Community Forums

Dan_public · 05-04-2014, 01:22 PM

As you've probably seen from my other posts, we're very close to buying a 2003 41' Select. Overall it looks like a great coach with a few (hopefully) minor issues to be addressed. That is, with one exception - no X-Bracing.

While the original windshields appear to be in good condition with no cracking, I feel like it's a ticking bomb just waiting to go off at the most inconvenient moment. So a trip to Precision Paint is necessary for X-Bracing installation. For many people this wouldn't be an issue, but..

We live in the Seattle area. Including a side trip to my DW's mother in Kentucky, that's something like 4,500 miles round trip. And consider that our prior experience with RV's has been with Class C's 28 ft and shorter. Now factor in the need to make the trip in late September when we'll only have four months experience with the coach.

So I'm nervous. I knew we were jumping into the deep end of the pool with this coach, but is this trip's "pool water" too deep? I.e. too much for a noobie?

Suggestions and advice please.

Thanks,

Dan.

p.s. We're taking several, shorter 2-4 day trips this summer before the "big one".

Dale F · 05-04-2014, 03:51 PM

While there may have been some windshields cracked the main issue was they popped out of their set position. You might inspect closely around the outside and insides with the emphasis in the corners. Gasket look right? Excessive glue? Gasket damaged?

Naturally, call Paul Conley at Precision to schedule an appointment. You might want him to do stereo & cameras unless you're handy at that.

As far as driving, you'll adapt quickly. Use common sense. Get a truckers atlas and study where you're going. If you're retired use it as a good road trip. My DW and I thoroughly enjoyed are time in Indiana. Fill diesel before entering Indiana. Enjoy the trip.

Dan_public · 05-04-2014, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dale F

While there may have been some windshields cracked the main issue was they popped out of their set position. You might inspect closely around the outside and insides with the emphasis in the corners. Gasket look right? Excessive glue? Gasket damaged?

Naturally, call Paul Conley at Precision to schedule an appointment. You might want him to do stereo & cameras unless you're handy at that.

As far as driving, you'll adapt quickly. Use common sense. Get a truckers atlas and study where you're going. If you're retired use it as a good road trip. My DW and I thoroughly enjoyed are time in Indiana. Fill diesel before entering Indiana. Enjoy the trip.

Dale,

The windshield may have popped out of position. When I looked at it closely it looked slightly out of position. In addition there were a couple of small rubber strips about 1/2" wide sticking out of the bottom gasket maybe 1/4-1/2". I didn't see any glue (excess or otherwise), but I wasn't sure what to look for.

We are having it inspected (probably this week) at a reputable dealer. It sounds like one of key issues will be to determine if the inspector understands Travel Supreme window issues and the X-Bracking solution, and looks at the windshield closely. (We may need to find another one if that becomes an issue.)

Thanks for the support on the trip.

My scheduled retirement date is July 1, 2014. Hopefully, this will be the first of many long road trips. (Our target is 2-3 week trips covering the west and southwest, with longer trips to Canada and east of the Mississipi.) For navigation and avoiding certain roads, I'm a belt and suspenders kinda guy. I'm planning on getting a Garmin RV 760 (Amazon.com: Garmin RV 760LMT Portable GPS Navigator: GPS & Navigation), use my iPhone navigation software, AND get a truckers Atlas.

Paul at Precision is on my list to call tomorrow for the X-Bracing. I'll touch base with him about installing the GPS permanently (I'll install it temporarily), and adding Voyager backup and side cameras.

Here is our rough itinerary:

9/25 - Leave Seattle heading east on I90 for Missoula, Montana. Arrive Missoula in evening. (My loving DW is attending a weekend Aikido seminar there.)

9/29 - Leave Missoula for Bremin, IN.

10/3 (roughly) - Arrive Bremin, IN. (May want to arrive Monday, 10/6.)

10/9 (roughly) - Leave Bremin for Mt. Vernon, KY. Arrive Mt Vernon in the evening.

10/14 (roughly) Leave Mt. Vernon heading westward back to Seattle. ETA? Uhmm... sometime.

Should be interesting. One major goal is to stay on flat smooth highways for the summer until we get to Bremin.

Again, thanks for the feedback!

Dan.

Dale F · 05-04-2014, 05:26 PM

One thing nice about going to Precision will be the final step in their process. They have an outside guy that'll come in and reset the windows. He'll strap them one way then the other. I believe it was a 24 hour to set before moving. Additionally, they point out if you need the gaskets replaced. Mine did as they were torn. Also, there's a center bar between the two windows they'll make sure is attached properly. All these are easy fixes and part of the pricing. Seems like I paid around $3200 for the whole deal. I have it posted somewhere in the forum.

