Newbie here with some questions!

[tchrmom77]

Hi everyone! We purchased a 2019 Forest River Vibe 26RK this spring and love it, but we have some questions that may seem stupid to some! We are new to this whole experience, so be kind please!

First - this weekend we had to replace the fuse twice to be able to use the electrical awning. They keep blowing out. The fuses are 15amps which is what came with the TT. Any reason why this is doing this or if this is a major cause for concern?

Second - We have two - 30 gallon gray water tanks. I'm sure this is a stupid question, but if they become full before being emptied, does one overflow into the other, or do they overflow into the living space. I'm guessing I know the answer, but thought I would ask!

Third - When the awning is retracted against the TT, we have water dripping down the middle of the door on the outside. I sent an email to the sales company where we purchased it, and they said something about the possibility of the gutter seam needing sealed?? What do I seal it with??

Last - we purchased an extended 7-year warranty, especially since we are newbie (hahaha), but I am thinking I may have an issue with this - we are located at a campground, basically a permanent location as we do not have a tow vehicle, love the location, and have no real desire at this point to "travel" but the dealer is a 2 hour drive away. What would anyone suggest if I actually do need a repair of any sort, since we can't "take it in to the shop" for servicing??

TIA for any help, advice, or suggestions!!!!

[ependydad]

1, if a fuse is constantly blowing- there's an issue. Something is bound up or there is a wiring short. Replacing the fuse is fixing the symptom, not the problem.

2, they'll back up into the lowest point which is typically the shower and the sink.

3, I'd look for some kind of non-silicon-based caulk.

4, you can have mobile RV techs come to you. Often you're responsible for the service visit but the warranty covers parts and labor. Contact the manufacturer and extended warranty company first about the process before you proceed. Sometimes pre-approvals are needed. Often times, they'll only pay out once for the fix to something.

[Scrapper]

Your last question is the only one I can really help you with. Mobile RV services are able to help you with problems. A good service will help you with the warranty work, many will also assist in the pre-approval process needed. You may have be willing to pay out of pocket and wait to be reimbursed.

[5picker]

There can be some lenghty replies written about your questions but without knowing some additional information and doing some diagnostic checks...

1. A circuit that keeps blowing the correct fuse over and over has issues that need addressed with something more than replacing the fuse each time it blows.

2. The gray tanks do not typically drain into each other (although you 'may' be able to make that happen with a termination valve on the dump port) They will back up into the sink or shower and overflow from there if all is plumbed correctly.

3. You may have a gutter seam leaking but without seeing the issue we are guessing.

4. Extended warranties are often discussed here and there are thousands of posts about their merits or lack thereof. They are an insurance policy for those who can not do repairs themselves. They OFTEN have fine print in them that make it VERY hard to get a claim paid and OFTEN have requirements of annual inspections that cost a lot of money to keep the warranty intact. We have no clue what you have but as mentioned, mobile techs are able to do warranty work but the onus is on you the owner to be sure and notify the warranty company and get prior approval. Many mobile techs will do factory warranty work but many do not want associated with aftermarket warranties as these companies are often hard to get paid from.

Did your dealer know in advance that you were going to put this R/V in a permanent spot when they sold you the R/V and a 7 year extended warranty? (especially since you mentioned you have NO tow vehicle) If so, what was their advice on getting repairs done?

[Iwannacamp]

If I read correctly it isn't uncommon for the wires in the awning arm to get pinched/frayed etc, so that is prolly an easy patch.

As 5picker stated the gutters have seams sometimes. Climb up and have a look see... could just be stopped up with crap. It's just a finger tip in width. If it's a seam some Dicor(or whatever) sealant my fix that...narrow strip of gorilla tape on inside is a good
patch.

Mnwildcat uses mobile RV repair for warranty with no issues. May have to prepay and wait for reimbursement. I have Xtra ride warranty they claim you can ask for a refund with $150 charge for refund...if that is in your mind. BE SURE you get the pre-authorization before doing the repair.

Honestly if they do what you want as far as repairs.... it sounds like an O.K. idea to keep it.

[BandJCarm]

My gutter leaked at the seam too. Use Proflex clear caulk.

[Telstar]

Issue 3 - If you automatic awning is a Dometiv, the arms on one side automatically dip to allow water to run off. Forest River is failed for putting it on the side where the stairs are.
Issue 1 - if your blowing the fuse when you are extending or retracting the awning it could be the awning motor. ,

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by tchrmom77

Hi everyone! We purchased a 2019 Forest River Vibe 26RK this spring and love it, but we have some questions that may seem stupid to some! We are new to this whole experience, so be kind please!

First - this weekend we had to replace the fuse twice to be able to use the electrical awning. They keep blowing out. The fuses are 15amps which is what came with the TT. Any reason why this is doing this or if this is a major cause for concern?

First, if you can, check to see if anything is binding. The motor will draw more current if it's stalling. The fuse blows to prevent it from burning up. Are there latches or locks you are supposed to release before deploying the awning? (I've never used an electric awning.)

Originally Posted by tchrmom77

Second - We have two - 30 gallon gray water tanks. I'm sure this is a stupid question, but if they become full before being emptied, does one overflow into the other, or do they overflow into the living space. I'm guessing I know the answer, but thought I would ask!

Not into each other. Not onto the floor. Each will bubble up into the lowest point. As already stated, those are the shower and the sink.

Originally Posted by tchrmom77

Third - When the awning is retracted against the TT, we have water dripping down the middle of the door on the outside. I sent an email to the sales company where we purchased it, and they said something about the possibility of the gutter seam needing sealed?? What do I seal it with??

I've struggled with this one. The rain gutter comes in 20 foot pieces that are butted together. If you get on a ladder, you can see the gap. These aluminum segments expand and contract with temperature, so things like caulk and silicone don't seal for long. The best solution is to take a postage-stamp sized piece of Eternabond tape and insert it in the gutter bridging the gap. It comes in big, expensive rolls, so borrow a piece from someone if you can, or ask your dealer for a piece.

Originally Posted by tchrmom77

Last - we purchased an extended 7-year warranty, especially since we are newbie (hahaha), but I am thinking I may have an issue with this - we are located at a campground, basically a permanent location as we do not have a tow vehicle, love the location, and have no real desire at this point to "travel" but the dealer is a 2 hour drive away. What would anyone suggest if I actually do need a repair of any sort, since we can't "take it in to the shop" for servicing??

There are lots of mobile service technicians. Find one with good reviews. He will know how to deal with your warranty company.

[johnlochbuie]

Leave your gray water valve open so it drains all the time just close it when you are going to flush Blackwater tank. I know someone is going to say don't do that but I have been leaving mine open for 15 years and have never had any problems

[TomM]

My Awning has two knobs that must be loose when extending or retracting. They can be tightened after the awning is extended to keep it from lifting in the wind or to lower one corner

[DouglasReid]

About your awning fuse blowing, there is one other possible cause that has not been mentioned, so I thought Id pass along the information. It applies to most things electrical on your camper that has a motor (awning, landing gear, front jack, stabilizers, etc).

When the awning is fully extended, or retracted, STOP pressing the switch! If you keep the switch activated after it reaches full travel in either direction it WILL blow the fuse.

A good rule of thumb, when you hear the noise the motor is making change, get off the switch.