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RE: First trip in Class A driving in Smokey Mountains
We just completed a trip to North Carolina from Florida with our 2018 Miramar 35.3. We towed my wife's 4 door Jeep Wrangler. I was very happy with the performance. For the most part, I was able to maintain the speed limit going up the grades. The one exception was one 8% grade where I was only able to maintain about 40mph in a 55 mph zone. I think I could have maintained a better speed but halfway up there was a construction zone where the speed limit was 35mph so I lost my momentum. Yes, the V10 revved quite a bit on the big climbs but it did the job. I am sure a DP would have done better and I know the Smokeys are small compared to the Rockies but I was pleased with the performance. After reading some of the comments over the years about class A's really struggling up grades, I was a little apprehensive while planning this trip. Now with one trip under my belt, I am looking forward to our next trip.
I was also pleased with the engine braking. I put the transmission in tow/haul mode and tapping the breaks would downshift. On a couple of the 8% downhill grades, I would have to jab the breaks a few times to bleed off some speed but the engine/transmission really helped keep the speeds down. Again, not trying to compare to a exhaust brake on a DP but I thought the RV did great.
Yeah, like you I was apprehensive going on my first trip in the Smokeys last year, but it ended up being easy. Like everyone said here, (my interpretation), learn your rig, know your limitations, and don't be stupid and a V10 Ford will work just fine.
Al
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FloridaRosebud
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11/11/19 10:05am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: 2 Years with a Older Class A
I bought my current MH 16 years ago when I retired, I kept track of all my expenses including mods and improvement like headers, FF muffler CAI etc, repairs like autopark failures,front end repairs, hyd jacks, fuel pump replacement, control boards etc and general maintenance like fluid changes( oil transmission,rear end), tires etc. To date it cost me $21,348 in total in 100,000 miles of travel. I have done most of the work myself except for the front end,headers and changing the fuel pump while on a trip. The biggest cost was the IFS front end which was about $7000 most of that was caused by a shop installing the wrong ball joints causing two accidents. The total cost was $1334/year. If you have a newer MH with a straight front axle most of those front end repairs would go away so I think a better estimate would be more like $1000/year. Almost every trip something had to be fixed. Another way to look at it is if you bought a brand new MH you would lose more than $21,000 in depreciation in the first year alone with multiple trips back to the dealer for warranty work.
That's great you kept track of all your expenses. I'm doing the same thing. However, I think it is reasonable to assume that if you had to pay labor for all the repairs (IOW - you didn't do it yourself) your cost would probably be at least double. That would translate into $2668 per year, close to what I'm budgeting. Still, as you said, is way less than the depreciation of a new motor home.
Al
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FloridaRosebud
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10/13/19 04:40am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Anyone interested in 83 Pace Arrow Tear down and Rebuild?
You do realize you can get other work done while the glue is curing, don't you? It's ok to multitask.
Haha....I was thinking the same thing, just didn't say it! My wife claims men can not multitask well. She tells me this while I'm working a project and talking on the phone at the same time....go figure....
Al
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FloridaRosebud
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10/10/19 10:29am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: 2 Years with a Older Class A
We too bought a used class A; 2006 National SeaBreeze LX, 33 foot. We've had it 18 months now, and have done the following:
1. New tires all around, $3000
2. New fridge - went with a residential - $1200 (my option)
3. New front TV - $350 (my option)
4. Suspension mods - $1000 (my option)
5. Fluids - $500
6. New transfer switch - $600
7. Re-seal roof - $400
8. Defog Windows - $900
9. New A/C compressor for V10 - $450
Total is $8400 so far - BUT - we love the MH. Most of these costs are not annual costs (tires come to mind) and some were my option to upgrade. I'm budgeting $3000 per year for required maintenance. We'll see if that is enough as we move forward...
Al
Quick question - what type of roofing do you have? And can you use eternabond tape to reseal your roof if it is fiberglass? I used eternabond on my travel trailer roof seals with great results.
Thank you to both you and the OP for posting your numbers. We are looking at 3 to 4 year old Tiffin Allegros and your experiences will help.
Mine is a fiberglass roof. The RV place just re-caulked, as it was getting a bit ratty after 14 years...
Al
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FloridaRosebud
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10/09/19 07:02pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: 2 Years with a Older Class A
Guess I am lucky. I bought an 8 year old high end DP kept it 12 years and in all that time other than yearly service which averaged about $300 each year only did the following in 40,000+miles.
tires $1800
radiator $1500
injector line $300
This unit was never babied and seldom sat for more than a month. I have had its replacement for a little over a year now and had one repair that was there when I bought it and cost around $2000.
They are expensive but fuel and repairs are things you have to do if you want to use them and ride.
There is a good point "hidden" in your post - "...seldom sat for more than a month." I'm beginning to see the same pattern of use/repair that years ago I learned having a sportscar. If I drove it all the time it didn't need repairs. Let it sit for extended periods of time, and things start to break down. Now this is all observations on my part without any real data, but my thought is if your RV goes out a lot I'll bet it doesn't break a lot....I would love to see some real data to either back up or dispute my observations....
Thoughts anyone?
