whiteeagle

This may seem ridiculous to many but I have had chassis battery discharge issues off and on for last two years... have now put in third new set of batteries in past 2 years .. so yes, it's been an issue... I have replaced the alternator, replaced the main disconnect switch twice, first disconnected the inline fuse - then totally removed the Battery minder that was with the coach .. and most recently installed the Amp-L Start. Over the past 2 years, 4 shops, plus a mobile tech have tested all parasite draws, and amps drawn from all leads out of the chassis batteries both with the main disconnect on and with it off... all conclusions showed normal as expected .. first two times it occurred, I had the batteries replaced under their warranty as being defective.... even I don't believe that anymore. My most recent and current theory which I am going to watch very closely and document conditions, then resolve is. I have noticed the batteries first show discharge after some time sitting .. and after rainfall... In looking at the last two sets on batteries in there ( Delco 950CCA class31?) and now another set of replacements, is that the entire top of the battery is wet.. On the set I have now, the center of the battery top has a built in battery handle which holds almost 1/2" of water and the entire surface is fully linked by wet surface. Both posts have a flat bar that connects to the posts and extends to where the outbound cable is connected to a post on it. In any case, my theory is that these batteries are draining at some unknown rate due to water physically connecting the posts. I believe the Amp-L Start can handle this drain but suspect it was far more that the little 1- 1.2 A battery minder could handle. It seems there has been mention of this issue mostly on marine batteries but it seems to make sense as a possibility to me. This could explain why the drain whether the disconnect is on - or off.... Can't stop them from getting wet .. but... My resolution is going to be to "tilt these batteries from their frame holder - and or - dry them off, tape a piece of rubber insulation gasket across the top as a water "dam" to avoid possible drain because of that... suspect that if there was a gasket or felt material under the flat post connecting bars, that might work also...

Google RV storage Houston TX .. Gives map and dozens of spots... center the map on airport and some "Click-on" dots in area say they have open and enclosed RV storage ??

Have no experienc with the others so sure they are good ... but.... I've used the Blue Ox Patriot system on two different motor homes and two different Jeep GC - this one being the Overland... works best for me... set in correctly, it works fine with no concerns.. have approx 65,000 miles on it including two trips in and around AZ, NM, CO, Yellowstone, etc. Gasser had the tow haul mode, the DP has the 2 stage jake... can easily adjust the remote to prevent break dragging... Has worked fine for me... takes less than 4-5 min to set up with test pulses, or remove...

On our bus, there is a panel with circuit breakers just below the refrigerator facing... In it, there is a breaker for each of the two inverter out lines..

I believe each "slide-out" receives it's inverter power from a cord plugged into an outlet ... Is it possible that the electrical supply cord in the compartment below this slide has become unplugged from the outlet mounted in the ceiling of that basement compartment?

With the Aqua-hot system, you should be fine even if weather stays in the low teens.... your entire lower compartments should be kept above 52 with the thermostat in that area,( including the tanks and all water lines that runs thru those areas).. just make sure your water lines is unhooked from campground water faucet and stored ...........your in house heat from the system should easily keep the coach warm also...

Thank You ....... Believe that would potentially help many members.

Understand - have talked to RV Glass about stuff in the past. RV Glass is not an option with my insurance coverage if I need / want to use the $500 deductible expense coverage... I was hoping that if FMCA had a national program, insurance carriers may very well use or at least allow it's use .... Certainly RV Glass could be the - or one of the solutions. Suspect that Duncan may very well also be one. Possibly that scale could also drive some potential economics advantages.

Am in the middle of a disturbing experience with a replacement windshield that was just put in 2 months ago... it made two trips, approx 1200 miles OK but has been sitting in level driveway for last 3 weeks and just developed 3 cracks yesterday AM or previous day. Discovered Progressive insurance will ONLY use Duncan Systems who will ONLY use Duncan replacement windshields. Original was a Coach Glass (at least it lasted six years with 58,000 miles), but in spite of my pleading (after checking out several folks that had problems with the Duncans), I joined the ranks of those whose replacement windshield cracked within the first couple months. And I've left several messages now asking for someone there to call me back to get this one replaced ASAP, as I have rally to go to in seven days. Reason for my post: Is there any possibility that FMCA could put together a windshield program like the Michelin Advantage tire Program, using a quality Windshield instead of cheaper replacements?

From No. WI, we have ADT monitoring system with temp , breakin, motion... they call if ever an "event" added motion camera system for perimeter and inside with auto saving - can keep any recordings for use if needed. Have person that checks house frequently and waters plants, etc... , have snow plow service when > 2 " Thermostat to 55F, water pump and softener system "off", hot tub emptied / winterized.... 3 timer lights in various rooms of house.

