A Look at Motorcoach Coolants and your Cooling System, Part 2 by James Sonntag

A Look at Coolant and Your Country Coach Cooling System – Part 2

by James Sonntag, CC owner, a retired engineer from a major oil company

*SHERRY'S Note: Mr. Sonntag wrote this article back in 2004. Recently when I contacted him regarding sharing his article in the Country Coach Friends Inc. Club newsletter, he agreed to my reprint of the original article, with this one request. Some things may have changed over the years, and so it would be good to have someone give the article a good read-through. Country Coach Corp's David Diamond and Doug Beaudry were gracious enough to share their time and attention giving it a review for me. Thanks guys, www.countrycoach.com) Part 1 of Mr. Sonntag's article was posted previously here in.

Maintaining the Coolant in Your Coach – Coolant service procedures and coolant service life are determined by the coolant type now in your coach. Country Coaches built prior to model year 2000 and “early” production during the 2000 model year had their engine cooling systems originally filled with “Heavy Duty, Partially Formulated Coolant to which SCA as added” (Type 2), or with “Heavy Duty, Fully Formulated Coolant” (Type 3) depending on the age of the coach. As the life of these coolant types is only two years, your original coolant should have been flushed and replaced by now.

At the next scheduled replacement, you should change to one of the new Heavy Duty Extended Life Coolants if you have not already done so. Check with your engine manufacturer (see Additional Reading at the end of this article) to determine their extended life coolant recommendation, either Hybrid or OAT.

Coach’s built as “late production” during the 2000 model year and thereafter had their engine cooling system originally filled with Fleetguard ES Compleat PG. This is a “hybrid, extended service interval coolant” which, when properly maintained need not be replaced until testing shows condemning limits are exceeded. This coolant is expected to last four to six years.

For model year 2000, the identification number of your coach will identify the original engine coolant. The following coach numbers are the first to use Fleetguard ES Compleat PG. This can be confirmed by the coolant color, which is “blue.”

Model Name                                 Serial Number

Magna, Affinity, Concept              5845

Intrigue                                         11061

Allure                                            30493

Onan generators, until 2004, have been supplied to Country Coach with either “Heavy Duty Fully Formulated Coolant” or “Heavy Duty Partially Formulated Coolant.” The life of these coolants is two years. At the next scheduled replacement, changing to one of the new Heavy Duty Extended Life Coolant is recommended. The coolant should be of the same brand and type as used in the coach main engine.

During production of model year 2005 coaches, determine which coolant you have by taking a coolant sample from the Onan’s coolant recovery tank (but only when the Onan Engine is cold) and look at the color. If the color is “blue,” you have the new ES Fleetguard Compleat PG coolant.

All heavy-duty diesel engine cooling systems, including those filled with Extended Service Interval coolant, require periodic inspection and maintenance. You, as the coach owner, are the best advocate for proper cooling system maintenance and for detecting early warning signs of cooling system failure.
If you perform your own maintenance, remember that hot cooling systems can be very hazardous when opened. Never remove the radiator cap or otherwise open a cooling system until the system has cooled to ambient temperature. All required coolant tests, discussed below, are to be conducted with the coolant temperature between 50-degrees Fahrenheit and 130-degrees Fahrenheit unless a coolant manufacturer’s directions specifically say otherwise.

The following general recommendations are good practice:

1. Look on the ground beneath the engine and radiator each morning before traveling. Coolant (or other vital fluids) which have leaked on the ground overnight invite your further inspection as to their origin and cause. If you do find a leak, laying a newspaper on the ground may help identify what fluid is leaking, and its origin.
   
2. When checking engine oil, take two seconds to visually scan the engine compartment radiator hoses for unusual bulges or cracks, hose clamps for seepage and leas, and belts for abnormal wear, fraying or cracks.
   
3. Periodically check the radiator and coolers exterior for debris which are blocking airflow, such as as leaves and bugs.
   
