Looking to buy an RV and need advice

[mjc]

I have valves on the fresh water vents for the overflow when driving. I opened in the driveway and watch for water to come out then know tank in full. Close it up before driving. I used to watch the water flow out as I went down the street. I put the valve tied to the frame right by a door I check whenever I load up.

 

[BHC Vic]

I have valves on the fresh water vents for the overflow when driving. I opened in the driveway and watch for water to come out then know tank in full. Close it up before driving. I used to watch the water flow out as I went down the street. I put the valve tied to the frame right by a door I check whenever I load up.

So that’s what I have. He said driving or over filling not sure which but maybe both would cause a syphon. He would get to camp and no water so he put the valve and that fixed the problem. Now that I fully understand I should be good to go.

 

[Boatymcboatface]

We just found out this weekend the shower water goes to the black tank on our motorhome! Friend had a few extra 6 gallon jugs so I threw them in my fresh tank thinking we’d get an extra shower in. Well it didn’t end well. Luckily it was in the last night.

 

[QC22]

We just found out this weekend the shower water goes to the black tank on our motorhome!

That sucks. If you notice the grey plus black capacity is close to your water capacity. Limited capacity is seriously bad for dry camping as you note. So only your sinks are going to grey?

 

[BHC Vic]

We just found out this weekend the shower water goes to the black tank on our motorhome! Friend had a few extra 6 gallon jugs so I threw them in my fresh tank thinking we’d get an extra shower in. Well it didn’t end well. Luckily it was in the last night.

I’m not convinced my shower goes to grey. My black tank filled quicker than I wanted. Could also be my sensors. It’s empty now for sure but shows 2/3. I didn’t have time to mess with it but I’ll flush again when I get home.

 

[bilz]

Did I miss it, which macerator did you buy?

 

[Singleton]

I’m not convinced my shower goes to grey. My black tank filled quicker than I wanted. Could also be my sensors. It’s empty now for sure but shows 2/3. I didn’t have time to mess with it but I’ll flush again when I get home.

Upgrade to a SeeLevel tank monitoring system. I have a Model 709-4P with 12” sensors, sitting on a shelf.
was going to install it in the ToyHauler since the old school monitors were never accurate. Sold trailer before install.
$150 and you can have it

 

[JayBreww]

I’m not convinced my shower goes to grey. My black tank filled quicker than I wanted. Could also be my sensors. It’s empty now for sure but shows 2/3. I didn’t have time to mess with it but I’ll flush again when I get home.

Next time you drain your black tank, and with the clear elbow, turn the shower on and see if water still flows out the black.

 

[BHC Vic]

Upgrade to a SeeLevel tank monitoring system. I have a Model 709-4P with 12” sensors, sitting on a shelf.
was going to install it in the ToyHauler since the old school monitors were never accurate. Sold trailer before install.
$150 and you can have it

I will take it thank you

 

[Boatymcboatface]

That sucks. If you notice the grey plus black capacity is close to your water capacity. Limited capacity is seriously bad for dry camping as you note. So only your sinks are going to grey?

That’s what it looks like! We’ve only ever dry camped for three day weekends all of our longer trips have been to campgrounds with full or partial hookups.

 

[BHC Vic]

Did I miss it, which macerator did you buy?

I got it because I liked the video

 

[BHC Vic]

I went into my clean out though not the toilet

 

[Singleton]

I will take it thank you

Sent you PM

 

[QC22]

I’m not convinced my shower goes to grey. My black tank filled quicker than I wanted. Could also be my sensors. It’s empty now for sure but shows 2/3. I didn’t have time to mess with it but I’ll flush again when I get home.

Looks like you have the sensors dealio potentially solved, but the sensors are rarely right. I can't believe any coach/trailer would be setup with the shower going to black. I'd test this at home for sure.

 

[Singleton]

Looks like you have the sensors dealio potentially solved, but the sensors are rarely right. I can't believe any coach/trailer would be setup with the shower going to black. I'd test this at home for sure.

I have seen 2 RV’s where the shower drained to the black. Complete F-up during build.
Both friends had to have RV shipped back to MFG to get to resolved.

 

[QC22]

Complete F-up during build.

You got that right. Jeebus!!

