1995 4203 Newbie Questions

[krminyl@...]

To the Chins and George Lowry,

Boy, it must be nice to have that "new" 95 BB. But, I am still happy with
my '86.

Just one thing...I realize that my '86 BB and a '95 are vastly different,
but on my '86 I need to extend my front leveling jacks BEFORE I dump my
suspension. They are the "kick down" style, and with my BB's suspension aired
down,
the front jacks won't fully "kick down" so they can be extended vertically.
The rear jacks work fine, suspension up or down, because they work
vertically only. My front jacks are stored almost horizontally, and "kick
down"
vertically when activated...they can go completely vertical if the BB is aired
down. Conversely, they can't "kick up" unless the BB is aired up.

"Air up, jacks down. Jacks down, air up, jacks up" That's how I remember
the process on my '86. Forgive me if the 95 is different (but a good reminder
to the "kick down" folks!)

Congrats on your purchase...now the fun begins!

Kevin McKeown
Yorba Linda, CA
1986 38' PT (with "kick down" HWH Jacks!!)


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[pgchd]

Hi everyone,
We currently just purchased a 1995 4203 and it came with a "partial"
birdbox , as a result, it does not have an ops manual. I was wondering
if someone/'s would possibly help us out with some "newbie questions"
please?

Plumbing:
- been reading all the posts on "Dupree Valves", thanks Randy! I
have the "gold" kind, when I flip the "toggle switch" to on, the valve
does not move more than 1/8 of an inch for either waste or gray? Do I
need to do something else as they have "some" water in them and I
would like to figure out how to "dump the tanks". I tried "pulling" on
the knobs but they do not seem to move, the "valve gates" on the pipe
where the air cylinders are attached say to "turn and pull" handle?
Turn What :-)! (Cannot find any tool)
- There is also a "water flush switch" on the panel?? what does
this do?
- There are 2 "water inlets, the typical "city water" inlet but
also another "water inlet". what is this one used for?
- The coach has 2 "pump" systems a, b and then "ab". ??? It is
currently on "a" and feeds from the tank. When I hook up a hose to the
"city water inlet" and flip the "tank fill" switch it works fine. Does
this system ever feed directly to the coach fixtures like sink and
shower without ever going into the fresh water tank or does all water
come from the fresh water tank?

Other:
Air dryer - anything I need to do, the systems seem to work fine,
coach airs up, etc, just wondering if I need to bleed "water" out of it?
Did have the coached serviced before I took delivery, all fluids,
check tire date codes, etc. Tags are old and will buy 2 new steer and
move the current steer to the tags. Tags are 5 years old, rest are 3.

tag axle pressure gauge shows about 75 lbs. Is this the norm you guys
are running? I presume before I use the levelers at a campsite I dump
both the coach and tag suspension? There appears to be an "air valve"
in the back of the coach as soon as you raise the engine cover. I
presume this is the "tag axle" air inlet and I manually air up the
tags once I am ready to get underway from a campsite that I've used
the leveler on.

Coach as "bulk oil " fill. I presume I leave it in "off" position to
keep the pressure down in the system until I need to use it to add
engine oil?

Sorry to be a "newbie" and ask dumb questions but I would really like
to dump these tanks at the local public dump sites and want to be
considerate of others and their time :-) and not look like to much of
an idiot at my first camping trip, I am sure I will anyway AND THAT IS
FINE!!!!! Life is too short and if you cannot laugh at yourself....
Then we will have some campfire stories to tell our new bird
friends!!!!!! Thanks so much!!!!!

Pete and Donna Chin
1995 4203 - from Lurker to Newbie thanks to this forum!

[George Lowry]

Hi Pete,

Welcome to the Fraternity.... As an owner of a '95 4203, I'll try to
help you with your questions. Answers intertwined below.

pgchd wrote:

> Hi everyone,
> We currently just purchased a 1995 4203 and it came with a "partial"
> birdbox , as a result, it does not have an ops manual. I was wondering
> if someone/'s would possibly help us out with some "newbie questions"
> please?
>
> Plumbing:
> - been reading all the posts on "Dupree Valves", thanks Randy! I
> have the "gold" kind, when I flip the "toggle switch" to on, the valve
> does not move more than 1/8 of an inch for either waste or gray? Do I
> need to do something else as they have "some" water in them and I
> would like to figure out how to "dump the tanks". I tried "pulling" on
> the knobs but they do not seem to move, the "valve gates" on the pipe
> where the air cylinders are attached say to "turn and pull" handle?
> Turn What :-)! (Cannot find any tool)

This seems to be very common with the Dupree valves. I have to use a
screwdriver or other lever to get them started. I have to only move
them about 1/2 inch before the air will work. I keep a screwdriver in
the compartment just for that purpose. If I had the room, I would
change them.

