Generators And Nonuse
Dear RV Doctor:
I previously owned a motorhome with a diesel generator, and there were exercise requirements to follow during storage. I now drive a 2015 Newmar Bay Star Sport with a gas generator. Some people suggest that putting a stabilizer in the gasoline and running it long enough to get it through the carburetor is sufficient maintenance for several months of nonuse. Is that true?
Lowell Bergen, F415297
Keizer, Oregon
A fuel stabilizer certainly cannot hurt, but it’s also wise to top off the tank with gasoline to keep moisture intrusion to a minimum. And virtually all RV generators require regular exercise during periods of nonuse, if at all possible.
At least once a month, apply a 50 percent to 70 percent load and allow the generator to provide the power for an hour or two. Unless you have an energy management system (EMS), it might be difficult to determine exactly what a 50 percent to 70 percent load is (though you could do the math). So, after warming up the generator, simply turn on all the air conditioners and the 120-volt-AC function of the absorption refrigerator; in addition, boil some water in the microwave, power the electric element in the water heater, and perhaps run a hair dryer or plug in a curling iron. Powering that load for an hour or two every month will eliminate moisture and minimize carbon buildup in the generator and will maintain relatively new fuel in the carburetor, thereby lessening the varnishing effect (stale fuel) that can develop over an extended period of nonuse.
If you cannot visit the coach every month during storage, at least exercise the generator as described as often as you can. I’d also suggest changing the oil in the generator and exercising it once more before heading out on that first trip after the storage period.
Dog-Bone Adapter
Dear RV Doctor:
We have 30-amp service coming into our motorhome. We will be camping at a site that has only 50-amp service. I have a 50-amp-to-30-amp dog-bone adapter, but only a 30-amp surge protector. Can I place this after the 50-to-30 dog-bone adapter before plugging in my coach shore power cord?
Joe Juman
Via email
Yes, you can plug into shore power like you’ve suggested. But typically, if 50-amp service is available, there is a 30-amp receptacle as well. If you’re sure the pedestal will be equipped with a 50-amp receptacle only, it is quite okay to reduce that to 30 amps as outfitted in the motorhome. And yes, the surge protection would be inserted between the coach and the adapter. But look for a 30-amp receptacle first. The fewer mechanical connections (plug-ins), the better.
With 50-amp service, you will be connected through only one leg of the incoming 240-volt electricity, and the surge protector will see only that one leg of 120 volts AC, since it will be plugged directly into the 30-amp end of the dog-bone reducer. You will be fine. The coach still will be limited to 30 amps max. But measure the voltage at the 50-amp receptacle before plugging anything into the pedestal to verify it is wired correctly. Here’s how it should measure:
*120 volts AC (+/- 5 percent) between the ground pin and each leg of the incoming voltage.
*120 volts AC (+/- 5 percent) between the neutral conductor and each leg of the incoming voltage.
*0 volts AC (nominal) between the ground pin and neutral conductor.
*240 volts AC between the two hot legs.
If you measure 0 volts between the two hot legs, do not plug in any of your equipment! That means they are both wired to the same electrical phase. Even though it’s unlikely that would harm your 30-amp coach, it would still be an incorrectly wired receptacle and could damage the next 50-amp coach that plugs in. Report all miswired receptacles to park management immediately.
If you haven’t yet seen it, I suggest you watch the video I made for FMCA that focuses on three test devices all RV owners should carry to ensure a safe electrical connection to a shore power receptacle. Go to www.youtube.com/watch?v=Led8UIMtbI8.
Thirds And Quarters
Dear RV Doctor:
I have a 2011 Itasca Sunova 33C I purchased new. It is equipped with the Precision Circuits One Place control center. About two years in, the holding tank levels began reading in quarters rather than thirds. This eliminated the full (F) reading. Recently, my tanks started giving wildly false readings, so I looked up how to reset the panel and did so. This brought the gauges back to reading in thirds for a day or two, and then it went back to quarters. Another reset worked again, except now the holding tanks read in thirds but the propane tank is still in quarters. Perhaps it always was this way, but it has been so long, I don’t recall.
My question: There are only three sensors on the side of the tanks (I visually verified this), so how does it even read in quarters?
Rory Tuggle, F407193
Las Vegas, Nevada
Though the panel is designed for both thirds and quarters, the default setting is in thirds, and if four sensors are attached to each holding tank, the panel has to “learn” that. You did the right thing by resetting the panel. But there are two prerequisites for it to learn how many sensors are in place. First, the voltage at the sensors must be at least 12.5 volts DC. Second, the tank must be completely filled (typically with fresh water), as it “learns” the system it is attached to. Once the tank has been fully filled, try resetting the panel again by holding down all three buttons for about eight seconds.
My conversation with the product supplier indicates there have been cases where the sensor adhesive has simply worn out and the sensor may not be firmly attached to the tank at the various levels. Even though you visually verified there are currently three in place, look closely and see whether a fourth sensor may have fallen off. And if possible, try to ensure that the remaining sensors are firmly attached. They are quite sensitive. Even running your hand up above the sensors may indicate a higher level on the panel. It’s possible a few (or most) of the sensors have failed. Precision Circuits uses a sturdy 3M double-backed tape to apply the sensors. But it all falls back on the original installer. Was the tank surface properly prepped? Feel free to contact Precision Circuits customer service at (603) 515-9100 or by email at support@precisioncircuitsinc.com.
As for why the propane tank measures in quarters and the holding tanks measure in thirds, you’ve stumped me on that one! Once you check the security of the sensors, looking for an elusive fourth, and reset the panel with the tanks filled to capacity, perhaps a call to customer service might still be in order.