bunch of ?s on my 1st RV

[THEBRAIN]

ANSWERS IN CAPS
thats a good thing the propane tanks do not need to be re-certified.I've read the LP gas is very smelly so it's obvious if there's a leak.and soapie water can detect where it's bubbling it the leak.
excellent was wondering why the sofa was powered w/out a house battery.
IT IS POWERED WITH 12V HOUSE BATTERY
thanks for tips on starting generator w/ starting vans engine first.

I was hopping I could start generator w/ shore power then switch to generator.
NEVER EVER DO THAT. YOU COULD FRY THE ELECTRIC.

edit: please post image of your awning wrench.I was thinking a bottle jack wrench would work?
the rear section of awning keeps popping out of the case, the front stays put.
I've been pressing the rear back in it stays in for a while then pops back out.
I'd hate to have it unroll cruising down the road mite tie some rope around it to keep secure. I think I see the wrench for winding it inside the case. yes long thread bc I have a bunch of ?s and these nice ppl are helping me alot.I've made alot of progress w/ these ppl advice.thanks again Guys.

EASY TO REMOVE THE END CAPS AND IT CAN BE ADJUSTED. ALL KINDS OF INFO ON FIAMMA AND THEY HAVE GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE. YOU CAN ORDER THE CRANK[/QUOTE]thanks for the heads up on generator and shore power, I'll test w/ my boats group27. I think the few times I may ever use the awning I'll crank it w/ the bottle jack wrench it has the same type of hook.
I hope my awnings surports are stowed inside the case like this. if yes I'll report back.

thanks

TB, the 2 coach batteries in our 210P, (2010) are in a slide-out tray just in front of the right rear wheel. The face of the tray is fiberglass matching the rest of the lower ground effects shapes around the van. Locks with a turning latch/lock. I also added a thin cable limiter inside the tray to keep the tray from sliding completely out on a turn if for some reason the latch fails.

oh you have the wider fiberglass bodied RT very nice.that's smart to secure the tray, doesn't the tray have a spring clip?
I think I'll tie a small piece of rope around my awning just in case or untill I figure out how it works.

I'm thinking there is a differnce in amp hours w/ upgrading from group27 single deep cycle (my interstate was rated at 88 AHs really doesn't mean much to me untill I fully understand what appliance I can run & for how long I think 1 group27 won't power the freig for very long maybe a few hours) to 2 6volt DC I assume golf cart batterys.

I'll cruise by harbor friegth in next few days check Y tube I found a 10% coupon for any single item in store. I get the 13K LB ramps. then install the sway bar bushings I'll do the end links also EL aren't flattened but they look orginal. I hope the bushing improve the handleing like when the wind gusts pushes the van sideways.

 

[mkguitar]

dc is used on the fridge when driving


when parked use:


ac when you have shore power


propane when you don't
( in both these modes the fridge controls use some DC)



propane cools best


convert your lights to led and you'll use 1/10th the power when boondocking

 

[ChicagoTom]

THE CHEVY LEXOR BATTERY TRAY WILL ONLY HOLD ONE BATTERY. GET A GOOD AGM AND CALL IT A DAY. I LIVED FULL TIME FOR OVER A YEAR AND NEVER HAD AN ISSUE. I DO HAVE A 100 WATT SOLAR THAT I SLAP UP AND DOWN ABOVE THE WINDSHIELD. TAKES LESS THAN A MINUTE UP OR DOWN. NEVER RUN THE FRIDGE ON 12 VOLT, ALTHOUGH SOME WILL USE IT WHILE DRIVING, BUT THEN FORGET TO SHUT IT OFF AND RUIN THEIR BATTERY. JMO, I DISCONNECTED THE 12V FROM MY THREE WAY. RUN ON PROPANE, IT'S CHEAP TO USE. PLEASE NO SLAMMING ON THE OLD DRIVING WITH PROPANE ON, TO EACH HIS OWN WITH THIS AGE OLD DEBATE.

I'm thinking there is a differnce in amp hours w/ upgrading from group27 single deep cycle (my interstate was rated at 88 AHs really doesn't mean much to me untill I fully understand what appliance I can run & for how long I think 1 group27 won't power the freig for very long maybe a few hours) to 2 6volt DC I assume golf cart batterys.

