October/November 2011
Troubleshooting Furnace Components Page 5
Propane PDI
What Is It? See New Products
PPaaggee 99
Page 16
K Ke ee ep piin ng gT Th he eB Ba ayyss F Fiilllle ed d PPaaggee 1122
October/November 2011
Furnace Repair 5
Troubleshooting Furnace Components Step up the heat! Page 5
Propane 9
A Thorough Propane PDI
Service 12
How To Gather Jobs In The Slow Season
Propane essentials Page 9
Aftermarket 16
Wood-burning stove for RVs
No time to hibernate Page 12
Top This! 14 How NOT To Rustproof
DEPARTMENTS 3
Board of Directors
4
From the Editor
16 New Products 17 Recalls
Certification Page 19
What is it? Page 16
RV LEARNING CENTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chairman Jeff Pastore Hartville RV Center, Inc. Hartville, OH (330) 877-3500 jeff@hartvillerv.com
Director Andy Heck Alpin Haus Amsterdam, NY (518) 842-5900 aheck@alpinhaus.com
Director Tim O'Brien Circle K RVs, Inc. Lapeer, MI (810) 664-1942 t.obrien@circlekrvs.com
Vice Chairman Dan Pearson PleasureLand RV Center, Inc. St. Cloud, MN (320) 251-7588 D.Pearson@pleasurelandrv.com
Director Jeff Hirsch Campers Inn of Kingston Kingston, NH (603) 642-5555 jhirsch@campersinn.com
Secretary/Treasurer Bill Koster Protective St. Louis, MO (636) 536-5704 bill.koster@protective.com
Director Rick Horsey Parkview RV Center Smyrna, DE (302) 653-6619 rhorsey@parkviewrv.com
Director Randy Packard Natl Assn of RV Parks & Campgrounds/Pine Acres Family Camping Resort Oakham, MA (508) 882-9511 opa203@aol.com
President Mike Molino, CAE RVDA Fairfax, VA (703) 591-7130 mmolino@rvda.org
Director Newt Kindlund Kindlund Investments Winter Park, FL (407) 628-4211 newt@kindlund.com
Director Bob Been Affinity RV Service Sales & Rentals Prescott, AZ (928) 445-7910 bobbeen@affinityrv.com
Director John McCluskey Florida Outdoors RV Center Stuart, FL (772) 288-2221 john@floridaoutdoorsrv.com
Director Randy Biles Pikes Peak Traveland, Inc. Colorado Springs, CO (719) 596-2716 rwbiles@pikespeakrv.com
Director Matthew Miller Newmar Corporation Nappanee, IN (574) 773-2381 mlmiller@newmarcorp.com
Director Eleonore Hamm RVDA of Canada Richmond, BC (604) 204-0559 eleonore_hamm@rvda.ca
Director John Myers Myers RV Center Inc. Albuquerque, NM (505) 298-7691 j.myers@myersrv.com
Director Steve Plemmons Bill Plemmons RV World Rural Hall, NC (336) 377-2213 steve@billplemmonsrv.com Director Jim Sheldon Monaco RV, LLC Rancho Mirage, CA (760) 883-5556 jim.sheldo@monacorv.com Director Tom Stinnett Tom Stinnett RV Freedom Center Clarksville, IN (812) 282-7718 tstinnett@stinnettrv.com Director Brian Wilkins Wilkins R.V., Inc. Bath, NY (607) 776-3103 bwilkins@wilkinsrv.com
RV LEARNING CENTER STAFF
Mike Molino, CAE RVDA Education Foundation President Ronnie Hepp, CAE Vice President for Administration Phil Ingrassia, CAE Vice President for Communications Karin Van Duyse Chief, RV Learning Center Mary Anne Shreve Editor
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Chuck Boyd Dealer Services Manager Susan Charter Associate Services Manager Hank Fortune Director of Finance Jeff Kurowski Director of Industry Relations Brett Richardson, Esq., CAE Director of Legal & Regulatory Affairs
Liz Shoemaker Education Coordinator Butch Thomas Field Representative Tony Yerman RV Service Consultant Isabel McGrath Technician Certification Registrar
FROM THE EDITOR
October/November 2011
Turning Up The Heat It’s winter. RVers are reaching for their unit’s thermostat, expecting a nice sure blast of warm air. Instead, nothing happens. Or maybe air blows out, but it’s not warm. They put on another sweater and call their trusted RV technician. To service these calls requires a thorough grounding in furnace components--how they interact and how to test them. Thermostat voltage in and out needs to be verified. The time delay relay needs to be checked. The blower needs to be inspected for obstructions. Limit and sail switches need to be checked. All of these components and procedures are explained in “Trouble Shooting Furnace Components,” by Gregory Wischmeyer, an RVIA codes and standards inspector. Another thing RV furnaces need is properly pressurized propane. Contributing writer and advisory board member Gary Motley notes that this is arguably the most dangerous system in an RV and discusses how to conduct a proper exam. While most training emphasizes basic pressure tests,
there are other aspects that also need to be checked. For instance, there are federal regulations on the allowable depth of any dents on a propane cylinder. And, contrary to popular belief, ASME tanks need to be purged, says Motley. Find out what else to look for in “A Thorough Propane PDI.” This may be the beginning of the traditional slow season, but that doesn’t mean the service department has to go into hibernation. There’s work to be had if you know how to find it, says RVDA Service Consultant Tony Yerman. One idea: Contact customers who got estimates for work and remind them that winter is an excellent time to get those repairs done. You might even offer free storage. Finally, read about a sheepish customer who lied to his wife about why their RV’s oven needed to be replaced in Yerman’s “Top This” column.
