Did you know this?

[rodro123]

The following are listed in my Jayco owners manual.

1.Smoke alarms need to be replaced within five years of use. Refer to the smoke
detector manufacturer’s information in your Warranty Packet for additional information.

2. When your RV is new, it is impossible to
adjust the brake shoes precisely. It takes
approximately 1,000 miles and/or 50
medium to heavy stops to “burnish” fit or
“seat” the shoes to the brake drum. After
the initial break-in period your brake shoes
must be adjusted accurately for best
performance and increased durability.

3. Always make sure the power
converter in the rv, is turned “off” before disconnecting
the battery.

4. The water heater manufacturer recommends
replacement of the anode rod when
consumption or weight loss of the rod is greater then 75
percent. Operating the water heater without the proper
anode rod protection will decrease
tank life and will void the tank manufacturer’s
warranty on the tank. To extend the anode
life, drain the water from the water heater tank
whenever the RV is not being used. Avoid
any extended time of non-use with water in
the tank.

[Crabman]

Interesting. I wonder how many of us do all those things? # 4 is for Suburban water heaters, not Atwood which have no anode rod. I think I have violated #`s 2 and 3!

[SecretCoveDave]

Wow, thanks. Another lesson, jeez. Does it say where the power converter is that I didn't turn off before disconnecting batteries?

Dave

[3'senough]

The simplest way to shut off the converter is to disconnect shore power/genny.

There is a circut breaker just for the converter which is mounted within your breaker panel. If at all uncertain throw the main and disconnect from any outside power source.

Leave yourself a post it somewhere to remember the battery is disconneted since if not turned off it will have live wires if you go to connect the batteries and the circuts are live. I can't seem to function without lists lately.

As for the brake thing. I thought the new Dexters were "never adjust" and that backing up would self adjust much like a cars drum brakes with the spring mechanisim???Hmmmm....need to take out the manuals and read some more this winter...

4.I like to add the roof cleaning and treatment 2x a year which is commonly overlooked by some.

Thanks for the post.

[SecretCoveDave]

Thank you as well, Dave

[Lady Fitzgerald]

1.Smoke alarms need to be replaced within five years of use. Refer to the smoke detector manufacturer’s information in your Warranty Packet for additional information.

Knew this. It is true of any smoke detector, including the ones in your home.

2. When your RV is new, it is impossible to adjust the brake shoes precisely. It takes approximately 1,000 miles and/or 50
medium to heavy stops to “burnish” fit or “seat” the shoes to the brake drum. After the initial break-in period your brake shoes must be adjusted accurately for best performance and increased durability.

Kinda sorta knew this. While I didn't know the exact figures, I do know that new brakes need to be used to properly seat them and, until they are seated, they need to be frequently readjusted unless the vehicle has automatic adjusters. One thing nice about electric brakes is they aren't as sensitive to being out of adjustment (i.e. no low pedal).

3. Always make sure the power converter in the rv, is turned “off” before disconnecting the battery.

Got me. I never would have thought of that on my own until I raised a spark disconnecting the battery. Good thing it's in the manual.

4. The water heater manufacturer recommends replacement of the anode rod when consumption or weight loss of the rod is greater then 75 percent. Operating the water heater without the proper anode rod protection will decrease tank life and will void the tank manufacturer’s
warranty on the tank. To extend the anode life, drain the water from the water heater tank whenever the RV is not being used. Avoid any extended time of non-use with water in the tank.

Knew this. All water heaters that have anodes, no matter where they are, need to have them checked once or twice a year. How many check the ones in their home water heaters?

[Seann45]

Originally Posted by Lady Fitzgerald

Knew this. All water heaters that have anodes, no matter where they are, need to have them checked once or twice a year. How many check the ones in their home water heaters?

NO... Attwood does not have anodes... does not need them and if you install one you will hurt the tank...

[Lady Fitzgerald]

Originally Posted by Seann45

NO... Attwood does not have anodes... does not need them and if you install one you will hurt the tank...

Uh, Sean? Read what I said again. I said, "All water heaters that have anodes..." Water heaters with aluminum tanks (such as Atwoods) don't have anodes. You are correct that a magnesioum anode will damage an aluminum tank.