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Service: Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to some of our most asked service questions below.
Service
- How do I charge my house batteries?
- If I put my coach in storage, should I keep it plugged into 110 Volt power?
- When should I switch my battery disconnect to off?
- How much air pressure should I have in my air bags?
- What is the proper tire inflation for my unit?
- How do I winterize the plumbing system in my coach?
- What is the hitch tongue weight rating?
- What is the serial number for my unit and how can I find it?
- Where can I get key blanks for my entrance door lock?
- Can I repair broken strings on my Day/Night shade?
- What kind of cover should I use for my motorcoach?
- Will my TV work in 2009?
Service
How do I charge my house batteries?
The best method of charging your house batteries is while driving. Being plugged into a 110 Volt power source or running the generator will generate a "trickle" charge to your house batteries but the most effective way to charge them is while driving.
If I put my coach in storage, should I keep it plugged into 110 Volt power?
You may keep it plugged in, however, since the 110 Volt power will generate a continual charge to the batteries, it is important to check the water level every two weeks, and add water to the batteries if necessary.
When should I switch my battery disconnect to off?
Only when you want to store your coach. It is necessary to have the battery disconnect in the "On" position to charge the batteries as you are driving your vehicle. Note: The battery disconnect system only disconnects the house batteries - not the engine battery.
How much air pressure should I have in my air bags?
We recommend 55 psi air pressure in the air bags. The minimum amount should never be lower than 10 psi and the maximum should never exceed 90 psi.
What is the proper tire inflation for my unit?
Vehicles manufactured by Dodgen Industries, Inc. are carefully designed and built to insure that the actual Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and the Gross Axle Weight (GAW) of completed vehicles are lower than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) established by the chassis manufacturer.
Since the actual vehicle weights are lower than the maximum vehicle and axle ratings established by the chassis manufacturer, the tire pressure standard used by Dodgen Industries, Inc. for completed vehicles is also lower than the maximum tire pressures established by the chassis and tire manufacturers. The following chart depicts the tire pressure standards that are applicable to vehicles manufactured by Dodgen Industries, Inc.:
| Standard psi | Maximum psi | |
|---|---|---|
| Ford E-350/450 | ||
| Front | 50 | 65 |
| Rear | 70 | 80 |
| Chevrolet Kodiak | ||
| Front | 75 | 95 |
| Rear | 80 | 95 |
The owner of a vehicle manufactured by Dodgen Industries, Inc. is responsible for determining the optimal tire pressure to use for their vehicle dependent on the cargo weight and driving conditions under which they operate the vehicle. Overloading or under inflating tires can have negative effects including; rapid tire wear, tire failure, reduced handling capability, and dangerous on-road breakdown. The tire pressure standards cited above were selected as safe and reasonable baselines from which each owner will be able to make adjustment dependent on their particular needs.
How do I winterize the plumbing system in my coach?
Since construction of models vary from year to year and models are different, it is necessary to consult your owners manual to obtain specific instructions for your particular coach. If technical assistance is required contact Born Free Customer Support at (800) 247-1835.
What is the hitch tongue weight rating?
For units produced prior to 2000 the hitch is rated at 300 lbs. tongue weight and 3000 lbs. towing weight. For units produced after 2000 the hitch is rated at 500 lbs. tongue weight and 5000 lbs. towing weight.
What is the serial number for my unit and how can I find it?
The serial number is located on the blue serial plate at the rear of the unit near the bottom of the ladder.
Where can I get key blanks for my entrance door lock?
Contact Tri-Mark Door Latches at (800) 431-8616. Give them the number from the key so they know which blank is required.
Can I repair broken strings on my Day/Night shade?
The strings of the Day/Night shades are assembled in an intricate pattern and are not easy to repair. They can, however, be restrung at the factory and re-installed. Contact Specialty Shade at (574) 262-5190.
What kind of cover should I use for my motorcoach?
For units that will be stored outside, covers are an effective way to protect them from UV rays particularly in hot and humid climates. Make sure it is a breathable cover so moisture does not get trapped between the cover and the coach.
Will my TV work in 2009?
At midnight on February 17, 2009 all American local television broadcast stations will be required to abandon their analog channels and broadcast in digital television (DTV) format. If you currently have an analog TV there are a variety of options for you to continue to recieve free local broadcasting. You can visit www.dtv2009.gov for more information regarding the change and visit www.campingworld.com/winegard2009 to review your options