Forum Discussion

Leno's avatar
Leno
Explorer
Apr 27, 2013

Anyone With An Older Four Winds

I just purchased a 2001 31ft Four Winds Class C. First problem I have is the heater doesn't work. Not sure where to start looking for problems.
Next problem is I went in to wash dishes the other day and hooked up the hose. Shortly later the rug was soaked in bathroom and outside bath door. Some dripping under rig. Of course I disconnected the hose. Even though I knew better I didn't have a pressuer reducer on. Is it possible I blew a hose or fitting? Not sure where to look. Took off the panel under sink but it is very small and didn't feel wet. Couldn't really get to the hoses. Not sure where else to look. The one on the outside of shower is dry.
I have been hooked up several times before and all was fine, that is why I am thinking something blew. Help try to diagnose this please..
Class C
  • ronfisherman's avatar
    ronfisherman
    Moderator
    Apr 28, 2013
    Heater not working could be many things. First I would look at is does it have 12 volt power.
    Water leak could be a loose fitting. Most RV's have a access panel to each fixture in the bathroom. Could be a bad valve to toilet.
  • tenbear's avatar
    tenbear
    Explorer
    Apr 28, 2013
    Heater-does the heater do anything when you turn the thermostat up and down? Does the fan run but no heat produced? Have you checked the fuses.

    Water leak-the first thing I would suspect is the toilet valve. I'm afraid you will have to turn the water on and look for leaks. Have a helper turn it on and you look for leaks. Turn the water off as soon as you see the source. FRS radios would help. Do you live in an area where you winterize? If so, has it worked ok since you de-winterized? A good freeze could split pipes if not winterized correctly.
  • Leno's avatar
    Leno
    Explorer
    Apr 28, 2013
    Checked the fuses and all seem to be okay. The thermostat does not do anything... Would you start by replacing that ?

    Doesn't seem to be wet around the toilet but will check again like you said.
  • tenbear's avatar
    tenbear
    Explorer
    Apr 28, 2013
    Leno wrote:
    Checked the fuses and all seem to be okay. The thermostat does not do anything... Would you start by replacing that ?

    Doesn't seem to be wet around the toilet but will check again like you said.


    I think instead of replacing anything at this point you need to check some things. Can you check to see if you are getting 12v power at the heater, as ronfisherman mentioned?

    You said the water was in the bathroom, is that not where the toilet is? In any case, turn on the water and see where the water is coming from in the area that was wet. If you have a helper you won't have to have the water running, and leaking, while you run back and forth between the faucet and the leak.
  • Leno's avatar
    Leno
    Explorer
    Apr 28, 2013
    I appreciate the help. Don't know much about this stuff. Lost my husband last year, so I am on my own..
  • tenbear's avatar
    tenbear
    Explorer
    Apr 28, 2013
    Well, maybe you could inspect the plumbing near the leak for any cracks, etc., but if you can't find anything you are going to have to turn the water on to find the leak. Its already been wet so I guess a little more water won't do any more damage provided you can dry it out once you find the leak.

    Does your thermostat control the AC or only the heater? If only the heater, try shorting the 2 wires to see if the heater comes on. If it also controls the AC, I don't know which of the wires control the heater.

    I'm no expert, especially on the heater, so there is not much I can help you with. But I thought I would try.
  • Leno's avatar
    Leno
    Explorer
    Apr 28, 2013
    The thermostat only controls the heat I believe. I have an overhead a/c that has controls on it.
  • tenbear's avatar
    tenbear
    Explorer
    Apr 28, 2013
    Leno wrote:
    The thermostat only controls the heat I believe. I have an overhead a/c that has controls on it.


    I assume that turning the thermostat up doesn't start the heater. Does the thermostat need batteries? My OEM thermostat didn't but I replaced it and my new thermostat does require batteries.
  • wgander's avatar
    wgander
    Explorer
    Apr 29, 2013
    The On/Off switch for my heater (on the bottom edge of the thermostat) is very stiff to move from Off to On and back. Set the thermostat higher than the present temperature indication then be sure it is switched to On. Make sure the LP gas is turned on outside.
  • tenbear's avatar
    tenbear
    Explorer
    Apr 29, 2013
    I just found my old OEM thermostat. It has a switch on the top. Move it to the left to turn on. It is also very stiff.

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