COFLTravler

Just so you know, when on shore power the invertor is not inverting - it's just "passing through" the shore power to just the items that are connected to the invertor. All other AC components are direct from your AC panel when on shore power. When on shore power you should be able to turn the invertor on and off HOWEVER all that does is place the invertor in standby so if you lose AC power it will invert. If the invertor is in the off position, when on shore power and you lose this, the invertor will not invert. With my 15+ years in the RV repair business I am guessing sitting here at my computer, your unit is starting to fail and eventually will. But until then I would not necessarily replace. When the time does come you can either purchase a new one or a manufacturer rebuilt for considerably less.....my 2 cents worth.... Mark

So we are all on the same page, isn't this the main line going to the toilet and the black piece broke off of the valve? The model # is directly behind the toilet - either a mirror or if you can your phone - take a picture. Mark

1) Yes use to do it all the time for customers when their invertor went bad. When your on shore power 1 or 2 circuits "pass through" the unit and onto the circuits. You can remove the circuit wiring and just wire it direct to the incoming shore power connection on the invertor for a temp fix. 2) While on shore power the convertor provides 12 VDC to your 12 V system and then charges your batteries. If this goes bad you are on just battery like dry camping. If the convertor side fails use a battery charger on your batteries for the short term to ensure you maintain 12 VDC. Do you have a generator? This is the only reason whey you need a transfer switch. Are you sure it's internal to the invertor/convertor or is it mounted just before this unit - so whether your on shore or genset it powers the invertor/convertor.

From the pic it looks like this is part of your toilet water valve - your better off just to replace the valve, you can't buy individual parts. Grab your model # off your toilet and look up the replacement valve - local RV place should carry one for you. Mark

Caught a glimpse (and I mean out of the corner of my eye), of a nice looking rig with Smart and RV, headed Eastbound on I-10 near Lake Charles LA Wednesday June 3 in the AM. Someone on the site? Mark

Thanks Randy....think I will "test" a small area with different alternatives....

So to all the experts out there....has anyone figured out the best way to keep a new deck (powdercoated) diamond plate antiskid…..shiny - or really I mean black.... I have done some reading about what to use on spray on bedliners but all that stuff would make the deck an ice skating rink.....it just bothers me that it's turning a faded black...probably would not even be an issue, but with all this "extra" COVID time on my hands, I'm spending way too much time looking around for time consuming projects! Mark

Anyone else have Lazy Days (Progressive) - would like to hear how they compare to Miller (Progressive) and not being able to bobtail. Mark

Anyone else had trouble getting a hold of Deer Run? The phone just rings? Mark

Andy, Do you live in Colorado now? Mark

Funny you ask how I currently load...right now drive up but waiting for Jack and Marc to come up with their new loading system hopefully soon.

I have a 453 that I purchased used, owned for just a few months and I could no longer drive up the ramps because the clutch was burnt out. Luckily for me I was repaired under warranty. Granted, I have no idea how the car was treated before me but I for one prefer not to drive up anymore......

As an old RV Tech I can tell you after doing MANY of these - yes those turns are in the retract position (well really 6 inches out - because that is where/how you remove and replace the roller tube). Just be careful, the topper is not as bad as the patio awnings, many DIY RVers have hurt themselves working on awnings in the fully extended position. Mark

Ditto......

Incredible pics and work done - thank you for posting these. What is the reason for the angle iron in the hinge point? Sorry I must be a little slow….

Steve, Thanks for sharing the pic - looks like a good crowd....one year we will make it.....

Thanks for all the good suggestions.....will have to do something different.

So got a question.....bought my used 453 Smart and had Marc & Jack put a great basic deck on....thought I could be like many others and drive up the little guy onto the deck. Well in a real short time, it would no longer "drive up", the clutch burned out. Luckily for me Smart replaced the clutch under warranty but was very clear in informing me "not to do this anymore". For all those with a 453 driving it up - have you had any problems? Do you smell the clutch at all when you load? And no, I don't sit on the ramps riding the throttle and emergency brake....I'm confused.... Mark

Thanks for the info....it's just these are not true service manuals....I'm not sure what's going to happen in the future when the MB Dealers stop maintaining the Smart's and there is not detailed info out there??? I talked with the MB Dealer in Colorado they claim they are the only Smart Dealer in a 5 state radius, they have one mechanic and "when he leaves" we are done working on Smart's...... Mark

Does anyone have or know where to get an electronic service manual for the 453 series Smart? I was able to find a " Introduction into Service Manual" which has little to no valuable information. Mark

Randy - hope all goes well and when your done you will "feel young again" Mark

You all have a great time this year...Chad - great job again....sorry couldn't make it this year working on getting a deck put on to load the smart..... Mark

Ouch.....looks like there isn't any RV damage and everyone is safe..... Mark

Saw a nice looking Volvo towing a Momentum Fiver around Gainesville today....someone on the forum?

Another newbie - really want to have a HDT to tow current and future heavier TH. Would love to have an affordable Volvo 780. Thought I had one, till I found Florida is not friendly to HDT owners....guess I need to wait until I return to Colorado? Great information here and I've learned a lot.....