Inspired by Country Coach Motorcoach Build Process

…A look back at the 2005 Inspire 330 as featured in the former corporate print magazine and on the internet.

Bob Lee taught employees of Country Coach that luxury travel is about function as much as it’s about comfort. The proof was in the motorcoaches that rolled onto First Avenue in Junction City, OR over the 36 years that Country Coach built highline motorhomes in Junction City Oregon. One such coach was the Inspire. Here follows an article from my editor days for the manufacturer’s print magazine which I ran across posted elsewhere on the internet. It gives a good refresher on the build process and a reminder why the coaches YOU STILL CHOOSE TO DRIVE are truly the World’s Finest.  

*Check out www.CountryCoach.com and www.PremierRVServices.com if you’re looking for a pre-owned Country Coach. Both dealerships offer outstanding preowned motorcoaches for those discerning buyers who desire the craftsmanship, livability, style, and drivability found in a Country Coach motorhome.

“The 2005 Inspire 330

Country Coach, manufacturer of the world's finest motorcoaches, proudly presents the 2005 Inspire 330. In the Country Coach tradition, the 2005 Inspire has been crafted with the highest possible “Country Coach” standards. End to end…each the 2005 Inspire 330 features the superior workmanship, comfort and power that have made the Country Coach a leader in the motorcoach industry for more than 25 years. The very first Inspire 330 coaches were released in 2004 to rave reviews. Attractive Country Coach paintwork and fiberglass… luxurious interior amenities and modular floor plans made the Inspire 330 one of the most sought-after motorcoaches on the road. Based on the success of our first series, the 2005 Inspire now has a suite of exciting new features that are sure to please owners. Tile entry landings… “nextgeneration” four hundred Horse Power Caterpillar diesel engines and thirty two inch LCD high definition television sets are only a few of the many popular upgrades that are now included in the Inspire 2005.

“In the Country Coach tradition, the 2005 Inspire has been crafted  with the highest possible “Country Coach” standards.”

The 330s are built in Country Coach’s massive 450,000 square foot campus in Junction City, Oregon. Highly skilled engineers, technicians and craftspeople put their talents to work each day to build Inspire coaches. The process begins with a foundation of solid steel …and ends with big time luxury. We invite you to tour the Country Coach manufacturing facility so you can see firsthand how the Inspire 330 is made.

The Chassis

The Inspire 330 is built on the DynoMax chassis, a Country Coach exclusive. The DynoMax serves as the platform upon which every Country Coach is built. Engineered for a lifetime of smooth rides and safe travel, the DynoMax takes advantage of what we call the “cradle of strength. ” This “cradle of strength” is created by a powerful combination of a semi-monocoque design and the structural rigidity of 8 inch by 3- inch by 1/4-inch tubular steel stringers that runs the length of the chassis. The chassis cage is forged from top grade, high yield steel tubing. Each junction is stitch welded together to ensure superior strength and durability. The big benefit of our advanced chassis technology is an unparalleled, smooth ride that has the power to take on the most challenging mountain grades.

Each DynoMax chassis offers precision handling and braking. The suspension of the 330 is built around the Holland/Neway USA Independent Front Suspension System with 3-way adjustable Koni shocks. This suspension is engineered into each DynoMax chassis, and provides an amazing 50-degree wheel cut in both directions. Stopping power is essential to a safe driving experience, and the Inspire 330 has been equipped with full anti-lock air brakes and automatic slack adjusters on the front brakes.

New for the 2005 Inspire is that they now run on Acer Technology: powerful, low emission Caterpillar C-9 400 horsepower diesel engines. The engines are mated to the smooth, reliable Allison 3000MH 6 speed electronic transmission with two overdrive gears. This unit exceeds the current emission standards and meets the 2008
standards for your convenience.

