Christmas Idea?

[dreamchasers]

At the request of my wife, I am asking for ideas of tools or gadgets that one might use in the quest of maintaining our newly acquired Prevost. With Christmas nearing, our annual buying ‘extravaganza’ begins. So this year, I have pointed all potential gift buyers to Prevost related items, large$$$ or small$. I have looked at ‘Prevoman’s’ website and the cool tools are definitely on the list.

Any other ideas of ‘would like to have’ or ‘must haves’ would be appreciated?

Lee says ‘thanks for you help’.

Hector

[dalej]

Hector, If you are planning on working on your coach, i.e. change tires, air bags, then the list can be huge. Let us know what your skill level is and we can go from there.

The first thing that came to my mind was a 1 inch impact. So now you can see why we need to know what you are planning on doing.

[Jerry Winchester]

Maybe someone will post Nick's tool list from POG 4. I just finished procuring the Fluke 52 dual digital thermometer via eBay and the initial run was sweet. Differential temperature in realtime and great accuracy. I also picked up the Fluke 337 clamp meter and the circuit "pen", so I am well on the way to getting the things I was short on.

This is also a great place to find neat tools; http://kk.org/cooltools/

[dreamchasers]

Hector, If you are planning on working on your coach, i.e. change tires, air bags, then the list can be huge. Let us know what your skill level is and we can go from there.

The first thing that came to my mind was a 1 inch impact. So now you can see why we need to know what you are planning on doing.

Skill Level, Humm?? Well, I guess that depends on who you asked? But as I have learned owning our American Eagle, 'if you want it done right, be prepared to do it yourself." With that in mind, I want to handle most things that come up, with the exception of heavy mechanical (engine, transmission work, etc). From what I have learned so far, troubleshooting suspension issues will require the removal of tires and wheels to access components. So, I am sure I will start with jacks and the torque multiplier$$.

Also, in my younger years, I spent a few years working on rice farms in the Gulf Coast area of Texas. I can handle most farm related equipment, plus I have made a living working in the electronics field, mostly control systems used in the oil industry.

So I guess I am looking for a parred down list for newbies.

Hector

[truk4u]

Hector,

If you have experience in the Electronics Field, we need you badly!;) I can visualize a seminar to follow.....

[rfoster]

Hector: Man this is exciting

If the mechanical parts are ok and dont need immediate attention - go for the Bling Stuff.

L.E.D.S. , Drop down TV Monitors in the kitchen for the Ms to watch while preparing your favorite meal, Navigation system, tire pressure monitor system (which I dont have but Joe and others do), Water pressure gauge (A1 Jon has one, along with dual water pumps), Aux air gauge if you dont already have one.

Maybe some side wireless cameras installed in the rear view mirrors (like Milleniums) hooked into another dash monitor. I have seen the new crapco mirrors with camera behind the lense but they are stored in the vault at Ft. Knox.

Last nite I just installed a wireless printer hidden in a cabinet (that the previous owner had installed) it was really tuff, I just plugged it in.

Gary De has a mirror finish stainless tool box in his bay that makes my mouth drool.

A good tire gauge (Milton) 30.00 bucks at Northern.

Thats just for starters

[MangoMike]

Some ideas over at the Cool Bus Tools on Prevoman.com

http://www.prevoman.com/Pages/Cool%20Toos/ToolsPg1.html


Mike

[jello_jeep]

Well then of course you have BV's pneumatic margarita maker.

[Jim_Scoggins]

A 3 pound short handled sledge hammer!
(for working on inverter-chargers)

[rfoster]

Gift Certificates for Dinner at Mango Mikes.:cool:

[Jon Wehrenberg]

Hector,

Come to the TN rally and I'll bring you to Casa del Grease Pit. I'll show you tools.

I can handle just about anything and there is not a lot of money involved.

[Jon Wehrenberg]

Tools in order of need and usage.......

Oil changing and greasing tools including large and small filter wrenches, oil drain pan, grease gun.

Bus body supports. Heavy wood blocks are great, but the need eventually expands to the air over hydraulic jacks shown on Mango's site. Note, those jacks are good support stands because with the center screw fully extended they will support the bus in the raised postion without relying on the hydraulic jack.

Electrical tools including a good multi tester, a clamp on AC/DC voltage and current tester, and a battery load tester. The carbon pile work fine, but the new type, while a little pricey are the way to go. Make sure it is rated for at least 2000 CCA. and if it tests charging and starting circuits make sure it is rated 24VDC.

