Community Forums

tommar · 07-14-2017, 09:36 PM

In exactly one week, the DW and I will take our newly acquired MH on a 1500 mile road trip to Leelanau County, Michigan from Waco, Texas. We bought this MH about 6 weeks ago, and most of the time, it's been in the shop as I endeavored to get it ready for a road trip. I've installed new tires, a new backup camera from Tadi Bros, had a Allison shop change the tranny oil and filters, new air dryer/filter, engine and jenny oil change, had the satellite system worked on with a new receiver for DirecTV, new house batteries and now we're ready to go, I think.

I was disappointed that there is no easy way to check the condition of the generator belts and hoses. The sound shield box is built like Fort Knox. So we'll have to hope the belts are OK and that if there is an overheat condition, the Onan/Cummins will shut down. But off we go! Soon!

CWJK55 · 07-14-2017, 09:53 PM

I think that a bit of paranoia is normal, or should be, on a first trip.
Everything will not go perfectly, but have a good time anyway,

spsm · 07-15-2017, 05:33 AM

Maybe take an extra belt with you and keep your eyes and ears open, even when your not driving. Good Luck to you and enjoy your trip to Michigan.

jsmmonaco · 07-15-2017, 05:43 AM

you are going to love that part of michigan..............beautiful

G.G. · 07-15-2017, 05:59 AM

First and foremost....safe travels

dverstra · 07-15-2017, 06:06 AM

In advance...Welcome to Michigan. Leelenau is a beautiful area to rest and relax. Taste a little wine on the Mission Peninsula while you are near there. Make sure to spread those Tourist Dollars over the entire area.

LarrytheBear · 07-15-2017, 06:19 AM

We spent about two months in Michigan last year and didn't cover it all.
Up where you are going there is much to see. We enjoyed Sleeping Bear Dunes and Mission Peninsula and, of course, Traverse City. (That's a busy place!)

I hope you have a chance to go one up towards Petoskey and even Mackinaw City.

Have a great time! There is lots to see in Michigan...

jacwjames · 07-15-2017, 06:19 AM

How many hours are on the generator. Chances are you will be fine, if not just bit the bullet and get it fixed.

If necessary you could get a small portable generator and use in the interim, I've seen a number of larger RV's that carry them as they are more fuel efficient then the RV generator. If you want to run the AC unit you'd need a +4KW unit.

Either way, enjoy the trip, we've been through Michigan numerous times.

tommar · 07-15-2017, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacwjames

How many hours are on the generator. Chances are you will be fine, if not just bit the bullet and get it fixed.

If necessary you could get a small portable generator and use in the interim, I've seen a number of larger RV's that carry them as they are more fuel efficient then the RV generator. If you want to run the AC unit you'd need a +4KW unit.

Either way, enjoy the trip, we've been through Michigan numerous times.

Jenny has 620 hours on it. It's running fine right now but like I said, very hard to eyeball belts and hoses. I'm shocked that Onan's design is so PM unfriendly. RV technician just groaned when I asked him how hard it was to check belt/hoses. My family has had a presence in northern Michigan for at least a 150 years or so. I've been going there all my life. Never get tired of it. Leland, in Leelanau County is particularly picturesque, with Fishtown, the river, and marina. We will be staying at Indigo Bluffs RV Park over at Empire, MI.

jacwjames · 07-15-2017, 02:33 PM

If your generator is not on a slide it will be difficult to do maintenance on it. In most cases they drop the generator.

My generator is on a slide, even still it is difficult to access the area of the belt.

FormerBoater · 07-15-2017, 04:13 PM

X2 on carrying a spare belt.

The Onan will shut itself down if any overheating occurs, so you will not damage the genny if a problem develops.

AITG · 07-15-2017, 08:39 PM

On behalf of everyone who lives in northern Michigan, please use that little lever on the left side of the steering wheel.
Also, deer are everywhere and dumb as rocks. If you see one rest assured that there's another one behind her. And they have no fear of motor homes. It's not a matter of will you hit one but when.
Enjoy your stay in Paradise.