New Member

[Smores]

Greetings all,

New members here, we just bought a used 95 Utah. Very nice unit it appears that the original owner hardly used it. Canvas is immaculate, no scuffs scratches or nicks in anything, so we are pretty happy. However, since the orig owner used it rarely he had no real insights to offer as far as operation. The basics are all well and good, setup etc. My only real issue is the operation of.
1) the fridge; is it 12vdc / 120vac selectable by the switch behind the fridge?... it so can I leave them both on and it will transfer based on available power?

2) hot water heater?!? It appears to have a propane fired heater back by the stove as well since I see some faded instructions about lighting the flame and veiwing it through some port back there.

3) tongue battery; has none but I see where it has a breakaway brake switch that is not wired in. Im guessing the battery was stolen at some time while it was not being used since the wires are broken off. I also see the plug at the tongue end appears chewed/pried.
Long and short of the question I guess is.. Is this the only battery location on the unit ?

Thanks in advance for any advice/hints

[Azusateach]

Welcome!  Sounds like you've got a great PUP & are ready to go out & enjoy it after you've gotten a couple of things taken care of.

You might want to do an online search for an owner's manual for your unit.  That could be helpful.  

Your fridge -- it might also run on propane.  If it does you're in luck.  They tend to stay a little cooler when using propane as opposed to 12v.

There definitely is a way to light the pilot at the hot water heater.  

The tongue is almost always the main place for the trailer battery.  Sounds like you're going to need to get a new one.  Before you do, think about getting a heavy-duty one.  I'm not real savvy about batteries, but I know that Group 27s are better than Group 24s.

I'm sure you're going to get lots of advice here.  We're a good bunch!

By the way, where are you from?

Laura

[Smores]

We are from the Charleston area of S Carolina.
As for the Owners Manual I have that but it really only pertains to the basics common to all pups, lifting, towing, sliding the beds out, etc.
Didn't even have a description of the second switch at the door. I assumed it was an outside light but there wasn't one, until I crawler underneath and found it in the step recess with a burned out bulb.

I have noticed a few posts regarding the bearings and tire situation. These tires look very clean. Rubber looks to be in good shape, no dry rot noticeable, They were however fairly low on air when we picked it up. Anything I should be concerned with? Bearings.. Dunno anything about them except I see grease around em =)

Planning on about a 45 mile trip with it this weekend, think its safe ?

[wavery]

Greetings all,

New members here, we just bought a used 95 Utah. Very nice unit it appears that the original owner hardly used it. Canvas is immaculate, no scuffs scratches or nicks in anything, so we are pretty happy. However, since the orig owner used it rarely he had no real insights to offer as far as operation. The basics are all well and good, setup etc. My only real issue is the operation of.
1) the fridge; is it 12vdc / 120vac selectable by the switch behind the fridge?... it so can I leave them both on and it will transfer based on available power?

2) hot water heater?!? It appears to have a propane fired heater back by the stove as well since I see some faded instructions about lighting the flame and veiwing it through some port back there.

3) tongue battery; has none but I see where it has a breakaway brake switch that is not wired in. Im guessing the battery was stolen at some time while it was not being used since the wires are broken off. I also see the plug at the tongue end appears chewed/pried.
Long and short of the question I guess is.. Is this the only battery location on the unit ?

Thanks in advance for any advice/hints

1. The fridge may be a 3-way. 12V, 110V & propane. Use only one energy source at a time.

2. Hot water heater can be lit from the back. You'll need a light stick and some patience. Instructions should be on the cover.

3. You will need to buy a Deep Cycle battery and plastic battery box. The battery box comes with a strap that will hold it on the tongue. White wire is negative. Black wire is Positive. Get the largest battery that you can afford.

I would highly recommend servicing the wheel bearings and having the tires checked by professionals. Be sure that the tires are inflated to the maximum pressure (cold) printed on the tire sidewall.

[butterflyfish]

Hey, Welcome to the group!  We're new too.  We bought our new to us pup in March.  

