Dennis H

Well that sounds a bit of a red neck but effective solution. Inexpensive too.....Dennis

Which smells better??? Stop feeding your dog refried beans or broccoli..😁😆..Dennis

While somewhat mechanically inclined, I'm a novice with hydraulic issues so I'm looking for some help. My genset slide creeps out, sometimes over an hour period, sometimes not at all and other times it take several hours before it creeps out an inch or two. I tried running it all the way out, holding the button for 15-20 seconds, then running it back in and doing the same, hoping it was air or debris blocking it. This seemed to help for a day or so and then it started again. I've checked the reservoir under the entry step and it's to the full mark. I've tried to search for some direction and found solutions all the way from rebuilding the pump to having a locking mech installed. So where am I at this point? I know where the reservoir is and know there's several valves there that work for the slides. Does one of them operate the generator slide? If so, which one? Is there a solenoid that controls the valves? I've found nothing in the manual that talks about this and I've scoured my Monaco Box for a manual pertaining to the slides and/or generator but have only found the manual for the generator nothing for the slide mechanism. I am assuming it's a HWH as that is what powers my air leveling system. But, you know what they say about assuming...right? It's not a safety issue, only an irritant that I'd like to correct......any help would be appreciated....Dennis

I should have mentioned, with the open ground, that SHOCK you received was a warning. You could be electrocuted if the stars were aligned correctly. Unplug the coach, turn the inverter OFF until you locate the problem.....Dennis

Jeff, sounds like an open ground. Start at your pedestal then your umbilical cord and then inside the coach. Ensure all connections are secure, clean and in good shape. I would pay close attention to the instahot receptacle. Maybe there's a reason why it "no longer worked".....Dennis

Rick, I agree......Dennis

David, that's like comparing a Ferrari to a Volkswagen. I believe if you want the BEST, then Jim's system is top of the line. It's also the most expensive product of it's kind. Most of us cannot afford what he has to offer. Heck, most RVrs only have one fire extinguisher on board and many have none. I've tried to douse an RV fire with a fire extinguisher and doing so reminded me of putting out fires in my Boy Scout days. 🙂 I didn't get very far. The Fire Dept was less than two minutes away and the rig was totally engulfed by the time they arrived. Twenty minutes later the fire was out and the RV shell was all that was left. Most of us roll the dice. While RV fires rate "spectacular" by the media, they are rare when one factors in the number of fires vs the number of RVs. Personally, I carry three extinguishers in my coach, none of which are intended to "save" the coach. They are there to push the fire back to give us enough time to get out and watch it burn. Smoke inhalation will trap you well before the flames.....Dennis

Rick, you were the one who brought up traffic laws in this context. This post is/was never about traffic laws. That map is spot on as far as restrictions go. I recall being on Hwy 49 in the Gold country and it wasn't fun. Regardless, the topic here has zero concerns with traffic laws. Reciprocal agreements allow us to travel across state lines without conforming to whatever random laws each State passes for their own residents. The ONLY exceptions, of course, pertain to traffic SAFETY, i.e. speed and weight limits, road restrictions etc etc. The topic of this post is whether one can cross a state line and be forced into compliance with a NON SAFETY issue. If this is held to be legal, then they could also pass a "law" that to enter another State you would need to pay registration fees in that State. Next would be FEDERAL driver licenses, FEDERAL registrations and so on. Obviously this would take away individual States' rights in violation of our Constitution but that is a subject for another time. This is NOT about SAFETY, it's about a way for California to collect fees from out of State visitors under the guise of clean air.....Dennis

Best idea yet ! That said, when the tech arrives, make sure you follow him around and learn from him. Watching someone actually do the fixin often is more educational than someone trying to tell you how to fix it without actually having our hands on it....Dennis

While I've been to Jay's garage, I really have to question this endorsement. There was a lot of stuff that wasn't covered to get me to spend my money on this product. First off, does it work on ALL fires. As we all know, electrical fires are different animals than gasoline fires etc. Also, why not have a campfire going and put that fire out so we can see exactly how it really works. Seems to me the only thing going for it is convenience and portability....jury is still out at my house.....Dennis

