Dear Friends,

      This is the difficult part of the year when it is time to head north from the sunny south of the USA.  As I write, we are sitting in the Cummin's customer lounge in Ft. Myers, Florida, waiting for them to make the annual engine oil change and filters on the D.  We are heading out Sunday on our way to Branson with the Hyslops.

      John and Mary Boka tell me they are expecting twenty coaches for Branson which should be a fun-size group.  Most people tell me they really enjoy some of the smaller rallies because they are able to make many new friends in the small-size group.  Possibly the threat of April tornados is hurting attendance at the Oklahoma City FMCA Convention.

      Fleetwood's Dawn Fann has contacted me about having our chapter members man a booth at the Fleetwood display to talk with owners and potential owners of D's.  This will give us an excellent opportunity to pass out membership applications and explain the activities of our chapter.

      I regret to announce that Bill and Nancy Scheerer have joined the ranks of SOBs (some other brand) by selling their D and purchasing an Allegro coach.  Bill will be resigning as treasurer as soon as we elect a new treasurer to replace him.  This will be done at the Oklahoma City business meeting.  Be sure to attend the meeting on Monday, April 2, 2001 at 11 a.m.  We will also be electing our nominating committee to prepare the slate of officers to be elected at the Redmond Convention in August 2001.

      We are still looking for people to help Russ & Roxie Foster plan and organize the pre-rally to be held in Sisters, OR on August 8-11.  This is our club, so please volunteer to help make our twice-a-year pre-rallies a success.

      At the current time, 6 D's from our chapter will be heading north to Alaska in late May.  When we arrive in Watson Lake, we plan to plant a Discovery International sign among the many thousand signs already left by others.  Hopefully, I can get some of those traveling with the group to write some interesting articles for use in future issues of our newsletter.

      Now I must go back to packing to head north to Branson.

Happy Discovery'ing

Jim

     *Pristine lakes, rivers and streams amid towering forests of Ponderosa Pines, all nestled beneath the snow-capped Three Sisters Mountains on the east side of Oregon's snowy Cascade Mountains.  Sun-drenched days, star-filled nights.  All this and more is waiting for you in beautiful Sisters, Oregon.

      Stroll through our Western style town.  Sisters has it all - antiques, art galleries, crafts, clothing, specialty shops - right next door to many great places to eat.  The food ranges from barbecue and Wild West fare to some of the finest cuisine in the Pacific Northwest.

      Whether you enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, golfing, rafting, mountain biking, skiing, horseback riding, snowmobiling or just plain relaxing, you can do it in Sisters country.  On the edge of town, the Deschutes National Forest offers a 1.6 million-acre playground laced with miles and miles of trails, rivers, lakes wilderness area, scenic drives and vistas.

      Discovery International's pre-rally will be held in Sisters, Oregon, August 7, 8, 9 and 10, with the FMCA Convention immediately following in Redmond, Oregon.  Sisters' calendar of local events includes a Village Green Craft Show on August 4, Country Fair on August 11, Sisters Kiwanis/Million Dollar Hole-in-One August 16-19, and the Chamber Auction on August 10.  There is a lot going on, so come on and join in!

      The 38th annual summer grand international convention will take place at the new facility at Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center in Redmond, Oregon, August 14, 15, and 16, 2001.  Redmond is a beautiful, high desert city and is approximately 15 miles north of Bend.  More information can be found regarding this and other rallies in the March 2001 issue of Family Motor Coaching magazine.

      Plan to come and enjoy Renfro Valley, October 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14, 2001.  The schedule is full starting with a Boarding House Dinner followed by a special show and music.  There will be a Classic Country Show, a Barn Dance Show and Three Mini Shows, Mountain Gospel Show another Boarding House Dinner and a Jamboree Show.

      This very special Discovery International Rally is being hosted by Otho and Alice Tew.  We know that October is several months away, but Otho and Alice would like to hear from you if you are interested in attending so that they may begin to get an idea of our members' interest.  Their e-mail address is oatew@2khiway.net.

      Some of the following information is taken from the booklet, "Knowing Your Chassis" distributed by Freightliner, some of the information comes from the Discovery owner's manual.  This information is not all inclusive as there are many systems to check and maintain, it is important to familiarize yourself with all of the owner's manuals and warranty guidelines associated with your Discovery.  Refer to the Chassis Operator's/Owner's Guide/Manual for procedures on reactivating the vehicle after storage.

• Thoroughly inspect the outside of the vehicle.  Look for animal nests in wheel wells, under the hood, in air cleaner on in other out of the way places.

• Remove all appliance vents, ceiling vent and air conditioner coverings.  Be sure all furnace, water heater, and refrigerator openings are clear and free of debris or insect nets, webs, etc.