The electrical wiring for each DynoMax is meticulously installed according to detailed diagrams and specifications. For ease of service and diagnostics, each wire is carefully laid out and conveniently labeled. Once the chassis is complete, it is thoroughly tested at the DynoCenter. Secured in place, with the drive wheels on roll sets, Country Coach engineers manipulate the ignition switch, shifter pad and throttle. The engine is started, the transmission is engaged, and throttle pressure is increased until the transmission reaches 4th gear. Once in 4th gear, the roll sets provide resistance to the engine and drive train to simulate steep grades. During the tests, technicians observe horsepower and torque output; fuel consumption; engine RPM and engine turbocharger boost pressure percentage of engine load. Throttle position; coolant temperature; oil pressure and temperature are also rigorously tested. These procedures ensure that the power train is running at peak performance levels. After the DynoMax chassis passes our testing stage it moves on to manufacturing.

Building The Inspire 2005

Once the chassis has been thoroughly inspected, the assembly of an Inspire 330 can begin. Wiring, plumbing and tanks are installed. The floor is lowered and sealed to the chassis. In a separate area, beautiful interior cabinetry is custom built. Manufactured on-site by skilled artisans, the cabinetry of the 330 continues Country Coach’s reputation for superior woodwork that has become our signature. Team communication and pride of workmanship is at the heart of how we build coaches. To maintain the highest levels of craftsmanship, all cabinetmakers at Country Coach install their own finished cabinets. The result is incredibly precise cabinets--and fit. Its one of the many ways Country Coach is able to build superior components for each coach.

The Inspire’s roof is a composite of steel, polystyrene, fiberglass and laminates. This creates an incredibly strong and durable roof. To insure consistent temperatures in any season, thick block insulation foam lines the roof, sidewalls and floor. Overhead, there is ample insulation between arched rafters. The roof is also skinned with a single-piece, molded fiberglass shell. For extra strength, the coach body assembly is vacuum laminated with high strength adhesives to form a single, inseparable component. The next step is to mold the walls and ceiling, and join them to the DynoMax chassis to form a true semi-monocoque “cradle of strength and durability.” Once the elegantly designed fiberglass front and rear are attached, the exterior of the Inspire 330 is complete.

“To guarantee Country Coach’s high standard of quality control, each team is responsible for inspecting their own work AND the work of the previous team.:"

After the walls are in place, special touches are added. Mirrors, designer drapes and a plush queen size bed make the Inspire a comfortable and cozy home for its new owners. As each Inspire 330 moves from station to station it is inspected with meticulous attention to detail. To guarantee Country Coach’s high standard of quality control, each team is responsible for inspecting their own work AND the work of the previous team. This way quality of workmanship is checked and double checked. The exterior of the Inspire 330 is then finished with Sikkens full body paint. Designed by our staff of artists and applied by expert technicians, the multiple colors and clear coats create a strikingly beautiful exterior. The coach is then complete when standard exterior features like awnings are added.

At this point the Inspire goes through a series of rigorous brake and drive tests. Highway, steep-grade up hills and city driving are all included, as well as a stop at Country Coach’s state of the art brake testing facility. Once approved, the new Inspire is at last finished. The result is an impressive combination of art and engineering.

“The result is an impressive combination of art and engineering.”

The Complete 2005 Inspire 330

Each Inspire 330 features full body paint and a classic Country Coach exterior design. Full-height, insulated aluminum bay doors open to a lighted, spacious and insulated pass-through basement, complete with carpet liners. Behind other bay doors, you’ll find plumbing, electronics, communication, engine and various other utility access points. The 330 offers ample power for daily living. Each motorcoach is equipped with a front-mounted, seven-point-five kilowatt Onan Quiet Diesel generator with remote start/stop switching.

