1st Camping Trip in Our Windsport

[WarEagleDan]

Just a couple of observations and a question after our 1st trip in our "new" Windsport 34J. This saga started back in early November when we ordered it. When it finally came in it was not what we ordered (Thor's fault, not CW). Found one in PA that would work and local CW folks went above and beyond to get that one for us. 1st time we filled the fresh water tank it flooded the camper so back to CW along with a list of stupid glitches that should have never gotten past quality control (oops, forgot that Thor doesn't have a QC program). Long story short was it sat around CWs in PA and here in Alabama for about 3 months before we finally got to use it. And now that we have used it we can say that we love it!
Observations:
- Love the way it drives (much better than the Class C we had)
- Love the real hot water tank (loved our Class C but HATED the tankless hw.
- Can't believe it doesn't have drip rails (the AC condensation ran down the
awning and dripped on the picnic table - dumb!)
- Overall, a great experience and we can't wait to start getting some
longer trips in
Question:
Plugged in to shore power or running down the road, the Xantrex meter reads 13.6 volts. But as soon as you remove power the voltage drops to 12.4 volts. I'm still learning about 50 amp systems but I suspect that while sitting around CW during that 3-month window the batteries were allowed to go into deep discharge which probably ruined them. Is that a likely guess?
Thanx,
Dan

[Beau388]

Thor's QC program does not include the water systems. The coaches are stored outside until picked-up by the dealers' drivers so the decision was made never to put water on the coach. They are winterized completely before shipment. Thor does use air pressure to check the pressurized water lines before shipment. It is up to the dealer (and on the dealer's PDI checklist) to put water on (conditions permitting) and completely check the system pressure and drainage systems. At least, that is what I saw at the Middleton Run factory and what I was told at MHSRV. The Hurricanes and Windsports spent about one hour in the QC section with three QC inspectors with checklists. ACE's have a separate inspection line. Just so you know.

[JamieGeek]

Originally Posted by WarEagleDan

Plugged in to shore power or running down the road, the Xantrex meter reads 13.6 volts. But as soon as you remove power the voltage drops to 12.4 volts.

That sounds about right: 13.6 volts is charging from the engine or the converter. 12.4 volts is about a fully charged 12V battery.

[WarEagleDan]

Understand that they can't fill water lines and tanks in Arctic conditions - that's why I live in the sunny South. It was the "list of stupid glitches that should have never gotten past quality control" that I was referring to for my QC remarks. Upside down switches, doors that obviously could have never closed right, quarter-inch gaps in sink molding and more - stuff so obvious that it practically jumps out at you? It may say QC inspector on their paycheck but whatever they're doing to earn it is not QC work.
Thanx,
Dan

[JamieGeek]

Originally Posted by WarEagleDan

It may say QC inspector on their paycheck but whatever they're doing to earn it is not QC work.

You are assuming that they even have a QC employee on staff!

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by WarEagleDan

...
Question:
Plugged in to shore power or running down the road, the Xantrex meter reads 13.6 volts. But as soon as you remove power the voltage drops to 12.4 volts. I'm still learning about 50 amp systems but I suspect that while sitting around CW during that 3-month window the batteries were allowed to go into deep discharge which probably ruined them. Is that a likely guess?
Thanx,
Dan

If you read the Xantrex manual you will see that if the engine or generator is running the meter displays the input voltage from the alternator or generator. If neither is running the meter reads the battery voltage.

[neeliec]

Originally Posted by WarEagleDan

...Upside down switches, doors that obviously could have never closed right, quarter-inch gaps in sink molding and more - stuff so obvious that it practically jumps out at you? It may say QC inspector on their paycheck but whatever they're doing to earn it is not QC work.
Thanx,
Dan

[neeliec]

Originally Posted by JamieGeek

You are assuming that they even have a QC employee on staff!