wolfe10

Welcome to the FMCA Forum. If you have 50 amp coach electrical service, do all other appliances work-- i.e. are both sides of your 50 amp box hot? If not and if you are safe working around 120 VAC, check for power in and out of the ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch) while on generator power. Brett

Or my preferred "Printer Friendly Version": http://www.pilottravelcenters.com/List_Alternate_View.aspx?view=printerFriendly&alternateViews=false Bill, Your ad blocker may be preventing you from opening the page. Brett

Tom, To find information on mounting brackets for your new toad compatible with your current Roadmaster towbar and also the installation manuals for the new brackets, just enter the vehicle information on this Roadmaster website: http://www.roadmasterinc.com/vehicle_guide/tow_bar_brackets.php Brett

Checking the primary fuel filter/water separator: First a question-- do you have a clear bowl so that you can see the bottom portion of the filter or is it all metal? I MUCH prefer the clear bowl, as you can see if there is any contamination (dirt or water) without having to open the drain. There is no real way to tell you how often to check for contamination. If all you get is clean diesel, you will never have anything in the filter but clean diesel. But, one tank of contaminated diesel-- well, you get the idea. You do not have to worry about the filter not removing the water-- that is done by gravity (water is heavier than diesel and WILL settle to the bottom of the filter. My advice is to get a clear bowl filter element and the first time you stop after filling up, look at the clear bowl. If it is clear and golden colored-- nothing else is needed. If there is any layering (water would be at the bottom, as would dirt), you need to drain until clear clean diesel comes out.

Bill, Welcome to the FMCA Forum. A frequently asked, and important question. Whether to keep the battery charging device plugged in 24/7 really depends on two things: IF you have a "smart" charger, converter or inverter/charger AND, repeat AND it is properly programmed, you can safely leave it plugged in 24/7. No, not all smart converters are programmable, but most smart chargers and inverter/charger ARE. Programming involves alerting your charger to several things, as it is smart enough to fine-tune the charging characteristics: Battery size (in amp-hrs), Battery technology (wet cell, AGM, gel). Ambient temperature. Even the smartest charger can ruin a battery bank if programmed with the wrong information. And clearly, since ambient temperature changes between summer and winter, you need to input the change at least twice a year! Brett

David, There is no national policy or license requirement. The state in which your RV is registered dictates the type of license required. Here is another thread on the same issue: http://community.fmca.com/topic/806-license-for-motorhome-over-26000-pounds/#entry3910 Brett

Paul, Again run one of the other propane appliances located further from the propane tank than the water heater to insure good flow of propane. I assume you have 12+ VDC to the water heater, but you may want to verify. When the water heater is turned on, you said you heard the igniter clicking. You also need to verify that the gas valve is opening (hear it click/smell propane). Is the size of the flame at the stove normal-- if not, it could indicate propane vapor pressure that is not within specs. Brett

Tom, A good source for comparing MPG is the EPA's website: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/Feg/findacar.htm Brett

Herman, Yes, every generator manual I have ever seen suggests at least 50% load to properly exercise a generator. When I run the motorhome for exercise (as I did last week), I pull it out of the garage, start the generator, start driving (low speeds), turn on the roof A/C and at least one other device-- even the block heater. Drive 25+ highway miles. Turn off A/C and any other 120 VAC loads to allow the generator to cool down for a couple of minutes. Shut off generator and after 3 minutes of cool down, park the coach. Brett

Welcome to the FMCA Forum. Best advice is to call Fourwinds for their advice on how/where to caulk. As far as possible faucet or plumbing leak, can you remove the escutcheon around the faucet/shower control and use a light and mirror to check for water there? Brett

Stan, Actually, it is the opinion of Caterpillar and Cummins as well -- do not start the engine unless you can get the OIL up to operating temperature. If you can't do that, all you are doing is adding moisture to the crankcase. Brett

