Re: 3 Days without Sewer Gas Smell
I had the same problem with a 2009 BigHorn 3580...... all four vent pipes were 1" to 2" short of the roof cap covers. The black water pipe vent had a large roof cut-out which allowed me to place 2 fingers through the roof and past the insulation. The smell was awful when dumping the tanks or flushing the toilet. I also noticed the smell through the air conditioner vents when it was running. This was no slight "wiff" of odor, but a strong blast that was lingering and unacceptable. I did not have this problem last year, so I'm not sure if it was due to the heat we experienced this summer or if the gap in the roof added to the problem. I did notice the problem at the Nashville Rally and heard similar comments from a few other attendees.
Here was my fix which has been working since I reconfigured the vents two weeks after the rally. For the 3 gray water pipes, I was able to cut a small piece of pvc pipe and slip it through the vent cover fixtures so the pipe cleared the fitting, but allowed an air gap when the top cover was attached. The black water pipe was cut at an angle which would have allowed a gap, so I had to carefully remove the fitting, add a pvc pipe connector and a small section of pipe. I was fortunate since I was able to re-attach the fitting using the same screw holes and placement. I completed the job by liberally applying the self leveling caulk. I also added a small bead of silicon caulk, (to all of the vent pipes), to the area where the pipe clears the vent cover fitting. This completely sealed the vent pipes to the exterior of the coach and prevented any seepage by rain or melting snow. The results were instantly noticed and while I'm a bit disappointed in the construction technique/QC, I'm thrilled with the results.
I'm going to take a guess at this, but I can't believe this could be a simple mistake since all four vent pipes were short. I think there was a huge QC error if the pipes were installed from the underside without checking the actual roof side clearance. The second option is worse since it means the tech simply installed the vent covers knowing the pipes were rough cut and short.
In any event, I'm thrilled the problem is fixed. I am very satisfied with every other aspect of my coach except the plumbing. All of my problems have been related to plumbing issues involving bad components (i.e. fixtures, fittings, check valves, etc) or plumbing installation issues.
That said, the overall appearance, fit and finish of my coach are excellent and I have been very satisfied with Heartlands' support (thanks Eric), particularly the extra miles they go for their customer. I especially appreciate the support at the rallies and the customer deals (just installed the LevelUp system at huge savings). My hope is that this is an isolated problem which has been properly addressed through the construction and QC process.
I do have some pictures which may better explain the problem and solution, but I haven't quite figured out the way to post them. If you are expereincing the same problem, (you will no doubt know it) drop me a line and I can forward the pictures.
Best Regards,
Chuck Dvorak
2009 BigHorn 3850PL
2004 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Quad Cab
HOC# 1229