When you step through the tiled entryway to the driver seat you’ll discover why this motorcoach is a sheer pleasure to drive. You’ll navigate the highways with the 18 inch leather-wrapped SmartWheel … surrounded by conveniently located controls. The controls for the automatic, computerized hydraulic leveling jacks are easily accessible from the plush, six-way power operated driver’s seat. A custom contoured dash with burlwood trim holds the stylish and highly visible Teleflex gauges, which monitor a wide range of engine measurements. Inside the Inspire 330 owners enjoy residential, spacious feeling of home. The 85-inch high ceiling enhances the wide-open, double-slide living and galley areas. The slide rooms extend with the push of a button. The roadside slide extends to create a more usable flat floor. Country Coach “one-piece” slide rooms are spacious AND durable with their steel framed, sloping fiberglass roof. The roadside slide room interior height stands at six feet, four inches, so you’ll love the true comfort that comes with never having to duck your head. The Inspire is available in multiple configurations with a double, triple or quad slide. Owners choose the floor plan that best suits their lifestyle.

The 330 features true Country Coach handcrafted custom cabinetry. Signature cabinets are available in oak, light cherry and maple. Decorator fabrics and textiles coordinate to cover sofas, chairs, window valances and pillows with stylish sense of elegance. High grade carpeting complements the custom brick pattern tile flooring in the galley and bathroom. A twelve cubic foot, four-door Norcold refrigerator with icemaker, three burner cook top and custom solid surface countertops makes preparing meals a breeze. Culinary masterpieces are created in minutes with the GE Advantium oven featuring speed cook technology. This innovative oven harnesses the power of light to prepare conventional meals four times faster than a conventional oven.

The entertainment center in the Inspire 330 features a standard twenty-seven inch, flat screen television and a four head VCR. Owners selecting the “advanced package” enjoy a Panasonic home theater surround sound system and DVD player. A thirty-two inch LCD high-definition television is also available for state-of-the-art viewing pleasure. True theater buffs can opt for the “Digital Projection Cinema package.” This package includes a sixty eight inch, electronically-deployed projection screen, a projection television and blackout shades for the living area. Simply put in your favorite DVD, lower the screen, and enjoy the show! And for those who like to choose from hundreds of channels, we recommend the low-profile KVH in-motion satellite system option.

Amenities abound in the Inspire 330 bathroom. The luxury begins with a solid surface  countertop with edge detail and a porcelain vanity sink. The large, overhead vanity has mirrored doors and is accented with a decorative vanity light bar. The fiberglass shower enclosure features a hand held showerhead and plenty of room to stretch out. In the bedroom, relax in your plush full size queen bed with an upholstered headboard. A 20” color television is standard in the 330. Solid wood cabinets add to the inviting livability in your master bedroom. For ultimate convenience, you can liberate yourself from the Laundromat by choosing an optional washer and dryer.

Conceived, designed, engineered and built with the full expertise of Country Coach, the Inspire 330 is a true testament to the Country Coach legacy of luxury motorcoach manufacturing. Experience the Inspire 330 for yourself.”

*Check out www.CountryCoach.com and www.PremierRVServices.com if you’re looking for a pre-owned Country Coach Inspire or other Country Coach model. Both dealerships offer outstanding preowned motorcoaches for those discerning buyers who desire the craftsmanship, livability, style, and drivability found in a Country Coach motorhome.

Preparing the Motorhome for Winter Storage presented by Gary Obermire

GUEST POST

Preparing Your Motorhome for Winter Storage

*prepared by Gary Obermire, Premier RV Services 

(Gary was formerly Senior VP of Operations and Engineering at the former Country Coach Manufacturing Company, Country Coach LLC. He is now co-owner of Premier RV Services, which offers preowned highline motorhome sales, full coach service and renovations, and indoor coach storage. Premier is located on 26 acres of the former CC manufacturing plant in Junction City, OR. His knowledge base on all aspects of Country Coach motorcoaches is extensive. I appreciate this timely info just in time for cooler weather)

Over the years I have been asked about a few subjects many times. One of the most popular topics is:  Winterizing the Coach for Storage. Let’s revisit that subject today which I’m sure you’ve seen covered numerous times, but a reminder is always in order as we look toward the winter months. For those who are not heading south and are parking the coach for the cold months of winter, it is time to winterize. There are two winterizing processes to consider.

