Faulty Furnace Ground
During a recent trip, one of the two furnaces in my 1989 motorhome began to light intermittently. After inspection, I determined that there was no spark between the two points on the igniter. Since all of the functions are controlled by a single circuit board, I assumed that the board was faulty.
When a new circuit board didn’t fix the problem, I discovered there was insufficient ground due to rust and corrosion where the igniter harness screws attached to the combustion chamber. After cleaning the screws, I installed an additional ground wire from the igniter to a ground point on the chassis that would not be affected by the thermal cycling of the furnace.
Although this problem occurred on the furnace of an older motorhome, the same problem could occur on water heaters. Before spending $100-plus on a new circuit board, carefully check to make sure the igniter is adequately grounded.
Pete Garrett, F239324
Huntsville, Alabama
Adding Counter Space
Adding counter spaceWe are very happy with our 32-foot 1991 Itasca Sun Cruiser. It is the right size for us and has adequate space everywhere except on the kitchen counter. We considered adding a folding counter extension on the right side of the sink, but the sofa bed located next to the counter interfered.
To add more counter space, I attached 1-inch aluminum angle brackets (cut from stock I purchased at a local hardware store) to the underside of the existing sink cover/cutting board. I spaced the brackets to fit snugly and securely over the existing splash rail at the end of the counter. It serves very well as additional counter space and when not in use still functions as a cutting board and sink cover, as it was intended. Plus, this solved the problem of where to store the cutting board when parked. Be careful if the splash rail is made of plastic or is poorly attached. Placing a heavy object on the outer edge of the cover could cause the splash rail to break or pull away from the counter.
Harry B. Folkvord, F213796
Sun Lakes, Arizona
Parking Aids
Blocks for parking helpWhen parking our motorhome in the driveway, I have to back into a pull-off and up to a chain-link fence. After I finished parking, I would either be up against the fence or too far away, because of the length of the rear overhang behind the coach’s tires. But my husband saved the day by putting a low white concrete block exactly where each rear tire should stop. The blocks work especially well at night and can be seen in the side mirrors to help line up the RV. It helps to mark the pavement to ensure that the block remains in the proper place.
Arlene Chiarolanzio, F181694
Florham Park, New Jersey
Front Windshield Liner
The light and heat that enter the coach through the windshield can be very intense. But recently I found the perfect solution to keep the sunshine out. I bought ironing board cover material at the fabric store and made a liner for the front drapes, with the silver side facing out. I made buttonholes in the material and matched them to the drapes’ pleats/hooks. The liner can be pulled back and folded away with the drapes, as the material is very lightweight. It reflects the heat very well and is also a great blackout material.
Barbara Birch, F217662
Centerville, Ohio