Mary Anne Shreve Editor 3930 University Drive Fairfax, VA 22030 mashreve@rvda.org (703) 591-7130 x117
RV Technician Advisory Board Randy Biles, Pikes Peak Traveland, Inc. Tom Fribley, Fribley Technical Services, Inc. Ellen Kietzmann, Blue Ox Gary Motley, Motley RV Repair Steve Savage, Mobility RV Service
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Furnace Repair
Troubleshooting Furnace Components By Gregory Wischmeyer An owner expects heat to automatically come blowing out when his RV’s thermostat is turned on, but it doesn’t always turn out that way! This article covers key furnace component requirements and, while it can’t cover all furnace models and possible faults, will help the newer technician understand individual components’ relationships within the furnace system.
Next, the thermostat needs to be checked out. Many thermostats last for years, but others do not. Thermostats need to have voltage in and voltage out verified.
Power, in RVing terms, is the available voltage and amperage to operate the electrical systems. One of the demands on the RV’s electrical system is the furnace.
Voltage at thermostat
Some thermostats also send power to the AC unit. The contact points and heat anticipator strip may need to be cleaned. I once removed from between a set of air conditioning relay points a dead lady bug that had shut down the AC on a 105degree day. Many thermostats draw 1.0
Voltage at fuse
Without backing up the electrical system past the 12 volt circuit breaker, voltage needs to be between 10.5 VDC and 13.5 VDC. Improper voltage can cause ignition problems as well as blower speeds that are too fast or too slow.
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Thermostat contact points and heat anticipator
amp, and this can be checked with a VOM. If all systems are go up to this point, it’s time to check the time delay relay (TDR). The TDR should have constant voltage to the positive (+) terminal and a good ground from the negative (-) terminal. The TDR needs to receive signal voltage from the thermostat to operate as the relay it is. A TDR is normally an open relay and needs to close when activated. If the TDR doesn’t close, no VDC will be present at the motor or blower terminal. Additionally, the TDR will remain closed for 45 to 90 seconds after the 12 VDC from the thermostat ceases. This allows the blower to cool the combustion chamber. (14 volts on VOM shown is coming from separate converter used on my bench testing.)
VDC into circuit board and TDR
The blower is the furnace’s lungs. The furnace blower motor is dual purpose--one side draws combustion air in, while the other side provides circulation. Ensure proper voltage to the blower and ensure a good ground. Checking the blower will indicate if the motor itself is in good condition. Page 6
Blower motor VDC terminal
There may be restrictions on the rotation of the motor shaft, such as dirt, lint, hair, nests, or restrictions on the blower wheels.
Mouse nest restricting blower wheel
Safety components include limit switches and sail switches. Limit switches are normally closed and heat-activated to shut down the gas flow. The limit switch should not be checked by using a heat source like a barbecue lighter. Too much heat can change the value of the limit switch.
Check it with the VOM, and if it shows continuity, then it’s good.
Fan control circuit boards or ignition circuit boards often can be checked by module board field testers that facilitate trouble shooting of the “boards.” Most larger shops have these units. RV furnaces also need fuel. The electrical system controls the propane entering the system through the fuel solenoid. Dual solenoid valves have been used on models since 1985. These are also called redundant valves. The dual valve gives extra protection against propane leaking past the valve seals.
Limit switch with VOM showing continuity
The sail switch ensures that there’s proper air flow from the blower before “closing” and sending 12VDC for ignition. Sail switches can malfunction because of blocked return air grills, blocked or restricted ducts and registers, dirt on the sail switch paddle that weighs it down, and/or a bent paddle.
Of particular importance on the dual valves are the positive (+) and negative (-) connections. The fuel solenoids should draw about 30-50 ohms through their coils.
Gas solenoid showing 42 Ohms
“Closed” sail switch showing continuity
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At the electrode, electricity meets fuel. The electrode needs to be checked for a cracked ceramic insulator. This could allow a short. The electrode will also have a remote or built-in
flame sensor sending a milliamp signal to keep the furnace running.
Fuel burner assembly with orifice
Electrode gap
Pressure drop test
Electrode insulator
None of the above trouble shooting steps will help if there isn’t enough propane at the proper pressure. If you suspect inadequate propane, perform a low-pressure check. Also, adequate pressure may exist but the supply may be diminished due to a defective propane regulator or restricted propane piping. Check copper tubing, rubber LP hose, and black pipe. Is there a blockage in the furnace fuel orifice?
