Tech Talk: January 2017

I’m trying to find a mirror or camera that views the front end of the RV. Any suggestions?

 

Ric Moyer, F459381

Yucaipa, California

 

I’m assuming you’re referring to something that allows you to see the front of the motorhome as you travel, such as a camera/monitor setup or a mirror like school buses and postal service vehicles have. One option is the Magellan RoadMate RV9165T-LM, a GPS system that can be paired with the Magellan Wireless Back-up Camera. I wrote about this in the November 2013 issue of FMC (“Look Ahead, Look Behind,” page 48). The camera automatically comes online when the shifter is placed in reverse and overrides the GPS to give the driver a view of the rear of the RV. The camera is in a license frame that is designed to be placed in the coach’s license bracket. The camera is energized by the backup lights circuit. For your purposes, the camera could be placed in the motorhome’s front license plate bracket and energized by a toggle switch. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price of the RoadMate RV9165T-LM is $349.99, and the Wireless Back-up Camera is $149.99.

 

An alternative that might meet your needs, while also providing side views, is the TrailVision Off-Road Jeep Camera System, recently introduced by Retrofit Offroad. While designed specifically for Jeep and off-road use, TrailVision should be easily adaptable to motorhome use. 

 

The all-in-one TrailVision System, which has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $749.99, includes cameras, camera mounts, and accessories. Its Quad View 7-inch LCD color monitor supports up to four cameras (front, both sides, and an additional rear camera for security, if you wish). The monitor includes DVR capabilities and allows for changing out standard SD cards up to 32 gigabytes each. The monitor is said to work well at night, with backlit buttons and automatic screen dimming. “Triggers” let you switch cameras without taking hands off the wheel. The small, lightweight cameras can be mounted with no drilling or zip tying, and they can be removed easily without having to uninstall most of the wiring. For the DIY RVer, step-by-step documentation allows the entire system to be installed in an afternoon. For information, visit www.retrofitoffroad.com/trailvision-off-road-jeep-camera-system.

---

I have been towing a 2013 Ford Edge behind my motorhome. I am buying a 2016 Ford Edge, which I also will tow. The new Edge has all LEDs for directional and brake lights. I want to take the taillight lens off the back of the car and put sockets in those fixtures so that I can disconnect the wires from the car and plug into the wire coming from the motorhome in order to run the car’s directional and brake lights. Can I put new sockets into the taillights on the 2016 Edge? If not, I thought maybe I could split the wires coming from the car to the taillights and install a socket (female and male). So I would disconnect that and plug it into the socket that comes from the motorhome. 

 

Ernie Jarvis, F227309

Cohoes, New York

 

I’m not an expert on all of the latest LED taillights, but all of the LED taillights I’ve worked with in the past did not have any space for additional assemblies. They are not like bulbed taillights. Usually, they are the taillights. I recommend a set of magnetized lights instead. Perhaps you should talk with the lead service writer at your Ford dealer to determine if I’m mistaken about the Edge’s taillights. Or you might consider having a good RV technician install a diode kit in order to use the Edge’s own taillights while towing.

---

I have a 2008 Holiday Rambler Neptune XL diesel pusher, which I purchased used three years ago. Ever since then, the dash air conditioner has never blown cold air. Possibly it needs to be recharged. Is there anything I can do myself, or do I need to take it to a diesel mechanic?

 

Tom Felch, F425597

Hudson, New Hampshire

 

Most likely it’s a refrigerant leak (or worse). An air-conditioning technician will be needed to find the leak, and then it can be repaired. You could try adding a can of R134a refrigerant, but it could take several cans. And without repairing the leak, the air conditioner will malfunction again.