4 Newbie ?'s: Thetford, Windows, and Roof

[Rawhide Kid]

Hi all. As you can tell from my signature, we just got a used Sequoia. We actually picked it up this am and pop'd (first time ever on own - went ok!) in our driveway.

Started cleaning and such today. Took most of the drapes down for cleaning, wiped down the cabinets and drawers - some ants had made a nice nest around some gooey stuff!

Tightened a bunch of loose screws (DW says I should be good at that... in various places.

Overall, the camper looks good. I still have some larger issues to work on like repacking the bearings, but I did make good progress today thanks to some help from my wife and kids.

4 questions so far. I've done some searchiing but I apologize if this topics are old beat up ones.

1. Thetford toilet. It's nasty. I've taken the cassette out, emptied it, and flushed it well with water. Left it out and open to air out. Is there any other way to clean it? Any chemical "cleaners" I could use? Chlorox?

2. I did not get any manuals. Where can I find directions about how the Thetford works? Found the "vent" button for when I empty it, but accidentally twisted the "flush button" when I had the cassette out. Ugh. Found a site that has some general instructions but not my specific model: http://www.title-3.com/potti.htm Anyone have any info?

3. What is the best solution to clean the clear plastic windows? I read that I was to use Plexus but neither Walmart or CamperWorld (in Mesa) had it. I don't want to use Windex but did find some non-ammonia cleaner at Walmart that I thought i'd try tomorrow.

4. I see a few pock marks on the roof. Not sure they penetrate the roof but they are good size (quarter?) dents. Any thoughts on how to repair/patch them? I don't see any water damage inside, but would like to keep it that way. As rare as we get rain in Arizona, it could be that it's just fortunate that there's not water damage inside.

Thanks for any help. One thing good and bad: The Sequoia is massive. My truck pulled it ok but I could definitely feel it, and parking it - wow. It takes up our entire driveway it seems and the tongue is out onto the sidewalk!!! But the interior is nice and open.

Couple nice surprises: I think we got a screen room with it! The seller thought it was "extra canvas" but we pulled it out and it is definitely not extra canvas. Don't think it is a full AAR, but looks to be brand new. We didn't pull out the awning yet - maybe tomorrow. Also found two bunk end fan/lights. The AC works - some at least. It was in the low 80's today (not trying to rub it in all) and having a little AC at times was wonderful.

Noticed a few additional problems: Door handle is busted a little. Functional, but the "tab" that is sorta like the actual handle is gone. Didn't see a replacement at Walmart and forget to take it to Camperworld.

The front stabilizer that is bent is functional as is the bent bar over the rear bed but eventually i'll replace them.

Bought a few things at Camperworld that you all have mentioned: Some chocks and the Bal-leveler. Probably paid too much but like to keep local companies going. Bought a 3 stage battery charger at Wally world, water pressure regulator, and few other things that will come in handy. Bought some replacement bulbs (interior and exterior).

Sorry for the long post. Lots to talk about I guess. Night all.

RK

[tlhdoc]

4 questions so far. I've done some searchiing but I apologize if this topics are old beat up ones.
 
1. Thetford toilet. It's nasty. I've taken the cassette out, emptied it, and flushed it well with water. Left it out and open to air out. Is there any other way to clean it? Any chemical "cleaners" I could use? Chlorox?
 
2. I did not get any manuals. Where can I find directions about how the Thetford works? Found the "vent" button for when I empty it, but accidentally twisted the "flush button" when I had the cassette out. Ugh. Found a site that has some general instructions but not my specific model: http://www.title-3.com/potti.htm Anyone have any info?
 
3. What is the best solution to clean the clear plastic windows? I read that I was to use Plexus but neither Walmart or CamperWorld (in Mesa) had it. I don't want to use Windex but did find some non-ammonia cleaner at Walmart that I thought i'd try tomorrow.
 
4. I see a few pock marks on the roof. Not sure they penetrate the roof but they are good size (quarter?) dents. Any thoughts on how to repair/patch them? I don't see any water damage inside, but would like to keep it that way. As rare as we get rain in Arizona, it could be that it's just fortunate that there's not water damage inside.
 

