Thanks to all on forum!

[Jon_C]

Hello all!!! Ive been reading and learning from everyone on this wonderful forum since i bought my first DP in February 2018 when i retired. It is a 1998 HR 34 Ft with 5.9 cummins isb and allison md3060 with 64k miles in need of a lot of TLC but structurally in excellent condition. Inside and outside finish look great.

Im an experienced jack of all trades with electronics degree and also worked for R V dealer for 10 years and automotive mechanic so im familiar with all systems onboard (good thing because almost all onboard were broke or worn out needing repair)

Ive been an RV’er my entire life and always dreamed of traveling the country in a class A and in a few years it looks like my dream will finally come true.

I wanted to thank everyone on this forum , this is my first diesel and i learned almost everything i know about the isb from the cummins forum, or at least enough to get me familiar enough with what to look for ( KDP, lift pump, leaking head under thermostat etc)

Since purchase ive worked on the coach almost every day and spent around $30k on upgrades and repairs including:
Repairs to: dash air and heater, new head on motor with arp studs and cometic gasket both are the best money can buy ( head was cracked and leaking antifreeze) newcoils for fridge (rvcool. Com is great) new Convention microwave, all new hoses, belts, exhaust manifold (steed speed ceramic coated cnc machined - awesome and guaranteed for life not to crack. cleaned and cleaned cac and radiator in place ( wow what a dirty job) , pressure tested cac and held for 45 Min wow, changed all fluids including transynd in the Allison , double flush cooling and fill with 9 Gallons of final charge coolant, removed and cleaned fuel tank and propane tank and all new hoses, new right front ride height control valve ( AMAZING the difference this made in driveability. Old valve was sticking and slow leak out the bleed port, so using air and it was keeping the left side lower than right front side and not responding like it should. ($56 on amazon) new holset hx35 turbocharger with banks tuner and gauges. Added iss pro fuel gauge after second filter ( the vp44 does NOT like fuel pressure greater than 15 psig contrary to what i read online - causes hard starting every start, hot or cold) new hwh right front jack - would not retract, new sst exhaust ( still under construction) new Michellin tires and automatic balancers, tireminder tpms, wireless camera system with 8 cameras, wow sure is nice to have almost 180 deg rear and side view and 1 in engine bay, and many other small things too numerous to mention.

Ill attach a few pictures in another post , if i can snswer questions please let me know i want to contribute back to this forum that has already given me so much.

My goal is to make her ( nickname Big E) for Endeavor, like new and be able to safely and reliably go wherever we want to go.

[Jon_C]

Heres some pics

[Petro]

Jon;


We are glad you joined us. The pictures were great. You are doing a great job of updating your HR. You can take pride in your upgrade project. Post often and share your RV adventures with us. Enjoy the forums.

Don

[Mr_D]

Quite a project and lookin good!

[Jon_C]

Glad to be here!

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Congrats on the new rig! Keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[TonyDi]

Glad to have you here in the forum with us. You're gonna like it here.

Looks like you have a good handle on everything. Thanks for the pics.

Happy Trails!!!

[Green D]

Great job on that engine looks like new!
Congrats and welcome.

[saddlesore]

None Too shabby there sport!

[momdoc]

Welcome and wow what a job you are doing. I wish I were that handy and capable. The pics look great. Keep up the good work on a good looking coach and enjoy the adventure.


You are joining a good group of folks here.

[Jon_C]

Thank tou all for the kind words!

Planning to tour the US and Alaska in 2021 when my son graduates high school. Will take lesser trips until then until confidence in the reliability of thr coach.

I saved everything i removed as spare parts, almost fills up one of the huge side compartments!

[followingsea]

Originally Posted by Jon_C

Hello all!!! .... with 64k miles in need of a lot of TLC but structurally in excellent condition.

$30k on upgrades and repairs including:

Jon

I was about to tell you your ISB was hardly broken in at 64K.

Here is my advice. Spend more on diesel fuel and less on upgrades. Get out and enjoy. You can not avoid all risk.

For example, I was passed by a car on a road under construction because I left I was not following the semi too close. End result is a damaged windshield and destroyed dash ac condenser caused by the gravel thrown up by the car.

I had the advantage of a well maintained ISB with 127k on the engine when it was new to us. I changed the oil and fuel filters before hitting the road. I made a list and starting upgrades and scheduled maintenance at base camps.

In 30k miles, two repairs for about $600 while on the road. Carry a spare lift pump. Also make sure your genny is ready for a few days of waiting for a spare part to arrive.

[followingsea]

Jon

Skip the advice about hitting the road. Our son was in college when we went full time. It was still a shock not having a house with your bedroom.

[slowmachine]

That’s a nice looking coach. I think it’s just the right size for the 5.9, and the light-colored cabinetry looks great. Wood flooring in place of the old carpet is a nice bonus.