Propane Detector & water for batteries

[Nancy & Bill]

We have a 2005 Seabreeze LX by National (32 foot) and have about 11K miles. We were never given an owner's manual for this unit, but rather one for the diesel model, with an addendum for gas engines, that was inadequate. We have several questions:

1. Our propane detector goes off sproadically, but we have never noticed any propane smell. It has even gone off when we have had the main propane valve off. It always goes back to normal once the mute button has been pushed. Any suggestions?

2. The location where we have to add water to the batteries is very cumbersome (under the second step inside the door). We have a plastic battery-fill container (red) we use, but has anyone found another option that is easier to use?

3. We would like to add a few drops of bleach to the fresh water tank. How do we do this?

4. Does anyone know how we can get a hold of a copy of the owner's manual for our rig? Every time we try to look something up, and it shows a diagram, it is never the same as ours.

5. When should the inverter/converter switch be in the on position?

Thanks for any input! this is a great site!

[Nancy & Bill]

We have a 2005 Seabreeze LX by National (32 foot) and have about 11K miles. We were never given an owner's manual for this unit, but rather one for the diesel model, with an addendum for gas engines, that was inadequate. We have several questions:

1. Our propane detector goes off sproadically, but we have never noticed any propane smell. It has even gone off when we have had the main propane valve off. It always goes back to normal once the mute button has been pushed. Any suggestions?

2. The location where we have to add water to the batteries is very cumbersome (under the second step inside the door). We have a plastic battery-fill container (red) we use, but has anyone found another option that is easier to use?

3. We would like to add a few drops of bleach to the fresh water tank. How do we do this?

4. Does anyone know how we can get a hold of a copy of the owner's manual for our rig? Every time we try to look something up, and it shows a diagram, it is never the same as ours.

5. When should the inverter/converter switch be in the on position?

Thanks for any input! this is a great site!

[JoeP]

1. Make sure that all gas equipment is turned off ... check stove top and the oven dial. Sometimes they get brushed against and go on. Do you have dogs? We have two that sometimes are a little gaseous. When this happens too close to the detector, it will go off. Make sure your house batteries are not low ... this will also cause the detector to go off.

2. in our 03 Trop it is impossible to see the last two house batteries as the shelve does not come out far enough. I went to the Dollar Store and bought 500 wooden coffee stirrers and a turkey baster. Simple job, open the battery, dip the coffee stirrer into the cell and check where the level is. Add water if needed, break of the wet end sharply so there is no chips and go on the the next cell.

3. Before I hook up the hose, I remove the quick connect and pour as much bleach into the hose aas required. Keeping the end high, I then replace the quick connect and plug into the connection. Switch the lever to "fill fresh water tank" and wait a minute. Then switch lever over to the "city water setting".

4. go to http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/NationalRV/
look on the left side to "files" and have a look there for what you need. There are lots of files uploaded there and they are as close to a manual you will find, I'm afraid.

5. only when you wish to use 110 without having a connection to a power pedestal or the generator on. Be careful on usage. Only certain plugs will work with the inverter. Typically TV, fridge, radio etc but not our A/C

Hope this helps

Joe

[Nancy & Bill]

Thanks JoeP--this is all very helpful! this is such a great site...can't believe how great it is to read about other peoples travels and issues. what is it they say--"there's comfort in numbers!"

[Richard S.]

The owners manual for my 2007 SB LX is just general info. and with the addendum for gas engines. This was standard with NRV. I don't think you will find any other manuals out there.
Glad you joined us. Post often and we can all learn

[Rick 2005 Dolphin 5376]

I use a plastic turkey baster to fill the batteries. Makes it pretty easy.

to add a little bleach, disconnect the city water hose and get a funnel attached to a small diameter hose. Pour about 1/4 cup of bleach in the inlet and fill with water. Turn on the pump and open the faucet furthest away until you smell bleach. Do the same for all the faucets, shower and toilet. Drain the rest of the water from the tank and refill. Should be good to go.

[Submustang]

We bought the remote battery fill system from Camping World. It works great for our batteries that I otherwise had to remove to fill.

[DAN L]

when equalizing charging my old flooded house batteries (under the steps), the gas emitted would set off my propane detector.
i recently installed 2 lifeline agm batteries.
no more gasses or water to add.