Does anyone know if there is a trick to get the fresh water hose reel to free spool on a 2003 U295? I have to really tug on the hose to get her to spool out. Sounds as if the retracting motor does not release from gear and I'm pulling the motor in reverse. Would appreciate any insight and advice!
Assuming you have a Gendinning reel: the sound you hear and some of the resistance when unspooling is the gearing and motor being turned. This is how the old reel was designed. The new ones have a clutch that disengages the gear when you pull out the hose.
My reel also stuck a lot in addition to the gear noise and when it did move, it was very jerky. After 10 years of heavy use, I decided to take it out and investigate. Turns out the internal fitting for the bearing connection to the hose was in poor shape - lots of corrosion and very dirty. Since the hose itself had lots of scrapes, I bit the bullet and got a whole new reel - Glendinning Model M.
Glendinning Hosemaster (http://www.glendinningprods.com/products/hosemaster/175-model-m)
If you want to try cleaning and lubing the bearing, I suggest you call Glendinning for advice. I didn't see an easy way to get to the bearing without breaking things.
If you do get a new Model M - be aware it is slightly wider than the old model. It took a lot of effort to get the new one to fit.
Also -
It takes a long time fill the tank via the hose. On my 2004 year coach, I found there was an extra connection fitting near the top of the side of the tank facing the street (next to the one used for the overflow). I used the fitting to connect a new inlet with a short hose mounted through the bulkhead covering the tank. Since this goes directly into the tank, it enables the tank to be filled very quickly.
While in Mexico at friends I replaced on his C Coach the hose reel/complete with ring gear and shaft etc on the Glendenning model with a new centre reel. The motor was good but changed over the frame a bit so bolts are installed the opposite way to factory build which makes for easier removal etc. The hose and reel centre was I believe $125. Friends hose was in bad shape due to sun etc. Easy fix.
JohnH
Had the same problem with our electric Glendinning reel, felt like I was in a tug a war and the hose reel won. Called the company and as soon as I told him the age he said the problem was due to the reel bearing failing due to wear and most likely rust from water leaking from the reel hose connection. He said the leak would have been so slight I would not have even noticed when filling the tank. Recommend replaceing the reel which included a new 50' half inch hose rather than the entire assembly. Cost was around $120.00 and it was a simple repair. Basically to remove the entire assembly from the coach required the removal of four bolts and disconnecting the wires from the motor. Then it is simple to remove and replace the reel.
Thank you all for the feedback. Sounds like it's time for a new reel. Certainly a new fishing reel sounds better, but will take new hose reel.
Thanks for your help.