Yahoo Message Number: 85727 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/85727)
Hi guys,
Looks like we are going to buy another coach. We are looking at an 06 affinity next week. Other than the PTO and possible radiator issues is there anything else we should be aware of while inspecting it?
Thanks
Tammy Toalson
99 Magna 5605 (now for sale)
Yahoo Message Number: 85729 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/85729)
Check fiberglass panels, especially on the slides for cracking and crazing. Make sure aqua hot is operating up to snuff and looked after.
Marc 05 affinity 6429
Yahoo Message Number: 85742 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/85742)
I'd double check that everything with the Silverleaf system is operating properly. That the inverters are doing their job, that the house batteries are in good shape, and that the slide awnings are not torn.
I've got a Magna, great coach. Well built.
Yahoo Message Number: 85747 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/85747)
If the tires are original they are due to be replaced which equals $$$, Also check all the windows for fogging (failed seals). Check the chassis for rust if driven in snow (salted roads). Maintenance records?
Brian
09 Intrigue
Yahoo Message Number: 85789 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/85789)
Tammy,
We have an '06 Affinity, so I'm speaking from experience. We have replaced/repaired nine fogged windows. Also, check the passenger window for leaks. The design was bad. We had to have the window removed, and the entire wall beside the passenger chair needed to be rebuilt, starting with a re-welding of the sidewall metal studs. We know of another 06 Affinity which needed the same redo. We have had many other issues with the coach, probably $25,000 worth, but they aren't systemic to design. Suggestions made by others are valid. If possible, I'd contact Country Coach and pay to know what repairs were made under warranty. They still have many records of warranty work - unfortunately, they didn't have it for our coach. Good luck.
Martin
2006 Affinity
#6543
Yahoo Message Number: 85815 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/85815)
Hi Martin,
I really appreciate the information. The present owner has had 9 foggy windows repair.
How would I go about seeing if there was this passenger side window problem? Thanks
Tammy
Yahoo Message Number: 85816 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/85816)
Hi everybody,
Thanks for all the suggestions. Keep 'em coming. We leave Wednesday to go look at it.
Tammy
Yahoo Message Number: 85837 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/85837)
Tammy,
The telltale signs would be discolored wallpaper below the window. Also, the tile at the entry step might be loose/discolored. Our leak went down the wall to the step wall to the step landing. They had to rip out the tile, wood, and redo the step support.
On the outside of the window, look for fiberglass separation in the front bottom corner. This is also an indication of water under the fiberglass.
If I remember correctly, the bill was in the $4,000 range. Reeves Custom Coach actually took the old window out and replaced it with a solid double pane glass. He did the same for the other '06 Affinity I knew about. It was Fred's opinion that the design had a flaw, and all of those coaches sooner or later would have the same problem. Reeves Custom Coach used to be the regional repair center for Country Coach, so he knows these coaches front-to-back.
Good luck.
Martin
2006 Affinity
#6543
Yahoo Message Number: 86875 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/86875)
We have a few little issues with our new to us Affinity I thought y'all might be able to help me with.
One is the fresh water fill valve. It fills fine till it gets to 3/4 full then it quits. You can restart it and it fills for a minute maybe and then stops again.
Another thing is a squeak up on the dash area. Sounds like upper left side of the front window trim. We snugged up the screws and then tried putting some silicon on them and putting them back with no improvement.
The other thing is the kitchen faucet....it runs sooooo slow, barely more than a trickle. All others run fine. I took the end off and cleaned out the screen with no improvement.
If anyone has any ideas please let me know.
We just spent the last two weeks in freezing temps in MO (I know....what were we thinking?!?!) and the coach stayed toasty warm even in 30-35 mph winds. And those heated floors!
