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

[davidkerryedwards]

Congratulations on your purchase. It looks nice. Sounds like your generator
battery may
be bad. Do you have a switch tht connects the generator and engine batteries to
crank the
thing over when one set is weak? Did you try it when starting the generator?

Kerry82 Fc 35
Denver

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Brent Swartzentruber"
<swartzentruber1@...> wrote:
>
> 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
>

[Gardner Yeaw]

So why are you worried about an engine heater in California?
Definitely get rid of those old tires, or up your life insurance!
Check the age and condition on all of the batteries and replace as
needed. Maintenance is a fact of life, you didn't buy new so face
the music and buy, buy, buy what ever the Bird needs. It's not an
investment, it's a money pit that returns great pleasure to your
life.

Gardner
78FC33 (spending like a drunken sailor)

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "davidkerryedwards"
wrote:
>
> Congratulations on your purchase. It looks nice. Sounds like
your generator battery may
> be bad. Do you have a switch tht connects the generator and
engine batteries to crank the
> thing over when one set is weak? Did you try it when starting the
generator?
>
> Kerry82 Fc 35
> Denver
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Brent Swartzentruber"
> <swartzentruber1@> wrote:
> >
> > 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
> >
>

[Brent Swartzentruber]

Kerry - I used a battery charger on the Gen battery and it indicated
a full charge very quickly, so the problem didn't appear to be the
battery. My battery charger has a start mode, which I tried with
similar results (click but no crank). Next I cleaned all the power
cables and ground cables that connect to the Gen with no
improvement..



--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "davidkerryedwards"
wrote:
>
> Congratulations on your purchase. It looks nice. Sounds like
your generator battery may
> be bad. Do you have a switch tht connects the generator and
engine batteries to crank the
> thing over when one set is weak? Did you try it when starting the
generator?
>
> Kerry82 Fc 35
> Denver
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Brent Swartzentruber"
> <swartzentruber1@> wrote:
> >
> > 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
> >
>

[one_dusty_hoot]

Brent, The '77 FC31 did not have a slide-out, what
you have is an after market add-on.

Tach is attached to front of engine, could be DC gen.
The coupling could be broken as well.

Valve to circulate water may be off, manual valve.

Age on tires says that would be priority item.

Tire size larger than std could affect the speedo or
it may just be off.

Tapping a starter to get the last out of it is a
sign the brushes are worn out and the armature is dirty.

You'll Love the Adventure,
Welcome, and happy trails in your new to you bird.

Bob Janes, '87FC35, Greenville, SC

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Brent Swartzentruber"
<swartzentruber1@...> wrote:
>
> 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
>

[Henry Jay Hannigan]

---Don't you just love to hear all the things we have already been
thru that seemed like big things to us at the time! such as
the "water running out above the fuel tank." no problem, just turn
off the water because the tank is full!! whew!!
front tires are very important!! I like Garndners reply BEST SO
FAR..."spend like a drunken sailor." A money pit that gives
occasional pleasure.! I love it!! I love these birds!!
Wish I had one down here!! Back to poker. Sunday afternoon here.
Regards,
Hank Hannigan..In Australia..
90SP36
80FC31
Both stored in Vegas

In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Gardner Yeaw"
wrote:
>
> So why are you worried about an engine heater in California?
> Definitely get rid of those old tires, or up your life insurance!
> Check the age and condition on all of the batteries and replace as
> needed. Maintenance is a fact of life, you didn't buy new so face
> the music and buy, buy, buy what ever the Bird needs. It's not an
> investment, it's a money pit that returns great pleasure to your
> life.
>
> Gardner
> 78FC33 (spending like a drunken sailor)
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "davidkerryedwards"
> wrote:
> >
> > Congratulations on your purchase. It looks nice. Sounds like
> your generator battery may
> > be bad. Do you have a switch tht connects the generator and
> engine batteries to crank the
> > thing over when one set is weak? Did you try it when starting
the
> generator?
> >
> > Kerry82 Fc 35
> > Denver
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Brent Swartzentruber"
> > <swartzentruber1@> wrote:
> > >
> > > 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
> > >
> >
>

[Brent Swartzentruber]

Gardner,
The temperatures are supposed to drop to the low 60's later this
week, so yes I need that engine heater to work.
Seriously though, we camp in the snow so heat is a good thing. The
furnace heaters work well enough.

I do plan on buying tires, though these don't show signs of
cracking. Do they fail from the inside?

As for maintenance, I bought a maintenance-free Wanderlodge, so that
shouldn't be a problem.

Brent
Ventura,CA
77FC31


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Gardner Yeaw"
wrote:
>
> So why are you worried about an engine heater in California?
> Definitely get rid of those old tires, or up your life insurance!
> Check the age and condition on all of the batteries and replace as
> needed. Maintenance is a fact of life, you didn't buy new so face
> the music and buy, buy, buy what ever the Bird needs. It's not an
> investment, it's a money pit that returns great pleasure to your
> life.
>
> Gardner
> 78FC33 (spending like a drunken sailor)
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "davidkerryedwards"
> wrote:
> >
> > Congratulations on your purchase. It looks nice. Sounds like
> your generator battery may
> > be bad. Do you have a switch tht connects the generator and
> engine batteries to crank the
> > thing over when one set is weak? Did you try it when starting
the
> generator?
> >
> > Kerry82 Fc 35
> > Denver
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Brent Swartzentruber"
> > <swartzentruber1@> wrote:
> > >
> > > 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
> > >
> >
>

[one_dusty_hoot]

Brent, You brought home a winner, a maintenance-free
Wanderlodge is worth 10-15 grand more to you for the
first 3 years of operation.

