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| Trip Report from a novice (Maiden Voyage) [message #204410] |
Thu, 11 April 2013 21:43  |
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Richard Andis
Messages: 261
Registered: January 2013
Location: HELL Paso, TX
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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1978 GMC Royale (AKA “Valhava”) + 1974 VW Thing (AKA “Walkure”)
Poulsbo, WA to El Paso, TX
Total distance – Approx 2200 Miles
Known Coach Deficiencies
Engine Water Light always on – faulty switch module or radiator sensor
Water leak under side bath sink – still trying to locate source. Discovered when checking out city water system. Using manual water fill.
Small leak on black tank near outlet. No real time, place, resources to do a field repair. Toilet relegated to #1 use only
Coach air-conditioning doesn’t appear to be functional. Rooftop still to be tested
Remote Start/Stop Switch for Onan not working. Discovered rat’s nest of wires under the generator. Will clean up in El Paso. Generator still lights off with local switch.
Souls onboard – 3 - Wife, Myself, and Navi the Wonder cat
Proposed route
Poulsbo, WA to Maryhill Washington State Park – Distance : 283.45 miles
Maryhill State Park to Boise, ID – Distance 319.47 miles
Boise , ID to Ogden, UT – Distance- 313.46 miles
Ogden, UT to Las Vegas, NV – Distance 456.67 miles
Las Vegas, NV to Sedona, AZ – Distance 275.83 miles
Sedona, AZ to Chandler, AZ Distance - 138.81 miles
Chandler, AZ to El Paso, TX Distance 413.1 miles
April 8th - Leg 1 (Poulsbo to Maryhill Washington State Park)
Fuel Tanks full of ethanol free gas (Cenex). Finally got on the road around 11:30 AM . I need to work on breaking down quicker. Discovered that motorhome needs to be fully butt down in order for tow hitch to hookup or release. RV preformed well. Engine temp stayed steady on 1/3 throughout trip. Still getting my RV road skills honed. Cat hid in bathroom most of the trip. We arrived at Maryhill State Park around 6:00PM. We found a gorgeous spot right along the Columbia River. Water, sewer and electric hook-ups were available. No internet but the McDonald’s across the water had some. Bathrooms and showers available, bring quarters. We did a little exploring with the toad before it got dark. Local area was pretty dead at this point of the season. Wineries, vegetable and fruit stands galore when in season. We did visit the Stonehenge replica War Memorial. We spent some time picking up cigarette butts (some people). Definitely worth the visit if passing through.
April 9th - Leg 2 (Maryhill State Park to Boise, ID)
Up early, and on the road by 10:00AM. Filled up with mid grade ethanol gas (34 Gal) estimated MPG around 10 for leg 1). Hill climbing and more hill climbing. Towing + Ethanol gas + mountains = Bad MPG (probably not more than 8 MPG). Sometimes speed was down to 30MPH. Glad it was over with. I was expecting low level fuel light to come on but I chickened out and switched to Aux before it did. I didn’t want to take the chance of losing engine, steering and brakes if I ran it dry. Stopped in Ontario, OR for fuel (ethanol again) and put in 40 gallons. . Asked where we could find a propane refill. We were directed to the Cenex two blocks down (Yes, it had ethanol free fuel). Lesson learned: Research ethanol free locations better. We got in to Boise around 6:00PM. Still don’t know if low fuel light works. Is there some sort of test? Cat’s happy place still in bathroom.
April 10th 2013 - Leg3 (Boise, ID to Jackpot, NV)
Route Change. On the advice of some family members that we were visiting in Boise, ID we elected to go the desert route via US30 and then US93. They cited traffic issues and blah scenery. We bit the bullet and took the new route. Absolutely no traffic and beautiful drive. It seemed like must have crossed the Snake river at least a half a dozen times. Waterfalls along US30 were also very nice. No complaints from the motorhome, wife, or cat. Because of a late start out of Boise (2:00 PM) we elected to stop in a little town (or was it a big casino) just across the Nevada border called Jackpot. Had to park in RV Overflow. Electricity and sewer available. Water doesn't get turned on until May 15th for fear of freezing pipes. Current temp 61 degrees but got down to mid 40s at night. There is wireless internet but signal too weak to connect. Good side of the deal it was only $18. Lots of oversized and overpriced SOBs in the park. I strongly recommend getting reservation if you plan stopping here. Main RV park cost $20. Bathrooms, showers, and many casinos available. Took a walk through the casino, my lungs may never recover. Guess we should consider ourselves lucky because there were at least 3 dozen RVs parked in the parking lot with gennys running. Cat has now claimed bathroom as hers. Visitors welcome by invitation only. Tomorrow we head out to Ely, NV. Distance looks to be around 210 Miles. It’s a short run but Vegas is too far and not much between Ely and Las Vegas.
