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Miss Helpful
I have two "bloopers" to report in regard to our RV.
The first involved me stepping out of the rig, while camping near Disney World, without first checking that the steps were in place. The result was a broken ankle and a few days in the hospital. Moral of this story: Look before you "leap". :–) The second blooper involves me being "helpful". The rig had been parked in our driveway when we had "overflow" overnight guests. Since the place where we store the rig is just a short distance from our home, I decided I'd do my husband a favor and take the rig to storage myself. The problem came about because I had forgot to check things out before driving and failed to unplug the electricity. Ouch! Lucky for me, our RV dealer was able to easily repair the electric line without any permanent damage. Moral of this story: Look before you drive.
Submitted by:
Fran Looney,MI
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What's New in RVs?
This past year for the RV industry was busy for manufacturers who set about matching new interests on the part of RVers with changes in fuel costs and the economy. Fortunately, a number of concepts under study are now becoming available in the new RVs.
The people designing RVs are doing a good job to ensure that the products we buy provide the features and ease of use we enjoy along with getting the best buy for the money. Improved RV designs and products coming out include electronics, interior and exterior designs, and upgraded engine, transmission, and chassis offerings.
Toy Haulers – Several years ago, RVers were introduced to the “toy hauler” that provided storage and work space for a variety of sport and recreation machines. The toy haulers accommodate motorcycles, snow–mobiles, all–terrain vehicles (ATVs), dune buggies, and more, eliminating the need for a trailer. Initially provided for towable RVs, toy haulers are now available in all RV classes, including travel trailers, fifth–wheels, and Class A, B, and C motorhomes. We've gone from space for an ATV and a drop–down ramp in a towable RV to the luxury diesel–engine 2007 Newmar All Star Cycle Hauler, which can carry two Harley–Davidson motorcycles in two separate slide–outs.
Note: The RV industry is now using the term SURV (Sport Utility RV) to identify RVs that provide enclosed storage and work space for sport and recreation machines and equipment.
continued…
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Do you have questions about RV technical issues, the RV lifestyle or RV's in general? Ask Mark!
Hi folks. Thanks for all the positive responses to the last two columns covering winterization! This month, we'll deal with some appliance related questions.
Happy Trails!!
Mark
Dear Mark,
I'm curious as to the average life expectancy of things like refrigerators, water pumps, Power converters, Water Heater controls etc.
I realize that the number of days you use something will shorten the lifespan and that I could have a unit that lasts longer than the norm…but I'm looking for you to help set that norm, by days camping. I expect to have my 2002 Tahoe DT 19 in the field about 35 days this year, with 40% of that time in dry camps (more use of the water pump etc). Could you do an article to give us a general idea of life spans of modern RV systems? I promise I won't hold you to these estimated times.
Tom Smith
Henderson, NV.
Mark says…
That's a tough question, Tom! My personal experience has been that RV refrigerators, if operated conscientiously, can last 10–12 years without problems. Most refrigerators die from clogged cooling systems or from corrosion eating holes in the cooling system. While there's not a lot you can do to prevent the corrosion from happening, you make a huge difference in the life span of your refrigerator by never operating it significantly off level. Even for a half hour! When a refrigerator is allowed to run when it is way off level, the bottom of the boiler can be left dry, and the heat from the flame will cause crystals and scale to form. These deposits can break loose and float around in the cooling system, eventually clogging it. When that happens, it's a goner!
Water pumps should last 10–15 years, no sweat, and you can buy a pump head rebuild kit for them if they wear out. Converters usually last the life of the rig barring electrical surges or other external problems. Both furnaces and water heaters should last 6–10 years. You can extend the life of your water heater by flushing it out annually and replacing the anode rod (if so equipped) when it becomes significantly eroded. In some cases, you may have to replace a circuit board if one fails, but the basic appliance should remain serviceable at least that long.
Remember, you promised not to hold me to this, but I believe that most RV appliances and equipment will last at least 10 years, under normal circumstances. Unfortunately, how many hours you operate these appliances per year doesn't seem to have a big effect on lifespan. I got 12 years out of my last Dometic Refrigerator, and I was living in the rig full time for 7+ years of that. A buddy of mine, who uses his rig about a month a year, had his refrigerator die at the 10 year mark. I've seen similar results with other appliances.
Read More Questions…
Do you have a question for Mark?
Please submit your question via e–mail to woodalls@escapees.com. Questions should be about RV technical issues, general RV or RV lifestyle.
Please remember, material will be edited. Because of the large volume of material and correspondence submitted, individual replies will not be possible, nor can we acknowledge receipt of your material. Selected questions will be answered in future issues of the Diamond Club newsletter in the Mark, My Words column. The Mark, My Words column also appears in Escapees magazine, a bi–monthly publication of the Escapees RV Club. For more information visit www.escapees.com/magazine
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You can get your free personal travel website for 30 days… if you like it, then sign up for a longer term and save 15%! Aren't you glad you're a Diamond Club member?
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