First trip issues

**tompotts** · 08-10-2022, 09:29 AM

I took my new camper for it's first trip to Oshkosh, WI for AirVenture 2022 airshow and had the following issues.

1. Hot water heater stopped working on 120v and propane. After searching this forum I found others has problems with the high temp diode. Pulled it out and it was open both ways on my multi-meter so I reconnected the wire (brown) without the diode inline and I had hot water back. As a precaution I only had it on to preheat water and while using hot water as the diode is a safety disconnect if the water/unit gets too hot.

2. Spare tire under the camper dropped going down the interstate and rubbed clean thru the tire till it popped. Fortunately it didn't do any damage underneath the camper. I tried to crank it back up but the mechanism is stripped out.

Here is the best part of my story! When I got home I called Campers Inn formerly Tom Stinnett's RV in Clarksville Indiana where I bought and they were very helpful and got me in for service in 6 days. I dropped it off yesterday morning and the service writer did a complete walk around with me and then said they would have it done within a week at no charge. We will see if that actually happens but so far I am very pleased with their service department. They even gave me a $50 gift certificate to use for anything I needed for the camper or camping gear for my trouble.

Thank you to this forum for helping me and is why I became a site sponsor. I will update after I get my camper back and report my experience with Campers Inn.

**Stealth13777** · 08-10-2022, 09:34 AM

Glad it didn’t stop your trip and you are hopefully getting quick repairs!

**Soundsailor** · 08-10-2022, 09:38 AM

Originally Posted by tompotts

I took my new camper for it's first trip to Oshkosh, WI for AirVenture 2022 airshow and had the following issues.

1. Hot water heater stopped working on 120v and propane. After searching this forum I found others has problems with the high temp diode. Pulled it out and it was open both ways on my multi-meter so I reconnected the wire (brown) without the diode inline and I had hot water back. As a precaution I only had it on to preheat water and while using hot water as the diode is a safety disconnect if the water/unit gets too hot.

2. Spare tire under the camper dropped going down the interstate and rubbed clean thru the tire till it popped. Fortunately it didn't do any damage underneath the camper. I tried to crank it back up but the mechanism is stripped out.

Here is the best part of my story! When I got home I called Campers Inn formerly Tom Stinnett's RV in Clarksville Indiana where I bought and they were very helpful and got me in for service in 6 days. I dropped it off yesterday morning and the service writer did a complete walk around with me and then said they would have it done within a week at no charge. We will see if that actually happens but so far I am very pleased with their service department. They even gave me a $50 gift certificate to use for anything I needed for the camper or camping gear for my trouble.

Thank you to this forum for helping me and is why I became a site sponsor. I will update after I get my camper back and report my experience with Campers Inn.

Wow, a positive story about a dealer. Seriously, hope it all works out as they promised. Also so glad that the experience others had shared helped you get your hot water back, the beauty of this forum.

**llr2800** · 08-10-2022, 01:22 PM

Just a comment, it is a thermal fuse, not a diode. I had to replace mine the 1st year and now carry spares just in case.

**traveldawg** · 08-10-2022, 01:42 PM

So nice to hear a positive story. Thanks for sharing.

**Redapple63** · 08-10-2022, 02:15 PM

Glad to hear positive stuff about a dealer, and very glad you enjoyed your vacation!

Bill

**TrailerMan22** · 08-10-2022, 02:21 PM

Did the dealer determine that the thermal fuse was at fault? Am having a similar issue, bought some spare fuses but no improvement. Seeing dealer Friday.

We owned a 2019 17MKE, traded for the 2022 22MLE that we presently own. That is a neat little trailer with a lot going for it in such a small package.

Post some pictures of that Chevelle sometime!

**ajg617** · 08-10-2022, 02:34 PM

Good to hear.

Campers Inn Merrimack squeezed us in on Aug 5th 3 weeks after LCI request for expedited appointment for frame inspection prior to our 22nd departure. Very happy they were able to get us in. Filon was dropped and requested measurements taken. Waiting for results now and a call to pick it up (hopefully) since the frame inspection was the only item.

EDIT: Paperwork backlog at the dealership apparently - no results provided yet to GD or LCI according to both. Will drive over there today to nudge.

**TxGD380FL** · 08-10-2022, 04:29 PM

Originally Posted by TrailerMan22

Did the dealer determine that the thermal fuse was at fault? Am having a similar issue, bought some spare fuses but no improvement. Seeing dealer Friday.

We owned a 2019 17MKE, traded for the 2022 22MLE that we presently own. That is a neat little trailer with a lot going for it in such a small package.

Post some pictures of that Chevelle sometime!

You can test the thermal fuse with a simple continuity meter. If it beeps it is good, otherwise, it is blown.

My GD Imagine 3100RD kept blowing them over and over until I finally found a post on this forum describing the problem. The thermostat that is attached to the outside of the hot water heater had come loose, so it was not pressed up against it causing it to continually overheat. I pushed the dangling thermostat back into the clip and I have not had a problem since. However, I now have 5 spares in my toolbox in case it happens again.

**Tigger1** · 08-10-2022, 04:42 PM

Originally Posted by TxGD380FL

You can test the thermal fuse with a simple continuity meter. If it beeps it is good, otherwise, it is blown.

My GD Imagine 3100RD kept blowing them over and over until I finally found a post on this forum describing the problem. The thermostat that is attached to the outside of the hot water heater had come loose, so it was not pressed up against it causing it to continually overheat. I pushed the dangling thermostat back into the clip and I have not had a problem since. However, I now have 5 spares in my toolbox in case it happens again.

Thank you for this feedback. It’s very helpful. I’m not currently having an issue but will keep this in mind.