Al
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FloridaRosebud
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10/08/19 11:38am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: 2 Years with a Older Class A
We too bought a used class A; 2006 National SeaBreeze LX, 33 foot. We've had it 18 months now, and have done the following:
1. New tires all around, $3000
2. New fridge - went with a residential - $1200 (my option)
3. New front TV - $350 (my option)
4. Suspension mods - $1000 (my option)
5. Fluids - $500
6. New transfer switch - $600
7. Re-seal roof - $400
8. Defog Windows - $900
9. New A/C compressor for V10 - $450
Total is $8400 so far - BUT - we love the MH. Most of these costs are not annual costs (tires come to mind) and some were my option to upgrade. I'm budgeting $3000 per year for required maintenance. We'll see if that is enough as we move forward...
Al
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FloridaRosebud
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10/08/19 08:05am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: New to class A
Never used an uber but we used to rent a car before we started flat towing. Enterprise will pick you up and you can get a decent rate.
This ^^^^^^
We have used Uber as well and they worked quite well.
That said, after 1.5 years, we are getting ready to buy a toad.....I want my own car and not have to depend on someone else.
Al
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FloridaRosebud
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10/05/19 02:58pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Fuel economy
You know, I was in South Miami the other day (for work) and saw a few medium size Yachts that probably get gallons per mile, so we're not doing to bad in the RV world..... :+)
Al
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FloridaRosebud
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09/12/19 09:55am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Towing
If you get into an accident while towing that much over your weighted limit your insurance company will probably tell you to get lost !!
Granted, they may tell you to get lost, if they even have a clue as to weight being a factor or for maybe not wanting to renew your policy next time, but they will have to pay, regardless.
"...but they will have to pay, regardless." I wouldn't be so sure about that. Have you ever read your contract/policy with your insurance carrier? Most people don't and that can be a GIANT mistake. You need to take a look at your contract/policy for its defined "exclusions" of coverage. You might look for the exclusion that states something to the effect of "bodily injury or property damage reasonably expected to arise out of an intentional act." Reasonably expected would include exceeding certified posted limits. You think that these insurance companies spend the time and money they do having 60 or so pages drawn up by their staff attorneys so they don't cover themselves? Think again.
Unfortunately, Trumpet Player is correct. I work for insurance companies as an engineering consultant, and I can not tell you how many times I've seen claims turned down because of willful negligence on the insured.
Al
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FloridaRosebud
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09/12/19 03:13am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Fuel economy
i drive the speed limit or 65, whichever is lower. we typically fill up our gasser at Flying J regardless of price, convenience is the priority. if not the J then the priority is still convenience...looking for EZ in/out whether it be another truck stop or traditional gas station. price of fuel doesn't really play a part.
This is pretty much us as well. Lots of Flying J's have the RV lines as well. I keep the cruise at 62 or so. Between 7 and 8 mpg.
Al
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FloridaRosebud
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09/10/19 03:47am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: For Standard Gear, What's your ladder of choice?
This is what I carry: https://www.duluthtrading.com/telesteps-1600et-16-tactical-telescoping-ladder-b-000277109.html
300 lb rated, not too heavy. Have had it for 12 years and no issues.
Al
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FloridaRosebud
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08/29/19 06:55pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Safet T Steer or Roadmaster Stabilizer
I have the Roadmaster and am pleased so far.
Al
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FloridaRosebud
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08/29/19 07:24am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Anyone interested in 83 Pace Arrow Tear down and Rebuild?
Whatever floats your boat. I've learned quite a few things following this thread. Don't sell yourself short...
Al
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FloridaRosebud
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08/26/19 06:57pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: King air
Follow the link and find out for yourself.
I did as well and found really nothing. In fact, one of the MH that parks where we park sold his Newall and got a King Aire and said he likes the King Aire better. He said the Newall continued to have issues the 3 years he owned it, and the King Aire has been flawless (his word, not mine) since he's owned it.
Al
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FloridaRosebud
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08/20/19 02:05pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Tires
If memory serves, the Toyo 245-75 22.5 have the same height, and about .25" wider. That's what we went with on our MH to replace the Michelins....
Al.
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FloridaRosebud
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08/15/19 10:06am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Miles per day.
Man, some of you guys are beasts for driving so far in one day. Back when I was in my 30's I could drive my CAR 12-14 hours, but not anymore (62 now). I have 4 "rules":
1. You are not in a hurry
2. If you get in a hurry refer back to rule #1
3. The 330 rule; no more than 330 miles and get there by 3:30pm
4. Never drive the motor home more than 3 days in a row without a day off
These seem to work well. BTW - I'm still working full time and not yet retired.
Al
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FloridaRosebud
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08/08/19 02:10am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Miles per day.
We use the 330 rule; no more than 330 miles a day, and get to where you're going by 3:30pm...
Al
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FloridaRosebud
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08/05/19 07:29pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: windshield wiper arms
Denso made the wiper arms. They are still in business, as I bought 2 arms a few months ago. www.densoautoparts.com.
Al
*EDIT* - www.densoheavyduty.com
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FloridaRosebud
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08/04/19 07:36pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: F-53 tires
I'm having my 4 rears replaced today. Toyo M-154. Already put 2 on the front last year. $1750 mounted, balanced out the door....
Al
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FloridaRosebud
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08/01/19 10:43am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Anyone interested in 83 Pace Arrow Tear down and Rebuild?
I had to many big brother moments,after disconnecting my Alexa they stopped :h
Yeah...a guy who works for me told me about the time he and his wife were chatting about a new music artist, way outside of the type of music they liked. The next day when they asked Alexa to play their music the first song was from this new artist....
So, not in my house ever.....
Al
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FloridaRosebud
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08/01/19 10:41am |
Class A Motorhomes
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