4. When the radiator cap is opened to top off the coolant, visually inspect the radiator cap and radiator neck for the presence of engine oil or fuel. A black, oily ring invites further inspection by a qualified diesel mechanic at the earliest possible date.
   
5. When topping off a low coolant level, never mix coolants of different types. Also, stay with the same coolant brand if possible. Know the brand name and the type (i.e. heavy duty fully formulated, extended service hybrid, or extended service OAT) of the coolant currently used in your main engine and our Onan generator. (Attach notes to the radiator filler necks as a reminder).   Consider carrying a few extra gallons of your coolant on board for emergencies and for topping off. (And should you ever need more coolant and the same brand is not available, your container will help you match to other coolant brands of the same coolant type and specification.)

   For coaches using ES Fleetguard Compleat PG, pre-mixed 1-gallon bottles are available as Fleetguard P/N CC2835.

6. Top off only with fully formulated, pre-mixed coolants. These are coolants which do not require the addition of SCA or of water before use.

Use fully formulated products labeled with the words “Premix” or “prediluted” or “coolant.” Products labeled “concentrate” require dilution with equal parts water. High purity, demineralized water is not always available. Premixed products avoice the temptation to use untested tap water.

Again, for coaches using ES Fleetguard Compeat PG, premixed 1-gallon bottles are available as Fleetguard P/N CC2835.

7. Have a coolant sample drawn at least twice per year from the main engine and the Onan generator. Draw the sample from the drain cock at the bottom of the radiator for the main engine and at the coolant drain plug for the Onan generator. (Do not sample from the radiator expansion tank.) Request service personnel to perform the following and to include all test results on the service order.
   
1. Visually inspect the coolant to insure the color is correct, the coolant is clear, and there is no debris or sludge. The coolant sample must not indicate contamination by engine oil, fuel, grease, solder bloom, silica gel, rust or scale. Note that if the coolant is found to be contaminated, the coolant must be drained and, before refilling, the cooling system must be cleansed using a cleaner specific to the contaminant(s).
   
2. Test the coolant sample for glycol concentration (i.e. “freeze point”) and for SCA concentrations (Note: OA coolant does not require SCA testing). Use coolant manufacturer test strips which are specific to your coolant. (Note: if possible, freeze point should be determined by testing with a refractometer. Test strips alone are not precise indicators of freeze point, although they do give an indication.)

For Fleetguard ES Complete PG coolant use Fleetguard Coolant Test Strips, P/N CC2602B. Follow the instructions provided with the test strips. Note that the test strips are dated and that out of date test strips will give erroneous results.

3. Based on test results, replenish the additives by using a conventional SCA or an Extended Service Additive (ESA), in liquid form or as “need-release” coolant filters. Each coolant manufacturer has its own system for determining the amount of SCA/ESA to be added. Typically the amount is based on interval since the last cooling system service (miles or engine hours) and on the capacity of the cooling system. Simply follow the coolant manufacturer’s directions. Recall that if the coolant manufacturer offers you a “conventional SCA” and an ESA for your specific coolant, the ESA is the better choice.

For coaches using Fleetguard ES Compleat PG coolant, replenish additives using the Fleetguard ESA. “ES Extender,” using extended service interval coolant., the chemically free filter is Fleetguard P/S WF2077. Note that filter WF2077, even though chemically free, should not be used with extended service coolant. Its filter element is not designed to be in service 1-year.

Hydro-Hot Heat Systems

  The Hydro-Hot Hydronic Heat System, manufactured by Vehicle Systems, Inc, does not use engine coolant. It uses a PG-based “heat transfer fluid” which has been approved by the FDA as “Generally Recognized As Sale” or “GRA”. Never use Antifreeze/Coolant designed for Automotive/Diesel applications and never use RV/Marine Antifreeze as heat transfer fluid in the Hydro-Hot System.

