New Horizon

[karenishere]

Thought 'new horizon' would be a good title for this Captain's Log, my new van is a "Horizon Sport 170", and I'm also hoping this puts a new spin on my outlook and activities.

The vehicle is a 1994 Dodge 350 V8 with a "tv top" roof and a side lounge configuration, 75K miles, $6800.   I've had a Winnebago with the works and done road trip camping with a Matrix, this seems like it's right down the middle.  Stove but no oven, toilet but no shower, one sink instead of two, one spinning chair instead of three, tv but no fancy antenna, 12V but no gennie, 110 hookup but no inverter, couch but no bed.  From more storage space than my apartment, to a few little cubbies. I'm hoping I've got the right balance, but really I'm looking forward to the challenge of something new, discovering my "enough point" where rolling houses are concerned.

I haven't actually picked it up yet, so my enthusiasm is still tempered with anxiety.  The hot water heater appeared to be dripping slightly so the dealer agreed to take it to an RV place to have it repaired or replaced if necessary before I pick it up, and as is often the case, "tomorrow" has turned into "three days".  This too shall pass, but I'm really itching to get my hands on it, stop dreaming and doodling around on the internet and ... whatever.  Make new curtains, boil some spaghetti in it, figure out where to put stuff.   The van is coming ... so's Christmas ...

 

[bigsallysmom]

I look forward to the stories of your trips.

 

[highdesertranger]

and some pics. highdesertranger

 

[Theadyn]

Congrats on your soon-to-be-new-rig!

 

[OpenSpaceman]

That's sounds like a good one. Congradulations!

 

[rvpopeye]

Welcome aboard Karen
Sounds like a cool little rig!
I was waiting to see how the water heater issue resolved???
My guess is 1: if it was leaking from the pressure release valve on the outside = no problemo,,ezy pezy.2 if it was leaking from where the pipes attach=still semi easy 3 if the leak was from the tank itself=new heater.
worse case = you could just bypass by connecting the in and out pipes together and heat on the stove , but pay at least $500 less!

Soooo , didja get it ?

 

[Goshawk]

Karen - looking at something very similar down south here. except its just a 250 size engine. be sure and test the MPG and post it. If you are getting better than 10MPG let us know.

 

[karenishere]

10 mpg ... I sure hope it's better than that. I'm glad gas prices are so low, maybe I can get my yayas out before they go up again! Still waiting on it, it's in Phoenix and I'm in Tucson so I plan to fill it with gas up there and will have a first highway mileage test bringing it home. I think the leak is just in the overflow valve, but it was also running rough, the flame would roar and be orange, then hum and be all blue, then whoosh orange again ... air leak in the propane line maybe? Or a thermostat issue? I'm letting them worry about it, I'm sure I'll find enough glitches of my own once it's here. Now the hopeful pick up date is tomorrow (Sat 1/2).

Oh hey, I did have a question. The dealer filled the water tank. Now he is in Phoenix, so temps below freezing are unusual, but not unheard of. Down here we're having a chillier winter, temps around 30 at night and 50-60 during the day. Is that cold enough that I should drain the tank, or do you think I'll be ok leaving it?

 

[rvpopeye]

I bet you're getting real excited about your new rig about now!

The pressure relief valve leaking is a common problem, usually just an overfull tank (I can tell you the fix if they don't get it)or maybe try opening and closing a few times to dislodge any sediment that might be the cause. The whole valve can be replaced cheaply at most hardware stores but they seldom fail.

The flame sounds like just an adjustment to the air / fuel mix, a real easy one !

Just 30 or even 25 at night and warming up every day should be no problem at all . The water tank is inside!? and will take much colder to bother it. The black/gray tank(s) are probably outside and your only worry , but , those temps should be no problem though.
I'd dump some pink rv antifreeze in 'em if it got much colder or stayed around freezing for a few days. BUT I've tried finding that stuff in the south before and it ain't easy ! You could just dump 'em and wait the cold spell out .

Not fair getting cold in Tucson , when I lived there 60 was considered "cold" , everybody put on down vests and jackets ! Skuh kuh kuh kuh kuh

 

[B and C]

Walmart sells the pink stuff back in the RV section near automotive even here in the South.  Put some in the black and grey tank.  The black tank should never be left dry (or the valve left open if on hookups), always some liquid.  A full fresh water tank would take a long time to freeze with your daytime highs.  You FW tank is probably outside under the vehicle too, most class B's are there.  Mine has been in temps as low as 22 F overnight without a problem but above freezing later.  If you are going to have temps below freezing for more than 12 hours, I would drain the FW tank, heater and the grey tank.  Put pink in the fresh water system too (read up on winterizing your RV) and drains.

