RV Maintenance and Technical Tips - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Taildragger · Taildragger

Hi, Everyone, While reading posts on another forum I was reminded of a problem we had with an old RV. It was a '91 Gulfstream 3880. Being used when we got it I expected problems, however, not this one. The black tank would not drain! I tried everything. Spraying water into the drain... I even made a press...

tonyd51 · tonyd51

I have heard that people use truck stop truck washes to keep their RV clean and looking new. Is this a true statemet? Is it like a car wash where you just pull through? Thanks for your feedback.

TonyB · TonyB

Does anyone know if the engine needs to be running (diesel, 2007 Winnebago Journey) to check the water level in the radiator?

RandV · RandV

I'm going to replace the original battery that came with my TT with two 6V golf cart batteries. Sam's Club has the Duracell brand made by Deka in PA, rated at 215 Ah. Costco has Interstate, rated at 210 Ah. Same price, Costco a little more convenient. Any opinions on which is better? Thanks!

tincanman · tincanman

I have 2016 Fuzion w/ a Norcold 1210 refrigerator. Last Thursday when I washed my RV, this High Temperature Sensor tripped and the refridge quit working. The panel was flashing this L1.oP and beeping. So I searched the forums and found info of people bypassing this switch. I wrote to Norcold and t...

keepitmovin · keepitmovin

after storing all of a sudden overdrive isn't working why ??

RonC · RonC

I have an Onan 5500 propane generator installed in the coach. It's new, like the 5th wheel, and has about 25 hours on it. I've been running it for about 10-15 minutes every few months. It always starts promptly and runs great. Does that sound like the right way to ensure it stays healthy? -- Edited by...

Neil and Connie · Neil and Connie

Is there anything that will clean the gunk off the inside of a gray tank? We have the See Level ultrasonic level indicators that New Horizons installs…and although they're better than the float type sensors they still indicate wrong when the sides of the tank get gunked up. I've tried using the built...

Sheryl E · Sheryl E

First, I will briefly vent. Theoretically, we are leaving to full time Friday morning, less than 48 hours. And, campgrounds that use a white hose for non potable water at their dump stations should be locked in a room with fourteen female cats in heat for a week. OK. I have a 2011 Berkshire DP. The inst...

RVKevi · RVKevi

We're getting ready to move next week and would like to clean our black tank. I'm sure I once read a post where someone, maybe Lucky Mike?, gave directions for using ice and Dawn, I think it was, in the holding tank while moving. But, of course, I can't find that thread! So, can someone, or even everyone...

Gpndavid · Gpndavid

We recently reunited with friends we met at Howard and Linda's boondock rally last year. We have similar motorhomes, so we often share experiences with upgrades and maintenance. Our friends told me about a tech finding some bolts loose on their slide mechanism and recommended we check ours. I pu...

swindall · swindall

Needing to replace my coach batteries ( 1st time and newbie ). It now has 2 6 volt agm golf cart batteries, they are duracell gc2 type. Question is, is this the type I need to replace with or are there better for the buck out there?

dianneandsteve · dianneandsteve

I sent the following letter to the Shade Pro website "contact us" 5 days ago and have had no response. It was reworded slightly different as it was directed to them but the content was exactly the same. At least we aren't out anything!I made an appointment through the owner of Shade Pro Mike at their bo...

cherylbrv · cherylbrv

So the serviceman came today to replace the solonoid valve but discovered that wasn't the problem -- it was a pinhole leak in the ice maker water line. He pulled out the frig and replaced the clear tubing (as an aside, he also fixed the door which kept coming off the track. Total cost was $100, which was...

RonC · RonC

I have read many threads that refer to the "black tank burps" as an indicator of when it's time to dump it. I, too, experience this and have begun using it as my indicator of dump time. My question is ... why does it do that? It's an interesting phenomenon, but I am wondering if anyone knows, or has a theo...

