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Question on electrical system etc

The learning curve begins in earnest...

I'm trying to get my mind around the inverter/charger aspect of the electrical system.  My limited knowledge is that current must run in a circular fashion.  Would someone point out a thread or web site that explains how an inverter functions in layman terms?

Also, concerning changing engine oil...
- approximately, how much are you saving by changing your own oil assuming I have all the filters?

- why does the oil need to be changed every 6 months if you haven't use the coach in that time period? Can't you just service the engine prior to use?

- is the transmission service interval of 25K based solely on mileage? will using a synthetic oil extend this interval?

misc:
- all the tires on the coach we're replaced in 2005 and have been covered when not in use. We will be bringing the coach from FL to MI in the spring. Would it be safe to make this trek on close to 8 year old tires?  or should we replace them before leaving FL?

- does the aqua-hot work while in transit via electric mode?

- what is a 'drag link'?


@ Michelle - feel free to separate any of these questions into topics if you deem necessary/helpful

Thanks in advance....
~Bill Velting


 



Bill & Jan Velting
1998 U320 36'    2014 Xtreme facelift
build #5339  MC#17207
current toad: 2014 Cadillac SRX

Re: Question on electrical system etc

Reply #1 –
The drag link is the rod connecting the two front steering tires.
'02 U295 36'
Build #5937

 SKP#104358
Motorcade#17428

Re: Question on electrical system etc

Reply #2 –
Quote from: bill velting –
The learning curve begins in earnest...

I'm trying to get my mind around the inverter/charger aspect of the electrical system.  My limited knowledge is that current must run in a circular fashion.  Would someone point out a thread or web site that explains how an inverter functions in layman terms?

Inverters - Converters (All you need to know)

Quote
will using a synthetic oil extend this interval?
transynd synthetis can go much longer intervals
Transynd Fluid change interval

Quote
- does the aqua-hot work while in transit via electric mode?
It is 120 vac. Only if the generator is on.

The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: Question on electrical system etc

Reply #3 –
Bill,

On the Misc. Questions -

I wouldn't worry about driving on 8 year old michelins (I know, lots of folks here will feel otherwise....), but I would put the fronts at maximum air pressure, and put the rears at at least 100 PSI.

If you choose Michelins going forward, FMCA has a pretty good price nationwide at any michelin dealer, but you need to be an FMCA member, in which case if budget allows, why not get them in FL?

I used to sell a lot of over the road tires in the 70's, and we had really good luck with Toyo and Michelin, Bridgestone has come a long way, heard more bad than good on "Goodyear", search here on the prior posts at FoFums (Foretravel Owner's Forum -- ForeForums ), lots of talk on Transynd, Tires, and Batteries...........

I have the ISM follow on engine to the M11 in my 2001 - it's interval is 15,000 or twelve months - Hooray, works out fine for annual service, and I do the transmission every other year (at the suggestion of MOT) even though I don't use Transynd. Those that have Transynd swear by it, and it does increase the change interval, and result in cooler running and maybe a smidge better mileage, - only drawbacks, expensive, so not sure how much you save on the oil side vs. standard, and I was told that even after you put it in, you need to do the next service with Transynd at one year or 25,000 miles anyway to make sure you have "pure" Transynd in the transmission.

Your Aquahot runs of an engine cooling loop when the engine is running, there for no diesel or electric is consumed for the Aquahot as you drive down the road, works fine!

Enjoy
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Question on electrical system etc

Reply #4 –
You can save a lot of $$$ if you change it yourself. I change my engine oil every 10,000 miles. If I were to store it, I would change oil before storage rather than when you take it out and get ready for a trip. There are additives in oil that minimize acids that are created but why push your luck. Does not cost any more to change before than after storage.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Question on electrical system etc

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Tom Endres –
The drag link is the rod connecting the two front steering tires.

Actually, the drag link connects the pitman arm (which is attached to the steering box) to the driver's side steering knuckle. It is oriented fore/aft.

The tie rod connects the two steering knuckles. It is oriented transverse to the long axis of the coach.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Question on electrical system etc

Reply #6 –
Quote from: bill velting –
The learning curve begins in earnest...

I'm trying to get my mind around the inverter/charger aspect of the electrical system.  My limited knowledge is that current must run in a circular fashion.  Would someone point out a thread or web site that explains how an inverter functions in layman terms?


Thanks in advance....
~Bill Velting

An inverter/charger is a two function device. The inverter portion takes DC from your batteries and turns it into AC. The charger portion takes AC and changes to DC to charge your batteries. The charger portion of a good inverter/charger is a three stage charger that will fully charge your battery bank. The two functions are seperate and are not used simutaneously.  Inverter/chargers in RV's are installed in such a way that the inverter (AC) portion provides power to only specific circuits. The inverter would not be wired to power the air conditioners for example.


A good description in layman's terms for an inverter Inverter FAQ - DonRowe.com - Frequently Asked Questions about Power Inverters

A simple description of inverter/charger can be found at: How an Inverter/Charger Works

Confused Yet? ???

It really is simple. Inverters change the DC in your batteries to AC so that you can make your coffee in the morning. Chargers or converters change AC to DC to put DC in your batteries so that you have enough power to make your coffee in the morning. It's only after that, that things get complicated. :P

Roland


 
1993 U280 4341
2010 Jeep Liberty
The Pied Pipers

Re: Question on electrical system etc

Reply #7 –
Quote
Actually, the drag link connects the pitman arm (which is attached to the steering box) to the driver's side steering knuckle. It is oriented fore/aft.

The tie rod connects the two steering knuckles. It is oriented transverse to the long axis of the coach.
Brett Wolfe

And the ankle bone connects to the thigh bone and I hear the word of the ....... Oh well Brett I had to do it.  Looks like you will have to stuff a sock in me to keep from doing things like this.
Gary B :)

Re: Question on electrical system etc

Reply #8 –
Check each tire inside and outside sidewalls for cracking.  If you find any, have a professional assess its fitness for travel.  Age is only one factor in tire life.  Frequency of storage, time in storage, storage environment, surface under tires while in storage are only some of the factors involved.  My Michelins last 10 years, but I pay attention to all of the above, and keep them rolling most of the time.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R
 

Re: Question on electrical system etc

Reply #9 –
Thanks for all the inverter links...it's helped a lot.

@ Brett Wolfe, drag line was replaced on this unit a few years back - glad to know what it is.

@ Tim, we'll check the tires before our trek north. If they look good we'll replace in MI.  I'd rather have the installation/balancing done here in case there's any issues.

@ Pierce, good thoughts on when to service. ty  Do you have $$ amount that you save per each oil change you do yourself?
Bill & Jan Velting
1998 U320 36'    2014 Xtreme facelift
build #5339  MC#17207
current toad: 2014 Cadillac SRX