A REFRESHER COURSE FOR THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF ROADTREKS copyright © 2014 John Roy & Harish Verma Cape Cod Roadtrek Rally 6/8/14 (Rev 6/10/14)
DEVELOPED & PRESENTED BY John Roy Roadtrek CyberRally Monitor & Harish Verma VP Region 3
DISCLAIMER: information provided in this presentation reflects the experiences of the authors and is for information purposes only. Always refer to your specific Roadtrek manual, associated appliances and ancillary equipment as the authoritative source http://www.roadtrek.com/manuals.aspx The objective of this presentation is to highlight the many areas of owner/user topics that will ensure enjoyable travels.
Essential items that you must know in order to operate and maintain your “Home on Wheels”
Pre Trip Preparation Control Panel Hooking Up Power Sources Monitors Water & Water Tanks Black & gray Water Tanks Macerators Refrigerators & Notes Propane Generators Furnace Hot Water Heater Air Conditioner / Heat Pump
Fantastic Fan Tires Weight Batteries Antenna & Switch Awning Cables, Adapters, Tools, Spare Parts Check Lists Lubrication Winterizing / De-winterizing Resources
Check & confirm all engine & house systems are operational Turn the refrigerator on the day before so it will get up to temperature before traveling Consider only partially filling your water tanks unless you are going directly to dry camping.
Battery switch must be on before you connect shore power so house batteries will charge Water level indicators can not be depended upon.
Leveling Before hooking up level your Roadtrek Carry commercial blocks or homemade ramps Electrical Test campground outlet before plugging in Some people use AC power monitors that protect from surges & over/under voltages Water Install pressure regulator if not installed by campground Run water through hose for a few minutes before connecting to clear hose and campground piping Cable No special considerations other than quick disconnects do not always make a good connection
Shore Power Check Power source before connecting ▪ Can purchase & use dedicated power monitors ▪ Use 30 Amp adapter & Electrical phase tester ▪ Use voltage meter or something like a Kilowatt meter Turn on Control Panel Power Switch before connecting to shore power Generator Starting the generator with the engine running is advisable to minimize house battery drain Turning generator on will override shore power after a short delay While only one source can deliver power, disconnecting shore
Use only when other sources not available Only some AC outlets will have inverter power Limited to 750 watts (see specific model) Will not power A/C, microwave or refrigerator Inverter will consume battery power even without any AC load Okay to run inverter while traveling if AC required.
Know where your monitors are located (CO2/Carbon Monoxide, Propane/LPG, Smoke) Periodically test monitors The CO2 and Propane Monitors are hooked up to the house battery and will discharge it over time unless the monitor power switch is turned OFF The Smoke detector uses batteries
Propane Smoke CO2
Depending on Roadtrek year, you may have two tanks, Inside and Outside Valve positions to control tanks is confusing and dependent upon RT model Tanks can be filled by either the main water line or the gravity fill port Overfilling will cause water to pour out of an overflow port or the external fill port
Pump Must not run continuously Make certain water input valve is perpendicular to the line for normal use Hot water tank may need air cavity Filters Consider buying an external or faucet filter Pressure Regulator Buy and use it unless campground has one already installed
Valve position as shown (perpendicular) is normal position to use city water or tank water. Parallel position fills the storage tank. If in wrong position the water pump will continue to run.
Faucet Filter External Filter
Leave drain valves closed until you are ready to dump Consider adding water to the black and gray tanks just before dumping to provide a good dump flow Open the black water valve and dump first Open the gray water valve and dump second as it will help clean out the lines
Earlier Roadtreks were not configured with macerators but some may have aftermarket installations Control panel must be ON to operate Best to operate with engine running DO NOT run dry (when discharge sputters consider stopping operation)
Modes Propane: Probably the most efficient Electric: Almost as efficient as propane Battery ▪ Used mostly to maintain and not to start up a warm refrigerator ▪ If engine not running, a refrigerator will drain a battery in the matter of a couple of hours.
When the refrigerator is not in use, prop the main and freezer doors open to prevent mold Buy a dual remote thermometer and put remote in the refrigerator.
