New guy to the world of RVing

Brian H · 02-23-2011, 01:18 AM

My wife and I recently inherited a Country Coach Affinity and we're looking forward to the adventures ahead.

Brian

tncruiser · 02-23-2011, 06:32 AM

welcome enjoy your "gift"
brianj

John_N_Terry · 02-23-2011, 06:35 AM

Have fun with it...that's the main thing. Welcome to the world of RVing.

radams · 02-23-2011, 06:51 AM

Wow! I envy you guys. That's a heck of a way to get started. I've always volunteered to be anyone's beneficiary but so far I haven't gotten any offers.

**JMonroe** · 02-23-2011, 10:27 AM

As you've already, no doubt, discovered, there's a lot to learn about your new to you rig, so, don't be shy about asking questions. Someone here has 'been there, done that', and we've all bought our share of T shirts to prove it.

I had to look up your home town on a map. You're in beautiful country (I was born in Seattle, lived in WA through my 'formative years'). You'll find no shortage of great places nearby to get to know your rig before hitting the open road to explore even farther afield.

Happy trails...

Nick-B · 02-23-2011, 01:46 PM

Hi Brian and Welcome to the Forum!

You've got a great motorhome there that many of us would love to have.

For one of your first trips, I recommend Grayland State Park just South of Westport. A very nice, quiet park with many spots just a "stones throw" from the ocean.

On your way there, there is a state weigh station near Brady. If it is "closed" pull in a do a 4-corner weigh-in on your motorhome. This will give you an idea if you are loaded fairly evenly and how much pressure to run in your tires.

Enjoy your new motorhome!

Brian H · 02-24-2011, 02:11 AM

Wow! Thanks for the warm welcome. Here's quick story of our first adventure.

The RV had been in storage on the East coast for a good 8-9 years. Being that it's an older RV (1995) I had no idea what it's condition was other than the opinion of the storage lot owner.

After making arrangements for new tires, an oil change and a basic inspection, we flew out to pick it up and drive it back home to the NW.

We made it but not without a few troubles along the way. First, the engine A/C quit (compressor seal). It was summer so I ended up using running the generator with the roof A/C.

Then, the fresh water stopped working due to algae clogging up the screens and filter. We resolved to use 2gal water containers for washing and flushing.

Then just outside LaGrande OR, the engine threw the alternator belts off and shredded them. The Jake Brake system on the Detroit over-revs the engine so the belts which were probably original, couldn't take the rpm. Not one to wait for AAA and deal with all that goes along with it, I decided to rely on the Kubota generator alterntator to keep us going until I could find the correct "industrial" type belts in Pasco WA.

Lastly, we were just outside of Yakima when a semi truck changed lanes into us and started pushing us off the road. Luckly, the driver woke up (or whatever) and turned back into his lane before we hit the gravel. In all the excitement, I failed to get his licence. The awning took most of the damage and it looks like I'll be able to fix it.

After all that, it'll take a little coaxing to get my wife back into the rv but I think she'll come around.

Brian

John_N_Terry · 02-25-2011, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian H

We made it but not without a few troubles along the way. First, the engine A/C quit (compressor seal). It was summer so I ended up using running the generator with the roof A/C.

I haven't used our dash since the day we brought her home. That's what the genny is for...the rooftop ac cools so much more efficiently. I actually get better fuel mileage running the genny than I do running the dash air.

Gary C · 02-25-2011, 07:12 AM

"Good Luck with your new RV. I know you will enjoy it"

**JMonroe** · 02-25-2011, 07:49 AM

Most of the issues you've described can probably be traced back to the long term storage without use. Once you've got it debugged, use it! It'll keep everything well oiled, including your sole.