This morning I'm marveling that this thread, started 1.25 years ago, has reached over 500 posts! That's probably a record -- congratulations
@RvRev2! Maybe someday I'll query the database and generate some additional stats about it.
In the end it's just a small-talk-around-the-campfire social thread. Nothing earth-shattering, just a chronicle of the comings and goings of our TZE brethren and sistern
. Unlike most other threads, the content is freeform, meandering intentionally. Like Seinfeld, it's a show about nothing. But, we get to see something priceless, that is, a record of what owning a GMC Motorhome is really like. The ups, downs, and in-betweens.
The best part, though, is the consistent good-natured tone of these posts, no moderation required. What a treasure in the online social media world where manufactured outrage is the soup du jour! It recharges my house batteries which have been stressed of late given the global state of affairs. I'm deeply grateful.
Today, for me, marks the beginning of preparations for camping season 2026. This will be my 8th year of GMC Motorhome ownership. I'll be removing my front wheels to start the process of changing the tires from Michelin Defender LTX M/S to Michelin Agilis CrossClimate 2. I was planning to try the Cooper HT3's but the Michelins were only about $20 more (each) and they're severe snow service rated. I'll also be switching from wheel weights to Counteract balancing beads. Finally, I'll change the oil along with the oil cooler adapter seal which has been leaking. I found the correct part (Dorman 917-036) which should seal better than the oil filter gasket that's in there currently.
The to-do list is pretty long this year, including an unusually large number of issues that arose during our trip to Florida over the holidays. Thankfully none of them involved a mechanical breakdown. I'll also be converting the coach to lithium house batteries this season. I was already planning to do this, but as luck would have it I won a giveaway from the
RVing Today TV show sponsored by Go Power / Dometic! The package includes a smart 100ah battery, a 3000W smart inverter/charger, a battery monitor, a 130W portable solar panel, and a wiring kit. All I need to add is a DC-to-DC charger to charge the house battery from the alternator. I'm thinking I'll use a combo unit from Renogy that includes a solar charge controller.
Thanks again, friends, for making this community so special!
Apparently at some point I will need a Viair or similar compressor upgrade as the Firestone compressor is a bit under-powered.
