Forum Discussion

out_for_a_rip's avatar
Dec 04, 2017

New owner questions

Hi Everyone - after a long search for the perfect TT we settled on a Coachmen Apex 24LE. We brought the unit home Saturday and so far are very happy but have one minor issue and a couple questions. The issue that was un-noticed in our walk thru is the grey tank reads full although its empty, it is a brand new unit, does anyone have any suggestions for a quick fix to avoid pulling it back an hour to the dealer? Also I hear what sounds like a fan running behind/near the fuse box, I haven't had time to look into it so I'd thought I'd ask here. Last one, I am storing outside at home, should I leave it plugged in or remove the battery?

Thank you in advance
  • I can hear Spock's voice in my head..... "Sensors indicate a malfunction; the probability is precisely 99.937 percent."

    Take it out camping a time or two. You'll find more stuff that needs fixing. All of them together will then make the hour drive to the dealer worthwhile. ;)
  • Funny I picked up our new trailer on Friday and have same issue with gray tank. I was annoyed that the dealer sent me off the lot with a full tank. Then I dumped it and not much came out. I’m not taking ours 2 hours to the dealer to fix it, but I may try the sensor cleaner.

    Congrats on the new trailer...enjoy!
  • Ditto on sensors. I drain, wash and then put about 3 gal in the tanks when hauling it. Never had a problem with poop buildup or odors.
  • The issue that was un-noticed in our walk thru is the grey tank reads full although its empty, it is a brand new unit, does anyone have any suggestions for a quick fix to avoid pulling it back an hour to the dealer?

    Sensors DO work and are supposed to work.
    And unless I am an anomaly my sensors always work. :W

    If you don't want to drag it back right off, I would first pick up a bottle of Thetford Sensor Cleaner. Add it to your tank fill with water and repeat if necessary. I'll bet that will clear up your sensors.

    Although it could be the wiring to your board for the sensors which IMHO, I WOULD take it back to the dealership.

    And I highly suggest that you make an appointment and WAIT in the waiting room for them to fix it.

    Do NOT leave your RV there for them to pull their infamous, "get to it whenever they can" routine. You won't get your RV back for months.

    Congrats on your new RV. And welcome to the forum. :C
  • If you want to dry camp/boondock, thirty gallons of fresh water isn’t adequate. There are ways to compensate but they aren’t...fun. And who doesn’t want to dry camp/boondock?
  • As I told my DW you will know the grey tank is full when the sink backs up into the bath tub. :) :) And she thought I was kidding.

    If the TT is new and you are sure the tank is empty. I would have the dealer check the sensors. You will find that eventually grease and scum can mess them up as well being off level.

    Because the tanks are long, wide and thin it does not a lot of slant to get a false reading. However your TT in new and I assume the tank would be empty.

    I kind of like things to work right if they are new.

    Good Luck
  • It's your call on the full tank sensor. Those sensors constantly malfunction, I would save the time and fuel and not go back just for that repair. In short time, you will not need sensors to tell you how much is in your tanks, you'll know, you get a feel for it.
    There is a thread on cleaners for the tank sensors. Read the GEO method.
    https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/28874286/print/true.cfm


    I always dump my tanks prior to hitting the highway.
    You will find it an easier tow to run with your tanks empty and just enough freshwater that you will need. I don't run a full freshwater tank , I carry 10 gals and fill at state parks prior to setting up.

    Re the battery, either way, you can pull it and put it on a trickle inside or leave it on the trailer, plugged into shore power, the trailer converter will smart charge it . I have been doing it that way since 2004 using PD 9000 and WFCO converters. They both work and get the job done but I think the PD units are more popular units using charge wizard type technology. People usually upgrade to PD's not the other way around.

    Good luck with your new unit and have many safe miles of travel .
  • The fan is the converter cooling fan. It will run occasionally depending on 12 volt demand and temperature. That is normal. I remove my battery and put it in my garage on a trickle charge battery maintainer. The tank levels will never be 100% accurate. however in your situation I would let the dealer correct that one.Make sure you winterize the water system