Stan, Can low voltage cause your symptoms -- YES. Can running the batteries very low on water (i.e. the plates are exposed) materially shorten their lives -- YES. Can you reasonably expect more than 5 years life out of wet cell house batteries with only "average care "-- NO. But, before replacing the batteries, put a voltmeter on them while activating the slide -- if voltage drops below 12.0 VDC, suspect them. Fully charge them and have them load tested. Replace if needed. And do NOT start the diesel unless you are able to drive it a minimum of 25 highway miles. It is better not to start it unless you can get the oil, not just coolant up to operating temperature. That can not be done except under load. Brett

As moderator, let me suggest that if you have a toad for sale that fits Tom's criteria, that you PM Tom instead of making a post. Remember, some people get an e-mail every time a new post is made. Thanks. Brett

We have used the Rogue extensively, particularly this winter when on the sailboat-- kind of hard to get the 35' sailboat right next to a land based Wi-fi antenna. I would say that it MATERIALLY BOOSTS the signal. Will it "leap tall buildings at a single bound"? No. Wi-fi signals are basically line of sight. If you are going over a hill, etc it is not reasonable to expect any booster to do that. But, I have found the Wave to be equal to or better than any other boosters others were using. AND I ASKED-- remember, as moderator of this website and on a boat for the winter in the Bahamas, Internet access was critical to me. I had to stay "on-line" as well as be able to hunt lobsters! If you want a turn-key booster, I do recommend the Wave. Can a computer geek build one himself for less money-- probably. But, I never built a radio from a kit, computer from a kit or booster from a kit-- and have no interest in doing so. Now, give me a diesel engine, suspension............ Brett

Per the FMCA 2001 Towing Guide http://www.fmca.com/motorhome/towing/204-towing-index the 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 has a curb weight of 3,968. And someone actually suggested you don't need supplemental brakes with that weight tow??? Brett

To verify where you are in the lane, look in the mirrors and verify that you have the same clearance to center stripe (left) as to shoulder stripe (right). Some find it helpful to put a short piece of tape on the inside of the windshield (vertically from the bottom) that lines them up with the center stripe when they are properly positioned in the lane. Makes those narrow construction lanes much easier to navigate. Brett

Welcome to the FMCA Forum. Let's start with what brand the mirrors are? If Ramco: 800 321-4819. Brett

YES. The breaker in the CG pedestal should be OFF before plugging in. Then turn it ON after plugging in. If you have the breaker on when you plug in, you will arc and burn the tips of your shore power cord. They were not meant to serve as a "switch". Brett

Ross, If there is a technical question that we are unable to answer, I have had very good response from Manufacturers -- either posting directly or e-mailing me an answer that I am able to post. Brett

Dave, PLEASE, check with your coach manufacturer. Different coaches are designed to dump/level/extend slides in a different order. There is no one "right" way. It depends on how the coach manufacturer set up the coach. Brett

There may be other companies who have their installation instructions on-line, but I was able to quickly find the installation instructions for mounting Roadmaster brackets on your Jetta: http://www.roadmasterinc.com/pdfinst/521227-3.pdf From Roadmaster's website, you can find tow bars, lights ,etc: http://www.roadmasterinc.com/ Brett

Mike, Unless you have the dial indicator to set bearing end-play and are comfortable pulling the wheel and hub, removing the old grease, etc., this is a job for a truck shop. The actual installation of the Stemco oil bath parts is not that tough. But, bearing end play alone would suggest this is a truck shop job unless you have way more tool than I have. Brett

Welcome to the FMCA Forum. Easiest way to get bleach into the potable water tank is to pour it into the hose before connecting to shore water. That also disinfects the hose. Brett

Bill, That is EXACTLY what we do-- on both the sailboat and motorhome. Works well as long as you are full-timing. But, if the water sits in the tank for too long, it is a good idea to re-sanitize. Brett

Yes, when sanitizing the potable water system, after letting the chlorine solution sit in the tank (see my write-up above), open EACH faucet (including hot water) until you smell chlorine coming out. Brett