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RV Doctor ColumnRV Doctor #263 Dear Doc, I have developed a mouse problem in my RV. My unit is currently parked on a seasonal site. This past winter it was winterized and all the vents covered and they still got it. I put out four trays of De-con about four weeks ago and went up today to check on it and all the trays were empty. What can I do to discourage them from coming in? Should I add moth balls, or put out more De-con? I have been told that the De-con actually invites them, but I don't want them to stay so I figured that was the best thing to do. Please help. I have a new trailer and I don't want it ruined! Karen Kenney, (East Boston, MA) Karen, mice, squirrels and other critters can indeed be a perplexing problem for some RVers. Remember, determining the cause of the problem is just as important as eliminating the problem, if not more so. Three requirements are crucial to sustain such critters; food, water and a secure route between the food source and their nests. Your job is to eliminate as many as you can. Begin by removing any source of food or standing water near your RV. Be sure to clean up any food or liquid spills inside the RV completely. Avoid placing open containers of pet food in or around the RV. Refrain from feeding the birds around your campsite. Good housekeeping practices alone can do away with one and possibly two of their sustenance requirements. Next, inspect the underneath portions of your RV in detail. Mice especially can squeeze through the tiniest of holes or openings. Seal any cracks between the undercarriage and the sidewalls. Look for large gaps around plumbing drains or fittings that extend below the coach. Some may be located above the holding tanks, yet below the floor line. Oftentimes, manufacturers will drill a too-large hole to make it easier to route drain or LP lines. Check carefully inside all storage compartments and basement bays for gaps that may allow entry into the RV. All holes, gaps, cracks and openings of any kind should be blocked or eliminated with sheet metal or steel wool. Some tube sealants just won't work by themselves. While some expandable foam sealants may discourage entry, I do not recommend these. Also, be sure the screen door and entry door fit properly. After all, it is an entry door. As for ridding the rig of existing guests, live traps can be purchased or rented. Check with a local pet store for availability. I am not in favor of commercial poisons for the obvious reasons associated with children and pets around recreation vehicles. Additionally, I do not favor home brews such as carbonated soda, instant mashed potatoes, plaster of Paris mixed with chocolate powder, etc., to name just a few. Though I personally have not tested one, I have heard of good results using electronic pest eliminators which emit pulsating, ultrasonic sound waves that affect the nervous system of the animal, thereby making it uncomfortable for them to be around. These electronic devices are harmless to humans and domestic pets. Some are powered by 9-volt dry cell batteries, while some are 120-volt AC powered. The thought of sending them over to your campground neighbors, however, may ruffle some feathers, but you can always just smile and suggest they adopt a cat. Dear RV Doctor, we purchased a new Pinnacle motorhome late in 1998, produced by Thor Industries. There is a problem with the windows. The only name we can find on any window is SE-GI, Norco, CA. Since the beginning of use, we have had a problem of the seal on the front passenger side window. It is a double vacuum sealed thermal paned and screened window. The rubber seal that is inside the two panes is crawling out like a snake. We have contacted the RV dealer and they said it was not covered under the warranty. And of course we are really upset. Our question to you, is how can we fix this? Is there any way without replacing the entire framed window? Bill & Joan Taylor, (somewhere in MO) Bill & Joan, indeed Se-Gi Products did have a faulty batch of windows shipped to the coach manufacturers. It seems the problem is with that particular type of seal. They have since switched to a different seal and have experienced no further problems. Se-Gi produces windows for several RV manufacturers, some of which have not developed this problem. This leads me to believe that some sidewall construction techniques possibly amplified the problem. The wracking and twisting of the RV as it travels down the road causes this "snaking" effect. According to Dick Kahler at Thor Industries, who is familiar with your situation, new windows have been shipped by Se-Gi, so you should expect your windows to arrive at your dealer soon. It may take a few days to process completely. I must say, Thor and Se-Gi were very responsive and helpful. Though your Thor warranty had expired, the Se-Gi windows in question are guaranteed for three years to the original purchaser of the RV, beginning on the date of retail sale. RVers must, however, work through their Thor dealers or the RV factory and not through Se-Gi Products. Dear Gary, I have an Olympic propane fired grill which we take camping with us. We also use a Coleman propane fired grill on which I cook breakfast. They are set up for use with the small, portable size propane bottles which can be purchased at any number of the discount retail department stores. These small cans do not contain a very large amount of propane and run out pretty quickly. I would like to use the larger (20- pound) DOT bottle on my RV to connect to the grill or stove by a hose. When checking out the catalogs all I see are high pressure or low pressure hoses and/or fixtures. Not wanting to create a hazardous condition, what do I use and where do I get it? D. W. Fabian, (Bridgman, MI) D.W., Marshall Gas Controls has just the product you need. Called the "Extend-a-Flow" this kit, (part # 535-00), comes with the "T" fitting to tap into the high pressure side of any existing LP supply on an RV, along with a 12-foot, high pressure hose. Other fittings are also available that connect directly to a 20-pound, or larger LP container. I would avoid the "cut to order" hoses offered by some dealers. The hose and fittings must comply with UL and CGA standards. The Marshal kit will do the job for you. Contact them at 800-447-9513 for additional product information and the location of their closest dealer to you.
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