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Lorna · 09-17-2007, 05:53 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Capt. Dan:
...Sorry Lorna! Didn't mean to tromp your home but was making a observation about several models from that era. I can see why several company's went belly up!! Shabby Construction Just doesn't work with rv's, not if you plan keeping them till You die!!! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Dan,
You don't need to apologize for the sh....... "poor" construction of our Class C. I am not a big fan of "sticks-n-staples" RVs. That is why David & I decided a long time ago to go with a bus conversion. The Eagle will be our home until we can't drive it any more... once we get it converted that is! Plans, plans, plans... some times I get tired of prefacing everything with "if" and "when".

The Class C is a real learning experience. I have learned so much regarding our spatial requirements that the Class C is invaluable.

Wallaby Dan · 09-17-2007, 06:19 PM

I still Didn't mean to bash yours! I just wonder , How do these company's get a safety rating?? Do they do any safety testing at all?? My coach came with 3 seat belts in the back bench as it was next to the back wall. Two more on the sofa, two more in the mini dinette and one each side and ALL of them are in 2X2" Square tubing! All the other seats, have,{had}a sign saying that those seats we not to be used when in motion! Now Mine is a 79... Hey The rest of ya.. Is your home a safe one???? How is it now compared to back when??? This smells like a good topic!!! How about it!!

Lorna · 09-18-2007, 08:00 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Capt. Dan:
...I just wonder , How do these company's get a safety rating?? Do they do any safety testing at all?? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

The ANSI label that is on all commercial RVs and that many think actually mean something, refers to a book of standard "practices" that the RV manufacturers came up with. It really has very little to do with safety or much else. I have a copy and the "disclaimer" in the front of the book was an eye-opener to say the least. If I knew where my copy was, I would post the disclaimer (I think I posted it somewhere on irv2 quite a while back). The RV industry basically polices itself when it comes to safety. There's not too many others watching them and virtually no one with any real power to say no to them. It does explain all the shoddy construction. But the folks will keep on buying because they either don't know or don't care about quality. The RV manufacturers (and every one else) is selling to customers accustomed to "disposible merchandise".

Sanjay R · 09-18-2007, 10:08 PM

Sadly Felicity was built to be "disposable". I cannot imagine anyone putting particle board flooring in an area that most people would expect to get wet (bathroom, kitchen, entryway, you get the idea), and expect that construction to last even 10 years. Oh yeah, and the metal on the outside is also stapled on. This is part of why I have such grand plans for this rig. I do expect to live in it for the rest of my life (my guestimate is 40 years). so I want to (re)build it to last that long. That means real wood, solid construction, and parts that will survive that long. That is going to cost, and finding a place to do that kind of work is not going to be easy.

Wallaby Dan · 09-19-2007, 11:34 AM

Sadly, I think most are....

Hemi · 01-12-2008, 02:51 PM

This thread seems be occupied by folks with some vintage rvs...I am looking for information on the Hayden thermostat or control that controls when a transmission cooler fan comes on.

The Hayden thermostat (model 290) is a small black box usually found under or near the dashboard of an rv. I did a stupid thing. While exploring the wiring in my dash, I ran across the Hayden device...the stupid thing I did was start pushing its buttons...it has a lcd readout. A bit later I traced some of the wiring to the transmission fluid line..the wire was wrapped around it and I supposed sensed the heat in the line.

Anyway, I am not sure I can salvage what I did. If I had a manual I could figure out the codes and possibly reprogram the device. Thus, if anyone has information on this Hayden device please let me know.

Alternatively I suppose I could purchase an in-line thermostat that would control the cooling fans...any ideas on this approach.

My RV is a 1986 holiday rambler presidential...it has 454 engine and RV sits on the gmc p30 frame setup. I know the cooling fans worked previously because I could hear them come on about every 20 minutes, especially traveling in hot areas such as the Mahave Desert.

Thanks for any help you can provide...

HEMI

JimElliott · 01-12-2008, 07:21 PM

Hemi, Check out the B&M unit from "Summit racing"...
A stacked plate cooler with a automatic fan control...About $219.00.

Jim

Hemi · 01-14-2008, 12:05 AM

Thanks and I did. However, I am hoping to use what I already have...I will contact hayden by mail, HEMI

fleamarketer · 01-14-2008, 10:25 PM

Not to indifferent,but I am not a real fan of stacked tranny coolers.They have a habbit of clonging like those in the rad over time.This was confirmed by a friend of mine who has operated a tranny shop for over 20yrs.I have used the biggest Hayden cooler tube type and are very happy with the results.Just my $.02.

Hemi · 01-17-2008, 04:42 PM

The post I made on 12 January 06:51 turned out to be a non-issue.

I contacted Hayden company. The tech rep said the device I described was one of their early digital thermometers and controlled nothing, just measured temperature under the hood and near one of the tranny lines. The Hayden tech told me to trace the electric fan wires and I should find a relay; I did and I found the relay. ...from the relay was a wire that went to a thermostat probes mounted on one of the large radiator hoses.

Bottom line: I have no problem...the fans will operate when the radiator water gets above a certain temperature.

So, once in awhile we win one.

HEMI