The RV store...and some wiring help...and some furnace help...

[steved]

Some of you may remember, I bought a small 5vr last month. Its not without small things needing attention; but for the $$ we paid, even putting a grand into it would still be an investment.



I need to replace both ceiling vents... probably be around $125 right there if I get a fan in the bathroom one. Need the ends for the sewer hose carrier "bumper". Need most of the door and closure hardware replaced. Most everything is a "nickle and dime" type deal... $5 here, $3 there... you know what mean.



It was like walking into a big kid's toy store! I only went in for a 30A to 15A adapter, and luckily (mainly because I know what I need, but not exactly what I need) that's only I walked out with!



I did buy an electrical box with cover, romex connectors, some wire supports to repair the broken junction box for the truck-to-trailer wiring. I am using a residential home wiring box (galvanized steel), mainly because I feel it will be more secure and I did buy a complete, new, truck to trailer lead (7-way RV with about 8 feet of wire) because the other one was so spliced. This ought to be a feat in itself because the lead has been spliced twice, and it is a nest of connectors in the existing box... my only benefit is the fact everything seems to work. My only hangup, is an ORANGE wire that goes into the trailer, however, it is not hooked up?? Any idea what, if anything, this might do?



And then I tried the furnace... I have operated a DuoTherm before. I got the pilot to light, but the main burner won't kick?? I have the knob from PILOT to ON, turned the thermostat on, and the fan will kick on as it should... but no burner (just the pilot)?? Is this something stupid I am overlooking? Based on my other one, this one SHOULD be working... but its not!



Thanks for any words of wisdom!



steved

 

[RJWEST]

?? Sail sw, it detects burner air and opens gas valve for main burner. Usually the ground at the ground junction block in the frunace, Sometimes it's just a matter of squeezing the slide connector tight.

Marksrv.com 7 way wiring diagram page
May help, but no Orange wire.
Process of elimination, Check around in camper, may find original
paper work, sometimes there is a wiring chart...

I am sure you remember, in the trailer ,white is ground , black is hot

Your doing the right think, rewiring it... . electrical problems are
pain when camping...

May want to check the ac/dc converter, they can get nasty when old and abused,

I would also add some smoke and propane detectors, if none installed,

Enjoy. .

 

[ScottLewis]

Couple of possibilities come to mind on the heater. First check to be certain the thermocouple that the pilot flame hits is clean and basically is in the tip of the flame. If it doesn't get to the right temp it won't provide gas to the big burner. Second is to be sure the main orifice is open. Spiders love to spin webs that plug them up.



I'll have to get back to you on the orange wire although it may be for a backup light. Some RV's have then and some don't.



Dan

 

[Loren]

I need to replace both ceiling vents... probably be around $125 right there if I get a fan in the bathroom one.

Steved,



If you haven't bought them yet, I recommend Fan-tastic Vent fans. My favorite source is Adohen Supply at:

Fantastic vent Fantastic fan rv roof vent endless breeze Adohen Viair JRV



The customer support from Fan-tastic Vent is first rate. I messed up a thermostat on my RV (my own fault) and they sent a replacement without charge. Also, when the motorized opening mechanism fell apart (their fault), they sent everything I needed to replace it, including instructions and wiring diagrams.



Great company. I'm glad there are still some left in America.



Good luck,

Loren

 

[Loren]

My only hangup, is an ORANGE wire that goes into the trailer, however, it is not hooked up?? Any idea what, if anything, this might do?

Steved,



I also have a guess. Our previous trailer, a 1995 Holiday Rambler, had an extra wire at the hitch that seemed to go nowhere. The service guy explained that it was for a sway control system that was not installed on our trailer.



He said that some trailers used to have a sway control system that measured side-to-side movement and would apply brakes on one side or the other to eliminate the sway. I had never heard of a system like this, and haven't heard of it since, but I suppose it's possible that your trailer may have also been set up for it.



Good luck finding out for sure.

Loren

 

[JMetzger]

I agree with LOREN about the Fantastic fans. We have two in our RV & wouldn't be with out them. Their great people to work with.

 

[steved]

Steved,



I also have a guess. Our previous trailer, a 1995 Holiday Rambler, had an extra wire at the hitch that seemed to go nowhere. The service guy explained that it was for a sway control system that was not installed on our trailer.



Loren

This is what I feel it is... an un-used wire that is just part of a larger universal wiring harness.



I'm going to run out and see if I can figure out anything with the furnace, the spider theory sounds good since I don't think the furnace was ever used.



Thanks,

steve

 

[PJay9]

At RV supply houses they sell wire mesh screens to cover the furnace and water heater outside ports. It helps to stop intruders doing their thing. They come in differnt shapes so know your models for each, maybe trace an outline of the outside vents and take it with you to get the right screen.

I have FAN vent in my Lance and it is good... never any problems other than cleaning the screen... what a pain. I see that there is a filter for them now, got to check into that.



Good luck with your 5th... have fun camping in style. PJ

 

[Hwyman]

bumper caps

When you get the new bumper caps take and drill about a 1/8 in hole threw the bumper and the cap top and bottom then bend a loop in a pice brazing rod or copper ground wire and put threw the holes. You'll only have to by the caps once that way.

 

[Fireman]

I haven't used one of these RV Parts, RV Maintenance, Trailer Maintenance - Camping World

but I like the look of them. They come with a cover that folds down, very low profile, you won't have those big covers standing up on the roof.

 

[AMink]

Make sure your propane tanks are not getting close to empty. I know that sounds obvious, but my stove will work on a low tank, the heater won't. You'll get a gas smell, but no fire.

 

[steved]

Make sure your propane tanks are not getting close to empty. I know that sounds obvious, but my stove will work on a low tank, the heater won't. You'll get a gas smell, but no fire.

Hmmm, didn't check the tank... I only got a single 40# cylinder, and I never checked (assumed that since the stove worked, the furnace would too... )



I will check this out! Thanks,



steved