Bob Janes, 87FC35, Greenville, SC


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Brent Swartzentruber"
<swartzentruber1@...> wrote:
>
> Gardner,
> The temperatures are supposed to drop to the low 60's later this
> week, so yes I need that engine heater to work.
> Seriously though, we camp in the snow so heat is a good thing. The
> furnace heaters work well enough.
>
> I do plan on buying tires, though these don't show signs of
> cracking. Do they fail from the inside?
>
> As for maintenance, I bought a maintenance-free Wanderlodge, so
that
> shouldn't be a problem.
>
> Brent
> Ventura,CA
> 77FC31
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Gardner Yeaw"
> wrote:
> >
> > So why are you worried about an engine heater in California?
> > Definitely get rid of those old tires, or up your life insurance!
> > Check the age and condition on all of the batteries and replace
as
> > needed. Maintenance is a fact of life, you didn't buy new so face
> > the music and buy, buy, buy what ever the Bird needs. It's not an
> > investment, it's a money pit that returns great pleasure to your
> > life.
> >
> > Gardner
> > 78FC33 (spending like a drunken sailor)
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "davidkerryedwards"
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > Congratulations on your purchase. It looks nice. Sounds like
> > your generator battery may
> > > be bad. Do you have a switch tht connects the generator and
> > engine batteries to crank the
> > > thing over when one set is weak? Did you try it when starting
> the
> > generator?
> > >
> > > Kerry82 Fc 35
> > > Denver
> > >
> > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Brent Swartzentruber"
> > > <swartzentruber1@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > 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
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

[davidkerryedwards]

Mine starts pretty easily down into the 20's without using the block heater. It
will smoke
out the neighborhood for blocks around for about 15 minutes though. The heater
makes
for less smoke on start up. Make sure you have plenty of PowerServe in the tank
or the
appropriate mixture of #1 and #2 diesel in cold weather. Since you have a gas
generator,
you will always have the option of starting the generator and using the block
heater before
starting the CAT.

Kerry
82 FC 35
Denver

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Brent Swartzentruber"
<swartzentruber1@...> wrote:
>
> Gardner,
> The temperatures are supposed to drop to the low 60's later this
> week, so yes I need that engine heater to work.
> Seriously though, we camp in the snow so heat is a good thing. The
> furnace heaters work well enough.
>
> I do plan on buying tires, though these don't show signs of
> cracking. Do they fail from the inside?
>
> As for maintenance, I bought a maintenance-free Wanderlodge, so that
> shouldn't be a problem.
>
> Brent
> Ventura,CA
> 77FC31
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Gardner Yeaw"
> wrote:
> >
> > So why are you worried about an engine heater in California?
> > Definitely get rid of those old tires, or up your life insurance!
> > Check the age and condition on all of the batteries and replace as
> > needed. Maintenance is a fact of life, you didn't buy new so face
> > the music and buy, buy, buy what ever the Bird needs. It's not an
> > investment, it's a money pit that returns great pleasure to your
> > life.
> >
> > Gardner
> > 78FC33 (spending like a drunken sailor)
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "davidkerryedwards"
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > Congratulations on your purchase. It looks nice. Sounds like
> > your generator battery may
> > > be bad. Do you have a switch tht connects the generator and
> > engine batteries to crank the
> > > thing over when one set is weak? Did you try it when starting
> the
> > generator?
> > >
> > > Kerry82 Fc 35
> > > Denver
> > >
> > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Brent Swartzentruber"
> > > <swartzentruber1@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > 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
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

[Gardner Yeaw]

Brent,
I missed out on that 'maintenance free' option, so I bought the
extended warranty kit (tools, wire, blueprints, more tools, fuses,
10,000 watt flashlight, Advil, Beer, more Advil, more beer,
etc..etc...)

Gardner
78fc33

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Brent Swartzentruber"
<swartzentruber1@...> wrote:
>
> Gardner,
> The temperatures are supposed to drop to the low 60's later this
> week, so yes I need that engine heater to work.
> Seriously though, we camp in the snow so heat is a good thing.
The
> furnace heaters work well enough.
>
> I do plan on buying tires, though these don't show signs of
> cracking. Do they fail from the inside?
>
> As for maintenance, I bought a maintenance-free Wanderlodge, so
that
> shouldn't be a problem.
>
> Brent
> Ventura,CA
> 77FC31
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Gardner Yeaw"
> wrote:
> >
> > So why are you worried about an engine heater in California?
> > Definitely get rid of those old tires, or up your life insurance!
> > Check the age and condition on all of the batteries and replace
as
> > needed. Maintenance is a fact of life, you didn't buy new so
face
> > the music and buy, buy, buy what ever the Bird needs. It's not
an
> > investment, it's a money pit that returns great pleasure to your
> > life.
> >
> > Gardner
> > 78FC33 (spending like a drunken sailor)
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "davidkerryedwards"
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > Congratulations on your purchase. It looks nice. Sounds like
> > your generator battery may
> > > be bad. Do you have a switch tht connects the generator and
> > engine batteries to crank the
> > > thing over when one set is weak? Did you try it when starting
> the
> > generator?
> > >
> > > Kerry82 Fc 35
> > > Denver
> > >
> > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Brent
Swartzentruber"
> > > <swartzentruber1@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > 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
> > > >
> > >
> >
>