Yahoo Message Number: 116284 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/116284)
Our (rarely used) OTR A/C hasn't been serviced for several years and has gradually lost cooling ability. There is no convenient, trustworthy service facility nearby at this time. Is there any risk of causing damage by traveling (indefinitely) without having the OTR A/C serviced?
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Tom Harsch -- 2002 Allure #30791
Yahoo Message Number: 116286 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/116286)
good question.
Yahoo Message Number: 116289 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/116289)
Get the do it yourself kit at wal mart and add some refrigerant your self and let it run. There isn't really much to service except to operate it to keep seals lubricated.
Yahoo Message Number: 116293 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/116293)
Tom - I'll second the advice to exercise the OTR AC, once you get it recharged and if needed any seals replaced.
We just do this every time we take the coach out for exercise, when not traveling. Try to do it every 4 weeks, but it has slipped to 6 weeks from time to time. We have a normal route we run, a little of an hour. Fire up the generator and Hydro Hot (Diesel) before pulling the coach out. The drive at highway speeds with the Generator running both Roof Top AC's for at least 15 minutes. (If it's cold outside, we then shift to rear AC heat pump, to keep medium load on the generator for the balance of the coach exercise period.) We also run both heat zones, we have two fed from the Hydro Hot, too - to keep the registers from dunking up. And to exercise those pumps from the Hydro Hot. And yep, we run the OTR AC too. All of this is to keep everything well lubricated, and as mentioned, seals moist, and generator coils dry, tires at temp, etc., etc.
Good luck on fixing the OTR AC... I'll share one more tip on that. Our OTR AC stopped working on a trip to Santa Fe, NM. We started to debug it, and had no luck. Fan would come on, but no cool air. I had another owner suggest I confirm the engine's AC compressor was kicking in. So went to the back, opened the rear hatch, and had the DW turn on the OTR AC. No engagement of the AC Compressor, thus, no coolant feed/cool air. Another poster shared that they had had a wire feed to the compressor compromised, and suggested I check it. I found that when Cummins had been working on my engine, they had disconnected the wire to the Compressor (In the back/well front I suppose. Anyways facing the front of the coach side of teh Compressor. Had to use a mirror and flash light to examine.). And when the connected it back up, they had not slide up the rubber gasket like sleeve that helps hold it on. So cleaned the connections well, slide connection back on, and then slide the rubber sleeve protector gasket thing-a-ma-jig over it. And we had cool OTR AC again. This is only pertinent if you are not feeling any cool air. Though remember you have lines back on the rear of the coach too, which could have leak points as well as the lines up in the front of the coach.
Please let us know what you find out,
Smitty
04 Allure 31017
Yahoo Message Number: 116297 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/116297)
Thomas, use the AC diy article in the CCI Tech Articles Library on the Club website.
Lee Zaborowski
Yahoo Message Number: 116299 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/116299)
HI Tom,
My '03 Allures OTR A/C also stopped cooling gradually over the years. One problem that a competent A/C guy pointed out was that I had never had the A/C drier canister (not sure I'm calling it correctly) serviced or replaced. He took care of that and the OTR A/C came back like a champed. Not saying this is your problem but just a suggestion.
Regards,
Jose Ferrer
2006 Magna 6568
2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid
Yahoo Message Number: 116310 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/116310)
Thanks to all for your suggestions. I picked up a DIY recharge kit today and will try it out when/where the weather is warmer and dryer. The kit says 75-85 degrees for accurate pressure readings -- we're basking in 45 degrees today.
Still no answer to my original question though. Am I likely to (further) damage anything by traveling prior to servicing the A/C system?
Thanks again to everyone who responded. Good tips from all!
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Tom Harsch -- 2002 Allure #30791
Rapid City, SD
Yahoo Message Number: 116311 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/116311)
Tom......If your system charge is low, a pressure switch in the refrigerant line will not allow the compressor clutch to engage the compressor. It just free wheels. So.....the AC system is not being impacted by continuing to drive the coach. Should get the leak addressed ASAP though.
Dave Trotter
'01 Intrigue 11215
Yahoo Message Number: 116312 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/116312)
When the pressure in the system gets low enough, because the refrigerant is low, a low pressure sensor responses and prevents the compressor clutch from engaging. This prevents the compressor from running without lubrication. Eventually without circulation of refrigerant oil, seals will dry up but that will take months.
Brett
08 Allure #31665
Yahoo Message Number: 116316 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/116316)
I agree with Brett. Our unit was dormant for a couple of years. I'd paid too much money in past years to fix the leak twice. Never was, so we relied on the roof units.
