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Winnebago "Full Campers" / Re: Max Level Degrees for Norcold Refrigerator

« on: December 22, 2016, 11:19:49 am »

I agree... I've been pretty picky about my leveling as well.  To simplify I just use the bubble level but place it on the floor of the refer.  That way I get an accurate reading of the unit.  I pulled out the refer several times to clean it and found mine does not sit level.  So I'd rather take a measurement that reflects the status of the unit vs the position of the van.  I made drive up ramps out of wood and just drive up them until the bubble is centered. I place the ramps under the tires that need elevation.  Then lock and chock.  Has worked fine for years and I don't fuss over messing with jacks and overshooting or undershooting. But I agree, leveling is key to performance and longevity for the norcold.

-tob

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Winnebago "Full Campers" / Cold Weather > Starter, Solenoid or? What do you think?

« on: December 19, 2016, 07:48:30 pm »

Interested in seeking possible reasons.... considerations and what to do... Please chime in.

I have a 2002 EVC. Recently went winter camping at a ski area. Outside low temp was 5 degrees and high was 12. I was in an rv lot and plugged into shore power overnight.  I also attached a battery tender to the starter battery and left that plugged in. So power was plentiful and good.

About 24 hours later when I needed to leave, the engine would not turn over. No click or attempt to hear anything engage to crank over. All my electrical was good. Dash lit up, headlights good. Tried jump start.... nothing happened. Read voltage off starter battery and got 12.69v. Outside temp is now 7 degrees. EVC had been parked and not moved for 24 hours in cold temps.

Thought was solenoid may be frozen open. Condensation perhaps from thermal differentiation? As the engine compartment cooled down after I parked for that night and next day, maybe condensation formed inside the soleinoid and froze open due to outside temp.

Bummer was... could not access starter to smack it or warm it up.  Can't get to it from the top.  Belly pan prevented access given the scenario. I had to have it towed home.... that hurt and was expensive.

Got back home and rolled it into the garage.  Once in the garage, I let it sit for 24 hours. I plugged in a battery tender for the starter battery and the coach. The temp was 42 degrees inside the garage. Went to start 24 hours later and it fired right up. No hesitation.

Do you think this is something indicating a potential failure in my future? Starter? Solenoid? Other? Or extreme cold temps challenging the viability of winter camping in an EVC?

How do other rigs protect themselves from this problem? What exactly is a winter package that may be offered on a different vehicle.  I don't think a heater core would make a difference for my experience. Should I replace the starter and solenoid? Is there something I am overlooking?

I thought I was good with precautions I took.  The furnace did great... was cozy and fine inside.

Would like to learn from the community what may be going on and what I should do to avoid this from happening again.  Thanks so much and know all thoughts are welcome!

-tob
02 EVC 80+k

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Exterior / Re: Stowaway Cargo Box & Mod

« on: December 09, 2015, 09:53:21 am »

I'm guessing about a foot of clearance, maybe slightly less. No problems with the exhaust.  Will post pics when setup for a trip.  Overall… works for me fine…

-tob

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Exterior / Re: Stowaway Cargo Box & Mod

« on: September 12, 2015, 10:28:15 pm »

Here's one more collection of the cover.

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Exterior / Re: Stowaway Cargo Box & Mod

« on: September 12, 2015, 10:26:43 pm »

Here's a collection of shots of the propane cover I had a local welding shop fab up.  I think I paid $125.00 for the final result. Still happy with it and like it better than the original plastic cover.  I think just bring your rig to a welding shop and have them see what you have is best rather than specs. Note the bolt they welded to the frame for attachment.  I ended up inscribing my email address on the inside should I drive off without it. My local boys knocked it out quickly. Hope this helps....

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Exterior / Stowaway Cargo Box & Mod

« on: July 30, 2015, 01:19:16 pm »

I have a 02 EVC with 80K. I'm the original owner.  I put a stowaway 2 swing away cargo box on the hitch for extra storage when needed.  Great box!  Let's you open the back hatch while still attached.  I had a local welding shop add to the frame a short overhead frame for a rack system to carry bikes or cargo.  The pic shows pontoon boat frames on the overhead.  A yakima track system is on the overhead so I can slide on my bike mounts and carry two mountain bikes. 

The stowaway frame has two stock tube receptacles that the overhead drops into. So I can travel with or without the overhead.  The overhead does have to be removed to open the tailgate. But the box still swings away and can be opened and accessed without issue with the overhead installed.

Another mod I had the welding shop do was to make a diamond plate propane cover. After crushing two and losing one I gave up and went to aluminum.  Waaaaay better and worth it considering what the stock covers cost.

Lastly… is a pic of my heights I keep in the driver visor for quick reference.  Printed on card stock and laminated.  I need to quickly look at my heights depending on configuration for ferries, garages, over passes, etc…. it's been very helpful.

Sooooooo glad to see this forum!  Thanks for making it happen!

-tob