syoun10
10-19-2016, 10:42 AM
Hi all,
I recently bought a 2005 Keystone Everest and am currently camped (long term) at a site in Alabama.
I've had a fair bit of experience with a Class A, a 24ft trailer and a truck camper, but never had a 5th wheel before. I'm developing a few questions that I'd love to ask this group, but one in particular, I must address immediately!
The 5'er has a rubber membrane covering its complete underside. Never seen this on other RVs - is it normal for 5'ers? and what is it's purpose? (Protection from rust or insulation are the only things I can think of).
But there's a problem! One section of the membrane is full of water. The membrane is holding the weight (so far) but sagging a lot. Water dribbles out at one point, and gushes out if I push the membrane up. This part of membrane is at the back where the kitchen sink is, and the color of the water suggests it is gray water. (In fact, I can't even rule out a slight urine smell).
I noticed this after an event a week ago which may, or may not be related.
From some undefined spot under the RV there was a bad smell of sewage. At that point we had been camped about 3 weeks with the black tank gate valve permanently open. I suspected a clog of solids/toilet paper. and put a powerful hose into the toilet. It washed out A LOT of "stuff". Opened and closed the gate valve a few times, and eventually it started to run clear. The smell immediately went away and hasn't returned. I was just glad, but a lingering thought in my mind asked how the smell could have escaped even thought the black tank was full of yuck? Is there an overflow? I would have assumed not, and that the sign of the tank full would have been the toilet not flushing any more down. Of course, if the membrane wasn't there, I could look and see.
It appears to me that the membrane would be difficult to get out (undamaged) and even more difficult put back, though I haven't tried yet.
So... long post (sorry) but here are the key questions...
. Is the membrane normal on a 5'er? And what's it for?
. Is it easy to take out and/or replace? Any hints on best way?
. Is there an overflow on black and/or gray tanks or does a leak indicate a rupture somewhere.
. Anybody else have these problems?
. Any advise?
Thanks in advance for your help.
I recently bought a 2005 Keystone Everest and am currently camped (long term) at a site in Alabama.
I've had a fair bit of experience with a Class A, a 24ft trailer and a truck camper, but never had a 5th wheel before. I'm developing a few questions that I'd love to ask this group, but one in particular, I must address immediately!
The 5'er has a rubber membrane covering its complete underside. Never seen this on other RVs - is it normal for 5'ers? and what is it's purpose? (Protection from rust or insulation are the only things I can think of).
But there's a problem! One section of the membrane is full of water. The membrane is holding the weight (so far) but sagging a lot. Water dribbles out at one point, and gushes out if I push the membrane up. This part of membrane is at the back where the kitchen sink is, and the color of the water suggests it is gray water. (In fact, I can't even rule out a slight urine smell).
I noticed this after an event a week ago which may, or may not be related.
From some undefined spot under the RV there was a bad smell of sewage. At that point we had been camped about 3 weeks with the black tank gate valve permanently open. I suspected a clog of solids/toilet paper. and put a powerful hose into the toilet. It washed out A LOT of "stuff". Opened and closed the gate valve a few times, and eventually it started to run clear. The smell immediately went away and hasn't returned. I was just glad, but a lingering thought in my mind asked how the smell could have escaped even thought the black tank was full of yuck? Is there an overflow? I would have assumed not, and that the sign of the tank full would have been the toilet not flushing any more down. Of course, if the membrane wasn't there, I could look and see.
It appears to me that the membrane would be difficult to get out (undamaged) and even more difficult put back, though I haven't tried yet.
So... long post (sorry) but here are the key questions...
. Is the membrane normal on a 5'er? And what's it for?
. Is it easy to take out and/or replace? Any hints on best way?
. Is there an overflow on black and/or gray tanks or does a leak indicate a rupture somewhere.
. Anybody else have these problems?
. Any advise?
Thanks in advance for your help.