> - There is also a "water flush switch" on the panel?? what does
> this do?

When you have a hose connected to the "other water inlet" the flush
switch puts water into the black tank for flushing. Just be careful
that you don't overfill that tank by having it on without the dump open.
> - There are 2 "water inlets, the typical "city water" inlet but
> also another "water inlet". what is this one used for?

See answer above.

> - The coach has 2 "pump" systems a, b and then "ab". ??? It is
> currently on "a" and feeds from the tank. When I hook up a hose to the
> "city water inlet" and flip the "tank fill" switch it works fine. Does
> this system ever feed directly to the coach fixtures like sink and
> shower without ever going into the fresh water tank or does all water
> come from the fresh water tank?

The two pumps operate in parallel to give adequate flow. Newer pumps
can do the same thing with one pump. I normally leave the selector on
the "ab" position.

With the "tank fill" switch in the off position, the water is fed
directly to the "house" system providing water to all fixtures.
>
> Other:
> Air dryer - anything I need to do, the systems seem to work fine,
> coach airs up, etc, just wondering if I need to bleed "water" out of it?

When the dryer spits, it is expelling the water out so should not need
draining. I suggest that if it was not serviced with the rest of the
coach that you consider getting it serviced with maintenance kit.


> Did have the coached serviced before I took delivery, all fluids,
> check tire date codes, etc. Tags are old and will buy 2 new steer and
> move the current steer to the tags. Tags are 5 years old, rest are 3.

Been a lot of discussion on tires. I recently replaced all eight with
Toyo's from Les Schwab. We had one that blew and the damage it did
was almost half the cost of a complete set of tires. And it was minor
damage. Good tires is cheap insurance.
>
> tag axle pressure gauge shows about 75 lbs. Is this the norm you guys
> are running?

That is the pressure we see and is what we were old in normal.

I presume before I use the levelers at a campsite I dump
> both the coach and tag suspension?

You are correct. And when you get ready to go, air up the suspension
before raising the levelers.

There appears to be an "air valve"
> in the back of the coach as soon as you raise the engine cover. I
> presume this is the "tag axle" air inlet and I manually air up the
> tags once I am ready to get underway from a campsite that I've used
> the leveler on.

That "Schrader" valve is a place to air up the whole coach system with
auxiliary air, assuming you don't have an on board aux. compressor. I
have a small 2 hp compressor that I use rather than starting the
engine every time I need air such as to operate the dump valves, etc.

>
> Coach as "bulk oil " fill. I presume I leave it in "off" position to
> keep the pressure down in the system until I need to use it to add
> engine oil?

Correct. It also uses air pressure so you need to have air pressure
built up to make it work. BB was big on using air pressure for
everything... BTW, the Series 60 does not use the oil that the two
stroke engines used so you will find that you have very little need
for that extra oil.
>
> Sorry to be a "newbie" and ask dumb questions but I would really like
> to dump these tanks at the local public dump sites and want to be
> considerate of others and their time :-) and not look like to much of
> an idiot at my first camping trip, I am sure I will anyway AND THAT IS
> FINE!!!!! Life is too short and if you cannot laugh at yourself....
> Then we will have some campfire stories to tell our new bird
> friends!!!!!! Thanks so much!!!!!

Pete, you will do just fine... BTW, where are you located?

George Lowry
'95 WBDA 4203 & GM 4106 (for sale)
Spearfish, SD

>
> Pete and Donna Chin
> 1995 4203 - from Lurker to Newbie thanks to this forum!
>
>

[Jeff Miller]

On the DuPree dump valves:

The valves/seals seem to swell as they age, whether it is an
incompatibility with chemicals used in the tank or what I don't know,
rubber doesn't last forever. The swolen seals bind. The paddles are
available as a service item.

When you install the new seals/paddles, be sure that the side marked
OUTLET is facing away from the tank. About half of the ones I've
replaced are facing the wrong way, which makes them bind (might be
your problem). New seals will work smoothly and are two-finger
operation in my experience, I use silicone grease on the seal
(vasolene might work?). Randy?

