New to me 345 - picking up Monday

[DHC1]

I once had a Fiat 850 Spyder, I am still amazed that it functioned as my only car for a year. When I replaced the clutch, I could lift the engine out by my self, with my hands/back/etc. Ate starters like they were candy.

[rmkrum]

The 600 ate fan belts. When it got old all the water passages clogged up and it overheated violently. Dad sold it to some guy that wanted to redo it and make a hot rod out of it.


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[bkahler]

Originally Posted by DHC1

I once had a Fiat 850 Spyder, I am still amazed that it functioned as my only car for a year. When I replaced the clutch, I could lift the engine out by my self, with my hands/back/etc. Ate starters like they were candy.

Dang, I had an 850 Spyder also! Drove it for about a year. It was great in the winter being rear engine and flat on the bottom. It basically just slid over the show while the tires were in the ruts!

I went from the Fiat to Triumphs and have never looked back

Brad

[PeterH-350LE]

OK, DHC1, back to business. Here is the reality check:
a "partial" list of items I fixed on my first Airstream MH

[DHC1]

Peter! You're spraying gas on the fire of my "what the hell's going to happen" anxiety! Hehehe. As long as I don't have to complete the list before getting home, I can deal with it. After all, I went from the Fiat, to MG's, to V12 jag's, and on top of the heap - Range Rovers. I am a glutton....

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by DHC1

Peter! You're spraying gas on the fire of my "what the hell's going to happen" anxiety! Hehehe. As long as I don't have to complete the list before getting home, I can deal with it. After all, I went from the Fiat, to MG's, to V12 jag's, and on top of the heap - Range Rovers. I am a glutton....

That anxiety is part of the deal and will become your best friend.
How far do you have to drive to get her home?

[DHC1]

I agree with you, I'll be plenty alert. Looks like about 960 miles. As far as how long I'll drive per day, I'll just play it by ear, hopefully I'll get to make the choice and not the 345 . I don't plan on pushing too hard, no reason to.

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by DHC1

I agree with you, I'll be plenty alert. Looks like about 960 miles. As far as how long I'll drive per day, I'll just play it by ear, hopefully I'll get to make the choice and not the 345 . I don't plan on pushing too hard, no reason to.

thats a nice little run, you will have a blast!
one real good tool to carry with you is a laser heat gun. check your tires and wheels at every stop, overheating can alert you to potential underinflation or wheel bearing/brake issues. It is also a fine tool to check your engine temp at various locations.
I am sure you did already join Good Sams or similar?

[DHC1]

Good idea, I'll take the thermometer with me. Have joined Good Sam - Thanks much.

[Isuzusweet]

Whatever you do don't ignore the fellow motorist that is halfway out of their car with fear in their eyes, arms making explosive gestures and that nagging little voice in your head that's telling you........ something maybe amiss.

V12 Jaguars eh, glutton may not be the word I'd be looking for to describe you. I was smart in not buying a V12 for the wife and stuck with the AJ16 straight six. My wife is the type that when things are going south.....she drives faster.

Goodluck with the drive.
Cheers
Tony

[DHC1]

Originally Posted by Isuzusweet

when things are going south.....she drives faster.

Cheers
Tony

Hehehe - my sister is like that.

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by DHC1

Good idea, I'll take the thermometer with me. Have joined Good Sam - Thanks much.

Some of the very knowledgeable tire people on this forum have made me aware of a proven way to check if your tire pressure is within reasons.
Since you received so many different inputs regarding pressure, you may want to use this:
If your tire temperature increases by 10% or more, you tire pressure is too low.
So, i.e. if you run the manual suggested rear pressure of 60 PSI and after a good run (especially in the summer heat), your pressure would read 67, your initial cold tire pressure is way too low and you are hurting your tires and are risking tire failure.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Isuzusweet

Whatever you do don't ignore the fellow motorist that is halfway out of their car with fear in their eyes, arms making explosive gestures and that nagging little voice in your head that's telling you........ something maybe amiss.

V12 Jaguars eh, glutton may not be the word I'd be looking for to describe you. I was smart in not buying a V12 for the wife and stuck with the AJ16 straight six. My wife is the type that when things are going south.....she drives faster.

Goodluck with the drive.
Cheers
Tony

When checking tire temperatures the sooner you check them after stopping the better. They can cool down fairly quickly and give you a false indication of what's really happening.

I learned that while crewing for a vintage race car. The driver would pull off the track into the hot pit lane and I would jump over the wall and take quick readings and then the car would head back out onto the track again.

Brad

[Keyair]

Thats great info... I will add a IR thermometer to my travel kit until I can splurge on the temp and pressure monitors.

Oh, and to prove my insanity... Here is my GF's Daily Driver...

[Isuzusweet]

Originally Posted by Keyair

Thats great info... I will add a IR thermometer to my travel kit until I can splurge on the temp and pressure monitors.

Oh, and to prove my insanity... Here is my GF's Daily Driver...

So......are you implying that your girlfriend is insane? Careful.

Cheers
Tony

[Keyair]

Originally Posted by Isuzusweet

So......are you implying that your girlfriend is insane? Careful.

Cheers
Tony

Well, she loves me..... so what does that say?

[rmkrum]

Certifiable. My wife is the same way. Why she puts up with me for so long (44 years) makes no sense otherwise....


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[DHC1]

Day one behind us and all is good - a couple of minor items to look into but the coach is running well 190-195 on temp - 200 after a long pull uphill. The pressure water has a leak - looks like in the hose somewhere. Otherwise - furnaces, water heater etc operating.

[bkahler]

Wow! That's a testimony as to how well that coach has been maintained. Congratulations on a great buy

There aren't to many new owners that get to enjoy their first drive the way you are. That is unless you've bought one of Peter's hand me downs!

Brad

[DHC1]

Just checking pressures - front right airbag leaking instantly