Tough Day

lcv800 · 07-13-2015, 11:05 PM

I was going to buy the Valtera gate attachment last week before we went out this week for our third camping event but put it off (eventually going electric but 17.5 inch wheels and new tires first). Well, instead of egg on my face, I got crap. Ordered my valves! Then, after running errands, I was backing up to the trailer. The wife asked if I wanted her to get out and guide me in. I said not to bother as I have the back-up sensor on the the truck. Damn if I didn't realize sensors are on the bumper! Hit the top of the tailgate against the hitch! Probably a grand in damage. This on top of a $650 repair to the hood due to me dropping a piece of conduit on the hood just last week! Not only the damage but an "I told you so!". Lastly a question. How long should it take for my Norcold side by side refrigerator to cool down? Freezer is cold (not freezing after 4 hours but fridge is reading 66? On electric. I know it should be colder. Suggestions?
Thanks,
Ruisty

arlan in arizona · 07-13-2015, 11:54 PM

Ouch! I have come close to doing that myself. But more likely on the driving away from the trailer.

I put the Valtera gate attachment on my Voltage the instant I heard about it on this site. I haven't had any leakage with my valves yet.

On your refrigerator. How hot is it outside and in your camper?

When starting up either of my RV refrigerators when it is hot out I put frozen gallon water bottles in the freezer and refrigerator to get a jump start on the cooling.

I don't think four hours is long enough to worry about it not being cold.

Brave of you to tell use of your mistakes.

lcv800 · 07-14-2015, 12:15 AM

85 out now at 7pm. It was close to 90 today and the sun was on the fridge side. I'll know by tomorrow morning I guess.

**wahoonc** · 07-14-2015, 12:15 AM

Have to see if I can find the website that explains how an absorption refrigeration system works. But basically the freezer gets the bulk of the cooling initially and depending on ambient temps (outside and inside) it can take several hours to get down to reasonable levels. Typically we plug ours in 24 hours prior to leaving, once it cools down, pack it with what we are taking with us. I may or may not run it on LP while traveling depending on how hot it is, and how far we have to drive.

Aaron

lcv800 · 07-14-2015, 12:17 AM

Only reason I think I may have a problem is that it sounds the alarm when it I put it on propane, even though I have full tanks (I think).

lcv800 · 07-14-2015, 12:20 AM

I fired up the gen on the way but it shut off on the way apparently. We were only two hours from the house, If I can figure out why it's not working off propane, next time I'll drive to the storage yard the night before and fire it up, if not enough cool down time is in fact the issue

Fanboy · 07-14-2015, 01:09 AM

Have you tried lighting the stove and purge the lines? Then try the frig on propane

Texmac · 07-14-2015, 03:11 AM

If I have not had the fridge on for several months then it usually takes several attempts to get the propane to fire off. As Fanboy said I will usually light the stove first and then the fridge will go after several attempts.

Moto4play · 07-14-2015, 09:44 AM

Just went through same issues with fridge. Is you recently filled the tanks, cycle the fridge a couple of times, usually just have air in the line. It will attempt to fire I believe three times. Power it off and back on to let it try again.

My fridge quit cooling at the beach last weekend and we lost all our food! I ended figuring out it was a $15 DC Fan Thermostat. It is located outside in the upper access panel. They have it screwed to the first fin all the way to the right. You will see two red wires running to it.

Open the Panel after the fridge has been running and look down in to the access hole and see if the two fans are running. If they are not, unplug the two red wires and jump them together. The fans should kick on. Let the fridge run for 4-8 hours. DO NOT OPEN IT. After wards press and hold the Set Temp and Mode buttons until you see the number 1. Let go, it will then go to 88 press Mode once it will go to screen 1. there are 10 screens, push Mode until you get to screen 3 I believe, this will give you the interior temp of the second from the right inside the fridge. It should be in the 30's. Check in a few hours (the same way)later to see if it is dropping, if so that should be the issue. Avoid opening while testing. You can buy one on Ebay for about 12-15 dollars. Or from Norcold for 30 plys 12 for shipping.

