Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 08-23-2012, 09:51 AM   #181
Member
 
redfinaddict's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 87
Quote:
Originally Posted by Christopher Columbus View Post
You can use the lights that are on 12 volt with battery hooked up. My choice of words earlier may have scared some and made some mad.
Poor choice on my part.
All I was trying to convey is that when hooked up to 110 the battery should be on disconnect , and when the unit is not being used.
Apologies to all that took my few words wrong .
I'm all for improving the product and helping those that have problems.
Chris
Chris, I'm still confused, why can't the battery switch be in the on position when plugged into 110? I thought there were several systems that were controlled by 12v?
__________________
Joel & Bec Native Texans
2012 F350 KR dually 6.7 PS diesel, factory 5th wheel prep, Hensley Trailer saver BD3 hitch. Extang Encore tunno cover.
2013 Palomino Columbus 320rs adds: 6 way auto level, fantastic fan, bedroom ac, slide awnings, trump mattress.
Camping Days so far in 2013=19
redfinaddict is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2012, 10:04 AM   #182
tlc
Junior Member
 
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 21
Quote:
Originally Posted by Christopher Columbus View Post
You can use the lights that are on 12 volt with battery hooked up. My choice of words earlier may have scared some and made some mad.
Poor choice on my part.
All I was trying to convey is that when hooked up to 110 the battery should be on disconnect , and when the unit is not being used.
Apologies to all that took my few words wrong .
I'm all for improving the product and helping those that have problems.
Chris
Yes, I admit I got MAD.....I apologize for that and I get the whole "disconnet battery" lesson.....but I still don't believe that leaving the battery on for 2 weeks (picked RV up from shop on August 6 after having minor repairs) parked rv (checked to make sure everything was off after parking) then discovered a dead battery evening of August 20 and then WOW all other problems. Anyway, I have beat this dead horse to death and I am sure everyone is sick of it.
tlc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2012, 10:09 AM   #183
Mod free 5er
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Concord, NC
Posts: 24,702
Quote:
Originally Posted by tlc View Post
Yes, I admit I got MAD.....I apologize for that and I get the whole "disconnet battery" lesson.....but I still don't believe that leaving the battery on for 2 weeks (picked RV up from shop on August 6 after having minor repairs) parked rv (checked to make sure everything was off after parking) then discovered a dead battery evening of August 20 and then WOW all other problems. Anyway, I have beat this dead horse to death and I am sure everyone is sick of it.
Understand your frustration. I still don't understand why if plugged into shore power you have to or should disconnect the battery. Something is amiss.
__________________
OldCoot is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2012, 10:13 AM   #184
Phat Phrog Stunt Team
 
TURBS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Iowa
Posts: 34,507
Quote:
Originally Posted by dunnnc

Understand your frustration. I still don't understand why if plugged into shore power you have to or should disconnect the battery. Something is amiss.
I DO KNOW for a fact that the new progressive dynamics converters DO NOT need a battery to operate. So I'm not sure if this has something to do with it but I'm yet confused STILL !
TURBS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2012, 02:10 PM   #185
"On the road again"
 
rjshiflet's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Parker County Texas
Posts: 1,152
Still confused too - Chris...ANYBODY from Forest River, can you please give a FULL, DETAILED explanation and not just make abbreviated comments.

Start-to-finish on what we should do when parked in the driveway...AND WHY???

Is that really asking too much from you as a manufacturer when we have this type of investment?
__________________


Robert & Estha Shiflet
Georgetown XL 378TS
Jeep Gladiator Willys Tow Vehicle
rjshiflet is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2012, 02:59 PM   #186
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 35
If you turn you're battery switch "Off" while plugged into 110v, how does the on board charger do its job to replenish the battery(ies)?
__________________
Jimmy
Current TV's -'05 Silverado 3500 DRW Duramax; '07 G.C. Hemi; '96 F250 Powerstroke
Previous TV's '94 G.C. L6 and '05 Dakota QC 4.7
Family Camper's -'96 Coleman SunValley;'00 Forest River Shamrock 25'; '12 Keystone Raptor 41'
strokendiesel002 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2012, 03:00 PM   #187
Senior Member
 
