Motorhome Propane Tank Question

Guest Post

Propane Tank Question

...a still relevant question answered at a rally years ago by Miles Hartmann, a former Service Rep with the defunct Country Coach, Inc

We had to “burn off” a third of a tank of propane in order to have the fuel gauge replaced. The shop said the tank had to be empty before the gauge could be removed. However, after the gauge was replaced and before the tank was refilled, the stove would light? We cooked dinner in fact? How could this happen?

 

A 40-gallon tank with four gallons of liquid propane has potential to create 89 pounds of pressure when fully gassed. Propane boils at 44 degrees F. When liquid propane is sealed in a tank and the temperature rises above 44 degrees F. pressure is being built up. Just as a pressure cooker builds pressure when the water boils, the only difference is the temperature required to start the liquid to boil. Any time the temperature is 44 degrees F. or higher a tank with liquid propane will continue to gas and build pressure.

When a propane tank is evacuated or burned off quickly, the tank’s temperature drops to below 44 degrees F.  This causes the liquid propane to cool below its gassing point. At this time, even though 10 percent of the tank’s capacity is still in the tank in the form of liquid propane, the internal pressure will be near zero

 

To read more technical articles or learn about a great motorhome owners club visit CountryCoachFriendsIncorporated.com

Motorhome Oxidation Run Off

Dealing with Oxidation Run-off--Those White Streaks on Coach Exterior

as shared by Premier RV Services

Are you noticing white streaks on the sides of the RV? Wondering what the cause is, how to clean the unslightly streaks, and how to avoid further oxidation from occurring?

     The white streaks you’re seeing are oxidation run-off from the gelcoat on your roof fiberglass. Gel coat is the smooth outer special resin layer of the fiberglass used in the build of our coach. Oxidation is a result of the sun's UV exposure on the gel coat. Although it does not present any structural concerns, of course you’d like to avoid this. Regular maintenance will help protect the roof surface from ultraviolet radiation. First let’s address removing the streaks.

     Cleaning the streaks on the side of the coach and the coach roof fiberglass

     Try a solution of one cup of detergent and a gallon of warm water to remove the streaks. Add a cup of bleach to this solution to take care of any mildew that may have formed on your roof too. If the streaks remain after washing with the soap solution, look for a fiberglass cleaning product that should be readily available at any good RV or marine accessory store. (For example, Gel Gloss Heavy Duty Cleaner and Wax from Camping World is one. Some RVers swear by Simple Green cleaner…just enter RV Fiberglass Cleaner into your favorite internet search engine and you’ll discover a wide offering of products. Just be sure they are non-abrasive.)

     To prevent the oxidation from recurring, apply a coating of 303 Aerospace Protectant to your roof's surface every six months to year depending on the level of sun exposure. 303 Aerospace Protectant info is available on the manufacturer web site at www.303products.com.

 

Fiberglass Care Basic Do’s and “Don’ts

DO clean fiberglass as dirt and residue appears.

DO avoid cleaning fiberglass surfaces in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.

DO start at the top and continue to lower levels

DO soak fiberglass surface with clean water and soap to loosen debris (rinse off excessive dirt/debris as a first step)

DO use a mild, non-abrasive commercial cleaning solution as needed, but remembering to thoroughly rinse off all of the cleaning solution.

DON’T use scrapers of any type when cleaning fiberglass.

DON’T allow residue/dirt on the exterior for extended periods of time.

DON’T clean fiberglass in direct sunlight/extreme temps.

DON’T use abrasive cleaning solutions or materials.

DON’T allow metal parts of cleaning equipment to make contact with fiberglass.

DON’T allow abrasive debris/dirt particles between cleaning materials and fiberglass surface.

 

Website: www.PremierRVServices.com

Motorhome Tips on Hydro-Hot Hydronic System

Keepin’ Yourself in Hot Water….the Hydro-Hot Hydronic Heat System

Over the years the now former CC, LLC service team shared a great info dealing with ‘not enough hot water', shared at both at rally seminars and in the former Destinations magazine.

Here We Offer Thanks to Pete Kaye, former CC,LLC Service team member, for this info -- It is still a great refresher.

LOW DC SUPPLY VOLTAGE

The Indicator light on the electronic control panel lights Red when the DC voltage level is too low for the unit to operate properly. When this faul happens, the burner doesn’t start when the “diesel” switch in the coach is activated--even though the Green light on the switch panel is lit. Verify there is adequate supply voltage to the controller (see your Hydro-Hot manual), then clear the fault by using a thin, straight, non-conductive object to press the recessed Low Voltage Reset button located on the electronic control panel.

