RV Instrumentation

Monitor Your RV’s Instrumentation
If you’re like most drivers, you probably keep a good eye on your speedometer and your fuel gauge while driving but don’t give the other dashboard monitors much more than a passing glance – unless your engine begins to balk.

Monitor your RV's Instrumentation

To really understand your vehicle, and keep your engine running at maximum potential, closely watch the entire dash panel and learn to interpret what your engine is telling you. Installing and monitoring these instruments will help you manage your RV’s fuel economy and improve engine performance:

Tachometer
A fundamental gauge that will let you know whether you’re running within the engine’s torque and horsepower ranges. It’s especially useful when climbing hills and mountains. Use your tachometer as a guide, keeping the rpm level at the ideal power range, which varies among engine models.

Exhaust Gas Temperature Gauge
Designed specifically for diesel engines, the exhaust gas temperature gauge monitors how hard the diesel engine is working. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended peak exhaust gauge temperature (EGT); it’s usually around 1,200?F. If the EGT approaches the maximum, ease off the accelerator.

Air/Fuel Ratio Monitor
With the increase in reformulated fuels, gasoline engines may not get the right mix of fuel. If the fuel is too rich, they can get too much of it, causing it to waste gas and develop carbon deposits; or they may not get enough fuel, causing engine backfire. With a quick glance at an air/fuel ratio monitor, you can ensure the engine is getting the balanced fuel mixture. A ratio of 14.7:1 during part throttle cruise is considered ideal for low emissions and good fuel economy.

Manifold Vacuum Gauges
Specifically for gasoline engines, manifold vacuum gauges can help you get the best possible fuel economy. Connected to the intake passages of the engine, it monitors the varying levels of pressure inside the manifold. It can also signal sluggishness in the air-intake tract.

Boost-Pressure Gauges
Boost gauges monitor the output and effectiveness of a turbocharged or supercharged engine. You can monitor and then limit boost by easing on and off the accelerator. Excessive boost can increase engine stress.

To read more valuable articles on RV Maintenance Tips or how to keep your RV safe for travel, visit the Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service website, www.goodsamers.com

The Ins and Outs of Power Inverters

Although meant to simplify RV living, inverters can cause plenty of headaches for the uninitiated. Here’s the lowdown on inverters – boiled down to the basics:

A Power Inverter changes 12-volt DC battery power to 120-volt AC power

What is an inverter?
A unit that changes 12-volt DC battery power to 120-volt AC power, an inverter allows you to operate your household appliances – from hair-dryer to hot plate, toaster to television, camera to computer – without an auxiliary generator or shore power.

Considerations
If you’re considering purchasing an inverter, decide how much power you’ll need. The inverter should have an efficiency of at least 80% of your maximum anticipated power level. There are two basic types of inverters:

Modified Sine Waveform (MSW) – Less expensive, these inverters will operate most household items without problems. Some complaints include noise in audio-visual electronics, computer equipment getting hot and reduced power pull in microwave ovens. True Sine Wave – Although higher in cost, these commercial-grade power sources are becoming more common. They produce smooth sine lines when viewed on an oscilloscope and don’t cause the above mentioned issues that come with MSW.

Wattage – MSW inverters are available in various wattage, ranging from 200 watts up to heavy-duty units of 6000 watts. Obviously, the more watts, the more expensive and the more power you’ll pull. Keep in mind that the efficiency of some large inverters decreases when operating small loads.

Installation
If you use an inverter below 400 watts, you can probably simply plug it into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter outlet. Larger inverters often rely on large battery banks. Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for wiring, but remember when installing a large inverter, it’s important that the inverter and batteries are in close proximity and that you use heavy-duty wires.

To read more valuable articles on RV Maintenance Tips or how to keep your RV safe for travel, visit the Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service website, www.goodsamers.com

RV Propane Tank Maintenance

Propane Tanks & Your RV
An invaluable source of energy for RVers, Liquefied petroleum gas (LP-gas) is key to providing creature comforts on the road. After a long day of hiking, sightseeing, biking or driving, your family can enjoy warm showers, cold drinks and a hot meal thanks to the miracle of propane.