Propane pressure test
I hope this article helps newer techs break down furnace components for troubleshooting.
Gregory Wischmeyer is an RVIA codes and standards inspector and a certified RV service technician. Page 8
The Propane System
A Thorough Propane PDI By Gary Motley The propane system is arguably the most dangerous system in an RV. Most PDI training emphasizes the three basic propane pressure tests. While these are very important, there are other aspects of the propane PDI that need attention. I am going to cover some other aspects of propane PDI, some of which are rarely seen on the actual PDI checkout sheet. To give customers a thorough PDI, though, you should check them. If problems are found in any of these areas, they should be corrected as part of the PDI. Visually examine the containers Federal regulations and NFPA 58 require periodic recertification of all DOT propane cylinders. This is only a concern with used towables. ASME tanks do not require recertification. Towables have cylinders, and motorhomes have tanks. DOT cylinders are required to be recertified by visual inspection 12 years after manufacture and every five years thereafter. Checking the date is especially important on used towables. To recertify the cylinder, a technician must be certified and make records of the cylinder inspection. If a cylinder has been recertified by visual inspection, the date of recertification will be stamped on the cylinder valve guard. The original date of manufacture is also there.
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Points of inspection 1. Verify the cylinder’s manufacture date. Don’t fill cylinders if they’re due for recertification. 2. Visually inspect propane containers prior to refilling. 3. Check the container, valve guard, and foot ring for damage such as scraping, denting, gouging, excessive rusting, or fire. DOT has a table showing the maximum acceptable depth and diameter of dents. (See chart below.)
Maximum allowable dent depth for cylinders* Ave. diameter
Allowable depth
1/2” 5/8” 3/4” 1 1/4” 1 3/4” 4 1/2" 5” 9”
.05” .06” .07” .12” .17” .45” .5” .9”
* Partial table--see RVIA’s propane text for complete info
4. Document date of manufacture and all measurements made. Don’t fill a damaged container. Recommend that the container be replaced and document that recommendation on the PDI form or work order.
The Propane System
A Thorough Propane PDI By Gary Motley The propane system is arguably the most dangerous system in an RV. Most PDI training emphasizes the three basic propane pressure tests. While these are very important, there are other aspects of the propane PDI that need attention. I am going to cover some other aspects of propane PDI, some of which are rarely seen on the actual PDI checkout sheet. To give customers a thorough PDI, though, you should check them. If problems are found in any of these areas, they should be corrected as part of the PDI. Visually examine the containers Federal regulations and NFPA 58 require periodic recertification of all DOT propane cylinders. This is only a concern with used towables. ASME tanks do not require recertification. Towables have cylinders, and motorhomes have tanks. DOT cylinders are required to be recertified by visual inspection 12 years after manufacture and every five years thereafter. Checking the date is especially important on used towables. To recertify the cylinder, a technician must be certified and make records of the cylinder inspection. If a cylinder has been recertified by visual inspection, the date of recertification will be stamped on the cylinder valve guard. The original date of manufacture is also there.
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Points of inspection 1. Verify the cylinder’s manufacture date. Don’t fill cylinders if they’re due for recertification. 2. Visually inspect propane containers prior to refilling. 3. Check the container, valve guard, and foot ring for damage such as scraping, denting, gouging, excessive rusting, or fire. DOT has a table showing the maximum acceptable depth and diameter of dents. (See chart below.)
Maximum allowable dent depth for cylinders* Ave. diameter
Allowable depth
1/2” 5/8” 3/4” 1 1/4” 1 3/4” 4 1/2" 5” 9”
.05” .06” .07” .12” .17” .45” .5” .9”
* Partial table--see RVIA’s propane text for complete info
4. Document date of manufacture and all measurements made. Don’t fill a damaged container. Recommend that the container be replaced and document that recommendation on the PDI form or work order.
5. Different states and provinces have different laws concerning training and licensing for propane fillers, handlers, installers, and repair personnel. Check with your state or province for compliance issues. Inspect/install mountings and brackets Propane containers need to be secured to the RV so they won’t dislodge when a load equal to eight times their filled weight is applied to their center of gravity in any direction. ASME tanks are usually bolted to the RV’s frame or floor. The hangers, hardware, and bolts should be inspected. DOT cylinders are usually located on the front of trailers with A-frames or in compartments. Inspect the brackets or straps. Purging containers Some people believe ASME tanks don’t need to be purged, but that’s not true. All new containers and any container that’s had atmospheric pressure introduced must be purged because they may contain water, air, or other contaminants, which must be removed before filling the container and putting it into service. The process of removing these contaminants is called purging. An improperly purged container can cause false container pressures, odorant fade, appliance popping, water in the system, and pilot outages, among other problems. Purging isn’t complicated but the process is too detailed to cover in this article. Refer to RVIA textbooks for a good source. Propane compartment venting 1. The propane compartment must be sealed and vapor-tight to the interior of the RV. Inspect this and repair as necessary.