 

[BHC Vic]

Ok another rookie question. Inside my coach near the steps I have some switches. They are towards the floor. I don’t think I have a pic but I’ll look. One for steps to turn them off while camping and opening/closing door, one for outside light, one for aisle lights, switch for propane and maybe some others, but there’s a battery switch that turns to coach batteries off while storing. So here’s the deal. I want to hit that switch, but in order to do that the door is open. Meaning the stairs are down. When I hit the switch and close the door the stairs stay down. It took me a minute but what I come up with was close the screen which retracted the steps. There’s the big opening through the screen that allows access to the door handles, so with the screen closed and steps retracted, I stood on a chair, reached throw the screen hole and hit the battery switch. It worked and I accomplished what I wanted but the whole time I kept thinking to myself there has to be a better way. Hope that makes sense

 

[BHC Vic]

Also while talking stairs when I went to fill propane they got stuck because the were dragging because of the ground slope. I panicked and called someone over to “help them up” when I shut the door. It worked but later I was like damn you could have just used the jacks to save yourself the embarrassment. Same thing when I took it to the truck wash but this time I used the jacks. Is this a common thing? Is it ok to use the jacks to lift one side so my steps don’t get stuck out?

I’ve got a couple more questions but I’ll pace myself to allow for some good answers to roll in

 

[BHC Vic]

The cool thing about learning all this crap is I get to get my boys involved and teach them all this shit. They probably don’t think it’s too cool because a lot of it is work, but one day when I’m gone I hope they can sit back and say man I’m glad my dad taught me that

 

[Ducksquasher]

Ok another rookie question. Inside my coach near the steps I have some switches. They are towards the floor. I don’t think I have a pic but I’ll look. One for steps to turn them off while camping and opening/closing door, one for outside light, one for aisle lights, switch for propane and maybe some others, but there’s a battery switch that turns to coach batteries off while storing. So here’s the deal. I want to hit that switch, but in order to do that the door is open. Meaning the stairs are down. When I hit the switch and close the door the stairs stay down. It took me a minute but what I come up with was close the screen which retracted the steps. There’s the big opening through the screen that allows access to the door handles, so with the screen closed and steps retracted, I stood on a chair, reached throw the screen hole and hit the battery switch. It worked and I accomplished what I wanted but the whole time I kept thinking to myself there has to be a better way. Hope that makes sense

I have an FR3 which is like your Georgetown. I think that your step switch may be on to lock it open? Did you try flipping it the other way, as well? When mine is off, I click the batter connect off and shut the door...mine retract.

 

[BHC Vic]

I have an FR3 which is like your Georgetown. I think that your step switch may be on to lock it open? Did you try flipping it the other way, as well? When mine is off, I click the batter connect off and shut the door...mine retract.

I tried flipping it both ways but couldn’t get them to retract with battery off. I was in a hurry though to catch a flight so maybe I just need to slow down and try again when I get home. In all honesty I’m not even sure when I should hit that battery switch. I think I plan to start the coach up every other weekend?? Kind of goes into my next questions

 

[RiverDave]

Ok another rookie question. Inside my coach near the steps I have some switches. They are towards the floor. I don’t think I have a pic but I’ll look. One for steps to turn them off while camping and opening/closing door, one for outside light, one for aisle lights, switch for propane and maybe some others, but there’s a battery switch that turns to coach batteries off while storing. So here’s the deal. I want to hit that switch, but in order to do that the door is open. Meaning the stairs are down. When I hit the switch and close the door the stairs stay down. It took me a minute but what I come up with was close the screen which retracted the steps. There’s the big opening through the screen that allows access to the door handles, so with the screen closed and steps retracted, I stood on a chair, reached throw the screen hole and hit the battery switch. It worked and I accomplished what I wanted but the whole time I kept thinking to myself there has to be a better way. Hope that makes sense

Turn the stair switch off before opening the door maybe.

RD

 

[Ducksquasher]

I tried flipping it both ways but couldn’t get them to retract with battery off. I was in a hurry though to catch a flight so maybe I just need to slow down and try again when I get home. In all honesty I’m not even sure when I should hit that battery switch. I think I plan to start the coach up every other weekend?? Kind of goes into my next questions

On mine...I flip the stair switch to where the stairs close automatically when the door is shut, I walk out (stairs should still be down with the door open), I walk down the stairs ,flip the battery disconnect off, shut the door and they retract while I am locking the door.

There should also be a safety mechanism where if you have your stairs set to being locked open, if you have your RV's motor running/on and you shut the door they will automatically close so you do not drive away with them down. If your RV is on and the door is open they stay down. Have you tested that?

 

[SodarSki73]

Stair steps should be on the chassis battery and should not be affected by the salesman switch.