Propane Tank Maintenance

Although care and maintenance of your LP-gas cylinders doesn’t require much effort, there are a few important steps and safety precautions to take when handling and using LP-gas.

Inspect Your Tank
Take your RV to a qualified propane gas supplier or RV dealer each year – no matter how often you use your RV during the year.

What are they checking? They’ll inspect the regulator, valves and fittings and check the system for leaks. Suppliers will also inspect the propane tank for excessive rust and dents, which if serious enough must be replaced immediately. Ask your RV dealer to inspect the appliances, air intake and exhaust vents as well.

You should also conduct periodic inspections on your own. You can visually inspect for rust, gouges and scrapes. Especially check the bottom of the tank. To check for leaks, use a mixture of water and mild soap (that do not contain ammonia or other harsh chemicals) or commercial leak-detecting solutions.

Never use an open flame to check for leaks.

Propane gas is odorless and colorless but has a safety odor additive, which resembles the smell of rotten eggs. If you’d rather not rely on your sense of smell, install a gas detector.

If you want to measure the amount of propane left in your tank, you can either use a scale or the moisture method. To use a scale, simply weigh the cylinder and subtract the tare weight (TW) as stamped on the guard. The difference is the weight of the fuel. Propane weighs 4.24 pounds per gallon.

Using the more informal moisture method, inspect the tank on a cool morning. When the liquid propane can’t absorb the heat needed to create the amount of gas your appliances demand, it becomes refrigerated, similar to moisture collecting on a glass. The visible line between moisture that has accumulated and the dry area indicates the level of LP-gas. In warmer weather, you can even pour a glass of water over the cylinder tank after use and you’ll notice a difference in the way the water bubbles over the full and empty areas.

Care for Your Tank
Using a light, reflective color, paint your propane tank. After it’s passed the annual inspection by a qualified professional, you can touch up minor rust spots. Sand away the rust until the metal beneath is white and shiny, then prime and paint. Make sure the warning labels remain visible.

Always use the propane tank in its proper position. Arrows indicating the correct position are embossed in the metal of the tank. A horizontal tank should never be used in the vertical position and vice versa.

Note: Filling personnel are not allowed to fill a DOT cylinder more than 10 years older than its manufacturer’s date.

Safety Precautions
Follow proper refueling procedures at all fueling filling stations. When refueling, turn off the engine, all appliances and the electronic re-igniters. All passengers should exit the RV.

After refueling is completed, turn on the gas and listen to the gas regulator. A continuous hissing sound indicates the presence of a leak. If you’re concerned about a leak, follow the instructions on the tank and contact a propane dealer immediately.

If you smell gas: (1) exit the camper/trailer and do not use any electric switches or appliances; (2) leave the door open to air out the vehicle; (3) shut off the propane tank; and (4) call a propane gas supplier or the fire department from a nearby phone. Do not return to your vehicle until the odor clears.

To read more valuable articles on RV Maintenance Tips or how to keep your RV safe for travel, visit the Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service website, www.goodsamers.com

Reverse Polarity

Reverse Polarity

What is Reverse Polarity?
Reverse polarity is the term used to describe the condition where the hot (ungrounded) and neutral (grounded) electrical wires have been connected to the wrong terminals of a receptacle. It’s a fairly common electrical problem in households, businesses – and campground hookups.

Why is it so common? It’s an easy mistake to make during the electrical wiring process and usually the receptacles will work fine even when polarity is reversed.

Is Reverse Polarity Dangerous?
Although shock from the improperly wired receptacle itself is not likely, it can be dangerous for an RV connected to a power source with reverse polarity. If the power source is not correctly wired, your RV itself can become “hot,” which means you could become a conductor if you were to touch your coach while walking around the outside. Obviously this could cause serious injury or even death under certain circumstances.

Another risk is that the safety mechanism on an electrical device connected to a reverse polarity source of power may not kick in, which could cause serious injury. For example, a power tool may start automatically as soon as it’s plugged into the improperly wired receptacle – or it may not shut off when you try turning it off.

Before you hook up to any unknown power source, you should use a circuit tester to check for correct wiring. Plug the tester into all the receptacles – both top and bottom – for an accurate reading. You should always test the outlet before hooking up, but if you’ve already plugged in, unplug your RV and don’t use the outlet until it’s repaired. Make sure to report the problem to the campground owner at once.