• Open all doors and compartments.  Check for animal or insect intrusion, water damage, or other deterioration.

• Check all chassis fluid levels - engine oil, engine coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, rear axle oil.

• Remove covering from inside windows.

• Open vents and windows for ventilation.

• Remove covers from tires and thoroughly inspect them for damage.  Inflate the tires to the correct pressure for the actual weight on the tires.

• Remove tape from engine and transmission openings.

• Check for fluid leaks.  Repair as necessary.

• Check engine oil level.  Add oil if needed.

• Check coolant level in reservoir and radiator (do not open radiator cap on hot engine).

• Check hydraulic fluid level in reservoir.  Add fluid if needed.

• Check engine belts for wear, damage, or excessive cracking.

• Check engine fan for damage.

• Check fuel water separator.  If empty, prime fuel system per instructions in your operator's manual.

• Check engine compartment for nesting animals.  Check for leaks and damage to hoses and wiring.

• Check rear axle lubricant.

• Lubricate chassis and drive train.

• Clean ends of battery cables and install a clean and fully charged battery.  Always connect the positive (+) cable first and then the negative (-) cable.  Coat the battery terminals and connectors with a protective sealant.

• Turn the ignition to "RUN" position.  Verify that the fuel and volt meters are operating properly.  Be sure engine instruments indicate proper readings.  Run engine up to operating temperature.  Shut engine down.  Check all fluids.  Top off if necessary.  During engine run, check the operation of headlights, tail-lights, turn signals, backup lights, clearance lights, license plate light, emergency flashers.  Operate the vehicle air conditioner.  If air conditioner does not work, or unusual sounds occur, have the system checked by a qualified air conditioner technician.

• With hydraulic brakes, check to make sure that the electric brake pump runs with the engine not running.  Bleed and adjust brakes if necessary.

• If stored on safety stands, lower vehicle at this time and set the parking brake.

• Run engine until warm.  Re-check for fluid leak.  Check transmission fluid level using the "Cold check" method in your Allison transmission operators manual.  Add fluid if necessary.

• Check all exterior lights and replace as necessary.

• Drain, flush, and sanitize the fresh water system as outlined in the Plumbing chapter (of owner's manual).  Inspect the drain hose for leaks.  Replace if necessary - repairs are usually not effective.

• Install a new water filter cartridge (if equipped).

• Operate all faucets and fixtures in the fresh water system.  Check for leaks at all joints and fittings.  Repair if necessary making sure the water heater bypass is open.

• Check 12-volt circuit breakers and inspect fuses.

• Operate all 12-volt lights and accessories.

• Install new batteries in battery-operated devices.  Check operator's manual for each device for additional requirements.

• Test carbon monoxide, LP gas and smoke detectors' alarms.

• Check monitor panel operation.

• Open and operate vents and vent fans, including the range hood fan.

• Inspect the 120-volt electrical system - power cord, converter, all outlets and any exposed wiring.  If defects are found, refer service to your dealer or an authorized Fleetwood Service Center.

• Prepare the generator for operation following instructions in the generator operating manual in your Owner's/Information Package.

• Start and run generator.

• Operate 120-volt appliances and air conditioners.  (Be sure to uncover air conditioner shrouds).

• Inspect the LP gas system and check for leaks as described in the LP Gas System chapter (owner's manual).  If the LP tank shows signs of rust or corrosion, have it inspected by a qualified LPG technician.

• Operate each LP gas appliance.  Observe all burner/pilot flames for proper color and size.  In any case, have the LP gas regulator adjusted for proper pressure by a qualified technician.

• Inspect and clean the interior.

• Check the sealant around all roof and body seams and windows.  Reseal if necessary.  See Sealant Renewal section (owner's manual).

• Lubricate all exterior locks, hinges, and latches.

• Reinstall windshield wiper blades or remove protective covers.  Check wiper/washer operation.

• Wash and wax the exterior.  Inspect the body for scratches or other damage. Tough up or repair as necessary. Flush the underside thoroughly.

• Run through operational checks of steering, brakes, engine and transmission.  Operate vehicle slowly during these checks to allow sufficient circulation of fluids and reseating of components.

___________________

Information came from the Owner's Manual and the Know Your Chassis booklet distributed by Freightliner.

 

TIME FOR MAINTENANCE

AN UPLIFTING EXPERIENCE

      There are a few recommended preventative maintenance procedures for your Power Gear hydraulic leveler system.  Those listed in the May 5, 1999 booklet include:

1. Change fluid every 36 months.

2. Check fluid level every month.  Fluid should be within 1/4 inch of the fill port lip and checked only with all jacks retracted.

