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RE: The GEO Method and Space Heaters - Thoughts?
So how about these....assuming a box can be installed.
If box will not fit, where can the higher quality RV specific receptacles be sourced? How will I know they are better than what I have? The ones I have seen appear to require a tool to install wires in rear. They also appear to be of same quality as I have now (stab style).
Commercial grade outlet
that's what I have used however do NOT install the 20A outlet on a 15A circuit!!!!!! against code, use the 15A outlet, you don't want to be able to try to run something with a 20A plug on a 15A circuit.
There is a "shallow" retrofit plastic box that in my trailer was shallow enough to fit in the existing wall.
Yes on the 15amp...the pic was just for reference for commercial grade
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Baja Man
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11/23/22 06:45pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: The GEO Method and Space Heaters - Thoughts?
Thanks everyone.
Considering I am leaving this Friday, once I return from my trip I'll come back to this thread and see about making the upgrades.
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Baja Man
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11/23/22 05:55pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: The GEO Method and Space Heaters - Thoughts?
Would seem easier at this point to just use your furnace and a little more propane…
I agree.....since I'm leaving on Friday, I don't have the time to do the upgrades. I'll run the propane furnace this time and see about the outlet upgrades at a later time.
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Baja Man
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11/23/22 05:53pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: The GEO Method and Space Heaters - Thoughts?
So how about these....assuming a box can be installed.
If box will not fit, where can the higher quality RV specific receptacles be sourced? How will I know they are better than what I have? The ones I have seen appear to require a tool to install wires in rear. They also appear to be of same quality as I have now (stab style).
Commercial grade outlet
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Baja Man
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11/23/22 07:17am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: The GEO Method and Space Heaters - Thoughts?
Baja Man,
Please replace the outlet where you intend to connect the electric heater.
I replaced all but one of the outlets.
Is this appropriate grade? It has side screws as well as push in connections. Is screw connections preferred in RVs?
Also, should I expect a receptacle box or will I find those enclosed wirecon type boxes/receptacles? If the latter, perhaps an old work box and receptacle would be best.
15 amp residential receptacle
Thanks!
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Baja Man
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11/22/22 07:29pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: The GEO Method and Space Heaters - Thoughts?
Thank you all for the very useful ways to keep warm safely and how to clean my tanks.
Much appreciated.
I have a small electric space heater we will take.
Will use propane (as needed) as suggested during awake hours. We'll try electric space heater first since there are full hook ups.
Extra blankets, beanies, socks, and warm clothes in general. We should be good to go.
I like the idea of filling the black tank a second time (after initial dump) using the flush system. I do have a clear angle fitting to view dump contents.
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Baja Man
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11/20/22 09:54am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: 36" Hitch Extension for 2" Receiver - Are they Made?
I wanted to follow back up on the install and lower hitch extension.
The lower extension was drilled/punched incorrectly. A new one was sent by TL. It fit like a glove.
The length after install and camper placed on truck...was about 7" past rear camper bumper/step. A 24" would have worked as suggested on this thread but a longer ball mount would have been needed to get ball out past rear of camper bumper/step.
However, we launched the boat and the 36" was appreciated during the launch. The truck tires just touched the water and boat launched with ease. The shortest ball mount we used IMO is much preferred over a 8"-12" one that would have been needed with a 24" extension. Obviously other launch ramps will be at different angles and we'll see how it launches on those ramps.
The 36" allows for greater possibilities when launching a boat. If he was not launching a boat, then perhaps a 24" extension with a longer ball mount would work just fine. But for launching a boat, the added extension length turned out great.
Thanks for all of the assistance!
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Baja Man
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11/20/22 09:10am |
Truck Campers
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RE: The GEO Method and Space Heaters - Thoughts?
1. Will only run propane heater while we are awake.
2.
BTW...are electric heaters safe to run while asleep?
pianotuna:
Is the reason to change the 120V outlet where a space may be used to replace with a house grade or better quality one?
There's no reason not to run the propane furnace when sleeping.... I do it all the time when I'm dry camped.
Yes, electric heaters are safe to run, any time. If they weren't safe to use, they wouldn't be sold.
