I just purchased an RV! I'm hoping you guys can help me with some questions..
Specifics:
1987 American by Cobra Class C
Ford E-350 Chasis, 60K miles
Parallax 7355 Converter
Onan Emerald I Genset
G6A-7SPK Water Heater
Thetford Aqua Magic V hand flush toilet
GE 700W Microwave
Dometic Americana RM 2652 Refrigerator
RV Products 8333D876 Series 8000 A/C
1. I have no RV owners manual. I can't find anything about American by Cobra (although I did find out it is NOT American Coach). I DO have manuals for the converter, toilet, microwave, refrigerator, and A/C.
2. Help me understand the converter. The generator creates AC that feeds the AC plugs and appliances (A/C, refrig) and the converter. The converter converts the AC to DC for the DC devices (lights?) and charges the generator battery. When the generator is not running, I can still turn on interior lights. Does this come straight from the generator battery?
3. Can I run the generator while driving (so I can run the A/C)? Unless plugged into a power source, running the generator seems to be the only way to run the A/C. Do I have to worry about overcharging the generator battery (the engine alternator charges the generator battery AND the converter)?
4. Would it be advantageous to get more stuff that runs off of DC (TV/DVD) and add a couple of extra batteries? Possibly replace all the lightbulbs with LED bulbs?
5. The one thing that does not work is the fuel gauge (very important!).
Overall I am very happy. It has new tires, all new belts and an engine maintenance check, seems very clean, and drives very smooth.
The only red flag: my wife noticed today that when we let all the shades down, there is a noticable water stain that is at the same level on all the shades.. Could this have been underwater? Any way to know?
I still have to figure out all the pumps and ins/outs/hoses for the various waters..
Thanks,
-Matthew
Specifics:
1987 American by Cobra Class C
Ford E-350 Chasis, 60K miles
Parallax 7355 Converter
Onan Emerald I Genset
G6A-7SPK Water Heater
Thetford Aqua Magic V hand flush toilet
GE 700W Microwave
Dometic Americana RM 2652 Refrigerator
RV Products 8333D876 Series 8000 A/C
1. I have no RV owners manual. I can't find anything about American by Cobra (although I did find out it is NOT American Coach). I DO have manuals for the converter, toilet, microwave, refrigerator, and A/C.
2. Help me understand the converter. The generator creates AC that feeds the AC plugs and appliances (A/C, refrig) and the converter. The converter converts the AC to DC for the DC devices (lights?) and charges the generator battery. When the generator is not running, I can still turn on interior lights. Does this come straight from the generator battery?
3. Can I run the generator while driving (so I can run the A/C)? Unless plugged into a power source, running the generator seems to be the only way to run the A/C. Do I have to worry about overcharging the generator battery (the engine alternator charges the generator battery AND the converter)?
4. Would it be advantageous to get more stuff that runs off of DC (TV/DVD) and add a couple of extra batteries? Possibly replace all the lightbulbs with LED bulbs?
5. The one thing that does not work is the fuel gauge (very important!).
Overall I am very happy. It has new tires, all new belts and an engine maintenance check, seems very clean, and drives very smooth.
The only red flag: my wife noticed today that when we let all the shades down, there is a noticable water stain that is at the same level on all the shades.. Could this have been underwater? Any way to know?
I still have to figure out all the pumps and ins/outs/hoses for the various waters..
Thanks,
-Matthew