July 2012
Satellite Radio Antenna
July 10, 2012 by Good Sam · 1 Comment
Satellite Radio Antenna I would like to install a magnetic antenna for a satellite radio on my 2003 Minnie Winnie Class C. Because of the vehicle’s overhang, there is no acceptable location on or near the cab that will work effectively. Do you have any suggestions on how it can be installed on the roof [...]
RV Maintenance Tip: Bad Solar Panel
July 10, 2012 by Good Sam · Leave a Comment
Bob, I have a 2004 National RV Dolphin motorhome with a small solar panel on the roof for maintaining a charge on the two 6-volt coach batteries. The panel’s surface is severely cracking, curling and peeling, so I doubt it’s providing much of a charge. National RV has gone bankrupt, and the phone number listed [...]
Refrigerators and Latches
July 10, 2012 by Good Sam · 1 Comment
Refrigerators and Latches Why doesn’t the RV industry supply its motorhomes and trailers with the ability to operate the refrigerators on DC power? Many folks are running the gas for the refrigerator when traveling on the road, which is dangerous. For safety purposes, the gas should be shut off at the storage vessel under these [...]
Proper Etiquette
July 10, 2012 by Good Sam · 1 Comment
Proper Etiquette Since many state parks in Ohio are offering full hookups, I’d like to know the correct etiquette when it comes to dumping black and gray tanks before leaving a site. Do you rinse with the freshwater spigot? Do you just flush and then go to the dump station? I have never heard of [...]
No Battery Charging
July 10, 2012 by Good Sam · Leave a Comment
No Battery Charging During a trip from Canada to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, I drove to the Flying J Travel Plaza in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, for an overnight stop. The temperature outside of the RV was minus-8 degrees Fahrenheit, and the furnace ran until midnight when the low-battery warning came on. I started the engine but [...]
Low-Sulfur-Fuel Confusion
July 10, 2012 by Good Sam · Leave a Comment
Confusion over low-Sulfur diesel fuel cleared up. Low-Sulfur-Fuel Confusion Can you help clear up some of the confusion over low-sulfur diesel fuel? I have a 1996 Monaco with the 300-horsepower Cummins engine and have heard several conflicting things about the new fuel in the older engines. We first learned that we must put an additive [...]
Let’s Talk About Your Weight
July 10, 2012 by Good Sam · 1 Comment
The weight of your RV is important. Weight affects your safety and the safety of others on the road plus the economy and operation of your RV. Weight is also regulated—that is, you must comply with the law wherever you might be driving. While it is impossible to be too underweight, it is dangerous and [...]
Leaky Water Heater
July 10, 2012 by Good Sam · 1 Comment
By Ken Freund I have a 1991 Class C motorhome with a gas/electric water heater. Last fall, I winterized all the piping but forgot to take the plug out of the Atwood water heater. The worst-case scenario happened. On our first trip out, it started to leak profusely. I bypassed it for the rest of [...]
Keep It Charged
July 10, 2012 by Good Sam · Leave a Comment
Keep It Charged Bob, I’d like to offer a comment on your power-drain response in the June edition of Tech Topics. My father experienced the same problem. As an auto electrician forced to retire because of paralysis, I was determined to solve this problem. One major problem is that these chassis are designed for service [...]
Installing a Manual Dish
July 10, 2012 by Good Sam · Leave a Comment
Installing a Manual Dish My wife and I have been members of Good Sam as owners of a fifth wheel and later a Monaco Class A diesel motorhome. We recently rejoined when we purchased a 2000 Coachmen Class C. This unit has the old bat-wing crank-up TV antenna, and I’m considering adding the Winegard RMDM46 [...]