I would not use bleach. The seals are very delicate (but replacable). I would soak it with the blue chemical in it. The chemical is supposed to break down waste, so it should break down what ever is in there. If you go to Thetfords web site and click on the link for europe (not the us) they have a lot of good information.
 
http://www.thetford-europe.com/
 
I am guessing your toilet is the C2 model
 
 
They show a toilet tank cleaner on the website. I don't know if it is available in the US or not. There is a link for the owners manual too.
 
I really like Plexus for cleaning the windows. I would use a vinyl/plastic cleaner and not a window cleaner. Or I would use a mild soap solution, like ivory snow or dreft. If there are any Marine stores in your area you could check for Plexus there. Maybe a dealer could order it for you.
 
How did the kids react?

[Porfolks]

Congrats on your camper, recommendation on your toilet cleaning solution,,do what we did remove the canister toilet and shower and enjoy the room not the smell and cleaning problems, install a porta potty from walmart.. you'll enjoy your screen room, many people do not put them up because its difficult, if you attach it when you put up the awning (about head high is when you do that) you'll see everything will go up together and ;ife is simplier. Window cleaning we use a mild vinegar solution and water, does the job just fine.
  Enjoy your camper we do ours.

Hi all. As you can tell from my signature, we just got a used Sequoia. We actually picked it up this am and pop'd (first time ever on own - went ok!) in our driveway.

Started cleaning and such today. Took most of the drapes down for cleaning, wiped down the cabinets and drawers - some ants had made a nice nest around some gooey stuff!

Tightened a bunch of loose screws (DW says I should be good at that... in various places.

Overall, the camper looks good. I still have some larger issues to work on like repacking the bearings, but I did make good progress today thanks to some help from my wife and kids.

4 questions so far. I've done some searchiing but I apologize if this topics are old beat up ones.

1. Thetford toilet. It's nasty. I've taken the cassette out, emptied it, and flushed it well with water. Left it out and open to air out. Is there any other way to clean it? Any chemical "cleaners" I could use? Chlorox?

2. I did not get any manuals. Where can I find directions about how the Thetford works? Found the "vent" button for when I empty it, but accidentally twisted the "flush button" when I had the cassette out. Ugh. Found a site that has some general instructions but not my specific model: http://www.title-3.com/potti.htm Anyone have any info?

3. What is the best solution to clean the clear plastic windows? I read that I was to use Plexus but neither Walmart or CamperWorld (in Mesa) had it. I don't want to use Windex but did find some non-ammonia cleaner at Walmart that I thought i'd try tomorrow.

4. I see a few pock marks on the roof. Not sure they penetrate the roof but they are good size (quarter?) dents. Any thoughts on how to repair/patch them? I don't see any water damage inside, but would like to keep it that way. As rare as we get rain in Arizona, it could be that it's just fortunate that there's not water damage inside.

Thanks for any help. One thing good and bad: The Sequoia is massive. My truck pulled it ok but I could definitely feel it, and parking it - wow. It takes up our entire driveway it seems and the tongue is out onto the sidewalk!!! But the interior is nice and open.

Couple nice surprises: I think we got a screen room with it! The seller thought it was "extra canvas" but we pulled it out and it is definitely not extra canvas. Don't think it is a full AAR, but looks to be brand new. We didn't pull out the awning yet - maybe tomorrow. Also found two bunk end fan/lights. The AC works - some at least. It was in the low 80's today (not trying to rub it in all) and having a little AC at times was wonderful.

Noticed a few additional problems: Door handle is busted a little. Functional, but the "tab" that is sorta like the actual handle is gone. Didn't see a replacement at Walmart and forget to take it to Camperworld.

The front stabilizer that is bent is functional as is the bent bar over the rear bed but eventually i'll replace them.

Bought a few things at Camperworld that you all have mentioned: Some chocks and the Bal-leveler. Probably paid too much but like to keep local companies going. Bought a 3 stage battery charger at Wally world, water pressure regulator, and few other things that will come in handy. Bought some replacement bulbs (interior and exterior).

Sorry for the long post. Lots to talk about I guess. Night all.

