First Trip in our New Elite Suites

[donshapansky]

We are certainly having teething issues. The refer doors will not stay closed and found most of the food items on the floor after only 50 miles. Turns out a bungie cord came to the rescue.
The fireplace latch is so weak it will not stay stowed, I don't see any adjustments for the catch.
I installed soft starts on the 3 A/C units and before I could set one to off after starting the generator at a rest stop it popped the breaker and the lunch stop was a total fiasco.
Pulling the rig is very impressive in terms of ride, braking and stability in cross winds. We drove 360 miles today from Granbury, TX to Amarillo with cross winds and 102F peak temp. The truck (2019 F-350 diesel) did a great job, it pulls some mean hills without downshifting out of 6th and held cruise settings very well in the hills with the exhaust brake armed and adaptive cruise operational.;)

[Notanlines]

Don, first the pleasant side, welcome to the forum. Secondly, how did the generator and AC's cycle when you did your PDI? Whoever did your soft start install should have taken care of this. I know this doesn't help, but I haven't seen any system that needed the soft start with a factory Onan.

[GTM]

The first trip always fun. Yes a strap around the fridge doors does resolve the issue of the doors flying open. Still working on keeping the items inside secure, IE beer bottles all over the place. I have a bungie cord secured in each cabinet between the fire place and remember to run it across the front of the fire place before we leave. Be sure to check the sliders for the fireplace cabinet I found that the inside walls that they were attached to wer loose letting the cabinet move around and the fire place to come loose. Also be sure to latch the sliding door on your bedroom closet.

[Cummins12V98]

I will bet the load being generated to recharge the batteries is the culprit along with heating the water heater etc.

[porthole]

We are certainly having teething issues. The refer doors will not stay closed and found most of the food items on the floor after only 50 miles. Turns out a bungie cord came to the rescue.
The fireplace latch is so weak it will not stay stowed, I don't see any adjustments for the catch.
I installed soft starts on the 3 A/C units and before I could set one to off after starting the generator at a rest stop it popped the breaker and the lunch stop was a total fiasco.



Fridge - velcro strap around the handles - should be standard. We also use the "spring bars" inside. And I use a couple of the clear plastic bins (available Lowes, not Home Depot).
If the bin is not full, for instance the beer bin is less then full I fill the spaces with cut pool noodles. I'll use pool noodle pieces on the door bins.

AC's - $15 soft start capacitors or the expensive micro air version?
Factory Onan 5500? That's only 22-23 amps per leg.
The AC's may hit 20 amps starting. As cummins mentioned the battery charger may also be a culprit.
Standard battery chargers could draw 8-12 amps AC
If you have the whole house inverter with the built in charger you could be drawing 15+ amps when it starts in bulk mode (capable of 125 amps DC)

Turn off the charger and water heater, find out which AC's are on which legs. Only turn on the two units (opposite legs)

Fireplace latch - do you have the fireplace drawer feature?
Mine fell out while being delivered to the dealer. 2 years later I am still finding the ball bearings that spilled out of the tracks.

If so, there is no adjustment, the retention is in the drawer guides, similar to household type guides.
The baby door clip is useless to hold that heavy drawer.

I drilled holes through the sides (measure multiple times) and use 4"x3/8" clevis pins.
Hint - drill from the cabinet side into the fireplace drawer, Before actually drilling through the fireplace drawer, push the drawer in, that way when the clevis pin is inserted the spring action will keep tension on it.

[donshapansky]

Thanks for the fireplace tip, I was thinking the same solution, when I get home that will be the first item. The 1000 watt inverter was not armed so the fridge was always dark when I checked, but now I believe we will have cooling going on when on the road. The soft starts were added to allow 30 amp service with 2 airs and to hopefully extend the life of the units. We now know how to operate them and have not had any issues since.
We talked to our dealer today and heard about the Velcro strap, I had the material along to make one today. Now we are in Laramie, WY tonight very happy with the overall experience, the truck is making a believer out of me. Lots of wind and hills on cruise at 65 - 70 depending on construction zone from Limon, CO we made 8.0 mpg. The CAT scales say our GVW is 30,040 lbs. Steer Axle 5,120, Drive Axle 8,840 Trailer Axles 16,080 Net Weight of loaded trailer is 21,080 with full water, empty waste tanks and food, clothes, LPG full.

[wingnut60]

Check into the FridgeFixer to keep your fridge doors closed--one time easy install and doors will not come open when moving.

[donshapansky]

Has anyone been able to contact DRV Technical Support? I have tried several different days morning and pm in most cases someone picks up the phone and hangs up, other times it goes into a fast busy signal.

[GTM]

Have you tried E-Mail. When I have contacted them in the last few months they are short handed.

