MAINTENANCE
Cleaning the AC Filter - Our unit was somewhat warm last night so this morning I cleaned the filter. The temp dropped significantly (about 5-8 degrees). To clean the filter I opened the cabinet above the bed and carefully twisted the filter and framework to maneuver and remove it. I vacuumed the filter (or take outside to rinse it clean - make sure it is dry before installing), then twisted the filter slightly and slipped it into the slot. Don't forget to vacuum the wire screen. (Lynn Hubbard) (#2, 09/03)
Weekend mechanic... (Bruce & Rosemary Monte)
1) Check the water in the batteries.
2) While there, check the antifreeze level in the generator.
3) Check the fluid level (Dextron III) in the hydraulic levelers (located in the
compartment behind the passenger side rear wheel.
4) Check the bolts on the hitch. Another brand has experienced loose and missing bolts
from their hitch assemblies.
5) Get coach weighed at each corner if you have not done this yet.
5a) Check the pressure in all tires. Inflate them to the pressure shown on the new
Michelin tire manufacturer’s chart, according to the weight being carried.
6) Check the caulk on the roof. It may look fine but you need to feel it to see that it is not
brittle or loose. If needed, remove and replace with Dicor self leveling sealant.
7) Check the clamps on the radiator hose. Lift bed, the hose is toward the front of the
engine (rear of the bed)
8) Check folding chair, see if it is still comfortable to relax in. (#6, 09/04)
Emergency items... (Bruce & Rosemary Monte)
1) Gallon of motor oil.
2) Spare fuel filter.
3) Gallon of transmission fluid. If you have Allison Transynd you must NOT
use anything other than Transynd.
4) Gallon of Fleetcharge antifreeze part #ALA 0003. And a method to add it to your
radiator.
5) Quart of Dextron III
6) Comfortable chair (see Number 8 - above) . (#6, 09/04)
EVERY SIX MONTHS - CRITICAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS. [Believed to be Per Alfa] (#7, 12/04)
LOCATION, INSPECTION, ITEM
Sidewalls, Roof Sealant inspection and repair of any leaks or visual indication of a void.
Slideouts Slide out Seals, Clean and Treat with Protectant
Front and Rear Caps Clean and Wax
Coleman Air Conditioner Exterior Condenser Cleaning
Kwikee Entry Step Lubricate per Kwikee instructions
EVERY TWELVE MONTHS - CRITICAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS [Believed to be Per Alfa] (#7, 12/04)
LOCATION, INSPECTION, ITEM
Sidewalls, Roof Old Sealant removal and reapplication
Slideouts Old Sealant removal and reapplication
Front and Rear Caps Old Sealant removal and reapplication
All Exterior Components Old Sealant removal and reapplication
Penetrations, Seams, Joints Old Sealant removal and reapplication
Windows, Skirts Old Sealant removal and reapplication
Carbon Monoxide Detector Annual Inspection and battery replacement
LP Leak Detector Annual Inspection and battery replacement
Smoke Detector Annual Inspection and battery replacement
LP System Inspection and pressure test
Electrical System Tighten contacts at shore cord
Stove Follow instructions in Alfa Owner's Manual Critical Maintenance section
Furnace Follow instructions in Alfa Owner's Manual Critical Maintenance section
Water Heater Follow instructions in Alfa Owner's Manual Critical Maintenance section
Fire Extinguisher Check pressure and agitate powder
Hydro-Hot Follow instructions in Alfa Owner's Manual Critical Maintenance section
Dometic Refrigerator Annual maintenance by a Certified Dometic Technician/Dealer
Windshield Wipers Replace
These are a listing of the critical maintenance items on your coach. There are other items that should be addressed on a regular basis (both time and mileage). We suggest you review other manufacturer’s recommendations provided with your coach.
The Chassis with all components - Freightliner, Caterpillar or Cummins, Allison; Generators by Generac or Onan, the batteries from Freightliner or Interstate - must follow the maintenance requirements in their specific manual.
These are items on our yearly maintenance service that we do at Alfa:
ROOF
SEAL MAIN ROOF (AROUND VENTS, MOULDING & DRIP RAILS)
SEAL T-MOLD ON SLIDEOUTS, INNER RUBBER FLANGE & MOULDING
EXTERIOR OF UNIT
WINDOWS (REMOVE EXCESIVE PUTTY AROUND WINDOWS & SEAL FRAMES)
SEAL COMPLETE EXTERIOR OF UNIT (DOORS, MOULDING, SKIRTING, ETC.)