I'll cruise by harbor friegth in next few days check Y tube I found a 10% coupon for any single item in store. I get the 13K LB ramps. then install the sway bar bushings I'll do the end links also EL aren't flattened but they look orginal. I hope the bushing improve the handleing like when the wind gusts pushes the van sideways.[/QUOTE]

 

[mkguitar]

PLEASE NO SLAMMING ON THE OLD DRIVING WITH PROPANE ON, TO EACH HIS OWN WITH THIS AGE OLD DEBATE.

except you fail to warn a newbie of the possible consequences of pulling into a gas station with a propane flame burning


"to each his own" but others can be endangered


there are 900 pictures of RVs burning down gas stations

 

[THEBRAIN]

dc is used on the fridge when driving OK step 1 turn red key forward step 2. switch to 12 Volts DC on frieg step 3.read check list (untill I get acusstomed) for turning engine off step four choose differnt source of power


when parked use:


ac when you have shore power (shore power from a 30amp circuit not regular house hold like my house. so the roofs AC isn't used while cruising? only the vans AC while driving?).


propane when you don't
( in both these modes the fridge controls use some DC)



propane cools best I hope to add some propane gas next week hope it still works


convert your lights to led and you'll use 1/10th the power when boondocking

yeah I have some BA9 socket type LEDs for my vessel never installed them after I read about the radiation they give off I did install LED light stripe w/ like 6 lamps.
some ******* ran off w/ every single bulb inside & porch of the van only interia light is the GM dome light. thanks Mike

THE CHEVY LEXOR BATTERY TRAY WILL ONLY HOLD ONE BATTERY. GET A GOOD AGM AND CALL IT A DAY. I LIVED FULL TIME FOR OVER A YEAR AND NEVER HAD AN ISSUE. I DO HAVE A 100 WATT SOLAR THAT I SLAP UP AND DOWN ABOVE THE WINDSHIELD. TAKES LESS THAN A MINUTE UP OR DOWN. NEVER RUN THE FRIDGE ON 12 VOLT, ALTHOUGH SOME WILL USE IT WHILE DRIVING, BUT THEN FORGET TO SHUT IT OFF AND RUIN THEIR BATTERY. JMO, I DISCONNECTED THE 12V FROM MY THREE WAY. RUN ON PROPANE, IT'S CHEAP TO USE. PLEASE NO SLAMMING ON THE OLD DRIVING WITH PROPANE ON, TO EACH HIS OWN WITH THIS AGE OLD DEBATE.

I'm thinking there is a differnce in amp hours w/ upgrading from group27 single deep cycle (my interstate was rated at 88 AHs really doesn't mean much to me untill I fully understand what appliance I can run & for how long I think 1 group27 won't power the freig for very long maybe a few hours) to 2 6volt DC I assume golf cart batterys.

I'll cruise by harbor friegth in next few days check Y tube I found a 10% coupon for any single item in store. I get the 13K LB ramps. then install the sway bar bushings I'll do the end links also EL aren't flattened but they look orginal. I hope the bushing improve the handleing like when the wind gusts pushes the van sideways.

[/QUOTE] what AGM battery do you suggest? I will only use this van for weekends maybe 1 dozon times per year.

I was planning on the regular type deep cycle group 27. this is what was in there.
I have the same visor type solar panel that you have on your dash.
I haven't been boating in 3 years now due to lock down, the visor charger
has sunlight all day and surprisingly has kept my boats battery completely charged.

I assume your topping off the vans start battery like a trickle charger?

what type of solar panel do you have above windshield? it appears to fold up for easy stowing.whats holding it down like can the wind blow it off?
do you have a charge controller and breakers/fuse inbetween battery and controller? please pose image of your solar sys.

not sure which solar I want a piece meal or a pre engineered kit.

thanks ChicagoTom for advice
BTW are you from Chitown I've done alot of work up there, besides traffic it's not like most big cities like the ppl are cool.

 

[THEBRAIN]

except you fail to warn a newbie of the possible consequences of pulling into a gas station with a propane flame burning


"to each his own" but others can be endangered


there are 900 pictures of RVs burning down gas stations

yes I 100% agree w/ the propane appliaces off I don't want a furnace/hot water heater or frieg ignitors sparking w/ all the fumes in the area.
the weak owners manuel threw a major scare into me over this subject.
I will leave the valve still on at tank but absolutely off for appliances.

don't get me started on ppl that stow propane on there vessels or worst stow below deck.

I've been concerned w/ the propane tank getting rear ended and exploding
I recently read that there are safeties built into these tanks.
like if it where RE the tank is designed to pour out the LP gas not sure of all the details, just know use extreme caution around LP gas so you don't blow yourself & other up. just saying.

