lines & heat exchange hoses
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