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Diesel Newby

Yahoo Message Number: 85
Hello all.

Being a newcomer to a diesel motorhome, I have a couple of questions.

1.) What, if anything, should I do to the diesel fuel when storing the
MH for an extended time, say 2 to 4 months? Additives?

2.) The Allison transmission temperature guage in all 4 of the Jayco
Senecas I've driven. including ours, don't seem to work. Is this a
common problem and what is the fix? Or, is the tranny temp actually
so low that the instrument doesn't register?

Thanks in advance,
Paul

Re: Diesel Newby

Reply #1
Yahoo Message Number: 86
Storing for up to 4 months should not require any addaditves. Just
make sure tank is full when stored. One concern is your location. If
you need start MH when it is below zero. You may want to use something
like Power Service. This should eleimnate any problems with gelling.
I have heard the complaint about the trans Temp gage on the Kodiak and
on Pickups. When trans does get hot it will move. ScanGuage II is
coming out with a upgrade that will have a trans temp as one of its
displays. Along with this feature it will give you a lot of other
valuable info.



Re: Diesel Newby

Reply #2
Yahoo Message Number: 87
The problem (not the correct description since it is a good feature) seems to be TranSynd - it lets the tranny run real cool. We changed our 2004 Journey 39W from Dexron to TranSynd. Our 2006 Ambassador came with TranSynd. The Journey didn't have a transmission temperature gauge and when we'd do the keypad test to check the fluid level (3000MH model which operates different than the 1000 and 2000) we usually got the message code that meant it was not warm enough to give a reading --- and this would often be after travelling at 65 miles per hour for 5 or 6 hours non-stop. The Ambassador had a transmission temp gauge and it virtually never moved and when we did the level test we usually go the same message we got with the Journey.

Now, we have a gauge on our Jayco - at least we assume a particular gauge is a transmission temperature gauge - and it never moves either. A month ago I got a ScanGauge and I guess while we are parked in FLA this winter I should send it in for reprogramming to include the tranny temp.

When we parked our C7 and ISC 8.3 engined MHs in Florida for the winter we would not turn them on until it was time to leave (called the mfg and got instructions and they said don't even start them). They started immediately on the first try in all cases. We asked about fuel additive and was told we should have no problem in FLA - just fill the tank before parking. I did put a diesel additivie in anyway since I'd already purchased it. One bottle would last five years using is once a year for 100 gallons. I still have a full bottle and no longer have a diesel so if you were close by............... :)

http://www.campingworld.com/browse/skus/index.cfm/Outdoor-and-RV-Accessories/PRIDreg-Complete-Diesel-Treatment--32-oz/skunum=14519

Don

Re: Diesel Newby

Reply #3
Yahoo Message Number: 88
Quote
Hello all.

Being a newcomer to a diesel motorhome, I have a couple of questions.

1.) What, if anything, should I do to the diesel fuel when storing the
MH for an extended time, say 2 to 4 months? Additives?

2.) The Allison transmission temperature guage in all 4 of the Jayco
Senecas I've driven. including ours, don't seem to work. Is this a
common problem and what is the fix? Or, is the tranny temp actually
so low that the instrument doesn't register?

Thanks in advance,
Paul

Don't worry about the transmission guage I didn't think it worked either
but when in W Va trying to go up a vertical drive found out it was just
staying that cool !!!

Jayco 32SS Newbie

Reply #4
Yahoo Message Number: 89
Hi All

I just bought a new (left over 2007) Greyhawk 32SS on the Kodiak
chassis. I've been lurking here a bit over the last couple of weeks
while we put this deal together. I'm heading to Atlanta to pick it up
next week and drive it back to Raleigh, NC. I've read some comments
about taking it right in for a front end alignment and I'll do that as
soon as I get back.

We tried to order a 2008, but the factory says they're not going to do
the Greyhawk on that chassis after the October run and all of those are
spoken for. They're apparently going to concentrate on the Diesel
version for the Seneca instead. I understand the benefits of the diesel,
but going with a Seneca wasn't an option for us.

I'm open to comments and suggestions from users of the gas Kodiak
chassis and particularly the 32SS if anyone has something to offer. What
to look out for, things that NEED improving, etc. Gripes, likes,
dislikes........

Thanks,
Greg

Re: Jayco 32SS Newbie

Reply #5
Yahoo Message Number: 90
What options did you order?

I can only go by what we found so here are the things that weren't (and still aren't - until we take it to the factory next spring*) right:

•Rear bumper - one side is in an inch more than the other (or the other side is out and inch more - take your pick :). One end is about an inch higher than the other. The dealer an fix this quickly, I think.