Gear reducer like the X12 shown on Mango's site.

A good set of hand tools, and especially 3/8 and 1/2 inch socket sets, open and box end wrenches up to 1 1/4, including 1 1/16 and 1 1/8, a good screw driver set, wire cutters, strippers and crimpers, and tire valve tools, including pressure gauge and straight foot fill tools.

These are the basics and with these you can handle almost every common task associated with the bus and the house.

But if you really want to get serious, you need to add some big boy toys.....

Air compressor, 150 to 175 PSI with an 80 gallon tank.

1" impact wrench (which needs 1/2" air hose)

Tire handling dolly (the yellow one shown on Mango's site)

Commercial grease pump and 50 feet of grease hose set up with 120 pound drum.

Welder (Mig preferred).

Polishing equipment (this ranges from hand held 7000 RPM polishers and wheels to motor driven flexible shaft polishers)

Ultrasonic leak detector

and most of all......the Detroit Diesel ProLink code reader with software for your version of DDEC.

[Will Garner]

Jon (and others),

I am in the tool acquisition mode also. Two questions, first are the sockets sets standard or metric? Second I'm having a difficult time finding a tool box that fits the slide on the 1990 Country Coach Prevost Conversion, any advice on where to find one?

Carole and I are also hoping to get to the Sevierville TN April mini-con. It will be our first.

Thanks

[Jon Wehrenberg]

Both SAE and metric.

I took a measurement of the cradle and did a search. This is what I am currently using:

http://www.toolcenter.com/PL222-9BX.html

[MangoMike]

Jon,

Will might not have the same toolbox cradle as you. It's my understanding that yours is made custom by Liberty. I was going to install one in the H3, until I found out that Liberty wanted about $800 (without toolbox).

Mike

[Jon Wehrenberg]

My cradle may be a Liberty exclusive, but it is a standard tool box footprint that fits in the cradle.

I found twenty or thirty tool boxes available with the 26 X 12 footprint, ranging from Sears to Snap-On. If Will has a different size cradle he may have a hard time finding a tool box because the industry has standardized sizes.

[Darl-Wilson]

Here is a 'Dream' electronics device Hector. Check out the VMSpc (http://www.silverleafelectronics.com/?q=node/6) from Silverleaf Electronics. I just bought one of these for my Prevost Country Coach and it is awesome. You can actually build an electronic dashboard, adding items we don't normally have on our older coaches like a mileage computer, exhaust gas temperature, and a code reader. You will even have the transmission temp, load on your engine and the best economy as you drive. They also have a forum (http://www.silverleafelectronics.com/?q=forum/23) where the owner of the company make a regular contribution and answers questions. This is the company that makes the digital dash board for the new Country Coach (http://www.countrycoach.com/model.cfm?brand=cnv&my=08), Newell (http://www.newellcoach.com/flash.html), and Foretravel (http://www.foretravel.com/phenix_photos.php). A great bargain for only $395.00.

[tdelorme]

The Silverleaf Electronics setup is first class. I installed it on my Country Coach and ran it through a small laptop mounted next to the backup monitor. I was going to leave it in the coach and get a new one for the 8V92 in the Liberty, but when I called Silverleaf they said my current setup would work with the Detroit. All I need to do is clear the memory, hook it up and the program will recognize the engine. Running VMSpc & DeLorme Maps with GPS.
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[Darl-Wilson]

I forgot to mention that the Silverleaf VMSpc is able to incorporate your GPS into a split screen with the vehicle functions. "Scotts Adventures (http://www.scotthicks.com/blog/index.php?serendipity[action]=custom_projects&serendipity[page]=1#1)" is a great site with 60 projects that are very useful. One of them is a setup (#2) using the VMSpc/GPS and a laptop.

Attn: Jim Skiff. This company (http://www.silverleafelectronics.com/?q=node/1) is big on Rally presentations. Maybe they would like to come to Seibt (http://www.seibtdesertretreat.com/) in May. Owner's name is Martin Perlot.

[Jon Wehrenberg]

It's bad enough we got guys in planes now spending more time reviewing their high end multi function glass displays instead of flying the plane, but now we got bus drivers doing the same, and probably talking on the cell phone at the same time.

Hey guys, look out the bus window. Ain't that why you got the bus....to see the country? Only semi joking on this one.

[dalej]

I just received this little bracket from expressmounts.com for my Christmas gift, well I had to pay for it!

