Community Forums

stkt · 03-30-2015, 06:18 AM

Sitting in the RV park and here comes the fire truck, second fire truck, and sheriff so something wasn't going well for someone. Turns out it was the owner of an 05 or 06 Newmar Essex. Talked to the fire inspector afterwards who said it was an electrical fire, originated in a circuit breaker panel. No one was home at the time but a cat, who was rescued by the fire personnel.

Flames burned through the roof, everything inside is a mess. Owner says he believes it's a total loss. Very sad.

Installed two new smoke detectors, just in case.

GlennLever · 03-30-2015, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stkt

Sitting in the RV park and here comes the fire truck, second fire truck, and sheriff so something wasn't going well for someone. Turns out it was the owner of an 05 or 06 Newmar Essex. Talked to the fire inspector afterwards who said it was an electrical fire, originated in a circuit breaker panel. No one was home at the time but a cat, who was rescued by the fire personnel.

Flames burned through the roof, everything inside is a mess. Owner says he believes it's a total loss. Very sad.

Installed two new smoke detectors, just in case.

I'm always worried about fire.

stkt · 03-30-2015, 06:47 AM

Check your escape window in the bedroom. You should have the newer style 2 lever window. The window can stick closed from no use. I checked mine after this fire and it opened, but it took some effort. Wiped 303 around the seal to prevent sticking. Fire is also our number one fear.

GlennLever · 03-30-2015, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stkt

Check your escape window in the bedroom. You should have the newer style 2 lever window. The window can stick closed from no use. I checked mine after this fire and it opened, but it took some effort. Wiped 303 around the seal to prevent sticking. Fire is also our number one fear.

Good tip I will do that.

**JohnRR** · 04-06-2015, 10:47 AM

Does anyone else get the feeling they get more enjoyment out of working on them than using them? So many maintenance/modification hours and so little travel time.

GlennLever · 04-06-2015, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnrr

does anyone else get the feeling they get more enjoyment out of working on them than using them? So many maintenance/modification hours and so little travel time.

yes, yes, yes

zmotorsports · 04-06-2015, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnRR

Does anyone else get the feeling they get more enjoyment out of working on them than using them? So many maintenance/modification hours and so little travel time.

I wouldn't say I get "more" enjoyment out of working on ours compared to using it. I still like using it more. However, I like using our coach knowing it is in perfect working order and it is running and looking like it should.

For some reason I can't seem to relax when I know something isn't right or if something breaks on vacation. I am working on it, but it gets to me.

Mike.

**JohnRR** · 04-06-2015, 11:27 AM

Maybe I should have said as much rather than more. When I get to go out with it I get this nagging feeling I'm neglecting other little projects that need attention.

Then these great threads come along and take even more time away from all those needy projects.

stkt · 04-06-2015, 01:56 PM

Yep, I'm convinced its a disease. After all this work I'm sitting here contemplating everything else that needs to be done. Nothing really needs to be done, but I'd go crazy if things weren't on a continual upgrade path. It's insane, but I'm sure it keeps me sane (somewhat).

Now, new inverter, add auto generator start, see level gauge package install, engine compartment detail (again).......

stkt · 04-06-2015, 02:02 PM

And not to forget still contemplating how to design a return air duct grill that can replace the current plastic grill with a cover that will hold a real AC filter, easily removable for replacement, like the furnace.

stkt · 05-10-2015, 10:51 AM

Update on the return air grill problem.

On the way back from our trip I stopped to see Greg at Trees to These. Greg is building a frame for the existing return air grill to mount that is deep enough to hold a standard air filter, The combination frame and existing return air grill will be mounted on a hinge for easy access to change the filter. Will post pic upon receipt.

stkt · 05-10-2015, 11:03 AM

After 3000 trouble free miles, we are back in Michigan. Headed south for a couple of months, not much to do in Michigan in March and April - too cold for outdoor work and too warm for Winter sports. Spent time in Titusville, Pensacola, and Williston Florida as well as Bella Terra in Alabama. The coach ran well, but this bio diesel is becoming more common. Wondering if a fuel additive should go into that mechanical engine.

We met a great couple on out way back from Alabama when we stopped for an overnight in Nashville. The pic you see is a 1998 American Dream, owned by Mr. Mahem. Mr. Mahem and his wife have lived in their coach since new, have traveled the country several times over, and has great stories to tell. His maintenance has been meticulous. I couldn't believe how well preserved this coach was considering its life of full time duty.

Me. Mahem is getting up in years and has been advised to keep his driving to a minimum. They wintered in Nashville this past year and got through it very well. If you are ever in Nashville and stop at Two Rivers Campground and say hello.

stkt · 05-10-2015, 11:12 AM

Doing detailing work in preparation for American Coach's 25th reunion coming up next weekend.

JoeMoe · 05-17-2015, 07:10 PM

Hi, my name is Moe from NB Canada and I own a 1998 American dream, exactly the same outside colors as yours. Got it three years ago, unit only had 65,000 miles and 260 hrs on the 7500 Onan generator but had to replace the electronic main board due to lack of running, according to the Cummin Onan shop. Also replace the Heart Invertor with a Xantrex 3000 watt 200 amp charger invertor. Now replacing the 60 watts solar penal with a Colman 100 watt penal that I will install at the back closer to the battery box. Only problem I have with the Battery controller box, is that my house battery's are always tied up to my coach battery's, much have a bad solenoid. Will try to keep up with your renovations. Moe