This is a free service which allows the consumer to ask RV Maintenance questions to Terry Cooper, Master-Certified RV Tech & Instructor. Due to the volume of questions of similar nature, please read to see if your question may already have been covered. Thank you.
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No question. Just a Thank You for advising me as to the caulk to use on my RV. I’ll give your book a “plug” at the RVSA course when I attend in September.
Thanks again, Joe
Question:
Dear Professor
I have been RVing for 5 years now in my 2006 Keystone Everest 5th wheel and
love to watch your videos. Your ideas have been very valuable to me and
maybe you can help. My awning is starting to get spots that are peeling away
I guess due to the sun and the outdoor elements. I read your solutions of
awning repair tape which I will be using as soon as I can but can you
recommend an awning cover that I can put on when, unfortunately, have to
store the RV outside in the hot Texas weather.
Thank you for your help.
Fred D.
Answer:
You are so right this hot Texas sun is very harsh on our awnings. There is a company that has come out with very unique product which I believe has the potential to be a product that folks like yourself can appreciate its usage.
Take a look at the product video on this website…..This might be just what you are looking for.
Their solution is one of those common sense approaches that I really like to see.
Keep me posted on how things with your project,
http://www.awningpro-tech.com/
The Professor
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Question:
I have seen ads for a little fan that hangs inside the refrigerator on the
fins. They claim to help in the cooling process. What is your opinion? PS:
this fan hooks up to a 12 volt power source and not batteries.
Ed H.
Answer:
Ed
Yes, These coil cooling fans most certainly do help the efficiency of the refrigerator. Norcold uses two of these fans on the back of their big 4 door refrigerators to assist the cooling coils. Basically by moving the air across the coils of the refrigerator heat is stripped away much the same way as the air passing through the radiator of your automobile.
As you said these fans are 12 volt powered and they must get their 12 volt power from one of two sources. Typically we can purchase the fan that ties into to the 12 volt coach power strip that is mounted on the back of the refrigerator or they sell a fan that operates off of a small solar panel. Since the fan is needed most during the daylight hours this small solar panel will power the fan to pull away the heat so the refrigerator will not have to work as hard.
Check your RV dealer or parts supplier and they will have just what you are looking for.
Good luck and send me photos of your project if you should decide to install a fan on the back of your refrigerator so we can share with others.
The Professor
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Question:
Ed C.
I would like to know if you can wire a 30amp cord into a 50amp locking twist adapter, because 30amp has 3 wires and 50amp has 4 wires. And if you can, do you run a jumper wire for the forth wire or just use 3 wires
Answer:
Ed,
I am concerned about you are wanting to use a power cord differently from its intented design.
I would like to ask you to be as safe as possible and reconsider your project. If you “rewire” a 4 wire 50 amp power cord you will be modifying a cord that someone else may attempt to use it when your not around. There is the potential here for a MAJOR chance of getting someone electrocuted.
If your rig has a 30 amp power cord you know you can purchase a ready made twist lock cord and rig connector to make the changeover.
Please send me photos once you get your issue resolved
Good luck and let us hear from you
Terry Cooper – Texas RV Professor
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Question:
Edward M.
I have low water pressure in my 5th wheel.
Park pressure is 60-80 PSI from the city. Pressure to the rig is set to
50PSI using an adjustable water regulator. I have tried removing the water
filters, the check valve on the city hook up connection, but can not improve
pressure at sinks. (shower is better then sinks) Is there any other “check
valves ” I should look for in the lines? (pressure is the same on hot and
cold lines) Thanks, eddie
Answer:
Eddie
Wow, you really have been chasing after this issue! The items that you have looked at are the exact ones I would have suggested you check. I typically find the issue to be the check valve inside the city hook up connection.
You didn’t say if things had been working ok and now you have this pressure drop issue or if the problem has been there all along.
How do things work in the tank and pump mode? Do you notice any difference in water pressure between the city pressure and the onboard tank and pump system?
Does your rig have a docking station hook up with a directional valve that allows you to select your water source? If so please check the valve inside this area and see if there is a blockage.
Your description that the cold and hot water are effected tells us that that the issue is between the city hook up and the spilt where the cold water goes to the water heater inlet.
The only other suggestions I would offer is to ask you to check to see if there is a main manifold block where the inlet water comes to and then is sent out to all the water fixtures. Sometimes they will have a main inlet valve and it may have gotten bumped and not quite closed.
And then ask you to check to see if inlet water line might have gotten kinked when someone added a shelving unit or other accessory in the storage compartment area.
Keep me posted on what you find and please send a digital photo of the culprit when you do find it …..you have a good one that would make an excellent”what if” type of question for new RVers or new Techinicians.
Good luck and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Terry Cooper – The Texas RV Professor
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Question
John W.
I recently purchased a 1987 Georgie Boy M.H.
Has a Kohler 7000 generator. It Dies when i release the start button. Can
you help?
Thanks,
John
Answer:
John
There are several items that come to mind that could cause your Kohler generator to die when you release the start button. All of which I am sorry to say will require a generator tech to troubleshoot the generator.
I have seen defective circuit boards, relays that control the fuel solenoid, low oil pressure or low oil pressure switches go bad or broken wiring that would cause this type of issue.
I realize you were hoping for a magic trick to make things right but the generator could use a good technician that understands the starting and run sequence for you particular model.
I wish you well and I would ask you keep me posted on what you find. Many times I don’t hear how things turn out. It is nice when someone comes back and shares what the issues were.
Good luck!
Terry Cooper – the Texas RV Professor
