Emergency Escape Window Test

Today, I tested the two emergency escape windows in the Dutch Star. The rear bedroom window MUST be working well as a fire emergency while we're sleeping may leave us very little time to escape. The window has two red handles inside that when unlocked, allows the window to be pushed out away from the coach. I cut a small pole to prop open the window so we can slide out relatively easily and hopefully ..quickly.  We also have more than the normal number of smoke and fire alarms in the coach as well as a gas leak detector and a carbon monoxide detector. Then.....we also have Leah..our trusty puppy to sound the alarm !

Michelin Tires Surprise-I Have Two More Years

I checked my Dutch Star tires today. They were manufactured in May, 2008. Conventional wisdom among RVers is that you should not press your luck beyond seven years. Around this time, the tires may be developing cracks in the sidewall which can cause failure (blowout).......something you sure do not want while driving 40,000 lbs, at 65 or 70 mph.  So, I'm good this year....but...will check them constantly. When it's time, I'll go with Michelins again.....probably around a $4500 expense.

New Batteries for the Dutch Star

Yesterday, I installed four new deep cycle 6 volt batteries in the Dutch Star. I decided on Interstate batteries after calling Newmar to see which brand is being installed in the new Newmar coaches. Interstate batteries are also sold just about everywhere and if necessary can be returned for replacement fairly easily.  The biggest issue I had was remembering the wiring placement, so I tagged each cable. I also pulled all the roller bearings which allow the battery tray to slide out easily and packed the bearings with grease. Then I painted the battery tray and installed the new batteries. These are the batteries called "house" batteries which power all the interior lighting, slides, etc.. These should last 5 to 6 years.

Annual PM Service

The annual PM for the coach came to $530. This included oil changes for the Cummins ISL 370 diesel engine and the Cummins Onan generator and included new oil, fuel, and air filters. Also included was a lube job, topping off of all other fluids, an engine cleaning and an annual state vehicle inspection. So...a little more expensive than our Jeep, but, it's our home on the road and we have to take care of the Dutch Star !  Believe it or not, I get between 8 and 9 mpg mileage, which is not bad for the size of the coach and the weight of the Jeep being towed.

Getting Ready !

Dutch Star Service

Today, at 8:00 a.m., I turned the Dutch Star over to Ruben at Ruben's Fleet Service in Corpus Christi for her annual P.M..  Ruben's does not solicit coach / RV work..but, they will do the annual service on coaches. It was a long day there but I was impressed with the attention to detail, and the friendly staff. They did a complete service on the engine, the Onan generator and all components requiring fluids.  So, the Dutch Star is ready for her trek West in early May. Tomorrow, I will start loading up but will try to save some space this year and reduce the weight as we will be in the mountains again. We will be at Grand Teton National Park mid to late May for a week. I'm really looking forward to that stop !

Well, it has been a somewhat boring time in Corpus Christi the last few months...I miss the road. We're getting the coach ready for an early May departure to the West; gotta have my mountain fix. Today, the coach carpet is being cleaned. This week, I replaced some clearance lights. Next week, she gets an oil change and lube, and inspection, then I start reloading. This time, I'll try to keep the weight down. Seems we always take way too many clothes, etc.  I have a habit of buying books along the way, so we have to leave room for them !

This year, we are thinking of heading to Tulsa first to visit some old friends, then heading west, stopping for some mountain air around Taos and Eagle Nest, and Chama, New Mexico. Then we may head to Mesa Verde. I am fascinated with the cliff dwellings. Then, on to Arches and Moab in Utah, and then Thermopolis, Wyoming to visit friends, and on to Lolo, Montana where will sit still for two months. We love the Bitterroots and the Missoula area. Coming back, we will stop at West Yellowstone and hit the park again, then head down through Colorado, maybe Estes Park.

Anyway, I will try to keep the blog up better than I did last year. I was traveling last year but also coping with some medical issues that got worse while I was working in Africa in 2011 for several months. Still dealing with it, but much better now and should have the energy to travel and communicate better.

See you on the road !