RK

[Rawhide Kid]

Tracey! THANKS so much for the link to Thetford Europe. That absolutely did the trick I think! Found the manual and printing it right now. I had found the US site but it had "general instructions" but not enough to really figure it out.
 
That link was incredibly helpful and much appreciated.

[tlhdoc]

Tracey! THANKS so much for the link to Thetford Europe. That absolutely did the trick I think! Found the manual and printing it right now. I had found the US site but it had "general instructions" but not enough to really figure it out.
 
That link was incredibly helpful and much appreciated.

Your welcome.  I don't know why they don't have as much information on their American website.  Glad I could help.  So when are you going camping?

[GrizzlyTaco]

Kid, Here's something to help you with your bearing service, with pictures.....
http://www.rverscorner.com/articles/bearing1.html

[Rawhide Kid]

It's been a long weekend. I have most of tomorrow off as well though. We got pretty much the entire camper cleaned but few things fixed. We actually cleaned/washed every surface in the camper - put all drapes in the washer.
 
Still need to:
clean the windows (find plexus cleaner)
Clean the chair pads/bed pads
Replace door latch
Figure out how the following work:
  toilet (have manual)
  Stove/oven
  Fridge
  heater
  Water pump
  Water heater
Pack bearings
Charge or replace battery (it was BONE dry - started charging but not sure it is taking the charge!)
Clean and check the AC (not immediate need since still pretty nice here)
Rinse the clean water tank.
Figure out the grey water drain stuff - buy two "roller" tanks?
Figure out if my brakes are ok and if I need a brake controller. (Still researching this)
See if the AAR is functional and build pole base's from cement.
Caulk the shower better and a few places where the water hoses go through the floor (amazed Fleetwood doesn't do this!)
 
And a few other minor things.
We hope to go soon but our weekends are all ready pretty full for the next few weeks.
 
The kids are really excited to go. They have helped a LOT with cleaning and washing everything (except the toilet - don't blame them). I am pretty pleased with their help. The neighbors dropped by a bit to "look things over." One of them said he'd like a Bass Boat instead but liked the camper. I said we could trade usage - camper for boat!
 
Hey Tracey - one thing I'm trying to figure out is the Shower drape. Seems like the one that is in there seems more "decorative" than anything else. Do you Sequoia owners use a plastic shower drape inside that hard side shower?
 
We have made good progress - maybe in early march we can go! I can't wait to post a few photos.
 
RK

[brainpause]

Probably paid too much but like to keep local companies going.

RK

Although I am not a local business owner, I try to do the same thing (I grew up in a mom and pop store). So, thanks on behalf of those people. I even try to buy my gas in my home county, instead of work county, even though it's a couple of cents higher at home.

One of them said he'd like a Bass Boat instead but liked the camper. I said we could trade usage - camper for boat!

Don't do it. At least that's the policy most popuppers follow. You don't want someone who doesn't know how to use your popup, using your popup.

Larry

[tlhdoc]

Yes there should be a shower curtain (plastic) that attaches to the track in the ceiling.  You also need to sanitize the water system, before you go camping and use it.  Put 1/4 cup of bleach in a gallon of water.  Pour that into your freshwater holding tank.  Then fill the tank.  Pump the bleach water through the entire system (including the water heater).  Run it out of every faucet until you can smell the bleach.  Let it sit for at least an hour.  Then drain and rinse with fresh water.  The door latch is a cheap one.  I would get one to replace it at a hardware store or Wal-Mart.  You do need a brake controller to use the electric brakes on the trailer.  I recommend the Prodigy made by Tekonsha.  Good luck and if you have specific questions, ask away.

[Rawhide Kid]

Thanks Tracy. That is helpful. I've got to get that water tank rinsed.
 
All til next weekend. I popped it down for the week as i won't have time to work on it again til Saturday. (dang)
 
Noticed a few of the "pock's" on my roof are pretty minor, but two actually seem to penetrate the aluminum (?) roof. I'll have to research a bit or call my Fleetwood dealer regarding something to fill in the holes. They are both pretty small - maybe 1 1/2 inches long cuts, but enough that water will get in.
 
