Service Tips
The Forest River Service Department is constantly coming across service tips to make your life easier. If you've got a service tip you'd like to share, e-mail it to gene@rvgene.com and we'll include it on this website!
- Manually Retract an Electric Awning
- Waste Water Hose Storage on High Walls
- Endcap Cleaning Recommendations
- Voltage Converter Troubleshooting Guide
- Dexter Sway Control Hitch Warantee
- Water System Winterization
- Online Warranty Claim Process
- Fixing a Floor Squeak
- Tent Fabric Cleaning Information
- Fixing Plumbing Line Leaks
- Weight Distribution Hitch for Tent Campers
- Double LP Bottles & Battery
- Mildew Removal Mixture
- Mattress Cleaning
- Remove Black Streaks from White Aluminum
- Protect Vinyl from the Sun
- Shine Your Fiberglass
Manually Retract an Electric Awning
During the walk-through of a new unit, you should demonstrate the procedure for rolling up an electric awning in case of a power failure. It will be much easier for customers once they have seen it done.
- Slide the end of the black strap (comes in the packet) into the awning tube
- Tighten the tension screw on the right side
- Pull the strap down
- While holding the strap, loosen the tension screw to let the awning roll up
Waste Water Hose Storage on High Walls
High-wall tent campers with holding tanks do not have an obvious and convenient place to store the wastewater hose. However, a convenient PVC storage tube that bolts to the frame is available from any major RV parts catalog. Instead of waiting for your customer to ask for one (and cursing you while they try to store the dirty hose), you should offer these tubes as part of a premium package or as a feature on every high-wall tent camper you sell.
Endcap Cleaning Recommendations
The front end cap of Flagstaff trailers are made of a combination of polymers that, with proper care and attention, can retain their “brand new” look for a long time.The exterior layer is made of Centrex weatherable polymer, backed by an inner layer of tough Lustran ABS plastic— the same material used for telephone housings, exteriors of computer diskettes and other demanding applications.
Use the recommended cleaning products according to the manufacturers’ instructions. For normal cleaning needs the following commercial cleaning products are readily available and are quite safe when properly used:
- Fantastik
- Ivory soap (liquid or flake) in a water solution
- Scrubbing Bubbles
- Formula 409
- Pine Sol
- Simple Green
- Windex
- Spic & Span
For heavy-duty cleaning needs the following commercial cleaners are recommended: OOPS, Soft Scrub, or Turtle Wax Bug & Tar & Tree Sap Remover.
Avoid using the following cleaners: Acetone or any products that contain citric oils, esters,ethers, ketones, aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons,and isopropanol in concentrations greater than 25%. Useof any of these materials could damage the surface of the front end cap.
Voltage Converter Troubleshooting Guide
This 6-page troubleshooting guide will help you test for excessive voltage on Cheng converters used on all Flagstaff products. It can also be used by any service technician familiar with electrical circuits for general troubleshooting information. You must have Adobe Acrobat to view this document. It is very large, so please be patient downloading.
Dexter Sway Control Hitch Warantee
Dexter Chassis has agreed to warranty frames on Forest River trailers if the customer installs a weight distributing/sway control hitch providing the following five conditions are met:
- Hitch is properly installed by a qualified, trained technician
- Hitch is properly sized for the GVWR of the trailer
- The trailer is always loaded per the manufacturer's recommendations
- The trailer never exceeds 15% of the GVWR on the ball hitch
- Weight distributing hitch mounting brackets are not welded on the frame
Water System Winterization
If you intend to store your RV through periods of sub-freezing weather in an unheated environment you need to winterize the water system. Damage to water system components will result if the following winterization steps are not taken:
- Level the unit for good system drainage
- Drain the waste water tanks
- Turn the water pump switch off
- Open all faucets and the water heater drain
- Open low point drains on the water lines
- Drain the fresh water tank
- When all the lines are drained, close the water tank valve, water heater drain, and low point drains on water lines
- Fill the fresh water tank with a non-toxic antifreeze solution per the product directions
- Turn on the water pump and allow the antifreeze to circulate and fill the system
- Close each faucet as antifreeze flows freely from it. This also includes the water line to the toilet
- Turn off the water pump
Antifreeze solutions include the following:
- 60% Glycerol, by weight in water, UNDILUTED
- 22% Magnesium Chloride, by weight in water, UNDILUTED
- Any recommended plastic pipe antifreeze
Before using the system again in warmer weather, completely flush the system with water, flush the toilet, and sanitize the entire fresh water system. When using the RV during cold weather, if water in a tank or drain line should freeze you should take immediate steps to thaw it before damage to the system occurs. DO NOT continue to use water system components if such a condition exists. If damage has occurred, make sure to have it repaired before using it again.
Online Warranty Claim Process
Forest River now lets dealers submit warranty claims online to speed up the payment process. Here are the instructions to get started:
1. Go to www.forestriverinc.com
2. In the upper right-hand corner click "Dealer Login".
3. Click "Yes" to accept the Security Certificate.
4.
You should see the Dealer Central screen as shown here. Click the
"Request Login Information" link.
5. Fill out the Dealer Information form completely. Select the "Flat Rate & Claims" option and click the Submit button.
6. In a few days your Dealer Account, User Name and password will be sent to the e-mail address you entered on the form. Store these in a safe place.
Once you have received your Login information, you can return to the Dealer Login page and begin submitting warranty claims online. Once a claim is submitted, you can expect your check from the dealer in 2 weeks or less.