Then I learned the DIY recharge method. When I used the charging device you connect to the refrigerant it read zero to start. Two cans of refrigerant did the job, just like new. So I bought a case of 12 from Amazon. Should last 2 years. A cheap solution.
Lee Zaborowski
Yahoo Message Number: 116328 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/116328)
I've had the leak fixed on my Allure three times. Once at CC, again at the selling dealer, and the third time at a commercial truck refrigeration shop. My leak is always at the high pressure hose near the compressor. CC re-crimped a fitting, selling dealer replaced a piece of the hose, and the commercial truck place removed the suspect leaking fitting and made what appeared to be a substantial repair. That last fix lasted 6 months.
We gave up and use the genset and roof airs.
Gary
07 Allure 470 #31578
Yahoo Message Number: 116329 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/116329)
I had a similar problem, the RV service center said the short patch hose never works
And replaced a complete hose from the compressor to the condenser coil. Bob
06intrigue 12047
Yahoo Message Number: 116330 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/116330)
A fiend of mine had the same issue with an Allegro and now a Dynasty. Took the same solution. TWInsall 2004 Intrigue 11731
Yahoo Message Number: 116331 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/116331)
Have had the same experience and use the same fix. Repaired at the high pressure hose several times. Using genset with roof A/Cs.
Jerry & Brenda Azzara
1999 Intrigue Chefs Delite
#10702
Pro
Yahoo Message Number: 116334 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/116334)
The (Walmart) DIY recharge kit got the A/C clutch to engage and the the system to begin operating again. Probably not quite fully charged yet, but the A/C puts out cooler air now.
Once I knew what to look for, Google turned up a couple videos that helped with the actual procedure. Couldn't be much easier.
Time will tell if the leakage is significant -- the A/C was last serviced over 15 years ago (by Jack's in Tucson, AZ). If only all repairs would hold up that long!
Thanks again to all who responded.
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Tom Harsch -- 2002 Allure #30791
Rapid City, SD
Yahoo Message Number: 116335 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/116335)
We had the over the road AC problem, had it recharged at Fountain RV in Lakeland FL, which got it back in commission, but it continued slow-leaking and stopped again in a few months. Got a "final" fix when OMC in Eugene replaced the condenser unit a year plus ago, and it's still working fine. So I'm guessing all of these issues are not the same. Good luck with it!
Don Hutchins
'08 Allure 470 #31613
Yahoo Message Number: 116338 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/116338)
Hi all,
I'm sorry to hijack like this, but I haven't had success in starting a new one. We are traveling for business with some hurry involved.
Any chance anyone has any suggestions as to ways to keep the drawers in the kitchen closed when driving and taking curves?
Thank you in advance.
Mary Frederick
06 Inspire 51784
Yahoo Message Number: 116339 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/116339)
Mary,
There is a possibility that the clips at the back of the drawers have broken. There are the same kind of clips that keep the wardrobe doors closed but smaller. Any RV supply place should have them. There are different sizes so you will need to remove one from the bottom of the drawer to compare to.
Your welcome in advance.
Michael Title
05 Inspire 51381
Yahoo Message Number: 116340 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/116340)
Michael,
Thank you so much. We'll do that. Do you also find that, for example, you can't leave your silverware the drawer as that's just too heavy? I've gotten rid of what may have been heavier stuff and now have not much in there just to keep the frustration of these drawers coming out so often. We also have a routine of putting in a yard stick through the three handles and then bracing that, hoping for them to stay closed, but they still come open somewhat. Several other drawers do the same, so getting one of these off and checking maybe with Keven Waite too is our next route. Thank you very much!!!
Mary
Yahoo Message Number: 116341 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/116341)
Mary,
I've had a lot of success using 10 lb push latches for heavy drawers. Like you whenever I went around a turn one or more of my kitchen drawers would bang open. The push latches solved that problem permanently, I put one on each drawer.
Here is a link to Amazon where I found them: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=10+lb+push+latches&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3A10+lb+push+latches (https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=10+lb+push+latches&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3A10+lb+push+latches)
Good luck
Jose Ferrer
06 Magna 6568
Tow 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid
Yahoo Message Number: 116342 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/116342)
We have a spring loaded curtain rod with rubber tips on the ends that we put between the silverware drawer and the refrigerator when traveling. The only unhandy thing is you have to remove it and remember to put it back when pulling into a rest stop to use the bathroom. The silverware drawer is so heavy it kept breaking the clips. This rod can be screwed in or out to get the right length and tension.
Dave
2005 Allure #31284
2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
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Yahoo Message Number: 116343 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/116343)
Thank you so much! You could probably tell from my post that I needed to get this handled!
