north2alaska Report post Posted March 20, 2021 I was wondering if anyone has a recommendation for an RV Electrical specialist. We are having some issues with our Smart Wheel on our 2002 Alpine Coach. We are currently in TX until Mid April then heading to KS. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
manholt Report post Posted March 20, 2021 north2alaska. Welcome to the Forum! NIRVC in Lewiston (North of Dallas), Motorhome of Texas, Texas Custom Coach in Pipe Creek (North of San Antonio. I would call National Indoor RV Center first. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildebill308 Report post Posted March 20, 2021 2 hours ago, north2alaska said: I was wondering if anyone has a recommendation for an RV Electrical specialist. We are having some issues with our Smart Wheel on our 2002 Alpine Coach. We are currently in TX until Mid April then heading to KS. Welcome to the forum. Saying you are in Texas is nice but so am I and I can't see you. Where in Texas? Bill Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hermanmullins Report post Posted March 20, 2021 Carl, National Indoor is in Louisville, TX. And yes they have some very good techs. Herman Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
manholt Report post Posted March 20, 2021 Herman, your right....my mind was on something else! The rest of you, don't go there as I'm still somewhere else! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rayin Report post Posted March 21, 2021 I too welcome you to the FMCA discussion forums! FWIW, a couple of years ago the local HDT repair shop I patronize had a MH(can't remember brand) in for smart-wheel issues. I noticed the right front fender was off the MH and inquired why. The shop owner explained the smart-wheel was not functioning properly and the technician had located the source of the problems in the electrical fitting that goes through the firewall just inside the right front tire. That fitting had about 30 pins in it-wires removed, all pins and wire ends were green with corrosion. They were deciding whether an attempt at cleaning would work or simply buy a new fitting and repair or replace that wiring harness. Hope that sparks some ideas for your MH. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tbutler Report post Posted May 22, 2021 So glad to get the recommendation for National Indoor RV Center. Our Smart Wheel died leaving the Lone Star Rally in Rockport last week. As we were turning out of the entrance of Lagoons RV Park, a right turn, the horn started sounding. It quit when we straightened the wheel but then continued sounding at every turn and occasionally while on straight road. The windshield wipers were on, fortunately, we drove through an hour of driving rain. When we exited the rain, the wipers wouldn't shut off. Clear of the rain, I shut off the engine and the wipers stopped. They haven't worked since. I had to pull the horn relay to stop its sounding. I tried resetting the Smart Wheel, pulling the fuse and relay, no luck there. We have given Freightliner in Buda (Freightliner of Austin second location) three days to work on this and they have made little progress. I have a copy of their diagnosis up to this point. They pretty much told me to get lost Friday so it's off to Dallas, as soon as it stops raining! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildebill308 Report post Posted May 22, 2021 Long time no see. Well it is good to see you are ok and on the forum. Hate to hear you are having problems. Have you been to NIRVC before? Let me know if you would like a suggested rout coming from the south. Bill Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hermanmullins Report post Posted May 23, 2021 Tom, the Smart Wheel is made by VIP, Vehicle Improvement Products. You have the skills to replace the module. Their techs are great. It's amazing what the module controls. Horn, lights, wipers just to name a few. Let us know how you make out. We were so glad to you and Louise last week. Herman Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
manholt Report post Posted May 23, 2021 Geez its been a long time, Tom! Like Bill, we also use NIRVC in Lewisville. Very pleased with them! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tbutler Report post Posted May 23, 2021 It is good to hear from everyone! I appreciate your confidence in my repair ability Herman. The root of the problem seems to be a short in the horn. They have attempted to shut off all power to the horn but it still sounds when the horn relay is replaced. I'd hate to replace a module if that isn't the problem or even worse, damage another module because of the short in the horn. I have several hooks in the water. I contacted VIP (e-mail) asking for a recommendation for service center with a certified tech. I have also contacted NIRVC to see when I might be able to get service. As it stands right now, the rain here in the Austin area has us pinned down. We would love to be on the road tomorrow morning but the forecast doesn't look favorable. Bill, send me those directions. If we can get an appointment there we'll use them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildebill308 Report post Posted May 23, 2021 I sent you a PM. Bill Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
manholt Report post Posted May 23, 2021 Tom, where in Austin are you staying! We leave in am for Cortez, CO. and pray the border of Canada is open in July, we have a trip to Alaska starting 18 July for 2 months.🙏 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tbutler Report post Posted May 26, 2021 Carl, We were staying at Longhorn RV Resort in Niederwald. We left on Monday about noon. We drove north as far as the good weather would hold out. We pulled into NIRVC on Tuesday, just ahead of a rain storm. They have already checked out our Smart Wheel problem. A loose spring was shorting the horn. We are now waiting for repair parts. We are hoping that they will arrive tomorrow and also that they will be the only parts needed to get us back on the road. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
manholt Report post Posted May 27, 2021 Tom, how do you like NIRVC? They do all Service on our coach. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
