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Salsapants's avatar
Salsapants
Explorer
Jul 27, 2023

1986 Dodge Falcon B350 questions

I had purchased an 86 Dodge Falcon conversion van back in February. Since then, i've been doing work to it, and while it's been coming along great, Im still confused on some things.

For example, i've tried powering up the fridge with the instructions inside the door, and it doesn't seem to do anything. I have had power hooked up via the cable on the rear, and I know that the cable works as the rooftop ac unit and the lights inside work well.

Another question I have is how to use the water stuff. I had water in the tank, but nothing happens when I turn the faucet on. Im fairly new to this kinda stuff so any help would be greatly appreciated.

Finally, Im also trying to find if there was an owners manual for this conversion. Searches online havn't helped me much. If anyone would know where to find something along those lines, that would be fantastic!
Class B
  • Salsapants's avatar
    Salsapants
    Explorer
    Aug 09, 2023
    1995brave wrote:
    Here is their website. PPL Motorhomes

    This is their address: ppl motor homes 10777 Southwest Freeway Houston Texas 77074


    Well shoot, I might have to check them out! I'm in Houston so that's not far!
  • Salsapants's avatar
    Salsapants
    Explorer
    Aug 03, 2023
    No, this is the first I'm hearing about them. I DO plan to keep it for awhile, and what type of battery to get was going to be my next question.
  • 1995brave's avatar
    1995brave
    Nomad
    Jul 31, 2023
    If you plan on keeping the RV for a long time I recommend you spend the extra and get either a Gel cell battery or go with LiFePo4 lithium battery. And also change out your converter to a multistage converter like Progressive Dynamics. Have you checked out PPL Motorhomes Parts store?
  • Salsapants's avatar
    Salsapants
    Explorer
    Jul 30, 2023
    1995brave wrote:
    Can you post some pictures of your water tank and fill? Can you see where the water line goes to when it leaves the water tank?


    I think I figured out the problem. There did used to be a house battery in the back, but it was totally dead. Tried recharging it but it's shot. Looking at the water pump (which looks to be on the newer side), I see a hot line going back to where the house battery was. I need to get a new one, and I have a good idea that with that hooked up, I can get the pump AND the fridge working again.
  • Salsapants's avatar
    Salsapants
    Explorer
    Jul 29, 2023
    Ok, thanks! Been trying to figure this out, as all in all, this van is pretty complete. Appreciate the help!
  • opnspaces's avatar
    opnspaces
    Navigator II
    Jul 28, 2023
    As you already found out you need to be plugged into shore power in order to run the AC. Shore power means power hooked up via the cable at the rear

    For the water pump to work you need a few things.

    Some water in the tank

    the switch on

    the faucet on

    and power (RV plugged in to shore power or replace the missing battery)

    Owners manual is pretty useless and most likely doesn't exist. just get the make and model numbers off the appliances and search for manuals.
  • 1995brave's avatar
    1995brave
    Nomad
    Jul 28, 2023
    Can you post some pictures of your water tank and fill? Can you see where the water line goes to when it leaves the water tank?
  • Salsapants's avatar
    Salsapants
    Explorer
    Jul 27, 2023
    1995brave wrote:
    Is your fresh water tank metal? If it is it probably pressurized with about 30 psi of air. Unless it was converted to a 12 volt water pump. It it's a plastic tank you have a 12 volt pump. Do you have a house battery or converter? Plug it into 120 ac and see if you have a switch somewhere that says pump or water pump.


    I HAD a house battery in there but it was old, so I took it out. I plugged the main cable directly into a plug and from there I can have the AC and other things running. There's a switch on the side of the sink that i've flicked off and on a couple times but have never heard it do anything. Would I need to have the water tanks filled before it will do something?
  • 1995brave's avatar
    1995brave
    Nomad
    Jul 27, 2023
    Is your fresh water tank metal? If it is it probably pressurized with about 30 psi of air. Unless it was converted to a 12 volt water pump. It it's a plastic tank you have a 12 volt pump. Do you have a house battery or converter? Plug it into 120 ac and see if you have a switch somewhere that says pump or water pump.

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