Unusable freshwater - once again, sloppy/lazy workmanship

[alazear]

Super.  Thanks again for all the info.

I thought I'd like the Sportsmobile more than I really did.  They look cool and tuff and will go anywhere yes, especially after removing the front steering bar to increase front travel off road.  But I really never did go off roading much with it.  The dishes and stuff you carried rattled like crazy when you did and drove me bonkers to do so.  I just needed to get to trailheads really.  It was very good in the snow though.  However, when bikes are added to the carrying equation, then you ask where to put them?  I tried on the back, but the spare tire is in the way, so you have to use a long extension which for rough roads was a nightmare watching your bikes bob up and down like crazy.  Then, I tried on the front with a rock solid front bike mount, but it makes driving very difficult at night as your headlights have no range shinning through 2 bikes.  Then on top, but it's a real huck to get them up and down each time and the roof is delicate and the added weight of bikes messes up the pop top spring tension mechanism. 

The Sportsmobile was fun to drive for the first 1/2 hour "I can drive over that small car...", then fatigue set in.  After a full day of 8 - 12 hours on the highway, you were fully worked over - completely beat up with the roar of the noise and tires ringing in your ears for long afterward.  Also the top is more delicate than you would want and let wind noise in when driving, even after cranking the latches down properly.  It's a great urban assault - Mad Max type vehicle and if you're a serious off roader, I can see it, but it wasn't for me.  It also had the worst beds of any of my 4 vans, both up top and down below.  I did sell it for 5K more than what I paid for it as they were in such demand after driving it for five years... 

[nhlakes]

Moments ago I posted a question here about leaving the elec switch on.   I was concerned that was bad idea due to the chance of plugging into shore power with an empty WH tank, and, after a little googling the thread below in another forum confirmed that it definitely should not be left on while not in use...

http://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/f226/suburbans-electric-switch-and-much-more-36197.html

[alazear]

Hi nhlakes,

Detailed info on your link on the Suburban water heater.  A good read and I've bookmarked it for the future too.  Thank you.  I think I understand it fully now.  Looks like the Suburban model I have has two toggle switches, which is a good thing for avoiding a burned out electric element.  Also, the suggestion of purging the LP Gas lines using the stove first was a good tip as well.

Adam

[alazear]

In testing my water system the past few days, I've also determined the fresh water tank gauge shows 1/3 full even when the tank is completely empty using the drains from both sides of it, the stock drain and the new one I installed.  This is consistent with what ADR has found. This is easily something I can live with.

Adam