April 11th 2013 Leg4 (Jackpot, NV to Las Vegas)
Got an early start and on the road by 9:00AM. Most of all the other RVers had already left. Never heard them leave. Fueled up at the local Chevron as options were limited. Put in 30 gallons of Ethanol mid grade giving this last leg somewhere around 7 MPG. Put another 28 Gallons of ethanol laced fuel in Ely. The drive was absolutely beautiful. Confirmed the coach AC system is out of commission but the rooftop still works nicely. Didn’t get too uncomfortable without the coach AC but definitely needs to be fixed by summer. The desert floor was covered with greenish flora and snow still capped many of the mountain tops. Absolutely a beautiful drive this time of the year. Very little traffic as well. Got into Las Vegas around 6:00PM and checked in to the Desert Eagle RV park on Nellis Air Force base. Fair price at around $27. Oh, if you plan to check into one of the downtown hotels and need a place to temp store your RV it’s only $4 a day. Drove a total of around 450 miles on this leg…..and I feel it. Cat is doing better.
We'll be staying in Vegas for the next 5 or six days. Back on the road on the 17th,......or is it the 18th?
Note: Everything at this point has been written offline as no reliable internet connections have been available. Will post when available.
Valhalla - 1978 GMC Royale rear twin [SOLD]
Walküre - 1974 VW Thing (Toad)
[Updated on: Thu, 11 April 2013 21:46] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Trip Report from a novice (Maiden Voyage) [message #204413 is a reply to message #204410] |
Thu, 11 April 2013 22:12  |
George Beckman
Messages: 1085
Registered: October 2008
Location: Colfax, CA
Karma: 11
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Senior Member |
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| Richard Andis wrote on Thu, 11 April 2013 19:43 |
1978 GMC Royale (AKA “Valhava”) + 1974 VW Thing (AKA “Walkure”)
Poulsbo, WA to El Paso, TX
Total distance – Approx 2200 Miles
Drove a total of around 450 miles on this leg…..and I feel it. Cat is doing better.
We'll be staying in Vegas for the next 5 or six days. Back on the road on the 17th,......or is it the 18th?
Note: Everything at this point has been written offline as no reliable internet connections have been available. Will post when available.
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Good job, Richard. I like to read these trip reports. I suppose I should make one more often.
Sounds like you are having a successful trip. Glad the cat is doing better. Don't let her get out. Lost our mutt in Dalhart, TX, years ago. Looked for four hours. Dalhart is a tic-tac-toe town so it is not hard to look everywhere. She was a runner and she ran one too many times, I guess.
Keep us up to date with your adventure.
'74 Eleganza, SE, Howell + EBL
Best Wishes,
George
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| Re: Trip Report from a novice (Maiden Voyage) [message #204419 is a reply to message #204410] |
Thu, 11 April 2013 22:55 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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If I leave the rear side facing davos down in the 'bed' position, my cat likes that most aft position to sleep under while underway. Keeps him clear of feet and pedals as well.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: Trip Report from a novice (Maiden Voyage) [message #204428 is a reply to message #204419] |
Fri, 12 April 2013 07:54 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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2 of our 3 cats will hide in the bathroom if the door is open. They will hide for about one day then settle down. Other cat likes to ride in the coach and he is all over the place. Generally settles down between the seats up front.
We have to keep a full body harness and a six foot lead on the adventurous cat, as he will attempt to leave the coach ( hint: check the toll windows).
They also like to ride on the beds in the back and may watch out the windows.
One cat has claimed the top of the small dresser between the twin beds, but they rotate on their own schedule to different spots.
One thing that we do is keep bottled water so changing water supplies do not upset their systems.