One option Replacing the water in your coach's plumbing system with RV antifreeze. This is somewhat time consuming during both the winterization and dewinterization process when the RV antifreeze must be flushed completely from the system to eliminate the substance’s lingering taste from your water supply. 

Or another option is toclear water from your coach plumbing system using low pressure compressed air.  Many Country Coach models with a toilet with accumulator tank, or diesel fired water heater can only be winterized with RV antifreeze. That’s because the compressed air process will not clear the water from some areas of the plumbing system. This includes all-electric coaches where the water heater is not easy to drain. Winterization could be a combination of both RV antifreeze and air, like when the coach will be in extreme cold regions during the winter. The process used is a matter of preference, but a coach with a toilet with an accumulator tank and diesel or electric water heaters will have some specific requirements (detailed below).

CAUTIONS FIRST:

1. The water you will be draining from your coach can be very hot and may cause scalding.

2. If you decide to go with the RV antifreeze process, be aware of the terminology used throughout this article. You will need to purchase 'RV antifreeze', not 'antifreeze' or 'coolant' which is for engine use. The RV antifreeze you choose should be specifically designed for winterizing RV plumbing systems, and it should be non-toxic.

3. If you have chosen to use the compressed air process, you should ensure that the air supply is filtered to remove both particulate matter, and oil/water emulsion. The air pressure should be regulated to no more than 50psi to prevent damage to the plumbing system.

4. Wear old clothes. RV antifreeze is usually colored and stains clothing, plastic or paint. Spills need cleaned up promptly.

WINTERIZING PROCESSES

A) Air pressure process:

1. Turn off both heat sources for the water heater - electric and propane (if not an all electric coach). The electric heat source can be turned off at the appropriately labeled breaker in the distribution panel.

2. Empty the holding tanks at an appropriate location and drain the fresh water tank also. Use the leveling system to lean your coach to the driver's side to empty the tanks as much as possible.

3. Open all low point drain valves usually located behind water pump access panel in water bay.

4. Locate the drain plug at the bottom of water heater and remove it to drain the contents of the water heater tank. Opening the PTR release valve usually located above the drain plug helps the water drain more quickly. Replace the drain plug and close the PTR release valve when the water heater is empty.

5. Adjust the regulator of a clean air source to a maximum of 50psi then connect it to the city water connection using a winterizing adaptor (found at Camping World). The city water connection on your coach is either a retractable hose, or a female hose fitting in the water bay.

6. When water stops coming out of the drain valves, close them and continue by opening the hot and cold faucets throughout the coach until only air comes out, then close them also. Put a wet wash cloth over the faucet to avoid splashes as the air purges. Don't forget to open the shower fixture and the faucet in the water bay.

7. Flush toilet til air comes out and cycle washer /dryer on warm setting to clear water from lines.

8. Cycle icemaker (following manufacturer's instructions) until air purges from the supply line.

9. Set your coach back into a level position and activate the fresh water fill to clear water from this circuit into the fresh water tank. Next disconnect the air hose and connect it momentarily to the sewer flush to clear water from lines.

10. Cycle the water pump for about one minute until it is only pumping air. Remove the bowl from the water filter housing and drain the contents. Discard the filter and securely replace the bowl. You will need to install a new filter after de-winterizing your coach.

11. Lastly, protect the P-traps throughout your coach by pouring RV Antifreeze into all the basin drains including those in the galley, bathroom and shower. Pour about a half gallon of RV antifreeze into your washer/dryer and run it through a cycle to ensure its P-trap is protected, then fill your toilet bowl with the remaining half gallon.

B)  RV antifreeze process:

If you chose this option, it is probably because you have an all-electric coach, or your coach has a toilet with an accumulator tank or diesel fired water heater. This process requires about ten gallons of RV antifreeze to be pumped into your coach plumbing system using one of these methods.