 

[BHC Vic]

On mine...I flip the stair switch to where the stairs close automatically when the door is shut, I walk out (stairs should still be down with the door open), I walk down the stairs ,flip the battery disconnect off, shut the door and they retract while I am locking the door.

There should also be a safety mechanism where if you have your stairs set to being locked open, if you have your RV's motor running/on and you shut the door they will automatically close so you do not drive away with them down. If your RV is on and the door is open they stay down. Have you tested that?

They go up when the rv is either on or shifted into drive. I can’t remember but it’s one of them for sure. Same with the jacks I think

 

[BHC Vic]

Stair steps should be on the chassis battery and should not be affected by the salesman switch.

Hmmm maybe this is something I need to look into

 

[Ducksquasher]

They go up when the rv is either on or shifted into drive. I can’t remember but it’s one of them for sure. Same with the jacks I think

Yes....if you put it into drive with the jacks down all kinds of alarms should go off.

 

[BHC Vic]

Ok so how about dropping your jacks in parking lots around town so your stairs don’t drag? Common or am I doing something run

 

[Singleton]

Ok so how about dropping your jacks in parking lots around town so your stairs don’t drag? Common or am I doing something run

The Stairs should have enough clearance to be down without the leveling jacks.

 

[BHC Vic]

The Stairs should have enough clearance to be down without the leveling jacks.

They have a couple inches when the coach is completely level let me try to find a pic.

 

[RVRKID]

They have a couple inches when the coach is completely level let me try to find a pic. View attachment 1466745

If you can't figure out how to get them to go in every time you can switch to just a 2 step that's what we have. You might even be able to pull the third step off.

 

[BHC Vic]

Kind of hard to see but they are really low. Personally I almost never use the last step. It’s too low and I’m weird and feel like I’m too heavy for it

 

[RVRKID]

Kind of hard to see but they are really low. Personally I almost never use the last step. It’s too low and I’m weird and feel like I’m too heavy for it

Here is my set up have the portable step if you level too high or kids want the 3rd step

 

[BHC Vic]

Here is my set up have the portable step if you level too high or kids want the 3rd step
View attachment 1466747

Yup i think that’s the ticket

 

[BHC Vic]

Ok next question. When do you switch the coach batteries off? How often do you start the coach? How long do you run it? How often do you plug it in to charge the batteries? Is it bad to just leave it plugged in? How often do you start the generator? How long do you run it?

 

[Singleton]

Ok next question. When do you switch the coach batteries off? How often do you start the coach? How long do you run it? How often do you plug it in to charge the batteries? Is it bad to just leave it plugged in? How often do you start the generator? How long do you run it?

House Battery goes to OFF, when RV is at Freightliner for maintenance, etc, OR when stored without power
Chassis Battery goes to OFF, when stored without power
I have solar that maintains the batteries when both are OFF

I try to run my coach at least monthly. Right now we use it on average every 3rd week, so not an issue.
I did not start it once when it was parked at the Islander from Aug to October last summer.
My at my house or in my current storage location it is plugged in 24/7.

Generator
- Once a month I start it.
Run it for 15 minutes with limited load, then fire up the AC’s and run with a solid load for 15, then 5 minutes again with limited load. Mine is Diesel, so I don’t have the ethanol gas risks. When I had my unleaded gas in the ToyHauler, I installed a cutoff valve to limit build up during storage. Followed same process as above.

 

[BHC Vic]

House Battery goes to OFF, when RV is at Freightliner for maintenance, etc, OR when stored without power
Chassis Battery goes to OFF, when stored without power
I have solar that maintains the batteries when both are OFF

I try to run my coach at least monthly. Right now we use it on average every 3rd week, so not an issue.
I did not start it once when it was parked at the Islander from Aug to October last summer.
My at my house or in my current storage location it is plugged in 24/7.

Generator
- Once a month I start it.
Run it for 15 minutes with limited load, then fire up the AC’s and run with a solid load for 15, then 5 minutes again with limited load. Mine is Diesel, so I don’t have the ethanol gas risks. When I had my unleaded gas in the ToyHauler, I installed a cutoff valve to limit build up during storage. Followed same process as above.