We do carry cat cages if we have to leave the coach for extended periods of time.
Other than that, no big deal. They survived very well at International and provided needed body heat on the cool evenings.
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: Trip Report from a novice (Maiden Voyage) [message #204891 is a reply to message #204410] |
Tue, 16 April 2013 22:48 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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| Richard Andis wrote on Thu, 11 April 2013 20:43 |
1978 GMC Royale (AKA “Valhava”) + 1974 VW Thing (AKA “Walkure”)
Poulsbo, WA to El Paso, TX
Total distance – Approx 2200 Miles
Known Coach Deficiencies
Engine Water Light always on – faulty switch module or radiator sensor
Water leak under side bath sink – still trying to locate source. Discovered when checking out city water system. Using manual water fill.
Small leak on black tank near outlet. No real time, place, resources to do a field repair. Toilet relegated to #1 use only
Coach air-conditioning doesn’t appear to be functional. Rooftop still to be tested
Remote Start/Stop Switch for Onan not working. Discovered rat’s nest of wires under the generator. Will clean up in El Paso. Generator still lights off with local switch.
Souls onboard – 3 - Wife, Myself, and Navi the Wonder cat
Proposed route
Poulsbo, WA to Maryhill Washington State Park – Distance : 283.45 miles
Maryhill State Park to Boise, ID – Distance 319.47 miles
Boise , ID to Ogden, UT – Distance- 313.46 miles
Ogden, UT to Las Vegas, NV – Distance 456.67 miles
Las Vegas, NV to Sedona, AZ – Distance 275.83 miles
Sedona, AZ to Chandler, AZ Distance - 138.81 miles
Chandler, AZ to El Paso, TX Distance 413.1 miles
April 8th - Leg 1 (Poulsbo to Maryhill Washington State Park)
Fuel Tanks full of ethanol free gas (Cenex). Finally got on the road around 11:30 AM . I need to work on breaking down quicker. Discovered that motorhome needs to be fully butt down in order for tow hitch to hookup or release. RV preformed well. Engine temp stayed steady on 1/3 throughout trip. Still getting my RV road skills honed. Cat hid in bathroom most of the trip. We arrived at Maryhill State Park around 6:00PM. We found a gorgeous spot right along the Columbia River. Water, sewer and electric hook-ups were available. No internet but the McDonald’s across the water had some. Bathrooms and showers available, bring quarters. We did a little exploring with the toad before it got dark. Local area was pretty dead at this point of the season. Wineries, vegetable and fruit stands galore when in season. We did visit the Stonehenge replica War Memorial. We spent some time picking up cigarette butts (some people). Definitely worth the visit if passing through.
April 9th - Leg 2 (Maryhill State Park to Boise, ID)
Up early, and on the road by 10:00AM. Filled up with mid grade ethanol gas (34 Gal) estimated MPG around 10 for leg 1). Hill climbing and more hill climbing. Towing + Ethanol gas + mountains = Bad MPG (probably not more than 8 MPG). Sometimes speed was down to 30MPH. Glad it was over with. I was expecting low level fuel light to come on but I chickened out and switched to Aux before it did. I didn’t want to take the chance of losing engine, steering and brakes if I ran it dry. Stopped in Ontario, OR for fuel (ethanol again) and put in 40 gallons. . Asked where we could find a propane refill. We were directed to the Cenex two blocks down (Yes, it had ethanol free fuel). Lesson learned: Research ethanol free locations better. We got in to Boise around 6:00PM. Still don’t know if low fuel light works. Is there some sort of test? Cat’s happy place still in bathroom.
