Results for "RV plumbing"

Plumbing Medium 2-4 hours 447 👍 9

RV Water Pump Losing Prime: Troubleshooting & Winterization

Got a 2022 Tiffin Open Road 34PA with a water pump that keeps losing prime during winterization — about to buy a replacement but wondering if I'm throwing money at the wrong problem? I can get it back by quickly opening and closing one of the lowest drain valves, but then it just loses prime again after a while. This has happened on other RVs I've winterized too, but it's particularly stubborn on this Tiffin.

I'm suspecting it might be the inline check valve next to the pump or maybe the one behind the Truma hot water heater, but I'd love some guidance on proper diagnosis. What are the most common causes of prime loss during winterization, and what's the best way to troubleshoot and fix this? I want to make sure I'm covering all my bases for winter storage prep. …more

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Appliances Medium 3-4 hours 125 👍 0

Best RV Thermostatic Shower Mixing Valves 2024 - Installation Guide

According to my screaming every morning, there's this scalding burn followed by an icy shock sensation hitting my back in my RV shower. There's no middle ground - it's like my water heater has anger management issues.

I'm shopping for a thermostatic mixing valve to save myself from daily temperature shock therapy. I keep seeing mechanical models like the Symmons Temptrol and Phoenix PF213200, but honestly have no idea if they're any good. And don't get me started on those fancy digital ones like the Kohler DTV+ - they look amazing but I'm guessing they're about as RV-friendly as a pet elephant.

Anyone know which thermostatic valves actually work well in RVs without requiring me to rewire half my rig or sacrifice my firstborn to the plumbing gods? …more

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Appliances Medium 2-4 hours 112 👍 0

RV Water Heater Not Hot Enough: Fix Lukewarm Water Issues

Looked forward to our two-week cross-country trip starting tomorrow until I discovered my RV water heater that used to produce scalding hot water now barely gets lukewarm. Both the electric and gas functions appear to be working - I can hear the gas igniting and see the electric indicator light - but the water temperature just won't get hot enough for a decent shower.

I've been dealing with this for weeks now and it's driving me crazy. The water gets warm, but nowhere near the hot temperatures I used to get. Is this a common problem with RV water heaters? What are the most likely culprits when you're getting lukewarm water instead of hot? I really need to figure out what's causing this and how to fix it before my next camping trip. …more

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Best RV Batteries

4.5 (15,400 reviews)

Plumbing Easy 30 minutes 103 👍 0

Fix RV Low Water Pressure on City Connection: Troubleshooting Pump Assembly

Last week my pressure regulator started reading a solid 40 PSI on city water but my water pump keeps cycling on for 5-6 seconds when everything says it should stay completely off. When I connect to city water, my water pressure regulator shows a solid 40 PSI, which should be plenty, right? But here's the weird part - my water pump keeps kicking on for about 5-6 seconds then shuts off, even though I'm connected to city water and the pump switch is supposed to be off.

The really frustrating thing is that the pressure feels weak throughout the RV, with specifically the bathroom sink and kitchen sink seeming low, though the shower has good pressure. I've already changed out the intake/check valve and don't currently have a filter in the system. I can see the pump running while on city water, which I know is not normal. I noticed the kitchen and bathroom sink screens were plugged - which might explain some pressure issues - but now I'm wondering about the toilet's low pressure. Could there be a screen in the toilet line I'm not seeing?

I've been full-timing for two years and never had this issue before. What should I be checking for? I'm handy enough to do basic repairs but need to know where to focus my troubleshooting efforts. …more

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Plumbing Medium 1-2 hours 101 👍 0

RV Black Tank Flush Not Working - Water Wont Go In

According to my neighbor I need to replace the valve, the RV dealer says it's just a clog, and YouTube insists it's a pump issue with my 2012 36 QSP's black tank flush system. When I connect my hose to the flush port and turn on the water, nothing seems to go into the tank - the water just doesn't flow in like it should.

I'm wondering if there's a check valve that might be stuck or if something is clogged up? I've used the flush connection earlier in the year without any problems, so this is puzzling. I've heard about debris getting in the spray nozzle too. What are the most common causes when the black tank flush won't accept water, and what should I try to fix it? Any guidance would be really appreciated since I'm not sure what to troubleshoot first! …more

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Slideouts Hard 4-8 hours 95 👍 0

How to Lift RV Slideout for Floor Repair - Safe Methods

Apparently my 2000 Allegro Bus slideout only starts sagging and needing floor repair when it hits 85 degrees outside — works perfectly fine otherwise. We discovered water damage under the slideout and need to replace some plywood subflooring, but there are screws I can only access if I lift the slide somehow.

I'm worried about damaging the slideout mechanism or worse, having it fall and hurt someone. The hydraulic system seems to work fine, but I've heard you shouldn't trust it alone for this kind of work. What's the safest method to lift and support a slideout while doing floor repairs underneath? I want to make sure I'm not making a dangerous mistake here. …more

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Electrical Medium 30-60 min 92 👍 0

Dead House Batteries on 50 Amp Shore Power: Troubleshooting Guide

Turned on my 2024 Entegra Reatta XL this morning to find the house batteries completely dead again despite being plugged into 50 amp shore power—third time this season and I'm done guessing. New batteries, good connections, power was working fine for days then died completely. Voltmeter shows 12.69V on chassis, 4.7V on house batteries at the BIM.

