russ2528

Thanks for the response, I should have sent the pictures the first time. Here they are. There are no buttons etc on my dash.

I have a 2008 Monaco Knight 40 SKQ. Above my dash gauges is a digital display. It used to show my oil pressure and some other things. 
 

After charging the batteries my digital display now shows Avg MPG and gallons used. 
 

How do it change that display. My manual doesn’t say anything about it. 

Scotty I have the same problem. Where did you locate a board?

Either way is fine. If they are cycling at that rate it must be pretty warm where you are.  Leaving the fan on won’t really affect the compressor cycling but will give you a little better temperature control because the air is still circulating consistently, the thermostat will control the area temperature a little closer to it’s setpoint. 

The SPP6 is an excellent add on device to help start a compressor. Compressors are PSC motors and are designed to operate with just a run capacitor. The starting of a compressor is the hardest thing it can do and causes the most wear and tear on the compressor windings. Older compressors can sometimes stall out on startup with just a run capacitor as bearings wear a bit. Low voltage or voltage fluctuations can also cause starting issues as well as trying to restart a compressor to soon, before the system pressure equalize. The SPP6 will solve the problem. There is no actual data regarding a hard start kit helping the longevity of a compressor. The SPP6 does start the compressor faster, however, a 500% increase in starting torque can also affect the compressor windings over time. Given the wear and tear on a compressor winding due to slow starting with a run capacitor or the wear and tear caused by a hard start kit, I would use the SPP6. All of my service techs carried them on their trucks.

When using a soft start system you will remove the start capacitor. The purpose of the soft start is to reduce the starting amperage (lock rotator amps) a start capacitor bangs the compressor on fast to overcome the compressor starting torque. 

I recently had a similar problem when I took my Monaco Knight out of my shop. The relay on the ems board went bad. I have it jumped and the front ac runs fine, however the thermostat will not cycle it off. You can manually turn it off at the thermostat. The wire color change could have been because they happen to have it handy. 

All HVAC compressors (unless they are 3 phase which are commercial compressors)under 5 tons are PSC (Permanent Split Capacitor) style (unless it’s a variable speed, which I have never seen on unit like that) and only requires a run capacitor to operate. Higher end units will typically also have a start capacitor. The compressor was hot due to the high head pressure caused by the condenser motor not working. If the compressor is real hot and not running, it means the compressors internal overload tripped. They normally reset when they cool down. You can use a wet rag to speed up the cooling, If you have an older compressor it’s winding get worn down which makes it a little harder to start and can cause a breaker to trip or the internal overload. Adding a start capacitor will generally solve that. 
 

The run capacitor should always be what the factory spec is. when a motor or compressor has a bad capacitor it puts stress on the windings sitting there hot and trying to start but can’t. I wouldn’t preemptively replace the fan motor, just be aware of it. 
 

The soft start add on’s will extend the compressor life. The hardest thing a compressor motor experiences is when it tries to start. 
 

Keeping a spare capacitor is not a bad idea. You guys are all very helpful and smart. Many heads are better than one. 
(HVAC tech for 53 years) happily retired for 8 years, owned my own HVAC company for 40 of the 53 years. Loved my trade. 

Thanks for all the input. I bought (4) 12 ton jacks for under carriage servicing. 

When you want to do a thorough under chassis inspection do you use your hydraulic jacks to raise it up for better clearance. What, if anything, would you block it up for safety?

Thanks for the info.

I just replaced my engine and house batteries today with Duracell flooded batteries. What battery tender is recommended? Do I need a 6v tender for the house batteries or a separate 12v since they are wired to put out 12v to the house.

Thanks in advance, you guys always have great info.

Russ

I replaced my awnings about 5 years ago. The leading edge on each is tearing and some are disintegrating more than others. The one in the picture is the worst.

Is there some way to stop this? I found out the hard way that the only thing holding the top of the awning to the coach is the awning material. Before I replaced mine, I had one tear completely, luckily I was at a stop sign and when the awning leaned out, the stop sign caught it. I had to use some metal strap and screw it to my roof edge to keep it from falling out completely and getting ripped off.

Replacing the awning every 5 years is not acceptable.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Thanks for all the input. Using a longer bolt did the trick.

Thanks, I tried using a screwdriver on the bolt because I didn't have a punch, it didn't loosen it. I am going to get a longer bolt so I can get a good smack on it. I hate to sound dumb, what is a PB blaster- I assume its an aerosol can of?

Thanks Wayne- I'll give it a try.

I have a 2008 Monaco Knight 40 SKQ. Are the arms that hold the exterior mirrors adjustable? I can't find anything in my manual. I did remove the bolt under the bracket but no movement. The mirrors do adjust from inside but I need to get the arms in a few inches to be able to pull into shop door.

Solenoid coils are not universal and should be replaced with the correct one, if not, and the coil actuates the  reversing valve it will eventually fail and possibly damage the reversing valve. 

A chattering coil is typically caused by a  lower than normal  voltage to the coil which can be caused by a loose connection which is resolved when the coil is replaced and new electrical connections. 
The pressure difference between R-22 and R-410A has no effect on the reversing valve. My company started using 410A in the early 90’s and the 410A reversing valves are engineered for the higher pressure. 

I retired 5 years ago after owning my company for 40 years. 
 

Russ

It’s the inside batteries not the engine. 

I have to replace my coach batteries for the first time. Any recommendations?

Thank
Russ

2008 Monaco Knight SKQ 

In the past I have always dinghy towed cars behind my 2008 Monaco Knight. The current 2020 Enclave cannot be dinghy towed, the two prior Enclaves and Yukon could be. Does anyone have a tow dolly recommendation? The car is #4800 lbs. How much hassle are they to deal with in a RV park?