Coach Batteries
Several years ago, I bought a 2000 Monaco Diplomat. At that time, the house batteries (four 6-volt) were five months old. I recently replaced them and must have received some bad information somewhere along the line. I was under the impression that while camped with shore power connected I was to leave the batteries turned on — both the chassis batteries and the house batteries. I also noted that when I shut off the house batteries and the chassis batteries while camping, the lights would flicker, as though there was some power loss. I have read my owners manual and it is not clear whether to camp with the shore power on and the batteries off. Do you have any input as to the correct way?
Mike McMullen, F407748
Bellingham, Washington
When I installed an inverter on my 1999 P-30 chassis a few years back, I was told to leave the 12-volt-DC switch on. I suggest you do the same when camping with shore power and when dry camping. If you happen to be in one place for an extended time and there is no way to charge the chassis battery, you should disconnect or invest in a trickle charger.
Windshield Woes
I own a 2001 Discovery 37G Type A motorhome. The glass windshield continually streaks and is very difficult to clean. The streaking seems to be coming from the black rubber molding at the top. I am a new member and am pleased to have saved more than $600 on my new Michelin XRV tires!
Joe Williams, F426554
Wilmington, Delaware
Welcome to FMCA! Glad to hear about your savings on Michelin tires. A number of other members have experienced savings also.
The streaking problem could be an environmental issue in your area. Here in Arizona, I’ve never had that problem on my coach or even heard of it. However, if you think the problem is originating at the black rubber molding around the windshield, I suggest that you thoroughly clean it with mild soap and water, which could solve the problem. If it continues, you might consider carefully applying a dry silicone spray. Use a shop rag to keep the spray off the glass as much as possible and wipe it down after each spray application. Another option is to install the rubberized EZE RV Gutter J-Channel above the windshield to act as a gutter and keep that water from running down onto the glass.
Cap Calls
In 2004 we purchased a National RV Tropi-Cal 35-foot diesel-pusher motorhome. Recently, after refueling in Pennsylvania, I accidentally left the fuel cap on top of the pump. After traveling down the road and eventually smelling diesel fuel, I realized my mistake and returned to the station hoping to find my fuel cap. But it was gone.
The diesel fuel cap used on the motorhome is a special fuel cap and was mentioned in an article about the motorhome in the April 2005 issue of FMC. The author was test-driving a new 2005 Tropi-Cal through many states, and when he went to refuel the motorhome, he found the fuel cap required a special wrench to open or close.
As you know, National RV is out of business. However, when I contacted the dealer, Diamond RV Center in West Hatfield, Massachusetts, they searched and located a diesel fuel cap that is used in the marine industry. I ordered the cap and it was sent to me. The fuel cap I received was made by Sea-Dog Corporation, a marine equipment company located in Everett, Washington. The part number was 351390-1 and it looked like an exact fit. However, it is a little smaller than the original, so the cap drops into the filler neck of the tank. I believe Sea-Dog is the manufacturer or master distributor of this product, as the Sea-Dog product I received from my dealer looks very similar to the original fuel cap that I lost. The problem is, Sea-Dog sells through distribution only and I have no idea which Sea-Dog distributor supplied National RV in 2004. I would appreciate any help you could give me in locating the correct fuel cap.
Alan Seitz, F340422
New Hartford, Connecticut
I’m sorry to hear that you lost the fuel cap. You might want to post a question on FMCA.com’s Motorhome Forums to find out whether any other Tropi-Cal owners have had to replace this cap. I also contacted Sea-Dog, and a representative with the company said to call Fisheries Supply (800-426-6930) and ask for Collin Ferrel. Hope this helps.
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