It’s time for the Lug_Nut RV Trivia Challenge. Are you an RV Guru, a fairly well informed RV enthusiast, or are you an “RV For Dummies” candidate? Check it out and let’s hear how you score.
Alright, if you are up to the challenge, let’s see how you do.
1) When changing lanes you use your directional signal. The signal should be canceled when…
- A) When you are completely in the new lane.
- B) When you are at least half way into the new lane.
- C) As soon as you start crossing into the new lane.
2) When descending a steep long grade and slowing is needed, the service brakes should be…
- A) Not needed
- B) Applied lightly during the descent
- C) Applied hard and released as needed
3) The coolant in a large diesel engine is….
- A) Polypropylene antifreeze.
- B) Special antifreeze made for sleeved diesel engines.
- C) Is the same glycol that is used in all engines.
4) What is an ICC switch for?
- A) To switch daytime running lights on and off.
- B) To signal other traffic.
- C) To verify your headlights are not on high.
5) What is meant if a front axle is referred to as having “Wet hubs”?
- A) A seal failure has occurred in the front hubs.
- B) Water has seeped into the front axle housing.
- C) The hubs are oil bath type.
- D) The bearing grease has turned to a liquid state.
6) At what pressure do you maintain your RV tires at?
- A) Using the weight of the vehicle and based on the tire makers specifications.
- B) At the pressure shown on the sidewall of every tire sold.
- C) At whatever the tire manufacturer specified maximum pressure is.
7) If your transmission temperature gets too high, what’s the best way to cool it.
- A) Stop, and speed up the engine while in neutral.
- B) Shift into the highest gear you can to slow the pinion speed.
- C) Stop then Shut off the engine.
8) What is the correct hitch weight for a trailer that is 3500 lbs. gross weight?
- A) 350 lbs.
- B) 100 lbs.
- C) Between 500 and 750 lbs.
- D) Hitch weight has no bearing on trailer weight.
9) When turning left at an intersection that has two left turn lanes, which lane should you use for your over-average vehicle length?
- A) The inner, far left lane.
- B) The outer far right lane.
- C) Either will work.
10) What was the unique feature of the older 6-71, 6-92, 8V-71, 8V-92, and like Detroit Diesel engines?
- A) They would run on gas or diesel fuel.
- B) They were a two stroke engines.
- C) They were made by Cummins.
- D) All of the above.
11) Where are Prevost coach frames and shells made?
- A) Miami
- B) California
- C) Alberta, Canada
- D) Quebec, Canada
- E) France
12) The Triton engine is a …. Product.
- A) Freightliner
- B) Work Horse
- C) Ford
- D) Detroit Diesel
13) What is a turbo waste gate?
- A) A fast dumping black tank valve that uses a garden sized dump hose.
- B) It acts as a boost regulator on a turbo charger.
- C) It catches unburned fuel and recycles it through the engine.
- D) A new high speed trash compactor available in highline coaches.
14) What does the term “common rail” refer to?
- A) Fuel injection manifold.
- B) Chassis main frame rails.
- C) A cheap way to ship parts.
- D) An assistant handle located at the door of a coach.
15) What company produced the popular “Dolphin” gas coach?
- A) Winnebago
- B) Fleetwood
- C) Alpine Coach
- D) National
16) What is the most popular sized inverter used in “A” coaches today?
- A) 7 to 10 kw
- B) 100 to 300 watts
- C) 2 to 3 kw
- D) 4000 to 6000 watts
17) Generally RV class size from larger to smaller is…..
- A) C, B, A.
- B) A.B.C.
- C) A.C.B.
- D) B.A.C.
18) A 30 amp campground power outlet delivers 30 amps @ 120 VAC. What does a full 50 amp output?
- A) 60 amps @ 120 VAC
- B) 50 amps @ 240 VAC
- C) 50 amps @ 120 VAC
19) Air brakes are controlled the following way.
- A) Air on for service brakes, air off for spring applied parking brakes.
- B) Air off for service brakes, air off for spring applied parking brakes.
- C) Air off for service brakes, air on for spring applied parking brakes.
- D) Both the service brakes and the park brake operate the same.
20) What is the best voltage to set an AGS (Auto Gen Start) at?
- A) 12.3 volts
- B) 11.5 volts
- C) 12.5 volts
- D) 13.0 volts
- E) 10.5 volts
- So, how did you do? Check the answers below.
Answers:
1) A – When you are completely in the new lane.
2) C – Applied hard and released as needed
3) B – Special antifreeze made for sleeved diesel engines.
4) B – To signal other traffic.
