RV Maintenance and Technical Tips - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Russ Ranger · Russ Ranger

Several months ago one of the topics on the forum was about replacing the vinyl topper covers on slideouts. Tough Tops Awning was recommended as an alternative to using the original manufactures replacement materials. I called and talked to Ray and he proved to be a wealth of knowledge. I had no i...

MarkS · MarkS

Getting ready to buy a sewer hose. what is the recommended length? 20' and 28' are available. Before you ask, Drain Master.

Boxrkisses · Boxrkisses

Is there something I can buy that would allow me to plug into my parents house when we stay there so that we dont have to run generator? I "think" we run on 30 amp....I know for sure its not 50.

EggerMar · EggerMar

My 5th wheel has a fireplace in the living area. There are 2 AC units, one in the main living area and one in the bedroom. Also has a separate thermostat in each of those areas as well. The thermostat has 4 options to choose from FAN - Have not used this yet, but I assume it just brings in air for circulatio...

cherylbrv · cherylbrv

Forgive me if I posted this in the wrong section. A fifth wheel (2006 Excel 33RSE Limited) that I have my eye on does not currently have a generator (owners never planned on f/t'ing in it or boondocking - it was to be only for weekend getaways). They say there is plenty of room in the basement to put one. On...

Terry and Jo · Terry and Jo

Granted, all those years didn't include an inverter except for the last 3 or so. We learned something new this weekend when we had a power issue. We've been living in the Mobile Suites now for almost 3 years and never had an issue with tripping breakers or blowing fuses. Yesterday morning, we were up a...

cherylbrv · cherylbrv

Other than buying "RV for Dummies", can anyone recommend a special training book or program that explains everything, soup to nuts, about owning and maintaining an RV - how it all works, how it's put together, etc etc etc.?

pheasantplucker · pheasantplucker

We recently purchased a smarter tools 2000w generator from Costco (Yamaha motor). When we plug it into the trailer it will not run on the "smart idle" position and overloads even when we have nothing running in the trailer. When taken off the "smart idle" it revs really high and...

Crazy70red · Crazy70red

Ok, so I'm not the handiest person in the world. Need some advice please. Maytag stackable W/D model lte5243dq5. Will this fit in my Big Horn, 2012 3670RL??? Any insight would be appreciated. Dawn

piggy · piggy

Have not been able to get a message posted on Evergreen site. Need help: My black water exit valve is broken(pin is stripped out with valve closed). I am looking to purchase a replacement slide. And also a cap to replace the end cover to the outside. My plans are to cut off the end cap then retrieve the sli...

Cschwang · Cschwang

Recently purchased a Winnebago VIA with an Onan diesel generator. Temperatures here have been in the teens and dipping down into the single digits. I know that diesels don't like cold weather and can be hard to start in these low temps. It usually takes several tries to get it running, but once running...

NWescapee · NWescapee

Living for many years in the Pacific NW with all the rain we definitely wanted awnings over the slides. However, our first winter as FT'ers in AZ & TX we're now wondering if that is wise given the wind, wind and more wind we've experienced. Our future travel plans include the PNW only in summer, th...

Talensnana · Talensnana

My better half wanted me to ask if some input on water filters. Are any brands better than others, how many filter stages should it have, and any other information would be helpful. Is it better to have one that connects inside or outside? Should we get ones that are connected individually to the fau...

RickandJanice · RickandJanice

Angel Soft toilet paper warning!! For those of you who are not aware, Angel Soft toilet paper has changed to "Stronger and Softer design". What this means to us RV'rs is that it no longer breaks down in the holding tanks. We had heard about some people having issues but since we had not and the...

DeeJee · DeeJee

The campground did electrical work today and crossed some wires which has burnt out some of our electrical, cable box, Wii, washer and central vac. The adjuster can't come until Monday so we don't want to cause any more damage until they can look at it. We're going to stay in a hotel so we don't cause mo...

mesquite47 · mesquite47

I am thinking of purchasing the electrical protector and understand that it will cut power to the rig if it detects low or high voltage on either leg , but , what if I am at a location where 30 amp service is all that is there. How will this 50 amp protector react ? I hate to spend $350 if it only works with a 50 a...

Terry and Jo · Terry and Jo

Another of the PEX fittings blew out on our fifth wheel. I don't know how many other manufacturers other than DRV Suites use those fittings, but I'm not really impressed with them. We first had a blow-out of a fitting on our toilet a while back, and this latest issue was with the hot water line going to t...

BillyBunker · BillyBunker

Why does it seem that all RV entry doors open to the outward? Doesn't an entry door that opens outward; a) expose the door to the elements like rain, snow and dust when open? b) cause the door to swing open fast in unforeseen windy conditions? c) result in the door interfering with awnings that are angle...

cep1 · cep1

We will be stationary with FHU for the next few months and want to know what water level I should keep in my fresh water tank to minimize molds and other problems?