To read more valuable articles on RV Maintenance Tips or how to keep your RV safe for travel, visit the Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service website, www.goodsamers.com

Keep that Fuel Gauge Up!

Keep your fuel tank above a quarter tank as much as possible to prevent a premature fuel pump failure.

Given the current prices of fuel, some travelers are barely squeaking by with a quarter tank of fuel or less at a time in hopes of finding that sacred gas station with cheaper fuel prices. Good Sam ERS Certified Technicians report that running your Motorhome, tow vehicle or really any modern vehicle you drive with less than a quarter tank of fuel for regular periods of time puts added stress on the fuel pump and will likely shorten the pumps life by a significant amount.

One reason low fuel levels cause the fuel pump to fail is because the actual fuel in the tank cools the pump. Keeping low fuel levels regularly prevents your fuel pump from getting that needed cool down from a full tank of gas.

Another reason to keep your fuel tank filled is that a lower fuel tank level makes air space for condensation to form inside the tank. As you know from physics class, water vapor is always present in the air and the oxygen in H2O causes rusting and corrosion and will likely shorten your fuel pumps life.

In addition, being that most fuel pumps reside inside of your fuel tank, replacement costs with parts and labor can run you an average of $300 or more.

To read more valuable articles on RV Maintenance Tips or how to keep your RV safe for travel, visit the Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service website, www.goodsamers.com

Is Your RV Hi Tech?

Wi-fi, Satellite Radio and Satellite TV are becoming more accessible for the RV traveler

New and improved technologies are emerging faster than some of us can load and unload our RVs. From Wi-Fi to Wii, from iPods to XM and from satellite TV to DVDs, our mobile entertainment options have exploded – and keeping up with them can be daunting.

Here’s the low-down on high-tech RV entertainment accessories and tips for using them.

Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi)
With the boom of Wi-Fi hotspots (and many of them free), there is no longer any reason you should be hauling your computer around in search of a modem connection.

What is it? Wi-Fi has become the term used for the technology behind products that use radio frequency to communicate. One form of wireless is mobile wireless – the ability to move almost anywhere while staying connected to the Internet.

How do I use it? First, you’ll need a wireless client card. Most computers and PDAs today have this feature built in. If your computer isn’t already Wi-Fi enabled, you can purchase the wireless client card at a computer, office supply, electronics store, or even on e-Bay for about $50. When you’re shopping, look for a product that specifies it’s Wi-Fi certified or 802.11b compatible.

Once you confirm your computer is Wi-Fi enabled, you’ll need to download software that will locate hotspots (places where wireless Internet access is available) and connect you to them. Two popular wireless providers among RVers are Boingo and Hotspotzz. Many RV parks and campgrounds offer Wi-Fi connections. Some offer free access, but sometimes there’s a pay-as-you-go fee.

Satellite Radio
Keeping the soundtrack to your life running – without annoying commercials – whether you’re driving through congested streets of Chicago or through the Sierra Nevada mountain range, has never been easier with satellite radio.

What is it? Also called digital radio, satellite radio offers uninterrupted, digital music beamed to your radio from space. The two major radio subscription services are XM radio and Sirius.

How do I use it? Although some new RV models come equipped with satellite radio systems, most of us have to install and purchase them after-market. With both XM radio and Sirius, you can either purchase a portable unit that can be taken from home to vehicle, or you can install a receiver in your RV. Once you’ve purchased the receiver, you pay a monthly subscription fee for the service. Although they use slightly different technology, both XM Radio and Sirius deliver clear sound and quality programming. Compare channel listings to see which you’ll enjoy more.

Satellite TV
Hundreds of thousands of RVers have taken advantage of watching television on the road and many luxury models include it as a standard package. For the rest of us…

What is it? It’s wireless system for delivering television programming directly to your home or RV via broadcast signals from satellites orbiting the Earth. Since satellites are high in the sky, there are a lot more customers in the line of site. Satellite television systems transmit and receive radio signals using specialized antennae.