[MASTERDRAGO]

https://i.imgur.com/SkLBO5c.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/gjtlZ6G.jpg


Our doors are held shut by this little hand tightened threaded piece. It goes into an iron bar attached between the ref & frz doors. That bar is attached to a pair of bars that go to the rear and attach to the back wall. I had to add the large plastic washer.

[MASTERDRAGO]

Inside the refrigerator I use to line the shelves, Duck Brand EasyLiner Shelf and Drawer Liner, Non-Adhesive from AMZN. Keeps the plastic tubs from moving around.

[donshapansky]

We did the same in the fridge with drawer liner between that and a velcro strap the fridge is now operational.
When I get home the the fireplace issue will be addressed thank you for the pictures!
We are in Idaho Falls for a few days and have visited Jackson and Yellowstone parks in the last 2 days. Next we head to Butte and then Billings. We will do an out trip to Red Lodge for my wife's birthday, she has the restaurant all picked out. We love these 59 F mornings! Especially when it's 110 F at home.

[donshapansky]

Well we had an interesting lunch stop today on the way to Butte, MT, leaving McDonald's I had to make a sharp right turn and as I was swinging the truck hard right the brakes locked up on the trailer. I had blocked 2 lanes in a small town and was unable to figure out how to unlock them. An escort truck for moving a large piece of farm equipment came to my rescue, he said the 350 should pull it straight regardless of the brakes being locked. So I stuck it in low range 4 wheel and got the rig to the curb. The other escort driver said the brakes are locked, is the breakaway cable pulled out of the switch? I looked sure enough, the recommended tiedown position was too short on a hard RH turn! I'm glad it happened in a small town and I'm going to share it with my dealer who said where to hook it. (to the locking pin of the hitch).

[wingnut60]

Did that once in Tyler, TX, pulling out of parking lot. Blocking 3 lanes. Yes, 450 pulled it into the center turn lane to re-insert the pin. Soon after, got one of the coiled flex lines for the pin, no more inadvertent pulls...

[Cummins12V98]

Please tell me your "recommended" tie down position?

[donshapansky]

They connected it to locking pin of the hitch, it looked OK to me but obviously on a hard right turn it wasn't enough slack.

[Cummins12V98]

Simply NOT the correct place. Should NOT be attached to the hitch. Should be attached to the truck bed.

[donshapansky]

That's what I have done, I got a new coiled strap today to give more flexibility even though with the new position I didn't need it.

[porkchop]

Damn!! That's 3 times in the last year that cummins and I agree on something. YEMV

Bill

[Notanlines]

Damn!! That's 3 times in the last year that cummins and I agree on something. YEMV

Bill

Makes it not quite as much fun coming here to read! :D Actually, there's more to be learned on these sites if all members don't agree on everything. How much fun would we have if we all had Goodyear tires and pulled with a hauler?

[Cummins12V98]

damn!! That's 3 times in the last year that cummins and i agree on something. Yemv

bill

yeeeeehaw!

[porkchop]

I couldn't agree more. Just don't take it personal, because it's not.

Bill

[OCB]

Makes it not quite as much fun coming here to read! :D Actually, there's more to be learned on these sites if all members don't agree on everything. How much fun would we have if we all had Goodyear tires and pulled with a hauler?

Just to say I don't agree with Goodyear being good. When I had the 16 inch tires, Goodyear use to work with you. Then I have two 17.5 tires with thread separation. GY wanted the 5 tires back for adjustment (verbal). I paid Discount Tire the full amount expecting a credit back based on a non-binding estimate of credit. That amount was greater than than coupon/discount. Weeks later I received a call that good old GY was NOT adjusting 17.5 tires.

Clay I like using a hauler to pull.

[Cummins12V98]

Just to say I don't agree with Goodyear being good. When I had the 16 inch tires, Goodyear use to work with you. Then I have two 17.5 tires with thread separation. GY wanted the 5 tires back for adjustment (verbal). I paid Discount Tire the full amount expecting a credit back based on a non-binding estimate of credit. That amount was greater than than coupon/discount. Weeks later I received a call that good old GY was NOT adjusting 17.5 tires.

Clay I like using a hauler to pull.

You needed to go to a GY owned store for the best results. Discount has no skin in the game. I guarantee someone did NOT do what they were supposed to. GY replaced all 4 of my "H" 17.5's. Also contacting the area GY rep will do wonders.

[Notanlines]

I only threw out the Goodyear name as an example of a brand seldom argued over, but I see how far that went. However we did see how much OCB saved by shopping at Discount Tire.

