My Taco Phoenix Pop Up Camper
- Thread starter MYTACO
- Start date
S
Squatchout
Guest
Such a shame you have these issues with a new custom camper. It really is a knockout beautiful rig!:Wow1:
MYTACO
Adventurer
Ok, so some recent maintenance issues...and I need some help. The Flojet pump does not want to shut off, even when the water is not running. In the past, this was generally caused by open valves. I've checked all of that, but short of cutting the electricity to it, it continues to prime.
When the camper was back in Denver last Feb for the warranty work, some of the pipes froze. The water heater has never really worked well since, and now this...
In my research, it appears that it is likely the diaphragm in the Flojet unit. I took it to a local RV store to see about repair, but they won't touch it for reasons I won't go into here. I looked at the Flojet pump, and it seems easy enough to replace--minus the tight spot it is located in. Has anyone else replaced one of these?
I am also having issues with the TC collapsing when up. I emailed Rob, and he replied that this is normal. Funny, in the "owner's manual" it states that I should be able to drive 60mph with it up. Now, simply climbing into the unit has caused it to collapse. The second time it knocked me on my ***...fortunately, no injuries--but I'm sure the slow-mo view wasn't pretty. Does anyone else who owns (or owned) a Phoenix have this problem? If yes, what kind of mechanism did you use to keep the roof up? I am trying to picture and possibly devise a safety latch of sorts...but the canvas seems to prevent the ability to really keep it locked up. Rob's suggestion was vise grips on the slider rail and/or a 2"x2" piece of pine to wedge into the corners as props. I don't like how that sounds. Needless to say, I have sidelined the camper until I can get this issue resolved. My biggest fear is this happening while we are sleeping or when the dogs get a little wild.
Anyone want to buy a relatively new Phoenix camper?? :costumed-smiley-007
When the camper was back in Denver last Feb for the warranty work, some of the pipes froze. The water heater has never really worked well since, and now this...
In my research, it appears that it is likely the diaphragm in the Flojet unit. I took it to a local RV store to see about repair, but they won't touch it for reasons I won't go into here. I looked at the Flojet pump, and it seems easy enough to replace--minus the tight spot it is located in. Has anyone else replaced one of these?
I am also having issues with the TC collapsing when up. I emailed Rob, and he replied that this is normal. Funny, in the "owner's manual" it states that I should be able to drive 60mph with it up. Now, simply climbing into the unit has caused it to collapse. The second time it knocked me on my ***...fortunately, no injuries--but I'm sure the slow-mo view wasn't pretty. Does anyone else who owns (or owned) a Phoenix have this problem? If yes, what kind of mechanism did you use to keep the roof up? I am trying to picture and possibly devise a safety latch of sorts...but the canvas seems to prevent the ability to really keep it locked up. Rob's suggestion was vise grips on the slider rail and/or a 2"x2" piece of pine to wedge into the corners as props. I don't like how that sounds. Needless to say, I have sidelined the camper until I can get this issue resolved. My biggest fear is this happening while we are sleeping or when the dogs get a little wild.
Anyone want to buy a relatively new Phoenix camper?? :costumed-smiley-007
Water pump is an easy/inexpensive swap. And the replacement pump are almost always quieter than OE. Just buy a new one and do it...10 min job.
As far as the roof collapse? Short answer might be pc of 2x4 holding up roof...I don't know...not sure what kind of mechanism these have hydraulic/mechanical?
Good luck.
You are a patient Man.
As far as the roof collapse? Short answer might be pc of 2x4 holding up roof...I don't know...not sure what kind of mechanism these have hydraulic/mechanical?
Good luck.
You are a patient Man.
MYTACO
Adventurer
BillTex, any recommendations on where to buy a replacement pump?
MYTACO
Adventurer
Vice grips? Thats a hell of an answer from a manufacturer. Can't say about Phoenix pop ups but we have done testing on the FWC's and you can definitely drive at 60 mph with the top up. For some reason those who tested this prefer to remain anonymous
Craig...is it possible to change out lift systems in its entirety? If so, how would you recommend doing this?
Tough to beat AMZ these days for just about anything.
This is the one we bought earlier this year for our AS. It's so freakin quiet I have to remember to shut it off!http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002XM5G70/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
MINO
Adventurer
It's upsetting to hear all the troubles you're having with your camper. My Phoenix has had a few minor issues but nothing like what you've gone through.
Before throwing money at a new pump, see if you can find someone local to do a quick swap just to rule out a leak. If it is a failed pump, sometimes caused by debris, run a strainer in the feed line next time.
Something must have shifted or loosened for the roof to collapse. There are a lot of little pieces that loosen over time. The only times my roof failed was when the lower support arm ripped out of the wall and when one of the crossbars came loose and the spring came out. Are you pushing the lifts all the way to the edge? Until you feel a sort of "clunk"? Sometimes I don't and notice it start to slip and lower.
Corner props sound like a temp solution but they're good to have anyway. In fact, Rob included 4 corner props to be used in heavy snow on my camper because we went with a long cabover to accommodate a king sized, north-south bunk. Basically aluminum square tube with plastic caps that you shove between the roof and wall lip.
Keep us posted and Good luck!
grnhornetcustoms
Adventurer
Isn't this the reason people install gas struts inside? This would probably be an issue with the type of camper more than a specific manufacturer. I think I have read about this issue in other posts.
MYTACO
Adventurer
I have a gas strut that helps lift on the inside, but at a certain pint on the slide, it's meaningless. It came with two, but one was removed (at Rob's recommendation) to make closing it easier. The struts do nothing at all when it is fully lifted.
MYTACO
Adventurer
Do you have pics of the square tubes? I didn't want to use the 2x2 option, as it seems like it would rip the cover off of the top of the camper. I did check all of the mounts, springs, and glides. Nothing looks changed since the purchase, and none of the attachments are loose. I am really at a loss. I am going to go to Lowe's this weekend and look at the hardware aisle for a while. For the time being, I have started to use a cargo bed spring from Harbor Freight that starts at the floor and pushes up to the roof...
craig333
Expedition Leader
I'm not familiar with the Phoenix lift system but I know its radically different than the system FWC/ATC uses. I'm not sure if the outside lift assist struts many of use would work on your rig, they very well may. I wouldn't want to count on mine to keep the roof up in windy conditions but they will hold it up.