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Access doors to propane valves must not have locks on them.
2. Propane compartments must be vented with at least two vents having an aggregate free area equal to one square inch for each seven pounds of propane capacity. This means a 20-lb. cylinder should have about three square inches, while a 30-lb. cylinder should have a little over four square inches. Tanks by the nature of their installation meet this requirement. 3. Propane compartment doors or panels providing access to valves must not have locks or require special tools to be opened. New RVs probably won’t have this problem. But there’s no telling what someone may have done to a used RV. Hose and piping conditions Hose: 1. Inspect POL/QCC hoses, low pressure hose, and hose routing for cracks, kinks, rubbing, damage, or excess wear. 2. Inspect POL/QCC fittings and low pressure hose fittings for damage or corrosion. 3. Inspect all flare/inverted flare fittings to make sure there is no sealant or Teflon tape. 4. Inspect all pipe thread connections for proper sealant.
5. Yellow Teflon tape is acceptable for pipe thread fittings, as well as appropriate thread sealant such as pipe dope. Piping and tubing: 1. Inspect under-side piping, tubing, and fittings for damage and corrosion. 2. Inspect propane lines and pipes for proper support.
OPD – POL: 1. Since 2002, cylinders of 4 to 40 lbs. have been required to have an OPD service valve. There are exceptions for some horizontal cylinders. 2. OPD service valves can be identified by a triangular on/off knob. 3. If you find copper pigtails, consider changing them out for safety purposes.
Regulator 1. Check that the regulator is mounted securely. 2. The regulator vent must be pointed downward to within 45 degrees of vertical. 3. The regulator must be in an enclosed compartment or covered. 4. RV technicians can only adjust the pressure on a regulator. Any other problem requires that the regulator be replaced.
Techs can adjust pressure on a regulator, but other problems require replacement.
An electronic leak detector helps find propane leaks.
Gary Motley is owner of Motley RV Repair in Oklahoma City. He is a master certified RV technician and a member of the RV Technician magazine advisory group. He can be contacted at rvrepairs@aol.com.
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5. Yellow Teflon tape is acceptable for pipe thread fittings, as well as appropriate thread sealant such as pipe dope. Piping and tubing: 1. Inspect under-side piping, tubing, and fittings for damage and corrosion. 2. Inspect propane lines and pipes for proper support.
OPD – POL: 1. Since 2002, cylinders of 4 to 40 lbs. have been required to have an OPD service valve. There are exceptions for some horizontal cylinders. 2. OPD service valves can be identified by a triangular on/off knob. 3. If you find copper pigtails, consider changing them out for safety purposes.
Regulator 1. Check that the regulator is mounted securely. 2. The regulator vent must be pointed downward to within 45 degrees of vertical. 3. The regulator must be in an enclosed compartment or covered. 4. RV technicians can only adjust the pressure on a regulator. Any other problem requires that the regulator be replaced.
Techs can adjust pressure on a regulator, but other problems require replacement.
An electronic leak detector helps find propane leaks.
Gary Motley is owner of Motley RV Repair in Oklahoma City. He is a master certified RV technician and a member of the RV Technician magazine advisory group. He can be contacted at rvrepairs@aol.com.
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Service
How To Gather Jobs In The Slow Season By Tony Yerman Around this time of year, many dealerships go into a sort of hibernation mode. The kids are in school, the snow birds are gone, and most campgrounds are closed for the season. But you need to take the position that, just as squirrels gather nuts and other animals gather whatever they need to survive the winter, you must do the same to survive your slow season. Why bother? Many dealerships lay off staff during their slow season or close part of the facility to cut expenses. The trouble is that some of the good staff members who are laid off may find new employment, and you won’t get them back for the next season. Keeping the shop busy year round lets you retain employees you’ve invested time and money into with training and job experience. But more importantly, the service department is a profit center and can be the key to surviving the slow months. How to gather slow-season jobs Everybody writes estimates, but not all of the customers who get estimates have the repairs done. Why? Maybe they had the work done elsewhere, or perhaps they were transient and decided to wait until they got home. But others simply felt they could live with the problem through the season and deal with repairs in the off season. Then there are those who are teetering between buying a new vehicle or remodeling the old one.
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Search through your ROs and estimates for potential customers.
Start calling on all of your estimates. Estimates are written for all sorts of reasons--upgrades, insurance repairs, remodeling, off-season maintenance, even detailing. Call and find out what they have decided and see if you can coax them into having the work done. A flier or e-mail blast advertising off-season repairs or maintenance is an effective reminder that now is a good time to take care of service issues. If you have good service writers/advisors, they can add notes to repair orders regarding suggested repairs or upgrades. These ROs can be flagged to use as sales leads later on. Here’s the hook Now that I’ve convinced you that off-season service is a great source of revenue and you’ve gone through your estimates and ROs and discovered there are lots of potential contacts to make, you must entice the customer to bring in the vehicle and have the work done.