What's the proper troubleshooting sequence for house batteries not charging on shore power? Need to check converter, breakers, and connections but want to do this systematically. …more

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Engine Easy 30 minutes 91 👍 0

Best Oil Filter for Ford V10 RV Engine - Complete Guide

After walking out to my RV this morning, I spotted my Ford V10's oil filter looking suspiciously ready for replacement, but I'm completely lost on which one won't break the bank. I keep hearing conflicting advice about which oil filter to run.

Everyone seems to swear by different brands - some say Wix 51348 is the sweet spot, others mention NAPA Gold 1348 (are these the same thing?), and then there's the Mobil 1 M1-210A crowd. At Rock Auto, I noticed Fram filters like TG2 ($6.43), XG2 ($9.50), and HP16 ($12.82), plus a Mobil 1 M1210A at $8.14.

What's the real deal here? Is there actually a 'best' filter for the V10, or am I overthinking this whole thing? I'm also considering adding a bypass oil filter. I just want something reliable that won't break the bank every oil change, especially since this rig sees a lot of highway miles. Is a $23 Amsoil filter really worth three times the price of a Wix? Any recommendations from fellow V10 survivors? …more

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Electrical Medium 1-2 hours 89 👍 0

RV PEX Plumbing Fittings Guide: Crimp vs SharkBite vs FIP Connections Explained

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

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Plumbing Medium 3-4 hours 89 👍 0

Atwood GC6AA-10E Replacement Guide: Compatible Water Heaters & Installation Tips

Atwood GC6AA-10E water heater finally died after 18 years and I need a direct replacement that'll bolt right into the same cutout without modifications. Every RV parts site shows different "compatible" models and I'm not confident any of them actually fit. What drops right in? …more

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General Easy 15-30 minutes 87 👍 0

60 PSI Water Pressure in RV: Is It Too High? (Expert Guide)

Found myself staring at my water pressure gauge right now and there's 60 PSI showing even though my regulator is preset to 50 PSI. This is the first time I've used this particular gauge (bought it about 6 months ago), and it immediately shot up to 60 with no way to adjust it down.

Is 60 PSI going to damage my RV's plumbing system? I'm worried because that seems high, but I'm not sure if it's actually dangerous or just at the upper limit. Could my regulator be failing, or might this new gauge be giving me a bad reading? I'm planning a trip to get a replacement tomorrow, but I want to make sure I'm addressing the right problem here. …more

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Best RV Awnings & Accessories

4.5 (7,600 reviews)

Appliances Easy 30 minutes 86 👍 0

Best RV Shower Wand Mounts & Hoses: Upgrade Guide 2024

I opened my RV shower and now I'm trying to decide between a basic plastic shower wand mount and a heavy-duty metal one after mine just failed completely. The original Oxygenics shower wand mount broke, and the Camco replacement I tried doesn't fit correctly and allows the wand to fall out frequently.

I'm specifically seeking recommendations for universal adjustable mounts that can accommodate standard shower wands without constant slippage or detachment issues. Additionally, the current hose is quite stiff and uncomfortable, suggesting the need for an upgrade to more flexible materials.

What are the most reliable mount and hose combinations currently available for RV shower systems? I'm interested in products with proven track records for durability and compatibility with standard RV plumbing connections. …more

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Plumbing Medium 30 min 86 👍 0

RV Sewer Hose Freezing Temperature & Cold Weather Protection

Nobody can seem to agree on whether I should winterize my RV sewer hose system now or wait until temperatures actually threaten my specific setup. Current setup involves a dual-hose configuration with approximately 30 feet total length running to septic connection point.

Critical issue: The final two feet of hose rises approximately two inches above the main run elevation before connecting to the septic inlet. This creates a low point where effluent can accumulate rather than draining completely. Overnight temperatures are forecast to drop to 25°F for the next 48 hours.

What is the precise freezing temperature for RV sewer hoses, and does the uphill section with potential standing water create additional freeze risk at this temperature threshold? …more

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Plumbing Medium 1-2 hours 85 👍 0

RV Hot Water Pressure Problems: How to Fix a Stuck Backflow Preventer in Your Water System

About four years into owning my 2019 Winnebago, the hot water pressure is starting to completely tank — should I repair this backflow preventer or replace the whole unit? My 2002 Winnebago with an Atwood 10 gallon water heater just lost all hot water pressure overnight. Cold water works perfectly fine, but turn that handle to hot and... nothing. Zero pressure at any faucet.

The weird thing is the tank itself has hot water and pressure - I can open the relief valve and water shoots out fine with good pressure. It's like something is blocking the hot water from getting out of the tank to the faucets. I've checked what I can reach and don't see any obvious blockages in the lines.

Anyone know what could cause hot water pressure to just disappear like this while cold water works normally? There's gotta be something simple I'm missing here. …more

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Plumbing Easy N/A 82 👍 0

How to Travel with a Winterized RV: Complete Cold Weather Guide

I noticed my travel trailer isn't winterized for my Connecticut to Florida Keys trip in February — can't afford professional service right now, need DIY solutions under $200? I'll be stopping at my brother's place in New Jersey first, and then caravaning to our first stop in Fredericksburg, VA at a KOA with a full bathhouse.

I've winterized my travel trailer for the cold months up here, and I recently heard a podcast about travelers staying winterized and using RV antifreeze for quick bathroom needs during the trip. I'm wondering if anyone has experience with this approach.

I know I could de-winterize before leaving, but I'm worried about pipes freezing during the drive south since we'll be going through some cold states. On the other hand, traveling winterized means no water systems working during the trip. What's the smartest way to handle this? Should I keep it winterized for the whole drive and deal with no water, or is there a better strategy I'm missing? …more

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