Alladin System & Propane Gauge

[Fossilhound]

Hello again,

We have a slight problem with our propane gauge, it was reading 79% full but the tank was eventually emptied without a change in the tank gauge. I have since filled the tank with about 10 gallons of propane but the gauge is still reading 79%. How would I check the gauge or the wiring to see if it is an electrical problem?

The second question is regarding the Alladin system. Has anyone installed a GPS or navigation program on the unit? I noticed that there is a auxilliary video input present on the screen, can it be used for this purpose? I would love to integrate a nav system and be able to use the nice large screen.

Thanks

[Fossilhound]

Hello again,

We have a slight problem with our propane gauge, it was reading 79% full but the tank was eventually emptied without a change in the tank gauge. I have since filled the tank with about 10 gallons of propane but the gauge is still reading 79%. How would I check the gauge or the wiring to see if it is an electrical problem?

The second question is regarding the Alladin system. Has anyone installed a GPS or navigation program on the unit? I noticed that there is a auxilliary video input present on the screen, can it be used for this purpose? I would love to integrate a nav system and be able to use the nice large screen.

Thanks

[Zbugsii]

Hi Fossil,

You did not say what type of coach you have, it would be helpful.

Let me tell you what I found in regard to the propane tank gauge system. I think you might find a plastic guage that also shows the tank fill. If you unscrew the plastic guage on the tank. Now, just the plastic guage, remember. You will find a magnet which turns the guage and also sends info to the Alladin system. Test it by causing it to turn and then check if the Alladin reflects the change. This way you can verify the sending unit is working correctly. When you replace the plastic guage on the tank, you will probably see it pop back to the same position you have always seen it. If so, the mechanism within the tank is not working correctly. It is what causes the outside guage and sender to rotate and provide the level indication. If you look closely on the side of the mount, I think you will find the guage is made by Rochester out of Texas. The problem most likely is the mechanism within the tank is sticking or the float is not working.

The only fix is to drain the propane tank and remove the mechanism and repair or replace the mechanism.

If, as I suspect, it is a Rochester guage unit, you can go to their WEB page and download a diagram that shows the working of a similar unit.

So, just remember, the plastic guage on the tank is also the sender to the Alladin system.

Hope this helps.

[Happycarz]

The Garmin GVN 53 plays through the Aladdin screen, using an easy to use remote control. I cna find campgrounds, stating with the closest, in about 7 seconds. List price is $646 but can be found on line for at least $200 of that price.
To install it, plug into Aladdin box, install antenna, add 12v & ground. The box fits behind the dash with all the other stuff there. The sound plays through the Aladdin speaker and is har to hear. So, add an aux speaker or play through entertainment system.
Google Garmin GVN 53.

[Fossilhound]

Thanks for the quick replies,

The gauge on the propane tank also reads full as does the Alladin system. It almost seems like that the wires were crossed, could this be the cause of the false readings?

I will look at the Garmin units, sounds like I would need to install the GVN 53 behind the Alladin screen, run power to it and have the antenna outside or on the dash. I like to install something like that, do you need to use the remote?

By the way we have a 2004 Dynasty.

Thanks again

[Zbugsii]

Remove the plastic guage from the propane tank, I think it is two screws. Then manually move the guage from the back with either a piece of metal or a magnet (I can not remember which side is the magnet, the guage or in the tank, so you will have to experiment). All you want to do is move it to a different position and then go check the Alladin system to see if it changed, as it should. If it does, then the sending unit and the Alladin is working fine and your problem is the mechanism within the propane tank. Now, if you find it is the mechanism within the tank, the tank will have to be drained before you can even have it looked at, since to get at the mechanism you have to open up the tank. Just FYI.

[Happycarz]

Fossilhound,
Do you have a inspection cover on your dash toward the windshield? The antenna comes with the unit and needs to be mounted on the roof with a small hole through it to feed the wire inside and down the left A pillar. Sealing it is not a big deal. Some people have been attaching it to the inside of the roof with good results also. Most monacos have spare wires, labeled, behind the dash for CB's etc. If you have that inspection/access cover, your install would be pretty simple for the garmin. If the the Aladdin is a touch screen, no remote is needed. My Aladdin Jr is not a touch screen. The remote is intuitive, making use quick and easy.

[Fossilhound]

Thanks for all the help.

Happycarz, I will pull the cover off the dash, I would guess that an antenna wire is there. My screen is not the touch-screen but uses the little joystick on the side panel. I will now start looking for the navigation unit nad have it installed sometime this winter. I noted in the owner's manual that there was an option for having an navi system but that was not chosen by the original owner.

Zbugsii, as to the propane gauge, I can only find one gauge on my tank. It is the one showing the % left in the tank with a plastic insert containing two wires. Is that the one that you are refering to?

[Happycarz]

My Camelot came with a junk nav system and I would not accept it a my factory delivery. When the factory installed the Garmin, they installed a Garmin specific antenna. the antenna is part of the Garmin kit. Again, not a big deal. I installed my buddy's, basically plug and play once the antenna is installed. Your Aladdin is the same as mine with the joystick. Also, the Garmin remote is RF not infrared, so it does not have to be pointed. Just hold it up to view it and after a few times, you will know what buttons to push without looking at it. The remote has a joystick built in which can be moved off center in 4 directions and can be depressed to accomplish an onscreen task. Intuitive.

[Zbugsii]

Fossil,

Yes, that is the guage I am talking about. Two screws hold it on. Just take it off and figure out a way to twist it with a piece of metal or a magnet on the back side. Change it to read something else and go in and check your Alladin reading. I think you will find, that the Alladin will show pretty close to whatever you make the change to. Try several, just to be sure.

In the end, the only fix is to get to the mechanism inside of the tank that is actually doing the reading and is linked (via a magnet) to the plastic outside guage with the two wires.

[Fossilhound]

Thanks again, you guys are great and I now have to look at the coach which is stored inside for the winter. Kind of hurts knowing we won't be getting another trip in until the spring.

Fossilhound