•We got the glazed stain. It appears they missed the top of the trim around the front slide. That section of wood was not great in appearance and with the glaze missing looks kind of dowdy.

•The forward armrest on the sofa was bent slightly and that makes it a devil to get out. We finally got it out and decided to leave both of them out. We don't use the sofa as a bed as the bed over cab is perfect for our son.

•Four or five screw tips have come through the wall of the toilet. When you sit on the throne they are staring you in the face. This might be a common flaw.

•Window valance for rear window was installed carelessly and the bottom screw has popped out. I've put an anchor in but not sure that will hold it. This is the kind of thing you won't find until later.

•The right rear cap was not installed correctly. From photos they don't think it is loose, just some tape not put on right. I worry about this more than any of the other issues. If you would like I'll send you some photos so you can see what to be on the look out for with respect to the cap.

That is pretty well it. A very short list compared to our Journey and Ambassador. The Journey never did get debugged and the people who bought it had it back on consignment with in a year. The Ambassador did get debugged - dealer had it for 3 months. We simply will not go through any of that nonsense again and thus we are going to take it to the factory between April and Sept next year (thank goodness for the 2 year warranty. When we suggested to HR that they extend the warranty for the time our MH was at the dealer, they got angry. That has likely cost them [and Winnie who wouldn't extend either] future sales - assuming we switch again in the future.).

Oh, many of the compartment doors would not lock. All they do is bend the metal channel inside. Of course there are only a couple of basement keys for the entire lineup. That makes me wonder what they are thinking about when they design them and order parts.

I was surprised to see your comments on production of the 32SS. Does this mean they aren't going to build any more or that demand for the Seneca is so much greater that they want to devote all of their resources to it for more profit (a legitimate biz decision of course)?

We had the dealer include two MaxxAir vent covers and we are glad we did. Now, we think we have to add a window awning on the road side. When it rains all windows have to be shut. Our last 2 DPs had awnings over the LR windows so we could leave them open to let air in.

The 32SS doesn't come with a ladder. We had to get a small 2 stepper to be able to get up on the bed over the cab. Don't know what they were thinking of with this miss. The two stepper is handy when putting in the slide lock bars.

Can't think of anything else at this point. Will check with DW and see what she can think of that I missed.

Don

*Our dealer as an 8 week wait for service and then it takes them weeks to get the work done. We bought there because it is where we bought the last two and when you trade that sometimes makes it easier (and they matched the best unconfirmed [subject to trade inspection 3 months later] deal we could get elsewhere - and 4 months after delivery they still have our Ambassador on their lot. This is the first time we may not have left any money on the table thank goodness.
Greg Gimlick wrote:


Re: Jayco 32SS Newbie

Reply #6
Yahoo Message Number: 92
Donald A. Leslie wrote:
Quote
What options did you order?

I can only go by what we found so here are the things that weren't
(and still aren't - until we take it to the factory next spring*) right:

•Rear bumper - one side is in an inch more than the other (or the
other side is out and inch more - take your pick :). One end is about
an inch higher than the other. The dealer an fix this quickly, I think.

•We got the glazed stain. It appears they missed the top of the trim
around the front slide. That section of wood was not great in
appearance and with the glaze missing looks kind of dowdy.

•The forward armrest on the sofa was bent slightly and that makes it a
devil to get out. We finally got it out and decided to leave both of
them out. We don't use the sofa as a bed as the bed over cab is
perfect for our son.

•Four or five screw tips have come through the wall of the toilet.
When you sit on the throne they are staring you in the face. This
might be a common flaw.

•Window valance for rear window was installed carelessly and the
bottom screw has popped out. I've put an anchor in but not sure that
will hold it. This is the kind of thing you won't find until later.

•The right rear cap was not installed correctly. From photos they
don't think it is loose, just some tape not put on right. I worry
about this more than any of the other issues. If you would like I'll
send you some photos so you can see what to be on the look out for
with respect to the cap.

That is pretty well it. A very short list compared to our Journey and
Ambassador. The Journey never did get debugged and the people who
bought it had it back on consignment with in a year. The Ambassador
did get debugged - dealer had it for 3 months. We simply will not go
through any of that nonsense again and thus we are going to take it to
the factory between April and Sept next year (thank goodness for the 2
year warranty. When we suggested to HR that they extend the warranty
for the time our MH was at the dealer, they got angry. That has likely
cost them [and Winnie who wouldn't extend either] future sales -
assuming we switch again in the future.).