Insurance claims and checks do expire, but they can be reissued. If you contact a customer who has decided not to go ahead with repairs, explain how damage will reduce the value, appearance, and even the usability of their vehicle. Let them know that you would be happy to contact their insurance company to get their claim reinstated. Discounts and payment plans are extremely effective in closing a service sale. Many large customer-pay remodeling or refurbishing jobs take some time to complete. A payment plan that includes 30 percent down, a 30 percent payment during the repairs, and a final payment when the repairs are completed helps take the sting out of a big service purchase. Other selling points: Offer customers free winter storage, and remind them that, by having work done in the cold months, their RV will be ready to hit the road at the first sign of warmer weather. People know that their unit will sit in the off season and in many cases it will cost for storage. Show them that something productive can be done during the storage period. The idea that storage won’t cost them anything adds value to any upgrade or repair.
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You can keep your bays filled and your techs busy year-round with skillful service prospecting.
Suddenly it doesn’t feel like the slow season anymore There really is money to be made during the so-called slow season. People can stay employed. Repairs and jobs don’t have to be rushed through. You could have months to complete several jobs. You can have plenty of business for the entire off season. You won’t have anyone screaming for their unit, and you’ll be the hero when it’s time to hit the road and your customer has a newly remodeled or upgraded unit. RVDA Service Consultant Tony Yerman is an Ohio-based master certified technician, repair specialist, and the author of the RV Damage Repair Estimator. He can be contacted at tyerman@rvda.org.
Top This!
How NOT To Rustproof By Tony Yerman
A sheepish RV owner didn’t want anyone at the shop to see his repair problem. So
All techs run into he only let the shop owner Naturally, I was situations that into the motorhome. hooked by this make them shake time. “What’s their heads and going on?” I asked. wonder what the “I’m a little customer was embarrassed by this,” he said. Then he thinking. Here’s a situation I encountered. stepped to one side of the aisle, revealing a balloon-shaped oven door. One of my customers called to report an oven problem. He said he didn’t want to go Actually, the more I looked, the rounder the into the details of the problem, he really just whole range seemed. “What happened?” I needed to show us. So he set up an asked. “Was anyone hurt?” appointment and drove his unit in. For some reason, he seemed to be hesitant to get out of the vehicle, a Class C motorhome. When he finally did, he asked to see me personally. I owned the dealership, and this customer and I went way back to when I first started out in business. Always happy to oblige, I asked him what the problem was. He asked me to come inside the unit with him and said he’d explain. Obviously, he was hiding something and didn’t want everyone to know. I was trying to imagine what dirty job this guy had in store for me as I climbed in. “Was anyone hurt?” The customer had gone in first to prevent me from seeing what the problem was before he had had the chance to explain. Page 14
He assured me that the situation was selfinflicted and that no one was injured. He then explained that he was preparing to rustproof the bottom of a compartment frame he had just cleaned up and didn’t want to rust again. The directions on the can of rustproofer said that the product worked best at 70 degrees. At this particular time of year, the temperature in Cleveland was only about 50 degrees. So my customer had decided to raise the temperature of the rustproofer by heating it in the oven. This probably wouldn’t have been that big of a deal had he not forgotten that he set the temperature to 400 and walked away.
Once square, now round After lunch, the customer remembered what he had done. He ran out to the unit and, upon opening the door, smelled a slight odor of LP. He had the presence of mind to turn off the service valve on his ASME frame-mounted tank. After leaving the door open for a few minutes to allow the propane to escape, he entered the vehicle. He discovered that his square oven was now round. The rustproof spray can had exploded. In fact, it had exploded with such force that it blew out or just smothered the burner and pilot. The oven chamber had acted as one of those containment units that bomb squads use, allowing only a small amount of the sticky black material to escape. That was actually a good thing, considering the cleanup it would have taken if the entire interior had gotten covered with the tar-like material. The damage was mainly limited to the oven itself. “Honey, I blew up the RV� I could now see and understand his embarrassment, and I knew the fun the guys in the shop were going to have with this once the customer left. I could also see where he had tried to straighten and reform the oven, in vain. He must have tried to get the unit out of the galley cabinet as well, as there were pry marks in the cabinet and the oven.
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When all else had failed, he had decided it was time to concede defeat and hand the problem over to someone who knew what they were doing. After several hours and a few laughs, my crew was able to dismantle the oven and remove it in pieces. There was no saving this one. A few hundred dollars for a new range and about five hours of labor, and the customer was all set. Did I forget to mention that his wife never knew exactly what had happened? He simply told her he had smelled gas in the RV and had taken it to the shop, where we had found that the oven was bad and needed to be replaced. Needless to say, this was one of those repairs that was NOT covered under warranty.
RVDA Service Consultant Tony Yerman is an Ohio-based master certified technician, repair specialist, and the author of the RV Damage Repair Estimator. He can be contacted at tyerman@rvda.org.