Camper Chronicles · Camper Chronicles

Hi All, Looks like the time for a Mor-Ryde upgrade has come. We discovered we have a bent spindle on our Axle but out warranty company is refusing to replace it because it hasn't "failed" yet. Yes I know it's ridiculous, and we have appealed but they seem to be holding firm. We wanted to upgrade at som...

Bill and Linda · Bill and Linda

Lippert addresses reports of leaking RV axlesFebruary 17, 2017ELKHART — Lippert Components today addressed reports of leaking axles resulting in grease contamination of brake pads and rotors by noting the problems are likely impacting only one-tenth of 1 percent of travel trailer and fifth whe...

BiggarView · BiggarView

As we weigh various rigs in our search, one thing that pops up in some mfrs designs is raised bowl or vessel sinks in the bathrooms. To me they would seem to be a potential maintenance risk (yeah I know, what isn't in a rolling earthquake zone) It just seems to me that a surface mounted or undermounted sink...

Big Mike · Big Mike

When I bought my class A the Ice Maker did not work in the Norcold Fridge. I have a choice of buying a new ice maker which is easy to replace myself, or Buy a tabletop ice maker. From what I can see its about a wash on cost. Judging by how long it takes for my fridge to get cold, I am assuming it will take awhile t...

Cindy T · Cindy T

Our kitchen sink is draining slowly. We've used a Zip It, but that hasn't helped much. Any suggestions for a drain cleaner that is safe for the pipes?

Neil and Connie · Neil and Connie

Has anybody heard of an issue where the outside rubber slide seals get soft and gooey so that if you touch it the goop comes off on your finger and leaves a hole in the rubber? It's not road tar or anywhere no like that…it's almost like some sort of solvent got on it and turned it into almost a gum like substan...

RonC · RonC

I have heard that it is considered a "best practice" to turn the water water off at the source whenever you leave your rig. While I get why that would be "ultra safe" ... it quickly has become tedious. Do you do this? Just curious what other full timers do. When I mention it around where I currently am a...

jrzygrl64 · jrzygrl64

Hello all! A lot of you already know us, Bill and Kelly, but for those who don't - we have been members of this forum since June 2013, and we've been full-time (largely due to Howard & Linda's awesome blog and forum) since Aug 2014. We've attended 3 RV Dreams Rallies, Spring 2014 in TN, Winter 2015 Bo...

tincanman · tincanman

Looking for opinions for which sealant to use for RV outdoor light replacement & cargo door/frame replacement. Silicone, caulk, rubber, plastic? Which brands have proven best? Thanks in advance.

RobertandShelly · RobertandShelly

Hi, we thought we would share with the group since many of you have Norcold refrigerators. After a leak (ammonia) and near fire a few weeks ago, we replaced our our failed OEM cooling unit for a brand new Amish built unit. Check out our first YouTube video if you're interested: Our Norcold to Amish Built...

Gary Marcondes · Gary Marcondes

Hi all, Has anyone tried an alternative to string for re-stringing day/night shades? May sound stupid but, things like fishing line, picture hanging wire, etc. I'm just so tied of re-stringing blinds and I don't want to switch to a different type because I like the day/night usefulness. Gary

Cschwang · Cschwang

I've heard of all kinds of problems with using bio-diesel over B5 in newer Diesel engineS. My warranty states that it does not cover damage caused by bio-diesel over 5%. With many states now giving tax breaks to producers for blending higher percentage product it is getting more difficult to find Pet...

RonC · RonC

I, like many others, have experienced the so called "Lippert Pop" in our hydraulic leveling systems. Today I used an old school carpenters level to manually level my 41 foot, 5 slide, 5th wheel. After manually leveling it, I reset the zero level setting on the "Level Up" auto leveling system. Inte...

The Hensons · The Hensons

I've had a great run with the Michelin XTAs on my Mobile Suites. Five years and they still have lots of tread. But, alas, I want to replace before heading to Alaska in 2017. They are 215/75R/17.5 and I am looking at replacing with the Sailun 235/75R/17.5. Those Sailun's get good reviews, have a load capa...

