New to us--06 Parkway

[InterBlog]

Took our table out, use this little folding one instead for meals, but it's ON MY LIST to fashion an alterate table that uses the OEM floor-mounted table legs, because occasionally I need to do some computer work in there and I need a table that doesn't slide around while the vehicle is in motion.

I'm thinking perhaps perforated aluminum sheet. A quarter-inch mini-table that could accept both legs would only weigh a couple of pounds, as opposed to the ton and a half that the original counter-matched laminate table weighs. But this project is still in the initial stages of gestation.

[avionstream]

Originally Posted by Skerr

I have the exact model with a slightly different color of upholstery. I took the table out. You really can't navigate around it that well. Take a tv table with you. It will fit behind the driver's seat.
Ventilation is the biggest problem as there are no screens when the sliding door is open. I saw pictures of the new ones that now have screens. I often open the back door that does have a screen. It would be difficult for someone to climb up and over the galley area. An Endless Breeze fan does wonders. Because I travel with 3 dogs, I drive with the vent open and the fan on. I have it tied to the television that I never use.
The only problem I have had is with the house battery. I have replaced that a number of times. It could be that I find it difficult to check because I have trouble getting the seat back together. I just came back from the Taste of the Blueridge Caravan and all was well except the battery ran down one night. I did install a solar panel on mine and it helps a lot. We were parked in shade that day so it didn't help then. I had not run the generator as you are told to and that didn't start. I will have to have that serviced. I always boondock until I meet up with the group. I have no problem staying in roadside parks, Wal-Mark or any other place. I always check to see if it looks safe. The nice thing about having a self contained vehicle is that you don't have to get out if you don't want to.
Friends I met on a caravan had the Interstate version. The main difference was that they had the leather like seats and I think there was something different about the running board.
Sometimes the electric waste valve doesn't want to open or close. Keep trying and add some more water. I found it works then.
Enjoy

Can you not check the battery by pushing the passenger seat as far forward as possible ?

[Chatooga11]

Good luck, Chris and Nancy,

I have the same model year Interstate and I still love it. Bought a trailer but I couldn't part with the Interstate, it is just too versatile of a vehicle. To address some of the previous responses:

My wife easily made a screen to cover the sliding door and the forward cab windows out of screening from a fabric store and magnets around the perimeter. The magnets hold the screens where you put them

On 3 separate occasions the turbo resonator in the Sprinter cracked rendering the vehicles top speed of about 30mph. Aftermarket aluminum turbo resonators are available inexpensively and the installation is not difficult.

Those years are known for waste plumbing disconnects. I had to replace the gray/black combo tank and replumb the waste drains due to separation of the drain pipe from the tank.

Table has got to go.

It's a beautiful rig and I wish you both years of fun.

Who do you caddy for? I want to see you on TV, preferably on a Sunday afternoon.

Dave

[unifreck]

+1 on changing resonator to aluminum after market. Limp home mode is really dangerous.
We removed table after first trial night. We also made screens for front door windows attaching by magnets. Made screen for slider that has magnet openers
(Reconfigured single garage door screen that locks onto gutter above and has side magnets to hold sides in place.).
Our galley is in rear with room for spare inside van. We put the spare on outside of drivers side rear door and put shelves and hangers for many things (including a telescopic ladder) in that space, a gift of the RV gods.
We also changed to two AGM batteries, 100 watts of solar, and new controller.
We also added 2 Hella Horns that finally gets some attention from other drivers.
We beefed up the suspension, added a beefy anti-swaybar, Koni shocks, and Sumo springs.
To be able to get to the head at night, when two people are sleeping, I removed the backrest on passenger side, added plywood support and mattress foam, then covered it to make a permanent single bed space. When the drivers side jack bed is deployed it leaves an aisle to walk through.
We also got conversion hardware for sun visors to turn them toward the door windows. That enabled us to support a canvas shelf above our heads for blankets, sleeping bags, etc. etc.
I really like the older 4 wheel TIN , it fits my driveway, many "normal" parking areas, and handles really well. AEW

[LB_3]

Definitely install the aluminum resonator before driving over the Rockies.

[glfprncs]

Hello again, everyone!

Just getting back home after driving home from Wichita all day yesterday. So far, my husband is pleased with his purchase. Alas, it's been 10K miles since it's had an oil change (based on the sticker in the windshield--to my knowledge, the dealer we purchased it from did not do any maintenance, but I've emailed to be sure), and not knowing any diesel mechanics locally that will work on this unit (the diesel mechanic we used for our 5.9L cummins won't work on a Class B), we're going to have to take it to MB and pay out the nose for an oil change. We'll eventually do them ourselves, but with Chris heading out on the road for 8 weeks, I'd rather a professional do it at this time.

If anyone knows of a reputable diesel mechanic in the Augusta, GA area that we can bookmark for future reference, that'd be great.

Dave...Chris works for Timothy Madigan. He's a little short off the tee compared to his competitors, but has a solid game elsewhere. Par 5s are a little tough, as he's rarely able to get home in 2, but he birdies enough of them playing them smart. They finished T23 last week in Wichita.

[jwmonty72]

Good Morning. need help with a 1964 baby called Carol. Looking for the size of the waste tank and the water supply tank. any info will help

[m.hony]

Our friend with a 2004 takes hers to Mercedes for service.
The labor rate is no higher than the Nissan place.


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[Lily&Me]

Our MB Diesel engine has never once been serviced by a MB dealer.

9+ years, 172,000+ miles, and doing exceedingly well, it has always been serviced by Peterbilt...this last time by Cummins Crosspoint, who offer "full coach service", which I like.

My late husband chose Peterbilt "because they work on trucks, and this is a truck."

Cummins is closer for me, and they check things Peterbilt didn't...they also have propane at a very reasonable price, and will fill that up while it's in there if you request.

I was very pleased, and next year they're going to scrape all the caulk off the roof and redo that for me.

The MB dealers aren't your only option, and you can get more comprehensive service elsewhere.


Maggie

[glfprncs]

Thank you, Maggie. We're just in a crunch, timewise, and MB is able to get him in tomorrow. I'll have time to find the right place over the next month.

[avionstream]

Some Dodge dealers, Freightliner, MB and Cummins dealers can do the service. Remember Dodge dealers and Freightliner dealers sold sprinters back then. I'd take it to Freightliner, Cummins or mb. It'll cost.

[m.hony]

In our situation, Mercedes is a little closer than Peterbilt and the other truck sales and service places.
Jannie has had an alternator and window regulators installed and had the OE Mercedes-Benz radio and key fobs programmed at Mercedes-Benz in Jackson, MS for a reasonable rate.
Her coach has 140,000+ miles.

[glfprncs]

One lesson my husband learned before I arrived in Wichita on Thursday...with the combination black/gray water tank, DO NOT think you can get "one more short shower" before needing to go dump.

[LB_3]

I hate to think of what comes up through the drain when the black tank isn't separate.

Showers mostly consist of wetting a washcloth and your hair before rinsing off the suds. Our daughter overflowed the tank brushing her teeth. Luckily we have an overflow on our grey tank.