3. Inspect and clean all hydraulic pump electrical connections every 12 months.

4. Remove dirt and road debris from jacks as needed.

5. If jacks are down for extended periods, it is recommended to spray exposed chrome rods with a silicone lubricant every seven days for protection.

      If your jacks are still under warranty and you should need repairs, remember:  All repairs must be made by an authorized service center.  Systems that have been tampered with, modified, adjusted or repaired by any party other than an authorized service center will void all warranties.

CHASSIS DAILY MAINTENANCE

• Check fuel water separator daily, drain if necessary.

• Inspect drive belts daily, or when refueling.

• Check coolant level daily or when refueling, add if needed.

• Check engine oil level daily or when refueling.

• Check air restriction indicator when refueling, replace air cleaner element when the indicator reaches 25 in. or 2 years, or 25,000 miles which ever comes first.

      The above information was taken from the booklet Knowing Your Chassis distributed by Freightliner.

STEEPING UP

      When getting the motor home ready for your next trip, don't overlook the steps.  The Kwikee Owner's manual (1/99) recommends that you clean all mud, salt, and road grime from the step before lubricating.  Lubricate all moving parts (bearings, pivot points, slides, clevis, pin and drive linkage ball) every 30 days with a good quality moisture and heat resistant penetrating grease.  KwikLube(tm) Spray Grease is specially formulated to lubricate Kwikee Electric Steps and is recommended for lubricating all moving parts.  NOTE:  Silicone lubricants and WD-40 are NOT recommended as they have a tendency to evaporate and dry the mating surfaces which leave them vulnerable to the elements.

      In order to cut down on the volume of diesel odor that invades our towed vehicle when we travel, we set the heat/air system in the car to recirculate the interior air so that there is no outdoor air brought into the car.  The heat/air is not turned on, just the recirculate button pushed so that no outside air is brought in through the vent system as we travel.

      On that same note, the last thing we do after parking the Discovery and getting it level is to make sure that the recirculate button on the dashboard of the Discovery is pushed.  This is especially important when the outside air is cold and you want to preserve the heat inside the motor home.

      The following were actually taken from Classified Ads in newspapers and appeared as a posting on the internet.

• Free Yorkshire Terrier.  8 years old.  Hateful little dog. 

• Free puppies:  1/2 Cocker Spaniel, 1/2 sneaky neighbor's dog.

• Free puppies.  Part German Shepherd, part stupid dog.

• Snow Blower for sale.  Only used on snowy days.

• Nordic Track $300.  Hardly used, call Chubby.

• Georgia Peaches.  California grown - 89 cents a pound.

• Nice Parachute.  Never opened - used once.

• Tired of working for only $9.75 per hour:  We offer profit sharing and flexible hours.  Starting pay $7-$9 per hour.

• Open House.  Body Shapers Toning Salon.  Free coffee & donuts.

• For Sale by Owner.  Complete set of Encyclopedia Britannica.  45 volumes.  Excellent condition.  $1,000 negotiable.  No longer needed.  Recently married; wife knows everything.

      Cook grits in water with salt added.  After grits are cooked, add one roll garlic cheese (Kraft).  Break in pieces and add 1 stick butter, 2 eggs well beaten, salt and pepper to taste, milk.  Put in casserole (1-1/2 quart) and bake 40 minutes to 1 hour at 300 to 350 degrees.

      The above recipe was part of a traditional Mardi Gras meal and is quite tasty.  The recipe was shared by Karen Natal.

      When advance notice of a proposed Discovery Rally in New Orleans for Mardi Gras did not receive the interest necessary to plan a full-scale rally, the proposed rally was cancelled.  However, four intrepid Discovery International members decided to get together in New Orleans anyway.  Three of the couples had never been to Mardi Gras, so it provide to be quite an experience.  The group camped just across the causeway from New Orleans.  They attended several parades, including the dog parade in Mandeville.  Traveling and parking was made easy with the use of a 15-passenger van for the week.  On Sunday, they enjoyed a tour of two plantations with Ines Thomas, an experienced tour guide who shared information not only about the plantations but New Orleans history including the story of Marie Lavoe.  Hosts, Frank and Karen Natal prepared a traditional Mardi Gras meal and members of their extended family invited the group to their home and provided prime locations for parade viewing.

 

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY

      The 2001 Discovery International FMCA Chapter Membership Directory has been compiled, edited and a copy emailed to each member.  If there is an error contained in any of the information, please let us know so that the information can be corrected for our records and future issues of the directory.  Likewise, if you have not received your copy of the directory, please let us know.

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