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Topic: Splendide maintenance. (Read 755 times) previous topic - next topic

Splendide maintenance.

As a fulltimer, I use my Splendide a lot, and this has happened twice in 5 years....dryer efficiency drops and there's a noticeable decrease in vent flow.  In addition to cleaning the water lint trap in the front base, you might look at this if you're having dryer issues...pretty sure all models use the same rubber s-neck to connect the tub to the dryer discharge.  With no dryer lint trap, the moist dryer lint builds up in the elbow like clogged arteries and needs to be mechanically removed.  Photo attached of the restriction.  Some disassembly required using only a phillips head screwdriver and some cussing.

Pull the unit out of the cubby to access the rear of the washer.  Remove the 2 screws at the top/rear of the cabinet.  Lift and push forward on the top and lay it aside.  Shimmy between the case and tub and loosen the clamp on the rubber elbow with a stubby phillips and pry it off the tub...the other end is pressed into the rear case.  Clean and replace everything. 

I sprayed the inside of the rubber with silicone before replacing this time, hoping this will lessen the need for this, but I intend to make this a job a semi-annual affair.  Anyone tried one of those TV lint lizards?  Aloha, Woody.

edit:  found this old video of another means.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W17E4qo8r4U


2001 4010 U320 build #5865 "Bluto-d-Bus" since 09/18
2006 Honda Element ESP Toad
Full timing since 2016 in Western MT
Copilot: Sitka
1975 GMC 260 Avion: sold

Re: Splendide maintenance.

Reply #1 –
Hi Woody,
Hope you and Sitka are both doing well.
I've tried a few times to pull on the washer dryer and it hasn't moved. It's sits on a rug, and I have about 1" of space above it . Did you remove the doors and latches to get it out.

Another reason to pull it out is because I have new hot and cold water valves. In 4 years we have found water in the tub 2 times.
Frank & Daisy
NO LONGER  "looking for the perfect Foretravel
36' or less non slide preferred."  She has been found and is ours.
2003 U320 36' non slide  Unit 6103
Cummins ISM 450
Allison 4000MH

Re: Splendide maintenance.

Reply #2 –
Frank, doing great, thanks!  My washer area is carpeted as well and I had to remove the FT doors and hinges to get the Splendide to squeeze out of the pukka (Hawaiian for cubby).  It takes a little man-handling and wiggling to get it to nudge out and some care to make sure that the water hoses and vent ducting make the transition.  I left the carpet in place to keep the w/d from sliding around underway.

Also I reviewed several youtube vids on how to access the rubber duct and I found that taking the top off is the easiest access by far.  Since mine is out of warranty, I may cut the access hole in the side next time I pull it. 

I also just discovered a video outlining an improved way to cleanse the tub using wash#11 and #12 to get rid of cemented lint in the tub.  I'm gonna try this the next time I'm pole-huggin.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdTdW7bAdkk. W. 

Quote from: Lt403 –
Hi Woody,
Hope you and Sitka are both doing well.
I've tried a few times to pull on the washer dryer and it hasn't moved. It's sits on a rug, and I have about 1" of space above it . Did you remove the doors and latches to get it out.

Another reason to pull it out is because I have new hot and cold water valves. In 4 years we have found water in the tub 2 times.
2001 4010 U320 build #5865 "Bluto-d-Bus" since 09/18
2006 Honda Element ESP Toad
Full timing since 2016 in Western MT
Copilot: Sitka
1975 GMC 260 Avion: sold

Re: Splendide maintenance.

Reply #3 –
Woody,

Thanks for sharing this info and the YouTube.  I have the same Splendide unit and love it.  We haven't had it long enough to notice the reduced exhaust flow but after your post I am sure it will come up in the near future.  After watching the video I wonder how you were able to completely remove and photograph the plastic vent piece.  Did you have to cut a hole in the sheet metal?  If not how did you remove it from the machine?  After going through this exercise do you have any insight into how to most easily accomplish this cleaning?

Richard

Edit:  Just saw your above post and it answered most of my questions.  Thanks again. 
Jan & Richard Witt
1999 U-320  36ft WTFE
Build Number: 5478 Motorcade: 16599
2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited w/Air Force One
Jan: NO5U, Richard:KA5RIW
The selected media item is not currently available.

Re: Splendide maintenance.

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Woody & Sitka –
I also just discovered a video outlining an improved way to cleanse the tub using wash#11 and #12 to get rid of cemented lint in the tub.  I'm gonna try this the next time I'm pole-huggin.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdTdW7bAdkk. W. 


Jogged my memory to the great Pat Hatfield posts:

Pat's Helpful Splendide Laundry Tips

Bedroom Fans

Splendide 2100XC "maintenance flush" procedure

Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Splendide maintenance.

Reply #5 –
I tried the 11/2 method a couple years ago and it completely clogged my dryer vent, resulting in my current procedure for physically removing the lint clog from the rubber elbow.

When I have access to a water hookup, I'll try the 11/12 procedure in the video I linked to with the triple/triple fill method to try and get the concreted lint out of the drum...hopefully extending the need to pry out the lint from the elbow. 

Even though he's a great travel buddy, Sitka's coat blows sure make routine coach cleaning and especially laundry chores more tedious.  Glad I don't have alergies!!!  W.

Quote from: Michelle –
Jogged my memory to the great Pat Hatfield posts:
Quote from: Michelle –
Jogged my memory to the great Pat Hatfield posts:

Pat's Helpful Splendide Laundry Tips

Bedroom Fans

Splendide 2100XC "maintenance flush" procedure



Pat's Helpful Splendide Laundry Tips

Bedroom Fans

Splendide 2100XC "maintenance flush" procedure


2001 4010 U320 build #5865 "Bluto-d-Bus" since 09/18
2006 Honda Element ESP Toad
Full timing since 2016 in Western MT
Copilot: Sitka
1975 GMC 260 Avion: sold

Re: Splendide maintenance.

Reply #6 –
One more method to cleanout lint ball in the internal rubber duct of the drier, long needle nose pliers.

Splendide Removal 
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: Splendide maintenance.

Reply #8 –
Currently own the Splendide 2000 WD802 so no special cycles or lights.

Further inspection shows that the unit sits in a recessed opening about 3" deep
Frank & Daisy
NO LONGER  "looking for the perfect Foretravel
36' or less non slide preferred."  She has been found and is ours.
2003 U320 36' non slide  Unit 6103
Cummins ISM 450
Allison 4000MH
 

Re: Splendide maintenance.

Reply #9 –
My coach was ordered without a w/d, but with all the necessary connections, and I added the w/d after I bought the coach, and yours was built in at the factory, like most coaches...my oversight!

You may have to remove the shelf above it to lift it our, or remove the carpeted valance in front of it....lotsa work....sorry.  Others who have replaced their Splendide may be able to chip in for how-to.

Quote from: Lt403 –
Currently own the Splendide 2000 WD802 so no special cycles or lights.

Further inspection shows that the unit sits in a recessed opening about 3" deep
2001 4010 U320 build #5865 "Bluto-d-Bus" since 09/18
2006 Honda Element ESP Toad
Full timing since 2016 in Western MT
Copilot: Sitka
1975 GMC 260 Avion: sold