Regulators do go bad and what you are describing sounds like the regulator to me and would be mounted right at the tank.  Mine is attached to the tank by a very short hose.  The gas flows fast and then slow.  The air adjustment cannot be adjusted for both.

My highway MPG seems best at about 60-65, YMMV.  I have a 7.4 L (454 CI) engine and was at 11.5 before the major tuneup I did.  It should be better now, hoping for 12    This is pulling the Geo.

 

[karenishere]

1/2/16 Dealer says it will be ready around 3. Sheesh, my hands are sweating.

 

[Canine]

Congratulations Karen.Hope you enjoy your new van.My previous comments about your mileage was just another one of my feeble attempts at humor.That's very good mileage.I never kept records,but I would guess the average of the vans I've had would be about 12.Good Luck.

 

[karenishere]

Ah! I was tired. Thank you. It may be a fluke but this one does look like someone cared, little home-made details like a charming if completely useless wooden cup holder. And I don't mean to brag, but I have a VCR and TWO tape decks! The cassette kind, no 8-track for me.

For my records: virgin voyage 135 highway miles from Phoenix to Tucson, 8.63 gallons of gas = 15.6 mpg. (According to Adam, also 15.6 mph, I admit I did keep the speed down.)

 

[karenishere]

[img=597x480]http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i442/karen-in-bisbee/Van Lust/van 1-3-16 pass.jpg[/img]

 

[karenishere]

The throne.  I don't know if Hub is amused or appalled that it's right smack in the middle here, but I think that's fine - lots more storage without having to move anything to use the potty. Not so thrilled that it's *carpeted*, but I'll get to that.

[img=480x640]http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i442/karen-in-bisbee/Van Lust/van 1-3-16 throne.jpg[/img]

 

[karenishere]

Gotta love it, looks like someone ransacked their kitchen circa 1968 for this beauty.[img=480x640]http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i442/karen-in-bisbee/Van Lust/van 1-3-16 cup holder.jpg[/img]

 

[karenishere]

Captain's Log, Star date 1/3/16; got the baby home. Water pump was replaced along with a valve, hot water no longer appears to be leaking. They also tightened and re-sealed top. There is still a Groink noise in the driver's corner until the van is warm - windshield not seated quite right? Also a squeak that sounds like a styrofoam cooler in there. Starting earnest minute examinations today.

 

[ahh_me2]

Good looking vehicle!

More pics of the interior layout?

 

[karenishere]

Photobucket link

Don't have too many interior pix yet.

1/4/16  Picked up some Command hooks and a big piece of black microfleece from the cheapo fabric place.  Cutting it in two gives me two options:  wrap it around the front for maximum interior space, or use one piece to seal off the front from the back and use the other piece as an extra blanket.   Also picked up some lightweight lacy looking stuff that is dense enough for privacy but open enough for light and air flow that can clip to the same hooks. - ETA, this is not stealth worthy, but does a decent job of darkness and privacy.

1/5/16  AZ rain has me seeing a leak in the rear door.  Thankfully I'm pretty sure it's just the weatherstripping, when I shut the door with a plastic bag in it the leak goes away.  Also, the leak in the water heater was Not fixed.  They replaced something lower down, but the leak is obviously in the pressure valve.  No biggie, but loving the dealer a little less every day.   :dodgy:

 

[rvpopeye]

The leak from the pressure relief valve is often caused by what is called waterlogging.

The water heater is supposed to have an air cushion at the top.
Without it , when heated , the water in the (overfull)tank expands and has no option but to leak out the relief valve !!

To fix thisrestore the air cushion)
1: Turn off the heater and take a shower or just let the water cool down overnight .
2:Shut off the water pump.
3: In the outside Htr access compartment.
Open the petcock at the bottom of the heater to let out most of the water. (Maybe open a faucet or the relief valve to speed this up)
4:Close the petcock and faucet and /or relief valve.
5: Turn on the water pump and allow the heater tank to fill till the pump shuts off.
6: Turn on the heater and then you're done!

OK , if the valve still leaks after this procedure replace it.
(find one at most hardware stores,Ace , Home Depot , Lowes , etc)
Maybe buying Master Plumber lunch will get this done?????