This happens even though the vacuum will remain in the canister overnight after the engine is stopped. The next day, with the ignition switched on, my manual dash switch will operate the flap valve a few times with no leak evident. Do I need an auxiliary vacuum electric pump to sustain the vacuum?
Richard Lordahl
Woodland Hills, California
In many vehicles of your coach’s era (GM included), a vacuum reserve tank was used as you describe. On some models, a vacuum check valve was incorporated in this vacuum reserve tank fitting, at the engine vacuum side. You might use a manual (hand-operated) vacuum pump (with its own vacuum gauge) connected in the system loop to determine the situation. If you find that the vacuum check valve I mentioned is bad or missing, you should be able to find a universal vacuum check valve at an auto parts store.
Oily Exhaust
We own a 2004 40-foot Safari Zanzibar with a Cummins ISL 370 diesel engine. When the exhaust brake is turned on, an excessive amount of oily substance comes out of the tube located at the rear of the coach (I think it is called the slobber tube). This substance covers the rear of the coach and the front of the towable. I have checked the oil level, and it does not seem to be going down; the oil level is 1/2-inch above the full mark. This leads me to believe that this substance is diesel fuel. The coach has been sitting for three months, and I did not start the engine before checking the oil level. I called Brake Systems Inc., U.S. Gear, and Gale Banks Engineering, and none of them had an answer regarding the cause. Has anyone had this same problem when activating the exhaust brake, and, if so, how did they correct the problem?
Dan Johnson, F373803
Montana City, Montana
Any exhaust brake, irrespective of the brand (as far as I know), uses moving parts to effect the retarding action. These moving parts all require periodic lubrication. Because of the extremely hot environment the exhaust brake operates in, common petroleum lubricants must not be used. Doing so may cause the butterfly and shaft to seize. The exhaust brake industry has developed a specialized lubricant for engine exhaust brake systems.
I contacted a Cummins engine owner’s help-line specialist, who consulted with members of the Cummins’ engine engineering staff. They noted that one potential cause for your problem may be a leaky or otherwise challenged oil seal in the diesel engine’s turbocharger. Diagnosing this would require the expertise of a Cummins engine specialist who has access to the special equipment, skills, and service manuals required to correctly check and fix this engine component.
The names, locations, and phone numbers of nearby certified Cummins service centers in your area are: Tri State Truck, Great Falls, (406) 452-9551; J.D. Truck Repair & Alignment, Helena, (406) 443-4644.
Convertor/Charger
I am looking for a battery charger that I can use to replace a convertor. I want a charger that will do a bulk-rate charge similar to most inverters, but I can’t afford an inverter and really do not need one. I know I have read of a charger that will accomplish what I want to do, but I do not remember the name of it.
Martin H. Sherlock, F166464
Naples, Florida
Two names were suggested to me: Xantrex Technology Inc. (408-987-6030, www.xantrex.com) and Guest (707-226-9600, www.guestco.com), a part of the Marinco Electrical Group. I will add one more, Magnum Energy Inc. (425-353-8833, www.magnumenergy.com).
Xantrex offers inverters, convertors, and chargers, while Guest has convertors and chargers.
I couldn’t find a solo charger at Magnum; however, the company does have several different inverters that include chargers.
Other companies that may have the kind of charger you are looking for are Deltran Corporation (www.batterytender.com), maker of the Battery Tender, and Progressive Dynamics (www.progressivedyn.com).
Finding Furniture
I saw your list of companies that offer used RV parts (“Radiator For A 1989 Foretravel,” page 22, February 2008). I cut it out for future reference. We have been to Walt’s RV Surplus several times and have found it useful, but the store carries very little in furniture. I would like to find dining chairs to replace the uncomfortable chairs that came in our motorhome. I understand that furniture that has been removed for remodel or end-of-season changes to models on the manufacturing line can be found at discount prices; do you have a list of companies?
Joe Geddes, F212698
FMCA Mail Forwarding
A number of FMCA commercial members and advertisers offer furniture and upholstery. Check the furniture/upholstery category in the Business Directory that appears in the June 2008 issue of FMC or online at FMCA.com. Some of the other salvage or surplus companies mentioned on the previously published list may be able to help as well. Also, you may wish to call Icke’s RV Surplus at (765) 728-5668. They are located in Montpelier, Indiana, and have acres of RV stuff. Another option is to contact dealers or service centers in your area to see whether they have furniture that was removed during a remodel. Finally, you might try contacting the manufacturer of your motorhome “” or other manufacturers “” to see whether they have surplus furniture. If you’re ever in Iowa, Forest City is the home of Winnebago Industries. They have a huge surplus store. The company also has a visitors center, and they offer plant tours.
Paint Codes
Where do I find the paint code for my 2002 Dolphin LX? As National RV no longer exists, is there an equivalent paint color in another brand?
Andre and June Turcot, F397637
Gilbert’s Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada
The first place you should look for your motorhome’s paint codes is on the vehicle identification plate or label attached to your coach. The plate or label lists information such as the vehicle model number, serial number, date of manufacture, gross vehicle weight rating, and sometimes the codes for the paint and trim. Including paint code information on the identification plate is done at the discretion of the manufacturer, so it may or may not be there.
Another option is to check the vendors list as provided by National RV. Under the heading “Paints/Adhesives” are the names and telephone numbers of companies that provided paint products or painting services to National RV. For a while this list was posted on the company’s Web site. In anticipation of the site ultimately being removed, we kept a copy of the list and would be glad to send it to anyone who needs it.
