Thursday, December 26, 2013

LET'S TALK ABOUT SWAY

On my return trip to Louisiana in the Pleasure Way, I noticed that it tended to sway.  It was white knuckle driving all the way home.  Once home, I got on the Internet and found the topic on several forums with suggestions on how to remedy the situation.  The first thing listed was tire pressure.

So the first thing I did when I got home was to check the tire pressure.  The manufacturer states on the door panel that the rear should be 80 and the front 55 psi.  The pressure on the Pleasure Way was:  rear 55 and front 30.  That could be why I had such a hard time staying in my lane coming home.  This could make a big difference.

I rode around town today and got up to 55 mph with no sway.  To be really sure I will take it on the interstate for a test ride within the next few days.  However, it does appear that it was only low tire pressure that was the problem.  I wish I would have checked the tires before leaving Florida.  It never dawned on me that the tires would be in need of air.

The next thing listed on the forums was to have a front-end alignment.  I called the Ford dealership here in town and they referred me to Superior Tire Service who work on big rigs.  I was pleased to hear that there was someone here in town that could do the job.  They will also be able to tell me whether or not I need to have the air bags filled to 60, install an anti sway bar, or have the steering box adjusted.

I wrote to Pleasure Way and requested the alignment specs for my VIN # and am waiting a reply.  When I get that info I will take it in to Superior Tire Service.

Hopefully, I won't need to do any of those things and I can get on with my camping.  Meanwhile, she just sits in my driveway looking pretty.  She gets a lot of attention from the neighbors.


I still have a few things that need doing before I can go camping.  I have to go to the Insurance company and have the policy transferred to the new RV.  Then I need to get a Louisiana Brake Tag.  After that I will go to the DMV to return the old plate and get a new one.  I also want to drain the fresh water tank and sanitize it and refill it.  I will try to get up on the roof to fix the rust stain and see if it needs sealing or just paint.

So it will be a week or two before I can go anywhere but I will be getting the necessary things done.  Meanwhile, I've been having fun arranging things on the inside.  Anything that slides off onto the floor now has Velcro to keep it in place.  I thinned out all of my clothes and towels and now even have some empty space in one cabinet.  I really had too much stuff in the Class C and now am down to the essentials.  It's amazing how much that Class B can hold.


Monday, December 23, 2013

THE ONE THAT DIDN'T GET AWAY

Well... the Pleasure Way camper van I finally brought home is a 2005 Pleasure Way Excel TD, V8 with 47,000 miles.  I purchased it at Sunshine State RVs in Gainesville, Florida.  Used my Class C as a trade-in and with a substantial sum of cash the deal was made.



The twin beds were a must in my decision making process.

The two front seats swivel around to face the back.  There is a small round table that can be set up here.  There is also a larger table that sets up in the rear. 

I have more counter space in this RV than I had in the larger Class C.  Of course I did have to sacrifice my large refrigerator/freezer. 

The TV swivels.

Absolutely love this bathroom.  It holds all of the stuff I had in my larger bathroom in the Class C.



I almost lost my chance at this unit as there was a couple from New York looking at it who just moments after I agreed to the price had said to their salesman that they would buy it.  They were informed by my salesman that it had just sold.  Whew!!