Forum Moderator ChEFF Posted October 9, 2021 Forum Moderator Share Posted October 9, 2021 So Da chEFF has owned this beauty for 21 years. Blew the first motor at 162,000 miles. A lot of you have heard the story. $30,000 later a new 3126 Caterpillar Motor was installed by Lonnie @ Dynamic Diesel in Phoenix, AZ. (Thanks Squatcher for the Hook-Up). The man knows what he's doing. Anyway, while on a trip last week headed to Colorado the Engine was running Hotter than normal and some white smoke was exiting the exhaust pipe and the (pressure exhaust?) A phone call was made to Robert L while sitting on the side of the HWY. Explained the situation to him and with no further a dew he says very calmly, "Hate to be the Bearer of Bad News chEFF, but you need to turn around and go home". But I needed to be in Colorado to install a couple doors for my buddy. Can I make it home Robert L? "If you're going down hill all the way.....Probably." Have you ever been anywhere in life when someone isn't telling you what you want to hear? Da chEFF has. (Thanks Robert L) Contacted a good friend back home who has been in the diesel truck mtc / diesel truck sales business for 40 years and he found me a CAT Dealer in Albuquerque NM. Of course they can't get to the Rig for a week or two for diagnosis / repair. So Da chEFF and his beautiful wife Sharon spend a couple nights in ALB, NM. Rental cars are very hard to come by these days. And expensive. Just so happens it's the Balloon Festival of 2021. Morning wake up calls were pretty cool. Glad I didn't have my 22 rifle. (That's a Joke) So the question is???? Do you get the Coach fixed and continue on your way for the next 20 years? Or do you say.....You've been a great one for 21 years and 187,000 miles! Time time to cash you in for a new one. That's where Da chEFF Is. Peace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forum Moderator ChEFF Posted October 9, 2021 Author Forum Moderator Share Posted October 9, 2021 This is the second night outside the gate of the CAT Dealer in Albuquerque. Walker Caterpillar. The largest Retaining Wall I've ever seen. Lets hope they're a Good and Reasonable Dealer. Anxious to hear the results of the diagnosis. And hope the One Way flight back to ALB NM is a Fair One! Peace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dockmaster Posted October 9, 2021 Share Posted October 9, 2021 With only 25k on that motor I would certainly wait to get a diagnosis before making a decision. Any oil showing in the coolant or milky color on the oil dipstick? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forum Moderator ChEFF Posted October 9, 2021 Author Forum Moderator Share Posted October 9, 2021 24 minutes ago, Dockmaster said: With only 25k on that motor I would certainly wait to get a diagnosis before making a decision. Any oil showing in the coolant or milky color on the oil dipstick? None of that Dockmaster. If it's an injector and I can get out inexpensive? Decide then. Peace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Esco Posted October 9, 2021 Share Posted October 9, 2021 Just a tad over 1 mill get this 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forum Moderator ChEFF Posted October 9, 2021 Author Forum Moderator Share Posted October 9, 2021 56 minutes ago, Esco said: Just a tad over 1 mill get this Been looking at the King Aire or Essex. They're Very Nice. Peace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1HasBeen Posted October 9, 2021 Share Posted October 9, 2021 If you're going to go seven figures, make it a Newell Coach😎 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rorschach Posted October 9, 2021 Share Posted October 9, 2021 3 hours ago, ChEFF said: CAT Dealer in Albuquerque. Walker Caterpillar. The largest Retaining Wall I've ever seen. It’s Wagner Cat. They just built that facility. They haven’t been in there a year yet, I don’t think. Used to be further north more in town. Welcome to Albuquerque @ChEFF. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hondajimz Posted October 9, 2021 Share Posted October 9, 2021 1 hour ago, ChEFF said: Been looking at the King Aire or Essex. They're Very Nice. Peace My buddy has a King Aire that will be up for sale soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FOG Posted October 9, 2021 Share Posted October 9, 2021 My advice, give your beautiful wife Sharon a kiss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forum Moderator SandTrap Posted October 10, 2021 Forum Moderator Share Posted October 10, 2021 I vote is for a New One. You Use your coach alot and its time for a new coach to go see the country in Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Board Moderator Grease Monkey Posted October 10, 2021 Board Moderator Share Posted October 10, 2021 Ask Walker Cat how much it would cost to replace it with a Cummins! Sorry your having troubles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tjZ06 Posted October 10, 2021 Share Posted October 10, 2021 7 hours ago, Esco said: Just a tad over 1 mill get this King Aire... niiiiiiiiiiiice. Similar color scheme to my Mountain Aire too: 6 hours ago, ChEFF said: Been looking at the King Aire or Essex. They're Very Nice. Peace If you order a Newmar you can get any of the King Aire (or other lines) features in the Dutch Star and up. Even the Ventanas can get some of the stuff. My '19 Mountain Aire has King Aire floors, countertops, and a few other things. The KA is, well King of the Newmars, no doubt. But like most brands, you move down one step you get like 90% of the rig (maybe 95%) for 70% of the price. You pay for that "King" in front of "Aire"... I'm okay with Mountain. Another thing to think about, if you don't want to go 45' then Mountain Aire is as high up the food chain as you can go. Ours is a 40' (40' 10" real length) but starting in '20 or '21 they added another foot, so they're a 41' that measures 41' 10". Just something to think about. 