Tips & Tricks
Print From Roadtrek®TM Owners
1. Refrigerator
Use & Maintenance
2. LP Gas System Safety & Use
3. Filling Your LP Gas Tank
4. AGM and Gel Cell Battery Maintenance
5. Use of Light in “Across the Rear”
Storage Compartment
6. Interior Cleaning and Protecting
7. Refrigerator Cleaning
8. Gray & Black Water Tank Gate Valve
Lubrication
9. Exterior Graphic Care
10. Dripping Water from Water Heater Pressure Relief
Valve
11. Cleaning Solid Surface (fiberglass) counter top
Tip #1 - Refrigerator Use & Maintenance
- As the refrigerator
is the most used and relied upon appliance in the motorhome, regular
service & maintenance is very important.
- The refrigerator
operates by heat applied to the boiler system and it is of paramount
importance that this heat be kept within the necessary limits and be
properly applied. Keeping the unit properly cleaned and tuned will ensure
that the heat exchange is kept within the required limits. This heat
exchange applies to all three operating modes.Although regular service
& maintenance will vary depending upon usage, yearly service is
recommended by the manufacturer. This service & maintenance should
be performed by a certified Dometic Manual Refrigeration Technician.
- Here are some
suggestions to keep your refrigerator up and running between scheduled
service.
- Be sure to check
the burner flame for proper appearance. The flame should be light blue.
If it has a yellow tip, this means it is burning incorrectly and should
be serviced. Check to be sure there is no spider web, insect nest, soot
or rust on or around the burner. If there is, knock it off with a small
screwdriver and clean the area with compressed air or by blowing through
a soda straw.
- For proper ventilation,
keep the area behind your refrigerator clear. Check the upper and lower
vents and the area between vent openings for any obstructions such as
a bee or birds nest.
- Check all connections
in the LP gas system (at the back of your refrigerator) for gas leaks
by applying a non corrosive commercial leak detector solution at all
connections.
- A properly serviced
and maintained refrigerator should provide years of trouble free service.
To receive a brochure on maintaining the Dometic RM2310 manual refrigerator,
call the Communication Center of Dometic Corporation at 219-294-2511.
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Tip #2 - LP Gas System Safety & Use
Here are some basic practices to ensure safety and trouble free use.
- NEVER allow your
LP-gas container to be filled above the maximum safe level as indicated
by the scale or the fixed liquid gauge. Do not use the visible gauge
for filling. Only qualified persons should fill your LP gas container.
- Do not use a wrench
or pliers to close the service valve. The valve is designed to be closed
leak tight, by hand. If wrenches are necessary to close valve, the valve
needs replacement or repair.
- When opening the
valve, slowly open the valve all the way. Listen to the regulator. A
continuous hiss may indicate a leak or open valve on appliance.
- LP gas is non
corrosive. You need not worry about the inside of the tank. However,
the outside should be kept free from rust by a periodic coat of paint,
in a light color.
- Have the system
leak checked, on a annual basis.
- Do not attempt
to repair any valves, regulators or appliances by yourself. Use only
trained, certified LP gas service personnel to perform repairs.
- Practice safety
at all times. If you have questions bout the operation of your appliance
or LP gas systems, contact your local dealer.
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Tip #3 - Filling Your LP Gas Tank
- Only qualified
persons should fill your LP Gas tank.
- CAUTION - OVERFILL
IS HAZARDOUS. Do not allow your LP Gas
container to be over filled. Fill should stop when liquid appears at
the fixed liquid gauge (liquid release screw). Bleed off excessive propane
in a safe, well vented area.
- Your LPG tank
is equipped with a 80% fill valve, leaving 20% for expansion. Propane
expands approximately 1.5% for each 10° F rise. Although the tank
is equipped with a automatic 80% fill valve, this does not alleviate
the fill operators responsibility of using the 80% fixed liquid outage
valve.
- If overfilled,
excessive pressure could develop within the container causing the relief
valve to open, relieving excess pressure. LP Gas released through the
relief valve is FLAMMABLE.
- Practice Safety
at All Times. If you have any questions about proper filling procedures,
contact your local LP Gas dealer.
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Tip #4 - AGM and Gel Cell Battery Maintenance
For proper maintenance on the gel cell batteries:
DO:
- Charge battery
to full charge after every full or partial use.
- Charge battery
through the converter or on a approved deep cycle charger at a rate,
not higher than 14.8 volts.
- Refer to owners
manual for proper operation of the battery disconnect switch, converter
and battery systems.
- Always wear safety
eye protection when inspecting/working on the battery.
- Recycle expired
battery at a proper depot.
DO NOT:
- Do not allow battery
to remain in a discharged state after use.
- Do not try to
open battery, add fluids or other chemicals. The battery is non-serviceable.
- Do not hook up
any direct power draws.
- Do not over tighten
battery terminals.
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Tip #5 - Use of Light in “Across the Rear” Storage Compartment
- For your convenience,
on all 1997 and later Dodge 170 & 190 models (except the 190-Versatile
with dinette), the light in the "across the rear" storage
compartment has been wired into the rear door post switch. If this light
is left in the ON position, it will operate the same as your front interior
cab light. The light will come ON when the rear door is open and shut
OFF when the door is closed.