Rains here rarely, but today we had some nice drizzles off and on all day. I was lucky in that I let the canvas dry between the storms for a few hours and popped it down (my first time!!) right before another storm hit. Felt good to pop down without any problems. Took my time and think I did it right.
 
Thanks all for the comments.
 
RK

[tknick]

It's been a long weekend. I have most of tomorrow off as well though. We got pretty much the entire camper cleaned but few things fixed. We actually cleaned/washed every surface in the camper - put all drapes in the washer.
 
Still need to:
clean the windows (find plexus cleaner)
Clean the chair pads/bed pads
Replace door latch
Figure out how the following work:
  toilet (have manual)
  Stove/oven
  Fridge
  heater
  Water pump
  Water heater
Pack bearings
Charge or replace battery (it was BONE dry - started charging but not sure it is taking the charge!)
Clean and check the AC (not immediate need since still pretty nice here)
Rinse the clean water tank.
Figure out the grey water drain stuff - buy two "roller" tanks?
Figure out if my brakes are ok and if I need a brake controller. (Still researching this)
See if the AAR is functional and build pole base's from cement.
Caulk the shower better and a few places where the water hoses go through the floor (amazed Fleetwood doesn't do this!)
 
And a few other minor things.
We hope to go soon but our weekends are all ready pretty full for the next few weeks.
 
The kids are really excited to go. They have helped a LOT with cleaning and washing everything (except the toilet - don't blame them). I am pretty pleased with their help. The neighbors dropped by a bit to "look things over." One of them said he'd like a Bass Boat instead but liked the camper. I said we could trade usage - camper for boat!
 
Hey Tracey - one thing I'm trying to figure out is the Shower drape. Seems like the one that is in there seems more "decorative" than anything else. Do you Sequoia owners use a plastic shower drape inside that hard side shower?
 
We have made good progress - maybe in early march we can go! I can't wait to post a few photos.
 
RK

You should definitely get a brake controller for your truck.  if your trailer has brakes, it is cheap insurance.  When the light turns red in front of you or some idiot pulls out in front ot you, it is a good feeling when you press the brake pedal and know that the truck is stopping itself and the trailer is stopping itself.  trailer brakes can make the difference b/w stopping in 50ft and stopping in 100ft.  

the f150 should have come pre-wired for trailer brakes anyway.  there should be a pigtail and a wiring diagram that came with your truck.  when you get your brake controller, you simply match up the wires using a the diagram from your truck and the diagram from your brake controller.   Some controllers even have prewired pigtails that will plug directly into the truck w/o you have to make any connections other than plugging it in under the dashboard.

lastly, you should only consider a proportional brake controller.  you really do not want a time based controller.  proportional controllers apply braking force proportionally (as the name implys) to the amount of braking force needed.  just like you press the brake pedal a little bit initially and a little bit harder the closer your get to the red light, the proportional controller applies the trailer brakes in the same manner.  a time based controller has a pre-set time to apply the brakes from 0 force to full application.  no matter how hard you apply the brakes the controller applies the brakes the same way every.  time based controllers are very jerky behind the vehicle and very annoying when driving in stop an go traffic.

good luck and enjoy camping!
travis

[Rawhide Kid]

Thanks Travis. I've started reading posts about brake controllers.
 
I bought the truck used, so am unsure what I need to do from a wiring perspective. The plug in the back by the hitch matched the Sequoia perfectly, and the lights all seemed to work well. I realize (now) that this does NOT mean the trailer brakes are connected to the pickups...(newbie mistake...ugh!) so need a brake controller.
 
I've heard raves about Prodigy: http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-hitches/prodigy-brake-controllers.htm
 
and found a ford harness: http://tekonsha.com/bch3035.html
 
Haven't had a chance to look under my dash to see what's there. I've heard it's a "2" on a 1-10 scale (1 being easiest) to install this, so perhaps I'll give it a shot next weekend.
 
Thanks again!
 
RK

[tlhdoc]

If you have the plug under the dash and the Tekonsha/Ford pigtail, it is a 1.  Plug and play.  I installed my Prodigy in my Explorer and the only problem I had is that the owners manual said the plug was on the drivers side and it ended up being on the passengers side.  I used heavy duty Velcro to mount the Prodigy to the dash.