Lessons learned

[DuaneMiller]

Originally Posted by RVLiving365

Well you’re definitely in the right place for lots of knowledge I wish that there was a lot more people that kind of have the same rig I have now to give me advice on things to look for I had a lot of headaches on the first week or two of owning this rig. A lot of growing pains in a lot of learning has happened I learned that I can’t run the microwave without the generator being on(boondocking)
I have learned that the toilet that is built into this rig has a emulsifier built into it. I also learned that you cannot run the AC units without the generator being on.
I also learned that you need to have vinegar in a spray bottle on standby to help keep the shower glass clean with a light scrub additional with A magic Mr. clean eraser.

I’ve also learned by Boondocking that I can run the generator moderately on a full tank of diesel for over two weeks before reaching half a tank of gas

I hear what you are saying! But I bet a month or so from now, this will all be second nature, and you will have all these systems down pat! I always tell folks that flying a 747 is probably pretty easy when you learn which buttons to push, and which knobs to turn!

[RELHUB]

Originally Posted by RVLiving365

I am new to the Class A diesel pusher world and new to the RV full time life style. I have learnt a lot in the last few weeks. Thing I like and things that drive me a little nuts about my purchase/ walk through/ pickup and class given.

The people doing the walk though were not fully knowledgeable on the coach as I was hoping a lot of the things I lost here I learnt just my accident. But o still have many questions and need to learn a lot more.

Well let’s begin. I have a 2020 Fleetwood Discovery LXE 40G.

The first thing I should mention I am boon-docking and solely ruining off the Onan 8000 for power on my rig. I am currently living on my friends property because of the Covid-19 thing I can’t move anywhere. Luckily my friend is understanding. I love full time In my RV as I stared before. So far I really love my RV. But there are things I have found that kinda suck. I will go into detail more later about that.

But my first question to the masses is if I am running my Onan 8000 full time when needed. Does it matter how often I change my oil and oil filter? That if I use AMSoil? What about a non-OEM oil filter. When should I change the fuel and air filter? What about tune ups? Are they really needed?

Your owners Manuel will give you all service details along with oil grades for the expected temps you will operate in.
I would NEVER extend service intervals, go by the book.
Oil is cheap and I change all of my fluids sooner then what they recommend in the owners documents. It is always best to service on time or sooner but NOT later.

People will tell you they never change oil and never had a problem.
Some people will also tell you they change it every 2 years because they don't go anywhere. This is all terrible information, if you follow that information it will cost you lots of money later on down the road.

Your owners documents are the most important books you need to read.
Follow all of their recommendations and your coach will give you lots of trouble free miles.

[Mr_D]

My Onan 12.5 has a Kubota 3 cyl diesel. I've found it cheaper to go to the Kubota dealer for filters as they're cheaper than Napa.

[RVLiving365]

Originally Posted by timjet

There is a Discovery owners club dedicated just to Discovery owners. Google it. This is an active forum and most of your questions unique to a Discovery will be answered there.

The owners manual for the generator is the first place to start. Any questions after reading that can be answered here. You likely can get the owners manual in PDF format off the internet without buying a DVD player.

If you plan on boondocking awhile upgrading your battery bank will allow you to give the generator a rest. Night time temps even here in central FL do not require air conditioning - yet.

With a little trial and error you can probably find a way to turn off the fridge at night for several hours saving your batteries from needing to be recharged as frequently.

Even getting 15 amp power from your neighbor will run your refrig and TV to help save generator run time. Figure on almost .75 gal/hr fuel burn when running generator with the AC on. That's $36/day running generator 24/7, you can find a campground for cheaper.

Thanks for the advice I will look up the discovery forums.

I would move to a camp ground but no camp grounds are allowing new rentals in my area. I am fortunate that my friend lets me stay free in his yard. I will try to run the 15amp power from his home to my RV tomorrow. I have a 15amp to 50amp adapter dogbone