RonC · RonC

Always had an air filter on our S&B Heaters and AC units. My 5er has a return air grate in the back of the pantry which is where the furnace draws it's "heating air" (the air for combustion is drawn from outside the rig). This recirculation of air serves the purpose of heating the basement also. Th...

Topic		Started By	Replies	Views	Last Post
	Holding tanks and disposable wipes. (Preview) Hi, Everyone, While reading posts on another forum I was reminded of a problem we had with an old RV. It was a '91 Gulfstream 3880. Being used when we got it I expected problems, however, not this one. The black tank would not drain! I tried everything. Spraying water into the drain... I even made a press...	Taildragger	0	1108	12:53 PM Apr 17, 2017 by Taildragger
	RV Washing (closed) (Preview) I have heard that people use truck stop truck washes to keep their RV clean and looking new. Is this a true statemet? Is it like a car wash where you just pull through? Thanks for your feedback.	tonyd51	23	5777	12:50 PM Apr 15, 2017 by Terry and Jo
	Water level on radiator (Preview) Does anyone know if the engine needs to be running (diesel, 2007 Winnebago Journey) to check the water level in the radiator?	TonyB	2	1036	11:31 AM Apr 14, 2017 by TonyB
	Batteries: Interstate vs Duracell/Deka (Preview) I'm going to replace the original battery that came with my TT with two 6V golf cart batteries. Sam's Club has the Duracell brand made by Deka in PA, rated at 215 Ah. Costco has Interstate, rated at 210 Ah. Same price, Costco a little more convenient. Any opinions on which is better? Thanks!	RandV	2	1698	09:59 PM Apr 6, 2017 by RonC
	Norcold 1210 & High Temperature Sensor (Preview) I have 2016 Fuzion w/ a Norcold 1210 refrigerator. Last Thursday when I washed my RV, this High Temperature Sensor tripped and the refridge quit working. The panel was flashing this L1.oP and beeping. So I searched the forums and found info of people bypassing this switch. I wrote to Norcold and t...	tincanman	2	2751	06:58 AM Apr 4, 2017 by tincanman
	overdrive won't engage on a Dodge 518 conversion (Preview) after storing all of a sudden overdrive isn't working why ??	keepitmovin	0	742	11:30 PM Apr 3, 2017 by keepitmovin
	How frequently do you exercise your generator? (Preview) I have an Onan 5500 propane generator installed in the coach. It's new, like the 5th wheel, and has about 25 hours on it. I've been running it for about 10-15 minutes every few months. It always starts promptly and runs great. Does that sound like the right way to ensure it stays healthy? -- Edited by...	RonC	7	1546	02:16 PM Apr 1, 2017 by RonC
	Gray Tank Cleaning (closed) (Preview) Is there anything that will clean the gunk off the inside of a gray tank? We have the See Level ultrasonic level indicators that New Horizons installs…and although they're better than the float type sensors they still indicate wrong when the sides of the tank get gunked up. I've tried using the built...	Neil and Connie	24	7379	06:44 PM Mar 26, 2017 by LarryW21
	How to sanitize the fresh water tank??? (closed) (Preview) First, I will briefly vent. Theoretically, we are leaving to full time Friday morning, less than 48 hours. And, campgrounds that use a white hose for non potable water at their dump stations should be locked in a room with fourteen female cats in heat for a week. OK. I have a 2011 Berkshire DP. The inst...	Sheryl E	5	2256	03:14 PM Mar 26, 2017 by CqCasting
	Cleaning Black Tank (closed) (Preview) We're getting ready to move next week and would like to clean our black tank. I'm sure I once read a post where someone, maybe Lucky Mike?, gave directions for using ice and Dawn, I think it was, in the holding tank while moving. But, of course, I can't find that thread! So, can someone, or even everyone...	RVKevi	10	2786	03:05 PM Mar 26, 2017 by LarryW21
