Breaking-in the new 77FC on Thanksgiving

[Brent Swartzentruber]

We are really excited about our new Wanderlodge. I got our new 1977
FC31 home last Saturday from Eugene, OR. The 900 mile drive home
was mostly a pleasure, though my ears where ringing after 12.5
hours. I averaged 10 mpg - mostly 60-63 mph. (I think I can do
better with practice).

here are some pictures of the new rig, my wife Hillary, and her
sister at the beach near Ventura, CA where we spent Thanksgiving
(bbq'd the turkey)
http://www.pbase.com/bajaroad/wanderlodge

I must admit the purchase was a stressful process. The generator
wasn't as new as suggested, the engine heaters don't work, the
instrument panel lights are mostly out, the tach doesn't work, the
speedo is off by about 5%, the front tires are about 8yrs old, the
storage compartment pans are rusting badly, and the previous owner
didn't know the ins & outs of the rig's systems.
The interior, the body & paint, brakes, engine, and trans all seem
in good shape and well maintained.

The generator worked fine after I got home. In fact I used it to
power my saw to trim a low hanging tree. But later in the week it
wasn't cranking over. I could here the starter clicking when I
toggled the switch, but no crank. I removed the starter this
morning and it is definitely shot. One of the permanent magnets is
broken, but I'm not sure if I did that while initially persuading
the starter to work with a few light taps with a wrench. So I will
replace the starter and see if that was the problem.
? Anyone have experience with an Onan non-OEM replacement starter.

The issue I am most determined to remedy, but fear could get
expensive, is the generator slide-mount. Whoever installed the Onan
did a hack job and didn't maintain the same level of mechanical
structure. I had to use a come-along to pull it out. The Onan
doesn't require as much overhead clearance, so I would like to raise
the whole system while I'm at it.
? Has anyone had experience with these slide supports

Brent
77FC31
Ventura, CA