A service that is quite interesting and may be helpful in your case is available through DuPont Performance Coatings and DuPont’s automotive paint stores. The company has developed a computerized color matching system that is known as ChromaVision. According to information from DuPont about the system, a technician places the ChromaVision device against the surface of the vehicle and pushes a button to take a paint color reading. Typically three readings are taken, and the information is transmitted to DuPont’s ColorNet computer system, which matches that color with a DuPont paint color or blend formula. Contact a local DuPont automotive paint provider or service center for more information.
Trailer Towing No. 1
I have a 2000 38-foot Newmar Dutch Star and am getting ready to add a towable. I am thinking of buying a tandem trailer with surge brakes to carry my Jeep Wrangler or Grand Cherokee. I contacted a trailer manufacturer here in Dallas, Texas, and he gave me a price of $1,900 for a 7-foot-by-16-foot tandem-axle trailer with lights, internal ramps, and surge brakes. I’m just thinking that this may be a better way to haul something around. I would have the usual problems of tying down, storage, licensing, insurance, 1,500 pounds of additional weight, and maintenance, though. I really would appreciate your input.
Bob Nichols, F397283
Garland, Texas
We discuss this very thing in seminars at every FMCA international convention. Let me start by saying I also have two Jeeps “” a 1982 CJ-7 (my trail Jeep) and a 2007 JK Rubicon Unlimited (used for everyday driving) “” and I use both towing methods. I use a tow bar and supplemental brakes on the JK, and I trailer my CJ. I use the trailer to haul that particular vehicle for several reasons: I can back it into campsites; I can replace tires on the dual-axle trailer for about the same cost as one tire on the Jeep; if the Jeep breaks, I can still get it home; and with its new 4-to-1 low range, it is no longer towable.
I believe you can safely tow your Jeeps either way. Check total prices for both versions (including supplemental braking on the towable), the cost of replacing tires on the towable versus the tires on the trailer, and then make up your mind. I would suggest one thing, however: don’t go with surge brakes. If you decide to tow using the trailer, use electric brakes. Surge brakes are usually used on some tow dollies and all heavy-duty boat trailers (because of immersion in water) these days. Electric is much more controllable and won’t drag while going downhill.
Also, you might have some misconceptions about additional problems when using a trailer. First, I’ve found that trailer maintenance, even here in the sun of Arizona, is about as minimal as it can get. In the states with which I’m familiar (California, Nevada, Arizona), additional insurance on a trailer is not required (it’s covered by the towing vehicle’s insurance); you receive a permanent registration since there’s no living quarters involved, so that’s a one-time charge only. Of course, you need to check the rules and regulations in your home state.
As I said, I wouldn’t go with surge brakes. And you might want to consider a larger trailer than what you mentioned, even if you have to buy a used one. I use four nylon ratchet tie-downs that I keep in a toolbox I mounted on the trailer’s tongue. For safety, I also use jack stands beneath the rear corners of the trailer during loading/unloading to avoid stressing the back end of the coach when the weight transfers.
My trailer has an 8-foot-by-18-foot bed, which allows me to carry sand tires in front of the CJ when I go to the dunes, and it also has enough room for an ATV (or two) if the grandkids want to take their toys. If you go small, you may find it’s too small in a short time. And I’m not sure the Grand Cherokee would fit on a 7-foot-by-16-foot, trailer, so be sure to measure.
In addition to the above, for many of us a transporter trailer can take the place of a pickup truck. You can haul drywall, lumber, pipes, trash, etc., on it without having the added licensing and insurance expenses that you would need for a pickup.
A list of trailer manufacturers and dealers can be found in the Business Directory published in the June 2008 issue of Family Motor Coaching by looking under the “Towing” or “Towing Equipment” headings, or on FMCA.com.
Air Compressors
I enjoy reading your comments in each magazine and look forward to each issue. My question is about small, portable air compressors. I am very protective of my tires (thanks to your Tech Talk columns) and always check them cold each time the coach is going on the road. What kind of compressors are on the market to take along for just topping off the tires (if needed) each day? My coach is a 2002 Monaco Windsor. I keep the front tires at 110 pounds and the rear at 100 pounds. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Jim and Janice Grissom, F216188
Mesa, Arizona
Your coach has air brakes, which means that it also has a “glad hand” air connection available. Yours is located in the LP-gas compartment. All you will need are a 50-foot air hose with a tire filling fitting at one end and a connector fitting to attach it to the “glad hand” at the other, all of which can be found at Sears or Wal-Mart. Sears also offers a vast selection of air compressors, both 12-volt-DC and 120-volt-AC (since you have a generator), and applicable accessories (hoses, gauges, connectors, etc.). Almost all auto parts stores offer many different compressors, again both 12-volt and 120-volt; some offer complete kits, so keep an eye out for sales.
Another option is the Inflation Stations that are available from any Firestone Ride Rite air helper spring dealer. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the heavier-duty air compressor (kit 9289) is $362.15, while kit 9290 is $249.27. Firestone offers a two-year limited warranty (see dealer for details). For more information, call (800) 888-0650 or visit www.fsip.com/riderite/applications/airrite/inflationstation.shtml.
You might also want to consider the Power Tank, a portable air system designed for high-pressure RV tires, which is available from Advanced Air Systems, (209) 366-2163; www.powertank.com.
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