First RV and a few questions

[Eric Johnson]

Hello ttikalsky,
1. Fluid level may not be the problem on your jacks but it's a good place to
start. Your
tank is located below the second entry step which is hinged to fold out. You
should see a
small loop strap you can grab to open it up. The tank should be pretty near
full with all
jacks retracted. Don't fill the tank with the jacks extended or you'll get a
messy spill when
the tank overflows when you retract them.
2. I know some folks like to use the original camera/monitor system. IMO you
are better
off replacing it with new hardware due to better technology and reliability. I
installed a
black & white camera and monitor system I purchased throught Camping World and
it
works great day or night.
3. You probably have a Bendix cruise control system. System is obsolete and
few, if any,
parts are still available. I spent $1,000 on my old system before throwing in
the towel and
replacing it with a modern unit from Cruise King. I've had the new system for
about a year
and have had few problems with it. Factory technical support is excellent.
4. I've had to replace one gas sensor. I purchased the replacent card through
Wanderlodge parts.
5. I abandoned our dash air system after replacing the compressor and chasing
freon
leaks with the help of a refrigeration tech. Cost to bring system up to date
was too high
for me to justify so I removed the compressor and made a simple modification to
the
engine belts. Used the money I would've spent on the dash a/c to replace the
old barely
able LPG generator with a PowerTech diesel generator that I run to supply the
two roof a/
c's on the road. IMO roof airs do a much better job than dash air of keeping
the whole
coach cool and you don't may much of a penalty on fuel mileage to run the
generator.
Roof airs hold our coach temperature in the upper 70's on a 93-100 ºF day.
6. I've replaced two of our original fans with the same type that was in there
from the
factory, I think they're made by Fantastic Fan or something like that. They
work fine.
Don't know anything about the rain excluding type.
Regards, Eric in San Antonio
84FC35SB
--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "ttikalsky" wrote:
>
> After 2+ years of research and searhing I finally brought home our
> first RV, a 1983 Bluebird Wanderlodge FC 33. Can anyone help me with
> a few questions?
>
> 1) Where is the leveling jack fluid tank? The jacks won't stay
> extended and I would like to check the level.
>
> 2) The rear view camera is not working (the part that mounts in the
> back of the coach) is it worth fixing or am I better off replacing it?
> Any suggestions on who or where to fix or replace?
>
> 3) The cruise control is not working, any suggestions on where to
> start diagnosing the problem?
>
> 4) The LP/CO2/Smoke detectors alarms are going off (monitor in galley)
> for the center and rear furnaces, but the gas is shut off at the main
> valve. Are the sensors replaceable or could they be cleaned? Does
> anyone know if they operate by opening or closing the circuit when gas
> is detected?
>
> 5) The cab a/c is not working. Is it worth fixing or will the two
> roof airs keep the coach cool in 90 degrees at 90% humidity when
> driving?
>
> 6) One of the roof vents got broken, when I leaned on it. Are the
> Maxair convers decent or just a gimick? Is it worth getting the one
> that keeps the rain from entering?