Correction
The article “Servicing A Diesel Chassis” (December 2018, page 36) stated that when installing an oil filter, it should be tightened only by hand. However, in some cases an oil filter wrench is needed to tighten the filter properly. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Cruise Parking
I would like to know if anyone has a solution for parking or storing the RV when driving to a cruise terminal. There have been times when we would have liked to drive the RV to New York or Florida and take a one- or two-week cruise. Any suggestions out there?
John & Bobbie Pearson, F476695
Forest, Virginia
Protection For The Electrical System
Regarding the letter from Tony Hughes in the December 2018 “Readers Write” column (“Extra Care Required With Home Receptacle,” page 12), I suggest he use electrical surge protection from Progressive Industries. The Progressive Industries EMS 50 Amp unit is the very best device available.
It gives full protection from 240 volts or any electrical problem. It will not let you get bad power. Each time we plug into power, we are at great risk without this protection. The unit has saved our RV from electrical damage for many years. Your RV manufacturer does not provide this protection; you have to have it installed. The device is available at RV shows.
Bob Hamilton, F228235
Titusville, Florida
Editor’s note: For more information, visit www.progressiveindustries.net or call (800) 307-6702.
Shore Cable Confusion
I’m writing regarding RV Doctor Gary Bunzer’s reply in “Mismatched Shore Cable” (December 2018, “Tech Talk,” page 20). I think the answer may be misleading.
The member who asked the question said that the trailer salesman pointed to the three-prong connection on the side of the trailer and declared it was 30 amps, because of the three prongs he saw. I think the salesman was looking at a 50-amp twist-lock connection, which has only three prongs (instead of the usual four). The ground connection is built into the side of the twist-lock connection, so you see three prongs: two hots and a neutral.
David Brooks, F486755
Brandywine, Maryland
A Job Well Done
I would like to thank Mark Quasius for the excellent article he wrote regarding servicing a diesel motorhome (“Servicing A Diesel Chassis,” December 2018, page 36). I am 79 years old and still not afraid to take on some of these issues.
The main thing to consider is, you can do this. Sometimes, with a little help, it doesn’t take very long to get it done. I have a 1996 Country Coach Intrigue that has a 300-horsepower Cummins engine with 165,000 miles on it, on a Gillig chassis. It is in really good shape. I have changed the engine oil, oil filter, and air filter. One thing to remember is to wear some old clothes, a beanie hat, and gloves, because you’re going to get dirty.
The hardest thing you will need to do is get rid of the old, dirty oil.
Norm Hardy, F465177
Alta Loma, California
Remembering A Bus Nut
My dad, Bob Dickey, F59492, passed away on October 30, 2018. Dad was an enthusiastic FMCA member who served as national director for the Northwestern Bus Nuts chapter for many years.
He and my mom traveled the country attending rallies, visiting bus nut friends, and exploring new places. He helped convert his 1991 Prevost coach, doing all the electrical work himself.
Dad loved that coach, and some of his spirit went with it the day he sold it.
Mom and Dad had a tour routine when they showed the coach to non-bus nuts. Tour highlights were the water system; Mom’s closets compared to Dad’s closets; and the electrical panel with the “auto pilot” and “sonar” buttons.
I will always remember my dad fiddling with his “humpuckey drawer,” checking things in the cargo bays, or actually climbing in the cargo bay while assembling the electrical system.
Family and friends will surely miss him.
Sue Dickey, F59492D
St. George, Utah
Diesel Engine Relief
My wife and I are in our second diesel-pusher motorhome in 20 years. We just had our first need for engine repair. During the engine’s last service, it was determined that an exhaust manifold gasket was leaking. After a couple of visits to mechanics who told me politely they didn’t want to work on my motorhome, a helpful fellow camper told me about a shop in Gulfport, Mississippi.
I talked to the guys at TSI Diesel Worx, and they gave me a quote. When the parts came in, they fixed the coach in a day, and we were on our way. They were very knowledgeable about my Cummins, and their shop was very clean — and they kept my coach clean. At the end of the job, the charge was the exact same as the estimate.
The guys at TSI Diesel Worx knew their business and did what they said they would do. I also thought the charge was very reasonable. As most RVers have probably experienced, this is not always the end result in the motorhome service world. The shop is a mile north of Interstate 10 at exit 28. Contact: (228) 206-6273; www.tsidieselworx.com.
Mike & Trish McDonald, F281241
Flora, Mississippi
Thanks, Suncoast Designers
Two windows on our motorhome needed the seals replaced. Suncoast Designers was recommended to us, so we made an appointment to stop in on our way south. They are in Hudson, Florida (15050 Labor Place, Hudson, FL 34667; 727-868-2773; https://suncoastdesigners.com).
From our first contact by phone, followed by confirmation via email, we were impressed by their obvious commitment to customer service.
We were told we could come in early and that they had hookups (water and power) available. We anticipated a couple of spots, but they had a sizeable, level area with room for 20!
The repair started as a couple of cheerful and competent young men removed our windows, and the following day they were reinstalled, looking great. The windows were given a water test before we were free to leave. Everyone we were in contact with was professional and courteous, making it a pleasant experience. We recommend Suncoast Designers for anyone needing RV windows repaired.
Michael & Darby Goode, F362644
Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia
Cummins Works Quickly
On a recent trip to Niagara Falls, error codes began to display for our engine. We called Cummins Sales and Service (700 Aero Drive, Buffalo, NY 14225; 716-829-1700; https://salesandservice.cummins.com).
They got us in the next day as we were leaving the falls. They quickly diagnosed our problem (EGR valve) and offered to let us park overnight in their lot while waiting for the part the next day. They got really creative and found a local part source; they were motivated to get us back on the road as quickly as possible. They finished repairs the same day.
We were blown away by the professionalism and customer care. If you’re in the area, this is definitely the place to go.
Ed & Carol Medford, F464906
Georgetown, Texas