Why the rebuilds?

[whistles_n_bells]

I suppose one could compare the operation of a bus type motorhome –
Wanderlodge, Newell, Prevost – with the operation of our own bodies.
It takes good preventive maintenance and "smart running" and the
obligatory physicals.


If we sit around for a bit, then try to go out and run or do some
strenuous exercise without a good warm-up period, we are going to be
huffing and puffing for a while – hopefully not causing any damage.


All the working systems in the Birds – and some SOBs - are complex
and well engineered. Constant care is mandatory if longevity is to be
achieved. I have a neighbor who owns an Alpine (Western RV) with a 400
HP Cummins and Allison six-speed; however, it sits for months at a time
– it receives little "exercise" It's veins (waters
lines) suffer sitting idle, as do it's "lungs" (air systems
including dryer) also do not get to flex – fittings, seals, plugs
etc. Of course it's heart - that CAT, DD or Cummins - will suffer a
form of congestive heart failure from not running frequently. Yes, tires
need to flex continuously for a long and productive life. The man has
continuous problems with his coach – he doesn't run it enough. I
have suggested that he take it out on the Interstate and run it for an
hour once a week to let it stretch it's legs and breath.


During my many years OTR, taking care of my equipment was (is)
paramount. Although I did not (do not) perform major maintenance
functions, being aware of the condition of my equipment is part of
survival on the road. I was fortunate that I started fleet driving in
the fifties, we did not have cell phones, CB radios and the other
conveniences of communication that we enjoy today. When I left a
terminal on the start of a 400 mile trip, that coach had to be
up-to-snuff. It's no fun being broken down with 4o or so passengers
in the middle of nowhere – particularly in cold weather. As drivers,
we were sure to write-up mechanical discrepancies – and followed-up
on corrective action by our mechanics. Those habits stuck. The buses I
drive typically go anywhere from 300,000 to 500,000 miles between
rebuilds on the M11 Cummins – if they are run according to book, and
depending upon the experience level of the drivers – and their
compliance with operating procedures – and competent mechanics. We
do a lot of mountain driving, more two-lane roads than Interstates.
Keeps me young.


Granted, there are so many variables that come into play with each coach
– location, type of driving conditions (flat running, mountains),
weather, climate, storage, etc.


Hope you don't mind the post – I'm still a Wannabe – but
fortunate enough to still have the opportunity to "run."


Joe (Pappy) Hagan
St. George, UT
(Wannabe)













[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]