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10-28-2013, 03:31 AM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Florida
Posts: 434
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New Diesel Owners
Morning Everyone
We just purchased our first diesel pusher this weekend. Everything about a diesel is new to us. We are picking the coach up on Wednesday and was hoping for advice on what we should ask their tech to explain or show us. Thanks! Frank
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10-28-2013, 04:04 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Newmar Owners Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Michigan
Posts: 5,684
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Congrats on your new purchase. 1. My advice is to learn everything you can about the air brake system. I don't know if the dealer will help you with that to any extent but there are plenty of searches you can do on the system and it's operation. Many look past this and say it's know big deal but trust me it is. 2. If you have an Aqua Hot system aboard also check it's function and maintenance requirements. I'm sure some DP owners will chime in with some other suggestions. Good Luck and Enjoy your coach.
__________________
Steve & Sally / Hudson Our Little Pom / Heidi, Houston & HiTee Forever in our Hearts
04 NEWMAR MACA 3778 W22 / 05 PT Vert
Michigan (Summer) Michigan (Winter For Now)
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10-28-2013, 04:05 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 124
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New Diesel Owners
Take your time when doing the PDI. Do not leave the lot until you understand everything and operate everything you can. Then stay at their CG or a CG close by until you know everything works and you and DW are happy. Take notes and don't be afraid to ask questions. Its your $$$$$ and your new home. Keep a good log and document any problems. After a good shake down trip take it back to dealer for the fixes you will surly find. Good luck. We just are finishing a nine month trip to the west. Eleven K Miles, No problems. Now doing yearly PM, another important thing to plan for. Have FUN!
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10-28-2013, 04:15 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club Texas Boomers Club
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,529
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Strictly diesel stuff ??? Where are all the filters? When to change? What the "diesel gauges" are telling you. How to operate/maintain the airbag system (most diesels don't have springs).
Get and read the owners manual!!!
Obviously many other systems but you gave no indication as to previous experience so none discussed...
__________________
Hal & Ginny Miller '04 Beaver Santiam PRT40
'04 Saturn Vue - US Gear Brake - Blue Ox tow
3"girls" (2 Irish Setters - 1 Retriever) - RIP Annie & Emily (12/26/2017)
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10-28-2013, 09:28 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,144
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Quote:
Originally Posted by H. Miller
Strictly diesel stuff ??? Where are all the filters? When to change? What the "diesel gauges" are telling you. How to operate/maintain the airbag system (most diesels don't have springs).
Get and read the owners manual!!!
Obviously many other systems but you gave no indication as to previous experience so none discussed...
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Good idea on manuals. Go pick them up today and then ask your questions when you pick up the coach. Enjoy.
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2014 Phaeton 36gh
2008 Jeep Rubicon or 2012 Ford F150 4x4 Lariat towds
or a couple of different trailers
Retired in Apple Valley, California
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10-28-2013, 10:27 AM
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#6
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Member
Winnebago Owners Club
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 94
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Cold weather starting.
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10-28-2013, 11:11 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Newmar Owners Club Freightliner Owners Club
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,172
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Congratulations. Two years ago, I was in your shoes. Don't be afraid to ask questions and gain understanding. I assume it is on a Freightliner chassis? If so, I highly suggest traveling to Gaffney, SC to attend their camp Freightliner 2 day course. Besides all the great advice here, make sure you understand how to drive a diesel pusher, the use of gears and auxiliary braking when going down hills, and the use of engine RPM ( for torque and engine cooling) when going up hills. Situational awareness is key to driving a large vehicle. Understand where all four corners are and where they are going. Have the dealer walk you through turning ( watching tail swing), backing, use of mirrors and back up camera for highway driving and lane changing. I also suggest going through the 6 month and annual maintenance required for your chassis, as well as any maintainable and or winterizing needed for the box on the chassis. Go slow, and enjoy!!
Mike
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NHSO
2021 DSDP 4081
2016 DSDP 4369
2012 DSDP 3734
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10-28-2013, 11:30 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: SoCal
Posts: 689
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X2 on Camp Freightliner and if your co-pilot has any interest that person can/should attend too! I am sure you will both benefit. While there you can also get your first chassis PM done.
If you would kindly add the make, year, model as well as any engine specs to your signature if will help the experts on this forum answer your questions.
Take your time, enjoy, have fun!
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Fred & Mary RVM135
2012 Dutch Star 3735 ISL 400
2012 GMC Sierra Ext Cab 4x4
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10-28-2013, 04:31 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Polk City Florida
Posts: 1,928
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Ask them if they do a cd rom for you while they are showing you everything. If not use an IPad and have someone do a movie for you for later review.
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Don and Nancy
[2018 Tiffin Bus 40 AP, 2022 Ford Edge ST , 9yr old sisters Sara n Kaycee, Havanese, Electric Catrike
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10-28-2013, 06:00 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Winnebago Owners Club
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Full-timer/volunteer w/SOWERS
Posts: 3,879
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One thing not mentioned is getting the coach weighed and aligned after you are fully moved in. The weight knowledge is for putting the correct pressure in your tires. The alignment is to include ride height. When we load our coaches they can lyst because our belongings, fuel and fresh water act as ballast. We can't compensate as a ship can by pumping water around but the suspension can be adjusted to compensate. Tire wear and handling are greatly affected by the alignment. The suggestion of going to Gaffney is great. Make an appointment then you don't have to sit in the campground for many days as we did.
Also, if you have a generator auto start system learn how this works by running it through its paces during the walkthrough. And, if a slide fails are the tools needed on board? How do you use them? Where is the jack fluid tank located?
When the time comes you can ask more specific questions. I just hope your dealer can fix your warranty problems quickly and completely. In any case, happy trails and many years of enjoying your new vacation home.
Rick
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Rick & Melissa Young, 2011 Itasca Meridian 40U, Frtliner XCL, Cummins ISL 380HP/DEF, Allison 3000 MH, 2014 Honda CR-V, SMI AF1, Blue Ox, EEZ TPMS, TruCenter steering control
Servants On Wheels Ever Ready. Best job we ever paid to do . (full time volunteers)
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10-28-2013, 06:13 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 6,935
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Lots of good advice here--two more things: diesels need clean air and clean fuel--dont skimp on filter changes!
__________________
Old Scout
2015 IH45 Foretravel
2003 Alpine 40' MDTS [Sold]
New Braunfels, Texas
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