Air Circulating Fan Remote Temperature Monitor
Most, if not all, RTs have a safety valve that will close if a break occurs and gas escapes Always open valve slowly or the safety shut off may activate blocking propane flow Driving while running the refrigerator on gas is a personal choice and typically frowned upon If you do drive with propane on then turn it off while refueling Lighting the stove is best method to confirm and prime propane if other devices are not working
Analog Meter Hard to see on 210 model Removable panel Safety Wire Flow Valve Fill Connector
MUST run monthly for ~ 2 hours with a load Run a few minutes without load before and after applying load Use electrical heater or A/C for 50%-75% load Ensures fresh gas pumped through carburetor and lines Dissipates moisture within generator If not done carburetor will gum up resulting in an expensive repair Service per owner’s manual
Start with only fan on for a few minutes before turning on the compressor Start the compressor on low before increasing Heat Pump only good when outside temperatures are 40 degrees or higher In hot weather consider making heat dispersing Fins (see presentation part 2) Coils could ice up with high humidity Clean the filter periodically
When turned on or off it will blow unheated air to ensure no gas is in the chamber before it ignites Do not block the exhaust grill area A new heater may smell as the oils burn off.
Pressure Relief Valve Reset Switch Anode Rod (Sacrificial element that should be replaced yearly if not sooner)
Great company and product. Usually all that is needed in warmer weather Remember to close the lid of the Fan before driving off even though damage is unlikely The screen needs cleaning once in a while The fan assembly can be unscrewed and cleaned If you have a screw down screen, consider replacing it with a snap up screen.
Pressure Should be specified on driver’s door jamb ▪ Typically 50 PSI front and 80 PSI rear when cold ▪ Some models require 65 PSI in the front Age Even tires with little wear should be changed every 5-7 years Tires have date code on side wall (Week, Year)
It’s important to know your Roadtrek is not overloaded in total weight or in distribution Weight information is typically located on the driver’s door jamb Stop at a truck stop such as Loves and drive onto the scale.
Lead Acid Cheapest and most forgiving Corrosion problems Sealed: Gel & AGM More expensive Maintenance free Sensitive to overcharge and extended discharge
Older Roadtreks have antenna built into roof. The only way to fine tune is moving RT Crank up antenna allows flexibility.
DO NOT roll out beyond the limit DO NOT leave up when you are not nearby (A sudden wind can destroy the awning) When setting up, tip one end such that rain will run off
30 Amp to 20 Amp plug 50 Amp to 30 Amp plug Extra 30 amp extender cable 20 amp extension cable Coax cable for TV Water Pressure Valve Extra water hose
Pack a general purpose set of tools Socket (1- 1/16 inch) to remove the hot water tank anode rod Tape: Duct, Plumbers, & Electrical Lubricants: Silicone Spray, WD 40, Graphite Jumper Cables
First Aid Kit Flashlights Fuses & Bulbs (familiarize yourself with fuse and circuit breaker locations) Leveling blocks Bungee cords Bubble level Portable heater
Make one or more checklists to ensure you don’t forget anything Pre Trip Departing Campground Storage Important Items Plug in refrigerator the day before your trip All drawers and cabinets closed & secure Outside storage areas closed & locked TV antenna down All power, water and cable disconnected & stowed
WD 40: many items Silicone Spray: crank items Graphite: locks White Grease: outside drawer slides
Required unless you live in an area that doesn’t go below freezing RTI Website has details performing this task 1-2 gallons of RV Antifreeze distributed throughout the water system Use hot water bypass valves and remove anode rod to drain tank and check for next season replacement
Roadtrek International Website http://www.roadtrekchapter.org/ Animated Electrical Drawing by John Slaughter http://metrotrekkers.org/utility/electrical.htm http://www.metrotrekkers.org/utility/notes.pdf Electrical Myth Busters by John Slaughter http://region7rally.org/RV_Myths_web_final.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS THAT WILL STEAMLINE THE HANDLING AND MAINTENANCE OF THE ROADTREK THEREBY ENHANCING YOUR ENJOYMENT
Spare Tire Lift Devices Overnight Parking Electronics Isolators A/C Heat Dispersing Fins Refrigerator Snyder Kit Solo Trekkers Traveling to Canada Phone Service Issues Dealing with Pets Under The Hood Maintenance Toilet Maintenance Storage Odds & Ends Emergencies Roadside Assistance Internet Resources
After market kits exist to reduce the effort moving the spare tire up and down EZee Lift (~$300) (http://www.ezee-lift.
