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The Priority List - First Pass
Topic Started: Jul 2 2012, 06:37 PM (48 Views)
redwoodguy
Administrator
We have a starting list that might be a good place to start. Please feel free to suggest additions to this list right away. If not, I say, let's get to work and tackle a couple of these. Here's the list I have so far:

SUGGESTIONS FOR UP-ENGINEERING BASED ON FAILURES OR POOR QUALITY

Transfer Switch
AirCon failures
Ad hoc "Refer cooling fan" haphazardly installed in outside vent area
Nearly useless Radio/Stereo unit
Tank Gauges that don't indicate anything beside empty and full
Leaks in roof (I understand this is a monster, but let's have it on the list)

Retro fitting older AS with the new sweepout threshold.
Affordable replacements for day/night shades
Entry step adjustment and repair.

New three phase converter
Quieter water pump
New wheels and LT tires
LED lights

I'd like to suggest that everyone look the list over, and cast a casual vote on what you think are the two highest priorities to attack with a solution. That way, I am sure we will narrow the initial list down to about 3 items, make some initial work assignments and do some "up-engineering."

RedwoodGuy's Vote
1. Transfer Switch - lots of current problems, a fix would help lots of people
2. Entry step adjustments - it just intrigues me and sounds like an easy fix to document
3. Quieter water pump. Mine makes a loud noise. I am intrigued to solve this

Ok guys, what say you all?
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Bovk

The transfer switch must be a new feature I do not have it on 2010 20'FC and I do not understand the purpose - I would think one is on AC or generator so only one inlet is needed.
Some more concerns:
I had to redo front of all cabinets, the screws were falling out but I do not know if that is a common problem.
I was trying to find out what is the coating of outside panels. According to Material data sheet from the company that supplies the coating to AS it is most probably polyethylene and I am not sure the old methods to preserve it apply. This needs more research but it is important since this coating cannot be repaired.
I would separate the radio/stereo problems from its placement. The enclosure is not vented and it overheats. I would hate to install any better system there. The subwoofer quality, placement, and wiring causing high background noise is another issue.

BTW, I just realized we need some system to find if the issues are model specific or common, when I describe something I have no idea if other models have the same problem.
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redwoodguy
Administrator
Thanks for helping to get this ball rolling.

The ATS is a relay activated power swtich. It sits in front of the power distribution panel. It has two inputs and one output. The inputs are the STREET side power inlet, and the FRONT power inlet which is normally referred to as the GENERATOR inlet. The output is of course the load current inside the trailer. The ATS being used has a 30A rating on the contacts. The load box is 30A. What people are experiencing is that with a less than 30A load, these ATS fail. Once they fail, you can not get electric power into the load box. You have to rewire around the ATS until you can get a replacement. The recomendations have been threefold: remove it, replace it with a 50A higher quality unit, replace it with a manual switch (no relays).
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Bovk

Not knowing what I am talking about I vote for removing it. Still out of curiosity do you know why this was added apparently in 2012?
Edited by Bovk, Jul 14 2012, 11:47 PM.
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redwoodguy
Administrator
Bovk
Jul 13 2012, 08:06 AM
Not knowing what I am talking about I wore for removing it. Still out of curiosity do you know why this was added apparently in 2012?
I would only be guessing. I can make the general assumption that manufacturers are always hunting for new features that they think users will like. Maybe the idea of having an automatic switch between gennie and shore power sounded attractive. But, of course any time you add complexity to a system you reduce reliability statistically. In this case, the part chosen was so inferior that reliability fell dramatically.

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