Pink ice cubes are a no no. Pink water is bad. Everything else is good.....clean water flush and lots of it, will be your friend......Dennis

Mel, the point of the article is that California is now proposing to place their agenda onto even those who VISIT! So, it won't much matter WHERE it's registered. If you visit their State they want to impose their rules on VISITORS.....Dennis Again, one should not question safety issues. Traffic rules such as speed limits, weight limits, even length limits are expected and hopefully enforced. As a retired LEO from California, I can assure you traffic laws are enforced including portable scales and measuring devices. This is NOT about traffic and safety. This is about smog devices etc. and whether it's nothing more than a money grab.....Dennis

If it spent a lot of it's life in Arizona it should give you plenty of enjoyment. Welcome to the forums. Check out the Tips and Tricks forum and be sure to subscribe to any topics of interest. Remember, there are no stupid questions. Often, there's stupid answers but never any stupid questions....Dennis

To keep your awning straps from vibrating in heavy winds, twist them 180 degrees before attaching them to their posts. This prevents them from flapping and vibrating in the wind.....Dennis

Realistically folks...interesting post so we can bash California. Not one person said California wasn't a beautiful State. It's their government intrusion that's messing everything up. If you get a chance to visit, do so. FYI for those who don't want to take your rig, explore the lighthouses along the coast. Many have been converted to hostels and can be rented for cheap! As far as the smog thingy, it's legality will be challenged and most likely be found to be illegal as far as privately owned RVs are concerned. If my Class A rig is subject to their smog check then any truck pulling a fiver would be also etc etc. Also there are reciprocal agreements in place throughout the country which allows us to travel from State to State using our own States' rules...driver's licenses, registration etc etc. We do have to follow each States' traffic laws but this is not a traffic law. If California doesn't grant the exception then it will most certainly be challenged in court and I have no doubt it would be overturned.....JMHO....Dennis

Ah ok. THAT makes ME feel better although it really doesn't help YOU. Sorry for your experience. Did your insurance company pay for the repair? If so, they are the ones that should be fighting your battle. I'll have to research Nationwide RV Glass...thanks...Dennis On edit: Looks like they are on Fakebook and Twitster.... I say we light em up.!!!! Dennis

A while ago, I copied and saved instructions for cleaning day/night shades. I don't remember exactly where I got them but I saved them in a pdf file. I posted it below. Don't know if you can open/download it from there. If not, shoot me your email and I'll send it that way.....Dennis Cleaning DayNight Shades.pdf

I'm interested as I'm insured through Nationwide. They are one of only a few who underwrite full timer insurance. That said, AFAIK they do NOT have their own glass installers. Am I mistaken? If you had an independent company install the windshield then it would seem your issue lies with them. Now understand I'm not a lawyer and don't pretend to be. I'm just average joe thinking out loud. It would seem to be reasonable that Nationwide would ASSIST you with your claim against the installation company but dunno. I looked at my coverage and it simply said they'd pay to have the windshield replaced. When mine broke, I was insured with Geico and they told me to hire someone and they'd pay the bill, which is what I did. Of course, mine was installed properly and I've had no issues with it. The installer did tell me the rubber gasket is on it's last legs and will have to be included in the next windshield install. I made Nationwide aware of that via chat when I contracted with them so I have written evidence tey were aware prior to insuring me. Each State has an insurance commission which oversees the insurance industry. Perhaps a call to them would get some satisfaction or at least get the ball rolling. Keep us posted. Provide more details and I'll check with my agent to see what she says......Dennis

Jeff, I replaced two macerator pumps that failed. Then the light bulb lit. I checked the voltage at the pump and it was not sufficient to run the pumps and they failed. Ran the new 10ga recommended wire and haven't had any issues since, so yes, undersized wire stresses the motor until it fails........Dennis