Mary
06 Inspire 51784
Yahoo Message Number: 116344 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/116344)
Jose,
Thank you. This looks like a really good idea too. So when you're parked, these latches are still there, right? Does it get easier to open, or is it not that hard to open anyway? Thank you for the idea and the link.
Mary
06 Inspire 51784
Yahoo Message Number: 116345 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/116345)
Mary,
There also the possibility that the latches on the drawer slides have worn out. I got new ones from the manufacturer
Of the drawer slides. You should also be able to buy them on line.
If they are Accuride slides they will replace them for free.
Here is their warranty info...
Accuride warrants its Accuride-branded drawer slides against defects in material and workmanship for so long as the original purchaser owns them. *This warranty does not cover drawer slides which have been damaged due to abuse, improper installation, excessive loads, or any use contrary to the instructions accompanying the product.
Accuride will send the purchaser a replacement of the same model or a comparable model at no cost. This warranty is for replacement only and does not cover the cost of removal, installation, or other incidental charges.
To obtain a replacement slide under this warranty, contact Accuride Technical Support within 30 days of the discovery of the defect. Please let us know how the product was used and the type of defect or malfunction experienced.
Just letting you know.
Dave
2007 Allure 40' #31495
Yahoo Message Number: 116346 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/116346)
Dave, this is excellent. Thank you. We will follow up. Thank you.
Mary and Mike Frederick
06 Inspire 51784
Yahoo Message Number: 116347 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/116347)
We use small bungee cords to tie them together...and another cord to the lower cabinets. Out drawers under the dining table seats are our pantry and heavy...we drop a couple pillows between them when the slides are closed. Also have some extra single fridge rods bracing a few things across the isle.
Gary 2008 Inspire 360
Yahoo Message Number: 116348 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/116348)
Well, thought number one is to drive more slowly and take the curves more gently.:-D Next idea is to replace the present door closing hardware with new items (based on the design of the earlier ones). I just bought some from Amazon, slightly larger than the originals but still will fit into the same basic footprint.
Ken, 2004 Allure 31035
Yahoo Message Number: 116349 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/116349)
Gary, I didn't see this until now. Thank you for this good idea too. I'm grateful that others have experienced this too and have solutions. Thank you for telling us yours.
Mary
06 Inspire 51784
Yahoo Message Number: 116350 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/116350)
Ken,
Your #1 suggestion is something we've discussed now and then! Ha! It is an excellent solution!! Mike's looking at the accuraride hardware right now. Thank you so much for your much needed help!
Mary
06 Inspire 51784
Yahoo Message Number: 116351 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/116351)
Mary,
The item Jose links to is a Southco model C3-810 10 lb "grabber latch". Prices vary from about $3 each to over $10 each, depending on the source. Shop around before ordering -- ebay, Amazon, Northwest RV Supply, etc. If only the "J-hook" portion is broken, you may be able to find replacements for $2 or less -- Northwest RV Supply has these on their web page.
If your drawers have the Accuride rails, the latching catches at the end of the rail -- known as "spiders" -- may have failed. These are fairly easy to replace. Accuride will send free replacements if you give them a call. The spiders come in two strengths; ask for the heavier duty version. They don't seem to mind sending a couple spares (for future use or to share with other owners).
There are links to Accuride and Northwest RV Supply in the links area of this group.
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Tom Harsch -- 2002 Allure #30791
Rapid City, SD
Yahoo Message Number: 116361 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/116361)
We use child locks that have magnets, when we arrive at our location we just tape the lever down. When we leave remove the tape and the lever holds drawers until we use magnet to open them.
Donnie
2003 Intrigue #11566
Yahoo Message Number: 116368 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/country-coach-owners/conversations/messages/116368)
Thank you, Donnie, for this excellent idea too. It sounds very easy to deal with. We'll be shopping for a couple of these and try it. I'm so grateful for all of you who took the time to help us out with this annoying problem. And it was annoying. I took all of the silverware out and kitchen implements and they're all sitting on the bed and took out other things from the other two drawers that were heavy types too, so it's easier today with our travel.
We just had a marvelous experience having 9 windows worked on at RV Fog Doctor in Searcy, Arkansas. They literally could not have been more efficient, careful to put on the shoe booties, and excellent work with each window. The results are fantastic. We were so happy too to get to know a little bit the four gentlemen who worked on our windows. I wish I knew how to start a new subject line so that I could post this with the correct subject title.
Thank you to everybody who has suggested RV Fog Doctor too because it was due to their excellent reviews that we made the choice to have them do the work.
Mary Frederick
06 Inspire 51784