Oh, many of the compartment doors would not lock. All they do is bend
the metal channel inside. Of course there are only a couple of
basement keys for the entire lineup. That makes me wonder what they
are thinking about when they design them and order parts.

I was surprised to see your comments on production of the 32SS. Does
this mean they aren't going to build any more or that demand for the
Seneca is so much greater that they want to devote all of their
resources to it for more profit (a legitimate biz decision of course)?

We had the dealer include two MaxxAir vent covers and we are glad we
did. Now, we think we have to add a window awning on the road side.
When it rains all windows have to be shut. Our last 2 DPs had awnings
over the LR windows so we could leave them open to let air in.

The 32SS doesn't come with a ladder. We had to get a small 2 stepper
to be able to get up on the bed over the cab. Don't know what they
were thinking of with this miss. The two stepper is handy when putting
in the slide lock bars.

Can't think of anything else at this point. Will check with DW and see
what she can think of that I missed.

Don

*Our dealer as an 8 week wait for service and then it takes them weeks
to get the work done. We bought there because it is where we bought
the last two and when you trade that sometimes makes it easier (and
they matched the best unconfirmed [subject to trade inspection 3
months later] deal we could get elsewhere - and 4 months after
delivery they still have our Ambassador on their lot. This is the
first time we may not have left any money on the table thank goodness.
Greg Gimlick wrote:

Hi All

I just bought a new (left over 2007) Greyhawk 32SS on the Kodiak
chassis. I've been lurking here a bit over the last couple of weeks
while we put this deal together. I'm heading to Atlanta to pick it up
next week and drive it back to Raleigh, NC. I've read some comments
about taking it right in for a front end alignment and I'll do that as
soon as I get back.

We tried to order a 2008, but the factory says they're not going to do
the Greyhawk on that chassis after the October run and all of those are
spoken for. They're apparently going to concentrate on the Diesel
version for the Seneca instead. I understand the benefits of the diesel,
but going with a Seneca wasn't an option for us.

I'm open to comments and suggestions from users of the gas Kodiak
chassis and particularly the 32SS if anyone has something to offer. What
to look out for, things that NEED improving, etc. Gripes, likes,
dislikes.... ....

Thanks,
Greg

No virus found in this incoming message.
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"/We got the glazed stain. It appears they missed the top of the trim
around the front slide. That section of wood was not great in appearance
and with the glaze missing looks kind of dowdy. "

/Our new Seneca has some places where the glaze doesn't look so good.
Any idea what they use to glaze the maple? I'm wondering if this might
be a DIY project.

Paul

Re: Jayco 32SS Newbie

Reply #7
Yahoo Message Number: 93
Sorry, no idea. I have 5 thumbs on each hand - DW is the expert when it
comes to woodworking. :) Just asked her and she doesn't know.

Given the cost it must be a thin layer of gold. :)

Don

Since I want to be very cautious with the

Paul Kemper wrote:


Re: Jayco 32SS Newbie

Reply #8
Yahoo Message Number: 96
Donald A. Leslie wrote:

Quote
What options did you order?

Not a lot:
Kodiak Package (gel coat, awning slides, levelers)
Electric Awning
Second a/c unit in bedroom
Coffee Maker
Bedroom TV
400 watt inverter

I guess that's about it. That's what I was going to order for the new
2008 until I found I couldn't get one. David went looking for one and
found this 2007 at a lot in GA and he knew the dealer so a few phone
calls and it was done. The coffee maker and extra TV weren't things I
would have ordered but they were on the coach. I have the standard maple
cabinets rather than the glazed finish.

Quote
•The right rear cap was not installed correctly. From photos they
don't think it is loose, just some tape not put on right. I worry about
this more than any of the other issues. If you would like I'll send you
some photos so you can see what to be on the look out for with respect
to the cap.

That would be great, thanks.

Quote
That is pretty well it. A very short list compared to our Journey and
Ambassador.

That's good news :-) I've owned Jayco trailers, but the only motorhome
I've had was a 1976 Minnie Winnie back in 1981 so it's been a while
since I've gone down this route and it's much different now.

Quote
Oh, many of the compartment doors would not lock. All they do is bend
the metal channel inside. Of course there are only a couple of basement
keys for the entire lineup.

This is very common among all RV's and of course the infamous "751" key
will open anyone's storage compartments. My bro-in-law is a locksmith so
he takes care of that for me.

