Before the 2017 Season

Our first real trip is over and now the fun begins. The Beast is parked until the weather breaks.

We got home with +35' weather for two days and I was able to go to the state park, dump the tanks, replace the grey tank slide valve, and winterize the systems. Bought a new drain plug for water heater as it was clogged with tape and plumbers mud so bad it hardly sealed.

Ordered a new rear cap for the main slide topper, got up and saw all the pulled out rivets on the topper rail. The wind deflector, attachment of rail, and end cap will need to be fixed when the weather breaks. Definitely after Disney and tax season. Might even need to replace the topper material as it has a big sag in it.

Mods are ongoing inside however. Charging station for handhelds is progressing. A couple more cords and this will be done. We will have a central charging station for phones, kindles, bluetooth speakers, and any other usb chargeable items.

Mentioned on IRV2.com what my mileage, speed, rpm, etc. was and got a suggestion to check with Cummins on the number of upgrades have been done on the ECM of my motor. Called Cummins and found out they can't tell without the motor being there. So far there have been 28 upgrades available but no way to know if any have been done on this motor. Will have it done in March after the weather breaks and before the rush starts.

On the way back from Mobile we had a rock hit the windshield just above my line of sight, drivers side, and a small star appeared. Again I'm afraid of the high cost of everything when dealing with the Beast so I got insurance company to write it up as we were going to have it repaired and not replaced. Took it in to Abe's Auto Glass and they could not find the crack. We both had seen it and the wipers had gone a lot on the way home and the day of the repair schedule. Magically disappeared. Finally good news.

Just saw more good news. The rear links that everyone had in this age Monaco is not a problem with mine. I looked under it and find that the links have been replaced with the beefed up square fabricated ones.

As I keep researching what is on and in the Beast I keep finding new items to me. While looking for each of the fuel filters I needed to go topside and opened the hatch in the closet. Looked down and found the secondary fuel filter is in the other hatch. However I saw that a bolt that holds the AC compressor on was missing its' nut and washer and the bolt had slid out 4-5 inches and was hitting the fan. Now I know what that noise was.

Cummins, who repaired the AC said it is not their problem. I did find out in putting a new nut on that my hands are not small enough to hold the nut or washer on when trying to thread it together. After buying 12" long forceps I was finally able to get it together. Now the only problem is getting the belt tight. Next warm day it is on the list.

Next task after a vacation in FLA with grandkids and Disney was batteries. Each time starting I usually needed to use the 'Battery Boost' switch to join House Batteries. Then it started well so the connections after batteries was ruled out
· All connections with all 6 terminals cleaned and coated with Dielectric Grease.
· Voltage checked after 2 weeks charging trickle
· 12.65V on Chassis
· After attempt to start was 11.65V. Start attempt did not even turn over engine.
· Parts store battery check showed one battery at 40% and the other dead.
· Replaced both chassis batteries and the engine started great with only 12.6V and no time to charge after purchase. Another great job done.

Small items that needed to be done, in my opinion, before the new season:
· Added fire extinguisher in rear of coach = DONE
· Dust cap on air fitting for tow truck = DONE
· Reorganize tool box and remove 30lb of stuff = DONE
· Replace power steering filters = DONE
· Replace air minder = DONE
· Wax entire unit = DONE
· PolySeal with Mcguiars = DONE
· Repair windshield curtain slide = DONE
· Install ScanGauge D and set gauges = DONE
· Install Toad brake light monitor = After Maintenance Session
· Install Toad battery charge wire. 7 pin has no hot wire. = Request made as MS for Monaco
· Install multiple USB charger station at rear TV with cords = DONE
· Connect and tryout toad system= After Maintenance Session
· Test out Splendide functions
· Learn and test convection oven = After Maintenance Session
· Engine updates = DONE
· Replaced glides under the two chairs in dining area. = DONE
· Inventory all bays = DONE

Arrangements have been made for the Maintenance Rally in Goshen to have some work done.
· 4 corner weigh on arrival
· Cummins work on Beast
o Generator work
§ Fuel filter
§ Air filter
§ Oil change and filter
· Fuel filters changed
· Transmission serviced
· Check trailer 12V wire connection

Now that the off season stuff is done it is time to check fluids, tires, de-winterize and load it up. Elkhart Fairgrounds here we come.