Challenging Start

We have had a challenging start to our trip but are back on track. Ruth had this great idea to park the trailer at our neighbor's house a couple of days before we leave so we can check the systems out. This involves putting in the batteries, flushing the water heater, flushing out the antifreeze, checking the water system, tire check, electrical check, etc. Things started out pretty well with using a 2:1 water ratio to clean out the water heater and flush. 

Home made system to put the vinegar and water solution into the tank. Let it sit for several hours and then empty/flush out the tank. Put in the new sacrificial anode and the water heater is good to go. 

Next step was to put in the battery, put some water in the water tank, and pressurize the water system. The pink anti-freeze is then flushed out of the system. Once that is done, you change the valves that bypass the water heater and fill the water heater tank. That is when the trouble started! Lot of leaks at almost every fitting going into and out of the water heater tank. This is hidden behind a panel so who knows how long this has been going on. 

Water Heater Tank Mess

The fittings are all PEX crimp joints with oversize Camco hoses and PEX piping. A trip to the hardware store to buy a crimping tool and I tightened down all the fittings. There isn't a whole lot of room in here and I had to be pretty aggressive to get access for the tool. Every fitting was fixed pretty easily EXCEPT for the top fitting that I just couldn't get to stop leaking. I had to replace the top braided tubing with a piece of PEX piping and tighten down the entire thing. Luckily that did the job and we are back in business.

It is really disappointing how cheaply these trailers are made. All someone had to do was take the time to properly crimp each joint and this never would have happened. We checked for leaks everywhere else and found none. Electrical, refrigerator and everything else checked out so we will be able to leave on time except for missing one night at French Creek.

Ready to Go

We are off tomorrow and will be highlighting the places we are stopping and exploring, enough of the maintenance! A special thanks to our neighbor for allowing us to park at his house for a few days.