Community Forums

wa8yxm · 07-23-2012, 02:59 PM

One thought about those AGM batteries...

If you do have to total the coach, while you are removing all your cloths, and dishes and stuff, Swap out those eight AGM's for a couple of whatever Wall Mart has that fits the bracket.. (El-cheapo stuff) and save them for the new ride...

Nothing wrong with AGM's. just not worth the cost in my book. But you paid for 'em already so no sense letting them go.

IN fact make that one Group 24 from Wall mart.

Jon Mopar · 07-23-2012, 03:52 PM

That's not totaled....that actually appears to be a very easy fix. If that were at auction, I'd be all over it.

Renipladlo · 07-23-2012, 09:10 PM

All - I have received some pictures, but the files are too large to upload here. Based on those it looks better than I though it would, as one or two folks said, it's mechanical stuff, so it's fixable. I believe they used the original brackets and just bent them back into shape. I would suspect it was the cold bending method so the steel did not change temper, but then I am not metal specialist. It supposed to be in the paint booth for the next 3-4 weeks. The phoenix area has experienced several sand storms recently so I don't know if this will affect painting or not. Just going to have to wait and see when it's done.

Jim A · 07-23-2012, 09:20 PM

They probably just parked it outside to save some time and money on the sandblasting before painting. Let Mother Nature do her thing!

Glad to hear it is nearing the finish line.

Rusty Bear · 07-24-2012, 03:01 PM

I have the exact same coach (and paint scheme)and I have to tell you it was a little scary to see the damage on your coach. I am glad they were able to fix your coach as I know we are all doing upgrades to make it a little more like home, and changing coaches is starting over. I hope your coach is repaired to your satisfaction and you get back on the road again soon.

Renipladlo · 07-24-2012, 09:46 PM

FWIW - Over the last few days from about last Friday to now, the Phoenix area has had three dust storms. Yeah I know it's the season, but I hope the Mh does not actually fill up with sand while they are working on it.

EngineerMike · 07-25-2012, 09:41 AM

Phoenix is like snow country, but for sand. They know how move the stuff.

Basil Shannon · 07-25-2012, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EngineerMike

Phoenix is like snow country, but for sand. They know how move the stuff.

We were in Casa Grande a few years ago when it rained during a dust storm. Rained mud!

Renipladlo · 08-16-2012, 01:28 AM

Update - Cummins Rocky Mountain has inspected the repairs done by the body shop (mechanical systems damaged in the accident), fixed a few mechanical things, changed the engine oil & filter, engine fuel filters, hydraulic reservoir fluid & filter, genset oil & filter service & new fuel filter.

They inspected the driveline, U--Joints, lubricated the suspension system, and inspected all the engine cooling & related hydraulic systems after the repairs to those. They fixed a few leaks, changed some CAC boots to the correct heat range, and pressure tested the cooling system, replaced the Radiator (Surge Tank) cap, and sent me oil and transmission lab analysis reports for those fluids before change, those reports show no abnormal wear or metals in the oil or transmission fluid.

The coach from what they report is running fine, and nothing is leaking. The engine and transmission check out also, with all new fluid and filters for the transmission as well. I have copies of all the invoices showing all the services and repairs made to the unit from Cummins. I have talked to the service writer over the phone and we are on the same page concerning all that they needed to do and what was done.

The body primer and graphic painting is all that is left I think before it is finished completely. Once I get to it, I will take some pictures and provide a final update sometime I think around the middle of September. For now we are about on target with what I expected for the repair timeframe based on the damage and parts availability.

EngineerMike · 08-16-2012, 09:31 AM

Good time to get FLAMES painted on there, doncha think?

Renipladlo · 08-19-2012, 12:14 AM

Don't know about flames, but I would like a good luck charm for it.

Renipladlo · 08-24-2012, 04:05 PM

Update, I received word the coach should be all finished next week. There is a covered storage company associated with the facility doing the repair, so they are working with those folks to put it into covered storage until I can get to it, and check it over.

FWIW - We were sitting at a traffic light waiting for it to change to go left to camping world, and the lady behind us, ran into our car, not much damage, but now we have that to deal with, this has been the year from h****X*)(_*L for us and accidents, none being our fault. That slows me down in getting back to it, I have two more "honey do's" to accomplish and we may have some other business transactions happening before I can leave. I am planning sometime the first half of September.

Thanks to all for the words of comfort and kindness over this whole mess. I also have the best insurance company in the world I think, because they are paying for everything done, including the Cummins inspection process and fixes, plus all those services mentioned above. Our portion of the bill will be our dudectable, plus 179 dollars. This inculdes new starting batteries since those died while sitting there and were 6 years old. Our insurance company is called American National Insurance, have been excellent to work with over this whole thing so far. They do not cover full time RV'ing I don't think.

TRAKKER · 08-25-2012, 12:07 AM

Monty,
Certainly glad you had no injuries and were able to fix the coach. That radiator grill is probably the most complex piece of aluminum welding on the coach. Were they able to find a replacement? I can't imagine fabricating it.

Renipladlo · 08-25-2012, 12:12 AM

Rick & All, I don't know how they made that piece. The pictures of the finished product should come into the PC this next week, I will post the ones which show interesting stuff. The original one was trashed, they may have gotten one of a wrecked alpine which would have worked, and they may have remaned the old one or made a new one from scratch. Maybe Audre's had one don't know for sure.