Newbie has questions

[firstgranny]

Hello! we are the owners of a new 2012 RT 210 Simplicity. Just starting to get used to it, reading manuals etc...waiting for nicer weather to try it out!! We were told that the generator ( which is located under the rear of the rv) is not to get wet when launching our boat. What about using an underbody carwash...or going through a lot of puddles on a really rainy day? Will this also be bad for the generator?For that matter, can we use a regular carwash or do we need to go to a truck wash or something? This is the first of probably many questions we will have, but sooo excited to start learning all about our new RV!!! Thanks!

[ennajean]

Cant help about the generator....but would like to say welcome to the B world.

[firstgranny]

Thanks! We're happy to be part of it

[Mike]

I believe the intent of the warning is "do not submerge it partially or otherwise'. They are fine
on wet roads, car washes etc., just don't dunk it!!!
If it's an Onan, or other, they are pretty much just a lawn mower engine that generates (usually)
house grade (pure sine wave like from the residential power company) AC power via a built in
inverter.

[Flashman]

Hi, I'm a n00b too, I have a thought though. I have seen available, some tow ball tongue extensions, they are often combined with bicycle carriers. Now I wouldn't recommend towing on the road with them, especially if you get a 4ft or so one made up by someone handy, (Because all you need really is square tube with holes for ball and pin) but it could be a solution to be able to keep your van further out of the water, and your boat further in, for launching purposes. You could probably store it by strapping it alongside the boat trailer tongue or something until needed.

I would imagine that simple precautions would go a long way, like making sure there's no current in the genny circuit before launching, and giving it an hour to dry off before running it again, if you get it splashed by a wake or something. Also might be an idea to make sure you do run it an hour or two after a suspected wetting, since this would help drive off residual moisture which might sit in there and corrode things.

There is another device I've seen, a wheeled dolly type thing, that helps carry tongue load on big trailers, forgot what it's called. That would also put distance between the van and the boat, but they are a more major expense and may cause gas mileage loss due to extra rolling resistance.

[firstgranny]

Thanks to you both! I'll pass info on to hubby. We don't usually get our vehicle in the water when we launch our boat, but you never know. Do you know if a 210 with it's length and width would fit in a normal drive through car wash? I'm sure we could take it to the manual stall where you wash it yourself, but no undercarriage wash etc. Just wondering... The snow left by the blizzard 2 weeks ago in WI is almost gone...we're itching to take it out on our maiden voyage! Thanks again.

[Mike]

Some boat trailers have power tongue extensions. Possibly a manual version of same exists, I don't
know for certain.
I would not take the chance that you might dunk your generator, either by submersion or wake.
If you're not sure, ask about it at the point of purchase. I suspect they will tell you not to submerge
it at all for any reason. Beyond that, it's up to you. There's going to be a certain amount of road water
that gets to them while driving in rain, and so on, but it's the dunk that will make it clunk.
Think "voiding my warranty".

As for drive through car washes, it's the height and length that may limit it. Some manual
car wash bay doorways may also be too short for the raised roof and any add-ons topside.
Fast food and other drive thrus may also now be out of bounds for you.
Don't trust the - 9' 6" tall clearance - signs at the entrances to the drive thru lanes, as we've seen (and measured) one or two that weren't accurate.
Rule of thumb, if there's any doubt, use a "spotter" when attempting any of these maneuvers. It IS
worth the hassle.

[Hallibagger]

I liked the idea of running the RT through the local 'no touch' car wash so I went to see what they could handle and the max height is posted at 8 ft!

My RT is actually one of the early, low profile, roof models and I can (just) get it through my 8ft high garage doors, but I decided that I did not want to risk that whirling spay wand modifying my roof vent!

You should be able to run most B models through a truck wash, but it would be much more expensive.

[Mike]

As of a year ago, the Blue Beacon truck Washes wanted around $20 for a wash, but all it is is
a couple of guys with high pressure spray wands. I considered trying it, but I was fearful that
they could remove the roof caulking or do other damage with them if they weren't careful.
Hand wash in the driveway with soft brush and low pressure hose attachments works best for me.

[Photog]

Have a tow-hitch added to the front of the van. It will be easier to control, when launching, and you won't have any worries about dunking your genny.

[firstgranny]

Thanks again to all. The tow hitch on front is a good idea, and I remember seeing this on other vehicles in the past. We'll be taking our RT on it's " maiden voyage" in two weeks...still trying to familiarize ourselves with everything ! Can't wait