5) C – The hubs are oil bath type.
6) A – Using the weight of the vehicle and based on the tire makers specifications.
7) A – Speed up the engine while in neutral.
8) A – 350 lbs.
9) B – The outer far right lane.
10) B – They were a two stroke engines.
11) D – Quebec, Canada
12) C – Ford
13) B – It acts as a boost regulator on a turbo charger.
14) A – Fuel injection manifold.
15) D – National
16) C – 2 to 3 kw
17) C – A.C.B
18) B – 50 amps @ 240 VAC
19) A – Air on for foundation service brakes, air off for spring applied parking brake
20) B – 11.5 volts
Here’s your rating based on your score.
20 – Super RV Guru
18 – Well informed RV enthusiast
16 – Pretty smart
14 – Probably about normal
12 – Below average RV knowledge
10 – Possible candidate for “RV For Dummies”
Under 10 – Good Night Nurse! Better give the keys to someone else.
Now, let’s hear how you scored. Also if any clarifications are needed, please specify in the comments section below.
With Tantalizing Trivia – Lug_Nut – Peter Mercer
Don’t miss February’s The RV Mystery Challenge Question this Saturday March 14th
Jim
17 of 20 Thanks for the quiz. Light steady pressure on brakes create heat. Along with downshifting and exhaust brake, I apply and release to get the speed down usually on grade of more than 6%. Other than that I’m a pretty good guesser:-)
Lug_Nut
David Greer, Why would anyone consider plugging their MH into a dryer plug? A 50 amp RV output is 50 amps at 240 vac, or 100 amps at 120 vac. The two 120 vac are out of phase to produce 240 across the hots. Boats are again more challenging. 240 vac with only three contacts. Two hot 110 vac and one neutral. Ground is the water. Thanks for your great, albeit challenging input.
Lug_Nut
L M “Luke, Excellent input. Thanks for your great input. It really helps to educate all of us. Thank you.
Joel Ashley
I agree, Lee. Assuming you’re using your exhaust brake and proper gear, if you do need the service brake it should be to only moderate your momentum, then releease and let cool. Keeping “light” pressure on the service brakes will still cause heat-up, and conceivably use up the air in the tanks faster than the engine can pump it in; can’t say as I’ve ever encountered a situation where the pump didn’t keep up though.
Got 17 or 18 of the questions, with a couple educated guesses and a couple I had no clue about (where Prevosts are made). Good test of our skills though. Appreciate the wake-up before travel season commences.
Lee Harbula
I learned the answer to Question #2 in my CDL classes years ago. The REAL reason why you do not want to continuously “ride the brake” is because of air supply. Both riding the brakes and “jab and release” heat up the brakes. But riding the brakes can use up your air supply for the air brakes FASTER than it can be recouped, thereby leaving you with NO brakes on a long decline (over 3 miles of braking).
David Greer
#18 If you apply 240 volts to your coach you will fry it.(Thousands of Dollars to repair) 240 volts is for houses with dryers, ovens, etc. What you have in an RV are two independent 120v lines (left and right vertical slots/studs) with a common (bottom vertical slot/stud) and a ground (top flat/rounded slot/stud). When they are tied together they give you 240 volts. NEVER plug your coach into a dryer, welding, etc. plug. Although the plugs look the same they are very different.
L M "Luke " Lucas
I failed on who manufactures the high end coach but as a trucker through the fifties and sixties I soon learned not to drag the brakes continously all the way down the hill. Also before Jake brakes,Hydratarders, and exhaust brakes the old rule of thumb was use the same speed and gear going down the grade that you could maintain coming up the grade. Also we didn’t dare pull the cummins over 2100 rpm going uphill or go down hill over 1500 rpm as with a closed throttle under compression you would score the discs in the fuel ump due to lack of lubrication.Sure is a different ballgame today. For those who do not recognize the name Hydratarder, it was the equvilant of a reverse centrifugal water pump on the drive line through which the flow of water from a tank behind the cab could be controlled(restricted) thus helping to controll the speed of the rig. Also the logging trucks used a system that sprayed cool water onto the brake drums. Well now I have given away my age as well as having provided much more information than the average RV owner would ever want or need to know. Thought it might be interesting to some.