~ Pump the RV antifreeze into the plumbing system through the city water connection using an external water pump hooked to 12-volts. This method though preferred does require the purchase of a second water pump. This second pump can then be retained as a spare in the case your onboard water pump should fail sometime in the future.

~ Disconnect the coach’s onboard pump from the fresh water tank and use it to pump RV antifreeze into the plumbing system. This method may seem ideal, but disconnecting your pump from the fresh water tank requires manual dexterity and patience. You also run the risk of damaging fittings which can be difficult to repair. Use caution with this. Now for the process:

1. Complete steps 1 and 2 of the above air pressure process.

2. Open all low point drain valves, usually located behind the water pump access panel in the water bay. Open all faucets throughout the coach to help the water drain more quickly. Don't forget the water bay faucet and shower fixture need opened, and flush the toilet repeatedly until water stops flowing.

3. Once the water stops flowing from the low point drains, set your coach back into a level position then cycle the water pump for about one minute until it is only pumping air. Then close all the faucets and remove the water filter bowl to dump the contents. Replace the water filter bowl securely to prevent leaks.

4. With the low point drains still open, pump RV antifreeze into the plumbing system using one of the three methods above until it begins to flow from the low point drains. Then close these drains.

5. While still pumping RV antifreeze into the coach, open the cold water side of the faucets throughout the coach until the RV antifreeze begins to flow, then turn them off. Repeat the process for the hot water side of the faucets which takes  longer because the RV antifreeze must fill the water heater also.

6. Short cycle the washer/dryer on a warm setting to fill these lines and P-trap with RV antifreeze. Next, cycle the toilet until RV antifreeze fills the bowl.

7. Cycle the icemaker (following the manufacturer's instructions) until the ice tray fills with RV antifreeze.

8. If you chose to use an external pump to drive RV antifreeze into the plumbing system, it can now be disconnected and hooked up to the sewer flush to clear these lines using about 1/8th gallon of solution.

9. Last, repeat step 2 above to drain most of the RV antifreeze from the plumbing system. This last step provides some room for expansion should the system freeze in severe weather. This is especially important for water heaters in all-electric coaches that can’t be completely drained and will not receive the same protection as the rest of the system because the RV antifreeze will have been diluted by the water that remained in the water heater tank. This water that remains after draining will not cause any damage to the heater in the unlikely event that it should freeze. The same is true of the holding tanks which also cannot be completely drained.

At Premier RV Services in Junction City, Oregon, all clients’ motorcoaches are stored within a secured, climate controlled building, so the winterization process described above is not necessary.  

Premier RV Services is happy to assist you with all your coach service including preparing the coach for storage. Located on 26+ acres of the former Country Coach Inc campus, Premier offers Full Service, Indoor Heated Secured Storage, and Pre-Owned Highline Motorcoach Sales. Visit any time at 325 E First Avenue, in Junction City, OR; the coffee pot is always on. www.PremierRVServices.com

Intellitec Multiplex Low Voltage Switching

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Technically Speaking:  Intellitec Multiplex Low Voltage Switching

When this slick new system debuted on Country Coach motorcoaches, Brian Keys, an electrical engineer then employed with the Engineering Dept at Country Coach Inc, shared a description of it in an easy to follow along style that was so trademark-Brian Keys. Here’s a condensed version of his info he shared about this system.

    In 2006, the former Country Coach LLC introduced a modular switching system to its 2007 model year Allure, Intrigue, Magna and Affiinity models that broke the traditional physical connection between the switch you press and the mechanical contacts that close behind it to activate an electrical circuit such as ceiling lights. The Multiplex Low Voltage Switching System by Intellitec allowed two functions of a traditional switch to be separated by a communication harness allowing the freedom of choice in where each should be located in the coach.