Suspect many of us have used a fairgrounds or local city park for overnight parking and dump station when traveling. Our local Langlade County fairgrounds now has approx 80 sites with power on 60 of them, water available but not at each site, and a new dump station on site. Its in Antigo WI on hywy 45 / 47 - major path to the northwoods. Thousands of campers and mh go through here every summer weekend so I believe it will be an asset for many. I have used the complex for a rally with 50 coaches last year and it is available on a group rental basis for a couple years now when other events there are not in use of the facility. It's a REALLY nice facility with great restrooms, utility building, SS kitchen, mtg room, etc..... My issue is: They are in process of establishing their guidelines and facilities for an unmanned self check in - for overnight use and have asked for some advice/opinion. Wondering if any of you have a photo of a "Entrance" sign or "Kiosk" used for a self-check-in municipal overnight campground that you could PM me as more examples of ones currently out there. I have a few from around here but could use a few more..... the dump station just got put in last month and will work but, they should have asked for some advice before they did it.... Would like to help them in this.

Not an expert but first question I would have is ... Did the installer use Locktite Red as specified - in bold letters - and in a bold outlined box in the installation instructions.... It seems that IF the nuts were installed tightly, and IF Locktite Red had been used per the instructions, the nuts/bolts would have stayed tight, there would have not been any loosening and therefore no "elongation" of the holes. IF you still have the nuts/ bolts, you could likely prove to your installer that they failed...

Have been to Myakka River RV resort in Port Charlotte, FL and it's nice .. but .. Looking ahead for next January and February for an alternative RV Resort in this Port Charlotte FL area north of Punta Gorda and south of Sarasota .... Anyone familiar with Charlotte Harbor RV Resort and/ or Harbor Lakes RV Resort ? Others that you've enjoyed with nice facilities and some amenities in this area? Had heard that there was another new one in area but source did not know name....

Suspect their requirement has nothing to do with safety.... Probably more about their perception / perceived reflection of society status....

Does anyone have recommendation(s) for a storage place somewhere in Central West area of AZ..... Lake Havasu, Kingman, Topac area, - or even as far north as Bullhead city? Would like to store my 40' MH in this area for March... prefer at least 20A hookup just for battery minder ... Could do dry, open air, or would consider reasonable covered with 30A. If you have a recommendation for a specific place, I'd appreciate it's name, location, phone... will be trying to arrange a reserved space this coming week for March. Thanks in advance.

Thanks for input ... I called every campground listed from several lists and searches and not a one that would answer their phone was open or receptive for camping business ... two said I'd find nothing anywhere near there other than the Walmart or maybe one of the auto/truck travel centers nearby.... they were not interested even letting a MH park in a site without hookups for a minimal fee ........no casinos anywhere near that area either .... so... If that's where we end up being around on Monday afternoon/evening, looks like we'll be winter dry camping that night...

Headed out Mon to geographically winterize.... first stop south will be in area of Albert Lea MN..... Anyone know of decent place to stay there overnight? Probably won't be able to take on fresh water but if there's somewhere with at least power, would likely use it.. Second night likely around Kansas City KS . Thanks..

Not sure your experience with mountain driving or big hills but being from northern WI, I found the "Mountains West" book helpful.... We pretty much saw everything in route, while in Yellowstone, Tetons, and back but there was 2 passes I avoided by taking easier route ..

Thanks for that lead...It looks good but cost is REALLY up there... I was hoping to find a secure spot but didn't think I would end up in an enclosed site.. Hoping for lower cost alternative....

Wondering if anyone knows a storage site for storing a MH in SW Arizona somewhere between Quartzsite down to Yuma? I'm hoping to find one for Feb or March 2015 that would have at least 20A service available so I could leave the refer operating while I leave it there for a few weeks... If I can't find one around here, how about Casa Grande area .... or Phoenix area?

It also looks like you could go through Carlsbad NM on your way down.. and if so, the caverns there are worth a day to visit....

You didn't say when you're headed out but if it's in Dec / Jan like it is when we head out, you can head west - when you get to Des Moines - or St' Louis, look 2 days ahead on the weather ... you'll then most likely have to head for Ok City... kook ahead again - suspect you'll then be headed for Amarillo Tx... Temptation there is to go west to Albequerque but on two attempts, the ice storms coming at that higher altitude forced us to head for Las Cruces..... We've had to take 10 to stay at the lower altitude and ice in Jan/Feb/Mar....twice. Saw a lot of Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas but probably added 300-400 miles bu zig-zaging west in hopes of going straighter to Phoenix / Apache Junction.. Staying in Gold Canyon this year.... From WI. will most likely just head for KC, then OK City, Amarillo, Tucumcari, - then 80% sure we'll have to continue down thru White sands area to Las Cruces, Tucson, and back up. Probably going to do it in 3 days - likely less chance of getting hung up somewhere and having to hole up for a day or two.. We enjoy Apache Junction/Gold Canyon area for 2 months.... ..

I understand one can't reply to the announcement of the new association-paid FMCAssist member benefit, but it's worthy of significant appreciation ... and I've personally heard from other past members that they dropped out due to past decisions to drop the availability to get that coverage. In any case, If I understand it correctly, it's a significant added benefit of FMCA membership. Thanks to the decision makers.

We have had Ultra-Ride... Couple disappointments when I tried to make claims but when dealers agree it should be covered, then file the claim, it gets paid .. and RB has had good success getting my items covered.... I understand the economics don't usually work out in favor of owners ( that's why the warranty companies make $) ... but... I always insure myself and property against potential of major issues - so I carry it on the motor home also...

If that info is available, sure would like to have it.. Thanks