April 10th 2013 - Leg3 (Boise, ID to Jackpot, NV)
Route Change. On the advice of some family members that we were visiting in Boise, ID we elected to go the desert route via US30 and then US93. They cited traffic issues and blah scenery. We bit the bullet and took the new route. Absolutely no traffic and beautiful drive. It seemed like must have crossed the Snake river at least a half a dozen times. Waterfalls along US30 were also very nice. No complaints from the motorhome, wife, or cat. Because of a late start out of Boise (2:00 PM) we elected to stop in a little town (or was it a big casino) just across the Nevada border called Jackpot. Had to park in RV Overflow. Electricity and sewer available. Water doesn't get turned on until May 15th for fear of freezing pipes. Current temp 61 degrees but got down to mid 40s at night. There is wireless internet but signal too weak to connect. Good side of the deal it was only $18. Lots of oversized and overpriced SOBs in the park. I strongly recommend getting reservation if you plan stopping here. Main RV park cost $20. Bathrooms, showers, and many casinos available. Took a walk through the casino, my lungs may never recover. Guess we should consider ourselves lucky because there were at least 3 dozen RVs parked in the parking lot with gennys running. Cat has now claimed bathroom as hers. Visitors welcome by invitation only. Tomorrow we head out to Ely, NV. Distance looks to be around 210 Miles. It’s a short run but Vegas is too far and not much between Ely and Las Vegas.
April 11th 2013 Leg4 (Jackpot, NV to Las Vegas)
Got an early start and on the road by 9:00AM. Most of all the other RVers had already left. Never heard them leave. Fueled up at the local Chevron as options were limited. Put in 30 gallons of Ethanol mid grade giving this last leg somewhere around 7 MPG. Put another 28 Gallons of ethanol laced fuel in Ely. The drive was absolutely beautiful. Confirmed the coach AC system is out of commission but the rooftop still works nicely. Didn’t get too uncomfortable without the coach AC but definitely needs to be fixed by summer. The desert floor was covered with greenish flora and snow still capped many of the mountain tops. Absolutely a beautiful drive this time of the year. Very little traffic as well. Got into Las Vegas around 6:00PM and checked in to the Desert Eagle RV park on Nellis Air Force base. Fair price at around $27. Oh, if you plan to check into one of the downtown hotels and need a place to temp store your RV it’s only $4 a day. Drove a total of around 450 miles on this leg…..and I feel it. Cat is doing better.
We'll be staying in Vegas for the next 5 or six days. Back on the road on the 17th,......or is it the 18th?
Note: Everything at this point has been written offline as no reliable internet connections have been available. Will post when available.
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Let me know when you get to Chandler!!
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: Trip Report from a novice (Maiden Voyage) [message #205140 is a reply to message #204891] |
Thu, 18 April 2013 19:04 |
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Richard Andis
Messages: 261
Registered: January 2013
Location: HELL Paso, TX
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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| Bob de Kruyff wrote on Tue, 16 April 2013 22:48 |
Let me know when you get to Chandler!!
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Should be getting into Chandler on Saturday the 20th
Update
Well, after spending 6 days in Las Vegas we finally got back on the road on the Wednesday the 17th. We spent 3 days at the Nellis Air Force Base RV Park and 3 Days at the Cosmopolitan Resort. Left the RV hooked up at the Nellis AFB while we were at the Hotel thinking that would keep everything in the refer nice and cold. They must have had a power outage because when we came back the refer was barely cold. Checked the breaker under the wardrobe and one of them was tripped. Could have tripped it when stowing the vacuum hose just before we left. Reset it, monitoring it for any changes. Confirmed I have 115VAC at the refer now. I can’t really tell if it’s working though. It’s an “upgrade” installed by the PO. Three way (115, 12, gas) made by Sanyo.
April 17th, Leg 5 (Las Vegas to Sedona)
Late start at around 2:00PM. We had to check out of the hotel, then travel 15 miles north and then check out of the Nellis AFB RV park. This will come back to bite us later. We escaped Las Vegas via US 93 which took us through some of the most beautiful and greenest desert I’ve ever seen. The coach performed flawlessly and this time even gave up a secret as to whether the “low fuel” light works, it does! Fueled up in a little hole in the wall place called Dolan Springs which was 5 miles off the route. I didn’t feel brave taking a chance making Kingman, AZ. Assisted some German folk on how to fuel up their jeep rental. They didn’t know whether to put diesel or gas in it and apparently gas pumps work differently in Europe. They got a kick out of seeing the GMC my VW Thing which they called a “Kubel”.
Continued on US 93 and made a transition to I40 to Flagstaff, AZ. Motorcoach is still going good but now it’s getting dark. Our trusty GPS pointed us toward 89A to our final shove to Sonona. It’s now 9:00PM and dark. I was wondering what all those signs about “No trucks over 50 foot” were beginning to mean. I was soon to find out.