Thanks
Tammy Toalson
06 Affinity 6611
On the way home to warm FL
Yahoo Message Number: 86876 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/86876)
Tammy: I soaked my kitchen faucet in a cup of vinegar which helped with my water flow, like new. Can't help with the other issues. Hope you are enjoying the new coach. Barrie Boas 94 Concept 5111
Yahoo Message Number: 86878 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/86878)
Tammy,
You won't believe this. I soaked my faucet in WD 40 for 24 hrs and then CLR for 24 hrs. Works better now but still not as good as the Bthroom.
Go to www.wd40.com (http://www.wd40.com), you will be amazed.
Michael
05 Inspire #51381
**************************************** Michael Title
Halfmoon Bay, BC, Canada
CDN Cell: 604.741.3328
San Miguel De Allende, GTO Mexico MEX Cell: [52] 415.100.1543
Yahoo Message Number: 86879 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/86879)
Don't know if you have the same fill valves as we do, but I've had to take our valves apart a few times. They tent to get rust build-up and stick. Some cleaning helped. They are not easy to get to and take apart, but on our coach they are located next to thewater pump.
Per Korslund
Affinity 5259
Yahoo Message Number: 86880 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/86880)
Tammy
Some coaches will have a water filter under the kitchen sink connected to the cold side of the faucet to provide drinking water. If you have one and it has not been changed recently, it may be clogged up and preventing water flow.
There are also several places in the inner workings of the faucet that can be blocked by mineral buildup.
Some brands carry a lifetime warranty and tech support to troubleshoot the problem for the original owner of the faucet.
You are the original owner aren't you? Moen is an example.
Bob Wexler
Yahoo Message Number: 86885 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/86885)
Tammy, an on-board water softener would solve the salt/mineral buildups in your faucets. Nice in the shower too and also doing laundry.
I've been told that the squeaks around the windshield are caused by the glass as it rubs slightly on the rubber perimeter mounts (assuming you have that style of mount). So we now ignore it, you can't do anything about it.
Yahoo Message Number: 86894 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/86894)
Tammy
When we had a windshield squeak on our 08 Intrigue, Chris Snyder removed and ground down the plastic trim piece that ran along the top edge of the windshield. This trim piece covered the gap between the cabinets and the glass. The trim piece was rubbing on the glass and squeaking - Chris ground it down enough that it no longer touched the glass and the squeak went away.
Brad Burgess
UTB 08 Intrigue
Yahoo Message Number: 86899 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/86899)
Tammy/Lee
My coach as the same annoying squeak at the top of the windshield. In my case it is due to the front plastic molding that looks nice trimming the ceiling all the way to the windshield. The problem is that it touches the windshield.
Jan solved the problem by inserting a wedge between the class and the plastic. We use a baking spatula and other wedgy type found devices but she eventually found a package of plastic toilet installation wedges. One wedge on each side of the windshield and we have silence. I hope yours can be fixed as easily. If I haven't explained it well let me know. I'll take a picture and post it and I'll show you in Cody.
George in Birmingham
'03 Magna 6298
Yahoo Message Number: 87001 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/87001)
Well, one thing checked off the list....we just changed out the faucet to a new one tonight and we have a full stream of water in our kitchen sink now! Hurray!
We do have a water softener, Lee and we really like it. Just from cleaning out the shower head and sink faucets I think there has been a lot of hard water run though it.
Just a few more things on the list. We will get to those some day.
Thanks for al your help.
Yahoo Message Number: 87003 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/87003)
Tammy,
The new faucet, is it the same, as the one that you replaced or did you completely change the style? We are looking at changing to a different style then we have now. Thanks
Dave 07 Country Coach Allure 430 #31495 12 Jeep GC Toad Mountains of So Cal
Yahoo Message Number: 87008 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/87008)
I'm not sure if the faucet that was in here was the original. All the other fixtures are American Standard and it was Price Pfister. The one we replaced it with is a Delta with the pull down sprayer. It uses one hole for the valve, one for the spout and the third for a soap dispenser. We also put in cut off valves under the sink while we were there.
I will be happy to give you the model or any other info if you want.
