odigity

On 12/18/2021 at 9:45 PM, Kirk W said:

There is definitely something missing. 

                    

I start by replacing the outlet with a complete one. 

Damn - I somehow failed to notice your response.  Could have saved me some money vs having a professional do it. 

Luckily the professional did get it done, and now my furnace is working for the first time.  Photo attached.

4 hours ago, sandsys said:

We tried some of those bed band type holders but the only hold the corners so the middle of the sheet still tries to come off. The suspenders attach to middles so they work better for me.

Linda

Oh, good point.  Maybe I'll try that.

18 hours ago, sandsys said:

My sister-in-law makes her own fitted sheets by sewing up the corners of flat sheets. Hers fit.

Good idea.  Maybe I'll ask for that next time I'm friends with someone who can sew. 

16 hours ago, Larry Burkett said:

They make "like" suspenders for mattresses that you ca buy at any dollar store. works for our sheets.

I have these:

https://amazon.com/Bed-Band-Assembled-Suspender-Patented/dp/B004I3VDWY/

I think they helped a little.  Hard to be sure.  Still not satisfied, though.

16 hours ago, Kirk W said:

Glad to hear that things are working out so far. Mind sharing how you move the trailer to change parks? 

Twice I've hired a local service (dudes with trucks), and once I rented my own truck from Enterprise Truck Rental - but I had to buy my own hitch receiver.

UPDATE:

I've tried two different fitted sheets for my mattress so far, and both haven't fit as snugly as I want.  Maybe my expectations aren't reasonable, or maybe the market has so far done a poor job of providing fitted sheets that will be super-snug on an 8" RV short king mattress.

First one:  https://amazon.com/Microfiber-Sheets-Campers-Trailers-Mattress/dp/B07MTG4P87/

Second one:  https://amazon.com/Ras-Décor-Linen-Sheets-Motorhomes/dp/B07MBZ7PCS/

UPDATE:

It's been over six months since I moved to the Houston area, and I'm still here.  I've stayed at three RV parks, and visited about twenty more.

So far, these issues have never come up - no one has cared whether my trailer was registered (it is), or whether I own a tow vehicle.  (I do not.)

On 12/15/2021 at 1:35 PM, Kirk W said:

Thank you for the update. Can you get a closeup picture of the vent and post it so we might be able to detect if there is something missing. 

The uncovered exhaust vent.

12 hours ago, Wrknrvr said:

New style Dometic/Atwood furnaces need a restriction in the exhaust for the system to function properly. There is a restriction device in the exhaust of this style furnace.

...

  And then the furnace worked as designed.

Thanks for the confirmation - that makes me more optimistic that the tech is on the right track.

The mobile TV tech guy came by today.  He performed the annual inspection/maintenance required for my warranty, then checked out the furnace issue.  His believes there's supposed to be a cover with a baffle attached to the external vent - that's the hole that fire explodes out of in the video I linked earlier.  His conclusion is that's probably the cause of the ignition problem.

He said he'll try to find the part and come back to install it.  I'll update when that happens.

Finally found an RV repair shop with great customer service that was willing to help - and they're mobile.  Got an appointment for Wednesday.  Hopefully things continue to improve from here.  Once it's repaired, I'll post the details of what it turned out to be.

For the furnace:

I went to dometic.com used their Find a Dealer tool (https://www.dometic.com/en-us/outdoor/find-a-dealer) to search for the nearest service provider, which turned out to be Lone Star RV, about ten miles away from me.  When I called them and told them it's for a Keystone RV, they said they only do JayCo now and sent me away.

For the annual maintenance service:

I went to keystonerv.com and used their Find a Dealer tool (https://www.keystonerv.com/find-a-dealer) to search for the nearest service provider, which turned out to be ExploreUSA RV Supercenter, about ten miles away from me.  When I called them, they said they don't offer annual maintenance service for warranties.

This is like a nightmare.  I just want it to end now.  Does anyone want to buy a 2019 Outback 240URS?  I'll give you a good price...

12 minutes ago, D&J said:

That is caused by a hole in the heat exchanger. Find a RV tech to confirm, if the rest of the furnace is in good shape they can replace the exchanger.

Thanks for the tip - I'll add it to my notes.

2 minutes ago, Kirk W said:

If I were you, I would get it checked by someone qualified before I used it again. To know the model you need to open the outside access panel and look inside for a plate that will tell you the model that you have. You can read through the thread thus far but if you are not sure how to do the suggested things you should probably get help. Before you do anything else, open that access and use a shop vacuum to clean the burner area. 

I did remove the wood panel in front of the furnace and blow the area out, and managed to see a label with the number "35436", which makes me think the model it's probably a Dometic (Atwood) DFMD35.

---

I do have a lifetime warranty from the dealership, but I believe I'm supposed to have it inspected once a year within 30 days of the anniversary date, and that's coming up in ten days on Dec 23.  So now I'm not sure which to try scheduling first - inspection or furnace repair.