If you have pets or children, then they may not be the best source of heat at night, because a blanket could fall on them, a pet or child could knock them off a counter, etc.
Good heaters have a tip-over shut off mechanism.
I installed a dedicate electrical outlet specifically for plugging a heater into.
Video of the outlet upgrade project
Thanks for the link to the added outlet!
Is the OEM wiring of smaller gauge, thus not appropriate for the amps of a heater? Or is it because it is a dedicated outlet to one breaker? In the video I did see where he is using 14ga romex and a 15amp breaker.
BTW...I just noticed the video is from Delta Bravo....hey you're famous!!!
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Baja Man
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11/20/22 08:46am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: The GEO Method and Space Heaters - Thoughts?
Regarding cleaning your black waste tank......
If your waste tank sensors are working/reading correctly, and there are no odors coming from your waste tank, then there is really no need to "clean" it. When people comment, "Why do you need a clean waste tank? blah blah blah" they are thinking about this scenario.
If you want to clean out your black waste tank BECAUSE the sensors aren't reading correctly, or there are odors, that is a legitimate reason. Driving around with 1/2 a tank full of clean water and/or soaps/etc often does the trick. But if you want an easier/faster way to do it you should add a black tank flush system. Sounds much fancier and expensive than it is.....I added a nice one for less than $50. You can read about it here.
https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/30315748.cfm
Here is my experience using it... Assume I start with a black waste tank that is 1/2 to 3/4 full. I'm at the dump station. I hook up my waste hose (with a clear adapter so I can see the contents flow by). I open my black waste valve and it empties all the grossness you imagine. Then it stops. Now, if I hook up the water hose to my black tank flush and turn it on (with the black waste blade valve open) it actually sprays the interior of the black waste tank and LOTS MORE "stuff" flows through the sewer hose. What does this tell me? It tells me that a simple gravity flush gets out lots, but not all the contents of your black tank. As long as you are paying attention and don't get distracted (...suggestion: Start a timer on your phone), you can close the blade valve and fill your black tank half full of water through your tank flush system and then do a 2nd dump by opening up your blade valve. It will get even more "stuff" out of your tank.
My reason for installing the flush system was because my sensors would always read 1/3 or 2/3 full after a regular dump. My tornado flush system sprays/cleans the inside of the black waste tank in about 1 minute and my sensors read correctly. Yes, there are many people who will say, "I never read my sensors" or "I don't need my sensors". To each their own. I personally like sensors on my vehicles/RVs to work.
Good luck and happy dumping!
-Chris
Thanks for the tip on filling black tank a second time using the flush system. I have a factory flush system and use it after initial dump. Sensors are still not very accurate.
Never thought of filling a second time. I'll give it a try this next time we dump. My hopes are that a thorough cleaning by filling 1/2 way with detergent and Calgon, and driving 300 miles, may clean up sensors.
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Baja Man
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11/20/22 08:34am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: The GEO Method and Space Heaters - Thoughts?
Thanks for the tips and suggestions!
1. Will only run propane heater while we are awake.
2. Dress warm!
3. I like the idea of a remote electric heater!
BTW...are electric heaters safe to run while asleep?
pianotuna:
Is the reason to change the 120V outlet where a space may be used to replace with a house grade or better quality one?
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Baja Man
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11/17/22 07:27am |
Travel Trailers
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The GEO Method and Space Heaters - Thoughts?
Preparing for a week long trip. It will be approx. 300 miles one way to our destination.
1.
I wanted to take this driving opportunity to clean my RV holding tanks.
I was considering using the GEO method (minus Chlorine). My goal is to cleanse inside of tanks, especially black tank, and perhaps coat the insides with the slippery water softener (Calgon).
I would fill each tank half way (Gray and Black) with Calgon and Laundry detergent and then dump once we reach our destination.
Are other methods to accomplish my goal of clean tanks.
Thoughts?
2. Space heaters. Propane heaters use quite a bit of propane. It appears it will dip in to the high 30s-low-mid 40s during our stay. I have two 30# propane tanks.