funkyJunk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 213
Quote:
Originally Posted by strokendiesel002 View Post
If you turn you're battery switch "Off" while plugged into 110v, how does the on board charger do its job to replenish the battery(ies)?
I was wondering the same.
__________________
2013 Palomino Columbus 385BH
2011 Ford F350 DRW 6.7
funkyJunk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2012, 07:34 PM   #188
Senior Member
 
ret2006's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Nashville, TN
Posts: 364
Quote:
Originally Posted by f1100turbo View Post
I DO KNOW for a fact that the new progressive dynamics converters DO NOT need a battery to operate. So I'm not sure if this has something to do with it but I'm yet confused STILL !
I am also confused. I have a battery disconnect that the dealer installed before we pulled the 5th., home after purchase. I noticed they installed it in the basement on the back wall and wired into the back of the breaker panel. I thought that was a little strange. It will disconnect everything 12 volt EXCEPT the front landing jacks and bedroom slide. Hope no one wants to mess with my front landing jacks while in storage. At least these two things don't drain the battery. The ones I have installed myself over the years I install them close to the battery and used the negative side of the battery to disconnect. The only time I disconnect is when I store the trailer after a trip, I keep it on connect the entire time I am on shore power. Have never had a problem. So Chris is saying we should disconnect the battery when on shore power? Am I reading this correctly?
__________________
2014 Cedar Creek 34 RLSA-7
2015 Chevy Silverado 3500HD LTZ SRW

ret2006 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2012, 08:12 PM   #189
Phat Phrog Stunt Team
 
TURBS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Iowa
Posts: 34,507
I THINK hes saying it should never be UNPLUGGED from shore power .
thats what I take from it .
TURBS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2012, 08:15 PM   #190
Factory Rep
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 123
Ok, I'm going to do some serious talking with the rep that supplies the battery disconnect. I will post what he has to say.
Please, remember that I'm just a camper myself and happen to work for Columbus. I don't wish to upset anyone. I only wish to help.I should get someone else to help on some of these questions.
Chris
Christopher Columbus is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2012, 10:27 PM   #191
Phat Phrog Stunt Team
 
TURBS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Iowa
Posts: 34,507
Quote:
Originally Posted by Christopher Columbus
Ok, I'm going to do some serious talking with the rep that supplies the battery disconnect. I will post what he has to say.
Please, remember that I'm just a camper myself and happen to work for Columbus. I don't wish to upset anyone. I only wish to help.I should get someone else to help on some of these questions.
Chris
Either the case ........ overjoyed your here to put up with us numb skulls !
Besides who then would we scream at ?
Ron
TURBS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-24-2012, 08:16 PM   #192
Trailer Trash
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: MN
Posts: 608
Well guys, my 320RS has NON of the operational and electrical problems you guys are talking about. You know by now if yours was and early build for the particular Colmbus model. If you buy a 1st year model, expect problems.

Regarding mine, dealer tested everything and then demo everything as possible to me at delivery is what I experienced. Things like sinks, shower, toilet, furnace, water heater and AC were not actually run during my delivery demo. These major items are tested at factory, and again tested at dealer prep before delivery to customer. The 3rd test is camp close to dealer for a maiden voyage.

I towed mine about 500 miles from dealer to my seasonal park and that was it. Mine had screw fasteners in floor coming loose and a upper corner molding on bedroom slide is loose. Oh ya, the ceiling trim strips too but they fixed those with a air nailer with tiny finishing nails. I am 100% convinced that the more you tow, the more things will get messed up and need maintenance and repair. Mine is 3/12/2012 for manufacturing date and sold as a 2013 model. Like you I wanted to buy a 2012, but decided to wait till the 2nd production year model came out. We all know LOTS of bugs are fixed in the 2nd year.

Regarding electrical and disconnect switch. I have to test things and so can you but I would believe when unplugged from 30/50 amp power cord that the major electrical appliances would not work at all. If they do, they are running on an invertor which takes battery 12vdc and turns it into 120vac. They are high watt appliances and the battery would die quick as in hours not days. Again, do your own testing. Who knows, maybe the fridge/freezer can run on propane/battery. Maybe the AC and heat can run on battery instead of being plugged into 120 shore power cord. No way in heck the LCD tvs, dvd, surround sound work on 12 volts but again, maybe an invertor circuit runs these also. Again, just unplug your 30/50amp cord and start testing. I'll be doing it on Sunday.

