Yahoo Message Number: 6912 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/6912)
I have two questions. One durning what years was Bob Lee NOT at CC??
Second question is about chassies. Is anyone aware of any problems with the Gillig chassie ?? I remember something of how CC made the switch to Dynomax but thought it was because Gillig wanted to focus on it's bus chassie business. Is one chassie better than the other ?? Is one prone to problems as it ages ??
I was looking at a 1997 Intrigue with a Gillig chassie and was warned away from it. I'm waiting now for an explanation.
Thanks,
Michael
Yahoo Message Number: 6917 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/6917)
We have a Gillig chassis with close to 100k miles. No chassis problem yet, and I have not heard of any specific problem. See no reason why you should stay away from a Country Coach on a Gillig. I've heard a couple of stories, none verified. Most common was Gillig chassis got too expensive for CC, and they also wanted to concentrate on buses, as you mentioned. Heard Gillig helped out CC with their Dynomax design. Both should be good chassis for many miles.
Per
95 Affinity 5259
Yahoo Message Number: 6929 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/6929)
CC??
on
Is
warned
I cant help on the Bob Lee thing...but was told by C Coach at the FMCA convention in 1977 the same thing. Gillig was cutting out the RV part of their business and that C Coach had gotten with them and was using/buying the same components that Gillig was using at the time.
One model at a time would be phased out starting that year with Allure's and working up thru the Intrigues; Magnas..etc..etc each sucessive year. Except for maybe.?..lower HP ratings on the engine ( depending on what you "think" you have to have that is) if the 97 is in great shape...go for it by all means.
Sully
Yahoo Message Number: 6934 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/6934)
We owned a 97 Magna on a Gillig and loved it. I think the Gillig had a better ride than my 2002 CC. The only reason I sold it was that the Magna had a 330 Detroit series 40 in it. Otheswise Id be driving it yet today. Dale
Yahoo Message Number: 6935 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/6935)
warned
Michael,
What was the warning? I specifically looked for the Gillig chassis because of their bus reputation. I have no comparisons so cannot say it is better, but have found it reliable in a used rig. Thought the Gillig would be less of a risk than the dynomax in the vintages I was shopping for.
Dean
95 Magna 5280
Yahoo Message Number: 6936 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/6936)
Here is what I was told :
"The Gillig is a good chassis, the Dynomax is better (imo). The Gillig chassis had a lighter GVWR, smaller tires, smaller brakes, an air throttle, and the air disburse tank is right under the front seats so every 2 to 3 minutes you hear the air disburse.
I have had customers install larger tires, larger brakes (for better stopping power), and run an air line from the disburse valve to the rear of the coach which moves the noise back. The air activated throttle was very troublesome in my experience, you just really need to stay on top of keeping your air system leak free, otherwise, no throttle.
My point is, in our blue books there is no credit or discount for either chassis (Gillig or Dynomax), in 1997 they used both so for the same amount of money you should be able to locate a Dynomax chassis coach."
They went on to say that for the proposed sale price if the coach was otherwise in good condition it would be a fair deal.
This was from someone who works and sells CC at a respected dealership. When they first suggested Gillig might not be as good as a Dynomax I questioned them further and you see the response quoted above. Based on that I am not worried about Gillig chassies. I expect a certain amount of maintenance from any used coach and the air system is one I would be comfortable working on myself.
Michael
Yahoo Message Number: 6949 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/6949)
-Ok thanks for the detail, which is looks very accurate. Air throttle (knock, knock) has not been a problem, air release not noticed, (but will be going forward). Would like bigger brakes.
Tires seem to do well (new under recall). The NCC of the dynomax is attractive at @ 6000lbs vs 3,000 lbs, but we have about 1500 excess loaded for travel with our Gillig.
Happy Hunting
Dean
95 Magna #5280
Yahoo Message Number: 6968 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/6968)
Dale, I have a 97 Magna with a Gillig chassis and the Detroit 40 series engine. Should I be concerned about the engine? It has performed well for me in the short time I have owned it.
Harvey
Yahoo Message Number: 6987 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/6987)
Harvey, I turned 50K on the engine and the turbo went out, the isolator had to be replaced, as did the alternator. The turbo went out going over Grants pass so we had to be towed back to Medford. I had DFS extended warranty, so a $25 deductible covered the repairs. Basically I sold my Magna before it depreciated too much. When I sold it, I was getting 12MPG which was awesome. I sold it in 1999, but we loved the Gillig ride. Dale