- Jeff Miller
http://www.wanderlodge.net
http://www.millercoachworks.com


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, George Lowry
wrote:
> Hi Pete,
>
> Welcome to the Fraternity.... As an owner of a '95 4203, I'll try
to
> help you with your questions. Answers intertwined below.
>
> pgchd wrote:
>
> > Hi everyone,
> > We currently just purchased a 1995 4203 and it came with
a "partial"
> > birdbox , as a result, it does not have an ops manual. I was
wondering
> > if someone/'s would possibly help us out with some "newbie
questions"
> > please?
> >
> > Plumbing:
> > - been reading all the posts on "Dupree Valves", thanks Randy!
I
> > have the "gold" kind, when I flip the "toggle switch" to on, the
valve
> > does not move more than 1/8 of an inch for either waste or gray?
Do I
> > need to do something else as they have "some" water in them and I
> > would like to figure out how to "dump the tanks". I
tried "pulling" on
> > the knobs but they do not seem to move, the "valve gates" on the
pipe
> > where the air cylinders are attached say to "turn and pull"
handle?
> > Turn What :-)! (Cannot find any tool)
>
> This seems to be very common with the Dupree valves. I have to use
a
> screwdriver or other lever to get them started. I have to only move
> them about 1/2 inch before the air will work. I keep a screwdriver
in
> the compartment just for that purpose. If I had the room, I would
> change them.<<snip>>

[randydupree]

george and pete,the gate valves on your coachs have the older gold cyl.on
them.this cyl. has a small piston and they do have a sticking problem.you can
replace the cyl. with my newer style thats silver/gray in color,its a very easy
job.i can do them both in about 15 minutes,all you need is a philps
screwdriver.no cutting,glueing etc.. randydupree93wb http://www.dupreeproducts.com
----- Original Message -----
From: George Lowry
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, May 16, 2005 12:51 PM
Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] 1995 4203 Newbie Questions


Hi Pete,

Welcome to the Fraternity.... As an owner of a '95 4203, I'll try to
help you with your questions. Answers intertwined below.

pgchd wrote:

> Hi everyone,
> We currently just purchased a 1995 4203 and it came with a "partial"
> birdbox , as a result, it does not have an ops manual. I was wondering
> if someone/'s would possibly help us out with some "newbie questions"
> please?
>
> Plumbing:
> - been reading all the posts on "Dupree Valves", thanks Randy! I
> have the "gold" kind, when I flip the "toggle switch" to on, the valve
> does not move more than 1/8 of an inch for either waste or gray? Do I
> need to do something else as they have "some" water in them and I
> would like to figure out how to "dump the tanks". I tried "pulling" on
> the knobs but they do not seem to move, the "valve gates" on the pipe
> where the air cylinders are attached say to "turn and pull" handle?
> Turn What :-)! (Cannot find any tool)

This seems to be very common with the Dupree valves. I have to use a
screwdriver or other lever to get them started. I have to only move
them about 1/2 inch before the air will work. I keep a screwdriver in
the compartment just for that purpose. If I had the room, I would
change them.

> - There is also a "water flush switch" on the panel?? what does
> this do?

When you have a hose connected to the "other water inlet" the flush
switch puts water into the black tank for flushing. Just be careful
that you don't overfill that tank by having it on without the dump open.
> - There are 2 "water inlets, the typical "city water" inlet but
> also another "water inlet". what is this one used for?

See answer above.

> - The coach has 2 "pump" systems a, b and then "ab". ??? It is
> currently on "a" and feeds from the tank. When I hook up a hose to the
> "city water inlet" and flip the "tank fill" switch it works fine. Does
> this system ever feed directly to the coach fixtures like sink and
> shower without ever going into the fresh water tank or does all water
> come from the fresh water tank?

The two pumps operate in parallel to give adequate flow. Newer pumps
can do the same thing with one pump. I normally leave the selector on
the "ab" position.

With the "tank fill" switch in the off position, the water is fed
directly to the "house" system providing water to all fixtures.
>
> Other:
> Air dryer - anything I need to do, the systems seem to work fine,
> coach airs up, etc, just wondering if I need to bleed "water" out of it?

When the dryer spits, it is expelling the water out so should not need
draining. I suggest that if it was not serviced with the rest of the
coach that you consider getting it serviced with maintenance kit.


> Did have the coached serviced before I took delivery, all fluids,
> check tire date codes, etc. Tags are old and will buy 2 new steer and
> move the current steer to the tags. Tags are 5 years old, rest are 3.

Been a lot of discussion on tires. I recently replaced all eight with
Toyo's from Les Schwab. We had one that blew and the damage it did
was almost half the cost of a complete set of tires. And it was minor
damage. Good tires is cheap insurance.
>
> tag axle pressure gauge shows about 75 lbs. Is this the norm you guys
> are running?

That is the pressure we see and is what we were old in normal.

I presume before I use the levelers at a campsite I dump
> both the coach and tag suspension?

You are correct. And when you get ready to go, air up the suspension
before raising the levelers.