John Davis
Well, I got a 16, Did not know where a couple of RV’s where made or by who, and I’m not all that good on Diesels, though I did not Detroit Diesels were 2-stroke
Did well on the rest of ’em though
NOTE: I feel brand specific issues, Like who made the trition (I knew it’s ford) are or who made a model or where it’s made, are unfair, as,, Well if you ask me who made the coach I drive, or where. I could answer,, but I the models above I do not know, as a general rule. (My brother drives a Detroit Diesel is why I knew that one)
Gary
I didn’t do very well on the test, but I did get #2. When I was a teenager my dad and I would haul our peaches from CA to OR. Going over Mt. Ashland it was 15 MPH up and 13-18 MPH down. I think that if we would have “Applied lightly during the descent” by the time we got to the bottom we would have been out of brakes and in real danger.
Winona Lawson
I scored 11. Does that make me an RV for Dummies candidate? I think not. I own a gas coach. I know about MY coach. I don’t know about diesels, or air powered brakes because I do not use them. I don’t know where a Prevost coach is manufactured. Nor do I know who manufactures all models of coaches, 5ers and trailers. Why does knowing where a high end coach is manfactured or who manufactures a certain coach count in knowing how to operate or maintain my RV? Perhaps I’ll reaseach Prevost when I win the lottery, but then again, probably not.
Horknee
17correct
The 240v really threw me as I have no 240 plugs in my unit
Lug_Nut
Ron Finet, Thanks for your explanation, I’m sure it will help clear up any misunderstandings. Thank you for your helpful input.
Lug_Nut
Team RicKim, The question persumes normal gearing down has been done, and in the case of a unit with a Pac Brake or compression brake, the transmission is automatically already seeking a lower gear. Thank you for your valued input.
Lug_Nut
Dave, Sounds like you scored well anyway. Thanks for the feedback.
Lug_Nut
Roger Weare, The “A” is the correct answer as it was stated. I do understand how one could be confused with the question. You did very well however. Thank you for your input.
Ron Finet
There seems to be differing opinions as to the voltage available at a 50 amp receptacle. The truth is that both 120 and 240 volts are available, depending on which two pins are connected. There are two “hot” pins, one neutral and one ground pin. Anything connected between one of the “hot” pins and the neutral pin will see 120 volts. anything connected between the two “hot” pins will see 240 volts. The ground pin is to be used for grounding only and never as part of the power circuit even though you will see the same voltages as when measuring to the neutral. If you are still confused, it will be wise to seek help from a competent electrician. Be careful, as in all trades, “licensed, journeyman” doesn’t automatically equate to competent. I hope this clears up some of the fog.
Team RicKim
I’m pretty new to RV’ing, was in the Army 10 years and I decided to jump in with both feet with a Tiffin Bus 40′ Desiel. I did pretty good but now confused with the braking. I was under the assumption (I know what that means from the Bad News Bears) that I would simply pick a lower gear and lower if necessary along with hitting the brake to not skid but put it in check for slowing down.
I just bought this home back in October, did a lot of research then flew down to North Carolina to drive it back to Jersey on the maiden voyage so there were no steep hills. I even picked the correct lanes for my turns in the middle of lovely DC rush hour traffic where my GPS told me a “short cut”.
Thanks for the quiz, not like our DMV here, you get a wrong answer and they don’t tell you what you missed.
Rick and Kim
Dave
After spending a good part of my working life writing “multiple guess” exams I kinda think of myself as………….. well pretty good at them, and have missed very few answers. I did miss the 15 Dolphin and the 18 50 amp questions though. I guess I was thinking 3 phase 240??? and in my defense I always got to study before an exam..
Roger Weare
19 out of 20 —
#19 needs much better definition of the word “controlled”. Is the vehicle parked, stopped or rolling down the highway? Depending on the answer A or C is correct.
Pingback: The RV Trivia Challenge No. 2
Lug_Nut
Bill. It is a trivia. Actually 13 of the questions were applicable to gas rigs. You might want to brush up on your diesel knowledge as diesels are not necessarily more maintainance. The oil in a gas rig has to be changed about 5 times for the DP’s once in milage. But, that isn’t the topic. I will bet you are not going to share your score with us. Well hopefully you got some of the 13. Thanks for your objectional, but never the less interesting input.
Bill
This is not really an RV quiz, it’s more a diesel-owner’s set of questions. I’ve owned gas rigs for 38 years and thankfully have never had to worry about most of the topics covered here. …and I do mean thankfully! Diesels seem too much of a headache in terms of cost, maintenance, external noise, and smell, IMHO.
Bill
Dennis & RoseMary
Having had a PUP, Class C and now A, helped get 17 right. Missed #4 – although I do use ICC at night as signal to others. Had no idea about #13 and #14, so I learned a couple of things. Guessed right on a couple of others.
howard
Hi Lug_Nut,
Thank you very much for the education.
Learned and keeping learning from people in rv.net.
I would like to say thank you to you all rv people.
