We took our annual winter get-away from Parker to Yuma the first week of December, 2019. It was cold and snowy when we loaded, about 20 to 30 deg. F and ice on the driveway. Not fun. I wanted to have water available for the trip which meant flushing anti-freeze out of the plumbing and charging the lines with water and filling the tank about one-third full. In the process of pressurizing the system, I was greeted with water flowing out from within and below the kitchen sink cabinet. I managed to get the pressure cut off with only a couple of quarts of water to mop up. The problem turned out to be with the 1/4" plastic water line from the water filter to the faucet that I had installed previously (Post 15). Apparently I did not push the line into the faucet fitting far enough to get a proper grip, and it chose that time to come out. Lucky catch, really, even if it was a bit of a mess and a hassle.
The trip to Yuma loaded with all the stuff we move between houses and towing the Smart car was uneventful. I did have to park and connect to electricity in six inches of snow at our first overnight stop in Las Vegas, NM. But we were warm and snug and slept well.
I put the Orion into the resort storage lot soon after arrival after draining all the liquids and adding fuel stabilizer, where it remained until we prepped it for return to Parker this May 4. I had hoped to make a couple of short trips in it this spring, but the Covid situation put the stop to our plans. I did take Phrynie (Orion's name) out for a couple of drives to circulate everything, and ran the generator at least once a month. One of the outings was to a Yuma shopping center to meet up with Terri from San Diego. She is a follower of this blog and was traveling through in her Orion.
We had an uneventful trip back home during the virus lockdowns. There was no problem getting gas. We only stopped for one meal which was takeout; otherwise, we made our meals in the RV. Our first night was spent at the Lordsburg, NM, rest area. The second was at the same Las Vegas, NM, campground we were at in December. Thankfully, no snow.
So, my second goof was a repeat of last year. I put Phrynie in storage and, yes, I forgot once more to shut off the furnace while leaving the propane and battery switches on. After a week, I went to check on her and did a readout of the battery charge history. Yes, basically drained to dead every night and charged back up by the solar during the day until it ran out of propane. I wonder if I will ever get this right? Another check list?
I got the propane tank filled up and brought Phrynie home to check the batteries. Other than the water level being low, they seem to be OK for now. I may have shortened their life though. I did clean up the battery compartment and remount them more securely.
The one issue that belongs to the Orion is some fading/discoloring on the right side of the rear cap. It's probably a sun issue. She sits in the open in storage so, other that getting a cover of some kind, not much I can do. I have waxed the coach yearly with a good quality ceramic sealant that is supposed to provide some UV protection. I can live with it, but kind of disappointing for only four years old.
Hey Bob,
ReplyDeleteA heads up. Our 1.25 inch hitch failed today right at the receiver. One side broke completely, and the other side was cracked. We’ve never overhauled and it still broke. You may want to inspect yours. The hitch place said 56 inches is a long way to span for 1.25 tubing
I appreciate the info. I will check mine closer. I've towed a Smart car almost 20,000 miles behind the Orion so far with no problems. I did have to have the 2 inch adapter rewelded to the smaller receiver tube because the first weld job was not done properly.
ReplyDeleteHello Bob,
ReplyDeleteI have really enjoyed your entire blog and hope you don’t mind if I ask you a few questions about your Coachmen Orion 24RB…especially since you have experienced different motorhomes.
We just sold our 2006 26’ Four Winds (really 27’) class C with two slides. It now has 80K, and it has been great, but we are looking at a smaller, lighter, and more agile 24’ class. I spent a year living full time in the old Safari Trek, so I am very familiar with how much real estate is gained by a retractable bed.
The best way to describe us is that we are retired and mostly “travelers” and “explorers” with occasional camping with a grandchild or two.
So my questions are mostly about the living space. You mentioned sacrificing headroom – what is the exact headroom measurement? Has the headroom become an issue over the years? Has not having a slide to open up the living area become an issue or downside? And I assume an aftermarket swivel pedestal could be adapted for the passenger seat for more living space? And lastly, have you found any practical concerns with having to put the bed down every night?
Thank you so much. I might have a few technical questions later, but we are still in the “should we look for one” phase,
You can email me at dablodger@gmail.com if you prefer.
don
Thanks and I appreciate that folks find my blog useful.
ReplyDeleteHeadroom: I am 6'tall. I have to duck a bit to walk under the bed, but it has become natural and not a bother. I think the actual headroom is about 5'-10", and that can vary if you put a topper on the mattress like we did plus keep the bedding with a blanket on as we also do. So that reduces the maximum headroom a bit more. It's no problem for my wife, and like I said, no issue for me. I can get an exact measurement the next time I visit the RV in storage.
We actually like the bed arrangement and having it out of the way during the day. It takes 15 seconds to lower it and it is ready to go. Just fold the bedding down and grab our pillows and climb in. It takes a little gymnastics to step on the couch, then the kitchen counter, then up into bed. But much easier than cab-over arrangements we had in a Class C and pickup campers. If I get up in the middle of the night, I can step down into the cab area and do a crab crawl under the bed so as not to disturb my wife. This might be a problem for anyone with mobility impairment. We tried the ladder that came with the coach, but the narrow rungs hurt our bare feet and it seemed more awkward and less secure than our method.
Naturally having a slide-out is great for space enhancement. Our 5th wheel trailers and Class A had them, and were wonderful for longer term living. But we specifically avoided a slide-out this time for our current travel and camping style (no longer half-time in RV). Just a preference to avoid the complexity and occasional problems with them. Plus, the retractable bed layout gives a decent living area.
I have considered the swivel pedestal, but decided we really wouldn't use it. I'm sure it would work to have an extra seat facing the living area. One concern was that they raise the seat a couple of inches. My wife has short legs that barely reach the floor as is, so she wasn't keen on sitting higher up.