How do I use it? There are many more options when it comes to setting up satellite television, but most systems include a small satellite dish, a receiver and a remote control.

There are two types of dish antennae: manual, which is less expensive but requires some effort in pointing the dish in the right direction and keeping it there; and automatic, which costs more but automatically points toward the system. There are also mounting options. You can either install a standard roof mount or use a dish tripod. There are three major RV dish suppliers: KVH, Winegard and King Controls, Camping World has a huge variety of RV hi-tech satellite tv and radio equipment for you to choose from.

Once you install the receiver and dish, you’ll subscribe to one of the satellite TV service providers, DIRECTV or Dish Network, which charge a monthly service fee.

To read more valuable articles on RV Maintenance Tips or how to keep your RV safe for travel, visit the Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service website, www.goodsamers.com

Are Solar Panels For Your RV Right For You?

Simply put, solar power uses the sun’s energy to charge 12-volt DC appliances like lighting, stereos, TV, and other appliances. Although solar power is free, solar panels can be expensive. Are they worth the cost?

Solar panels allow you to be more self efficient while traveling in isolated area

If you’re serious about exploring the back country, enjoying the solitude of desert camping, experiencing the quiet of the outdoors, wanting to cut the umbilical cord to commercial power hookups or simply shrinking your carbon footprint, then yes, solar power is right for you.

Solar systems are clean, quiet and require minimum maintenance. The main considerations are cost, space, weight and efficiency. If you’re reluctant to go solar, remember that you don’t have to go all in all at once. You can add or modify your system, and you can continue using commercial hook-ups (either as a backup plan or as your primary power source).

Solar Power Panel Sizes
The most cost-effective solar panels are larger ones (rated at 100 to 120 watts). Opt for the fewest number of panels and batteries in the beginning. You can always add more at a later time.

Since everyone’s power usage / requirements are different, you’ll need to calculate your anticipated power usage. Simply multiply the estimated hours of use by the approximate current (amps @ 12 volts) for the amp hours consumed.

Keeping Cool with Solar
There isn’t enough space on the roof of even the largest luxury coach to hold the number of solar power panels it would take to power an air-conditioning unit. However, a 750 cfm fan is rated at 2.5 amps and can easily be powered with solar panels.

How to Power AC Appliances
There are two choices for AC appliances: either use a generator or other backup power source when using AC appliances, or invest in an inverter, which will convert the AC amps to 12-volt DC output.

Energy Management
You’ll need to plan properly to keep your batteries fully charged. Some important factors about managing solar power:

- Mount your panels on the roof, near the refrigerator vent
- Aim the panels toward the sun for maximum output
- Purchase a charge controller to prevent battery overcharging
- Be resourceful and conserve energy

To read more valuable articles on RV Maintenance Tips or how to keep your RV safe for travel, visit the Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service website, www.goodsamers.com

RV Slide Out Extensions

Slide Out Extensions

Once a high-end luxury item, slide-out room systems have become a common feature on today’s RVs. With a simple touch of a button, campers increase their living space. There are three basic types of slide-out systems: 12-volt DC electric-motor, high-pressure hydraulic and hybrid systems.

 

Whether motorized or manual, these systems have grown more reliable; however there are some good-to-know safety and service issues. The following information is to be used as a general guideline. As always, check your owner’s manual to address the specifics of your RV.

FAQs About Slide Out Extensions

Q: I hear a grinding sound immediately after pressing the button. Is this normal?
A: Yes, it’s normal to hear a moaning sound as the piston shafts engage.

Q: What do I do if the room stops before it’s fully extended?
A: The piston shafts may need to be adjusted. Contact your dealer for service.

Q: I’m going to be camped for an extended period of time. Is it okay to leave my slide-out extended for a long duration?
A: Keep the extension in when the vehicle isn’t in use. If you’re full-timing or hunkered down in camp for awhile, bring it in and extend it again occasionally to keep the system lubricated.

Q: What preventative maintenance is required for my slide-out system?
A: Usually the only maintenance required for a hydraulic-system slide-out room is to keep the pump full of a high-quality, multi-purpose transmission fluid. For electrical systems, maintain a full-charge in the 12-volt battery and clean the battery terminals periodically. Mechanical system tubes should be kept clean of dirt and debris.

