Correction
As a result of an editing error, the “Baffling Battery Drain” entry on page 20 of the March 2016 “House Calls” column contained incorrect information. A question dealt with a motorhome chassis battery that mysteriously drains. A sentence in the third paragraph of the answer should have said: “To check for a drain on the battery, make sure the shoreline cord is unplugged and remove the negative cable from the chassis battery.” In the fourth paragraph, a sentence should have read, “At the chassis fuse panel, remove each fuse, one at a time.” FMC regrets the error.
Subaru Flat-Towing Comes Into Question
Family Motor Coaching magazine has published its annual Towables Guide since 1999, and each year, the list of vehicles that can be towed four wheels down behind a motorhome has included various Subaru models that are equipped with a manual transmission. The list is based on information FMC receives from each manufacturer, including Subaru. However, it appears Subaru is rethinking its position on flat towing.
Recently, FMC heard from several FMCA members who were told by Subaru employees that Subarus should not be flat towed behind a motorhome. FMC immediately contacted the company. As the May issue went to press, Subaru’s corporate office was researching the matter and had not provided a definitive answer as to whether the company has changed its policy regarding flat towing. However, when an FMC editor called Subaru customer service, the Subaru representative said the company recommends towing via a flatbed trailer, except in emergency situations.
FMC will continue to seek clarification. When more information becomes available, it will be posted on FMCA’s online Forums (community.fmca.com) and published in the magazine.
Sealing A Leak In An Aqua-Hot System
Dear Editor:
I fixed a problem with my motorhome’s Aqua-Hot system recently and wanted to share my experience with other motorhome owners.
The problem started when the RV had no hot water and indicated a low coolant level. I topped off the coolant and again had a problem. It turned out that there was a coolant leak from within the Aqua-Hot main unit. It appeared to be located either to the rear or in the bay opposite (where the power cord reel and water hose reels are).
The warranty had expired, but I contacted Vehicle Systems Inc. for advice and was informed the two options were to remove, repair, and reinstall the unit or to purchase a new unit. Both options cost between $5,000 and $8,000. When I inquired about some sort of stop-leak product, I was told it would plug the zone system pumps.
I visited my favorite auto parts store here in Sierra Vista, Arizona, M&M Auto Parts, and described the system and where the leak was. I also expressed my concern about using a stop-leak product. They recommended AlumAseal, a powdered aluminum product said not to clump and/or plug up the pumps.
I used two tubes of AlumAseal. (They cost $3.10 each.) After about 10 days, the leak stopped, and it has not shown any sign of leaking for three months. And I have tested it with all zones at maximum temperature.
Wes Graybill, F238160
Sierra Vista, Arizona
Gary Bunzer replies: I wouldn’t go along with this if the motorhome were still under warranty. It’s typically not a good idea to go against the recommendations of the supplier/manufacturer. But in your case (and if I were in your shoes), I’d probably try something before using that much of my recreational fund for repairs and/or replacement. You would assume all liability, of course, but if the AlumAseal works, you’ve gambled correctly. If not, you’ll end up replacing the unit anyway.
Time will tell.
Battery Drain Repair
Dear Editor:
Our chassis battery would not stay charged, either, similar to the problem described by Tom Walsh with his 2010 Winnebago (“Baffling Battery Drain,” March 2016, page 20). In our 2010 Winnebago Via, technicians at Rocky Mountain RV World Inc. found a .23-amp draw when the parking brake was on; the draw went down to .03 amp when the brake was off.
Winnebago told the technicians to rewire the relay for the driver’s seat. Once they took out the seat and rewired the relay, the battery drain issue was fixed. Now the key has to be in the “on” position to operate the seat.
Lee Thielman, F412211
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Gary Bunzer replies: Thank you, Lee. I have passed your info on to Mr. Walsh. Perhaps this will help other members as well.
Blue Bird’s Built-In Starting Solution
Dear Editor:
Regarding the Blue Bird Wanderlodge starting problem described in the April 2016 “House Calls” column (“Battery Bank Configurations,” page 22), Blue Bird designed the separate generator system to prevent starting problems when the chassis batteries are low. The full-sized battery is kept fully charged while driving or plugged in to a 110-volt source. Mr. Hart needs only to start the generator and run it for a few minutes, and the main batteries will be charged enough to start the engine.
During our nine years of experience with a Wanderlodge, their system never failed us.
Steve Morrison, F87507
Rockland, Maine