More Maceration
This letter is in reference to the “Macerator Mulling” letter in the June 2012 “Tech Talk” column (page 18). In the seven years of using the macerator in our motorhome, we have experienced much of what was discussed in the letter. We had a “jam” last year that was caused by a guest accidentally using a flushable wipe. After a thorough teardown and cleaning, we still had slow flow problems. We did not use the system for several weeks and finally called Jabsco/Flojet, the company that made the pump. A representative suggested that we replace the rubber impeller — it seems that it can deteriorate over time and become hard to turn. I put a new impeller in the unit, and it works like new. Jabsco recommended that I contact Halsted & Hoggan Inc. in Los Angeles (800-286-3303, www.pumpspecialists.com). The cost was $23.99 plus $12.99 shipping. The order code was 6303-0003P (Impeller). The local RV super center wanted about $65 plus tax and would have had to order it. I now keep a spare impeller with us just in case one is needed.
Hank Whitney, F155625
Custer, South Dakota
Thank you, Hank, for sharing this information.
Truck Tires?
Recently, I had a blowout on the outside drive tire on my 2007 Dynasty motorhome. I was close to a Flying J, and a mobile tire person was there. The tire he had was the right size, but it was a truck tire. The motorhome has Goodyear tires and now one Durun, which will be put on a tag wheel today. I called Goodyear to ask what the difference was between a truck tire and an RV tire. The answer I got was that the RV tire has less tread and therefore runs cooler, but the RV tire costs about 40 percent more than a comparable truck tire. This could be volume-related. I must admit that it does not make a lot of sense. Do you have a better answer? When it’s time to replace all the tires, why not put truck tires on the motorhome?
Jim Dean, F364374
Grass Valley, California
Obviously, I do not have the tire expertise that a Goodyear representative has, so I’m assuming the answer he gave you is correct. However, as to your other question, this has been asked several times during the tire seminars I’ve moderated at FMCA conventions. While truck tires have thicker treads, they also have heavier sidewalls, which could result in a harsher ride in your motorhome. Your tires might last longer, but your dishes, glassware, and sense of comfort probably wouldn’t survive as long.
In the FMCA.com Forums, a poster named DoggyDaddy sent Michelin a question concerning the difference between truck and RV tires. The response from a company representative indicated that Michelin makes many tires that can be used for both applications but that RV tires, such as the XRV, have emollients in the tire that will slow the aging process.
More Tire Info
Thank you for publishing the “Replacing Tires” letter in the March 2012 issue of Family Motor Coaching (page 14). I had a similar experience last year in Oregon, and here’s what I discovered.
My motorhome needed its third set of tires after 120,000 miles. A salesperson at Les Schwab Tires suggested we put on Toyo 265/75 – 22.5/14 tires as an alternative to the Michelin 255/80 – 22.5/14 XRV tires that were to be replaced. The Michelin tires were about $550 each and the Toyo tires were $375 each. After lots of questions from several dealers and tire experts, this is what I found:
- The rear dual spacing on the Toyo tires would be a little less than the Michelins but not enough to worry about.
- There is no weight and air pressure chart for Toyo, but I was told it is about the same for both.
- Front tire wheel cut should not be an issue, but the spacing where the wheels are turned to the maximum should be measured.
- The Toyo tires have more tread depth, but that should be expected since they are designed for trucks that are run constantly. The overall life (in years) for the Toyo tires is expected to be less and the tires are designed to run out of tread before aging out.
- The ride is softer with the Michelins and stiffer with the Toyo truck tires.
- The Michelin tires have UV protection but the Toyos don’t, since they are designed to wear out before aging out.
Based on the above findings, I opted for the Michelin tires primarily because of the softer ride and additional UV protection.
Bob Lundin, F370218
Loomis, California
Thank you for sharing your experiences.
Tranny Troubles
I have a 2000 Newmar Dutch Star motorhome that’s equipped with a Caterpillar diesel engine and an Allison transmission. At times when I touch the drive or reverse buttons on the gear selector, the buttons will just blink and the motorhome won’t go into gear. After awhile the gear will finally activate. Any ideas?
Forrest Trafton, F269760
Conifer, Colorado
I assume that all service and maintenance schedules have been met or exceeded since you purchased the motorhome. A blinking gear indicator could be the result of engine idle speed that is too high or low, or an electronic issue. You didn’t mention what the engine rpm is when the blinking occurs and what it is when it shifts normally. If the rpm is significantly different, that may be the cause. It doesn’t take much rpm difference to prevent the transmission from shifting into gear.
If you find that the engine idle rpm is okay, start your troubleshooting at the shift pad to check for diagnostic codes. These can be found in your Allison transmission owners manual or contact Allison Transmission’s Technical Assistance Call Center (800-252-5283; www.allisontransmission.com) to seek their advice.
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