You'll attack hills and mountains in no time. It's all common sense and awareness. The exhaust brake will be your friend. You'll find you're more attentive driving the bigger rig. Might think about buying Big Rigs Best Bets.

Home

Not all campgrounds are for me. I'm pretty picky on where I'll enter and take my coach. Trees!

Dan_public · 05-04-2014, 05:56 PM

Dale,

Thanks for the pricing info. While it's a bit pricey, I think the peace of mind will be worth every penny. And I just ordered that big rigs book.

Regards,

Dan.

rsflight · 05-04-2014, 06:03 PM

Our 2002 38' TS (2 slides) does not have the bracing and we don't have any window issues. Certainly he 45' models had issues. The 41' models flex issues may be spotty. I believe the number of slides also impacts the amount of body flex and window issues. There are posts that show pictures of the X-bracing. I'd consider going forward with the purchase, negotiate the price to cover the X-bracing and determine how high on the priority list you need to have the modification done. Certainly you will want to get it done, just how soon is the question. Remember, the RV made it this far so it can't be all that bad.

Dan_public · 05-05-2014, 09:58 AM

Bob,

Thanks for the feedback. Unfortunately, the seller is acting strangely. So we decided not to buy it.

That means we're back to square one. Actually, square two... Having been made aware of the Travel Supreme, it's our top choice for several reasons - quality being number 1. Another reason is the Triton chassis in the Select model (AFAIK, it's only available on the Select and higher).

One big issue is that we aren't quite as prepared as we should be. That 2003 41' Select is a very nice coach and initially seemed like a good deal - price, quality, features, and condition. Since that's off the table, now I have to determine what is another good option with the same features, quality, and condition at a price we can afford.

I'm going to post questions in a different thread.

Again, thanks for the help.

Regards,

Dan.

tom chelbana · 05-05-2014, 08:42 PM

Might give some thought on Newmar Essex which also has great quality and haven't had needed X bracing. We have an 04 Essex we bought new with over 100K miles and would recommend a close look at.

Dan_public · 05-05-2014, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom chelbana

Might give some thought on Newmar Essex which also has great quality and haven't had needed X bracing. We have an 04 Essex we bought new with over 100K miles and would recommend a close look at.

Tom,

Those are VERY nice coaches! Some of the new ones cost 3/4 million. Even an older one is a bit more than our budget. Oh well... Maybe someday?

Regards,

Dan.

bosacliff · 05-22-2014, 08:11 AM

I have a 2002 41 DSO and it drives, handles and manuvers better than the old Tiffin Alegro I just got out of. You will have a great trip.

Dan_public · 05-22-2014, 02:43 PM

bosacliff,

Thanks. The coach sale is finalized but we may not make the trip. My DW is very concerned about taking our old dog Sammy on a long trip. Sammy is 17 and DW is concerned about what we would do on a long trip if he had some medical problems. Unfortunately that's an open issue now.

Regards,

Dan.

Jimwelch01 · 07-07-2014, 02:22 PM

I sent an email to Precision a Paint about cross bracing. They charge 2700.00 plus 300.00 for each window to be reset. They don't offer a kit for the project. Call Paul Conley for appointment at:

Sent from my iPad using iRV2 - RV Forum-Jim Welch

Jimwelch01 · 07-07-2014, 02:24 PM

Paul Conley: 574-546-2406 or 574-546-2403(email: paul@ppirv.com

Sent from my iPad using iRV2 - RV Forum-Jim Welch

Dan_public · 07-07-2014, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimwelch01

I sent an email to Precision a Paint about cross bracing. They charge 2700.00 plus 300.00 for each window to be reset. They don't offer a kit for the project. Call Paul Conley for appointment at:

Sent from my iPad using iRV2 - RV Forum-Jim Welch

Jim,

Thanks for the feedback. I think that Precision's charge is reasonable if it will protect the coach in the long term and improve the handling, even if it's just a bit. Unfortunately our plans for a trip out to Precision will probably be delayed for a year...

On May 31st our Son In Law died suddenly. Ken was a key part of the decision to buy the coach. He and our daughter Tina loved camping in their 38' fifth wheel. We planned several trips this summer to help us newbs learn the ropes. To say his premature passing has had major impact on the family would be a massive understatement. The change in our camping plans is significant, but minor compared to what Tina and the family are going through now. In memory of Ken, we will still hit the road but it will be a bit slower. All of us need to recover first.

Regards,

Dan.