 

[ChicagoTom]

No need to worry about propane. It is WAY safer than gas. Yes, I make sure all is off prior to fueling. The only thing that I ever run is the fridge while driving. I take my ball cap, set it on the dash as a reminder to turn it back on once I'm clear of the pumps.

yes I 100% agree w/ the propane appliaces off I don't want a furnace/hot water heater or frieg ignitors sparking w/ all the fumes in the area.
the weak owners manuel threw a major scare into me over this subject.
I will leave the valve still on at tank but absolutely off for appliances.

don't get me started on ppl that stow propane on there vessels or worst stow below deck.

I've been concerned w/ the propane tank getting rear ended and exploding
I recently read that there are safeties built into these tanks.
like if it where RE the tank is designed to pour out the LP gas not sure of all the details, just know use extreme caution around LP gas so you don't blow yourself & other up. just saying.

 

[mkguitar]

leds: I use philips bi-pin leds they come in a variety of color temperatures and lumens. Mine are mostly 2700~3000) and either 1.2 or 2 watts


you can find bayonet to bi-pin adapters on ebay


the led "taillights" are often poor quality with harsh light temperature

 

[THEBRAIN]

Update the good news is w/ my boats fully charged battery I bumped the generators starter 4 times 5th she cranked initially she seamed to surge a tad then smoothed out nicely.
Ran generator for like 5 minutes turned off then restarted.additionally the front of van was on a decline, so is the generators fuel supply gravity feed.
I will crawl under there and look for the fuel petcock you wrote off.

The TV did turn on.just snow w/ ant w/#s. I plugged in the anaolog to digital converter it didn't light up as being powered.
Haven’t tested the 120Volts AC outlet I plugged into.TVs message was check signal cable.
Was able to elevate/lower the TV antenna, still no TV. I did see a VGA D plug
So I could use a PC as a video source not sure about audio.

The bad news is the dvd player did not power up neither did the AC, fantastic fan, microwave, pump or water levels at control panel, all this w/ generator on.

I did see the fuse box you wrote of near the furnace but didn’t see any fuses, it appeared to be a wire connection spot. Doe’s this panel swing outward bc I didn’t see any fuses.
Thanks for advice.

 

[mkguitar]

I have TD model, all my 12 volt fuses and breakers are under my pass side bed- I "think" yours are under the sofa ...



the antenna needs to be directed at the tower- digital tv signals are very directional


I use the free app tvtowers to point my antenna at the tower. there is also an antenna amplifier which needs to be turned on, likely behind the tv on a panel with a "lighter" type outlet- push the button see green light.


I stripped out my converter ( these were owner added, as tv was still analog in 2004) so I don;t know about yours and how it works

 

[THEBRAIN]

I have TD model, all my 12 volt fuses and breakers are under my pass side bed- I "think" yours are under the sofa ...



the antenna needs to be directed at the tower- digital tv signals are very directional


I use the free app tvtowers to point my antenna at the tower. there is also an antenna amplifier which needs to be turned on, likely behind the tv on a panel with a "lighter" type outlet- push the button see green light.


I stripped out my converter ( these were owner added, as tv was still analog in 2004) so I don;t know about yours and how it works

OK I'll look around pass of sofa didn't see any fuses from the outside looking in
is the fuse box accessed from inside van?

edited image

thanks Mike

 

[THEBRAIN]

I can't believe I missed that fuse box & breaker box it's right there under front of sofa. I'm a little flustered bc Bama was defeated last night for a 2nd defeat this isn't supposed to happen.

I can barley make out the breakers I'm thinking the left position is off right is on?
I tried in both positions still no control panel, AC,microwave pump ect.

I'm missing a bunch of fuses plus I haven't checked continunity of the existing fuses can barely read the lables on fuses can read the lables for breakers.

Mike what is the water levels at control panel referred to as on fuse box?

seams like there should be a cover over the fuse box.

will do some testing and report back.

I am very pleased that the generator runs.I was thinking there's a good chance the carberator was gummed up w/ varnise on the jets. it only has 124 hours. it is a bit loud, plan to wrap the exhaust w/ glass pack same stuff they stuff in mufflers.
thanks Mike for advice.

edit what is converter & rear plug?

 

[mkguitar]

Mike what is the water levels at control panel referred to as on fuse box?

not sure what you are asking

 

[THEBRAIN]

Mike
1.I can barley make out the breakers I'm thinking the left position is off & right is on?
2.what is the water levels at control panel referred to as on fuse box?
3. what is converter & rear plug?
thanks

 

[mkguitar]

Mike
1.I can barley make out the breakers I'm thinking the left position is off & right is on?


right is on




2.what is the water levels at control panel referred to as on fuse box?


do you mean water pump?


the pump is 12 volt and at the base of the armoire , lift the panel. the switch for it is over the entry door, lights up when on



3. what is converter & rear plug?
thanks


converter is the ac power ( shore or generator) to the intellipower dc converter. there may be an AC outlet which the converter plugs into ( rather than hard wired) make sure it is plugged in


"rear plug" I don;t know I don't think I have this- there may be a power outlet near by the panel or the one behind the tv ?