MarkS · MarkS

I had an opportunity to drive a truck to Los Angeles and back during the night. The truck had LED headlights. I really liked them. They lit up the road nicely. I found this website that has replacements for many common bulbs. www.lifetimeledlights.com They are a little pricey @ about $150 a pair but if...

Cschwang · Cschwang

Just purchased a Winnebago VIA, our first motor home. I know that maintaining correct tire pressure is important for safety, correct tire wear, and economy. My problem is that I can't figure out how to check and inflate the dual rear tires on this motor home. The manual is not much help and the dealer su...

Alie and Jims Carrilite · Alie and Jims Carrilite

So we finally got our license plates for South Dakota! Question is- On the truck tag, they sent 2 stickers 1 that says "tonnage" and the other that is for the renewal month. There's only 1 allotted spot on the tag so which 1 do I use? Pics would be wonderful!

el Rojo and Pam · el Rojo and Pam

http://www.rvupgradestore.com/Portable-Surge-Guard-50-amp-p/55-2569.htm

Missy · Missy

We have been living in our 1198 Jayco 32' Class C for nearly a year and all has gone well. BUT, we have one nagging issue that is going to get bigger as the temps warm up. The air conditioner works and blows very cold air, but only down through the rear vents and not so much out to the front vents. We took of t...

TRAILERKING · TRAILERKING

http://www.rapid-fix.com/ Any one carry this around with them on the road. Great thing to have for those "Emergency" fixes. Quite a wonder product......and Made in the USA, Not CHINESIUM. Look over their Website. It's quite informative. -- Edited by TRAILERKING on Monday 10th of Febr...

Grams · Grams

We made it until this morning without freezing up. Hubby went out to drain tanks and found he had left a valve open. Blocked everything from draining. Thankfully a man in our park has a 55,000 btu torpedo style heater, another had a couple of sheets of styrofoam insulation and in an hour all was flowing...

Texas TomT · Texas TomT

Trying to un-stop a clog in my black tank. 1998 National RV Dolphin 5350. Any suggestions? What is the orientation of the black tank in relation to the commode. I need to know which direction to go, to try and unstop or roto-root. Any help appreciated. thanks tom

mtroast · mtroast

I have a 2008 DRV Mobile Suites 38'. Does anyone know how the tanks are situated? I'm assuming that from front to back it's the Fresh Water Tank, followed by the Grey Water Tank, followed by the Black Water Tank. I could be totally wrong> I'm assuming that none of the tanks are stacked but again I c...

mtroast · mtroast

I have a 2008 MS 38' and have a question. Is there a switch for the tank heater pads? Does the grey tank have a heat pad or does it rely on the belly heat from the furnace in cold weather. We've been in our RV in Brighton, CO for the last 3 winters. Have most of the winter issues worked out. However, last night i...

DeeJee · DeeJee

Every evening our 5er makes these popping noises on the drivers side (occasionally on the passenger side) undercarriage/ slider areas, usually the dining/fridge area, but tonight it's in the front (we have a front LR) which shakes the 5er. Happens ever few minutes. Any ideas??

