Generator Issues
I have two perplexing problems related to my GenSet, a 7.5 kw Onan. My MH is a 2002 Monaco Windsor.
Problem 1: The generator slide will from time to time fail to open when the switch is depressed. This happened during the warranty period way back and Monaco replaced the entire hydraulic ram assembly that operates the slide. The slide then worked for a while, then stopped working. For ten years since then, it has periodically worked for a while, then stopped working for a while. You can hear some noise when the switch is pushed, like it is pumping fluid, but nothing happens. Once, while my wife pushed the switch, I stood outside and used a screwdriver to pry along the edge of the slide cover. At one point, it suddenly popped loose and the slide came out. I have tried prying in many places to "unstick" the slide cover, but it hasn't helped. I am reluctant to have it serviced, not wanting to buy a temporary fix by replacing the ram assembly again. I have tried pushing the slide assembly from below while someone pushes the switch, but I'm concerned about possible damage caused by to much pressure in the wrong place. Is there an easy way to free the slide to work it manually? Has anyone had this problem and what was the fix?
Problem 2: The generator does not crank from either of the two remote ignition switches (one on the dash, another in the bedroom). There is no sound or other sign of trying to crank when the switch is held down. This problem began near the end of my latest trip and I resorted to opening the generator slide and cranking the generator using the switch mounted directly on the generator. The generator cranked right away. Now I can't do that because of Problem 1. It occurred to me there might be a blown fuse, but I am unable to find in my diagrams or fuse panel one that would seem to affect this. It could be shared with some other device, however, and not labeled properly.
I would appreciate any advice offered for either of these problems.
Generator Issues
I have two perplexing problems related to my GenSet, a 7.5 kw Onan. My MH is a 2002 Monaco Windsor.
Problem 1: The generator slide will from time to time fail to open when the switch is depressed. This happened during the warranty period way back and Monaco replaced the entire hydraulic ram assembly that operates the slide. The slide then worked for a while, then stopped working. For ten years since then, it has periodically worked for a while, then stopped working for a while. You can hear some noise when the switch is pushed, like it is pumping fluid, but nothing happens. Once, while my wife pushed the switch, I stood outside and used a screwdriver to pry along the edge of the slide cover. At one point, it suddenly popped loose and the slide came out. I have tried prying in many places to "unstick" the slide cover, but it hasn't helped. I am reluctant to have it serviced, not wanting to buy a temporary fix by replacing the ram assembly again. I have tried pushing the slide assembly from below while someone pushes the switch, but I'm concerned about possible damage caused by to much pressure in the wrong place. Is there an easy way to free the slide to work it manually? Has anyone had this problem and what was the fix?
Problem 2: The generator does not crank from either of the two remote ignition switches (one on the dash, another in the bedroom). There is no sound or other sign of trying to crank when the switch is held down. This problem began near the end of my latest trip and I resorted to opening the generator slide and cranking the generator using the switch mounted directly on the generator. The generator cranked right away. Now I can't do that because of Problem 1. It occurred to me there might be a blown fuse, but I am unable to find in my diagrams or fuse panel one that would seem to affect this. It could be shared with some other device, however, and not labeled properly.
I would appreciate any advice offered for either of these problems.
RE: Disabled Access
Again, thanks for all the suggestions and information. Coach Lift and Star Track seem to offer the best solution for our particular needs. Although expensive, I will have to seriously consider them. I'm still researching local options.
RE: Disabled Access
Thanks so much for your replies. The seat lifts at Coach Lift and Star Track look like real possibilities. I'll call them (and LazyDays) tomorrow. We can always count on good help from you folks, and we appreciate it.
Disabled Access
My wife has become disabled to the point she can no longer walk, or even stand. She uses a power chair or a power scooter for all her movement. I can place the scooter in our DP for her use inside, but how do I get her inside the motor home? Has anyone else faced that issue and overcome it? Any ideas of how to solve the problem? Some kind of lift might work, but I haven't found such a product that I feel has potential to get her aboard.
RE: Suggestions for Utah in late spring
You're never going to see it all in a couple weeks. You must decide whether to spend a lot of time driving to see all the parks for short visits (not a bad option) or stay in one area and see much more of that one location. Either way, you can have a wonderful time and have non-stop scenery. Either way, you will be back to see more.
Check the Utah section of my gallery for ideas of things to see.
RE: Northern Vermont
We stayed in Apple Island Resort and were not impressed. It was "OK" but we liked this one better: 3.5 hours south in White River Junction is a Quechee-Pine Valley KOA, with beautiful trees near Quechee Gorge. Beautiful area. Spacious pull thrus in lower section. 50 amp sites 1-9 and 15-17. We were in site 15 on the end. I would make reservations. Don't know if you can ask for a specific site but you could call them. http://koa.com/campgrounds/quechee/photos/
+1, nice area and campground (not usually a fan of KOA).
RE: Bryce
Not sure about the time of year, but I have stayed in Cannonville KOA and had no problem getting there in my rig. Good location for visiting Kodachrome, and Skutumpah Road nearby has some very neat features, such as Willis Creek and Bull Valley Gorge (slot canyons). Don't try this road if it's wet. Also nearby, north end of Cottonwood Canyon Rd, very scenic drive, including stop at Grosvenor Arch. I was there early April one year, occasional light snow, but no problem. Just not sure about late Oct.
RE: KOA at Tellico Plains TN
This was a terrible tragedy and a big disappointment they decided not to re-build. I've stayed there a couple times and love that area, found the park to be excellent and the people very nice. That said, I fully understand their decision as it appeared to me there just wasn't enough traffic in the area to support the campground. Bad for business, great for the people who go there hoping for peace and quiet.
RE: Glaciers melting too fast.
Glacier National Park is about a lot more than current glaciers. Lots of other places have glaciers, but GNP has beautiful valleys carved by glaciers, spectacular mountains, streams and lakes, and lots of wildlife. The hiking is superb. Go as soon as you can, and as often as you can. I've been six times, but never tire of its beauty.
Glacier is one of the few places we stay in a KOA. The one in St Mary (east side) is convenient to what we enjoy and handles big rigs. This year, the WIFI worked (my goodness). It is expensive, but worth it.
RE: Moran Jct to Dubois, WY
Came from Dubois to Moran Junction on 7/4, so no work going on. There is a stretch of gravel but it wasn't bad. When work is actually happening, it could be much worse. On the other hand, scenery is good when/if you have to wait.
RE: Our Canadian Friends
Very few private parks along this route. Stayed at Wawa RV Resort a few years ago, recall it was OK but not WIFI at that time. The park we used in Terrace Bay has gone under, too little traffic by there. Thunder Bay KOA was Ok, don't recall about WIFI.
RE: Johnsons of St. Mary
Have stayed at both. View is great at either park. Wind is frequently strong, you feel it more high up at Johnson's. The roads and sites at Johnson's are too small for my rig. KOA is expensive and WIFI weak, but it works out much better for big rigs.
RE: Coeure d'Alene ID and Missoula, MT RV Parks
In Missoula, we like Jim & Mary's, but Yogi Bear is nearby and also pretty good. In Coeure d'Alene, we stayed at Blackwell Island because so many recommend it. It was OK and has what you need, I just thought it was more expensive than warranted.
RE: RV Parks close to Grand Canyon Skywalk?
Either rim in the National Park is far superior to the Skywalk. Not only do the Hualapai Indians try to scalp the White Man at this location, the road there is long and very rough. I would not recommend this spot. If I recall correctly, we stayed in Kingman, which is quite far from the Skywalk. I made the mistake of going there, you shouldn't.