There appears to be an "air valve"
> in the back of the coach as soon as you raise the engine cover. I
> presume this is the "tag axle" air inlet and I manually air up the
> tags once I am ready to get underway from a campsite that I've used
> the leveler on.

That "Schrader" valve is a place to air up the whole coach system with
auxiliary air, assuming you don't have an on board aux. compressor. I
have a small 2 hp compressor that I use rather than starting the
engine every time I need air such as to operate the dump valves, etc.

>
> Coach as "bulk oil " fill. I presume I leave it in "off" position to
> keep the pressure down in the system until I need to use it to add
> engine oil?

Correct. It also uses air pressure so you need to have air pressure
built up to make it work. BB was big on using air pressure for
everything... BTW, the Series 60 does not use the oil that the two
stroke engines used so you will find that you have very little need
for that extra oil.
>
> Sorry to be a "newbie" and ask dumb questions but I would really like
> to dump these tanks at the local public dump sites and want to be
> considerate of others and their time :-) and not look like to much of
> an idiot at my first camping trip, I am sure I will anyway AND THAT IS
> FINE!!!!! Life is too short and if you cannot laugh at yourself....
> Then we will have some campfire stories to tell our new bird
> friends!!!!!! Thanks so much!!!!!

Pete, you will do just fine... BTW, where are you located?

George Lowry
'95 WBDA 4203 & GM 4106 (for sale)
Spearfish, SD

>
> Pete and Donna Chin
> 1995 4203 - from Lurker to Newbie thanks to this forum!
>
>


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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[randydupree]

no vasolene please! we use silicon spray these days,works very
well.randydupree93wb
----- Original Message -----
From: Jeff Miller
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, May 16, 2005 1:26 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: 1995 4203 Newbie Questions


On the DuPree dump valves:

The valves/seals seem to swell as they age, whether it is an
incompatibility with chemicals used in the tank or what I don't know,
rubber doesn't last forever. The swolen seals bind. The paddles are
available as a service item.

When you install the new seals/paddles, be sure that the side marked
OUTLET is facing away from the tank. About half of the ones I've
replaced are facing the wrong way, which makes them bind (might be
your problem). New seals will work smoothly and are two-finger
operation in my experience, I use silicone grease on the seal
(vasolene might work?). Randy?

- Jeff Miller
http://www.wanderlodge.net
http://www.millercoachworks.com


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, George Lowry
wrote:
> Hi Pete,
>
> Welcome to the Fraternity.... As an owner of a '95 4203, I'll try
to
> help you with your questions. Answers intertwined below.
>
> pgchd wrote:
>
> > Hi everyone,
> > We currently just purchased a 1995 4203 and it came with
a "partial"
> > birdbox , as a result, it does not have an ops manual. I was
wondering
> > if someone/'s would possibly help us out with some "newbie
questions"
> > please?
> >
> > Plumbing:
> > - been reading all the posts on "Dupree Valves", thanks Randy!
I
> > have the "gold" kind, when I flip the "toggle switch" to on, the
valve
> > does not move more than 1/8 of an inch for either waste or gray?
Do I
> > need to do something else as they have "some" water in them and I
> > would like to figure out how to "dump the tanks". I
tried "pulling" on
> > the knobs but they do not seem to move, the "valve gates" on the
pipe
> > where the air cylinders are attached say to "turn and pull"
handle?
> > Turn What :-)! (Cannot find any tool)
>
> This seems to be very common with the Dupree valves. I have to use
a
> screwdriver or other lever to get them started. I have to only move
> them about 1/2 inch before the air will work. I keep a screwdriver
in
> the compartment just for that purpose. If I had the room, I would
> change them.<<snip>>




------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links

a.. To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WanderlodgeForum/

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WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[randydupree]

george,todays your lucky day,you want to fix your valves and i have the fix!
randydupree93wb
----- Original Message -----
From: randydupree
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, May 16, 2005 5:18 PM
Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] 1995 4203 Newbie Questions


george and pete,the gate valves on your coachs have the older gold cyl.on
them.this cyl. has a small piston and they do have a sticking problem.you can
replace the cyl. with my newer style thats silver/gray in color,its a very easy
job.i can do them both in about 15 minutes,all you need is a philps
screwdriver.no cutting,glueing etc.. randydupree93wb http://www.dupreeproducts.com
----- Original Message -----
From: George Lowry
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, May 16, 2005 12:51 PM
Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] 1995 4203 Newbie Questions


Hi Pete,

Welcome to the Fraternity.... As an owner of a '95 4203, I'll try to
help you with your questions. Answers intertwined below.