6 hours ago, 1HasBeen said: If you're going to go seven figures, make it a Newell Coach😎 You have to go more than a few years back to get a Newell close to $1M. A brand new KA is around $1M. A brand new Newell is $2-3M. Newell had some display models at our RV park for a few weeks. We walked them... wow, just wow. I think I still have pics somewhere... -TJ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SANDPSYCHO Posted October 10, 2021 Share Posted October 10, 2021 Killing a diesel motor in 160k miles is very unusual. To lose one in 20K is unheard of. I would wait and see what's wrong, it could be a turbo. It really comes down to budget and what you want, this break down is just moving this topic to the front. New Motorhomes, 9even high end ones are not problem free. On the high end rigs the problems are even more aggravating because of what you paid for it. Building a house is said to be one of the most stressful undertakings for a person or couple. I don't know if I would want to add to it with a new expensive motorhome that is certain to have issues. So how is your blood pressure and how much do you want to take on? Regardless I would think it needs to be fixed so it's drivable and so you can sell it. Good luck! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forum Moderator ChEFF Posted October 10, 2021 Author Forum Moderator Share Posted October 10, 2021 2 hours ago, SANDPSYCHO said: So how is your blood pressure and how much do you want to take on? Regardless I would think it needs to be fixed so it's drivable and so you can sell it. Good luck! Blood Pressure is High. So is the Dream Home Draws $$$$. Peace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ANGRYBUTTCRACK Posted October 10, 2021 Share Posted October 10, 2021 (edited) I think RVs are such horrible ‘investments,’ but you are a rare breed of RV owner cause you actually USE it. My wife and I talk about roaming the country in our cheap lil 5th wheel. .. we’ll see. I love camping in it, I just am not a fan of being behind the wheel. I think most of us have to treat our second homes (RVs and THs) as ‘toilet money’ spends so for me it’s about what $ I’m willing to throw away. Hope it’s a small $ fix. Good 🍀 luck! Sincerely, abc Edited October 10, 2021 by ANGRYBUTTCRACK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SANDPSYCHO Posted October 10, 2021 Share Posted October 10, 2021 1 minute ago, ANGRYBUTTCRACK said: I think RVs are such horrible ‘investments, The word investments should never be used with RV's, offroad toys, boats and a long list of other items. If you spend any time logically thinking about the cost of such things you will never experience the brief moments of joy of having these things. None of it makes sense but some of my best memories are a result of what many see as a bad financial decision. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richard h Posted October 10, 2021 Share Posted October 10, 2021 (edited) 6 minutes ago, SANDPSYCHO said: The word investments should never be used with RV's, I feel mines been a good investment. For 20 years now we spend somewhere between 6 and 16 weeks one big trips per year. Then there are many one week trips and also going to the dunes. So yes we use the heck out of it. California to Vermont to Alaska we enjoy it. Last hotel was 15 years ago because Hawaii would have been difficult. Made it easy to justify a new truck since this is about its only use. Edited October 10, 2021 by richard h 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ANGRYBUTTCRACK Posted October 10, 2021 Share Posted October 10, 2021 (edited) I think another factory (and sorry for hijacking your thread) is camp site fees. Now I don't have a lot of experience with this. I know Mammoth 8 years ago right on the lake (no hook-ups) was awesome.. I think $79 for the week, but I've also seen 'nice' full hook-up places that are the same as a damn hotel. Richard H, you seem to be like chEFF, someone who gets their use out of it, probably less than 1% of folks who own RVs/THs. After last season blowing the motor in each of my 2 SXSs (1 week apart), I was trying to 'calculate' seat time in the toys vs. how much time I spend getting everything dialed in, working, cleaned, the travel (tow) driving which I don't like, etc. The ratio is probably something like 25-50 ,.. maybe 100 hours to each our of seat time. .. but again, where can you drive something like a crazy person, grinning ear to ear in such a beautiful place. I can't see ever bailing... OK, Hi-Jack over... back to work.. ugh.. abc Edited October 10, 2021 by ANGRYBUTTCRACK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1HasBeen Posted October 10, 2021 Share Posted October 10, 2021 15 hours ago, tjZ06 said: You have to go more than a few years back to get a Newell close to $1M. A brand new KA is around $1M. A brand new