New Products
Ceiling fan installs easily
Wood-burning stove for RVs
MaxxAir Vent Corporation's Turbo/Maxx fits over an existing roof vent, transforming it into a powerful ceiling fan and enabling RVers to enjoy airflow even when it rains. A three-speed fan offers a selection of intake or exhaust operation to remove musty air, smoke, and other odors, while preventing heat build-up. Turbo/Maxx operates with a 4-amp motor and 12" diameter, 10-blade fan.
The wood-burning Kimberly Stove is designed for RVs and other small spaces where RVers need portable heating and cooking. It is 30” tall, weighs 80 lbs., and comes with a 3” chimney that vents through the RV’s roof.
With MaxxAir's hinge open mounting system, Turbo/Maxx attaches directly to an existing 14" x 14" standard roof vent. Owners don’t need to remove the existing vent or drill holes in their roof deck. The rain cover is constructed from high-strength polyethylene with UV inhibitors.
The Kimberly reburns exhaust gases, incinerating the smoke particles and enabling it to run with less fuel. Because of its stainless steel construction, it can burn a variety of fuels, including charcoal, coal, sawdust logs, and wood.
Small, quiet generator is U.S. Park Service-compliant Powerhouse Products’s 500Wi portable inverter generator weighs 21.4 lbs., measures 14.1” x 8.2” x 12.6”, and delivers 500 watts of power, enough to run a laptop, Xbox, or small appliance. Safe enough to power the most sensitive electronics, it runs for 3.5 hours at full load and 7.5 hours at onequarter load and is EPA, CETL, and CARB certified. Page 16
RECALLS
Cruiser RV to replace incorrect GVWR labels
Jayco recalls involve wheel wells, electric connections
Cruiser RV is recalling 1,362 model year 2011 Shadow Cruisers and Viewfinders, manufactured from April 21, 2011 through September 6, 2011. These vehicles have incorrect federal gross vehicle weight rating (gvwr) information labels. Failure to follow proper vehicle loading specifications because of a misprinted label could increase the risk of a crash.
Jayco is recalling 2,444 model year 20072008 Jay Feather LGT travel trailers manufactured from October 9, 2006 through April 17, 2008. These travel trailers may have insufficient clearance between the tires and the wheel well, allowing the tires to contact the wheel well and increasing the risk of a crash.
Cruiser RV will mail to consumers the corrected label, or the customer can have dealers install the label for free. The safety recall is expected to begin this month. Owners may contact Cruiser RV at 1-574457-6472 or NHTSA’s vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
Keystone recalls travel trailers Keystone is recalling certain model year 2012 Passport travel trailers manufactured from September 15, 2011 through September 28, 2011. The rear living room is missing an egress window. In the event that an emergency evacuation is necessary, the absence of the window will increase the risk of injury. Dealers will replace the window currently installed with an egress window. The recall begins this month. Owners can contact Keystone at 1-866-425-4369 or NHTSA’s vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to http://www.safercar.gov. Page 17
Jayco will notify owners, and Jayco dealers will add a spacer to increase the distance between the axle and the wheel well. The safety recall is expected to begin this month. Owners may contact Jayco at 1-800283-8267. Jayco is also recalling 502 model year 2010- 2011 Greyhawk Class C motorhomes manufactured from May 28, 2009 through September 22, 2010 for an improper electrical connection at the bus bar on the affected transfer switches. This could lead to overheating and melting of the transfer switch, increasing the risk of a fire, injury, or death. Dealers will replace the transfer switch free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin this year. Owners may contact Jayco at 1-800-283-8267 or NHTSA’s vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
The RV Learning Center proudly recognizes the following
