DC Wiring For CPAP Machine
Dear Editor:
In the September 2015 “Tech & Travel Tips” column (page 27), Ralph Fullenwider, F248513, describes how he installed an inverter to power a CPAP machine (“Inverter Addition”). We purchased a new motorhome in 2013 that, unlike our old coach, did not have an inverter. I also sleep with a CPAP machine, so we were faced with the same issue.
To me, a pure sine wave inverter was expensive to use only for the CPAP. Our coach only has two six-volt house batteries; that was another reason I was reluctant to go the inverter route. I also was concerned about the lack of ventilation inside the coach, and the loss of space.
The box on the power cord of my CPAP is a step-down transformer from 120 volts AC to 12 volts DC. In addition, the machine uses very few amps.
A cabinet over our bed has two DC lights, with the switch at the light. I drilled a hole large enough to install a 12-volt receptacle on the underside of the storage cabinet adjacent to the wall over my head, dropped the light fixture, and fished two wires between the two. We then put everything back together. The entire process took less than 60 minutes to complete. I then went online to The CPAP Shop and purchased a DC cord for my particular machine for $28.95.
I have used the 12-volt plug many times over the past 18 months for my CPAP, and it works great. Forty dollars for material and less than an hour seems the best way to go for me. And the only sound we hear is the CPAP machine, not an inverter.
Mark Edelstein, F373729
Rocklin, California
Tire Pressure Comments
Dear Editor:
I just finished reading the article “Tire Monitoring Systems” in the September 2015 issue (page 46). I thought it was a good article, but something that is always overlooked is that you still need to look at your tires.
I am an ambassador for Fantasy RV Tours, and while escorting a tour to Alaska this summer I found a tire (inside dual) on a guest’s RV that had started to come apart but still had air in it. If you have a monitoring system with a temperature sensor, it should indicate a problem, but if you have only an air pressure monitor, you would not know until a tire failed.
I understand that most people do not check their tires often enough, and that installing a monitoring system is a vast improvement, but there is no substitute for actually looking at and touching your tires.
Lorrin Walsh, F410999
Bremerton, Washington
Dear Editor:
The “Tire Monitoring Systems” article (September 2015, page 46) focuses on valve-stem-mounted sensors.
In my 2004 Newmar Dutch Star, I had a SmarTire tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) installed. It is an inside-the-tire, rim-mounted sensor system with a readout on the dash. It is a very good and reliable system, but, as the article stated, the company no longer supports it for the RV industry, and it is no longer available.
I found this out when purchasing a new 2011 Tiffin Allegro Bus. I bought a stem-mounted system instead. It was just okay, and a couple of sensors intermittently stopped working, so I was not totally satisfied. It was also cumbersome to install or remove new batteries, because it used Allen set screws to secure the sensors and protect them from theft. (At least they were difficult for me.)
When purchasing a new Entegra Cornerstone earlier this year, I researched online for a rim-mounted system similar to the SmarTire system. I found a company out of Burlington, Ontario, called Valor (www.valortpms.com; 800-568-9188, 905-631-6800). The company is a parts supplier; they do not do installations. After discussing the system with Don Rigby at Valor, I asked him to call Mike Thibeau, owner of Eagles Pride RV Parts and Service in Titusville, Florida, near where I live.
Mike installed the system in May. Shortly thereafter, we took off for the summer, loaded up with a motorcycle on a rear lift and towing a Jeep. So far, we have traveled a couple thousand miles, and the Valor system is working great. The readout module installed in the driver’s cockpit constantly scrolls along, giving an air pressure reading of all eight tires. A toggle switch on the readout monitor allows checking of both tire air pressure and tire temperature. You do not have to be in motion for it to work, unlike the SmarTire system.
I did not have the system put on our Jeep but easily could have had Mike do that.
The total cost of this system will vary depending on which chassis and coach and towed vehicle the system is being installed on. Contact Mike at Eagles Pride RV Parts and Service for details (321-383-0288, www.eaglespriderv.com).
Bill & Julia Snyder, F358011
Heathrow, Florida
Good Times In Nova Scotia
Dear Editor:
We attended the Scotian Roamers chapter’s Acadian Fall Colours rally in Clare, Nova Scotia, in September. It was wonderful! The country is beautiful, and everyone was extremely courteous, friendly, and helpful.
This was our first trip to Nova Scotia, and the rally gave us a crash course in the heritage and culture of the area. We experienced fiddling at its finest, a world-class Acadian dancing performance, a little comedy, and even a touch of magic. The musical entertainment each evening was top-notch. Le Richelieu Lodge was a beautiful and comfortably rustic building. Rally masters Joe and Helena Reddick (with the help of their entire family) provided sumptuous home-cooked breakfasts and dinners on all four days of the rally. Our compliments to the chefs!
The highlight for us was receiving the Order of the Good Times certificate. The requisites were only four: have a good time, remember everyone fondly, speak of them kindly, and return to Nova Scotia (and the return to Nova Scotia is not mandatory).
We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and highly recommend it.
Al & Nancy Auciello, F404209
Cincinnati, Ohio
No Driveway Parking
Dear Editor:
This is a warning for motorhome owners who live in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. Building code 22.20.025 [A] states that you cannot park a motorhome or trailer on a driveway between the street and a building. If you don’t have a garage at the end of the driveway, you are okay.
Richard J. Bruckner, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning, stated in a letter to me that the code is to maintain the residential character of the neighborhood and to ensure that the garage remains accessible at all times.
So, I have started to park on the street and drive the coach on an errand within 72 hours.
I’m surrounded by cities that do allow RV driveway parking and have high property values.
In the 30 years I’ve been parking an RV at this location, my garage has always been accessible, and the motorhome is as easy to move as my car.
Kenneth Safranek, F424029
Arcadia, California