flatlndr
Active member
I enjoy reading the forums and have gained a lot of knowledge/info lurking around here. Introduced myself back in Nov. and haven't posted much since except for a few questions.
Been working on the old rig, '82 Cross Country, getting familiar with this rolling hotel. There isn't much I haven't touched or at least looked at to get it ready for the 1st campout, which we did a couple weeks ago. Thought I would share the experience.
We usually camp a few times a year at a lake about 80mi. away. I hate camping, never been able to sleep in tents or back of pickup. DW and her family has always camped and loved it. So, we decided to try the MH thing. A lot of research and discussing to get to this point.
Anyway, preparing to leave, decided to hook up the water to check the water heater. Had done this previously with no problem. A leak! Water coming out by wheel well from inside coach and city water inlet leaking! Found a T cracked behind stool. Capped off line, continued to lake, and manually filled stool, no problem. Everything worked fine. When repairing the leak, the 30 yr. old pressure regulator at the water inlet finally decided to give out. No water going into coach. Replaced it too
Uneventfull trip to the lake thank goodness. She rolled right on down the road at 55-60. Remember, 1982 - 55mph speed limit - don't think this thing was designed for any faster. It actually drives pretty nice. PO had put Biltstien(sp?) shocks all around and on steering stabilizer. Did notice a slight noise from engine compartment. Shop found a broken alt. bracket when we got back home. Glad it didn't let go completely on the road. Fixed with all new belts.
Backed her into our spot with DW's help, leveled it up no problem, Bro-in-law impressed with backing in, yeah we practiced at home! Set up with no problems thanks to all the info on this forum!
Enjoyed the great afternoon at the lake, campfire, grilled steaks, beer, good company, etc. DW forgot my bourbon, but did have beer! She had list about a page long of STUFF that we needed! Also , now have bar stocked for coach use only!
Hit the sack, FANTASTIC sleeping in a bed rather than the old alternative! Woke up the next morning with the wind blowing about 40mph and cold. Ah, not to worry, no messing with camp fire, wind, little propane camp stoves, etc. Cooked breakfast, coffee, hot tea, and looked out the window at the white caps blowing across the lake, snug as a bug!. I THINK I'M LIKING THIS!
Broke camp without incident, even at the dump station!. Knew the 20 mi. ride back to the interstate would be interesting with stong crosswind going through the Ks flint hills. Thought DW was going to join me in my seat a few times when the old bus was rockin down the 2 lane road! Needless to say she wan't relaxed! I thought it drove reasonably well for an old rig. Just had to keep on your toes!. With the wind behind us, we went down hill real FAST!
All in all, was pretty satisfied with the experience. I kind of enjoy driving the old coach. Not as difficult as I had expected. Used to be into antique/classic cars so kind of knew what to expect from old equipment. Will be headin out again next weekend to see what else needs to be fixed. Really don't feel to bad about the tweeking that needs to be done as I see a lot of the same problems with coaches a lot newer.
Sorry for the long post, but thought I would share a newbies experience and to thanks the Moderators for having all the great info available.
Tom B
Been working on the old rig, '82 Cross Country, getting familiar with this rolling hotel. There isn't much I haven't touched or at least looked at to get it ready for the 1st campout, which we did a couple weeks ago. Thought I would share the experience.
We usually camp a few times a year at a lake about 80mi. away. I hate camping, never been able to sleep in tents or back of pickup. DW and her family has always camped and loved it. So, we decided to try the MH thing. A lot of research and discussing to get to this point.
Anyway, preparing to leave, decided to hook up the water to check the water heater. Had done this previously with no problem. A leak! Water coming out by wheel well from inside coach and city water inlet leaking! Found a T cracked behind stool. Capped off line, continued to lake, and manually filled stool, no problem. Everything worked fine. When repairing the leak, the 30 yr. old pressure regulator at the water inlet finally decided to give out. No water going into coach. Replaced it too
Uneventfull trip to the lake thank goodness. She rolled right on down the road at 55-60. Remember, 1982 - 55mph speed limit - don't think this thing was designed for any faster. It actually drives pretty nice. PO had put Biltstien(sp?) shocks all around and on steering stabilizer. Did notice a slight noise from engine compartment. Shop found a broken alt. bracket when we got back home. Glad it didn't let go completely on the road. Fixed with all new belts.
Backed her into our spot with DW's help, leveled it up no problem, Bro-in-law impressed with backing in, yeah we practiced at home! Set up with no problems thanks to all the info on this forum!
Enjoyed the great afternoon at the lake, campfire, grilled steaks, beer, good company, etc. DW forgot my bourbon, but did have beer! She had list about a page long of STUFF that we needed! Also , now have bar stocked for coach use only!
Hit the sack, FANTASTIC sleeping in a bed rather than the old alternative! Woke up the next morning with the wind blowing about 40mph and cold. Ah, not to worry, no messing with camp fire, wind, little propane camp stoves, etc. Cooked breakfast, coffee, hot tea, and looked out the window at the white caps blowing across the lake, snug as a bug!. I THINK I'M LIKING THIS!
Broke camp without incident, even at the dump station!. Knew the 20 mi. ride back to the interstate would be interesting with stong crosswind going through the Ks flint hills. Thought DW was going to join me in my seat a few times when the old bus was rockin down the 2 lane road! Needless to say she wan't relaxed! I thought it drove reasonably well for an old rig. Just had to keep on your toes!. With the wind behind us, we went down hill real FAST!
All in all, was pretty satisfied with the experience. I kind of enjoy driving the old coach. Not as difficult as I had expected. Used to be into antique/classic cars so kind of knew what to expect from old equipment. Will be headin out again next weekend to see what else needs to be fixed. Really don't feel to bad about the tweeking that needs to be done as I see a lot of the same problems with coaches a lot newer.
Sorry for the long post, but thought I would share a newbies experience and to thanks the Moderators for having all the great info available.
Tom B