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ElCaminoManT · 05-06-2022, 12:27 PM

Our Vectra has the dishwasher drawer which has never worked since we've owned it and honestly probably wouldn't use it even if it did work. Anyone removed theirs and replaced with drawers or something that is more useful? Suggestions? Pictures?

Thanks

cbeierl · 05-06-2022, 02:29 PM

We're very happy with our Dishdrawer and use it all the time. If it's of use to you I have pdf copies of parts and service manuals, etc.

BMU-Scotty · 05-09-2022, 04:03 AM

I gutted my dishwasher and use it as a pan and plate storage.

Pans go on the bottom... then I cut a 1/8" piece of plywood to fit on top of the pans, and I stack miscellaneous kitchen items on top of that. This creates two levels of storage.

I don't miss the dishwasher. But it also helps if you go to Ikea and get (and cut-to-fit) a dish rack for the right side of the sink.

ElCaminoManT · 05-09-2022, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMU-Scotty

I gutted my dishwasher and use it as a pan and plate storage.

Pans go on the bottom... then I cut a 1/8" piece of plywood to fit on top of the pans, and I stack miscellaneous kitchen items on top of that. This creates two levels of storage.

I don't miss the dishwasher. But it also helps if you go to Ikea and get (and cut-to-fit) a dish rack for the right side of the sink.

What do you do to keep it locked closed for traveling so it's not constantly slamming open and closed? That's one of my biggest gripes about it.

**pasdad1** · 05-09-2022, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElCaminoManT

Our Vectra has the dishwasher drawer which has never worked since we've owned it and honestly probably wouldn't use it even if it did work. Anyone removed theirs and replaced with drawers or something that is more useful? Suggestions? Pictures?

Thanks

Are we talking about the Fischer paykel? Best dishwasher ever! Work even better than the one at home. Drawer locks closed.
If yours doesn’t work, it’s worth a shot to repair it. Honestly, would not be without it. It washes in only 35 minutes in eco mode and uses less water than you would doing dishes in the sink by hand.

cbeierl · 05-09-2022, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElCaminoManT

What do you do to keep it locked closed for traveling so it's not constantly slamming open and closed? That's one of my biggest gripes about it.

it should stay locked and closed if it's not running (assuming it's correctly configured on the front panel), so you shouldn't have a problem then.

However, it WON'T stay locked and closed if it's running while you are traveling--it thinks the sideways pressure is someone trying to open the drawer, so it obliges! On our 36RD we've found that the footstool to our recliner will fit snugly between the dinette seat and the dishwasher, keeping it closed, so we do that when traveling and running the dishwasher.

ElCaminoManT · 05-09-2022, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pasdad1

Are we talking about the Fischer paykel? Best dishwasher ever! Work even better than the one at home. Drawer locks closed.
If yours doesn’t work, it’s worth a shot to repair it. Honestly, would not be without it. It washes in only 35 minutes in eco mode and uses less water than you would doing dishes in the sink by hand.

Yes, the "Dish Drawer". According to the records that came with the rig show it has been a continual problem over the years. Has been replaced once already which explains the brass pull handle that does not match the 'stainless package' ours was optioned with. This one had been repaired several times and it just kept crapping out. Best I can tell this time after tinkering with it now and then over the last couple years is most likely a rotor issue. Just not interested in dealing with it honestly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbeierl

it should stay locked and closed if it's not running (assuming it's correctly configured on the front panel), so you shouldn't have a problem then.

However, it WON'T stay locked and closed if it's running while you are traveling--it thinks the sideways pressure is someone trying to open the drawer, so it obliges! On our 36RD we've found that the footstool to our recliner will fit snugly between the dinette seat and the dishwasher, keeping it closed, so we do that when traveling and running the dishwasher.

It only locks closed if 120v power is on and I make sure to hold it closed so it locks itself then I shut off 120v, whether that's shore power or generator, and it will stay closed while traveling. If we are traveling with the generator running for the house AC, the drawer unlocks itself whenever making a left turn as it thinks someone is trying to open it. Best thing we've been able to come up with is a long velcro strap running through and holding the dishwasher drawer and the utensil drawer handles above it to the stovetop towel bar but it still opens and slams closed, just not quite so violently.

*edit to add that if I switch off the breaker for the dishwasher to keep it from powering up, that also kills the microwave and messes with the load control system creating other issues.

cbeierl · 05-09-2022, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElCaminoManT

...

It only locks closed if 120v power is on and I make sure to hold it closed so it locks itself then I shut off 120v, whether that's shore power or generator, and it will stay closed while traveling. If we are traveling with the generator running for the house AC, the drawer unlocks itself whenever making a left turn as it thinks someone is trying to open it. ....

That hasn't been my experience when using the Lock Button (see attached snippet from the User Guide). I can't remember off the top of my head whether we used the Keylock or Childlock, but the only time it has opened underway for us is if it is running. Not running, but with 120V, we haven't had a problem. (But it IS very frustrating that that doesn't help when it's running!)

ElCaminoManT · 05-10-2022, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbeierl

That hasn't been my experience when using the Lock Button (see attached snippet from the User Guide). I can't remember off the top of my head whether we used the Keylock or Childlock, but the only time it has opened underway for us is if it is running. Not running, but with 120V, we haven't had a problem. (But it IS very frustrating that that doesn't help when it's running!)

Maybe there is more going on then. I've tried numerous times to lock it following those instructions in the manual and have been unsuccessful.

**pasdad1** · 05-10-2022, 12:42 PM

It locks automatically after a few minutes has been my experience. I have to press the power button, wait a couple of seconds, and then it unlocks so the drawer can be pulled open. If someone pulled hard while it was locked, not knowing, maybe the mechanism could have damaged.

Same thing if no shore power or generator, then it’s locked, and cannot be opened until I supply power.

jerichorick · 05-17-2022, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElCaminoManT

Our Vectra has the dishwasher drawer which has never worked since we've owned it and honestly probably wouldn't use it even if it did work. Anyone removed theirs and replaced with drawers or something that is more useful? Suggestions? Pictures?

Thanks

Our old '05 FD had the dishwasher and we loved it. I'm now the dishwasher.

I had a few problems with it over the years we were in the coach. The unit is repairable. Look up your model on the internet. You will find solutions for the problems your having. The troubleshooting sections in the manual is also helpful.

billyrabbit · 05-17-2022, 06:07 PM

We tried the electronic lock but it would unlock from time to time. We use it as a pot and pan drawer only. Bought two cup hooks, screwed them in either side of the drawer and place an expandable steel curtian rod acoss the front of the drawer hooked into the cup hooks. I also unplugged the AC cord. Hasn't failed me yet.