	Tighten those bolts (Preview) We recently reunited with friends we met at Howard and Linda's boondock rally last year. We have similar motorhomes, so we often share experiences with upgrades and maintenance. Our friends told me about a tech finding some bolts loose on their slide mechanism and recommended we check ours. I pu...	Gpndavid	0	1051	08:02 PM Mar 22, 2017 by Gpndavid
	Need new coach batteries (Preview) Needing to replace my coach batteries ( 1st time and newbie ). It now has 2 6 volt agm golf cart batteries, they are duracell gc2 type. Question is, is this the type I need to replace with or are there better for the buck out there?	swindall	11	2211	11:52 PM Mar 7, 2017 by crossroad
	RV Service Review (Preview) I sent the following letter to the Shade Pro website "contact us" 5 days ago and have had no response. It was reworded slightly different as it was directed to them but the content was exactly the same. At least we aren't out anything!I made an appointment through the owner of Shade Pro Mike at their bo...	dianneandsteve	1	1197	02:42 PM Mar 3, 2017 by RonC
	Emergency - flooded. What to do? (closed) (Preview) So the serviceman came today to replace the solonoid valve but discovered that wasn't the problem -- it was a pinhole leak in the ice maker water line. He pulled out the frig and replaced the clear tubing (as an aside, he also fixed the door which kept coming off the track. Total cost was $100, which was...	cherylbrv	18	2889	10:56 AM Mar 1, 2017 by Howard
	Black Tank Burp (Preview) I have read many threads that refer to the "black tank burps" as an indicator of when it's time to dump it. I, too, experience this and have begun using it as my indicator of dump time. My question is ... why does it do that? It's an interesting phenomenon, but I am wondering if anyone knows, or has a theo...	RonC	15	3833	01:05 PM Feb 27, 2017 by Terry and Jo
	Upgrading to Mor-Ryde. Does it have to be done in Indiana? (Preview) Hi All, Looks like the time for a Mor-Ryde upgrade has come. We discovered we have a bent spindle on our Axle but out warranty company is refusing to replace it because it hasn't "failed" yet. Yes I know it's ridiculous, and we have appealed but they seem to be holding firm. We wanted to upgrade at som...	Camper Chronicles	20	3225	09:01 AM Feb 23, 2017 by Danny and Cheryl
	Lippert addresses reports of leaking RV axles (Preview) Lippert addresses reports of leaking RV axlesFebruary 17, 2017ELKHART — Lippert Components today addressed reports of leaking axles resulting in grease contamination of brake pads and rotors by noting the problems are likely impacting only one-tenth of 1 percent of travel trailer and fifth whe...	Bill and Linda	1	3358	12:18 PM Feb 19, 2017 by Second Chance
	Opinions on vanity sinks that have raised bowls(vessel sinks). (Preview) As we weigh various rigs in our search, one thing that pops up in some mfrs designs is raised bowl or vessel sinks in the bathrooms. To me they would seem to be a potential maintenance risk (yeah I know, what isn't in a rolling earthquake zone) It just seems to me that a surface mounted or undermounted sink...	BiggarView	12	3811	10:58 AM Feb 17, 2017 by BiggarView
	To Fix the Ice Maker or Not (Preview) When I bought my class A the Ice Maker did not work in the Norcold Fridge. I have a choice of buying a new ice maker which is easy to replace myself, or Buy a tabletop ice maker. From what I can see its about a wash on cost. Judging by how long it takes for my fridge to get cold, I am assuming it will take awhile t...	Big Mike	4	1090	10:03 AM Feb 16, 2017 by LarryW21
	kitchen sink drains slowly (Preview) Our kitchen sink is draining slowly. We've used a Zip It, but that hasn't helped much. Any suggestions for a drain cleaner that is safe for the pipes?	Cindy T	4	1404	07:02 PM Feb 11, 2017 by Cindy T