INCOMING WATER TEMPERATURE

Let’s say we want a constant output of 1.5GPM at 115 degrees F. If the water coming from the fresh water tank into the unit is 60 degrees, the unit is rated to deliver this. However, if the incoming water temperature is lower, you may expect a decrease in hot water quantity (GPM) or temperature. Keep in mind, ambient air temperature in the fresh water tank bay has a direct effect on the output of the heating unit.

COLD WATER MIXING

If the hand-held shower in the plumbing bay is turned off at the shower head but the valves for both the hot and cold water are left open, some inadvertent mixing may occur.

TOO MUCH DEMAND

Shower heads and faucets all place demand on hot water supply especially when used simultaneously. The flow rating for just a shower head inside the coach can be as much as 2.5 GPM. When in use, this alone can consume all the hot water available when showering at average temperature. When the water temp demand is increased, or when the water tank bay is cold, the capacity of the system can be exceeded.

 

The original manufacturer Country Coach, LLC closed its doors in 2009. Today there are several great service centers in the Lane County area to attend to your service needs, including Premier RV of Oregon, Oregon Motorcoach Center and more. Check the Country Coach Friends Club's Member Benefits list online to learn more

Country Coach Exhaust Brake Tips

Guest Post:

Country Coach Exhaust Brake Tips

 

The exhaust brake is designed for frequent cycling during daily transit and can develop problems - such as a stiff or seized butterfly plate – with infrequent use. Starting the engine and stopping it before it has reached normal operational temperature will amplify the problem, particularly in humid conditions where moisture is developed within the engine and exhaust system at initial startup.

To avoid problems after periods of extended inactivity, here are a couple tips:

1) Lubricate all moving parts of the exhaust brake assembly every four months.

2) Periodically start your engine, allow it to reach full operating temperature, then with the engine not running, cycle the ignition switch from off to on several times to actuate the exhaust brake.

by James Jordan, former Country Coach Service Training Developer

Oregon Service Center Announces New Storage Facility

Country Coach Specialists!

This trusted service and sales facility in Junction City, Oregon “checks all the boxes” when you are looking for premier one-stop motorhome care!

 

x Preowned Coach Sales
x Full Service Center
x Paint & Body Shop
x Indoor Secured Storage

 

 

Highline Diesel Coach Sales Specialists!…it’s the PLACE to go with your Country Coach or other Highend Diesel Motorhome. Consignments needed. Premier RV of Oregon also purchases motorhomes. Trades welcomed. Inventory online.

 

Full Service, Paint & Body. No job too big or too small. All makes & models serviced. Experienced highline technicians who KNOW your coach.

 

Indoor Secured Climate Controlled Storage for when you're not out on the road enjoying your motorhome, watercraft, or autos.

 

New Storage Building Complete October 1, 2018!

Come take a tour at 325 E 1^st Ave in Junction City

 

Proud CCFI club business partner/Generous Rally Sponsor. CCFI 10% Parts Discount!

One Year Free CCFI Club Membership when you purchase a motorhome from Premier RV!

premierrvoforegon.com  

Office Phone 541-998-2640

Country Coach Engine Cooling Fan Acting Erratically

Q. The Cooling Fan on my Country Coach seems to be acting somewhat erratically.  Recently I was on a trip and after the engine reached its operating temperature the gauge showed the coolant temperature cycling from 191 to 202.  After a few miles, it went back to the normal cycle range of 187 to 197 degrees. Later in the same trip, I noticed the coolant temperature went crazy and shot up from 181 degrees to 202 degrees, then after 10 to 15 miles it came back down and maintained the temperature at 195 degrees. The air conditioning was not running through any of this, any thoughts as to the problem?

 

A. The fan controller uses a technology called open loop proportional hydraulics.  This essentially means that the fan speed is infinitely variable by the electronic fan controller.  The controller is a “normally closed” solenoid, meaning, loss of 12v power to the controller will cause the fan to run at full speed at all times.

 

The following scenarios could explain symptoms of erratic behavior:

 

1.     The fan controller is requesting an incorrect fan speed based upon erroneous information from the coolant temperature sensor and/or charge air temperature sensor inputs. This could be a problem with loose or corroded connectors at the sensors or at the fan controller which is located on the rear end of the radiator package. It could also be due to a damaged harness to the sensors or defective sensors. Given the low cost of the sensors it is probably advisable to replace them both as a matter of course after first checking all the connectors, harnesses, and ensuring good power and ground in the next step.