  Suitable products with the required FDA Approval are available under the names of Virginia Pipe Saver, AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant, Enviroguard, NoBurst, Safe-T-Therm, and CAMCO Boiler Antifreeze for Hydronic Heating and Cooling Systems.   If you can not find one of these products locally, you can order the transfer fluid through a trusted service center or order it from the Hydro-Hot manufacturer Vehicle Systems Inc at 800-685-4298. They offer the product in 1-gallon containers as Part No. MSX-300-270.

Additional Reading Heavy-duty diesel engine manufacturers have detailed their specific engine coolant and coolant service requirements. For those who wish to read more on this subject, the following information is recommended.

Cummins: Purchase the most recent copy of Service Bulletin No. 3666132, “Cummins Coolant Requirements and Maintenance” by calling the Cummins Customer Assistance Center at 800-343-7357. ( A copy of this document was not available at the Cummins website at press time.)

Caterpillar: Obtain a copy of Caterpillar Service Bulletin SEBU6385-05, “Operation and Maintenance Manual, Caterpillar On-Highway Diesel Truck Engine Fluids Recommendations,” from a Caterpillar dealer. This document is available on the interet as www.cat.com. Find it by putting your browser on “Services” then clicking “Parts and Services” from the drop down menu. On the next page, click on “Service Publications” (in the list on the left-side of the page). Then click on “Caterpillar On-Highway Diesel Truck Engine.”

Detroit Diesel: Obtain a copy of Publication 7SE298, “Coolant Selections.” This document is available on the internet as www.detroitdiesel.com. Find it by putting your browser on “Support,” then put your browser on “On Highway” from the drop down menu. This will cause a fly-out to appear on the right, reading, “Technician’s Guides.” Click on “Technician’s Guides” On the Technicians Guide page, click on the Guide “Coolant Selections.”

Fleetguard has good information on their website www.fleetguard.com, and may be contacted at 800-22-FILTERS.                                                   -END@

Coolant and Your Country Coach Cooling System – Part 1

A Look at Coolant and Your Country Coach Cooling System – Part 1

by James Sonntag, CC owner, a retired engineer from a major oil company, and printed with permission

* Mr. Sonntag wrote this article back in 2004. Recently when I contacted him regarding sharing his article with my Country Coach Friends, he agreed reprint of the original article, with this one request: Some things may have changed over the years and so it would be good to have someone give the article a good read-through with an eye to what might need an additional note added to give more current information. Country Coach Corporation’s David Diamond and Doug Beaudry (www.countrycoach.com) provided a review of the article as originally written.  I appreciate their attention to the article and am happy to share Part 1 of Mr. Sonntag’s article here. The rest of the article will follow soon.

Maintenance of engine coolant is often neglected until an engine problem causes a breakdown and interrupts your vacation. Although you might think that neglect leads only to engine coolant overheating, one coolant manufacturer claims that 40% of all engine problems can be traced to improper coolant maintenance. Please be aware that maintaining the engine’s coolant quality is of equal importance to maintaining the engine’s lubricating oil quality and the engine’s fuel quality.

This article will tell you what you need to know about coolants and what you need to do to properly maintain your Country Coach cooling system (pre-2005 model year). (Recommendations apply to both the main engine and the Onan generator.) Also discussed is the special heat transfer fluid used in the Hydro-Hot Hydronic Heat systems.

What is Coolant?

The liquid in the engine radiator is called “engine coolant” if it is composed of three things:

1)  Water (about 47%)

The best water for coolant is either distilled or de-ionized. It must not contain high mineral concentrations, particularly calcium or magnesium, which can react with coolant additives to form sediment and scale.

The worst possible water is that which has been “softened.” Softened water is typically made by substituting the sodium for the calcium in the water. Sodium (salt) is corrosive to all metals. Never use “softened” water in your cooling system.

