Community Forums

wbhubbert3 · 05-24-2012, 11:04 PM

Today I was exploring in the basement to check on the fresh water tank drain pipe and slide valve (just curious). Behind a carpeted panel which hid the drain, I found this electrical/electronic piece of equipment. It's secured to the wall with two (2) velcro straps, and I haven't a clue as to what it is or what it does. Any input is appreciated. 2003 36' FDDS. Bruce

336muffin · 05-24-2012, 11:20 PM

Looks like the transponder device that detects if you remove the tags on your pillows!

Seriously, I don't have a clue.

Mr_D · 05-24-2012, 11:22 PM

Converter?
Inverter?
Battery charger?

adamfolger · 05-24-2012, 11:38 PM

Unplug it ....you will find out what it does!!!

jimbo16720 · 05-24-2012, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wbhubbert3

Today I was exploring in the basement to check on the fresh water tank drain pipe and slide valve (just curious). Behind a carpeted panel which hid the drain, I found this electrical/electronic piece of equipment. It's secured to the wall with two (2) velcro straps, and I haven't a clue as to what it is or what it does. Any input is appreciated. 2003 36' FDDS. Bruce

Looks like an Inverter....changes 12volt battery to 110 ac.

autofish · 05-24-2012, 11:52 PM

could be control for auto levelors or unit for suround sound????????????

Old Scout · 05-25-2012, 05:24 AM

autofish wins the prize for the best guess--its the HWH control box for your slide and jack hydraulic. Thanks again to all those non-Alpine owners who participated in this week's Alpine test question--keep guessing [smile]

num1dgh · 05-25-2012, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 336muffin

Looks like the transponder device that detects if you remove the tags on your pillows!

Seriously, I don't have a clue.

Too funny.

wbhubbert3 · 05-25-2012, 08:30 AM

I'd like to thank all those who participated in this weeks Alpine Owner's "What In _ _ _ _ Is This" Trivia Contest.
And especially Judge Old Scout for his continued and unsurpassed support and expertise.

For his prize, Autofish will receive a lifetime subscription to HWH Technical Bulletins.

Look for the next contest coming soon to another newbie Alpine Coach owner.

Thanks again, Old Scout.

Bruce

336muffin · 05-25-2012, 01:16 PM

Now that's funny!

rdownward · 05-25-2012, 05:46 PM

I recently spent the better part of a day trying to find the HWH control box to replace a fuse. I didn't realize that carpeted panel was removable and that was the last place I finally looked after tearing apart the entire front dash and checking frame rails from front to back over and over again looking for it. Lots of wasted space in that bin but it might be a good place to hide your gold bullion!!! Here's what mine looks like:

BFlinn181 · 05-25-2012, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdownward

I recently spent the better part of a day trying to find the HWH control box to replace a fuse. I didn't realize that carpeted panel was removable and that was the last place I finally looked after tearing apart the entire front dash and checking frame rails from front to back over and over again looking for it. Lots of wasted space in that bin but it might be a good place to hide your gold bullion!!! Here's what mine looks like:

Of COURSE it was the LAST place you looked --- would have been foolish to keep looking after you found it!!

Even the best wiring diagrams for these rigs never tells you WHERE the components are. It is truly an adventure whenever a fuse blows or something malfunctions!

Old Scout · 05-25-2012, 08:15 PM

Alpiners--rdownward's photos provide a great opportunity to visualize a useful mod for older Alpines that have the large fresh water dump pipe and blade-valve [activated by t-handle]. Two long-standing issues with older Alpine fresh water tanks are: 1] the vent pipes tend to siphon water if tank is filled too full, and 2] the 12v pump draws water from the side of the tank so quite a bit of water is left in the tank once the pump draws air. Perhaps 20% of our 100 gal fresh water capacity is not useable because of these two issues.

There are a variety of solutions for the siphon problem--see posts on this forum. The solution I came up for the side-draw issue is to install a threaded tee between the blade dump valve and the bottom of the tank [1-1/2x1/2x1-1/2]. Then plug the side draw opening on the tank and reroute the pump feed line to the 1/2 opening on the new tee [use PEX to extend feed line]. You also need to shorten the 1-1/2 dump pipe below the blade valve. Rerouting the feed line to the tee allows you to get all the water out of the tank.

PS--some folks will raise the front of the coach via the jacks to get a bit more water to the back of the tank--think I like the tee solution better.

Jim A · 05-26-2012, 10:06 AM

Old Scout,

I installed the SeeLevel II tank gauges years ago, and found that my tank runs out at 11% due to the side pickup. (The SeeLevel model I have alternates between 3 and 4% increments as it fills/drains.) Fortunately the side water pickup point is close to where the tank gauge sensor is located, so the empty point stays consistent with the reading regardless of the coach angle.

However I found that I lost >30% of my filled tank to the siphon problem you mentioned. Once I fixed that, I didn't figure the final 11% is that important now. If I can't live on 90 gallons, another 11 is not going to matter much. But we don't dry camp that often. It is very nice to know that the water will run out at 11%, not just "sometime" after the 1/4 full light goes out! I have found the SeeLevel gauges to be worth every penny for that reason alone. We can nurse the final gallons if needed.

But if that 11% is important, your method to fix it is very useful!! Thanks for sharing it.