It is recommended that your fresh water tank be sanitized periodically using a chlorine solution followed by clear water rinses. Follow the steps below:

1. Prepare a chlorine solution by adding 1/4 cup of liquid household chlorine-based bleach solution to one gallon of potable drinking quality water.
2. For every 15 gallons of tank capacity, add one (1) gallon of the chlorine solution to the empty supply tank. (For example, a 30 gallon tank would require 2 gallons of solution.)
3. Fill the remainder of the tank with potable water.
4. With the water pump ON, open each faucet long enough for liquid to run out. This will remove all air from the water system and lines.
5. Allow the system (now filled with the chlorine solution) to stand for at least three (3) hours. Before performing the next step, provisions should be made to allow for drainage of all water from the fresh water tank.
6. Flush the piping by running water through faucets for at least one minute each.
7. Turn the water pump OFF.
8. Drain the tank and pipes by opening the tank drain valve. Open each faucet to permit water to drain from each pipe.
9. When the tank is empty and each faucet has been opened, drained, and closed, close the tank drain valve.
10. Fill the system with clear, fresh water.
11. Repeat steps 6 through 9.
12. Partially fill the system with fresh water. Check the tank and system for any chlorine taste or odor. If any traces of impurity remain, prepare a solution of one (1) quart vinegar in five (5) gallons of water and place in water tank. Fill the system completely. Agitate the system by moving the vehicle, then repeat steps 4 and 5.
13. Repeat steps 6 through 9 to empty the system.
14. If the system is to be used, fill with fresh water. If not, the system is ready for storage.

To help prevent algae and bacteria in your fresh water system, always drain the system (including the water heater) when not in use.

Before towing a trailer behind a fifth wheel (or any other recreational vehicle combination), be sure to read the traffic regulations for your state. The following information is from the Minnesota statutes, section 169.81. For regulations in other states, please visit that state's web site. (A list of state legislature websites can be found here.)

Minnesota Statutes 2005, 169.81

Subd. 3c. Recreational vehicle combination. Notwithstanding subdivision 3, a recreational vehicle combination may be operated without a permit if:

1. the combination does not consist of more than three vehicles, and the towing rating of the full-size pickup truck or recreational truck-tractor is equal to or greater than the total weight of all vehicles being towed;
2. the combination does not exceed 70 feet in length;
3. the operator of the combination is at least 18 years of age;
4. the trailer is only carrying watercraft, motorcycles, motorized bicycles, off-highway motorcycles, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, motorized golf carts, or equestrian equipment or supplies, and meets all requirements of law;
5. the vehicles in the combination are connected to the full-size pickup truck or recreational truck-tractor and each other in conformity with section 169.82; and
6. the combination is not operated within the seven-county metropolitan area, as defined in section 473.121, subdivision 2, during the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays.

Many times, erratic brake problems can be caused by wiring going through the axle tubes. Over time, the wire rubs bare and contacts the tube causing brake problems. Please contact us to resolve this issue and prevent dangerous driving conditions.

If the ballast in fluorescent lighting has gone bad and requires replacement, it can cause erratic operation in Dometic refrigerators. If you suspect you’re having this problem, please contact us for service.

Most problems I encounter with electric steps result from a lack of lubrication. If the step doesn't fall freely when you pull the clevis pin from the linkage arm, it is not lubricated properly.

Lubrication and Maintenance Schedule
NOTE: ALWAYS USE CAUTION AROUND MOVING PARTS!
Clean all mud, salt, and road grime from the step before lubricating. Lubricate all moving parts (bearings, pivot points, slides, clevis pin, and drive linkage ball) every 30 days with a good quality moisture and heat resistant penetrating grease. Kwik-Lube® spray grease is specially formulated to lubricate Kwikee® electric steps and is recommended for lubricating all moving parts. Check you owner's manual for additional information.

Use caution when navigating on roads with overhanging branches. If they hit the roof, they can get stuck and cause tears in the thin rubber surface. If this happens to you, contact me, and I can advise on repairs.

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