CITY WATER SUPPLY
CLEAN ALL STRAINERS
ADJUST WATER PUMP PRESSURE (CLEAN WATER PUMP STRAINER)
SEAL FAUCET BASES FOR LEAKS
CLEAN & INSPECT P-TRAPS
APPLIANCES
TEST & ADJUT STOVE AS NEEDED
TEST AC, CLEAN FILTERS & INSPECT RELAY CONNECTIONS
TEST & SERVICE FURNANCE
PERFORM LPG SYSTEM LEAK TEST
TEST WATER HEATER
AWNING
ADJUST & LUBE MAIN AWNING
ADJUST & LUBE ALL WINDOW AWNINGS
RECENTER & REALIGN SLIDEOUT COVERS & ADJUST AS NEEDED
NOTE: NOT NEEDED ON NORCOLD REFERS
DOMETIC ANNUAL REFER MAINTENANCE W/ANNUAL MAINTENANCE PACKAGE
(#7, 12/04)
Maintenance Concerns? If you haven’t visited Alfa’s web site recently we suggest you take the time and look at the information available. Go to www.alfaleisure.com and click on Product Information and Bulletins on the right side of your screen. (#11, 12/05)
Cleaning the Roof - Although it requires some work, a solution of Spic & Span powder mixed 1 cup to 1 gallon of warm water will do an excellent job on the rubber roof. It also removed all the mildew that was on the rubber trim just below the roof line. In about 45 minutes I was able to restore the bright white color to our fifteen-month-old coach’s roof. Scrub a 2 x 4 section and then wipe with a wet towel, then wipe with a second towel, let air-dry. Avoid solution dripping down the side of the coach. When you are finished, realize that your hands are very slippery. Dry them thoroughly before descending from the roof. (Bruce Monte) (#4, 03/04)
How do I reach the top of the walls for cleaning and waxing? Last year when insurance inspectors checked our home after hail damage they used a collapsible ladder made of aluminum (OSHA approved). Camping World offers a 10 ½ foot but a 12 foot is much more useable in servicing the SeeYa. A search of the web located a 12-foot at a reasonable price. In traveling position it is 5” thick by 28” wide by 32”high. (Jim Huber) (#4, 03/04) (Editor’s note: These are called “telescoping ladders”. Home Depot carries one on their website (@ $180). Though supposedly available in some of their stores I have yet to find one. I ordered one shipped (free shipping).)
Replacing and protecting wiper blades. Do you need new wiper blades on your 2003 SeeYa ? The Alfa part number is 19-26. They are difficult to locate here in northern CA. A tip to protect your wiper blades when stored in summer heat, use some of that foam rubber that you put on your pipes at home to prevent ice in pipes. - (John Henrickson) (#6, 09/04)
Replacing Caulking From the Yahoo web site - Last September Brian from Alfa Customer Care wrote in response to a member’s inquiry about using mineral spirits to remove caulking.
Mineral Spirits are not a good idea, they can attack the finish. What we do here is:
1) Use a nylon scraper to remove most of the caulking. (It will usually pull off in strings)
2) Wipe and clean with lemon oil to get rid of the residue.
3) Clean with soap and water to remove the lemon oil residue.
4) Reseal (#9/6/05)
Roof Caulking: Owners should regularly check the condition of the caulking on the roof. One spot easily missed is the caulking at the edges of the rear fiberglass cap. The cap wraps around both sides and there is caulking located there. Easily missed, it can result in water stained bedroom ceiling. (#9, 06/05)
Removing Caulking on Sidewalls: When we were at the FMCA International Area rally in Lebanon TN this April, we were shown a product that easily cleans the coach fiberglass. It was especially good in removing caulking (NOT for use on rubber roof). Manufactured by PPG, the product is used by auto paint shops just prior to applying a new coat of paint to a vehicle. You must then wax the area since it will remove existing wax. DITZ-O DX 440 is the product reference. It should be available at automotive paint supply houses. The product was shown to us by John Morris, the Service tech for Almond RV, Memphis TN. I expect that any similar product would achieve the same results. (Bruce Monte) (#10, 09/05)
Replacing Caulking -
1) Use a nylon scraper to remove the old caulking.
2) Wipe and clean with lemon oil to remove the residue
3) Clean with soap and water to remove the lemon oil residue. (#12, 04/06)
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