    An example Brian Keys, then CC, LLC Electrical Engineer, used in 2006 when describing the new system was to illustrate the system’s functionality through an explanation of the water pump circuit. He described how it has evolved through the years. “The water pump circuit is a simple circuit but one that typifies the limitations of a traditional switched circuit. Not too long ago, the typical Country Coach would only include a single rocker switch in the bathroom to turn the water pump on and off. The switch’s location in the bathroom was entirely logical but it was also in close proximity to the water pump itself and the fuse panel from which it was powered so the wiring to and from the switch was relatively short. The circuit was simple, comprising a single fuse, two lengths of wire, the switch, and the water pump itself.”

    “As the circuit evolved, a second water pump switch was added in the front coach area so you could turn off the water pump as you walked out the door. A simple addition, but it presents some immediate challenges. In order for the switch to work, it needs wires, but not just two wires as you might expect. To ensure that the water pump could be turned off from either switch, a traditional two switch circuit actually requires a total of four wires. The light on the switch that illuminates when the pump is running would need another two bringing the total to six wires, many of which have to be routed all the way to the front of the coach and back. The simple addition of a second switch had an impact on the circuit’s harness requirements and the additional weight that comes from the running copper wires to remote locations for a switch is not insignificant. An alternative design used by CC is to use a basic electronic circuit board to control the pump and simplify the wiring to each of the two switches. More often than not, the electronics bring simplification to a circuit rather than complexity, even a circuit as simple as that used to control a water pump.”

    Simplification. Brian Keys went on to explain: “So, why limit a control board to a single circuit such as the water pump when it can be used to control multiple circuits in its general area? What if multiple control boards were used through the coach to directly control circuits in their immediate area, eliminating long harness runs to and from a switch? This is the operating principal behind the Multiplex Switching System. Staying with the example, the current circuit simply involves any number of water pump switches through the coach which when pressed, sends out a signal on the communication harness to the Intellitec PMC (programmable multiplex controller). The controller in turn sends a message on the communication harness that is addressed to a specific module and output. The module receives the message and turns on the output to supply power to the water pump. This module is mounted in close proximity to the water pump and up to ten other circuits thus eliminating long harness runs.”

    “Want to add the water pump switch to another panel? Simply change the address of the new switch to match the address of an existing water pump switch, an operation that can be done in minutes rather than two or three hours of labor it might take to route wires to a hard-wired switch. Want to add an accessor to the coach? Wire the accessory to an output module in close proximity that has a spare output. Then locate an unused switch and have its address programmed to match that of the output on the module that your accessory is wired to and the job is complete. If there is no module closed by then one can easily be added.  The same is true with switch panels. One of the big advantages with this system is Flexibility. Another advantage is the reduction of overall harness weight which is approximately 30% for the Magna and Affinity coaches. All switch panels are backlit for easy nighttime operation and the backlighting can be turned on or off with a momentary press of the “All Off” button. Holding same button down for 4 seconds will power down the entire system. On Magnas & Affinitys the Fresh Water Drain switch must also be held down for 4 seconds to drain your fresh water tank.”

    “When it comes to ceiling lights, many of these are dimmable simply by holding down the respective switch to cycle through the brightness levels to the preferred brightness. To turn lights off, give the switch a momentary press and turn them on again in the same manner. The lights will turn on to the same brightness level that they were previously set to when turned off. All other switches operate like a regular switch; press to turn on and press again to turn off.”

     Blown Fuse? The fuses for Intellitec switched circuits can be found on the modules. Magna/Affinity modules are behind passenger side map box; beneath galley sink; in rear overhead cabinet; above bed in forward overhead cabinet; in cabinet on passenger side of wardrobe; and in electrical bay. Intrigues are located above driver’s seat in overhead cabinet; in rear living room overhead cabinet; bottom rear of dinette wall module; above bed in forward owverhead cabinet; in cabinet on passenger side of wardrobe; and in electrical bay.