Quote
The 32SS doesn't come with a ladder. We had to get a small 2 stepper to
be able to get up on the bed over the cab.

We've wondered about that ourselves. Way back when we had the Winnie
they used a ladder that doubled as a safety rail on the upper bunk, but
they build the whole upper bunk differently now so I guess it wouldn't
work. We'll have to get something.

Thanks for all the feedback.

Take care,
Greg

Re: Jayco 32SS Newbie

Reply #9
Yahoo Message Number: 98
Attachments :
    We didn't want the coffee maker but did order the second A/C and the bedroom TV (we took the TV in lieu of a sofa bed that Jayco said they could not (or would not) put in. The flip sofa is useless as a bed for us. Also got the inverter, painted skirt, convection MW (didn't order it but it came with the convection feature - DW hated the convection feature on our previous 3 as they could never heat up properly), propane oven and the awning (which seems to work better than the Carefree on our Ambassador did). I regret getting the TV in some respects since it is a CRT and I'd have preferred an LCD.

    We also got the customer value package and I suspect you did too as I think the Kodiak and Value packages were forced options (had to have them but they wanted to keep the base price deceptively low :(

    Don

    ps. I've forgotten if I allowed photos for the forum (might have) so I'll attach two of the back cap joint and CC you as well. This is the email I got from Jayco when I sent the photos (I don't see any peeling of paint - the back cap on our Journey slipped as well and they just had to push it in and tighten the screws).


    Re: Jayco 32SS Newbie

    Reply #10
    Yahoo Message Number: 105
    Donald A. Leslie wrote:

    Quote
    We didn't want the coffee maker but did order the second A/C and the
    bedroom TV (we took the TV in lieu of a sofa bed that Jayco said they
    could not (or would not) put in.

    So you wanted to do a sofa bed instead of the queen? That's not a bad
    idea.....well, I guess Jayco thought so.

    Quote
    The flip sofa is useless as a bed for us.

    I haven't ever had one that was worth sleeping on.

    Quote
    Also got the inverter, painted skirt, convection MW (didn't order
    it but it came with the convection feature -

    I may end up wishing I had a painted skirt, but since ordering wasn't an
    option I was lucky to find one that had everything I wanted sitting on a
    lot.

    Quote
    DW hated the convection
    feature on our previous 3 as they could never heat up properly)

    This is the first one we've had with the convection/microwave combo so
    it will be interesting to learn about. We've got the oven in this one
    too, but my wife would have just as soon passed that by as we seldom
    ever use one. I still think it's good to have "just in case"

    Quote
    I regret getting the TV in some respects since it is a
    CRT and I'd have preferred an LCD.

    Now that you mention it, the order sheet just says "Bedroom TV/remote"
    and doesn't say whether it's LCD or CRT. I guess we'll know in a couple
    of days.

    Quote
    We also got the customer value package and I suspect you did too as I
    think the Kodiak and Value packages were forced options (had to have
    them but they wanted to keep the base price deceptively low :(

    Yeah, you have to love the marketing guy who came up with that whole
    scheme :-)

    Quote
    I'll attach two of the back cap joint and CC you as well.

    Thanks, that's a bit scary to find the endcap might actually slip like
    that. I'll be sure to take a good look when we do the PDI this Friday.

    Take care,
    Greg

    Re: Jayco 32SS Newbie

    Reply #11
    Yahoo Message Number: 107
    We wanted to have the flip sofa replaced with a sofa bed. They claimed not enough room but every time I look at it, I say there is room.  Doesn't really matter since we would not have used it very often anyway.

    Don

    Greg Gimlick wrote:


    Re: Jayco 32SS Newbie

    Reply #12
    Yahoo Message Number: 108
    Whoops, Greg, something else you should look for which I think was an oversight on their part. In the roadside rear compartment you will find phone and cable TV inputs. BUT, there is no "trap door" to feed the phone cord or cable through - meaning that you have to leave the compartment door open/unlocked when you want to use them.  On the curb side one of the compartments has a 110V outlet - but again no way to get a powercord in without leaving the compartment door open.

    When I mentioned this to Jayco they said have them installed and send us the bill.   Easier said then done.  I may drill some holes for the inputs and cover them with duct tape and then let Jayco install the doors if we take it to Indiana for the back cap and the other things next spring.

    Don


    Re: Jayco 32SS Newbie - Returns at last

    Reply #13
    Yahoo Message Number: 134
    Hi all,

    Thanks for all the info y'all passed on about going down to Atlanta to
    pick up my 32SS. The photos Don sent about the end cap were handy and
    put my mind to rest on the PDI.