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Tip #6 - Interior Cleaning and Protecting
- For those tough,
stubborn carpet, seat and wall fabric stains, mix ½ cup of Tide
(laundry detergent), ¼ cup of white vinegar in one gallon of
warm water. With a sponge wet the area to be cleaned, then with a soft
scrub brush, scrub the area until the stain disappears. After cleaning
the wall fabric you will need to dry the fabric with a hair dryer, to
prevent water staining. Set the hair dryer at low or medium heat and
move from side to side in order not to overheat the wall fabric.
- For the woodwork,
clean and protect with Pledge. To help hide small scratches and chips
in the woodwork, rub the wax from a clear or white colored candle over
the affected area. Once the scratch or chip has been filled in with
the wax, wipe the excess wax off with a dry, soft cloth.
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Tip #7 - Refrigerator Cleaning
- Cleaning of the
RV refrigerator is similar to the home type counterparts with one difference.
RV refrigerators are more vulnerable to high heat. This means that vegetable
bins can not be put in dishwashers, and attempting to speed up a defrost
cycle with the aid of a hair dryer will result in damage which could
necessitate a new refrigerator.
- Make sure the
controls off.
- Clean the interior
using two tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in one quart of warm
water. Rinse and dry.
- Clean all removable
parts with warm water using a mild detergent.
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Tip #8 - Gray & Black Water Tank Gate Valve Lubrication
It is very important
to keep the gray & black gate valves well lubricated. Keeping the
valves lubricated will prolong the life of the valve and will also help
to keep the valve moving freely. To lubricate the valves follow these
steps:
- Empty both the
gray and black water tanks and close the valves.
- Pour a half gallon
of coconut oil down kitchen sink drain (as a
replacement for the coconut oil, a biodegradable liquid lubricate can
be used).
- Pour a half gallon
of coconut oil down the toilet.
- Allow the oil
to sit in the tanks for 48 hours.
- Allow the oil
to penetrate the valves through vehicle motion.
- Resume use of
tanks, do not empty or flush.
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Tip #9 - Exterior Graphic Care
Today's finest graphics
have been professionally applied to your Roadtrek. These graphics require
little maintenance and should be treated similarly to a painted surface.
DO:
- Wash the graphics
with plain soap and water or any car wash soap. Make sure to rinse thoroughly.
- Keep high pressure
nozzles at least 2 1/2 feet from the edge of the graphics. High pressure
spray may cause the edge of the graphic to peel.
- Test any cleaning
solution on a small section of the decal before using.
DO NOT:
- Do not use any
type of solvents on the graphics. Solvents may soften or smear colors.
- Do not let gasoline
or other fuels drip or stay on graphics for any length of time. If spill
occurs, wipe off and rinse with water immediately.
- Do not apply wax
over graphics. Wax that has dried between stripes can be removed by
softening it with rubbing alcohol and cotton swabs. Be sure to rinse
with water after cleaning.
- Care and Caution
should be taken when storing your vehicle. Vinyl graphics and other
items such as dashboards, tires and flexible rubber products will have
a shorter life expectancy when exposed to severe heat and sunlight.
- Protection of
graphics from prolonged direct sunlight will ensure extended life.
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Tip #10 - Dripping Water from Water Heater Pressure Relief Valve
- You may experience
water dripping from your water heater's pressure and temperature (P&T)
relief valve when your water heater is operating. Water dripping does
not mean that the P&T valve is defective. As water is heated, it
expands. The water system in a RV is a closed and does not allow for
the expansion of heated water
- One way to reduce the frequency of this occurrence is to maintain
a air pocket at the top of the water heater tank. This air pocket will form
in the tank by design, however it will be reduced over time by the everyday
use of your water heater. To replenish this air pocket:
- Turn off the water heater.
- Turn off the cold water supply line.
- Open a faucet.
- Pull out the handle of the P&T relief valve and allow water to
flow from the valve, until it stops.
- Release the handle on the P&T valve - it should snap closed.
- Close the faucet and turn on the cold water supply. As the tank fills,
the air pocket will develop. Repeat this procedure as often as needed
to reduce the frequency of the dripping P&T valve.
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Tip #11 - Cleaning Solid Surface (fiberglass) counter top
- MIRSTONE® products are stain resistant. The finished products are ideal for counter tops, vanities and other surfaces subject to the hazards of moisture and heavy wear. Even coffee, ink or other stains will not harm the surface. No special cleaning products are needed to keep the product looking great.
- Normal Cleaning:
MIRSTONE® surfaces can be wiped clean with a damp cloth or sponge and mild detergents such as Fantastik® or 409®. On a matte finish you can use a mild abrasive cleaner like Bon Ami® or Soft Scrub®. Periodically it may be necessary to go over the entire surface with an abrasive cleaner or a wet Scotch Brite® to maintain a uniform finish.
- Spills and Stains:
While most spills can be removed with the normal cleaning techniques, some spills and stains such as tea, food dye and fruit drinks may require more aggressive cleaning. These can be removed with full strength bleach followed by a general cleaner flushed with warm water.
NOTE: Bleach should only contact the surface for no more than five minutes. On a matte finish, if you prefer, you can scrub with an abrasive cleaner.
- Cigars and Cigarettes:
While MIRSTONE® surfaces will not burn, should a lighted cigar or cigarette come in contact with the surface, it could leave a nicotine stain or scorch mark. Either of these can be removed by cleaning with an abrasive cleaner or buffing in a circular motion with a Scotch Brite® pad.
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Mail your "Tips and Tricks" to:
Tips
& Tricks
Roadtrek Motorhomes Inc.
100 Shirley Avenue
Kitchener, Ontario
Canada, N2B 2E1