Assuming major appliances all need 120vac to work, this would be the reason to keep your RV plugged in at all times. If you want major appliances to work, you need to be plugged in. You also need to be plugged in to keep battery charged but that goes without saying.

Minor (low wattage 120vac) devices and 12vdc items of course work on battery power. Lights, water pump, maybe the tank heater blankets - haven't tried those yet, landing legs, back stabilizer legs, awning, and slides all work from battery power.

What supprised the heck out of me is when battery disconnect is switched off, the front landing legs still worked and I believe the rear stabilzer jacks worked. Again, I need to do testing again to confirm this.

I'm willing to bet the factory is taking power for the jacks from the hot side of the switch instead of the switched side. This allows the camper to be moved in an emergency if the slam doors are locked. When locked, you can't get at the battery disconnect switch.

The proper service procedure is to disconnect wiring at battery when repairing electrical items. That way, it doesn't matter what position the disconnect switch is in.

Regarding the comment you have to keep RV plugged in all the time or you will blow out the circuit boards in appliances, power distribution panel, etc. is probably false. I totally believe the appliance will eventually shutdown if voltage is low. But to self destruct a circuit board because of low voltage is not how modern electronics are designed. They are designed to self protect from low voltage damage and reverse polarity issues. However, high voltage, power spikes/surges, lightning, static electricity, etc. is another story. That will burn out circuit boards quickly!

And yes, my background is in electrical/electronics. I'm one of the few nuts out there that actually enjoys repairing laptops. But don't ask, I retired in 2009 after 25 years of computer repair as a hobby/side business.
Sooooo, to sum it up, don't believe everything you read on the internet. Especially on forum boards like this. Believe it or not, there are clowns out there that will post false information on purpose just to mess with people. Do your own testing, fact finding, etc. Forum boards are great for gathering information. However, you have to decide for yourself if the information is true or not.
joelek is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2012, 02:38 PM   #193
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 95
Quote:
Originally Posted by Christopher Columbus
Hello Happy Campers,

I am doing my best to navigate this site but I was out camping during computer class....so I might be a little slow. Please hang in there.

Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns regarding the new and exciting Columbus 5th Wheel by Palomino. I will do my very best getting back to you in a timely fashion....unless I am camping then you will have to wait.

The proto 385 BH is almost completed (cross your fingers) should be ready later this week.

Happy Camping,

C. Columbus
I am trying to move my warranty work due to the distance from my home. What do I need to do?
Cuttinchief is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2012, 02:39 PM   #194
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 95
Quote:
Originally Posted by amxpress
All the televisions ar HD and digital. The primary one is LED. Mine both are Toshiba in my 320RS. Watched a DVD last trip. Between the picture quality and the Panasonic surround sound, it was AWESOME to say the least.
How did you hook up the surround sound?
Cuttinchief is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2012, 03:26 PM   #195
Factory Rep
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 123
I would call Bryan Randall at Columbus. He handles the warranty at Columbus. I will PM his number to you.
Christopher Columbus is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2012, 03:31 PM   #196
Senior Member
 
amxpress's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Clayton, NC
Posts: 695
Quote:
How did you hook up the surround sound?
I'm not quite sure what you're asking.
My surround sound is only heard when using my Panasonic DVD/AM/FM receiver. The television does not come connected for surround sound through the receiver, from the factory. You can connect them to the surround sound system by using an HDMI cable & digital audio cable; though I would have to refer to my Panasonic & Toshiba manuals to tell you how. There are some earlier posts on here explaining the procedure.
To use my Panasonic system, I have to change the "input" on my TV to "DVD". I can then read the operating options for my Panasonic on the screen of the TV.
Confusing, eh?
Quote:
I am trying to move my warranty work due to the distance from my home. What do I need to do?
As for your warranty work, go where ever you want to go for warranty repairs; providing they are an approved Forest River dealer willing to work on your Columbus. Some are sensitive to the fact that you didn't buy your trailer from them, but some are glad for the work. Don't need permission from Forest River or Columbus.
Good luck.
__________________
2013 Palomino Columbus 320RS
2007 Dodge RAM 2500 6.7 Cummins
Reese 15K manual slider
Prodigy
M.I.L. in Florida for good!!
amxpress is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-28-2012, 02:35 AM   #197
Now Camping Year-Round!!
 