Topic		Started By	Replies	Views	Last Post
	Slideout Replacement Vinyl Installed Yesterday (Preview) Several months ago one of the topics on the forum was about replacing the vinyl topper covers on slideouts. Tough Tops Awning was recommended as an alternative to using the original manufactures replacement materials. I called and talked to Ray and he proved to be a wealth of knowledge. I had no i...	Russ Ranger	3	1263	10:40 AM Mar 19, 2014 by Russ Ranger
	Recommended Sewer Hose Length (Preview) Getting ready to buy a sewer hose. what is the recommended length? 20' and 28' are available. Before you ask, Drain Master.	MarkS	16	9105	11:18 AM Mar 17, 2014 by MarkS
	plug into house? (Preview) Is there something I can buy that would allow me to plug into my parents house when we stay there so that we dont have to run generator? I "think" we run on 30 amp....I know for sure its not 50.	Boxrkisses	11	2972	05:03 AM Mar 17, 2014 by Jim01
	Furnace/ Heat Pump...what's the diff? (Preview) My 5th wheel has a fireplace in the living area. There are 2 AC units, one in the main living area and one in the bedroom. Also has a separate thermostat in each of those areas as well. The thermostat has 4 options to choose from FAN - Have not used this yet, but I assume it just brings in air for circulatio...	EggerMar	4	1001	03:25 PM Mar 16, 2014 by Terry and Jo
	Installing a generator and A/C question (Preview) Forgive me if I posted this in the wrong section. A fifth wheel (2006 Excel 33RSE Limited) that I have my eye on does not currently have a generator (owners never planned on f/t'ing in it or boondocking - it was to be only for weekend getaways). They say there is plenty of room in the basement to put one. On...	cherylbrv	14	1309	06:03 PM Mar 14, 2014 by Terry and Jo
	Still Learning After All These Years (Preview) Granted, all those years didn't include an inverter except for the last 3 or so. We learned something new this weekend when we had a power issue. We've been living in the Mobile Suites now for almost 3 years and never had an issue with tripping breakers or blowing fuses. Yesterday morning, we were up a...	Terry and Jo	6	1087	08:44 AM Mar 12, 2014 by Grams
	Recommendations on training? (Preview) Other than buying "RV for Dummies", can anyone recommend a special training book or program that explains everything, soup to nuts, about owning and maintaining an RV - how it all works, how it's put together, etc etc etc.?	cherylbrv	3	765	06:51 PM Mar 9, 2014 by TheNewhalls
	new generator overloading generator generator problems boondocking (Preview) We recently purchased a smarter tools 2000w generator from Costco (Yamaha motor). When we plug it into the trailer it will not run on the "smart idle" position and overloads even when we have nothing running in the trailer. When taken off the "smart idle" it revs really high and...	pheasantplucker	1	2955	06:40 PM Mar 9, 2014 by Lucky Mike
	Stackable W/D (Preview) Ok, so I'm not the handiest person in the world. Need some advice please. Maytag stackable W/D model lte5243dq5. Will this fit in my Big Horn, 2012 3670RL??? Any insight would be appreciated. Dawn	Crazy70red	4	1193	05:02 PM Mar 8, 2014 by Den-Bev
	Evergreen parts? (Preview) Have not been able to get a message posted on Evergreen site. Need help: My black water exit valve is broken(pin is stripped out with valve closed). I am looking to purchase a replacement slide. And also a cap to replace the end cover to the outside. My plans are to cut off the end cap then retrieve the sli...	piggy	2	642	11:55 AM Mar 8, 2014 by Alie and Jims Carrilite
	Diesel generator hard starting (Preview) Recently purchased a Winnebago VIA with an Onan diesel generator. Temperatures here have been in the teens and dipping down into the single digits. I know that diesels don't like cold weather and can be hard to start in these low temps. It usually takes several tries to get it running, but once running...	Cschwang	6	3336	09:07 PM Mar 5, 2014 by TRAILERKING
	Awnings over the slides?? Keep or get rid of? (Preview) Living for many years in the Pacific NW with all the rain we definitely wanted awnings over the slides. However, our first winter as FT'ers in AZ & TX we're now wondering if that is wise given the wind, wind and more wind we've experienced. Our future travel plans include the PNW only in summer, th...	NWescapee	16	1360	12:52 PM Mar 5, 2014 by Bill and Linda
	Water filters (Preview) My better half wanted me to ask if some input on water filters. Are any brands better than others, how many filter stages should it have, and any other information would be helpful. Is it better to have one that connects inside or outside? Should we get ones that are connected individually to the fau...	Talensnana	7	1084	05:40 AM Mar 4, 2014 by Hdrider
	Angel Soft TP Warning (Preview) Angel Soft toilet paper warning!! For those of you who are not aware, Angel Soft toilet paper has changed to "Stronger and Softer design". What this means to us RV'rs is that it no longer breaks down in the holding tanks. We had heard about some people having issues but since we had not and the...	RickandJanice	14	8395	10:25 PM Feb 27, 2014 by TRAILERKING
	Our RV Dreams Almost Went Up In Smoke (Preview) The campground did electrical work today and crossed some wires which has burnt out some of our electrical, cable box, Wii, washer and central vac. The adjuster can't come until Monday so we don't want to cause any more damage until they can look at it. We're going to stay in a hotel so we don't cause mo...	DeeJee	37	2306	06:26 PM Feb 26, 2014 by DeeJee
