New BB Owner w/ a few questions....

[Pete Masterson]

Congratulations on your new coach!

On Oct 9, 2006, at 6:27 PM, John wrote:

> Hello Everyone,
> We are new owners of a 98 Wanderlodge LX, and have a few questions for
> you more experienced BB Owners.
> Before we bought it, the coach was in storage for the last couple
> years, so we replaced the batteries and changed all the fluids &
> filters.

Take a very close look at the tires. Find the DOT manufacturing date.
You do not want any tires over 6 years old. Check for cracks or other
damage to the side walls. RVs rarely wear out tire treads, but they
deteriorate over time no matter how much they're used.


> Everything seems to be working great for the most part. Its
> impressive how much quality is put into these coaches!

Indeed!

>
> We live in Texas, and I have a feeling our A/C systems might not be
> working correctly. I have a friend that can come over and put gauges
> on all the units to check them out. He is supposed to check everything
> out this week. I guess my question is: should the 3 13.5k btu A/Cs
> keep it plenty cool inside when its near 100 outside?

It depends. Most RVs of 40 feet only have 2 roof ACs. BBs and many
other high-end motor homes have 3. Don't expect to be able to hang
meat inside when it's 100 outside ... but the 3 ACs should make it
reasonably comfortable.

> I also think
> there might be a problem with the dash a/c compressor as there seems
> to be a little oily residue around it since we used it. I'll have to
> investigate that a little more when I get a chance.

It's very likely that the dash a/c system has lost most or all of its
coolant. My coach sat for 6 months on a dealer's lot and was without
any of the "freon" when checked by an AC specialist. It is normal for
automotive-type ACs to require operation about once a month to keep
the seals tight and avoid losing the coolant. If your coach sat 2
years, I have no doubt that the dash AC system is in need of a full
servicing. Hopefully, a '98 will have R134a as the older coolant is
no longer available. (I forget what year the old freon was phased out.)

> I've also noticed that after driving there is quite a bit of heat in
> the closet obviously due to the engine & exhaust heat. Has anyone ever
> installed a vent or exhaust fan the help expell the heat from the back
> of the coach?

Gosh, I hadn't noticed that -- but I haven't really checked for it
either. There is a 'danger' with a vent or exhaust fan in the rear as
it can cause a low air pressure in the interior that can, in turn,
draw in unwanted sewer oder from the black water tank when your
traveling down the road. Positioning would also be critical to avoid
bringing in exhaust gases.

Pete Masterson
aeonix1@...
'95 Bluebird Wanderlodge WBDA 42'
El Sobrante, CA