Intellitec Modules commonly used on Allure through Affinity models are:
PMC-Programmable Multiplex Control:The Brains. Maintains network integrity;  maps keypad buttons to correct module outputs.

10 Channel FET Output Module- Powers up to 10 dimmable circuits such as ceiling lights.

10 Channel Relay Output Module- Powers up to 10 regular on/off circuits such as water pump.

6 Channel Relay Output Module/4 Channel Input Module- Powers up to 6 regular on/off circuits and accepts input from up to 4 non Intellitec switches.

10 Channel Input Module- Accepts input from up to 10 non Intellitec systems

Quad H Bridge- Primarily used to control up to 4 reversible DC motors but can also be used for regular on/off circuits

    Brian noted that “All modules include a two or three-wire communication harness. A red LED below the harness connector illuminates if there’s a communication failure, and a green LED above or below each module output illuminates when output is turned on. All modules use commonly available MATE-N-LOG connectors and Country Coach mainly uses a later generation of this connector that can be easily disassembled for servicing without tools.

    Reliability. “Intellitec has a decades-long reputation for mature, stable design. The communication harness is immune to external electrical noise that is always present inside a motorhome (due to the high number of low and high voltage systems confined in a small space). The dimmable outputs are surprisingly quiet (electrically speaking) so shouldn’t cause significant interference with radio reception. As with any electronics, the Intellitec system may start operating erratically if the domestic batteries become severely discharged. The system will typically revert to normal operation once the batteries start receiving a charge but if not, simply reboot the system by turning off the domestic battery disconnect switch and turn it back on after a minute has passed.”

  Further information on this topic can be found at http://intellitec.com

 Intellitec has been designing and manufacturing multiplexed solutions for the special vehicle market since 1987, these products and systems range from simple multi point switching controllers through to complete vehicle systems used in Buses, Coaches and Emergency Service vehicles worldwide. Programmable Multiplex Control (PMC) has 320 channels of I/O across a very significant family of I/O hardware architecture to suit the majority of applications. PMC operates with one master module (CPU) with various I/O. Each I/O module has ten channels, you can have as little as 1 I/O module in a system, or as many as 32. The Intellitec Windows based PMC software suite WIN PMC is used to configure the system, only the master or CPU requires programming. Win PMC is a series of AND, NOT & OR commands, coupled with timers and 160 virtual channels make this an extremely powerful tool. For full and detailed technical data, please download our PMC Catalog at http://intellitec.com/

Hydro-Hot Hydronic Heat System Tips to Keep You In Hot Water

Keepin’ Yourself in Hot Water….with the Hydro-Hot Hydronic Heat System

A girl can never have too many diamonds, and a Motorcoacher can never have too much hot water!  Years ago the former CC, LLC service team shared a few tips about dealing with the issue of ‘not enough hot water.'  Thanks Pete Kaye, former CC, Inc. Service team member, author of this article, for this info shared here as a timely reminder for all of us.

 

LOW DC SUPPLY VOLTAGE

The Indicator light on the electronic control panel lights Red when the DC voltage level is too low for the unit to operate properly. When this faul happens, the burner doesn’t start when the “diesel” switch in the coach is activated--even though the Green light on the switch panel is lit. Verify there is adequate supply voltage to the controller (see your Hydro-Hot manual), then clear the fault by using a thin, straight, non-conductive object to press the recessed Low Voltage Reset button located on the electronic control panel.

INCOMING WATER TEMPERATURE

Let’s say we want a constant output of 1.5GPM at 115 degrees F. If the water coming from the fresh water tank into the unit is 60 degrees, the unit is rated to deliver this. However, if the incoming water temperature is lower, you may expect a decrease in hot water quantity (GPM) or temperature. Keep in mind, ambient air temperature in the fresh water tank bay has a direct effect on the output of the heating unit.

