Starcool

ConnieKat · 05-03-2011, 05:45 PM

Hi Guys,
Back from my first trip, and having multiple problems! First, I have a 2005 Chevy Express with Starcool. Deep into Okie City, thought I was going to suffocate, since I could not make the A/C work. Having checked the "Manual" with very little info in it. I was forced to open windows, fan, etc. and hope the T-storms didn't blow me away. Thank god there was a substantial breeze. Now, having read various bits in the forum, I see there is a switch behind my seat. Apparantly, this must be "ON" to get it to work???? Do I also need to run the van if on shore power? I can't say I'm much impressed with the Manual thus far. Also noticed a tendency for the power cord to slip out of the plug if there is much wind, anyone have an answer for that?
To top things off, I was caught by a 70 mph gust, just as I opened the front door, and was promptly pulled out onto my face on the pavement. Now the door is bent, and now that I'm back in cold country, hubby opened the door this morning and popped off a piece of the body in front of the door. Add to that, the tornado winds I encountered in Memphis....and I also now have a dent in the back door. Jeez, what a trip!!! Any helpful hints would be appreciated greatly.
ConnieKat

dhally · 05-03-2011, 06:44 PM

I can't comment on the Starcool, but we are very familiar with the wind ripping the doors off here in SE Washington. Usually holding on real tight works up to 60 mph but it's easy to forget....

**daveb** · 05-03-2011, 11:35 PM

There are two or three different Starcools. Mine is Starcool III. It has a separate compressor just in front of the rear driver wheel. It's an 110V compressor and you must be hooked into a 30-50 amp shore power pedistal. To operate it you must turn on the fan master switch located behind the driver seat and the second fan switch (by the sink on my 50 model) which has 4 positions, off, low, med, and high which must be set to one of the on positions. Then you need to turn the thermostat to cool, fan on, and set it to a cool temp. You should hear the compressor kick in. Mine don't do much and only lowers the temp by about 15 degrees. Good luck sounds like you're having a heck of a time. PM me if you need more help.

Dave

ConnieKat · 05-06-2011, 10:10 PM

Thanks for the info....I'll have to check and see which one I have. There are a lot of switches and I don't know yet what does what, except the water pump and fridge. Nothing like learning as you go! Good thing I left Memphis when I did....wind or no. I-40 is now covered in 6 feet of water on the west side of the river for at least 30 miles. For a first trip, it really ranks up there!
RE: the windblown door...... 'Is it a costly fix? What do they have to do to fix it?
Believe me-I'm not likely to forget that one, but you never know, do you.
ConnieKat

Ford_6L_E350 · 05-07-2011, 09:31 AM

Hi Connie,

Sorry you are having such an adventure. Mother Nature is trying to prove she can outdo humans.

Your question about the power plug. I'm assuming you mean the shore power connector on the side of the SMB. After you push it in, twist it about 15 degrees to lock it in place.

Mike

jage · 05-07-2011, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ConnieKat

Also noticed a tendency for the power cord to slip out of the plug if there is much wind, anyone have an answer for that?

If you're talking about the cord @ the van, after you plug it's meant to be twisted slightly to lock. I think clockwise, but it's like 1/16 or 1/32nd of a turn- at that point you have to untwist to remove.

Edit: guess I should read first.... but I've got a picture: viewtopic.php?p=2649#p2649