Faded Decal Removal
I have a 2003 Type C motorhome with Dutchmen logo decals that are faded and cracked. What is the best way to remove them?
Robert Robinson, F392694
River Grove, Illinois
The easiest method for removing aging decals is to use a hair dryer. Heat sections of the decal and carefully remove it. Be advised, however, that the surface beneath the decal may not match the paint that’s been exposed to air all these years. Also, if possible, start in a location that’s somewhat hidden. This will give you a chance to practice your technique and possibly avoid making a glaring mistake.
Mandalay Lighting
I have a 2006 Mandalay Coach motorhome, model 40E, which I purchased in July 2016. This company is no longer in business, and, as far as I can tell, no one bought it, so I have no customer service department to contact. The owners manual does not state how the lighting works, other than the steering arm turn signal lever controls it from “high to low beam.”
My question is regarding the high-low beam headlights. When the headlights are on low, the outside large headlights are on; when I pull the turn signal lever arm on the steering wheel toward me, the large headlights on the outside go out or dark and the much smaller inside headlights come on. Is this normal? Also, this RV has fog lights, but I cannot find the control knob.
Rodney Turner, F460256
Lincoln, Nebraska
The Mandalay was manufactured by the Mandalay Luxury Division of Four Winds International Corporation. Thor Motor Coach purchased Four Winds in 1992. So, the good news is that the manufacturer of your coach is still in operation. I visited the Thor Motor Coach website and found your owners manual. Section 5-6 covers lighting. It says a control knob for the headlights, fog lights, and other lights is located on the dash — not the steering column.
Owners manuals for Thor Motor Coach brands are available online. Visit www.thormotorcoach.com; click on the “owners” tab at the top; scroll down and click on the “owners manuals” box; then, on the left side of the screen, select a brand. Here is a link to the 2006 Mandalay owners manual: www.goo.gl/dzP0oj. And, here is a link to customer care: https://thormotorcoach.com/customer-care. The customer care phone number is (877) 855-2867.
Jeep Replacement
I can no longer tow my 2004 Jeep Liberty as a result of an accident. Is there another vehicle in which the odometer does not accumulate miles while towing four wheels down?
Frederick W. Greaves Sr., F210457
Rochester, New Hampshire
I’m so sorry about your Jeep, but I do have good news. Any relatively new vehicle that is approved for flat towing and equipped with an electronic speedometer will not accrue mileage while being towed. You might choose to replace the Liberty with a four-door Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited and continue to enjoy your adventures. If you do buy a Rubi, you might want to look into joining FMCA’s 4-Wheelers chapter. According to its website, www.fmca4wheelers.com, right now the chapter has a waiting list.
Silverado Tow Procedure
After reading “Towing a Silverado” (“Tech Talk,” April 2017, page 20), I have a question. I own a 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500 4×4 with a two-speed transfer case. Document ID: 2884413 from Chevrolet provides the procedures needed to flat-tow the truck, but the document also says to turn the ignition to lock/off and remove the key. This would lock the steering column (a “dumb key” would have no use). I do have a battery disconnect switch, so battery drain is not a problem. Is locking the steering column and turning the key off the right procedure?
Fred Radandt, F462496
Manitowoc, Wisconsin
I’m not sure where the information you referenced originated, but I found a GM Service Bulletin, dated June 2013, with step-by-step instructions on preparing the 2014 Silverado 4×4 for flat towing. It says to put the key in ACC and use a second key to lock the doors. Visit Goo.gl/5jgfMn.