Lug_Nut
howard, You are correct, 12.3 or so is 50% discharged, which you should not go below or damage will happen if repeated many times. That figure, however is a reading at a rested state. Your house bank is not at a rested state while providing power to various devices. In fact if you disconnected your battery bank, while it was reading 11.6 and in service, and left it for an hour, you would see it is actually around 50% or better. Thanks for asking such a great question and for your input.
howard
Good test. Got 16 out of 20.
Missed:
3. b (picked c)
8. a (picked c)
11. d (not picked at all)
20. b (picked c)
Thought 12.5V is the 50% discharge. Someone kind to explain why AGS should be 11.5V? Thank you.
I am a dreamer hoping to get into an RV in future.
John
Hi Lug_Nut,
Good brain excercise. I got 15 with a double Crown Royal in hand (parked of course). Question # 10 reminded me of my early days trucking when the Detroit’s would run in reverse. Lost some hearing in the right ear due to unique pitch of the exhaust.
Cheers,
John
Paul
Peter,
Great quiz. Suprised myself, 19 out of 20. Blew #18 flat out.
Lug_Nut
Roger, I will get back to you on your request, please hang on. Thanks again for your input.
Lug_Nut
Bill, Actually the choice of 50 amps at 240 is correct, so is 100 amps at 120. But, there was no choice for 100 amps for 120 volts, therefore the correct answer was the one given. I have, as do others, 240 volt equipment in my coach. It requires 240 VAC, that is two different buss connections to operate. The 50 amp full service camp outlets provide that. Thanks for your question and thanks for checking your score. Your input, and those others that participate, add value to the whole experience. Thankls much for your input.
Bill Engelkemier
The correct answer to #18 is 100 amps at 120 volts. You provided a lot of miss information in your answer.
Roger
Hey Lug
I got a couple of pictures that will make a great quiz on tire inflation. How do I post them?
tireman9
at
gmail
com
Lug_Nut
Wow! Keep them coming. Eventually we will have some 20/20 guru’s. Good going everybody, you might know it all, but you sure are honest.
JOHN& TERI BENWELL
LUG NUT- I Got 16 right, one I missed was class size ,I thought it ABC? JBEN.
Don.....T
whew! Got to turn in my keys,only got 8 right but (my excuse) only been 5Th Wheeling since last june. Tells me I’ve got some more studying to do PRONTO!!
mr_whit
Hi Lug-nut, good “test'”, missed 2, got #2 correct. missed #11 & 16 ( i do not have a gen on board- just in the back of the truck 5500 watt)
Truman
Very good test !!! Really had me going only got 12 right But iam not to good on tests HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
Lug_Nut
Rich, You did very well. If you guessed some of these, you had better go out and get a lotto ticket. Thanks for your honest comment.
Lug_Nut
Patrick W., How soon is the next one? Well tomorrow, Saturday the 14th, is the monthly mystery question. It is one question. The answer will be revealed on the 28th of Feb. DON’T MISS IT!
The trivia, much like the original game, have questions that may not be within ones knowledge. That’s normal. Perhaps my summary of “Score vrs. rating” is a little skewed given the variety of members and rigs they own. But, the ratings were really just for a laugh. Glad you enjoyed it.
I will do more trivia, on a regular basis depending on demand. Rating the writer’s weekly blog using the 5 stars, helps in determining the type of material the readers want. This goes for all the authors.
Thank you for taking the time to comment and your great input.
Rich D.
Wow, I got 19. Missed #12. I have to admit that I took a wild guess on a couple and got lucky.
Patrick W. Tribbey
I missed 6 out of 20. Simple: Tent camping and TT camping—just don’t use diesel fuel in those. 🙂 (Well, maybe the tow vehicle). Perhaps apply the brakes momentarily, (meaning 3, 4, or 5 seconds at a time), could be a better description for the braking question. I do have to agree with Mr. Shelton: Knowing H O W the coach is put together is generally more important than where. Good, quality workmanship is very, very difficult to find anymore. If found, costs an arm and a leg! Had to simply guess about the diesel engines! I thought only the military had multifuel engines. 🙂 Suggest that a quiz for each type may be more beneficial and FUN! 🙂
Very good quiz, though! Work the gray matter for awhile. 🙂
How soon is the next one?????
Lug_Nut
I have changed the verb “jab” to “apply”. Either way, with the choice of only three, leaves only one correct answer.
Lug_Nut
Roger, The firm short application of service brakes instead of light steady pressure is the recommended procedure and is the correct answer. Jabbed was the word used to describe short firm application.