Also, the first shop I called said they're backed up for the next six weeks, and the second wanted me to bring the RV to them - and I don't own a tow vehicle.

Man, this is a stressful situation.  Maybe I bit off more than I can chew.

I just came here to ask for help with my backfiring furnace, and this thread was at the top of the forum.  That's funny.

I made a video of it:

No idea what to do.  I'm not very mechanically inclined.  Don't even know the model #, just that it's Dometic, because the manual lists 13 different model numbers.

Thanks!  That ought to keep me busy for a while.

Just dropped the toy hauler ramp for the first time.  It was exciting getting to see what it's like to be inside looking out finally, because I've set up a Soloflex station in there and plan to exercise with a view.

The problem is, now that the ramp is down, I feel exposed like a carnival attraction.  Can anyone recommend an appropriately-sized mesh or screen solution that would work well for privacy - making it easier to see out than in - as well as flying insects?

The opening's interior dimensions are about 56" wide by 75" tall.

(I'm new to RV life, so I'm hoping there's an obvious best-in-market solution that everyone knows about and can easily point me to.)

I guess there are more options - weird they didn't show up last time I did my research, which was a few months ago.

Just settled on this option for $600.  They won me over with their tales of "Amish construction". 

https://amazon.com/Graphite-Mattress-Premium-Textured-Trailers/dp/B07VDBK6HW/

Just spent my first night in my new (to me) used 2019 Keystone Outback 240URS.  It was great, except for being on a naked and beat down mattress.

Turns out the size is RV Short King which is 72" x 75".

Searching on the internet, the only two vendors for that size mattress that I can find are:

• https://rvmattress.com/
• https://restrightmattress.com/rv-king-mattress/

On both sites, the middle-quality option is about $1100, so not much difference there.  But also... neither one offers sheets in that size.  They both carry sheets, just not in that size.  Which is stupid, and a terrible customer experience.

So, my questions are:

1. Are there any other vendors for RV Short King mattresses besides there two?
2. Are there any vendors for RV Short King bed sheets at all?

1 hour ago, Darryl&Rita said:

rvezy, among others, like AirB&B rent stationary RVs. Some campgrounds also have either rental RVs sitting in place, or cabins to rent.

That's neat, I didn't know about that service - but what I meant was a site for people who have hookups at home and want to rent them to someone like me, so I can bring my RV there instead of a commercial RV park.

Crap, I just thought of an even better question.  I'm currently browsing listings on AirBnB to see if I can do better than a motel, and I saw someone renting out a 5th wheel hooked up in their backyard, and it made me think:

Are there people who have RV hookups at their home and would be willing to rent space/hookups?  Like AirBnB but for RVs?

If so, I could negotiate with a private individual and not worry about policies like up-to-date registration and having a tow-vehicle on-hand 24/7, at least until I progress my personal situation further.

I forgot to ask my other policy-related question:

How strict are RV parks about making sure your travel trailer is properly registered?

I just got my residency address today from Escapees Mail Service, but still have to wait for my incompetent RV dealer to send my titlework to the Texas DPS, then make an appointment to go there, and I figure all this could drag out for weeks or even months - in the meantime, if no park will let me move my trailer in, I'll be paying a fortune on motels.

Sorry for the delayed response.

On 5/11/2021 at 9:46 AM, Kirk W said:

...I suggest that you start by viewing this walk-around video if you have not previously seen it.  Do you know if the RV has all of the documentation for appliances and such that it came with? If it does, reading those would be a good thing. I think that you probably also would be wise to have the RV parked in a place that has full facilities so that you can get by at first by using the campground facilities until you know how to do what is needed. Do you know if the propane bottles for full? Will there be anyone in the park to help you get connected to utilities? 

If you spend some time on Youtube, there are a lot of videos that explain how to use the different appliances. I suggest that you start there and that you take notes. Because I started to travel by RV many years before there was an Online University I have no real knowledge of what it will do for you, but because I do know several of the people who were involved in the creation of that program, I do believe that it would be a good idea to take advantage of it, once you get your start with the things available free. Most RV parks will have people in them who will be happy to help you once you get started, if you ask for help. 

Video:  Thanks, though I've already seen that one.  I watched all the videos on YouTube about the 240URS when I was buying since I couldn't get to see one in person. 

Documentation:  Don't know, and won't know until I get there in three weeks.  The manufacturer (Keystone) has a 100pg manual online that they update every year, but it's a generic manual for all Keystone models - hundreds of models across dozens of lines, of which the Outback is merely one.  So it's of very limited use.  I called them and spoke to a person to ask if there's any manuals for my specific model, and was shocked to learn there isn't.  I consider that a mark against Keystone.  They still made my favorite floorplan in the country, and I don't regret my purchase - but no manual is unacceptable.