Tammy
Affinity 6611
Yahoo Message Number: 87010 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/87010)
Have a 2006 Magna the noise in our coach was the plastic trim piece that was rubbing the glass making a very annoying noise took the trim off put a thin foam strip on edge that stopped the noise. The auto fill does the same I've talked to silverleaf and it seems to be an issue with the sensors and the silverleaf sotfware if you want to fill completely use the gravity fill.
Tommy Townsend
2006 magna
Yahoo Message Number: 87051 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/87051)
Tommy is right about the plastic piece rubbing the glass......I chased that noise for a while, removed the plastic piece and ran a 1/2" strip of velcro (fuzzy side) across the with of the windshield where the plastic piece now rest.
Luther Wikle
2006 affinity 6600
Yahoo Message Number: 87052 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/87052)
06 Inspire 51784
Yahoo Message Number: 87053 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/87053)
Yes, you can run with the fan on high but you will pay the price in fuel usage.
George
'04 Inspire 51061
Yahoo Message Number: 87054 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/87054)
I don't know which is harder on the aluminum radiators, the cycling of the Fan, or the fan running in the high condition. My fan controller failed in North Dakota and we finished our trip, 3000 miles. On the way to Oregon, about 1/2 way (900 miles), the radiator failed. It was replaced and a new fan controller installed and it failed again 1400 miles later. I drove Home and to Tucson to have the controller replaced, 2500 miles. The next year when I got back to Oregon, 2100 miles, later the new radiator had be gun to seep. So the radiator and charge air cooler were replaced. It's been over 4,000 miles now and all is working OK. From my experience I would say running with the fan on high will definitely cause an Aluminum radiator to fail, sooner than normal.
The Coper steel radiator that failed was due to a gasket being squeezed to tightly I later learned. The fact that the fan was on high, shouldn't have made a difference I was told. They fixed it under warranty, but the charge air cooler failed and it was the 3rd Aluminum one. I have a different type now. Its your choice, and as you are mostly on level ground and the weather is relatively cool you should think positive. I don't.
TWI 2004 Intrigue 11731
Yahoo Message Number: 87055 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/87055)
George,
Thank you for your help. It's good and a relief to know I'm not going to hurt the engine on our trip home.
Mike
06 Inspire 51784
Yahoo Message Number: 87057 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/87057)
Yahoo Message Number: 87061 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/87061)
Mike,
You're okay to run with the fan on high. At 185 degrees the temp is high enough for reasonable efficiency so you won't have too big a hit on fuel burn rate.
The replacement is easy but the access may be hard. I had a hand size hole cut in the face of the fan shroud adjacent to the controller. When completed the hole was covered by a sheet metal plate screwed in place.
Good luck.
George in Birmingham
'03 Magna 6298
Yahoo Message Number: 87064 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/87064)
Mike..
It really makes you wonder what the people who designed this feature were thinking when it comes to the replacement of the fan controller.
Some means of access whould have been great. These types of access problems occur on all coaches, and not just the fan controller
George.
You should not have a problem running at 185 degrees. I wish we were back in Florida
Dicl
Inspire 51976
Yahoo Message Number: 87076 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/87076)
Thanks to each of you who responded to me. We're heading north today and am grateful to know our engine will be ok.
Mike Frederick
06 Inspire 51784
Yahoo Message Number: 87100 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/87100)
Yahoo Message Number: 87104 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/87104)
Thanks, Dan. We're Minnesotans, and hope somebody there will be able to do this. Great answers from everyone. It makes for a much more secure feeling to know what others have experienced and already know. It's also nice to know we have Kevin W. and others available to us all.
Mike
06 Inspire 51784
Yahoo Message Number: 87153 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/87153)
Hi all,
I updated on the faucet the other day....new one works great!
Today we spent the day with Josam in Orlando and solved a bunch of the squeak problem. New 315's for the front, new shocks all around and an alignment made a WORLD of difference!
We will probably still take down the front windshield trim and put felt of something in there anyway but for now the Florida roads are feeling really smooth right now!
Thanks for all the help!
Tammy
2006 Affinity 6611