    Okay, now the long story that I'll try to keep short. We got there
    Friday morning at the appointed time of 9:30 to begin the PDI and test
    drive....unfortunately someone forgot to tell the guy prepping the unit
    that we would be there in the morning. He was embarrassed and aggravated
    with the office since they knew for a week when we were showing up. He
    had lot's of little things he was working on and tried to get things
    done quickly, but it was a rough morning. We were supposed to have our
    one way rental car returned by noon and since we were expecting to be on
    the road by then it didn't seem like a bad plan. Oh well. We returned
    the car and the dealer brought us back to the lot where Dale continued
    to get the unit checked out and ready for us.

    Jumping ahead......the test drive went well enough except the spacesaver
    coffee pot flew off the mount and broke so that has to be replaced. The
    remote and all the paperwork for the front TV was for a Toshiba, but the
    TV is a Westinghouse so there is no remote, etc. The dealer there said
    he'd run to Walmart and get me a universal remote. He wasn't amused when
    I said that wasn't good enough and I expected matched equipment since
    that's what I was paying for. A call from my dealer to the one in
    Atlanta got that worked out and my dealer here is getting the stuff from
    Jayco who was pretty interested to find out that the serial numbered
    equipment in the unit didn't match the instruction manuals in the
    owners' packet. They are sending the proper paperwork for some things.
    The TV in the bedroom is in a big box and not installed, but I'll deal
    with that. There are cabinet doors that need tweaking, etc, but no big
    items right now.

    We finally left with the unit at 5 PM and promptly got into rush hour
    traffic which is a joy around Atlanta. An hour and a half later we
    finished the 30 minute drive to Stone Mtn for our first night on the way
    home. That went well enough and the next morning we headed for the next
    stop on the way home. After another 90 minutes in terrible traffic I
    finally got to drive it without white knuckles and it didn't take long
    to get comfortable with the handling of the unit. The steering is quite
    light compared to what I'm used to with my truck and the ride is excellent.

    Setting up with the hydraulic jacks and electric awning is so easy I
    keep thinking I'm forgetting to do something :-)

    On the final leg home to complete our 450 mile maiden voyage I took a
    rock to the drivers windshield that managed to run a crack all the way
    across the glass :-( I haven't called the insurance company yet to get
    that repaired, but will see how that goes in a few days. I've called all
    over the Raleigh, NC area and none of the Chevy dealers can deal with
    the maintenance work on this chassis due to its size. That was a real
    disappointment. I have some warranty work that one dealer says he can do
    as long as he doesn't have to bring it inside or lift it. The plastic
    window across the speedometer is cracked so that needs to be replaced.

    Has anyone had a windshield replaced in one of these? Will someone like
    Safelite Autoglass do this sort of job or am I going to be stuck with
    difficulty finding a place to do it?

    We were real happy with the ride and trip home and I'm heading out for a
    few days at the lake to settle the stuff in place. I've got boxes of
    stuff from the trailer to go thru and see what we really need to haul
    with us and I figured a few days at the lake away from the office phone,
    etc would help accomplish that :-) That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

    Take care,
    Greg

    Re: Jayco 32SS Newbie - Returns at last

    Reply #14
    Yahoo Message Number: 138
    You should not need to take you Kodiak to a Chevy dealer. I get mine
    serviced at a GMC Medium Duty truck dealer. Here is one located near you.
    VOLVO AND GMC TRUCKS OF CAROLINA
    2550 N CHURCH ST
    ROCKY MOUNT, NC 27804 -2034
    Phone: (252) 446-7166

    Re: Jayco 32SS Newbie - Returns at last

    Reply #15
    Yahoo Message Number: 141
    Ron Hall wrote:

    Quote
    You should not need to take you Kodiak to a Chevy dealer. I get mine
    serviced at a GMC Medium Duty truck dealer. Here is one located near you.
    VOLVO AND GMC TRUCKS OF CAROLINA
    2550 N CHURCH ST
    ROCKY MOUNT, NC 27804 -2034
    Phone: (252) 446-7166

    Thanks for the info, I'll file it with the motorhome info. I knew it
    could go to a GMC truck dealer, but I called all over Raleigh and didn't
    come up with one who dealt with the medium duty trucks. A couple of
    dealers sell them, but don't service them.....weird. Unfortunately Rocky
    Mount is about 90 minutes away, but at least it's someplace.

    Take care,
    Greg