Are space heaters safe to use or what other methods can be used for my family to keep warm AND safe?
NOTE: We are warm weather campers, so we have little experience in colder temps.
Thanks!
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Baja Man
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11/16/22 01:33pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Propane smell inside trailer...how to best diagnose?
The solution....
Replaced stove/oven with a new Greystone 17" unit. Fit was great and fit and finish of the unit is very good. All connections were checked with sniffer and soap/water. No leaks. This unit is a nice upgrade over previous...with lighted oven and knobs; cast grate; folding glass counter over grate; and spark igniter for stove burners and oven burner (previous did not have spark lighter for oven burner).
We'll see how well she performs on our next week long trip which is in a couple of weeks.
Thanks for all the assistance and guidance!
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Baja Man
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11/12/22 06:59pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Propane smell inside trailer...how to best diagnose?
In your picture above you have the tip of the sniffer sitting on a round silver piece. Is that silver piece a bolt blocking off a hole? Or does the copper propane line in the picture thread into the end of the silver piece?
If it's a blocking bolt I would probably try removing the bolt and using some thread sealant on it.
If the copper propane line connects to it then it sounds like the control has a very small leak. In this case I would try using some fine emery paper on the sealing surface of the copper tube and freshen it up then screw it back in making sure it goes in straight.
The silver fitting is not a blocking bolt; the brass line connects to the end of it. I cleaned the end fitting and ensured it went in straight. Still leaking.
Thermostat control is not available...parts have been discontinued since Atwood was purchased by Dometic. Tried several well-know outfits, and they all said the same thing...not available.
Found an entire new manifold assemble with the thermostat control I need....$150!! If I replace with this, and something else goes out, I'm back to square one.
Used part was found but I will not install a used part.
I decided to replace the stove. Found a 17" Greystone that should fit. has a one year warranty.
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Baja Man
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11/01/22 03:26pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Propane smell inside trailer...how to best diagnose?
Update:
Turned of propane. Lit burner to remove remaining propane from lines (burner lit for less than 30 secoonds). Vacuumed lower oven and upper burner area to remove any residual propane.
Traced lower brass line (pictured in previous post) up to thermostat oven control (see attached pic).
Turned propane back on.....
Checked thermostat oven control using sniffer. It went of immediately when near the control. Used soapy water and very, very small air bubbles are coming from the threads (round silver fitting behind where sniffer is placed - see pic). It appears to be leaking from this fitting's threads.
Why would the threads be leaking? Unless the fitting is closed until the brass line is attached and then it opens?
I tried to tighten the silver fitting (nut on end and also fitting itself), but it did not stop leak.
Is this thermostat oven control supposed to be closed when not in use?
Is it supposed to open when knob is turned to pilot and pushed in and/or when turned to degree setting to set oven temp?
My guess is, it is leaking internally, but the air bubbles at threads has me puzzled.
Thoughts?
Thanks
https://i.imgur.com/UXRiLrMl.jpg
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Baja Man
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10/30/22 04:42pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Propane smell inside trailer...how to best diagnose?
I'm now a little confused...
I pushed oven pilot knob and gas exited end of line. Sniffer went off immediately. I turned oven knob to off. I used a shop to remove residual propane gas smell.
Waited about 30 min and checked line again. No leak.
Perhaps, all along it was residual propane from when oven and burners were tested?
Perhaps the use of the push knob control for oven pilot several times (several pushes were made) cleared something that kept it from completely sealing?
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Baja Man
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10/29/22 06:49pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Propane smell inside trailer...how to best diagnose?
I checked again today. The propane appears to be leaking from the line that comes from the oven pilot assembly (where control knob connects). Pic attached. I tightened it, but it did not stop the leak.
I believe there should be no propane leaking from the end of this line at any time, except when the oven knob is pushed which allows propane to flow through this line to the pilot. Is this correct?
I will now test to see when gas is turned on, is it leaking from this line when knob is NOT pushed. Sound correct?
