Hi all -
Just posting a quick update on my FT progress:
I'm actually at FOT right now! (see photo) Gave up on trying to change the Gray and Black valves myself, and brought it to the experts. They had to actually cut an access hole in the bottom of the coach to get to the rearmost bolt!
FOT is also helping me troubleshoot the generator. Previous owner's mechanic had recently replaced the voltage regulator and it was acting up again (overheat warning). I wanted to make sure a good tech (FOT) looked at it, didn't quite trust my DIY skills enough here. Turned out it was faulty wiring to one of the fuses and fixed now (phew!). Load testing with A/C now after the fix.
Other recent updates:
Week before last, I fixed the backup camera, here is the short version: Bought these two items on Amazon to help troubleshoot:
Amazon.com: 5'' Inch TFT LCD Car Color Rear View Monitor Screen for Parking... (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019GQLNJU) (monitor)
Amazon.com: NATIKA Backup Camera with Waterproof HD Night Vision Rear View... (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075ZPNL7J) (backup camera without IR)
Opened up my dashboard (easy, lifts off) and found the composite (RCA) video connectors. Plugged in my new monitor, still no signal. This helped me rule out the front monitor as the problem. Then I plugged in the new camera to the old monitor. Worked great! So now the old front monitor is completely ruled out as the problem - good. Still have to check on the back camera, and the wire that runs front to back. Next, went back to the cabinet above the bed and opened up the wiring area. Discovered more composite connections back there (yay, no need for adapters) and plugged in the new camera. Picture showed up on front monitor just fine. So now I've eliminated the cable as the problem - meaning the old camera is the culprit. Removed the old camera, threaded the new one's wire through, and mounted the new one with stainless screws. Put the cabinet and dashboard back together and all is now well! Don't have a photo of the new camera, but see photo for a picture of my daughter helping me "fix" this issue.
On the same day I did the camera, I also replaced the engine air filter. Old one wasn't causing restriction on the gauge, but I wanted to change it along with the other preventative maintenance items I'm doing to start our ownership of this coach with a "clean slate" so to speak. See attached pic of the old vs new filters. Replaced with the exact same part, Fleetguard AF1838 ($70 on eBay).
Final update: yesterday I took out the two old (original?) fantastic vent fans that were completely inoperable and installed new Maxxair Maxxfan 5100k fans (MaxxFan Deluxe Roof Vent w/ 12V Fan and Thermostat - Manual Lift - 10 Speed... (https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Vents-and-Fans/MaxxAir/MA00-05100K.html)). Pretty straightforward job - removed old fans, cleaned old sealant off the fiberglass roof using mineral spirits, mounted new fan base (butyl tape + new dicor over all stainless screws and around edge). Wired up new fan. Still have to do the new trim pieces inside but all is working great so far - very quiet fans and I love that the rain cover is built in.
That's it for now - steadily moving down the "to-do" list. Still more on the list, but if all goes well here at FOT today this should finish out enough of the "immediate" list and we can go camping!
No wonder it's going so smooth with the helper you have in the bottom picture.. sounds like you are making good progress and the chores are just part of the experience.. Enjoy.
Process sounds good. I have a backup cam on the rear of mine... I haven't touched it in a year and I can't for the life of me figure out what it's supposed to do or how it turns on or where the picture is supposed to go. So I haven't messed with it.
I was going to replace mine... couldnt get to that back bolt and gave up.. figured I needed some kind of NASA tool... guess not.. Good idea to cut a hole .. if you have to.. its an impossible task I tell you..
If you can find a cable running front to back (Composite/RCA, etc.) you might be able to use that to run a new camera and monitor. Or, if you want to go the wireless route I've heard those work pretty well nowadays and are mostly just plug-and-play - just need to find a 12v source to tap into in the rear of the coach. Message me if I can help!
I seriously thought it was impossible as well, until I saw the guys at FOT take a hole saw to the bottom of our coach!!!
We just got back from our first overnight trip in the FT though - new valve seems to work great so far so it was worth it!