Q: Do I need supports beneath the slide-out extension?
A: No. Supports can potentially cause damage to the slide-out unit as well as to frame. To minimize rocking, consider using a tripod stabilizer instead.

Visual Inspections
Occasionally take the time to visually inspect your slide-out system. If you’re purchasing a new / pre-owned RV, include the following steps in your walk-around inspection:

Check the alignment of any wheels that might ride on the carpet or flooring, impeding proper clearance.

Check the seals when the slide is retracted and also when it’s extended. Using a flashlight, closely examine the seals when the slide is retracted. You shouldn’t see light or detect airflow.

Inspect the tires and beneath the slide-out area to ensure proper routing of wires or cables and to confirm that nothing rubs on the tires when the slide is retracted.
Safety Precautions for Engaging Slide-Out Rooms 
- Clear the room of people and loose objects 
- Check the exterior of the unit for clearance 
- Make sure the RV is level and the stabilizer jacks in place 
- Unlock all travel locking devices 
- Engage the slide-out mechanism

To read more valuable articles on RV Maintenance Tips or how to keep your RV safe for travel, visit the Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service website, www.goodsamers.com

5 Tips to Finding an RV Repair Facility

Whether it’s time for routine RV maintenance or your rig needs extensive repairs, finding a reliable and trustworthy facility before you take your RV for service is important.

5 Tips to Finding an RV Repair Facility

 

Follow these guidelines when getting your RV serviced and help avoid unpleasant surprises:

1. Look for a Good Sam certified dealer. One of the simplest ways to put your mind at ease to find a shop in this nationwide network of RV dealers, which have earned the “Good Sam Seal of Approval.”

2. Select a repair shop that specializes in RVs. General repair facilities are not equipped or knowledgeable enough to provide the maintenance your RV needs.

3. Do your research before you need a repair shop. Get recommendations, verify the facility’s license status, check membership with the Better Business Bureau.

4. Before repairs or maintenance is performed on your RV, get a written estimate.

5. When the work is completed get written details of work performed, collect the old parts and keep accurate records for future recommendations.

To read more valuable articles on RV Maintenance Tips or how to keep your RV safe for travel, visit the Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service website, www.goodsamers.com

RV Travel with GPS Navigation

Do we love GPS? Yes we do! GPS for the most part is new to the masses and now a necessity to most Americans. GPS was developed by the United States Department of Defense to aid in mapping and giving a precise location of troops deployed in the field. This new technology was a staple of the Army, Navy, Air force and Marines, and it eliminated the guessing game of where in the world are my troops. With this new technology they found they could mobilize their troops and have a coordinated timed response to any situation. Then in 1983 following the shooting down of Korean Air Lines Flight 007 Ronald Reagan issued a directive making the system available for free for civilian use as a common good. The GPS system is a constellation of at least 24 Medium Earth Orbit satellites that transmit precise microwave signals, the system enables a GPS receiver to determine its location, speed, direction. You will find GPS devices every were, rental car companies now include them in their cars, they are showing up in boats, Mass transit vehicles, Police department vehicles and even in Cell phones.

Take out the guess work of getting to your destination with GPS Navigation

GPS has become a widely used aid to navigation worldwide, and a useful tool for map-making, land surveying, commerce, scientific uses, and hobbies such as geocaching. GPS also provides a precise time reference used in many applications including scientific study of earthquakes, and synchronization of telecommunications networks. As for me the writer of this article I have fallen in love with GPS I found I cannot live without it when I travel to new cities in the US. I have used the GPS as a way of locating places’ to eat and to find my wife when she just had to go look at some stores at the other end of town. So as you can see the GPS is very helpful and if you buy a Garmen or Tom Tom they will even tell you when to turn and if you miss a turn it will redirect you to get back to the street you missed. Some of the new GPS’s you can just say to them “Home” or “Star bucks” and it will say to you “turn left up a head on to 12th street” and if you miss the turn it will say “turn around make a right onto 12th street” it is just great you will never get lost again!

To read more valuable articles on RV Maintenance Tips or how to keep your RV safe for travel, visit the Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service website, http://www.goodsamers.com.