NOTE: The line that enters the pilot burner assembly has a brass end piece (cap sleeve) with a pin hole on end. Is this to reduce the amount propane flow?
https://i.imgur.com/iGuH2gxl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/pH75rB4l.jpg
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Baja Man
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10/29/22 05:15pm |
Travel Trailers
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RE: Beach trip
Wow! Great pics. I love fishing and camping....to do it on the beach and have your own rig with you.....that's just having your cake and eating it too! BTW....nice rig set up!
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Baja Man
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10/29/22 04:36pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: 36" Hitch Extension for 2" Receiver - Are they Made?
So is the receiver drilled incorrectly or the extension tube drilled crooked? I looked at the picture and cannot figure which is faulty. As others posted, each tube can be inserted into the receiver individually and pinned, then the clamps are applied. Once fully assembled and tightened, there is no reason to touch the clamps and the double truss can be installed or removed as a complete assembly.
The extension is drilled incorrectly.
We tested the insertion/removal once all install steps were followed. The entire assembly would not come out. We believe it is the thick powder coating that was applied to all parts. It makes for a tight fit. Plus, the tolerances are quite tight to begin with.
After a few ins/outs, it should be fine.
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Baja Man
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10/29/22 04:31pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: 36" Hitch Extension for 2" Receiver - Are they Made?
Curious to how much weight the Supertruss adds with the extension over stock hitch? (and therefore decreases your "legal" camper carrying capacity?)
it must be significant.
It's beefy, but not that heavy. If someone is that close on capacity, they have other issues. And towing anything probably shouldn't be on the menu.
After some net searching, I estimate that for my application, the hitch itself would add about 30 pounds over the stock hitch. A 36" extension adds about 70 pounds. If towing a 3500 pound trailer, there should be about 350 pounds of tongue weight. All the above reduce the carrying capacity you can put in the bed (your camper). If you have a 4500 or 5500 series truck, it probably won't be a factor. If you have a 2500 or 3500 series truck, you should take notice..
Really, wow!!
Soooo.... after all that investigation effort, you basically made my point for me. It adds a 100 pounds. Got it.
Which is probably what Grit Dog was referring to. That makes it productive.
As for the alignment, I doubt that the holes are drilled wrong; as has been pointed out, the two tubes are independent and move. Happens often, even after install. That's what a hammer is for. Give it a whack, it'll line up.
Lot's of good info on this forum, different ways for people to forward their opinions, gotta roll with it and keep it light hearted.
The hitch is drilled correctly.
It is not the collars/washers welded on outside of 5/8" holes on hitch.
The lower support bar was drilled/punched INCORRECTLY.
TL stated "5/8" holes are punched, not drilled. Once in a while we get a bad one." New one was sent, installed, and pin went right in!
It was easy to see that it was drilled incorrectly.
BTW....Although they are independent tubes, once they are installed, hitch pins inserted, and the two collars are tightened.....they are NOT moving!
Also, I never asked for any weight specs or what weight the hitch added. That may have come from another poster.
Thank you!
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Baja Man
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10/29/22 04:25pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Propane smell inside trailer...how to best diagnose?
I've had propane smell twice in my coach. Once it was the little supply tube that leads to the pilot for the oven. When you light the pilot it would leak just a fuzz amount where the compression nut tightens to the pilot. Why the pilot didn't burn it off is a bit of a mystery to me. The other was where the copper line tied into the furnace. It had a little fuzz leak and when you'd turn on the furnace and blast thru the duct system it would suck that fuzz leak smell throughout the coach. S'pose the bottom line is check all your connections that come into the coach. Stove/Oven. Referigerator. Furnace. Water heater, but if that is leaking it should vent to the outside, but I'd chech it all anyway.
I turned on propane yesterday morning and left ALL appliances off.
The propane alarm does not appear to have sounded/triggered.
After checking today, it looks like my oven is leaking. The smell appeared to be coming from around that area so that's where I started. I used a gas sniffer.
It appears to be leaking near line that enters oven. I'll see if I can find some product info/manual to see an exploded view and give me an idea of what I'm looking at. I'll start by removing the interior grate and lower shelf (screwed into sides). This will provide me access to burner and the pilot area.
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Baja Man
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10/27/22 06:23pm |
Travel Trailers
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