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Tips and Tricks / Re: Leveling System--HWH Factory Service

« on: December 04, 2021, 12:05:35 pm »

MikeH,

Absolutely agree.  The installation should only be handled by the manufacturer, or as was pointed out by Herr Dittmer, their contractor.   For an existing RV, it should entail a trip which stops at HWH in Moscow, Iowa.  I am still convinced that the system is very well designed, but with a level of complexity which can only be addressed by trained and experienced installers.

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Tips and Tricks / Re: Leveling System--HWH Factory Service

« on: December 03, 2021, 09:37:35 pm »

The previous owner of our 2100 paid some serious dollars for the installation of the HWH leveling system.  The unit's rratic operation, after we acquired the RV, resulted in an 'upgrade' which was convered by the installer's warranty.  Although the HWH documentation has been excellent, it was not designed to deal with a sub-standard installation.  Although I have uncovered, and worked to correct, numerous flaws, we no longer rely on using the system.  Although there is absolutely no reason to question the design of the system.

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Tips and Tricks / Re: DON'T Lose Your Water Heater Vent

« on: October 20, 2021, 07:09:59 pm »

Excellent idea to keep flying insect nuisances from taking up residence in your water heater.  For those who might perfer a low-tech aproach, I have found that a padded mailing envelope can be cut to size and placed inside the heater access door.  Advantage is that there will be some benefit towards insulting the heater -- while simultaneously preventing insect infestation.  Disadvantage is that one needs to remember to remove the padding before using the heater -- when operated by propane.

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Tips and Tricks / Re: Drawers under dinette seats

« on: September 24, 2021, 07:14:04 pm »

"Model 2100 is the exception having the furnace in the rearward bench seat."

Herr Dittmer is correct about the 2100 bench seat.  However, I modified that cover with a piano hinge so we can utilize the empty space adjacent to the furnace.  But only during the non-winter months.

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General Discussion / Re: Lego type leveling blocks

« on: June 15, 2021, 01:34:35 pm »

I recall that the newer HWH  levelers are hinged so when retracted there is less chance of road damage.  An issue with our levelers is an erratic operation from the control pad.  This was temporarily corrected when I located and repaired a loose ground wire.  Followed by the issue of consistent 'Excess Slope' warnings, even when the rig was close to level.  Easier to use the orange legos and ignore the leveling system.

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General Discussion / Re: Lego type leveling blocks

« on: June 12, 2021, 03:57:19 pm »

As part of an upgrade, the previous owner paid some serious dollars to have installed the HWH #725 hydraulic leveling system.  (This was just before they decided that what they really needed was a larger RV.)   The HWH system was repaired under warranty after we acquired the RV.  Aside from that, along with consulting every HWH manual I have been able to locate, the system has never been reliable.  Concerned  that the levelers would become stuck in the extended position(*), we now resort to the orange lego blocks.  Low-tech but also foolproof.   As suggested by others. wheel chocks are an excellent investment.

(*) Even though the first page in the HWH binder of manuals are the instructions for manually retracting the levelers.

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Tips and Tricks / Re: Adding A Propane Tank Shield On Our 2007 2350

« on: May 25, 2021, 05:32:54 pm »

Herr Dittmer,  Das ist hervorragend! 
Thanks for the information and pictures.

- CD

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General Discussion / Re: Propane/CO2 CCI Replacement

« on: January 30, 2021, 06:38:10 pm »

In our PC2100 I replaced the original alarm with a Safe-T-Alert model 30-442-P.  If fit without any modification being required.  YMMV.  A separate Kiddie CO detector is installed at the recommended 5' height.

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General Discussion / Re: House power from RV generator as back-up

« on: January 30, 2021, 06:31:22 pm »

Apologies if this has been covered, and I missed it.  All Onan generators lose output capacity with altitude.   The Onan 4000w generator is producing ~3300w at 5500'.  Then ~140w loss for every additional 1000'. As was noted by others, a heavier gauge extension cord is a requirement for providing an electrical output any distance from your rig.
Safe travles.

- CD

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General Discussion / Re: Engine battery is dead

« on: October 14, 2020, 06:06:52 pm »

Yes.  The aspirin trick will work, but pretty much at the expense of getting any longer life out of the battery.  Although, regardless of the effort, a battery requiring this treatment was unlikely to be operational much longer.   Do not plan on getting further than the nearest location where you can find a replacement battery.  However, I have seen an aspirin treated battery cooperate for almost a week before an exchange could be arranged. YMMV.

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General Discussion / Re: Engine battery is dead

« on: October 13, 2020, 11:32:44 pm »

We need the cab battery operational as the theft - tampering alarm is powered by that.  I've found that charging the battery for ~8 hours on a two amp charge -- about every three weeks -- is enough to keep it working.  As others have mentioned, any unexpected small current drain will be enough to cause problems.  We also carry a HB Battery Jump Starter.  And, as a last resort (since we do mostly dispersed camping) a package of aspirin in the glove box.   (A common trick from many years ago which still works).

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General Discussion / Re: batteries

« on: August 08, 2019, 04:22:00 pm »

If I recall correctly, the usual battery series identifiers are either "24" or "27".  Any battery shop will know what you need.  FWIW:  I always purchase a reconditioned battery for ~$50.  Comes with a two year replacement warranty and lasts four or five years. 

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General Discussion / Re: Voltage Regulator Replacement

« on: August 02, 2019, 10:56:01 am »

The original electrical converter on our PC2100, a Magnatex 6332, was based on an analog design.  As it accumulates time and use, the unit is known for over-charging the RV's 12v battery.  I replaced this with a Progressive Dynamics PD4635 unit.  Also replaced the stock 12v fuse block with an updated one which, if a fuse is tripped, will display an red LED light Located directly below the blown fuse. The upgraded converter maintains a better battery charging cycle, as well as preventing an over-charge.  Along with added protection for 12v electrical devices operating in the RV.  The swap took several hours, most of it being the time it took to wire a jumper onto the positive cable.  The original one being too short to reach the contact on the new converter.

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Tips and Tricks / Re: Lawn chairs on ladder

« on: July 23, 2019, 08:10:07 pm »

I hear you.  In our 2100 the larger lawn chairs we fit under the table.  But we only take these chairs when heading out for longer periods of time.  Otherwise we take fold-up collapsible chairs, ones which come with their own storage bags.  When traveling these easily fit between the driver's seat and the slide out. 

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General Discussion / Re: I put hydraulic in the generator instead of oil but what should I do next

« on: July 17, 2019, 02:04:25 pm »

I agree with Herr Dittmer, use this goof to do some crankcase cleaning. Anyone else recall back in to old days, when we would add a small amount of transmission fluid (say about 1/4 quart) and then run the engine prior to an oil change?  The detergent in the transmission fluid would help remove crud from the crankcase.

- CD