2.     The fan controller is not receiving adequate voltage from its two pin connector. One contact in this connector should have a minimum of 12V when the ignition system is powered up. The other contact should show less than one ohm resistance to a clean frame ground.

3.     There may be a problem with the fan controller programming and this would need to be verified by Country Coach Corporation’s service department.

4.     The fan controller is requesting the correct fan speed but the proportional valve on the controller or the switch valve on the fan motor is not responding properly. This is fortunately very unlikely but would need to be diagnosed by Country Coach Corporation’s service department.

5.     The fan cooling system is operating correctly but is responding to inconsistencies with the coolant or charge air temperatures. The coolant temperature shouldn't be an issue here unless there is a problem with the engine thermostat. The charge air temperature however may cause these symptoms if the air filter is plugged or you may be loosing turbo boost pressure due to a leaking boot at one of the large diameter tubes between the turbo charger and the intake manifold.

 

Please note that the coolant temperatures quoted above are not typical of all coaches. Normal operating temperature will vary with engine manufacturer and age. The general trend is for newer engine designs to run hotter as the manufacturers seek to reduce emissions and improve efficiency.

 

Source: Service Tech staff at the former Country Coach LLC provided this helpful info to the Country Coach Friends Incorporated motorhome owners club which is still pertinent to CC owners experiencing a similar problem today.

 

For  additional help with this issue you may contact your local Cummins or Cat engine service center for troubleshooting tips.

Coach Net Tire Tips

TIRE TIPS from Coach-Net

SOUTHLAKE, Texas — Coach-Net is reminding motorists to follow tire safety practices. Tire maintenance plays a big role in RV safety and can make the difference when it comes to a safe and smooth drive, said David Ostlund, president of Coach-Net. “Eighty-three percent of U.S. motorists do not properly check tire pressure, and each year, there are nearly 11,000 tire-related crashes nationwide resulting in nearly 200 fatalities,” he added. “Now is a good time for RV owners and other vehicle drivers to perform checks on their vehicle’s tires, including the spare, and to get into the habit of taking five minutes every month to repeat those checks….”

Coach-Net offers the following tire maintenance fundamentals for all motorists, particularly drivers of RVs and other heavy-duty vehicles:

Check your tires’ air pressure – Check the air pressure every two weeks, or at least once a month and before any major trip. Look for over- or under-inflation. Proper tire inflation is essential for safe and efficient vehicle operation. Vehicles with properly inflated tires experience optimum ride and handling characteristics, shorter braking distances, longer tire life and improved fuel economy.

Inspect your tires’ tread – Inspect your tires for abnormal wear or damage. Look for fraying, scalloping, cupping or any kind of uneven wear, and take it as a life-saving warning sign. Inspect tires for uneven wear patterns on the tread, cracks, foreign objects or other signs of wear or trauma. Remove bits of glass and other foreign objects wedged in the tread, and be sure there are no leaks after removing any debris.

Rotate, align and balance your tires – Regularly rotating your RV’s tires will help you achieve more uniform wear. A bad jolt from hitting a curb or pothole can throw your front end out of alignment and damage your tires. Have an RV dealer check the alignment periodically to ensure that your vehicle is properly aligned.

Don’t overload your vehicle – Overweight RVs lead to axle problems, accelerated suspension wear and failure, and tire failure. Be aware of the recommended size and load range of your tires and whether they are suitable for your weight needs. If you are unsure, check your owner’s manual or tire information placard. Aim for even weight distribution throughout your RV. If for some reason that’s not possible, tires on the same axle should still be inflated to the same pressure.

Invest in tire covers – Over time, the sun’s heat rots your tires, creating cracks; tire covers are a great way to protect this damage from happening. During long pit stops, throw on the covers to give the tires a break and use them on your RV during the off season.

Keep track of your tires’ age – RV tires age out before they wear out in most cases. Once a tire reaches five to seven years of age, they should be inspected by a tire professional annually for signs that they’re failing. The industry generally agrees that after 10 years, especially when the tires are heavily loaded, they should be replaced regardless of wear.

Additionally, to help cushion the blow of those unexpected expenses, Coach-Net’s Hazard Protect product, part of the company’s Protect Suite, which is available through RV dealers nationwide. It provides comprehensive tire and wheel hazard protection.

With terms available from one to seven years, Hazard Protect covers all types of new and used recreational vehicles from common road hazards such as metal, nails, screws, potholes, glass and debris, the release explained.

For more information, visit www.Coach-Net.com.