WannaBcamping's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: GTA, Ontario
Posts: 377
Anyone out there have the 325RL model? We have not seen it yet, but have been in a 320RS which is quite a bit similar. We are very impressed, even after reading these 20 pages of problems you people are experiencing.
I am gathering the 325RL is a model that was not available when Palomino first started selling Columbus 5th wheels? Is it possible they will have the same problems you all are having with the 320's?
We are very excited to make this purchase when our dealer comes up with a reasonable price. The 320RS on their lot is going for $45,xxx. Can't remember exactly but under $46,000. Really wish I could walk inside a 325RL though. The closest one is in Buffalo, but it's about 2 hours plus the fun border cross.
I have learned a lot from reading the preceeding 20 pages. I will definitely go with the 6 stabilizing jacks, and get a tripod for further unit stabilization, even though we are currently on our 2nd 5th wheel and have never used one. Doesn't mean we don't need one, but I really never knew anyone who used one, and therefore did not realize it was actually of benefit. Definitely going to upgrade to a King bed.
Are there any other changes/upgrades you experienced Columbus' campers can recommend so we can research and be more knowledgeable when it comes time to purchase?
Any help would be appreciated!
Cathy
__________________
Cathy & Fraser - Ontario, Canada

2020 RW Signature 8291RK 5er (...May 2021) & 2017 Dodge Ram Laramie 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel 4X4
Still missing my beautiful Columbus2013 Columbus 325RL__2019 Rockwood 2511S__2017 Rockwood ML 2507S__Rockwood Roo 21RS__2009 Wildcat 29RLBS
WannaBcamping is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-28-2012, 07:10 AM   #198
Trailer Trash
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: MN
Posts: 608
Cathy, before you buy I would recommend making sure you get into a 2013 model with a build date of March 2012 or later. Mine is 3/12/2012 and doesn't have the problems described above. 1st year production release of a new model anything is typically plagued with issues.

Regarding king bed, have fun walking around the bed to make it much less getting in and out. The queen is plenty tight as it is. I've never seen a king version but I doubt they make the walls any wider. Probably just loose the 2 small nitestands.

Shop the entire USA for your RV. Get a written quote by the low bidder. Then take that to your dealer in Buffalo, NY and see if they will match it. Heck, ask your dealer that question first!

Your dealer will also be HUGE in your good or bad experiance. My dealer was Cheyenne camping center in Walcott, Iowa. Ya 400 miles away from me as I have a Columbus dealer 20 miles from my house. The local dealer did not impress me much. The Iowa dealer is huge and has been around since the 60's. They had the best price and they know how to setup these Columbus rigs correctly. They also got great reviews here on this forum.

Be advised the 320RS sells quickly and prices are going up not down on these rigs. A comparable RV in other brands is 55-70K. The Columbus was a new model in 2012 for Palamino so they let them go for 40-45K just to get the name out there. It's getting to be end of model year closeout pricing time as fall is upon us and dealers don't want to carry stuff over into next year. The Columbus line is already at rock bottom pricing so I doubt they will move much for you.

Check out Alpine 349FL, Heartland Bighorn 36 foot, and Brookstone Diamond 361 RE models for comparable units. Prices are way higher on these. The Alpine was my 2nd choice.
joelek is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-28-2012, 08:35 AM   #199
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 27
Smile

Cathy, regarding features and options.

We have 2013 385BH. We ordered it sight unseen based on the schematics once the prototype was off the line. We have had a couple of issues which were resolved by our dealer. The big one was the AC. We convinced them to replace both front and rear AC units. Sure glad we did as we just came back from a week on the South Carolina coast. These new AC units are a bit more quiet and push out more cooled air. The only problem on the warrantee work was that it took a month.