	portable 50 amp surge gaurd with LCD display question (Preview) I am thinking of purchasing the electrical protector and understand that it will cut power to the rig if it detects low or high voltage on either leg , but , what if I am at a location where 30 amp service is all that is there. How will this 50 amp protector react ? I hate to spend $350 if it only works with a 50 a...	mesquite47	4	670	09:12 PM Feb 25, 2014 by kb0zke
	Had a Recent Plumbing Issue (Preview) Another of the PEX fittings blew out on our fifth wheel. I don't know how many other manufacturers other than DRV Suites use those fittings, but I'm not really impressed with them. We first had a blow-out of a fitting on our toilet a while back, and this latest issue was with the hot water line going to t...	Terry and Jo	38	4868	07:00 PM Feb 25, 2014 by Terry and Jo
	----> Somebody tell me why please !!! (Preview) Why does it seem that all RV entry doors open to the outward? Doesn't an entry door that opens outward; a) expose the door to the elements like rain, snow and dust when open? b) cause the door to swing open fast in unforeseen windy conditions? c) result in the door interfering with awnings that are angle...	BillyBunker	28	5085	11:48 AM Feb 25, 2014 by Barbaraok
	fresh water tank when FHU (Preview) We will be stationary with FHU for the next few months and want to know what water level I should keep in my fresh water tank to minimize molds and other problems?	cep1	11	1898	03:17 PM Feb 23, 2014 by kb0zke
	LED Headlamp Replacements (Preview) I had an opportunity to drive a truck to Los Angeles and back during the night. The truck had LED headlights. I really liked them. They lit up the road nicely. I found this website that has replacements for many common bulbs. www.lifetimeledlights.com They are a little pricey @ about $150 a pair but if...	MarkS	1	612	07:57 AM Feb 23, 2014 by Alie and Jims Carrilite
	Tire pressure on dual rear tires (Preview) Just purchased a Winnebago VIA, our first motor home. I know that maintaining correct tire pressure is important for safety, correct tire wear, and economy. My problem is that I can't figure out how to check and inflate the dual rear tires on this motor home. The manual is not much help and the dealer su...	Cschwang	11	6015	10:07 AM Feb 20, 2014 by Clay L
	License Plates (Preview) So we finally got our license plates for South Dakota! Question is- On the truck tag, they sent 2 stickers 1 that says "tonnage" and the other that is for the renewal month. There's only 1 allotted spot on the tag so which 1 do I use? Pics would be wonderful!	Alie and Jims Carrilite	5	1410	07:03 PM Feb 19, 2014 by Alie and Jims Carrilite
	Surge protection. (Preview) http://www.rvupgradestore.com/Portable-Surge-Guard-50-amp-p/55-2569.htm	el Rojo and Pam	19	3625	07:54 AM Feb 17, 2014 by Bill and Linda
	One Air Conditioning Unit bad air flow forward (Preview) We have been living in our 1198 Jayco 32' Class C for nearly a year and all has gone well. BUT, we have one nagging issue that is going to get bigger as the temps warm up. The air conditioner works and blows very cold air, but only down through the rear vents and not so much out to the front vents. We took of t...	Missy	3	1021	05:16 PM Feb 14, 2014 by lindy
	RAPID FIX! (Preview) http://www.rapid-fix.com/ Any one carry this around with them on the road. Great thing to have for those "Emergency" fixes. Quite a wonder product......and Made in the USA, Not CHINESIUM. Look over their Website. It's quite informative. -- Edited by TRAILERKING on Monday 10th of Febr...	TRAILERKING	6	1031	08:05 PM Feb 10, 2014 by TRAILERKING
	Frozen and very thankful! (Preview) We made it until this morning without freezing up. Hubby went out to drain tanks and found he had left a valve open. Blocked everything from draining. Thankfully a man in our park has a 55,000 btu torpedo style heater, another had a couple of sheets of styrofoam insulation and in an hour all was flowing...	Grams	5	902	05:55 PM Feb 9, 2014 by Grams
	Location of black tank for Class A (Preview) Trying to un-stop a clog in my black tank. 1998 National RV Dolphin 5350. Any suggestions? What is the orientation of the black tank in relation to the commode. I need to know which direction to go, to try and unstop or roto-root. Any help appreciated. thanks tom	Texas TomT	3	667	12:55 PM Feb 9, 2014 by lindy
	Tank Locations? (Preview) I have a 2008 DRV Mobile Suites 38'. Does anyone know how the tanks are situated? I'm assuming that from front to back it's the Fresh Water Tank, followed by the Grey Water Tank, followed by the Black Water Tank. I could be totally wrong> I'm assuming that none of the tanks are stacked but again I c...	mtroast	4	2522	06:25 PM Feb 8, 2014 by mtroast
	Tank Heater Pads (Preview) I have a 2008 MS 38' and have a question. Is there a switch for the tank heater pads? Does the grey tank have a heat pad or does it rely on the belly heat from the furnace in cold weather. We've been in our RV in Brighton, CO for the last 3 winters. Have most of the winter issues worked out. However, last night i...	mtroast	6	1339	05:31 PM Feb 8, 2014 by Lonney Wade
	Evening Noises (Preview) Every evening our 5er makes these popping noises on the drivers side (occasionally on the passenger side) undercarriage/ slider areas, usually the dining/fridge area, but tonight it's in the front (we have a front LR) which shakes the 5er. Happens ever few minutes. Any ideas??	DeeJee	4	1620	09:13 PM Feb 3, 2014 by 0nTheRoad
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