In the process of checking all the systems in our newly acquired 2018 230 RL, we found when running the furnace it filled the entire trailer with a terrible smell of urine. We spent the day yesterday determining that the odor is behind the bulkhead underneath. We checked behind the furnace and everywhere that we can see so far with a flashlight because an RV tech advised us to look for an animal nest. Like mice. We can’t find any sign of that so far. We are beginning to wonder if the odor is coming from below the basement in the frame, perhaps the black or gray tank? We don’t know if there have been leaks in the past. Considering drilling a small hole in the low point of the coroplast, which appears well sealed, to see if any liquid comes out. The trailer was in storage for the last year and a half. Also wondering if mice could make a nest inside the heat ducts? Any thoughts?
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Originally posted by Lenartshorty View PostIn the process of checking all the systems in our newly acquired 2018 230 RL, we found when running the furnace it filled the entire trailer with a terrible smell of urine. We spent the day yesterday determining that the odor is behind the bulkhead underneath. We checked behind the furnace and everywhere that we can see so far with a flashlight because an RV tech advised us to look for an animal nest. Like mice. We can’t find any sign of that so far. We are beginning to wonder if the odor is coming from below the basement in the frame, perhaps the black or gray tank? We don’t know if there have been leaks in the past. Considering drilling a small hole in the low point of the coroplast, which appears well sealed, to see if any liquid comes out. The trailer was in storage for the last year and a half. Also wondering if mice could make a nest inside the heat ducts? Any thoughts?
In order for the urine smell to get into the furnace, it's probably being picked up in the return air side. I pulled the drawings on your 230RL to locate the return air path. According to my latest drawing, the return vent is located under the stove. I'd focus on the area between the stove and the furnace.
Jim
Jim and Ginnie
2024 Solitude 310GK - 2020 F350 Dually
GDRV Technical Forum Moderator
GDRV Rally Support Coordinator
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Originally posted by Lenartshorty View PostIn the process of checking all the systems in our newly acquired 2018 230 RL, we found when running the furnace it filled the entire trailer with a terrible smell of urine. We spent the day yesterday determining that the odor is behind the bulkhead underneath. We checked behind the furnace and everywhere that we can see so far with a flashlight because an RV tech advised us to look for an animal nest. Like mice. We can’t find any sign of that so far. We are beginning to wonder if the odor is coming from below the basement in the frame, perhaps the black or gray tank? We don’t know if there have been leaks in the past. Considering drilling a small hole in the low point of the coroplast, which appears well sealed, to see if any liquid comes out. The trailer was in storage for the last year and a half. Also wondering if mice could make a nest inside the heat ducts? Any thoughts?
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Howard & Francine
2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlus
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Originally posted by howson View Post
Another place you might want to check is the "squirrel cage" area for any evidence of a critter. Pull off the exterior cover and peak inside.
Julie & Dave
2018 Reflection 230 RL
2020 Chevy Silverado 3/4 HD with the new 6.6 L gas engine
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Originally posted by TucsonJim View Post
Rodents are notorious for getting into places you'd never expect. Regarding the coroplast. Before cutting or drilling a hole, I'd suggest you try removing a series of screws along the edge and peering into the underbelly with a flashlight to see if there are any signs of items that need to be addressed.
In order for the urine smell to get into the furnace, it's probably being picked up in the return air side. I pulled the drawings on your 230RL to locate the return air path. According to my latest drawing, the return vent is located under the stove. I'd focus on the area between the stove and the furnace.
Jim
I had the drawer under the stove opened yesterday and did see a small piece of the furnace ducting that runs through under there all the way to our door, underneath the TV cabinet. As near as I can tell there is an air return or floor grate to the basement behind the toilet in the bathroom, but there is no attached ducting there.Last edited by Lenartshorty; 08-03-2021, 12:56 PM.Julie & Dave
2018 Reflection 230 RL
2020 Chevy Silverado 3/4 HD with the new 6.6 L gas engine
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Lenartshorty Perhaps that furry nose in your avatar could help locate the problem. My money is on a rodent leaving it's calling card and a pile of nesting material in or near a duct for the furnace.
Good Luck
Daveflyfshrockies, 2021 imagine 2600RB, Ford F-150, XLT supper crew 3.5 eco boost with max tow. Dave and Toni (and the awesome Aussie Bayley, he's the social one)
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Originally posted by Lenartshorty View Post
I had the drawer under the stove opened yesterday and did see a small piece of the furnace ducting that runs through under there all the way to our door, underneath the TV cabinet. As near as I can tell there is an air return or floor grate to the basement behind the toilet in the bathroom, but there is no attached ducting there.
Jim and Ginnie
2024 Solitude 310GK - 2020 F350 Dually
GDRV Technical Forum Moderator
GDRV Rally Support Coordinator
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Originally posted by flyfshrockies View PostLenartshorty Perhaps that furry nose in your avatar could help locate the problem. My money is on a rodent leaving it's calling card and a pile of nesting material in or near a duct for the furnace.
Good Luck
Dave
Julie & Dave
2018 Reflection 230 RL
2020 Chevy Silverado 3/4 HD with the new 6.6 L gas engine
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Originally posted by TucsonJim View Post
Julie - I went back to the prints and took a look at some photos and it sure looks like the return air path is actually under the bottom drawer under the sink. I'm attaching a photo below to show the entrance to the return path. But designs change all the time, so I wouldn't be surprised if it was routed behind the toilet at one time or another.
Julie & Dave
2018 Reflection 230 RL
2020 Chevy Silverado 3/4 HD with the new 6.6 L gas engine
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Lenartshorty Glad you found the blockage. Next is finding the entrance area for the critters. It is amazing what tiny holes they can use, look in the unlikely spots, I have seen the dernd things jump 3 feet to try and get into a motor home we had. You might want to borrow the neighbors cat as an advisor for your pup.
Daveflyfshrockies, 2021 imagine 2600RB, Ford F-150, XLT supper crew 3.5 eco boost with max tow. Dave and Toni (and the awesome Aussie Bayley, he's the social one)
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Julie
The first photo is the cold air return behind the toilet , not sure why it is placed there. Cover that when using the AC , uncover when using the furnace. Covering helps keep the cold air from filling the pass thru storage. Looking down into that register you can see into the pass thru storage , this will be behind the rearward wall that is removable, lots of fun things to find behind that wall.
BrianBrian & Michelle
2018 Reflection 29RS
2022 Chevy 3500HD
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Originally posted by Country Campers View Post
Julie
The first photo is the cold air return behind the toilet , not sure why it is placed there. Cover that when using the AC , uncover when using the furnace. Covering helps keep the cold air from filling the pass thru storage. Looking down into that register you can see into the pass thru storage , this will be behind the rearward wall that is removable, lots of fun things to find behind that wall.
Brian
Hubbie saw the rearward wall, that looked impossible almost to access; hope there is never a need. 🤪Julie & Dave
2018 Reflection 230 RL
2020 Chevy Silverado 3/4 HD with the new 6.6 L gas engine
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Originally posted by flyfshrockies View PostLenartshorty Glad you found the blockage. Next is finding the entrance area for the critters. It is amazing what tiny holes they can use, look in the unlikely spots, I have seen the dernd things jump 3 feet to try and get into a motor home we had. You might want to borrow the neighbors cat as an advisor for your pup.
DaveJulie & Dave
2018 Reflection 230 RL
2020 Chevy Silverado 3/4 HD with the new 6.6 L gas engine
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