First RV and a few questions

[Jeff Miller]

A few answers:



--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "ttikalsky"
wrote:
>
> After 2+ years of research and searhing I finally brought home our
> first RV, a 1983 Bluebird Wanderlodge FC 33. Can anyone help me
with
> a few questions?
>
> 1) Where is the leveling jack fluid tank? The jacks won't stay
> extended and I would like to check the level.

Lift the middle step, it is hinged at the front, remove four screws
and the tank is under that cover.

>
> 2) The rear view camera is not working (the part that mounts in the
> back of the coach) is it worth fixing or am I better off replacing
it?
> Any suggestions on who or where to fix or replace?

The camera can easily be replaced, the original is a C-mount lense, a
new C-mount camera can be bought from http://www.supercircuits.com or
equivalent, I use the PC-164C .0003lux ultra-low-light B&W camera but
have also used the low-light color, prefer the ultra-low-light
B&W, ... you will have to reverse two wires in the monitor to reverse
the image.

>
> 3) The cruise control is not working, any suggestions on where to
> start diagnosing the problem?

Check first for vacuum at the unit under the hood/doghouse, you have
the last year before the Bendix cruise control, I believe it is a
Dana, you could replace the whole thing with a King (very nice and
expensive), or a Rostra (less expensive and not as heavy-duty) or
search the junkyards for an all-electric unit from (I believe) a
wrecked C/K GM pickup/tahoe/suburban and see if it has enough pull to
work, ... your choice.

>
> 4) The LP/CO2/Smoke detectors alarms are going off (monitor in
galley)
> for the center and rear furnaces, but the gas is shut off at the
main
> valve. Are the sensors replaceable or could they be cleaned? Does
> anyone know if they operate by opening or closing the circuit when
gas
> is detected?

The galley monitor only alarms on detection, it is normal to alarm
when first turned on, the alarms will likely reset within 5minutes.
They should be vacuumed, and can be calibrated. The LP
monitor/shutoff is the box under the refrigerator, if an old original
one it is IMO a huge fire hazard, factory was recalling these and
yours is likely replaced.

>
> 5) The cab a/c is not working. Is it worth fixing or will the two
> roof airs keep the coach cool in 90 degrees at 90% humidity when
> driving?

I love dash A/C, keeps the driver who sits in the sun up front cool,
many don't feel it is worth saving. I'll save mine every time and
have been glad to have spent the time and money doing it.

>
> 6) One of the roof vents got broken, when I leaned on it. Are the
> Maxair convers decent or just a gimick? Is it worth getting the one
> that keeps the rain from entering?

I don't care for the Maxxair covers, take them off. Some like them,
matter of taste/opinion. Not original equipment.

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