Community Forums

MindyLin · 07-31-2014, 11:04 AM

A year ago we purchased a 2001 Fleetwood Pioneer TT that had been sitting unused for about 6 years. We are finally getting it ready to use and other than cleaning and knocking off the cobwebs and putting on new tires we aren't sure what else we should do. We are going to a campground that has no hookups. At this point all I really want to use is the fridge which is a basic Dometic brand. Water heater and furnace can wait until we have time to make sure they are safe and operational. Our concern is the LP system that we need to run the fridge. What steps should we take to make sure the system hasn't deteriorated to a point that it would be unsafe to use. We have turned on the fridge with the TT plugged in to 120 and it works perfectly, but haven't tried propane/battery operation. Don't want to get blown up. Any advice on how to clean/check this system without having to dismantle the whole thing would be helpful. Any other advice on travel prep for this short trip would be welcome too.
Thank you. This is one of the most helpful sites ever.

Shadowcatche · 08-01-2014, 06:34 AM

Check connections and replace rubber, a soapy water mixture will find leaks. I pressurize the water system with air and check water connections with the same mixture. A quick check to see if you do have leaks on a weekly basis, pressurize the system and shut off the valve on the cylinder. if when you turn it back on there is a flow, you have a leak.

Two Bit · 08-01-2014, 06:44 AM

Replace batteries in propane detector and smoke detector, or if there is not one (propane detector), install one.

On the fridge.... make sure the chimney (at the roof vent) is not clogged with a birdnest. Might have to take the roof cap off to see inside. It is attached with screws.

Check the roof seams for water-titeness. Might have to repair some calk.

Make sure awning latches securely in the closed position.

Disinfect fresh water tank and all water lines.

Check water level in battery and charge.

Take the tools and jack to change a flat.

Make sure electric brakes and all stop, tail, clearance, and turn lights work. Check that license plate is valid (not expired).

....all I can think of this early

tunafish · 08-01-2014, 07:03 AM

When you do the tires have them check the brakes and do the wheel bearings. Sitting around is probably the worst thing for a TT. Those tires need to turn and the brakes used or they tend to rust in place. Buy name brand tires. They're all made in China now but at least goodyear etc. have specs the Chinese have to meet.

Water system probably could use a good flushing out, 1 oz. bleach in 5 gal of water. Fill the tank run it through all the faucets and let it sit for a day. Check all of the interior fittings for leaks. Then drain the tanks, flush and refill. Don't run the water heater until you have flushed all of the air out of it.

Advice on propane leaks is good but you should buy a propane gauge ( about $30). Pressurize the system let it sit for a week and see how it does. It's handy to have one in the system any way to see how much gas you have left in the tank. Make sure your tank fittings are tight.

Good Luck and enjoy

monkey · 08-01-2014, 08:54 AM

If it has an awning, we use 1" velcro strips front and rear when stowed just to make sure it doesn't come undone going down the road.... Cheap easy insurance... Also good advice about checking for blockage on the water heater/furnace as in birds, mud daubers, etc....

Lac · 08-01-2014, 07:35 PM

In BC the propane tanks/valves must be recertified every 10 years...check the date on the tank(a) We are unable to fill them unless the tanks/valves are within the certification period.

Hope this helps
Coops

MindyLin · 08-03-2014, 01:58 PM

Thanks everyone for all the great advice. We have had the wheal bearings packed, new tires, lp system tested for leaks, recall work done on Dometic fridge and a number of other things. Now I have another problem and I posted it on a new thread because initially I couldn't find this one. Here is a copy of my other post:

Okay. I'm back with another problem. Resolved my other issues thanks to the great responses I got from this forum. But here's the deal: After trailer had been sitting for a few years we are resurrecting her one system at a time. So we charged the batteries and they seemed to be holding fine. Several days without problems. Was running the fridge on propane and everything. Today we took her out for a test run and to dump the tanks. Only drove about 12 miles total. Got back home and heard the low voltage alarm going off. Checked batteries and they were drained. Husband said he noticed too that the prodigy brake control didn't register either. However, we have light and break lights and turn signals on the trailer working just fine and the brakes were working fine. Any ideas any one? Today is Sunday and we are supposed to be camping this coming Thursday at a campground with no hook ups. We do have a generator but need to know what is causing the batteries to drain while under tow.Thank you so much!

jesilvas · 08-03-2014, 02:04 PM

The brake controller isn't reliant on the trailer battery staying charged.

Did you load test the batteries? They may hold a charge, but not for long because they are bad.

MindyLin · 08-03-2014, 02:51 PM

Thanks Jesilvas. The funny thing is they were staying charged and running the fridge all day yesterday and not showing any signs of losing power. But then when we towed it today they just drained in a matter of about an hour.

MtCamper · 08-03-2014, 05:55 PM

Just get new batteries. Yours are bad, Just too much time. To check your propane, turn off all appliances. Open one tank and make sure your tank switch gauge goes to green. turn off the tank and see if it is still green in 4-5 hours. It may register empty by the next day, and that is normal. They do bleed down a little without causing any problem. If you are still Ok after a few hours, with the tanks off open your gas valve on the stove for a second. Your gauge should change colors. then open the other tank and repeat the test. Agree you need to repack bearings, adjust brakes, etc. Check your fridge, water heater and furnace. Bet they are all OK. With your fridge on, pull the outside cover and check the flame. It may be yellow. Smack it a few times with the butt end of your screwdriver and you'll see quite a flare up. Then it should settle down to a blue flame. Look for birds nests, bee hives and all at each vent opening. Pack a toddy to enjoy and have fun. Remember you can fix the rest when you get home. Happy camping. Ken

chaps2018 · 08-04-2014, 12:17 PM

Fire up the hot water heater too, spider webs in the gas/air inlet tube may cause a problem (black soot up the exhaust panel)

MindyLin · 08-18-2014, 09:45 AM

Just a quick update. All my anxiety about our trip to Lake Tahoe was unnecessary. We had the wheel bearings packed, new tires, new batteries and the lp system checked out and everything worked great. No issues with the trailer what so ever. Wish I could say the same about my kids. Anyhow, Thank you all for the wonderful advice and words of wisdom. Our trip was a huge success and we had a wonderful time.

Cliffy · 08-25-2014, 06:57 PM

Glad you had a good time Do it again!

Kewl · 08-27-2014, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MindyLin

Thanks Jesilvas. The funny thing is they were staying charged and running the fridge all day yesterday and not showing any signs of losing power. But then when we towed it today they just drained in a matter of about an hour.

Your fridge doesn't use any battery power when trailer is unplugged (minimal for led indicator lights and for the light inside, if applicable).