2)  Glycol (about 50%)

Often called “antifreeze,” Glycol provides freeze protection by lowering the freezing point of a glycol/water mixture, and also acts to increase the boiling point of a glycol/water mixture. Both actions are beneficial for coolant.

The most commonly used glycol is ethylene glycol (“EG”). This has been the predominant glycol in antifreeze for many years. However EG, when ingested, is toxic to humans and animals.

In recent years a more environmentally friendly glycol, propylene glycol (“PG”), has gained favor. Pure PG is generally regarded as safe by the FDA. A PG-based antifreeze reduces the risk of poisoning the environment. (But don’t drink PG coolant! Coolant contains additive which are harmful if swallowed!)

Note that products sold as “antifreeze” are often a concentrate. Before use, concentrates must be diluted with equal parts of water, which should be either distilled or de-ionized.

3)  Additives (about 3%)

These act to protect the engine cooling system from rust and corrosion, scale and mineral deposits, foaming, cavitation, and pitting of the cylinder-bore liner where it is exposed to the coolant.

The additive package used in coolant designed for gasoline engines is not formulated to protect heavy-duty diesel engines. In particular, it fails to protect against cavitation and pitting of the cylinder-bore liner.

If all the necessary additives for heavy-duty diesel engine service are in the coolant, the coolant is called “fully formulated.” Some coolants are only “partially formulated” because they may also be used in other applications. Partially formulated coolants require the addition of supplemental coolant additive (SCA) – also known as diesel coolant additive (DCA) – to make them fully formulated before the coolant is used in heavy-duty diesel engines.

Additives in coolant will wear down from normal use, thereby depleting their concentrations. Additive concentrations can also be reduced by topping off the cooling system with water causing undesirable dilution, and a loose radiator cap or a low coolant level in the surge tank will reduce the coolant additives through oxidation. Because additives wear down and because additives can be diluted through improper maintenance, additive concentrations must be monitored throughout the life of the coolant. When tests show additive concentrations are low, additives must be replenished or the cooling system will be susceptible to damage.

On the other hand, an over-concentration of additives will also harm the cooling system. Over-concentrated additives will “drop out” of the coolant, forming a sludge or gel which can block radiator tubes and/or settle in the bottom of the cylinder block.

Coolant types and their identification

Coolants come in a rainbow of colors. You can find green, blue, purple, pink, and red to name a few. Unfortunately no commercial standard has been adopted for each color’s meaning. Matching colors will not guarantee a match of coolant types even if the coolant is from the same manufacturer.

Fortunately there are only four basic types of coolants in use. To properly identify each type, you need to closely read the label on the coolant’s container. The identification is made by noting the testing standards which the coolant meets or exceeds.

Coolant testing standards are primarily set by two organizations. The first is the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM). The second is the Technology and Maintenance Council of American Trucking Association, which issues “recommended practices” (abbreviated RP or TMC RP). If there is no statement on the container which begins, “meets or exceeds ASTM,” and/or “meets or exceeds RP,” then look for another coolant brand.

The four types of coolant are:

1)  “Automatic Antifreeze and Coolants”

Designed for use in passenger cars and light-duty trucks, these are characterized as “meeting ASTM specifications D-3306” and/or major auto makers’ testing standards, but none of the testing standards for heavy duty coolants. This type should never be used in a heavy-duty diesel engine.

2)  “Heavy Duty, Partially Formulated Coolant”

Also known as “Heavy Duty, Low Silicate Antifreeze” to which supplemental coolant additive, or SCA, must be added before use as a diesel engine coolant. These are characterized as “meeting ASTM specification D-4985.” Although this partially formulated coolant type is becoming obsolete, it is the “conventional” type of coolant that has been used in heavy-duty diesel engines for many years.

The SCA charge may be added as a liquid, as a tablet, or as contained within an engine coolant filter. The amount is determined by the coolant and/or engine manufacturer’s recommendation, typically based on the capacity of the cooling system.