[donshapansky]

I stopped at Rolling Retreats and talked with Mike and learned a few things, one is the back-up camera, this one worked for the first 30 - 40 minutes then froze and then went to 'no signal.' If I let it cool then it will work for a few minutes then do the same thing. It may be that the camera is failing but Mike says I need to move the camera antenna forward to the front of the roof. I can't find an extension other than 10 - 12 feet, has anyone done this and where did you source the camera antenna extension cable?

[Roam America]

We went to the dollar store and bought clear plastic refrigerator bins in different sizes. Keeps everything in its place and no surprises when we stop and open the refrigerator door for the first time.

[donshapansky]

My wife used rubber material for shelving, which has worked well along with a Velcro strap .
I found a company who can build the antenna coax cable we need, $35 for 35 ft.
I found a company that makes an LPG gauge that sends the data to your phone. I have it installed and we will see how it operates. It has senders that attach to the bottom of the tank by magnet, it shoots up vertically to determine level, also sends a text at an adjustable alarm point for low level warning.
Also installed a new SeeLeveL console that Bluetooth connects to the phone, very handy for working outside with tank draining and filling.

[Cummins12V98]

OLD school method for propane tanks. I always leave back tank closed. When the front runs out I open back tank then fill front tank when convenient.

[porthole]

OLD school method for propane tanks. I always leave back tank closed. When the front runs out I open back tank then fill front tank when convenient.

Have always done the same after the first time running dry many years ago.

[Campingnut]

Only problem with that method is when it is below 32F/0Celcius and you run out at 1AM lol....

[GTM]

I also have LPG gauge that sends the data to your phone. Works pretty darn well. It will loose signal from time to time but will normally clear itself.

[Cummins12V98]

Only problem with that method is when it is below 32F/0Celcius and you run out at 1AM lol....


I was waiting on this comment. NOT an issue when you have CheapHeat!!!

[Campingnut]

I was waiting on this comment. NOT an issue when you have CheapHeat!!!

I was waiting for move somewhere warmer that you do not need a furnace lol....besides propane is cheaper than electricity if you have to pay like in ouf case

[porkchop]

Yea-try running cheapheat off your batteries and see how well that works. Cheapheat is a way to get you to spend hundreds of $$$ to buy something and then use electricity that costs more than propane instead of spending $39 on a quiet portable heater.

Bill

[wingnut60]

Only problem with that method is when it is below 32F/0Celcius and you run out at 1AM lol....

Naw, that would never happen, would it?

[Campingnut]

Naw, that would never happen, would it?
LOL.....It is supposed to snow here tonight

[wingnut60]

We are near Grand Jct, CO. Tues is leaving day, drop of 40d at least from today, but little chance of moisture. Was going over Douglas Pass and thru Flaming Gorge, but, nope--round to west and then north.

[Cummins12V98]

I was waiting for move somewhere warmer that you do not need a furnace lol....besides propane is cheaper than electricity if you have to pay like in ouf case


I have NEVER heard Propane being cheaper than electric!

Don't forget your time and fuel going and returning from filling tanks.

[Cummins12V98]

Funny how the people that do not have "Cheap Heat" criticize having it.

NO thanks on the little CHICOM heaters to trip over.

Anytime I am hooked to shore power I run the Cheap Heat and YES even at CA prices I am saving $$$ and frequent trips to fill tanks.

[clev]

Inside the refrigerator I use to line the shelves, Duck Brand EasyLiner Shelf and Drawer Liner, Non-Adhesive from AMZN. Keeps the plastic tubs from moving around.

I may be wrong, and even though the material is porous, it could restrict cooling inside the fridge. Air needs to flow in and around all shelves. I have a fan in the bottom of mine to assist with circulation. Just a thought for those that complain about poor cooling.

[porkchop]

Well, it happens every day in the US depending on where you are. Propane must be really expensive in CA. Don't have to go anywhere in the winter. They come to the park.

Bill

[porthole]

Funny how the people that do not have "Cheap Heat" criticize having it.

NO thanks on the little CHICOM heaters to trip over.

Anytime I am hooked to shore power I run the Cheap Heat and YES even at CA prices I am saving $$$ and frequent trips to fill tanks.

Our new house has a heat pump with a propane furnace backup. All the data supplied on the units uses suggests that using the electric portion of the heat is less expensive then then propane, along with a more even comfort level since there is no warm up cool down mode when on electric.

"CheapHeat" is a misnomer, you can buy a lot of propane for the cost of the kit and installation. But, I like it and will have it in the next rig if suitable.

[porkchop]

Key word here is "suggest" How would the manuf. have any idea what the cost of propane or electricity is where you may live? And really no warm up time? You must live in a very special place.

Bill

[porthole]

Once a tool - always a tool.

[Cummins12V98]

"CheapHeat" is a misnomer, you can buy a lot of propane for the cost of the kit and installation. But, I like it and will have it in the next rig if suitable.