The only issue on this last weeklong trip was a small leak near the refrigerator when we went through a torrential rainstorm. I plan to take a close look with a ladder now that we are back and seal the edges. The leak was near the middle of the slide. Water runs so it is difficult to isolate a water leak. Not wanting it to take a month or so for this issue, I am not taking it back to my dealer (3 hr drive) at this time.

Options: My wife told me that if I could have a Dish, she could have a washer and dryer. We checked the prices from local stores as well as installation and even though we could have save a little bit of money going that way, we chose to buy the unit with the washer and dryer. She has been very pleased. We have now been on two week long trips and she has used it every time out. She does have to run a load of clothes twice through the dryer to get things completely dry. It is a 110 dryer.

We went with the Trump mattress – Queen. We decided getting around a King would be a little difficult.

We have the outside kitchen. Only wish it had a sink as well.

We went with a booth dinette as my wife wanted the extra sleeping space option when the grandchildren will come along. I don't like the tightness of the booth and wish that we had the table. But, that is what she wanted.

We have the single side refrigerator and it works fine. Of course we do have the outside kitchen with the refrigerator and microwave.

Only wish in the kitchen is another shelf for the coffee maker or food prep. She has gone with electric grills etc instead of using the range and using that space for food prep.

I added the TrailAire Glide to the King Pin as well as putting air shocks on my 2012 F250. We still have some chucking issues on rough roads and especially going onto and off of bridges where the bridge and the road are not level.

We also have the issue of the surround sound ONLY working with the Samsung CD/DVD that came with the camper. We have added a BluRay and a Dish. I have been unable to get either one to work with surround sound. The BluRay in particular only has an HDMI port. I bought the Audio Fibre Optic cable referenced previously by others. I have yet to figure out where to connect it to get the surround sound that I want.

So far, we are pleased with our unit now that we have the AC issue fixed. Finally also got the Black 1 to read empty. Something must have been hung on the 2/3 level sensor as that is what it always read.

Regarding the power issued referenced of late. When stored, our unit is under cover and connected to 30 amp service. When I am driving, I keep the "battery connector" turned off and then turn it on when I connect to power.

Hope this helps.
BT Ramblers is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-28-2012, 11:35 AM   #200
Now Camping Year-Round!!
 
WannaBcamping's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: GTA, Ontario
Posts: 377
Ok, you guys have made a good point about the king bed. We have a queen in our Wildcat and it's not been a problem. We have a king at home, but of course walking around our king isn't a problem in a large bedroom. I think I will take both of your advice(s) and stick with a queen.
I was thinking of getting the washer&dryer at time of purchase so that it is up to them to factory install the vent. I have heard of ventless, but where does that heat/steam go???? Has to go somewhere inside the trailer I would imagine.
About the outside kitchen (which is the main reason we are going for the 325RL and not the 320RS-as I like the kitchen on the 320 better), from all the pictures I have seen, the kitchen appears to have a sink on it in addition to frig, micro, 2 burner pull-out stove, 2 cupboards and a bit of counter space to spare. I definitely want a sink also!
I was also thinking on the Trailaire Tri-Glide Air Ride upgrade. I want everything I can get to make it a smoother ride. We have been down to Myrtle Beach 4 times and our quickest route is through Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia etc. We seem to spend at least half or more of our 17 hour drive to Myrtle Beach bumping and chucking along. I want to try and improve that!
There are some options I have seen listed that I am not sure about:
heat pump for main a/c - what is that and is it necessary?
dual pane windows - do they keep out a substantial amount of heat/cold compared to the regular stock windows?
The Fiberglass rear cap - what does one get if you don't "upgrade" to this - I thought that was stock???
Low profile bedroom a/c - is it necessary to have that second a/c for destinations like Florida or Myrtle Beach where we might likely go to???
__________________
Cathy & Fraser - Ontario, Canada

2020 RW Signature 8291RK 5er (...May 2021) & 2017 Dodge Ram Laramie 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel 4X4
Still missing my beautiful Columbus2013 Columbus 325RL__2019 Rockwood 2511S__2017 Rockwood ML 2507S__Rockwood Roo 21RS__2009 Wildcat 29RLBS
WannaBcamping is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
5th wheel

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Forest River, Inc. or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:38 AM.