Propane:  Don't know, won't know until I get there.  But it's my least concern.  Filling a propane tank is literally the one thing us city boys actually have done before, thanks to grilling. 

On 5/11/2021 at 10:46 AM, sandsys said:

Since you will be starting from Houston you could easily go to Rainbow's End where friendly neighbors are likely to be willing to help with any questions you have as you learn. Manuals and classes can teach you a lot but there's nothing like hands on help if you get stuck. And doing Smart Weigh while there is something I found very helpful when it came to load distribution.

That's what I was hoping - until I learned about their policy of requiring you to own your own tow vehicle.  I started another thread entirely about that: 

On 5/11/2021 at 2:38 PM, Solo18 said:

I took my brand-new motorhome to a nearby full-hookup state park for a four-day weekend.  (Had never really operated or even driven one until I bought this.)  I had tons of boxes of kitchen and bedroom stuff to unpack.  I pulled into my spot and went out to hook up.  Apparently because everything was new and in boxes, it took the lady in the next rig about three minutes to identify me as a new owner, so she yelled across that her husband would help if I needed anything. 

I got everything hooked up and flushed the winterizing out, then just before dark, I turned on the valve to fill the hot water tank.  It took about two minutes to have three guys knocking on my door about the water running down the side of my rig.  I could not find my flashlights, so they went out, took the cover off, and put a plug in that had been left out!! 

The Escapees campgrounds would be most helpful, but I have found that almost anyone in a campground would be glad to help you out if you ask. 

That's basically what I'm hoping.  First I need to find an RV park that will have me, then I need to figure out how to tow it from the storage unit to the park, and then I can finally focus on hooking up / operating the RV itself - which is when I'm hoping friendly neighbors and staff will pinch in when I get stuck.  Combined with patience, online research, and probably buying tools and parts.

On 5/11/2021 at 2:57 PM, Star Dreamer said:

Like others, we suggest you plan to park it for a few weeks or so to help you get use to it and be around others that can help answer questions. 

We basically self taught ourselves but we started from tent camping and moved up in size over the years. Probably the most scariest thing is dumping the tanks so you do not look like Robin Williams in the movie RV (which is probably good to watch to know what not to do!)

Understanding weights and how to locate items for safe traveling down the road is also good and having the unit weight allow with your tow vehicle will help you understand that.  Good luck and safe travels! Don't be afraid to ask for help.

Yes - towing and anything to do with septic are the two most intimidating aspects to me right now, in my ignorance.

On 5/12/2021 at 3:59 AM, Jinx & Wayne said:

It looks like a nice rig!

The RVOU does not require any initial level of RV knowledge.  A basic understanding of tools is helpful.  Make sure the dealer spends some time showing you how the systems work and video that information with your camera.  Practice with your camera first, if necessary.

Welcome to the adventure.

Wayne & Jinx
2017 F-350 diesel, dually
2006 Carriage Carri-Lite 36KSQ

Unfortunately, the dealer's in another state - and not particularly competent.  I'm still having to hand-hold/yell at them through the registration process, which we began together in January and is still not close to done.  (They sent docs to NV, failing to realize a physical inspection is required, and now NV is sending it back, and we're gonna try again in Livingston, TX, home of Escapees.)

Re: RVOU - Thanks for the tip.  In that case, I might sign up for and rush through those online courses after I get there and see the trailer.

I think that covers everything...

45 minutes ago, Kirk W said:

You don't say what year your RV...

Oops - just edited original post to add that info.

Hello.  In three weeks I'll be moving into my RV to live full-time - but I've never seen it, nor have I ever owned or operated an RV before - or even taken a class.

It started in December, when I decided I prefer mobility to being tied to one place.  I spent several days researching the different categories and features of RVs, then several more days researching all the models sold in America that meet my criteria until I found the one that most appealed to me (2019 Outback 240URS - a 28' travel trailer) and purchased a used one from a dealer in another state.

It's currently stored in Houston, near Escapees - which I just joined.  (Both RV Club and Mail Forwarding service.)

Now, once I get there, I'd like to focus exclusively on how to properly operate and maintain the trailer before going anywhere or settling in to the area.  The Boot Camp seems like a great method, but the next one in Houston isn't until November.

My question:  Does it make sense to jump straight into the RV Online University courses, or do they assume knowledge from the Boot Camp?  And can online learning be sufficient, or do I need some in-person coaching, and if so - where do I get it?

PS - Attached is the photo I've been using as my desktop wallpaper since January. 

1 hour ago, Chalkie said:

I think there is the problem. You are close to the coast and hurricane area in Houston. The farther away from the coast it is less likely you will see that requirement.

Yes, although hopefully not for long.  Starting in Conroe (an hour north of Houston), and plan to relocate to outside Austin a few months later.

The lesson here is - consider the natural disaster threat portfolio of each individual RV park in addition to policies.