About 10 miles into the last 25 miles there were more hairpin turns that at a Lemans road race. All with long drop-offs and flimsy barriers. It was truly a nail biting experience but we got through it unscathed. We cruised into Sedona around 9:45, found a gas station and fueled up. Strangely, there was no attendant, just swipe the card and pump. Max amount allowed was $100. Wouldn’t let me do a second pump. Got caught in a parking lot so I had to disconnect the toad, turn around, and then reconnect. What a PITA (flat towing). Couldn’t find the RV Park we wanted (Rancho Sedona) so ended up backtracking to a State Park for the night (Slide Park). We must have sounded like the 3 stooges trying to back into our space at 11:00PM. I’m sure we didn’t make too many friends. Oh, $18 per night. No hookups
Following morning we took the Toad back up to Flagstaff just to see what we missed in the total darkness. We were floored. Without hesitation, I do not recommend taking your GMC through the 89A route, day or night. Instead, come from the south via US179 off of I17. We returned to the State Park after breakfast, collected the motorhome, hooked the toad back up and cruised into Sedona a second time. This time with blue skies galore. Found Rancho Sedona and finally settled in. At least for 1 night. Looks like they may be booked for tomorrow. Hoping for a cancelation. Nice park, but expensive. Full hookups and great internet connection. Dropped the wife off in town and did some solo exploring. Cat has given up the bathroom and has chosen the driver’s seat as her new throne. Bathroom is now only her “underway” space.
Valhalla - 1978 GMC Royale rear twin [SOLD]
Walküre - 1974 VW Thing (Toad)
[Updated on: Thu, 18 April 2013 22:43] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Trip Report from a novice (Maiden Voyage) [message #205391 is a reply to message #205140] |
Sun, 21 April 2013 01:37 |
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Richard Andis
Messages: 261
Registered: January 2013
Location: HELL Paso, TX
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Update 20, April 2013
Spent 2 days in Sedona. Had to move back the the State Park because Rancho Sedona didn't have any room for us. We actually enjoyed the state park more. Took in just a few of the Normal sites. Got about halfway up Cathedral Rock and walked around Bell Rock. Got invited to a Car Show with my VW Thing and when I told them that my Motorhome was a GMC Royale that said that I should have brought it as well. For some reason, the refer started working again.
Leg 6 (Sedona to Picacho Peak)
Got a late start because the wife wanted to do some final shopping in downtown Sedona. Got out of the State Park around 1:30PM. Getting the camp breakdown process down to a science, or more like a Chinese puzzle. Seem like everything has to be done in a specific order. Fueled up with 40 gallons somewhere near Phoenix. This time it was a good top off. Stopped fro the night about 30 miles north of Tucson near Picacho Peak. Picacho Peak RV Resort designed for the over 55 crowd. Seem to bee pretty nice. Full hookups, wireless for an extra 2 bucks. You can hear some road noise but it's not too bad. Price only $27 for the night.
Final push tomorrow. About 7 more hours drive to El Paso, TX and this voyage is complete.
Valhalla - 1978 GMC Royale rear twin [SOLD]
Walküre - 1974 VW Thing (Toad)
[Updated on: Sun, 21 April 2013 01:39] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Trip Report from a novice (Maiden Voyage) [message #205405 is a reply to message #205391] |
Sun, 21 April 2013 08:51 |
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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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Others, if you want to make sense of this, you have to read all of Richard's trip report.
Richard,
You are learning a lot and quickly. That is very good.
As to the low fuel light.
If you are putting in 40 gallons and the low fuel light is not on for either tank, then there is probably a small calibration issue. In your situation, I would advise that you not wait for the low fuel light in either tank. The low fuel light reads the gages return voltage from the sender in the active tanks only. What is strange is that the typical failure mode is for the indicator to read high.
The installation of the system is such that the main tank can drain to the auxiliary easily, but not vise-versa. So, if you are going to run down to the level where the light comes on, do it on the main tank and know where you are going to fuel next. (This from a guy that has twice fueled over 53 gallons and only recently had reliable gaging.)
About traveling internet access. If you are having a hard time finding wire (old calloquial for getting on line) and you don't have a smart phone or want to spring for a hotspot, then the next and pretty good answer is to get an Alfa AWUS036(XXX) with the long antenna and the glass mount. With this jewel, if there is an open access point in the county, you can probably work it.
