MDS RV Use Instructions

Setting Up RV’s for Use at MDS Projects: (Upon arrival at camp do the items below)

1) Stabilize the RV- Put hitch jack on a solid surface and block all wheels to prevent rolling. You may need to block up wheels to level the RV. - Lower trailer mounted jacks or raise jacks to trailer frame at each corner to stabilize the trailer. Be sure all jacks are on a solid surface. You may need to put wood blocks under for stability. - The trailer must be level for the refrigerator to work properly - Stow the ball mount and stabilizer bars in a storage compartment on the RV. They need to stay with the RV for when it is moved away from this project.

2) Electric- Connect Electric Cord to 30 Amp RV power outlet.

3) Water- Connect white water hose to hydrant. Run water through hose to remove any debris that may have collected while in transport. Connect hose to fitting on side of trailer. - Turn on water to trailer at hydrant and monitor all connections, from spigot to faucet, for leaks. - NOTE: Do Not fill or use water from water holding tank because the water holding tank is extremely hard to keep clean by people coming and going. Only use water from fresh water line coming in to trailer. When a hose is connected to the trailer and is in the ON position fresh incoming water bypasses the water holding tank. (If you must use holding tank be sure to add 4 tablespoons of unscented bleach to the tank. Do Not drink water from the holding tank.) - Open faucets to release air from lines.

4) Appliances- Starting water heater, furnace, AC, and refrigerator -The furnace functions on propane and the refrigerator and water heater may function on propane or electric. The AC functions on electric only. Open the main propane valve on the tanks outside the trailer or on the onboard tank for a motor home. Light the pilots on appropriate appliances and set the thermostats. Some may have an electric igniter. The wall thermostat operates the furnace and AC. - Locate and turn ON switch to water heater. If trailer does not have this switch you may need to turn knob on the water heater itself. Use on 110 current instead of propane when possible. - Use common sense. If it is summer you shouldn’t start the furnace. If short term volunteers are using the RV then the refrigerator likely will not be used.

5) Sewer- Connect flexible 3” hose to trailer sewer clean-out fitting and connect the other end to the ground sewer fitting. Slope of hose should be a gradual decent. - Verify holding tanks are empty and the clean-out valves for black (toilet) water is closed and the gray (sink/shower) water valve is open. - Be sure chemicals are added to black water tank according to labels. -Oxy-Kem (dry packs) *Walmart OR -RV-Tec100 (Liquid) *Walmart

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RV Care while at MDS Projects: (Check and perform these items regularly)

1) RV Monitoring Read-Out Panel- Newer RV’s are equipped with this - Tracks levels of holding tanks - Switch for water heater - Thermostat - Battery condition 2) Holding Tanks - Monitor holding tanks capacity by “pushing” panel buttons to read condition. (on a wall). If RV is not equipped with panel you may need to visually look through toilet to see black water tank level. Tap on gray water tank to determine level. - Leave gray water tank OPEN - Always leave black water CLOSED - When black water is getting near full (3/4 full) CLOSE gray water tank valve - Drain black water when full and CLOSE black water valve. - Use accumulated gray water in tank to flush and clean 3” flexible sewer line. - Leave gray water valve open - Add Chemicals to Black Water Holding Tank (according to labeled instructions) -Oxy-Kem (dry packs) *Walmart OR -RV-Tec100 (Liquid) *Walmart 3) Battery Condition – Important for systems to work - RV’s are set up to operate on battery (DC) power . When connected to electric (AC) power an inverter charges the battery to run the lights, electronics, furnace, etc. - Batteries need to be checked for fluid. If low fill with Distilled water Only.

4) Propane Tanks - Check tanks twice per week, especially when the furnace is running. - Check the visual indicator at the top of the control valve. It will be green when gas is in the tank and red when empty. - Most RV’s will have a valve that switches over to a full tank automatically. - When changing out tanks be sure valves are turned off.

5) Tire Pressure and Soundness - Visually inspect tire for cracks or slits or bubbles, also for nails in tread. - Read the trailer identification sticker and side walls of tires to see what the recommended air pressures are. Check how old the tires are. On the tire is lettering and there is a number like “4102” This mean the tire was manufactured the 41st week of 2002. Replace if older than 5 years.

6) Other Important Regular Care Items: - Re-tighten stabilizer jacks if trailer has movement - Remove and clean air conditioner filter regularly- Clean debris from inside AC unit on the roof. - Wash trailer exterior on a regular basis and remove tree debris from roof. - Check Smoke Detectors regularly and replace batteries when needed. 12/17/2011 2 MDS RV Use Instructions

- Check for working Fire Extinguisher - Report any water leaks in ceiling to Project Logistics Coordinator (717-682-9701)

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Closing Down MDS RV’s and Preparing them for Storage: (These items need to be performed prior to moving an RV from a project site)

1) When leaving turn OFF the following: - Propane Tank Valves - Water Heater - Air conditioner - Furnace - Refrigerator – Close during transport but ALWAYS open when in storage

2) Holding Tanks - Open black water tank valve, allow to drain, and then close. - Open gray water valve - If gray water valve is already open then close the valve and run some water to allow it to fill. - Open the gray water valve to flush the 3” Flexible sewer line. - Mix 1 pint of bleach to 2 gallons of water, pour in 3” flexible sewer line and hold up both ends to allow water mixture to move back and forth to sanitize sewer line. Rinse out with fresh water. Stow in rear bumper by pulling off the cap on one end. - Close all valves - Mix one unit of holding tank treatment with one gallon of water. Put in black water tank - Mix ¼ Unit of holding tank treatment with one gallon of water. Put in gray water tank. *Do not store Black or Gray water tanks dry! Seals may dry out. - Fresh water tank should be drained for storage.

3) Disconnect the following: - Fresh water line - Stow in Trailer - Electrical Cord - Stow in trailer - Raise mounted stabilizer jacks or remove stand alone jacks from corners of trailer. Stow the stand alone jacks and blocks in the trailer storage compartments.

4) Inspect the Following before moving: - Clean trailer inside to prepare for next occupant. - Check tire pressure and soundness prior to moving any trailer - Check and tighten lug nuts - Awning, windows, roof vents, and steps are all closed and secured. - Ball mount, weight equalizer bars, chains, break-away cable, and electric plug are all connected. - Check to be sure trailer brakes and lights work properly before moving. - Be sure MDS trailer file is in trailer before moving it to another location.

Periodic Maintenance: ( Usually not done on at project unless it is at a project for a year or more) 1) Repack wheel bearings.

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2) Check roof, window, and door seals. Check condition of roof and if caulking is badly cracked remove old caulk around air conditioner or joint seams and replace. *Special roof caulking is needed for trailer roofs. The trade name of this caulk is DICOR and comes in a standard size caulk tube.

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