Showerhead Separation
Dear RV Doctor:
Our outdoor showerhead has broken off from the hose on our new coach. Not only did the head break off, but the connector to the hose broke as well, so simply replacing the head isn’t an option. What is the best way to fix this? Do I need to replace the entire hose from its origination point, which as far as I can see is unreachable, or is there a hose splicing solution that would be better?
Paul Montgomery, Lakeville, Minnesota
Paul, there is a way to remove the shower hose/faucet assembly from the side of the RV, but it may entail a little disassembly in order to gain access to the hot and cold lines coming into the faucet and for the shower hose connection at the faucet “” unless you can see the actual fitting where the hose connects to the faucet itself. I’m not sure which exact assembly your manufacturer used, but it has to be accessible somehow. Check inside the coach as well. The connections may be located behind an access panel or other interior component, or inside a cabinet.
The complete hose can and should be replaced. It’s probably attached to the faucet assembly with a simple pipe-threaded connection. I wouldn’t try splicing the hose unless you are able to locate the correct fittings. A common hose clamp is not recommended on the pressure side of the fresh-water system. Any splice would have to be a crimp-type fitting, such as is commonly used with PEX tubing.
Without looking at your external shower head/faucet assembly, I can’t really explain the exact procedures here, but the complete faucet assembly, most assuredly, can be removed, repaired, or replaced. Inspect the complete assembly closely and see whether you can locate a brand name and model number. I’m guessing any dealer who sells your brand of motorhome can assist with ordering the correct replacement parts.
New Canopy Needed
Dear RV Doctor:
I’m a relatively new RVer who owns a 2007 Winnebago motorhome. Although I have never let down the awning on the passenger side of the motorhome, it has become shredded, probably from sun exposure while sitting outside in our sunny California climate. I need to replace it. I assume just the fabric can be replaced. Who does this kind of thing? Do I need to take it to the dealer or to a local canvas shop? Could you tell me the best way to handle this replacement? Would any other parts also have to be replaced?
P.K. Hall, Santa Barbara, California
Indeed, the awning canopy alone can be replaced, independent of the other awning components. Of course, that’s not to say that other components may not need replacing also. But it’s doubtful you’ll need to replace any hardware on a four-year-old awning unless physical damage has occurred. Any RV dealer or repair facility can order the replacement canopy and install it in short order. They’ll need to know the brand, length, type of fabric, and color scheme in order to obtain the correct replacement. Call around and get some estimates from a couple of places if possible.
Replacing the canopy can be awkward to those not experienced with the process but is not that big of a deal. Winding the torsion spring tension can be tricky, but all the major awning manufacturers can furnish detailed instructions if necessary. In fact, some RV handypersons can even handle it with the help of a couple of extra people, since the awning does need to be totally removed from the coach in most cases.
Excessively Hot Water
Dear RV Doctor:
I noticed that my water heater seems to be producing very hot water. Unlike the older motorhome’s water heater, this one has no way (visible to me) of adjusting the temperature of the water. This seems to be a waste of energy (gas or electric), since it heats the water much hotter than needed. It also wastes water, since it takes mixing much more cold water for it to be used comfortably.
Richard Roder, Pensacola, Florida
Richard, today’s electronic water heaters are not equipped with an adjustable thermostat like the pilot models are. Direct-spark-ignition (DSI) water heaters have a preset, thermal-contact-type electric thermostat. But both Atwood and Suburban offer replacement thermostats “” preset to a cooler temperature “” that any competent RV service tech can install as a replacement for the original, stock thermostat.
Contact Suburban or Atwood (depending on your water heater manufacturer) for the location of an authorized warranty center near you. This service center will be able to order the correct replacement thermostat and install it for you.
{loadpositionEndBlurbHouseCalls}