CONTRIBUTORS: Additional/New Contributions Received 7/01/10-7/01/12 Ace Fogdall, Inc. Affinity RV Service Sales & Rentals All Seasons (CA) Alpin Haus Altmans Winnebago American RV Best Value RV Bill Plemmons RV World Bill Thomas Bill Thomas Camper Sales, Inc. Byerly RV Center Camperland of Oklahoma, LLC Campers Inn of Kingston Capital R.V. Center, Inc. Carolina Coach & Camper Carpenter’s Campers, Inc. Circle K RVs, Inc. Crestview RV Center Curtis Trailers, Inc. Diversified Insurance Management, Inc. Dixie RV Superstore Bill & Kristin Fenech Floyd's Recreational Vehicles Sherman Goldenberg Greeneway, Inc. (Route 66 Dealer) Hartville RV Center Hayes RV Center Hemlock Hill RV Sales, Inc. Ronnie Hepp Hilltop Trailer Sales, Inc. Holiday World of Houston Horsey Family Memorial Fund J.D. Sanders, Inc. Jamatt RV Sales La Mesa RV Center, Inc. Madison RV Supercenter Manteca Trailer & Camper Maxxair Vent Corporation MBA Insurance, Inc. McClain's RV Superstore Craig Mellor Mike Molino Rose Zella Morris Motley RV Repair Myers RV Center, Inc. Newmar Corporation Newell Coach Niel’s Motor Homes Noble RV, Inc. Open Range RV Company Pan Pacific RV Centers, Inc. Paul Evert's RV Country, Inc. PleasureLand RV Center, Inc. PPL MotorHomes Protective RCD Sales Company, Ltd. Reines RV Center, Inc. Rich & Sons Camper Sales Rivers Bus & RV Sales RV World Recreation Vehicle Center RV Outlet Mall Skyline RV & Home Sales, Inc. Spader 20 Group #20 Stag Parkway Steinbring Motor Coach Tacoma RV Center Tarpley RV The Trail Center Tiffin Motor Homes, Inc. United RV United States Warranty Corporation Wilkins R.V., Inc. Winnebago Industries, Inc. The Kindlund Family Scholarship Endowment
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Received 7/01/10-09/01/11 $3,000 $1,000 $49 $4,000 $5,000 $250 $1,750 $2,550 $500 $500 $6,000 $750 $7,000 $1,000 $100 $3,000 $500 $1,000 $1,000 $2,200 $5,000 $10,000 $250 $25 $8,300 $250 $100 $2,000 $275 $41 $5,000 $6,000 $250 $500 $10 $500 $501 $250 $1,100 $5,000 $100 $175 $25 $1,175 $1,200 $5,000 $1,000 $250 $400 $2,000 $500 $1,875 $350 $100 $19,061 $500 $2,500 $2,000 $2,000 $250 $200 $250 $1,700 $5,250 $250 $500 $250 $100 $2,500 $1,000 $2,000 $4,200 $1,000
Total Received $36,600 $6,000 $37,049 $16,500 $50,500 $5,925 $1,750 $7,550 $500 $20,500 $16,000 $3,850 $32,422 $6,000 $100 $4,000 $5,750 $1,500 $7,000 $14,400 $15,000 $50,000 $250 $25 $13,300 $10,250 $5,100 $6,000 $325 $1,581 $25,000 $67,000 $2,500 $500 $3,510 $4,000 $4,501 $2,500 $13,100 $35,000 $100 $10,761 $25 $8,015 $2,000 $115,000 $1,000 $250 $400 $2,500 $36,500 $25,000 $75,350 $100 $87,845 $1,250 $20,025 $4,000 $16,850 $1,850 $1,550 $250 $1,700 $32,100 $250 $500 $4,500 $1,100 $18,500 $1,000 $4,250 $13,600 $26,000 $270,000
Last Contribution Received 11/1/2010 8/30/2010 7/10/2010 7/11/2011 1/21/2011 1/25/2011 5/12/2011 5/27/2011 10/26/2010 10/26/2010 12/20/2010 7/1/2011 7/11/2011 12/7/2010 3/30/2011 6/24/2011 6/28/2011 12/17/2010 12/7/2010 6/14/2011 8/18/2010 7/29/2010 10/19/2010 2/23/2011 12/3/2010 6/28/2011 1/28/2011 9/16/2010 2/23/2011 6/20/2011 8/24/2010 6/17/2011 9/01/2011 12/3/2010 12/30/2010 8/22/2011 6/24/2011 6/30/2011 6/01/2011 6/14/2011 10/25/2010 2/17/2011 10/25/2010 11/4/2011 12/16/2010 12/8/2010 9/01/2011 6/20/2011 6/16/2011 04/6/2011 10/21/2010 4/14/2011 2/10/2011 8/12/2010 12/7/2010 12/20/2010 12/20/2010 2/17/2011 6/21/2011 12/10/2010 6/10/2011 7/14/2011 3/30/2011 11/12/2010 10/14/2010 7/7/2010 9/10/2010 11/01/2010 4/19/2011 9/9/2010 4/19/2011 6/17/2011 1/7/2011
RV Technician Certification Preparation Course Every RV Technician Can Have Access to Individual Self‐Study Training and Certification Preparation Interactive-Multimedia, Online Format • Combines text, audio, graphics, and video, with mentor-led technician community forum – all content is online (no extra books or handouts needed)
Developed by RVIA Available through the RV Learning Center
Corresponds to RV Certification Test Sections • Propane; Electrical; Plumbing; Brakes, Suspension & Towing; Appliances; Generators; Hydraulics; Exterior; Interior; Expandable Rooms; Miscellaneous (Welding Safety, Customer Care) • Fulfills 40-hour RVDA-RVIA Service Technician recertification requirement • RVIA RV Service Technician recertification requirement
Personal Progress Tracking
• Automatically tracks individual’s progress • Quizzes after each chapter and section with immediate feedback • 205 question assessment that’s similar to the RV technician certification test
Registration information
$249 per technician*
Company: Address: City/State/Zip: Phone:
Fax:
In order for the program to function properly, each technician MUST have his own personal e-mail address that only he has access to.
*Quantity discounts available when registering four or more technicians at one time. E-mail info@rvda.org or call 703-591-7130 for details. Note: Registration fee subject to change without notice.