During the life of the coolant, the SCA concentration levels need to be frequently monitored, with lost SCA replenished on a “test-to-add” basis. Testing is typically done with “test strips” available from the coolant manufacturer which are dipped into a sample of the coolant. The resulting color of the strip is compared to a color table to determine the result. Test results and manufacturers instructions determine the amount of SCA to add.

Testing is typically done at each oil change or every six months, whichever comes first. If needed, additional SCA is added either by using a liquid SCA, or by using a new coolant filter containing SCA. Note that if liquid SCA is used, the coolant filter should be “chemically free.” Typical service live of this coolant is two years.

3).“Heavy Duty, Fully Formulated Coolant”

This coolant type is ready to use right out of the container as it is pre-charged with SCA. It is characterized as “meeting ASTM specifications D6210 plus TMC specifications RP-329 (for EG); or ASTM D-6211 plus TMC specifications RP-330 (for PG).”

Recently specification D-6211 for PG was withdrawn and subsequently incorporated into ASTM specifications D-6210. Future packaging for PG coolant will read as meeting specification ASTM D-6210 plus TMC specifications RP-330.

Fully formulated coolants also require monitoring of SCA concentration levels. Lost SCA is replenished on a “test-to-add” basis, in the same manner as partially formulated coolants. Typically the test is performed at each oil change or every six months, whichever comes first.

Typical service life of this coolant type is two years. However, the life of this coolant type may be significantly extended by replenishing lost additives with an Extended Service Additive (ESA) instead of a “conventional SCA.” An ESA is similar to a conventional SCA in chemical make-up. The difference is that an ESA is specifically formulated to replenish depleted coolant additives based on their relative depletion rates. Replenishing additives using an ESA (versus a conventional SCA) minimizes the over-concentration of additives which are slowest to deplete, thereby extending coolant life.

Not all coolant manufacturers offer an ESA for this coolant type. However, when available, the use of an ESA is a better choice than the use of a conventional SCA. Check the product listing of your coolant manufacturer to see if an ESA is available for your specific coolant. Also check for the procedural steps to add an ESA to your coolant in place of an SCA as they may be different. ESA is available in a liquid form and also as a “need release” filter.  If the liquid form of ESA is to be used. Select a coolant filter which is “chemically free.”

4)  “Heavy Duty, Fully Formulated, Extended Service Interval Coolant’

     This coolant type is also ready to use right out of the container as it is pre-charged with SCA. It uses a different chemical coolant. The formulation is based on an “organic acid technology” abbreviated as OAT. The OAT advantage is a much slower rate of additive depletion versus conventional additives of non-organic acids.

     Extended service interval coolants can be found in two forms, depending on how much organic acid is used. Where the additive package is a mixture of conventional additives and OAT additives, the coolant is called “Hybrid.” Where the additives are 70% to 90% organic acids the coolant is simply called “OAT.”

A) Hybrid, Heavy Duty, Fully Formulated, Extended Service Interval Coolant”

     This coolant type is characterized as meeting the same ASTM and RP specifications as the “Heavy-Duty, Fully Formulated Coolant, Pre-charged with SCA,” listed above AND as meeting RP-338, the “extended Service Interval Coolant” specification. This coolant also meets Cummins Engineering Standard CES-14603.

     SCA testing must be performed at least twice per year. To replenish additives, use only an ESA (never a conventional SCA). Typically the ESA is added once per year. The amount of ESA will be based on test results and the coolant manufacturer’s recommendation. Additive replenishment may be done by either liquid ESA or by “ESA need release” coolant filters.

     Properly maintained, this coolant is designed to last until either testing or visual inspection shows that condemning limits have been reached. This is estimated to be four to six years.

B)  OAT, Heavy Duty, Fully Formulated, Extended Service Interval Coolant

     This coolant type is the newest available formulation. It is not yet uniquely defined by ASTM or RP specifications, but rather by specifications from the major diesel engine manufacturers.