Newell is $2-3M. Newell had some display models at our RV park for a few weeks. We walked them... wow, just wow. I think I still have pics somewhere... Hey, even $3M is still seven figures 😉 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tjZ06 Posted October 10, 2021 Share Posted October 10, 2021 4 hours ago, SANDPSYCHO said: Building a house is said to be one of the most stressful undertakings for a person or couple. I don't know if I would want to add to it with a new expensive motorhome that is certain to have issues. So how is your blood pressure and how much do you want to take on? This is a very good point. I've had a couple new RVs (and one new 5'er) somewhat across the spectrum. They all, I repeat: ALL had issues and it takes about a year to get 'em right. I don't care if it's a base-base-base-model entry Class C or a $3M Newell, it WILL have problems right off the bat. There are a lot of Newells in the park we own in, and we often see the Newell repair rigs in the park (they have their own support network with branded vans). Speaking to a few of the owners, it's no different than anything I've experienced. That said... IF @Crusty decides to go with a "new" RV I highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend buying a ~1-2 year old one that's had the problems worked out. We bought our MA about a year old with ~7,600 miles on it. And most of those miles were the original owner going back to Indiana the first year to have his list of new coach problems fixed at Newmar. Even still, we've had to fix a few things. 1 hour ago, ANGRYBUTTCRACK said: I think RVs are such horrible ‘investments,’ but you are a rare breed of RV owner cause you actually USE it. My wife and I talk about roaming the country in our cheap lil 5th wheel. .. we’ll see. I love camping in it, I just am not a fan of being behind the wheel. I think most of us have to treat our second homes (RVs and THs) as ‘toilet money’ spends so for me it’s about what $ I’m willing to throw away. Hope it’s a small $ fix. Good 🍀 luck! Sincerely, abc You're not wrong about the use thing. Most ppl don't use 'em enough, then they're just a huge cost doing nothing for you. They're a huge cost either way (not an investment, lol) but if you're using it a ton, it's worth it. For years my wife spent all winter in ours, either in/around Glamis or at the RV park we own a spot at in Indio. That way I could fly in from the Bay Area for work and still hit G a lot. Now that we bought in Vegas we're going to sell the RV spot, and she won't "have" to live in the RV... so I'm definitely conscious of the reduced ROI... 15 minutes ago, ANGRYBUTTCRACK said: I think another factory (and sorry for hijacking your thread) is camp site fees. Now I don't have a lot of experience with this. I know Mammoth 8 years ago right on the lake (no hook-ups) was awesome.. I think $79 for the week, but I've also seen 'nice' full hook-up places that are the same as a damn hotel. Richard H, you seem to be like chEFF, someone who gets their use out of it, probably less than 1% of folks who own RVs/THs. After last season blowing the motor in each of my 2 SXSs (1 week apart), I was trying to 'calculate' seat time in the toys vs. how much time I spend getting everything dialed in, working, cleaned, the travel (tow) driving which I don't like, etc. The ratio is probably something like 25-50 ,.. maybe 100 hours to each our of seat time. .. but again, where can you drive something like a crazy person, grinning ear to ear in such a beautiful place. I can't see ever bailing... OK, Hi-Jack over... back to work.. ugh.. abc You just don't ever want to do the math on amortized costs or time to do the chit we do. If you do, it'll always look terrible... -TJ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tjZ06 Posted October 10, 2021 Share Posted October 10, 2021 3 minutes ago, 1HasBeen said: Hey, even $3M is still seven figures 😉 Right, I'm just saying a *new* KA is ~$1M and a *new* Newell is more like $3M. -TJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forum Moderator ChEFF Posted October 11, 2021 Author Forum Moderator Share Posted October 11, 2021 15 hours ago, tjZ06 said: You just don't ever want to do the math on amortized costs or time to do the chit we do. If you do, it'll always look terrible... -TJ You're so right! The First trip I took to Glamis with my "NEW TO ME" Motorhome I was so fired up. Decided to document all the MPG's on the trip. By the time I got to Glamis I was so bummed. Never again! "What's that Rig get MPG?" My Reply: Everyone of them. And my good friend who helped me shop for the Coach said.......If you ask whats the MPG on this rig, you can't afford it. Needless to say I did not ask. Peace 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SANDPSYCHO Posted October 11, 2021 Share Posted October 11, 2021 You don't measure in miles per gallon, you go by smiles per mile. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raspadoo Posted October 11, 2021 Share Posted October 11, 2021 Could be an o-ring on an injector or a cup seal or just one stuck open. Hopefully the hole is still ok. Diagnose then decide 👍 We just spent the weekend at a nice campground in Borrego Springs for a bike race. I could not believe how many new RVs there were out there. The prices and wait times they shared were insane as well... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.