Sign up the following RV technicians from our dealership: Name: E-mail: Name: E-mail: Name: E-mail: Send progress reports to the following supervisor: Name:
Title:
E-mail:
Method of payment
Important: • The RV Technician Certification Preparation course offers RV service technicians the means to prepare for certification through an online, self-study format. A computer with high-speed Internet is needed to access the course. • Visit www.rvtechnician.com for information about the RVDA-RVIA RV Service Technician certification program. The certification testing fee is not included in the course registration fee. • Registration gives the technician 365 days to complete the course by achieving 80% or higher on the final practice test. The technician should plan for certification testing within the enrollment period since course extensions are not available.
All registrations must be pre-paid in U.S. funds.
□ Check enclosed (make check payable to The RV Learning Center) □ Send invoice (RVDA members only) □ VISA □ MC □ AMEX □ DISCOVER C Cardholder’sName:_____ Acct. number: Cardholder’s signature: Billing address:
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Exp._______ Security code: _ Return completed form to: RVDA I 3930 University Drive I Fairfax, VA 22030 I Ph. (703) 591-7130 I Fax (703) 359-0152 www.rvlearningcenter.com I info@rvda.org
10th Edition Service Management Guide (Flat Rate Manual) The expanded Service Management Guide offers over 100 pages of average work unit times for the most basic service functions performed by competent RV technicians. th
The 10 Edition of the Service Management Guide offers extensive updates and additions provided by dealers, service managers, and technicians.
It also offers all new Service Check Sheets that provide a valuable reference for service managers and technicians.
It is a great tool for the service department when working with extended service contracts.
The Service Management Guide is also available in CD-ROM.
The Service Management Guide is designed to provide reasonable guidance relative to the time required for competent technicians to complete assigned tasks. It is an important part of the service management system, but it is not intended to be the sole determinant of prices or rates charged in that sale of service. Manual or CD-ROM: RVDA Members $164.95
Non-Members: $330.00
Manual and CD-ROM: RVDA Members $275.00
Non-Members: $550.00
Order Online at http://www.rvlearningcenter.com - prices are subject to change without notice
Order Form – 10th Edition Service Management Guide (Flat Rate Manual) Name:____________________________________________________________________________________________ Company Name:___________________________________________________________________________________ Address:_________________________________________________________________________________________ City:__________________________________________State:________Zip Code:______________________________ Phone:___________________________________Fax:______________________E-mail:________________________ ___RVDA Member
___Non-RVDA Member Manual - # of Copies:___ CD-ROM - # of Copies:____
Method of payment (Please check one) ___Check enclosed (Made Payable to The RVDA Education Foundation) ___Send an invoice (members only) Credit Card: __Visa __Master Card __American Express Card Number:____________________________________________Expiration Date:___________________________ Name on Card:_____________________________________Signature:______________________________________ Billing Address:_________________________________________________________Billing Zip:_________________
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RVDA, 3930 University Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030 (703) 591-7130, Fax (703) 359-0152, Email: info@rvda.org
Online Training with FRVTA’s
DISTANCE LEARNING NETWORK FRVTA–RV Learning Center Partnership
supplier-specific advanced repair and troubleshooting classes designed to upgrade technicians’ skills. Completion of these classes qualifies for recertification hours. Classes are available 24/7 throughout the program year, providing maximum flexibility.
$995 per year for each dealership location. Over 50 sessions available, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with full access to training through July 31, 2012. The DLN offers your dealership: • • • • •
Onsite training Group training No travel time or expenses Self-determined pace One fixed price of $995 for the subscription term
• Service Writers/Advisors – This three-hour program is valuable for both new staff and experienced personnel preparing for the RV Learning Center’s Service Writer/Advisor certification. • Greeters/Receptionists – This 50-minute session is suitable for all employees who need customer service skills. It includes a final exam and certificate of completion.
The DLN offers online training for:
• RV Technicians – The certification prep course helps technicians get ready for the certification exam. Your subscription includes unlimited access to more • Dealers/GMs – This program features important topics for management, including lemon laws, LP gas than 50 training sessions, reviews, and test preparalicensing issues, and the federal Red Flags Rule. tion sections. Also included are manufacturer- and
DEALERSHIP REGISTRATION Company Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________ City:________________________ State: ____ Zip: __________ Phone: ______________________________________________ Fax: __________________________________________________ Mentor Name: ________________________________________________________ Phone: ______________________________ E-mail (at dealership) : __________________________________________________ Fax: ________________________________
**High speed Internet access required. RVIA service textbooks not included** _____ location(s) at $995 each = payment due: $__________________ (select payment method below)
PAYMENT METHOD
❑
Complete lower section and mail or fax to:
PAY BY CHECK OR MONEY ORDER
❑
PAY BY VISA OR MASTERCARD
Florida RV Trade Association, 10510 Gibsonton Drive, Riverview, FL 33578, (813) 741-0488, Fax: (813) 741-0688 Name on Credit Card: ______________________________________________________________________________________ Card Number: ________________________ Security Code: _________ Expires: ______________________________________ Card Billing Address: ________________________________ City:________________________ State: ____ Zip: __________ Card Holder Signature: ______________________________________________________________________________________
For more information, call (386) 754-4285 or go to www.fgc.edu/rv-institute.aspx Page 21