Convertor/Charger Problems
My question is about my 1992 34-foot Safari Ivory that has a 50-amp convertor/charger that has stopped working. Can I replace this with a regular 120-volt-AC/40-amp battery charger? I have three house batteries. There also is a 120-volt-AC plug in the same compartment as my inverter.
Carey Drayer, F149261
Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Manufacturers now combine the inverter, convertor, and charger all into one unit. Since you already have an inverter, I’d say installing a charger to keep your batteries up shouldn’t be a problem. Just make sure it’s an automatic unit that won’t overcharge your house batteries and heat them up to an unsafe level. A modern three-stage charger should work fine in your situation.
12-Volt Television Question
Is there a digital converter box available that we can hook up to a 12-volt-DC television in our 2002 Bounder to use when we’re dry camping? Are 12-volt-DC digital TVs being made? All the converter boxes I’ve seen are 120 volts AC, but when dry camping with no power, they are useless. Is buying a digital TV the only solution?
Philip &Trudy Seaman, F327790
San Antonio, Texas
Actually, you have several options. The first solution, which is the easiest but also the most expensive, is to purchase a new 12-volt-DC digital TV. Many different models are available in various sizes. Most come with a built-in DVD player, and they also can be used as a monitor for a personal computer. While these TVs are built to be operated on 12-volt-DC power, most work on 110/120-volt-AC power as well. Do an Internet search using the keywords “12-volt digital TV” and you may be surprised to find how many models are available. A good online starting point is www.12volt-travel.com.
Your second option is to purchase a 12-volt-DC converter box. By doing this, you keep your current analog TV and add only the converter box. These set up and operate much the same as the 120-volt-AC converter boxes but have 12-volt-DC power supply cords. An Internet search for 12-volt digital TV converter boxes will turn up numerous results, but one site that seems to have the topic covered very well is www.ezdigitaltv.com/RVs_and_Converter_Boxes.html, so you might want to begin there.
Your final solution is to keep your analog television, purchase a 120-volt-AC converter box, and power it with an inverter. If you choose to go this route, you must first determine what wattage is used by the digital converter box. RadioShack, large auto parts stores (a national chain would be best), and many RV shops carry small, relatively inexpensive plug-in inverters (they plug into a 12-volt-DC power port or use alligator clips to connect directly to the battery). The various models offer different wattage outputs, so get one that fits your needs.
Oil Spill
My 1999 Winnebago has a Ford V-10 engine. The oil drain is directly above the front axle. I am looking for a way to drain the oil without making a large mess. Is there a product that replaces the drain plug, possibly with a hose?
Don Howard, F410551
Oregon City, Oregon
Fumoto Engineering of America, based in Redmond, Washington, makes the Engine Oil Drain Valve, which replaces the standard oil drain plug that came with your vehicle. Once installed, the drain valve makes it possible for users to drain oil in a controlled manner with no immediate surge of oil. Simply turn the lever on the valve and the oil begins to flow. Return the lever to its original position and it locks closed to stop the flow.
The company also makes the N-Series Valve for people who have drain plugs located in hard-to-access places. The N-Series Valve works the same as the standard drain valve described above, but it also includes a nipple that enables the operator to attach a hose and drain the oil away from tight spots or locations where making a mess is a problem.
For more information about the Engine Oil Drain Valve, contact Fumoto Engineering of America at (425) 869-7771; www.fumotousa.com. The company offers numerous drain valve sizes based upon the vehicle make and engine size, so consult the sizes and application chart to determine which valve is appropriate for your vehicle.
Automatic Awning
I have a 2006 Allegro Bus, which has one of the A&E automatic awnings. I admit that it is convenient “” just push a button. However, it is at least 10 feet high, and when the slideout is extended, there is very little awning left. It gives little shade, doesn’t keep the rain off, and I can’t attach any kind of curtain to it, because in the event of high winds it will auto retract. If I disable that feature, the wind will rip it off, as there is no way to attach the anti-flap clamps. Is there any way to convert it to the manual type of awning with conventional arms, like what was on my 2000 Allegro Bus? With that awning I could very quickly add a curtain, tie it down, and let the weather come. I would like to replace the automatic arms with conventional arms and reuse everything else. Do you know if this can be accomplished, and what the approximate cost might be?
Robert Moore, F262605
Savannah, Georgia
You may have heard the saying, anything is possible; it just takes money. I suggest you begin by contacting A&E customer service (800-544-4881, 574-294-2511; customersupportcenter@dometicusa.com). Explain your situation as you did here, and ask whether A&E has an awning that will work. If A&E can’t help you, do an Internet search for RV awnings and contact each company in turn. One of them should be able to assist you. Labor costs vary so much around the country, there’s no way I could estimate the cost of the conversion.
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