prdjim
Philadelphia
Full Member
Joined: 01/24/2006
View Profile
 Offline
|
Anyone else cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel today?
We went through today coming back to Philly from Cape Hatteras.... What a ride. We went through a nasty cell(s) that unrolled my awning and nearly rolled us over. It must have been gusting over 60. It unrolled the back part a couple feet, then rolled back up after I got us stopped. We were going about 15 to 20 mph through the really bad stuff when the fit hit the shan. Every couple miles they have a pull off, so I got to it and waited for it to slow down, to go out and check things out. DW says she was watching it from the window blowing up like a parachute. When I went out, the rear arm was fine, tight, but not locked up, although the front wouldn't budge from the sidewall of the MH. I put a bungee around it and set sail.
Fast Forward... About 2 hours later, a guy in a pick up is beeping and pointing along side. Yep, the step was out. Any one else ever have a step open itself? I always look before I pull out, but I was a little flummoxed after the bit with the awning, I very well could have missed it. Anyone ever have water cause the step to malfunction? There was so much rain all day, and I've never had a problem with the step, ever.
I stopped and it would not go up, so I got out the boogie board as a creeper and disconnected the step from the motor, through a bungee on it and found a Lowe's a mile away so I could buy a ratchet strap for it (more secure). I'll test it later, Any input on the step problem is appreciated, and comments on the awning?
|
Bumpyroad
Virginia
Senior Member
Joined: 12/01/2005
View Profile
Offline
|
yep, I have had a stairs go out on a previous unit. totally unexplainable.
bumpy
|
wb0nre
Alta Loma, CA, USA
Full Member
Joined: 08/10/2003
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club
|
If your door switch is the normally open kind (circuit open when door open), then a broken wire will do this. If it is the normally closed kind, then water intrusion in the wire harness or connector could cause a short that would open the step. BTW even a little salt in the water increases the conductivity tremendously. Why don't they put a manual gear rachet on steps? / 
Also you might want to look into some strapping to secure the awning on a regular basis. I found some 1" ballistic nylon utility strap with an infinitely adjustable buckle that works nicely on my awning.
Good Luck.
Rich
Rich
WB0NRE
'08 Expedition w/ '06 Merc Mariner toad
|
robatthelake
Vancouver Island
Senior Member
Joined: 08/24/2003
View Profile
Offline
|
The problem with the Awning is that the Roller tube needs to be Locked and a Pin inserted (Awning Rod) into the rear Open Slot! Bungee the Rod to the Rafter/Leg to secure it!
A Little creative bending of the Awning Hook/Rod will be necessary!
It's simple and it works!
Rob & Jean
Dutch Star Diesel Pusher ..Tracker 4X2
|
Executive
Northern California
Senior Member
Joined: 02/07/2008
View Profile
Offline
|
Happens a lot in strong winds. There are several types of awning locks or you can make your own. Here are some examples:...Dennis
Awning Lock
Make your own awning lock
Dennis and Debi
Monaco Dynasty Baron 40PFD
Towing a Chevy HHR W/
ReadyBrute
|
|
|
klm
SIOUX FALLS, SD
Senior Member
Joined: 05/26/2004
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club
Offline
|
I can't offer you any solutions, but I'm glad you made it home. Wow, what a trip. I am originally from SJ and have made that same trip - w/out all your excitement. Now that I am retired, I am thankful I can stay put on those awful weather days. But I do remember when work got in the way of flexible travel. I have been thinking about purchasing an awning lock, thanks for the push. Good luck with your repairs.
'02 KOUNTRY STAR DP
'04 PT CRUISER INFERNO RED
LUCKY THE TRAVELIN'BLACK CAT
|
Just Bob
Connecticut
Senior Member
Joined: 07/10/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
Did they check you for propane before you went thru the tunnel?
|
Lt46
Cape Cod, Ma.
Senior Member
Joined: 10/15/2002
View Profile
Offline
|
I've had my stairs act crazy after driving through heavy rain. Stairs won't respond to the switch no matter which way I put it, stairs staying out on engine start up, only to go up 5 minutes later with no input from me. Had a very nice trucker pull up alongside me as we approached a toll booth, holding up a hand written sign saying "Stairs Out". I was ever so grateful for that as we all know how tight a toll booth can be. Worry about mirror clearances while wiping out your stairs...not good!
And with all these problems, rain has been the common denominator. A day later and my stairs work just the way the factory intended. Go figure. One of the things on my "list" of things to do is make the stair controller and electrical connections weather tight.
Give it a day and you might find things back to normal.
Peter & Dawn
97 Winnebago Adventurer 37RW
91 R2500,454 Chevy Suburban
96 Prowler 27X SOLD
Yamaha EF2800I
IAFF L-792
|
prdjim
Philadelphia
Full Member
Joined: 01/24/2006
View Profile
Offline
|
The toll attendant "asked" if Propane was off going North. Not a word going South. It was off both times, of course. They used to check you IIRC.
Jim
|
Dumptrucker
San Rafael, Ca.
Full Member
Joined: 09/13/2004
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club
|
Had a 97 Aerbus that had the stair in, stair out delema in a rain storm. The stairs would open and close going down the road. The connections were resealed and end of story.
|
|
|