I agree but it's a catchy name. You will LOVE it!!!

Sure it's expensive BUT so are DRV's.

[porkchop]

You would be the expert on that. Just think about your unfactual statement. I guess they could also suggest that air travel is cheaper than boat travel.

[wingnut60]

Can't recall where the numbers were, but someone has posted the BTU content of normal propane and the kW cost of electricity and compared when the costs stand in relation to each other. Simple cost comparisons using real numbers, but also don't remember which source was usually cheaper. And, also remember somewhere that it requires a small amount of electricity to use a propane furnace, and that it doesn't require propane to run an electric heater.

[Cummins12V98]

Mine is running right now, all I hear is the furnace fan just like if it were on Propane.

[porthole]

Mine is running right now, all I hear is the furnace fan just like if it were on Propane.



How low of an outside temp do you use the CH before switching to propane?
Coldest camping for us so far has been in the mid to high 30's and the CH worked fine. But when I took the trailer out to Howe last winter it was 2 degrees when I stopped over in Ohio. The CH was not doing much so it was the propane furnace to get the trailer warmed up. Once I got it to 50 degrees it was back on the electric.

Still need a small heater up in the front bath, minimal airflow to the bedroom and front portion.

[wingnut60]

Not sure about the CH, but we were in Cherry Creek SP in Denver Feb '19 for 2 weeks--got down to -11 couple of nights, and 6 days never above freezing. Furnace + space heater kept us ok, but took a couple of nights to figure out the basement needed a small heater also aimed at the water manifold and behind.

[porthole]

Not sure about the CH, but we were in Cherry Creek SP in Denver Feb '19 for 2 weeks--got down to -11 couple of nights, and 6 days never above freezing. Furnace + space heater kept us ok, but took a couple of nights to figure out the basement needed a small heater also aimed at the water manifold and behind.



I'm starting to experiment with a small 12 volt heater in the plumbing bay.

It hasn't gotten cold enough to test it yet to see if it will actually keep it warm enough. But it is low enough power use to leave on with the RV unplugged and letting solar do it's thing.

Small, quiet and only 150 watts

[wingnut60]

Duane,
Depending on how low and how long the temps get, several things will come into play to keep operating--this is what I have found out for staying on a temp basis (not long term) in really cold temps: 1) exposure to sun during the day, this to me is important, especially on the service side of the trailer. Sunlight will go a long way to keeping things thawed; 2) working off the fresh tank and not the spigot--heated hose is great, but connections may not be--so filling tank and using it instead of hose can help keep water flowing. 3) there are some areas in the basement (at least on my '15) that will have freezing temps even with the furnace on, one is the pickup tube from water tank to the pump, thus my need for a space heater near the water manifold. Heat pumps don't work at low temps, so heat will all come from space heaters and furnace. I went thru a 10gal tank every 2 days in Denver, luckily dealer was only 2 blocks away.
Also, get a thermometer with 2 or more sensors and remote readout to monitor basement/storage areas--this will really open your eyes to what the insulation in the DRV is doing/not doing for you.
Joe
Based on personal time in cold temps, I would do my best to stay away from areas that require lots of prep and heat sources.

[Cummins12V98]

How low of an outside temp do you use the CH before switching to propane?
Coldest camping for us so far has been in the mid to high 30's and the CH worked fine. But when I took the trailer out to Howe last winter it was 2 degrees when I stopped over in Ohio. The CH was not doing much so it was the propane furnace to get the trailer warmed up. Once I got it to 50 degrees it was back on the electric.

Still need a small heater up in the front bath, minimal airflow to the bedroom and front portion.


Honestly don't stay in super cold areas. But with 30A 220V it should do just fine in really cold temps. Running the furnace is better than just the little heaters because you are heating the basement also.

Fall in NW WA before heading south we get freezing temps and the furnace heats up easily from the 60 overnight setting.

YES one could add a little heater in the basement also.

[donshapansky]

I have had trouble with the rear camera pixilating, freezing and after 20 minutes of run time it quits and the camera shows "no signal." I had heard that this is a common problem and the fix is a hard wired camera system.
I ordered from MPD Digital a 35 ft. coax CNT-240 with 1 RP-SMA Male and 1 RP-SMA female, which is a reverse type of fitting normally used on TV coax. I mounted the antenna forward beside the WIFI Ranger antenna. The camera is now fixed, not one freeze-up!
I have had the same system on my truck camper by Host and worked perfectly, it seems that placement of the camera directly behind the 3rd A/C unit is not good practice.

[MTK46]

I sure like the Canadian package that came on my DRV.
Two propane heaters and also the HP on rear A/C unit.
Oh and being from the desert when it starts getting in the low 40's it's time for this desert rat to move on!