Out Of Step
I have a 2006 National RV motorhome. The automatic retractable steps worked as they should until I shut the door recently and the steps wouldn’t retract. What should I look for? What would make them not work?
I have a 2006 National RV motorhome. The automatic retractable steps worked as they should until I shut the door recently and the steps wouldn’t retract. What should I look for? What would make them not work?
Carol Mageehon, F421655
Benton City, Washington
There can be several reasons the steps aren’t working. The simplest is the control switch. In every motorhome I’m familiar with, the steps’ control switch works in two ways. One position causes the steps to open and close whenever the door is opened or closed; the other position leaves the steps out regardless of whether the door is open or closed, as long as the engine isn’t running. If the 12-volt-DC master switch happened to be turned to its off position accidentally, this could cause the steps to quit operating. Do the steps work when the engine switch is on? If they do, then the steps’ switch might be turned off.
Another possibility: If the steps are not physically frozen into place because of corrosion or debris, and the multi-position switch has not gone bad, the likely culprit is an open circuit, which means a fuse probably has blown. Many coaches have two step fuses, one in the ignition circuit and one in the step switch circuit. If you have experience, capability, and a circuit tester, you can track down the location of the open circuit. Start at the steps’ motor — making sure the tester’s ground is good — and work backward toward the fuse panel. If the fuse panel is marked, find the steps’ fuse and check for voltage on both sides. If one side has power and the other does not, replace the fuse with one of the same rated amperage. This might save you oodles of time. By the way, keep the steps’ moving parts lubricated with silicone spray, which doesn’t attract dirt.
Inadequate Generator
I’m a new RVer, having just purchased a 2008 Roadtrek Adventurous. It has an Onan 2,500-watt propane-powered generator, model 2.5KV-FA/26120L. The rooftop air-conditioning unit is a Dometic Duo-Therm 600 series Penguin, model 600312.321. I expected that the generator would run the air-conditioning when we were dry camping, but this has not been the case. Do you have any idea how I can increase the power in order to run the A/C? We have two small dogs, and with the heat of summer, I fear for them. I’ll have to sell my beautiful Adventurous and buy a model with a bigger generator if I cannot solve this.
Paul Boulet, F441307
Malibu, California
There are plenty of watts to run the air conditioner if you can get it started. The A/C compressor is rated at 10.5 amps (1,260 watts) and the fan is 3.5 amps (420 watts), for a total of 14 amps (1,680 watts) needed to run the unit. But you have a serious problem. The 2,500-watt Onan is right on the edge of having enough power to start the air conditioner. Starting amperage is about twice the running amperage, but the starting amperage requirement is very brief — about one second — and a start capacitor helps to get the compressor rotor to move. In addition, the spool-up requirement is about 1.5 times the run amperage (2,450 watts), so even the spool-up requirement (for a few seconds) pushes the generator’s limits. That’s why it’s important, when starting the air conditioner, to make sure that all other electric loads, such as the converter, are off. Also, propane does not give quite as much power as gasoline, and all these things are calculated at sea level, with a power loss of about 3 percent for every 1,000 feet of elevation.
Have the start capacitor tested or replaced. The generator needs to be operating at peak performance, so I would suggest a professional tune-up. Try starting the fan on low speed, and then try to start the compressor.
I have had no personal experience with it, but Dometic (www.dometic.com; 800-544-4881) has developed a Quick Start Kit that can be installed on all Duo-Therm roof-mounted air conditioners. According to a Dometic technical service representative, such a kit may be necessary on a generator that operates on less than 3,000 watts. The kit includes a capacitor that is designed to provide high torque value for starting the compressor.
Also, I’m sure there’s very little space left in the generator’s compartment, but perhaps you can find a 4,000-watt unit that will fit. And we know it would be a hassle to pack and unpack, but a portable 4K generator also would take care of your problem without having to replace the coach. If you do decide to replace the coach, if you’ve just purchased it, perhaps you could return it to the dealer for a larger model without a huge penalty. If you do that, make sure the generator will operate all the coach’s accessories before you leave the lot.
Tire Replacement
In 2006 I purchased a new Type A motorhome. To date, it has 28,000 miles. The tires show little wear and no signs of cracking. I’ve been told by motorhome dealers that the tires must be replaced. What do you suggest? If the tires must be replaced, can I start by replacing just the front tires, or is it necessary to replace them all?
Robert O’connor, F366823
Bayville, New Jersey
According to Michelin, you are approaching or might already have reached the time that you should replace your coach’s tires. The tire maker advises that most tires need replacement before they reach 10 years of age, and all tires in service that long, including spares, should be replaced. Also, tires in use for five years or more should be inspected annually by a qualified expert. Have you checked the date of manufacture on your tires’ sidewalls to verify their ages? If an inspection shows that some tires should be replaced now and others can last a while longer, I’d recommend placing the new tires on the front axle and keeping the best four remaining tires on the rear axle. Make sure you stay with the same size tires at each purchase.
Editor’s note: FMCA members may find advantageous pricing on motorhome, light truck, or passenger vehicle tires through the FMCA Michelin Advantage Program. Visit FMCA.com and look for the Michelin logo, or call the FMCA national office at (513) 474-3622 or (800) 543-3622.