It was really good to read another technically boring trip report. As many of you may have read, we are home after a 3780 mile loop that included Dothan and I have nothing that needs fixing before we go out again. (The coach does need a real good cleaning inside and out.)
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: Trip Report from a novice (Maiden Voyage) [message #206113 is a reply to message #205405] |
Sat, 27 April 2013 10:39 |
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Richard Andis
Messages: 261
Registered: January 2013
Location: HELL Paso, TX
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Final Leg – 400 Miles (Picacho Peak to El Paso, TX)
Rigging for the road is almost done unconsciously now. I’ve got it down to a routine now. We decided to get on the road early (10:00AM) and reward ourselves with a IHOP breakfast outside Tucson.
Another beautiful but thankfully mechanically boring trip. No significant obstacles encountered. A working cruise control would have made it only more uneventful. I did experience the engine cutting out when accelerating uphill. Felt like fuel starvation. I didn’t think it was hot enough for vapor lock issues. Things did settle out once I came to cruising speed. We discovered that by opening the rear vent and windows, along with the front toll windows, we could get enough airflow through the coach to make the inside bearable. The air coming through the coach AC vents always seemed warmer than ambient temps. AC will be a must fix before any summer trips.
Total Trip Review
Total Miles traveled – Approx 2200 Miles
Fuel Used (Estimated) – Approx 300 Gals at total expense of around $1200
Miles per gallon (Estimated) – 8 MPG (Mostly Ethanol laced, Pulling 2000# Toad)
Material Casualties
Loss of Sewer cap between Pichaco Peak and El Paso (replaced in El Paso)
Finicky Refer – Works once leveling properly (Lesson learned)
Coach Air – Non –functional, needs serious attention before any summer traveling.
Special Thanks to all who input their 2 cents worth.
Valhalla - 1978 GMC Royale rear twin [SOLD]
Walküre - 1974 VW Thing (Toad)
[Updated on: Sat, 27 April 2013 10:42] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Trip Report from a novice (Maiden Voyage) [message #206118 is a reply to message #206113] |
Sat, 27 April 2013 11:28 |
C Boyd
Messages: 2629
Registered: April 2006
Karma: 18
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Senior Member |
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Sir: I have experienced the fuel starvation at the top of the hill issue. Just in front of the switching valve in the driverside frame rail is a rubber fuel line. You can cut the line and add an inline filter there. Before you add the filter take shop air and blow back into the tank with the fuel cap removed, switch the reserve switch and blow in the other tank. This should clear the pick up socks to get better fuel flow. This cured my problem after changing 7 carbs, and 2 electric pumps. I now run the manual pump only.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member-galleries/p44880-gmc-carb-day-001.html
| Richard Andis wrote on Sat, 27 April 2013 11:39 |
Final Leg – 400 Miles (Picacho Peak to El Paso, TX)
Rigging for the road is almost done unconsciously now. I’ve got it down to a routine now. We decided to get on the road early (10:00AM) and reward ourselves with a IHOP breakfast outside Tucson.
Another beautiful but thankfully mechanically boring trip. No significant obstacles encountered. A working cruise control would have made it only more uneventful. I did experience the engine cutting out when accelerating uphill. Felt like fuel starvation. I didn’t think it was hot enough for vapor lock issues. Things did settle out once I came to cruising speed. We discovered that by opening the rear vent and windows, along with the front toll windows, we could get enough airflow through the coach to make the inside bearable. The air coming through the coach AC vents always seemed warmer than ambient temps. AC will be a must fix before any summer trips.
Total Trip Review
Total Miles traveled – Approx 2200 Miles
Fuel Used (Estimated) – Approx 300 Gals at total expense of around $1200
Miles per gallon (Estimated) – 8 MPG (Mostly Ethanol laced, Pulling 2000# Toad)
Material Casualties
Loss of Sewer cap between Pichaco Peak and El Paso (replaced in El Paso)
Finicky Refer – Works once leveling properly (Lesson learned)
Coach Air – Non –functional, needs serious attention before any summer traveling.
Special Thanks to all who input their 2 cents worth.
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C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
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