Here is a link to a service manual that will give you details on what I put in above. Will also help with not getting a flame and if this is not your issue, testing other items.

http://bryantrv.com/docs2/docs/ncold1210.pdf

Good Luck!

lcv800 · 07-14-2015, 10:37 AM

Thank you all. Everyone was correct. Fridge cooled down fine overnight and it was air in the lines, so the propane is working also. Now, if one of you guys could do bodywork and fix my tailgate.....?
Seriously, thanks again.
Rusty

HornedToad · 07-14-2015, 02:25 PM

There is an old saying that I've found holds true...

A tough day RVing is better than a good day at the office!!!

I had a tailgate with the step & camera stolen off an F250 and the insurance estimate was $4000 piecemeal part by part with the labor to assemble & paint. I found one on eBay for $900 and tried to get the insurance company to get that but the bodyshop would not use parts from eBay because they were not guaranteed. I took the insurance $ and replaced it off eBay. It was easy to install because the dummies that stole it cut the camera wire before the plug.

sundancer 87 · 07-14-2015, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HornedToad

There is an old saying that I've found holds true...

A tough day RVing is better than a good day at the office!!!

I had a tailgate with the step & camera stolen off an F250 and the insurance estimate was $4000 piecemeal part by part with the labor to assemble & paint. I found one on eBay for $900 and tried to get the insurance company to get that but the bodyshop would not use parts from eBay because they were not guaranteed. I took the insurance $ and replaced it off eBay. It was easy to install because the dummies that stole it cut the camera wire before the plug.

It's important to keep them locked if so equipped. Stories abound that body shops will charge you the high price for a replacement tailgate but they pay someone 4 or 5 hundred bucks to steal one for your replacement.

HornedToad · 07-14-2015, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sundancer 87

they pay someone 4 or 5 hundred bucks to steal one for your replacement.

I thought about that when I was surfing eBay so I questioned the sellers as I did not want to perpetuate my misfortune to another. The guy I bought from had his truck parked in the driveway with a Tommy Lift.

Pirate · 07-14-2015, 03:03 PM

Well, let's see...get one of the tailgates that has a V in it so you don't hit the tail gate.

Get an I-Ball camera, $129, mount the magnetic base camera where you can see the king pin...only when the tailgate is open. Plug the monitor into a 12V outlet so you can see it. Then you'll know if the tailgate it open!!

Do not move heavy stuff anywhere near your truck!!!

Just a few thoughts...

Pirate

Moto4play · 07-14-2015, 03:41 PM

I actually mounted a camera to my rack at the back window. Mounted a dual RCA jack under the console. Everyday driving keep it hooked to the bumper camera and when connecting to the RV, switch the RCA plug around and i can see if my tailgate is open and line up to the pin first time every time. My wife sits to the side with the remote and adjusts the height as needed. Works great and inexpensive.

lcv800 · 07-14-2015, 04:22 PM

Live and learn. It won't happen again, that's for sure. I read somewhere on the forum that there are two types of tailgates; those that have been replaced and those that will be.
Rusty

donzinger · 07-15-2015, 08:00 AM

Isn't that I-ball handy? I have one and use it for alot of things. Once backing into a tight space, I stuck it on my steps of the camper to be able to get close but not too close. Just wish it had longer range sometimes.

Pirate · 07-15-2015, 10:26 AM

Yeah...the I-ball is great. I just have to remember to keep a stash of 9 Volt batteries with it.

RVNevada · 07-18-2015, 04:17 PM

Rusty: Just read the post, Wow on your 2015 Truck, I wouldn't feel to bad if it was a little older, Good Luck with the INS. company....My Truck when it only had 200 miles on it, we were camping in a KOA in San Diego, I went out to walk the dogs and as I'm walking back, I see a crowd around my Truck, as I get closer, I see the Right side of the Frontend all damaged, I get there and a guy comes up and said, I guess I cut it a little short, His 5th wheel had a little damage, but the Truck look like it was hit by another Truck....2 months later, it was repaired, I couldn't get mad, I didn't do the first dent.....

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