COLD WATER MIXING

If the hand-held shower in the plumbing bay is turned off at the shower head but the valves for both the hot and cold water are left open, some inadvertent mixing may occur.

TOO MUCH DEMAND

Shower heads and faucets all place demand on hot water supply especially when used simultaneously. The flow rating for just a shower head inside the coach can be as much as 2.5 GPM. When in use, this alone can consume all the hot water available when showering at average temperature. When the water temp demand is increased, or when the water tank bay is cold, the capacity of the system can be exceeded.

The manufacturer Country Coach, LLC closed its doors in 2009. Today there are several great service centers in the Lane County area to attend to your service needs. Check the Member Benefits list online at www.CountryCoachFriendsIncorporated.com to learn more.

Go Nuts for Almonds for Heart Health

A few weeks ago I began an Advocare adventure. It's cool. One thing I quickly learned was, "Almonds are my friend." Turns out they are also good for heart health too. More and more studies are finding that incorporating certain nuts, such as almonds, into a heart-healthy diet brings many benefits.Almonds, for example, have an ideal combination of fats -mono unsaturates with some polyunstaurate.

They are packed with vitamin E and magnesium and are a good source of protein and fiber.  (I knew there was a reason I loved them, besides the sensation of having a "treat" on this eating plan.) Research shows that eating an ounce of almonds a day in place of foods high in saturated fat can lower cholesterol. In one study by John Hopkins University and Harvard University, almonds were eaten as a snack in a protein diet and an unsaturated fat diet, but not in a carbohudrate diet. Researchers discovered that the protein and unsaturated ftat diets improved blood pressure and LDL (bad) cholesterol and total cholesterol levels more than the carbohydrate diet did.

Another study by the University of Toronto showed that incorporating almonds (14gms, or about 12 almonds, per 1000 calories) into a heart healthy diet reduced LDL or "bad" cholesterol by an amount similar to that produced by cholesterol medications called statins. Eating this way even reduced the amount of inflammation in the blood vessels, which has a strong association with heart disease.

So....Almonds are a girl's best friend, for sure. As you are out there on the highways and byways of America, I recommend you go nuts....eating almonds, that is.

Country Coach Suspension Issues, Air Springs Troubleshooting, Part 2

Troubleshooting the DynoMax Chassis Suspension Air Springs – Part 2

*Excerpted from the handy info included in the DynoMax chassis manual included in each Country Coach’s important documents box. In an earlier post here at the blogspot, I shared some additional issues and possible causes/solutions, as shared in the DynoMax Chassis Manual.

Problem: The Air Springs deflate rapidly when motorcoach is parked. Possible Cause 1: Air leakage from the air system or the air spring. Solution 1: Inflate to specifications found in you manual.  Possible Cause 2: Out of Alignment. Solution 2: Realign Steering Assembly.  Possible Cause 3: Bushings in torque arms are worn. Possible Solution 3: Replace bushings. Possible Cause 4: Air spring is under-inflated on one side. Possible Solution: Adjust height control valve.

Problem: Motorcoach is experiencing excessive sway. Possible Cause 1: Height Control Valve is clogged or not functioning. Possible Solution 1: Repair or replace height control valve. Possible Cause 2: Air spring is punctured. Possible Solution 2: Install a new air spring.

Problem: Motorcoach rides too high or low. Possible Cause: Incorrect height adjustment. Possible Solution: Readjust the Height Control Valves(refer to chassis manual “Ride Height Adjustment” section).

Problem: Air Spring is Blown. Possible Cause 1: Tires, rims, or chains rubbing the air spring. Possible Solution 1: Check the clearance between the air spring and the tire. If the tire, rim, or tire chains have contacted the inflated air spring, change to narrower tires and rims to provide clearance for tires and chains. Possible Cause 2: Air brake actuator rubbing against the air spring. Possible Solution 2: Relocate the brake actuator with factory-approved parts to provide adequate clearance.....

Be watching for more troubleshooting tips to come.