I think it's going to be perfect for my Garmin 276C. I can mount it on the bus windshield, on the Harleys speedometer and on the boat windsheild.

I tried to attach it to computer screen to hold my coffee, don't think it is going to work.

[Jim_Scoggins]

I have had one of these for years. I just pump the old oil back into the gallon jugs the new oil came out of. Handy for all kinds of equipment fluid changes--not just the coach. Might seem a little pricey but the payback comes quick against paying someone to do the fluid chage.

www.emersonjacks.com/emerson_jack_007.htm

[tdelorme]

Jim I think Hector & Lee are fulltimers so the fluid change setup might be a little to much to haul around. If I had one of those I think I would put a sigh out on the road for free oil changes. Looks like the pro deal for sure.
What you all need is what two of our daughters gave us last Christmas. I got some waxing and polishing help coming in a few years. Yea, I know there will be some training involved but the best helpers are the ones you train yourself.:)


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[dreamchasers]

Jim I think Hector & Lee are fulltimers so the fluid change setup might be a little to much to haul around. If I had one of those I think I would put a sigh out on the road for free oil changes. Looks like the pro deal for sure.
What you all need is what two of our daughters gave us last Christmas. I got some waxing and polishing help coming in a few years. Yea, I know there will be some training involved but the best helpers are the ones you train yourself.:)


<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i174/tdelorme1/DSCF0053.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>

Please do not let the Livingston, Texas address trick you into thinking we are fulltimers, because we are not. We live in Livingston about 1/2 time and travel the rest. We are better described as travelers, rather than campers.

The ideas have been great!

Hector

[Jon Wehrenberg]

Hector, we can keep those ideas coming. We take pride in tell other people how to spend their money. As if any Prevost owner needs help spending money. Except for Lew.

[MangoMike]

Add this to the list.

1902

When JDUB and I were picking up his new ride from Jack14r.

1901

In his bus barn he had these great sticky mats at the entrance to the bus to pick up dirt and grime off your shoes. Used at the entrance to clean rooms they worked great. And for the Kevin E in you, they may be the perfect Christmas gift.

Here's more photos and purchase info on Prevoman.

http://www.prevoman.com/Pages/Cool%20Toos/Sticky%20Mat/StickyMat.html

Mike

[rmboies]

[QUOTE=tdelorme;21300]What you all need is what two of our daughters gave us last Christmas. I got some waxing and polishing help coming in a few years. Yea, I know there will be some training involved but the best helpers are the ones you train yourself.:)

This has got to be the ultimate Christmas gift! Adorable babies and beautiful Grammy :D

[Jim_Scoggins]

A POG Guru recommended these to me so I got them for myself for Christmas
See the link
www.mro2go.com.

374FLUKE336A Fluke 336A Digital Clamp On Multimeter, 600Amp TRMS w/Lite 1 $231.62 $231.62
374FLUKE774 Fluke 77-4 Digital Multimeter 1000V, Frequency, Capacitance 1 $207.63 $207.63
Shipping: UPS - Ground: $7.93
Sales Tax: $0.00
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total: $447.18

[dreamchasers]

It looks like time for a loan! Thanks for all the input and great ideas. As a newbie, all ideas are welcome. Thanks again.

Hector

[JIM CHALOUPKA]

At the request of my wife, I am asking for ideas of tools or gadgets that one might use in the quest of maintaining our newly acquired Prevost. With Christmas nearing, our annual buying ‘extravaganza’ begins. So this year, I have pointed all potential gift buyers to Prevost related items, large$$$ or small$. I have looked at ‘Prevoman’s’ website and the cool tools are definitely on the list.

Any other ideas of ‘would like to have’ or ‘must haves’ would be appreciated?

Lee says ‘thanks for you help’.

Hector

Well Hector, now that the snow I mean dust has settled after the holidays, did you get any great tools for Christmas?

How about anyone else??????????

I see that one of the first repairs of 2008 was made with a hammer ( way to go Rick D). :rolleyes: Just thought of a jibe that used to be thrown out to fellow hotroders, "hammer it to shape, file it to fit and paint it to cover up the mistakes". Ha, Ha, Ha. That would really piss some guys off! :D

I got a great rechargeable 8 led trouble light, in the shape of a wand, E252442 by Craftsman. Had to buy it for myself though.:(

[dreamchasers]

I got a couple of jacks, the All Start Battery Checker, and the sticky mat (on back order).


Thanks for the ideas.

Hector