Pat, we've been discussing this at length HERE ....Dennis

Sorry Peter, but I must disagree. I grew up in Newport Beach California. Body surfing at the wedge. Without becoming political, California doesn't give a rat's behind about pollution and sustainability. They are only looking at $$$$$$$. Even Jerry Brown was quoted as saying "I'll tax everyone until they have nothing left". Tell me their roads rate even a "fair" rating. Look around and you'll see what I'm talking about. That extra 2-3 bucks they tack onto a gallon of fuel? Think it goes to the roads..?? Think again. Bullet train to nowhere? Tunnel under SF? Pet projects of the politicians. Think all those forest fires, enhanced by failed policies, really did anything to protect the environment? How about 10 cents a bag at the grocery store. Now they're charging a 'lumber fee' when you purchase a 2X4. Nope! California, unfortunately is all about the big bucks and how we can get more from everyone........I could go on forever but.... rant over.....Dennis

Interesting replies. Perhaps I wasn't too clear on my thought process. I'm old and it's Sunday. A couple folks on here have been having trouble with their awning and their water pump. Perhaps they are experiencing the same issue with undersized wiring. Not everyone has or knows how to use a meter. Many who have them, don't spend the $$$$ for a really good one and rely on the HF freebie. I bet 95% never read the instructions that came with the meter. My thought was to have a simple tool to use to ensure 12VDC was getting TO the device. I have a couple Flukes that I use as well as the 12VDC probe. My thinking was in reading a few of the recent posts the device is receiving power from the batteries, just not enough of it. For instance, Monaco used 14ga wire to power the macerator on my coach. Then they ran the wire over, under and through about 100' of crap just to get it to the wet bay. By the time the 12VDC traveled that 100' it left less than the necessary 12VDC to adequately power the pump so the pump struggled and finally just quit. After replacing a couple pumps I checked the final voltage and discovered the problem. I rewired the pump using 10ga wire and the pump now runs as designed. IF you have a good meter and know how to use it, then you really wouldn't need a 12VDC device. However, let's assume you don't have a meter and/or don't wish to take the time to learn how to use it, then what could we use to provide a quick and simple jumper to the 12VDC device to ensure it's getting the proper voltage to the motor? Thanks, I hope that's more clear........Dennis

For want of a better place to put this, I've placed it here for general discussion. Every now and then something quits on our coaches. i.e. awning doesn't retract fast enough, water pump doesn't work etc. etc. We do the easy stuff first, like checking for a blown fuse or chafed wiring. Usually, after checking for those, I run a test lead from a known source, usually directly from the battery to the offending device to ensure it's getting power. If it still doesn't work I then pull it for bench testing. So, the purpose of this post is to ask all you learned people if there is an easier way to do the initial test? I was thinking instead of carrying a roll of 10ga wire in my toolbox, unrolling it, hooking it up to the batteries and running it to wherever I need it to go for test purposes, what if we had a 12VDC power supply that would do the same thing. Plug it into 120VAC, let it convert it into the needed 12VDC and off we go? Would that work? Is something like that available in a small enough package to carry in our toolboxes? What do you guys think? Below is one thing I found on Amazon but I don't know if it would work. Anyone?....Dennis https://www.amazon.com/Waterproof-Transformer-Adapter-100V-265V-Computer/dp/B07MZP9247/ref=sr_1_21?dchild=1&keywords=12vdc+power+supply&qid=1615138106&sr=8-21

The happiest time of my life was when I saw that big beautiful sign...."WELCOME TO CALIFORNIA" ....... in my rear view mirror.....Dennis This fiasco is scheduled for 2023 so you still have a few months to visit that State and pay $4-5 bucks for fuel, wear your mask and don't dine in restaurants. Better hurry....D

Ronald, since you're not getting power to the pump, (i.e. nothing, no noise no anything) it's most likely a blown fuse. The fuse is located in the service bay with the pump. Below is a listing of fuses and their locations which should help......Dennis