First RV and a few questions

[John]

Hi ttikalsky,

Please in the future include in your posts, your name, town and state
and the model and year of 'Bird that you have. There may be someone
close to you that can help you with your 'Bird.

I will try to help you with your questions as best that I can, by
answering them in the body of your post, as you asked them below.


--- 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.

The leveling jack fluid reservoir should be located under the
entrance steps, you should find a ring that if you pull on it, the
step will rise up to give you access to the reservoir. Be sure to use
the proper fluid in it and you can find that information by going to
the HWH web site, or by calling them as they are very helpful, even
on the older 'Birds, like ours. Check out;
http://www.hwhcorp.com/

>
> 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?

I have the same problem with mine. One of the members here, Blair is
working on a replacement system for the antiquated original system,
hopefully he will chime in here to give you a tip or two.
>
> 3) The cruise control is not working, any suggestions on where to
> start diagnosing the problem?

My original cruise control has been replaced, with an aftermarket
one, so I can't help you much with yours, but Jeff Miler will most
likely give you advice on that.
>
> 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?

My original detector made by Marshall Brass was a disaster, so I
replaced it with after market units.
>
> 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?

These units can be repaired, but from listening to different members
experiences with the repairs, it doesn't seem to be very cheap to
upgrade. I personally removed mine completely, including the
compressor and roof condenser. I use the genset and run one of the
roof air conditioners (I have three on my FC35) I have only been in
the high 80 degrees weather with it so far but it did a good job and
I can always turn on more if needed. I also use the dash air
conditioner fan to help circulate the cold air, by aiming the front
roof air conditioner at the intake grill above the windshield on the
inside.
>
> 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?

I replaced mine that were broken with two Fantastic Vent Fans

http://www.fantasticvent.com/

Then I used a Max/Air Fan Mate vent cover Model 800, they keep out
the rain.

http://www.maxxair.com/products/Fan-Mate.aspx

Some people feel that this restricts the flow of the Fantastic vent
fan, but I don't find this restriction that extreeme. I did this so
that I could use the vents even in a heavy down pour of rain without
it getting wet inside. I wanted some way to circulate fresh air,
without having to open the windows, which during a rain, will allow
rain to get inside.

You can go to my photo web site, by clicking on the link in my
signature below and you will be able to find photos of this project,
as well as other tips and tricks that I have done to my 'Bird.

I hope that this helps.

"REMEMBER SEPTEMBER 11, 2001"
John Finn
'82 35FCRB
BLUEBIRD WANDERLODGE
TO VISIT THE "FINN'S INN EXPRESS" REMODELING ADVENTURE
GO TO;
http://www.pbase.com/image/24977457
'66 SUPERIOR / IH 392 GAS V8 32' PUSHER "FOR SALE"
SEE THE OLD COACH AT:
http://www.pbase.com/image/26052733
HOPKINS, SOUTH CAROLINA