Results for "National RV"

Since my RV broke down I'm standing in the app store staring at dozens of mobile repair services with no clue which one actually works. This made me realize how valuable a comprehensive resource for mobile RV repair services would be.

Are there apps, websites, or forums that maintain an up-to-date list of mobile RV repair, tire repair, and towing services across the country? I'm interested in hearing about recommendations from experienced RV owners who have used these services and can vouch for their reliability and responsiveness.

What strategies do other RV travelers use to find quick, trustworthy mobile repair services when they're stuck in an unfamiliar area? …more

Pulled into my driveway after my local RV dealer closed down last year, and now finding OEM parts for my 2001 Fleetwood Flair 33R has become a complete nightmare. Ford has discontinued so many of the OEM components I need, and the usual RV parts suppliers keep coming up empty. I've been searching for months now and I'm starting to worry I'll never get this thing roadworthy again.

I know there have to be salvage yards out there with Fleetwood parts, but I don't know where to look or how to search effectively. Are there online platforms specifically for RV salvage? How do you even cross-reference parts when the original numbers are discontinued? I'm willing to try anything at this point - used parts, aftermarket alternatives, whatever works. Someone please tell me there's a systematic way to track down these elusive components! …more

Spent months planning our cross-country trip leaving next week and my RV's rear brake lights and hazards just completely stopped working. My 1998 National Tropical (on a '97 Ford F53 chassis with the trusty 460 V8) has decided to get creative with its lighting situation. The rear brake lights and 4-way hazards have completely given up the ghost - nothing, nada, zero response from the back end. But plot twist: the turn signals work just fine back there, and everything up front (brake lights, hazards, turns) is working perfectly.

I'm scratching my head because if it was a fuse issue, wouldn't ALL the lights be affected? The fact that some work and others don't has me thinking it's something more specific. Any ideas where I should start poking around to solve this electrical mystery? …more

Opened up my motorhome and I'm staring at this hideous generic wall art — but before I start ripping it down, would that void my interior warranty? Since I'm only using it for 20-30 days a year, I'm wondering about the best approach to personalizing my space. I've noticed these factory pictures are pretty standard across RVs, but I'm curious how others handle this.

I'm worried about damaging walls or creating safety hazards while driving. The current pieces seem attached with velcro or screws, but I'm not sure how to remove them properly. More importantly, I want to understand weight limits and what materials are safe for RV walls. When I tried hanging a regular glass-framed photo last month, it rattled terribly going down the highway - clearly not the right approach!

Have other RV owners, especially those who are full-timers or occasional campers, replaced their standard artwork? What's the best way to remove existing mounted pieces and replace them with lightweight alternatives that won't become projectiles when traveling? …more

Got what's probably a dumb question, but why do I have like three different types of PEX fittings in my RV and which ones should I actually be using for repairs? The current setup has what I believe are crimp rings on the PEX lines, but I'm seeing different types of fittings available and I'm confused about which approach is best for a DIY repair.

I've been looking at compression fittings, push-to-connect options like SharkBite, and traditional crimp rings, but I'm not sure which system actually works with RV PEX plumbing. Some of my connections are also threaded at the water pump and manifold areas, and I keep seeing references to FIP connections but I'm not entirely clear on what that means in the context of RV plumbing.

What's the difference between these connection types for RV PEX systems, and which option would be easiest for someone doing their own plumbing repairs? I want to make sure I'm using the right fittings and tools before I start tearing into my water system. …more

Got a neighbor with a 2007 Ford F53 motorhome that runs flawlessly while my 6.8L keeps burning through fuel pumps — what's his secret? The fuel pump has failed THREE times in just four years, and I'm scared there's something seriously wrong that's not being diagnosed properly. Each time the dealer just replaces the pump and says everything looks fine, but this can't be normal, right?

I'm starting to wonder if I'm doing something wrong with storage or if there's an electrical problem that's killing these pumps. The last thing I want is to get stranded somewhere dangerous because of another failure. Should I be worried about contaminated fuel? Could my storage practices be causing this? I really need to understand what's actually causing these repeated failures before I spend more money just replacing pumps that are going to fail again. …more

Three months of research comparing diesel pushers versus gas Class A motorhomes for our family of 6 has left us more confused than ever!

Here's what's driving me crazy - diesel pushers from around 2010-2012 seem like the budget sweet spot, with their quieter engine placement at the rear and more comfortable ride. But we had a devastating mold problem in our last house that affected everyone's health, and I'm terrified of buying an older RV that might have hidden moisture issues.

The newer gas Class A units (2015 and up) seem like they'd be safer from a mold standpoint, but I worry we're sacrificing ride quality and long-term reliability. Since we don't already own a heavy-duty truck, a motorhome seems more practical than a 5th wheel. With four kids, comfort matters, but their health matters more.

Am I overthinking this, or should the mold risk really be the deciding factor here? I just need someone to tell me straight - which way would you go? …more

I tried researching Class B versus Class C motorhomes for weeks now since we're new RV owners planning an extensive retirement bicycle tour through all the western states. We've narrowed our RV choices down to either a Class B or Class C motorhome, but we're struggling to decide which would be the better fit for our specific needs and travel style.

We're particularly concerned about the trade-offs between fuel efficiency, drivability, and living comfort during what will be extended periods on the road. After spending full days cycling 40-50 miles on various trails, we want to make sure we'll have adequate space to recover and relax, but we also need to be practical about fuel costs and maneuverability when accessing different trailheads and camping areas throughout the western states.

The Class B appeals to us for what we assume would be better gas mileage and easier handling, especially when navigating to remote trail access points. However, we're worried about feeling cramped during longer stays, particularly after physically demanding cycling days. The Class C seems like it would offer more comfortable living space for extended trips, but we're concerned about fuel efficiency and whether a larger RV might limit our options for camping and parking. Would a smaller Class C in the 24-27 foot range potentially offer the best of both worlds for our specific travel plans? …more

Got a Ford 460 RV where the fuel pump went completely dead with zero electrical power reaching it. Two weeks into RV ownership and I'm already that guy asking "why won't my rig start?" 🤦‍♂️

My 1994 National Dolphin with Ford 460 ran like a champ to the campground, but after 4 days of living the good life, it decided to throw a tantrum when it was time to leave. Engine turns over fine but won't fire up - classic "I don't wanna go home" syndrome. Throws some starting fluid at it and it runs briefly, so I'm thinking fuel delivery issue.

Checked the fuel pump and sure enough, zero power getting to it. Being the resourceful newbie I am, I ran a jumper wire directly to the pump and made it home just fine. But I know this isn't exactly the "proper" long-term solution my wife keeps reminding me about. Where should I start troubleshooting the electrical issue? Is there some safety switch I don't know about that might have tripped during our stay? …more