We live in the Summerville area,  so we're not too far from you!  

[Old Starcraft]

Welcome to PUT!!!! I'm happy to see anther member from S.C.. I live just "up the road" in the burbs of Columbia. I see There's 3 members from SC on this thread alone. Maybe we could have our own rally......
 
I think if you do a search you can find the answers to many of your questions. Congrats on your purchase!!!.... Without this forum there would have been no way that I would have even tried to tackle the restoration (well...more like repair) of my old 76'.
 
On a side note do you recommend any of the campgrounds in Charleston? We have been gravitating towards the Mt. Pleasant KOA for the last few years. I see Charleston County has their own cg's, but any better than others?

[butterflyfish]

We'll be at the Mt. Pleasant KOA April 18-20.  We were there a few weeks ago.  It was cold and not quite rainy.  But we had a good time.  The CG was really pretty and the scenery couldn't be better.  Though I wasn't too happy with our site since the next site's sewer line ran right next to our fire pit     But the kids loved finding rocks and throwing them in the water!  We will also be at James Island County Park April 25-28.  We really liked that park, too and can't wait to stay there when the water park opens!

[prncssgeek]

Welcome!

[Micksc]

Welcome, Y'all from the left side of the state!
We're gonna be at Edisto in July, and might try James Is. if we can get a Res.
My sis lives on J.I. I tell her, "all you Charlestonians ever do is sit around, eating rice and talk about your ancestors"  
Enjoy, Mick

[PattieAM]

Welcome!

You might be able to find a manufacturers manual for your water heater, refrigerator and other amenities online (example:  //www.dometicusa.com).

As to lighting your water heater, you might want to 'boil a pan of water' on your propane stove to purge the air from the propane lines before you try to light the water heater's pilot light.  I don't know what your WH model is, but basically you identify where the pilot is, turn the knob to 'pilot', hold it down while you 'flick your bic' under the pilot.  Once it lights, keep holding the button down for a wee bit so the thermocouple warms then turn the knob to "on".  And, you should have 'ignition'!  (Verify you have water in your water heater before lighting - you can do this by raising the pressure releaf valve slightly and water should sputter out).  In about 15 minutes you will have hot water.

(The reason I suggested using the P&R valve is that sometimes when someone has 'winterized' the unit, they've opened the by-pass valve, so water doesn't enter your water heater)

You mentioned 'switches' at the entry of your PUP - one might be for the water pump, and the other for electric.

[spicyville1]

Welcome to PUT!  :W

[Smores]

Many thanks all especially PattieAM... what a concept, look up the manufacturer! LOL, I now have the manual in hand =)
Also found the errant switch purpose.. there was a light recessed under the step with a burned out bulb. Followed the wiring around til I got to it

We are actually from Summerville as well, I just said Charleston area since I figured people could locate the area a bit more easily.

And I love the Edisto Park, great place for kids (little ones and big ones like me that refuse to grow up) You can just sit near a pile of rough sand and find small sharks teeth all day long (or until sunburn forces you to move) Only word of caution though, the beach has a very steep shelf so rip currents are very bad. Pay attention to the little ones closely.

We are headed to Hunting Island this weekend for the first trip, staying through Wednesday. Yay !!!
BTW, I see some "days camped in '08" does sleeeping in the PU in the driveway count?  =)

[McCampers]

Hey, Welcome to the group!  We're new too.  We bought our new to us pup in March.  

We live in the Summerville area,  so we're not too far from you!  

Summerville that's the town that has like no street signs.  Its about 30 miles west of Charleston proper right?

[McCampers]

Oh and welcome to PUP Times!!! You're gonna love how we do, what we do when we do it!  Sit back, relax and enjoy the boards!

[Smores]

Summerville, sadly ,has grown up. There are street signs if "1st West  North Street" and the like constitute signage LOL. And there is now a "Town Center" complete with theatre and restaurants. (sigh)