          Detroit Diesel: 7SE298 9804

          Caterpillar: EC-1

          Cummins: CES4603

     OAT coolant manufacturers indicate that there is no need for periodic SCA testing. However, after two to three years of service (depending on the coolant manufacturer), the only additive ever needed is a liquid “extender,” or a new need-release coolant filter.

     Properly maintained, this coolant need not be changed until it reaches the end of its estimated 4- to 6-years service life, or until it will not pass visual inspection for contaminants.

     Note, however, that if this coolant is diluted by other coolant types, the extended life properties will be lost and the coolant will have only a two year life.

To Be Continued in Part 2 which addresses Maintaining Coolants, Hydro-Hot and other information.

Country Coach Glamping, Now this is Camping!

Glamping...Camping in comfort...and traveling between 'camping' locations in the seat of luxury. If that's your definition of Glamping, then DEFINITELY anyone seeing America, from the cockpit of a Country Coach qualifies!

Take Jerry OConnor, longtime Country Coach cheereleader and owner of a Country Coach Prevost Conversion. He divides his time between Kerrville Texas' Buckhorn Lake Resort (where he owns a lot that includes a casita with an actual wine cellar), a pond with is pet koi fish and an amazing upscale "neighborhood" in The Buckhorn's destination resort, and their motorcoach lot complete at Desert Shores Motorcoach Resort--the pinnacle of luxury motorcoach resorts developed by Bob Lee in Indio California. While there, they enjoy their customized casita, beautiful back yard water feature and the soothing sounds of the water channel flowing past their home....not too mention the gym, lounge, and all the amenities a luxury motorcoach resort provides.

Jerry and Sherry OConnor cover the miles in traveling style to Country Coach Friends Inc club rallies (be it in Oklahoma, Texas, Michigan, Oregon or...) and Prevost Jewels club events (for Prevost owners), or any of the other half dozen motorcoach clubs he and wife hold membership in. The enjoy the passing landscape and roadside attractions from the panoramic Country Coach  cockpit while surrounded by luxurious accommodations comparable to a 5-star hotel...

Traveling in style, wherever the highway takes them!

What better way to explore this great nation, from Texas hill country, to California desert, to Oregon coast to mountain high locations, or verdant valleys like those found in the south Willamette valley in the Linn/Lane county area in Oregon. The full pass through bays in these luxury motorcoaches are PERFECT for transporting their newest discoveries of world class Oregon pinot gris' or other favorite wines with them on the road...

Glamorous Luxury Camping. That defines Country Coach travel perfectly...with all the luxuries of a highend home built into their condominiums on wheels, they take their creature comforts with them, wherever they park for the night.

These self-contained Class A luxury motorhomes in lengths of 34' - 45' with up to four slideout rooms have all the equipment to dry camp in style at a rally site (like the upcoming CCFI Friendship Rally in August) or in a remote wilderness area enjoying America's natural wonders....

At other times the OConnors 'glamping' is with more luxurious accommodations parked at Crown Villa Resort in OR, or Heritage Motorcoach Resort in Alabama, Buckhorn Lake Resort in TX, or Desert Shores Motorcoach Resort in CA...

Ask a the OConnors or any owner of a Highline Motorcoach  about their lifestyle and they'll be quick to reply, "Now THIS is camping!"

$12,000 Raised for CMN by Country Coach Friends Inc Spring Rally in Texas

Country Coach Friends Inc Motorcoach Club Rally in Kerrville Raises $12,000 for Children’s Miracle Network
June 4, 2013 Junction City, OR—Country Coach Friends Incorporated, an International chapter of Family Motor Coach Association, held their Spring Rally at Buckhorn Lake Resort in Kerrville, Texas May 14-19. Six days of fun were enjoyed, organized by rally hosts SW VP David Twilley and his wife Jean as well as club President, Jerry OConnor and his wife Sherry. All had a great time reconnecting with old friends as well as making new ones while enjoying Texas hill country, great music, and great food.