..............

 

[THEBRAIN]

2.what is the water levels at control panel referred to as on fuse box?


do you mean water pump? no the fresh/grey/black water levels & battery power at control panel mearsure there capsities. see image.


the pump is 12 volt and at the base of the armoire yes I see the pump when I remove the lower drawer , lift the panel. the switch for it is over the entry door, lights up when on are you saying the pump must be on in order to read water levels? an there must be water in sys.to read any level?
pump fuse is missing, I have some extra fuses in 15 amp, apparently someone ran off w/ a bunch of fuses, I also see a bunch of unused circuits are these like for expansion like if I wanted to add electrical stuff?



3. what is converter & rear plug?
thanks


converter is the ac power ( shore or generator) to the intellipower dc converter. there may be an AC outlet which the converter plugs into ( rather than hard wired) make sure it is plugged in OK will do whenever I hear converter I think of DC to AC inverter


"rear plug" I don;t know I don't think I have this- there may be a power outlet near by the panel or the one behind the tv ?

..............

I'll look around when PW says plug that's a AC outlet? thanks Mike

 

[mkguitar]

when PW says "plug" those are AC breakers- so yes an AC outlet like in your house.


panel above door- probably one of your missing fuses powers that


the thing on the right is a detector- it has a date code, if expired replace the CO and LP detectors ( probably near your electrical panel, LP detectors are mounted low) - find on amazon


middle is hot water heater ( LP )



left: tank levels and switch at bottom is for water pump



you have a "converter"...converts AC to DC
the intellipower you showed us earlier



you do not have an inverter ( DC to AC) that term will only confuse.


You pretty much know where all the components are now

 

[THEBRAIN]

when PW says "plug" those are AC breakers- so yes an AC outlet like in your house.


panel above door- probably one of your missing fuses powers that


the thing on the right is a detector- it has a date code, if expired replace the CO and LP detectors ( probably near your electrical panel, LP detectors are mounted low) - find on amazon more on this later


middle is hot water heater ( LP )



left: tank levels and switch at bottom is for water pump OK this is one of the fuse's I'm missing, I'll add a fuse to this circuit. I was thinking the fresh water tank needed to have water to registor a reading an to avoid running pump w/out water would ruin pump.



you have a "converter"...converts AC to DC
the intellipower you showed us earlier OK I understand the intelli power it's shore power related which I proballey will use occasionally won't use much

thanks again Mike I'll report back w/ progress.

 

[mkguitar]

put the water pump switch above the door "off"


once you have power to that panel,


the other indicators should work, fresh water, black, grey and battery ( on shore power will read "full"), most black water tank sensors don't work, they have toilet paper or other "stuff" jamming them up. You can see the level with a flashlight down the toilet if it's high

the PW design has the capacity of the black and grey tanks to be more than the fresh water tank- you are unlikely to over fill the tanks



the water pumps are pretty robust.
they have a built in pressure switch so will stop running when the plumbing is pressurized, but yeah running it dry for too long isn't good.


I replaced the fill tube to my fresh water tank a couple of weeks ago, and put in a new water pump- ( mine was acting funny in the spring and I ordered a new one in a panic... then I fixed the old one ( mineral deposits on the diaphragm).


and then I had this brand new pump in the box, so i put that in when I was doing the fill hose.


and the old one is on the shelf just in case

 

[THEBRAIN]

Update on progress:
Managed to insert the pumps 15amp fuse now water levels are displayed.
Battery is full
Fresh water is E empty
Black is full , can I drain in the sewer on street? woopsie I reread your previous post about TP on sensor.
Didn’t mearsure grey.

I didn’t hear the pump prime maybe bc the fresh water tank is empty?
Mite add some fresh water in next couple days. I'm anxious to christen the throne.

I think I’ve figured out the TV cabinets euro hinge I’m missing the rear screw that holds the 2 pieces together.
I picked up some new bathroom door clips.the bad news is The top section of the middle door forth most of bathroom is sticking out the thickness of the privacy slider.the good news is the bottom section is even w/ rear door. So I’ve ditched the bungee cords.

Driver side rear window appears to be an emergency escape hatch, w/out any supports.
The pass. Side rear window can be opened a tad w/ a knob an is supported.gotta get the roof fan going. thanks Mike