Fixing a Floor Squeak
Floor squeaks usually occur at the point where two pieces of luan in the floor meet and rub together. To fix the squeak, from underneath the unit drill several holes along the seam line. Weight the top of the floor and squirt low volume or low expanding foam into the holes. Cover the holes with duct tape and let the unit sit overnight. Remove the weights and test in the morning.
Tent Fabric Cleaning Information from the Manufacturer
Exterior or Vinyl Side: For minor stains, dirt, etc. the vinyl or outside of the material can be cleaned with mild liquid detergent and water suing a sponge or soft cloth. Rinse well and air or wipe dry. Do not fold up unit while fabric is still wet or damp.
For more stubborn stains, dirt, etc., the following products are recommended:
- Starbrite Vinyl Shampoo #60216
- Meguiar's 57 Vinyl & Rubber Cleaner/Conditioner #5715
- Fantastik
- 3M Citus Base Cleaner #08889
- 3M One-Step Vinyl Cleaner/Conditioner #5716
- West Marine Vinyl Cleaner #128860
- Feronclean
- Ferongard
When using any of the above products, you must follow the manufacturer's directions!
Interior or Fabric Side: the following products are recommended:
- Mild Liquid Detergent
- Fantastik
- Resolve Carpet Cleaner
- West Marine Vinyl Cleaner #128860
- Losso - for hard to clean stains, dirt, oils, etc.
When using any of the above products, you must follow the manufacturer's directions! Always use a soft cloth or sponge - do not use a brush! Pat or blot dry. If practical use a wet/dry vacuum to remove excess moisture or cleaning agent. Do not fold up unit while fabric is still wet or damp.
Most of the above cleaning products can be purchased locally. West Marine products can be purchased by calling them at (800) 538-0775 or you can purchase on line at http://ecatalog.westmarine.com/
Do not use any cleaner which contains abrasives, solvents or chlorine bleach. Damage to the fabric will result!
TopFixing Plumbing Line Leaks
During RV construction Forest River uses SURE CAP products by LaSalle Bristol. These stainless steel parts are designed to work with Zurn Qest Suretite fittings and pex tubing. In the unlikely event a SURE CAP fitting fails,the LaSalle Bristol sales representative suggests the simplest and most effective solution is to purchase Zurn Qest repair parts at your local hardware, or you can purchase them on line at many discount websites. You can also download the Zurn parts catalog by right-clicking on this link: http://www.zurn.com/images/pdf/PEXPoductCatalog.pdf
Weight Distribution Hitch for Tent Campers
Forest River recommends the Draw Tite Model #3202 (750lbs) weight distribution hitch for Flagstaff tent campers with solid tube A frames only. Models with C channel frames cannot use a weight distribution hitch, and installing one will void the frame warranty and possibly damage the frame.
When using the Draw Tite weight distribution hitch, the LP tank bracket/winch plate must be modified by cutting a notch in the plate in location "A" shown below:
Note: If you put a weight distribution hitch on a tent camper with a solid tube A frame, you cannot use a double LP bottle due to clearance problems with the winch plate.
Double LP Bottles & Battery
Got double LP bottles and want to add a battery? You can order a battery rack that fits over the winch from our parts department by calling Tent Camper Parts at (574)642-2640. There is no part number for the rack.
Mildew Removal Mixture
- 1/2 Cup of Bleach
- 1/4 Cup of White Vinegar
- 1/4 Cup of Warm to Hot Water
Mix the three ingredients and put into a spray bottle. Set up camper fully. Remove cushions and curtains. Spray the mildewed area. Let air dry. Do not rub, scrub, or brush. If the problem is mildew, it will disappear. Important: To avoid damage to fabric always mix at above ratio.
Mattress Cleaning Procedure
- Blow spot with compressed air to remove loose dirt
- Use 5% Dawn dish detergent or 10% clear Fantastic mixed with water
- Use trigger spray bottle set to medium spray
- Spray directly on spot but do not saturate fabric
- Immediately blot or wipe with a dry handi-wipe or soft cotton cloth.
Do no use foam rubber or ticking fabric to clean the mat. They are abrasive and non-absorbent.
Remove Black Streaks from White Aluminum
To remove black streaks from white aluminum, try BioKleen Black Streak Remover. It is a spray-on, wipe-off product - biodegradable, non-toxic, and safe for painted aluminum finishes. Highly recommended by many RV posters on line. When using this product, avoid spraying on decals as the color may run. You can order BioKleen on line at www.biokleen.com.
Protect Vinyl from the Sun
If you search the message boards for ideas to protect sun-exposed vinyl from cracking, the one top product that is consistently recommended by RV users on line is called "303". Originally developed for aviation applications, it protects vinyl, rubber, plastic, fiberglass and leather surfaces from exposure to the sun. Note that this is not a cleaner - it is a UV protectant only. It isn't cheap, but the consensus among users is that it offers better UV protection than any other product, and does not leave a slippery residue. You can order "303" on line at www.303products.com.
Shine Your Fiberglass
Everyone appreciates a like-new shine on fiberglass RVs, but no one likes the time it takes to wax them. A product highly recommended by RVers on line is called ProtectAll. According to the users, it is a simple spray-on, wipe off product that will not only bring back the like-new shine, but will make it easy to hose off bugs and grime. You can read testimonials from many RV publications and order this product on line at www.protectall.com.