Many thanks to all who made this a memorable event and to all that participated in the festivities and auction to benefit the ill children served by the Children's Hospital of San Antonio, the Children's Miracle Network hospital in this area. The CMN in this area saw 150,000 children last year with 250 of these children coming from Kerrville. In total $12,000 was raised by this group gathering from nine states to help the hospital in their efforts to bring hope and healing for the children and families throughout south and central Texas.

Many Oregon Businesses contributed sponsor monies to help offset the rally expenses for the Spring Rally. Among the Oregon businesses were Oregon Motorcoach Services and Premier RV Services. Country Coach Corporation sent doorprizes for the event as did Carr Industries of Veneta Oregon. Many other businesses across the nation also sent sponsor monies, techs, seminar presenters, or doorprizes to help make the rally a huge success!

Country Coach Friends Incorporated (CCFI) is a motorcoach owners club open to owners of all brands of motorhomes. Wherever the club rallies, a local charity is selected to benefit from the rally’s fundraising efforts, sharing generously with the communities in which they rally. For more information about CCFI, visit www.countrycoachfriendsincorporated.com

Next Up: Country Coach Friends Inc 3rd Annual Friendship Rally in Albany Oregon August 21-25. Junction City  Local Aid and God's Storehouse of Harrisburg are the two local food banks that will benefit from that rally's fundraising efforts!

 

10 Facts about Oregon You May Not Know... Discover Oregon!

Discover Oregon! Come Rally in the Beautiful Northwest.

"Oregon is a diverse land of many landscapes, from rugged seacoasts, to steep mountain ranges, to deserts, volcanoes, and waterfalls. Hike along Oregon's beaches, visit Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States, visit more than 180 state parks, and 13 national forests. Oregon has nine historic lighthouses standing along its coastline and is home to more ghost towns than any other state. Explore the natural wonders of the Cascade Mountain Range, with its many volcanic peaks, and travel along the Willamette River Valley, renowned for its fishing, hiking and scenic drives. Whether you visit Oregon to explore its natural beauty, historical significance, or visit its cultured metropolitan cities, you'll find it here in this beautiful state of the Pacific Northwest.” –Kathy R. Weiser

10 FACTS ABOUT OREGON YOU MIGHT NOT HAVE KNOWN!

Excerpted  from  http://www.legendsofamerica.com/or-mainpage.html

1 - At 8,000 feet deep Hells Canyon is the deepest river gorge in North America.

2 - Up until the 1970s it was illegal to show movies or attend car races on Sundays in Eugene.

3 - Silver Falls State Park is the largest state park with 10 waterfalls and a wide variety of forested hiking trails.

 

4 - At 11,239 feet Mount Hood, a dormant volcano, stands as the tallest peak.

5 - Oregon has no sales, restaurant or liquor tax.

6 - In Marion, ministers are forbidden from eating garlic or onions before delivering a sermon.

7 - Whorehouse Meadows in Harney County on the west slope of Steens Mountain northeast of Frenchglen, Oregon was exactly that during the days of the Old West. Setting up facilities under a canvas tent in the secluded meadow about a mile east of Fish Lake they would then meet up with cattle and sheep herders.

8 - Oregon is home to the world’s shortest river. The D River is only 121 feet long.

9 - The state flag pictures a beaver on its reverse side. It is the only state flag to carry two separate designs.

10 - In Portland, people are banned from whistling underwater.

There are a TON of Quirky Fun Things to Do and See in Oregon...beyond all the more traditional Oregon natural wonders and outstanding attractions. Register for the 3rd Annual Friendship Rally presented by Country Coach Friends Incorporated and come see for yourself! August 21-25, 2013, Linn County Expo, Albany Oregon will find 200 motorcoaches gathered for a super fun Motorcoach Rally. All brands welcomed. register today