A 50 amp camp outlet is 120 VAC at each of the L1 and L2 pins. These are out of phase and are 240 accross. This means you have 100 amps at 120 VAC. 50 amps @ 240 is the correct answer.
Lug_Nut
I guess I should have broke the scoring ratings into categories like DP ower 1+ years, gas coach owner, 5th wheel owner, etc. That would level the playing field. Again, everyone is sure honest here.
Alpenliter
Well, I guess that I’m a dummy, but in my defense, I’ve only owned a diesel for about 6 months, and I’ve never owned a motorhome. In defense of LugNuts information on braking, I’ve heard from several sources that a short, hard pressure applied to the brakes is better than slow and steady, leading to brake fade. Thanks for the information Peter!
Roger
Just did a quick check
50 Amp 120V at http://www.timberman.com/ELECTRIC/electric.htm
also here http://www.braingarage.com/Dons/Travels/RV%20tech/shore%20power.html
http://www.dyersonline.com/Products/Hughes-Autoformer-50-Amp-Voltage-Booster__17278.aspx
http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-power-cords/hughes-autoformer-kit.htm
Looks like a little more research is needed before answers are posted. Or am I missing something?
Roger
Well I only got 9. But in my defense as a new owner of a gas engine class c MH I don’t know why I even need to know some of this.
I agree with John Shelton that “Jabbing” your brakes is not a good idea. You could lock something up if you jab too hard.
As an ex-race car driver I can assure you that jabbing brakes is a quick way to upset the balance of a vehicle.
50 Amp @ 240? That’s what you have at home for something like a clothes dryer or range. I have even seen posts in some RV mag saying that pluging your RV into 240 will fry your wireing. Are you sure?
George
I admit I did not do well on this quiz. The reason is, it is a Motor Home/Coach quiz. I feel good about doing as well as I did, getting correct all 7 that concerned both Trailers and Coaches, plus several others. We have been owners of 5th Wheels not coaches and consider them(along with many others) RV’s.
rolling rod
thanks for the test it’s good to sharpen up and take time off of shoveling snow. on#2 when you say jab is it to send a strong electrical impulse to the magnets so they set and grab all the time or ??. I think all diesels should come with engine brakes there GREAT!!!!!! PS got 15 out of 20
Art & Janie Armstrong
Peter, oops, Lug_nut, I got 17 1/2. I also question the jab and unjab method but, I don’t use any of your items. I always use the Jake brake so jabing is unnecessary.
Art
Lug_Nut
Wow, You guys are too honest. John Shelton, I do not doubt your expertice, however, the question, even though not stated, was assuming you had all gearing and compression braking operating. Then, the safest way to reduce speed when needed, is firm braking to the target speed, not riding them. When you say smooth, I realize we are probably talking about the same thing. Perhaps “Jab” is an over statement, but it suited the method to best describe it. Thanks for your great comment and your expert advice. I don’t think we are disagreeing, just stating apples and oranges.
Thanks for the input.
John Shelton
I wish to take issue with you on your #2 answer. In all my years of driving both highway trucks and RV’s I have never heard anyone advise your “jab and release” method of downhill braking. The biggest problem here is that drum temperatures spike to unsafe levels on the “jab cycle” and result in advanced brake wear and often result in brake fade before the bottom of the hill because the drums and brake shoes themselves do not have sufficient time to cool between jabs. A smooth light brake pressure in conjunction proper selection of transmission gear is the desired procedure for maintaining a safe downhill speed.
I make no excuse for the other 5 I missed, except that I am more concerned with HOW my prospective Motorhome is made, not WHERE it is made.
Judy
I did sooo bad. I know I am just a beginner, but I should know more. I only got 5 right.
MikeP
50 amps @ 240 vac — wow, a 50 amp connection allow 4 times the wattage? who knew?
john Christman
Peter,
As you might have guessed I got 17 correct. One of them was a pure guess, but considering that you are from Canada and on the East Coast–I just figured this was a “trick” question. Unfortunately, I’ve never owned a Prevost. One question goes way back before my time–so you caught me there.
Now question #2 had me going for a moment. Why? Cause with an `02 Foretravel, about the ONLY time I use my service brakes is the last few seconds coming up to a stop. The rest of the time I use my Allison retarder joystick or I’m in a panic stop mode, which thankfully is very rare.
Your questions were “challenging” and I think if anyone gets all 20 of the correct, he’s an old timer who’s been around the block several times. It will be interesting to see what others post and I hope they will expound a bit.
Oh btw, I’ve been RVing going on eleven years and attended five years worth of seminars at the former Life On Wheels (LOW).