	Slide seal degradation (Preview) Has anybody heard of an issue where the outside rubber slide seals get soft and gooey so that if you touch it the goop comes off on your finger and leaves a hole in the rubber? It's not road tar or anywhere no like that…it's almost like some sort of solvent got on it and turned it into almost a gum like substan...	Neil and Connie	5	1385	01:32 PM Feb 10, 2017 by Neil and Connie
	Do you turn your water off every time you leave your rig? (Preview) I have heard that it is considered a "best practice" to turn the water water off at the source whenever you leave your rig. While I get why that would be "ultra safe" ... it quickly has become tedious. Do you do this? Just curious what other full timers do. When I mention it around where I currently am a...	RonC	30	2112	07:09 AM Feb 8, 2017 by SamK
	RV Armor Roofing System (Preview) Hello all! A lot of you already know us, Bill and Kelly, but for those who don't - we have been members of this forum since June 2013, and we've been full-time (largely due to Howard & Linda's awesome blog and forum) since Aug 2014. We've attended 3 RV Dreams Rallies, Spring 2014 in TN, Winter 2015 Bo...	jrzygrl64	3	2303	04:46 PM Feb 5, 2017 by jrzygrl64
	Sealant opinions requested (Preview) Looking for opinions for which sealant to use for RV outdoor light replacement & cargo door/frame replacement. Silicone, caulk, rubber, plastic? Which brands have proven best? Thanks in advance.	tincanman	4	1424	03:49 PM Jan 29, 2017 by Lynn and Ed
	Our Cooling Unit Change-out (closed) refrigerator cooling unit fridge fire Amish cold (Preview) Hi, we thought we would share with the group since many of you have Norcold refrigerators. After a leak (ammonia) and near fire a few weeks ago, we replaced our our failed OEM cooling unit for a brand new Amish built unit. Check out our first YouTube video if you're interested: Our Norcold to Amish Built...	RobertandShelly	2	4205	04:20 PM Jan 21, 2017 by Terry and Jo
	Blinds-Alternatives to string (Preview) Hi all, Has anyone tried an alternative to string for re-stringing day/night shades? May sound stupid but, things like fishing line, picture hanging wire, etc. I'm just so tied of re-stringing blinds and I don't want to switch to a different type because I like the day/night usefulness. Gary	Gary Marcondes	7	1299	07:17 PM Jan 18, 2017 by Gary Marcondes
	Bio-diesel problems (Preview) I've heard of all kinds of problems with using bio-diesel over B5 in newer Diesel engineS. My warranty states that it does not cover damage caused by bio-diesel over 5%. With many states now giving tax breaks to producers for blending higher percentage product it is getting more difficult to find Pet...	Cschwang	9	2297	06:36 AM Jan 17, 2017 by poppadog1955
	The Lippert Pop (Preview) I, like many others, have experienced the so called "Lippert Pop" in our hydraulic leveling systems. Today I used an old school carpenters level to manually level my 41 foot, 5 slide, 5th wheel. After manually leveling it, I reset the zero level setting on the "Level Up" auto leveling system. Inte...	RonC	0	1174	10:27 PM Jan 14, 2017 by RonC
	Changing Tires on my DRV from 215 to 235 17.5" tires (Preview) I've had a great run with the Michelin XTAs on my Mobile Suites. Five years and they still have lots of tread. But, alas, I want to replace before heading to Alaska in 2017. They are 215/75R/17.5 and I am looking at replacing with the Sailun 235/75R/17.5. Those Sailun's get good reviews, have a load capa...	The Hensons	24	3326	04:22 PM Jan 7, 2017 by Cummins12V98
	Furnace Air Filter Question (Preview) Always had an air filter on our S&B Heaters and AC units. My 5er has a return air grate in the back of the pantry which is where the furnace draws it's "heating air" (the air for combustion is drawn from outside the rig). This recirculation of air serves the purpose of heating the basement also. Th...	RonC	5	1480	05:58 PM Jan 5, 2017 by Barbaraok
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