Public Domain Areas Good Sam Article from Attorney states it’s okay to park in areas accessible to the public unless specifically stated otherwise Private Areas – Common (always ask first) Wal-Mart, Cracker Barrel, Truck Stops For overnight, DO NOT setup camp Private Areas - Other Churches, schools, libraries, hospitals, motels, professional plazas & strip malls
Consider using a GPS (Garmin, Magellan, TomTom etc.). Buy one with free lifetime map updates Do not talk back to the GPS if you get lost! Consider installing a back-up camera Wired back up cameras are more reliable than wireless ones. Wired ones require running a cable from the back to the front. Consider professional installation Carry your laptop or tablet or ipad with you. Free Wi-Fi is available at most places (campgrounds, McDonalds, Panera Bread etc.
Device under the hood, which “Isolates” the power going to the House Battery from the power going to the Engine Battery If one battery goes down the Isolator stops the drain from the other battery
The difference is the flow of current The isolator works with a diode system that only allows charging the house battery. Some of the newer Roadtreks have separators instead of isolators The separator will allow either source to charge the other when either source exceeds 13.2 volts.
A Roadtrekker designed the fins to minimize the recycle of hot air back into the cool intake. Good results have been experienced with this simple addition. http://www.trekin.digital-digs.net/AC-Improve.
After Market plenum and fan to increase air flow through refrigerator fins Trekkers have reported good results keeping refrigerator at temperature in hot climates Installation ease depends on Roadtrek model 190’s may need refrigerator removed 210’s can be done without refrigerator removal
Solo trekkers have special needs and requirements For ladies, safety is important Have quick access to an alarm in case of emergency If your vehicle has a remote alarm button, test it and use it if needed Have cell phone handy
You will need Passport to enter Canada. More importantly you will need it when returning back to the USA Be cool when crossing the border Answer the Border Guard’s questions as briefly as possible. Make eye contact. Do not joke with Border Guards. They are poorly paid and have no sense of humor DO NOT, REPEAT DO NOT, carry arms into Canada If travelling with Pets, have vaccination papers handy No need to convert currency.
Matter of personal choice & budget Verizon appears to have the best cell coverage Be careful when using service near borders or you may pick up an out of country tower and be charged for roaming Traveling in Canada consider using Free Skype if you have Wi-Fi
When travelling to rallies, let the Rally leader know that you are arriving with pets Arrange for pet care when leaving campsite for extended length of time (city tours etc.) Traveling out of the country requires special paperwork. http://travel.gc.
Check oil frequently Consider switching to full Synthetic (Lasts longer and is easier on the engine) Check Coolant level frequently Check Brake Fluid Check Power Steering Fluid Check Battery terminals and water level
Flush Black Water Tank after dumping After dumping, add a bit of Lubricant to the deodorizer (Coco Lube is a good brand) After winterizing, leave a little bit of pink antifreeze and a lubricant at the bottom of the bowl. Will keep the seal moist.
Select location that allows periodic access Take precautions to deter rodents Check monthly Run engine and/or take a short drive Run generator Check for any rodent activity (mice, squirrels) Using covers is questionable.
Periodically check your fire extinguisher.
Travel with appropriate travel medical coverage Have emergency numbers handy and easily accessible Have a few copies of your medication and medical history that can be provided to a doctor in case of an emergency
Have a reliable Roadside Assistance company to help you in case of breakdown Keep their number handy, on the dashboard Insist on using flatbed truck when towing.
Harvesthosts.com www.boondockerswelcome.com www.rvillage.com www.Freecampsites.net http://roadtreking.com/ https://groups.yahoo.
And brings people TOGETHER like nothing else can! ©
And brings people TOGETHER like nothing else can! © And brings people TO GATHER like nothing else can!
