Why the rebuilds?

[mbulriss]

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "whistles_n_bells"
wrote:
> Hope you don't mind the post – I'm still a Wannabe – but
> fortunate enough to still have the opportunity to "run."

Joe/Pappy,

Mind the post? Shoot I always pay attention to the voice of
experience. Post away. Your professional driving experiences help us
all be better owner/operators. That's what we're here for - to learn
from one another.

Mike Bulriss
1991 WB40 "Texas Minivan"
San Antonio, TX

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "whistles_n_bells"
wrote:
>
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> 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)
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