pgchd wrote:

> Hi everyone,
> We currently just purchased a 1995 4203 and it came with a "partial"
> birdbox , as a result, it does not have an ops manual. I was wondering
> if someone/'s would possibly help us out with some "newbie questions"
> please?
>
> Plumbing:
> - been reading all the posts on "Dupree Valves", thanks Randy! I
> have the "gold" kind, when I flip the "toggle switch" to on, the valve
> does not move more than 1/8 of an inch for either waste or gray? Do I
> need to do something else as they have "some" water in them and I
> would like to figure out how to "dump the tanks". I tried "pulling" on
> the knobs but they do not seem to move, the "valve gates" on the pipe
> where the air cylinders are attached say to "turn and pull" handle?
> Turn What :-)! (Cannot find any tool)

This seems to be very common with the Dupree valves. I have to use a
screwdriver or other lever to get them started. I have to only move
them about 1/2 inch before the air will work. I keep a screwdriver in
the compartment just for that purpose. If I had the room, I would
change them.

> - There is also a "water flush switch" on the panel?? what does
> this do?

When you have a hose connected to the "other water inlet" the flush
switch puts water into the black tank for flushing. Just be careful
that you don't overfill that tank by having it on without the dump open.
> - There are 2 "water inlets, the typical "city water" inlet but
> also another "water inlet". what is this one used for?

See answer above.

> - The coach has 2 "pump" systems a, b and then "ab". ??? It is
> currently on "a" and feeds from the tank. When I hook up a hose to the
> "city water inlet" and flip the "tank fill" switch it works fine. Does
> this system ever feed directly to the coach fixtures like sink and
> shower without ever going into the fresh water tank or does all water
> come from the fresh water tank?

The two pumps operate in parallel to give adequate flow. Newer pumps
can do the same thing with one pump. I normally leave the selector on
the "ab" position.

With the "tank fill" switch in the off position, the water is fed
directly to the "house" system providing water to all fixtures.
>
> Other:
> Air dryer - anything I need to do, the systems seem to work fine,
> coach airs up, etc, just wondering if I need to bleed "water" out of it?

When the dryer spits, it is expelling the water out so should not need
draining. I suggest that if it was not serviced with the rest of the
coach that you consider getting it serviced with maintenance kit.


> Did have the coached serviced before I took delivery, all fluids,
> check tire date codes, etc. Tags are old and will buy 2 new steer and
> move the current steer to the tags. Tags are 5 years old, rest are 3.

Been a lot of discussion on tires. I recently replaced all eight with
Toyo's from Les Schwab. We had one that blew and the damage it did
was almost half the cost of a complete set of tires. And it was minor
damage. Good tires is cheap insurance.
>
> tag axle pressure gauge shows about 75 lbs. Is this the norm you guys
> are running?

That is the pressure we see and is what we were old in normal.

I presume before I use the levelers at a campsite I dump
> both the coach and tag suspension?

You are correct. And when you get ready to go, air up the suspension
before raising the levelers.

There appears to be an "air valve"
> in the back of the coach as soon as you raise the engine cover. I
> presume this is the "tag axle" air inlet and I manually air up the
> tags once I am ready to get underway from a campsite that I've used
> the leveler on.

That "Schrader" valve is a place to air up the whole coach system with
auxiliary air, assuming you don't have an on board aux. compressor. I
have a small 2 hp compressor that I use rather than starting the
engine every time I need air such as to operate the dump valves, etc.

>
> Coach as "bulk oil " fill. I presume I leave it in "off" position to
> keep the pressure down in the system until I need to use it to add
> engine oil?

Correct. It also uses air pressure so you need to have air pressure
built up to make it work. BB was big on using air pressure for
everything... BTW, the Series 60 does not use the oil that the two
stroke engines used so you will find that you have very little need
for that extra oil.
>
> Sorry to be a "newbie" and ask dumb questions but I would really like
> to dump these tanks at the local public dump sites and want to be
> considerate of others and their time :-) and not look like to much of
> an idiot at my first camping trip, I am sure I will anyway AND THAT IS
> FINE!!!!! Life is too short and if you cannot laugh at yourself....
> Then we will have some campfire stories to tell our new bird
> friends!!!!!! Thanks so much!!!!!

Pete, you will do just fine... BTW, where are you located?

George Lowry
'95 WBDA 4203 & GM 4106 (for sale)
Spearfish, SD

>
> Pete and Donna Chin
> 1995 4203 - from Lurker to Newbie thanks to this forum!
>
>


------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links

a.. To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WanderlodgeForum/

b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links

a.. To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WanderlodgeForum/

b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]