So it’s ok to leave it plugged into the shop? Now into a 30amp, just a regular outlet

 

[Singleton]

So it’s ok to leave it plugged into the shop? Now into a 30amp, just a regular outlet

Yes.
My rig is 50amp. I run a 50amp surge protector, then a 50 to 120v outlet converter and plug it in via a heady duty extension cord. Zero issue at home or storage

 

[BHC Vic]

Yes.
My rig is 50amp. I run a 50amp surge protector, then a 50 to 120v outlet converter and plug it in via a heady duty extension cord. Zero issue at home or storage

another dumb question. I feel like mine should be 30 amp but I’ve been told 50amp. How do I find out

 

[RVRKID]

another dumb question. I feel like mine should be 30 amp but I’ve been told 50amp. How do I find out

50 AMP is 4 prong plug and 30 amp is 3

 

[BHC Vic]

Ok it’s 50. I’m going to order a surge protector

 

[Justsomeguy]

another dumb question. I feel like mine should be 30 amp but I’ve been told 50amp. How do I find out

Oh you will know when you go to plug it in. Lol. As said above.

I have a 50. I keep a 30 amp adapter with me.

 

[Justsomeguy]

Ok it’s 50. I’m going to order a surge protector

I also have one of those. Has been needed before.

 

[BHC Vic]

Ok so add an adapter to the order

 

[Singleton]

Ok so add an adapter to the order

Get the following
50amp surge and/or ems
50 to 30 adaptor
50 to 120v adaptor

My EMS will monitor the line and if power is low, turn power off to the Coach. When the line is back to a normal range it will activate. I use progressive, but watchdog is another brand.

 

[BHC Vic]

Ok this next question I feel is like opening up a can of worms but whatever let’s do it. I have 2 12 volt batteries. I would basically have to get them full charge and then kind of watch what we did if I wanted the heater to run all night. Otherwise batteries would die and heater wouldn’t work because thermostat didn’t have juice to send to the furnace. Anyways I was told we’ll replace you batteries it’s probably time for new ones. I haven’t even looked yet but then that brought up 12v is trash you need 4 6v in series. Now I’ve heard this debate before but never really cared because it didn’t apply to me. Well now it does. I’m still tossing around the idea of an inverter but believe it or not I actually think we would be just fine without one. I didn’t mind running the generator for the kids to watch tv and if I’m plugged in same deal. But I do plan on dry camping and do want the best battery set up. So let’s hear your thoughts

 

[BHC Vic]

This also brought up a Trojan Odessy interstate Costco debate so let’s hit that too

 

[Justsomeguy]

Ok this next question I feel is like opening up a can of worms but whatever let’s do it. I have 2 12 volt batteries. I would basically have to get them full charge and then kind of watch what we did if I wanted the heater to run all night. Otherwise batteries would die and heater wouldn’t work because thermostat didn’t have juice to send to the furnace. Anyways I was told we’ll replace you batteries it’s probably time for new ones. I haven’t even looked yet but then that brought up 12v is trash you need 4 6v in series. Now I’ve heard this debate before but never really cared because it didn’t apply to me. Well now it does. I’m still tossing around the idea of an inverter but believe it or not I actually think we would be just fine without one. I didn’t mind running the generator for the kids to watch tv and if I’m plugged in same deal. But I do plan on dry camping and do want the best battery set up. So let’s hear your thoughts

I went one trip on 12v. Never again. Now my solar charger didn't like it and goes crazy when they are full charged but once used a bit it's fine. 6volts rock.

 

[Justsomeguy]

This also brought up a Trojan Odessy interstate Costco debate so let’s hit that too

Interstate costco for me. Change them out if needed cheap and its costco. Now if I went full inverter set up, I might in the future, then lithium I think is what's recommended. I have a feeling singleton will know more than I on that subject.

 

[hallett21]

Ok this next question I feel is like opening up a can of worms but whatever let’s do it. I have 2 12 volt batteries. I would basically have to get them full charge and then kind of watch what we did if I wanted the heater to run all night. Otherwise batteries would die and heater wouldn’t work because thermostat didn’t have juice to send to the furnace. Anyways I was told we’ll replace you batteries it’s probably time for new ones. I haven’t even looked yet but then that brought up 12v is trash you need 4 6v in series. Now I’ve heard this debate before but never really cared because it didn’t apply to me. Well now it does. I’m still tossing around the idea of an inverter but believe it or not I actually think we would be just fine without one. I didn’t mind running the generator for the kids to watch tv and if I’m plugged in same deal. But I do plan on dry camping and do want the best battery set up. So let’s hear your thoughts

The short answer with the 6v vs 12v is that you get a bigger “gas tank” wiring the 6v in series. You’re getting more storage capacity.