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When to Replace RV Tires by Age: 6-7 Year Rule Even if They Look Good - Safety Guide
Engine Easy Planning decision 89 👍

When to Replace RV Tires by Age: 6-7 Year Rule Even if They Look Good - Safety Guide

Every time I look at those 2017 motorhome tires I replaced last week, I keep wondering if I jumped the gun when they still looked perfect. I recently purchased it and it came with the original Michelin tires, which puts them at about 7-8 years old now based on the DOT date codes. The previous owner was meticulous about storage - the RV was kept in a climate-controlled garage for most of its life and only has about 27,000 miles on it.

Here's what's puzzling me: these tires look absolutely pristine. I've inspected them thoroughly and can't find any visible signs of aging like sidewall cracking, dry rot, or unusual wear patterns. The tread depth is still excellent, and they hold air pressure perfectly. However, I keep reading conflicting information about tire age versus condition. Some sources say rubber degrades internally even when stored properly, while others suggest that well-maintained tires can safely exceed the typical replacement timeline.

I'm planning some extended travel in the coming months and want to make the safest decision. Should I replace these 7-8 year old Michelin tires even though they appear to be in excellent condition, or is it safe to continue using them based on their visual inspection and low mileage? What do RV tire experts generally recommend for the age-based replacement timeline? …more
RV Toilet Paper: Do You Really Need Special Paper for Your RV?
Plumbing Easy N/A - informational 81 👍

RV Toilet Paper: Do You Really Need Special Paper for Your RV?

Apparently I'm getting charged premium prices for special RV toilet paper for my 2025 Entegra Anthem and wondering if it's actually necessary with a macerator pump system. The RV has both macerator dump pump and macerator toilet components. I typically dump every 2-3 days at RV parks, with occasional dry camping extending to 5-day intervals before dumping.

Given the mechanical grinding action of the macerator system, I'm questioning whether RV-specific toilet paper is actually necessary. Regular household toilet paper costs significantly less than RV-branded products. My concern is potential damage to the macerator mechanism or holding tank complications.

I also want to understand if using a black tank treatment packet every few days is beneficial, and whether four toilet flushes with water is sufficient for tank maintenance. What are the technical requirements for toilet paper compatibility with macerator pump systems? Are there specific regular toilet paper brands that perform adequately, or should I continue purchasing RV-specific products for system reliability? …more
RV Gray Tank Draining Slowly? Fix Clogs & Flow Issues
Plumbing Medium 2-3 hours 79 👍

RV Gray Tank Draining Slowly? Fix Clogs & Flow Issues

Called around to shops about my 2019 Forest River Cherokee's gray tank drain crawling—what used to take 5-10 minutes now drags on for 30-45 minutes. The black tank still drains at normal speed, so I don't think it's a problem with the main sewer connection or hose.

I'm wondering what typically causes gray tanks to develop drainage problems over time. We do a lot of dishwashing in the RV and I'm thinking maybe grease or soap buildup could be creating blockages somewhere in the system. The flow starts out okay but quickly reduces to just a trickle, even though I know there's still plenty of water in the tank.

What are the most common culprits behind slow gray tank drainage, and what's the best approach for diagnosing and fixing these flow issues? I'd rather understand the root causes and proper solutions before I start taking things apart or using harsh chemicals that might damage the system. …more
Hieha TPMS Review 2024: Complete RV Tire Pressure Monitor Test & Comparison Guide
General Easy 30 minutes install 70 👍

Hieha TPMS Review 2024: Complete RV Tire Pressure Monitor Test & Comparison Guide

Replaced my old TPMS last month but planning to install this Hieha system Saturday — should I worry about going budget for tire safety? I keep reading horror stories about tire blowouts and I don't want to risk my family's safety with unreliable equipment.

Has anyone actually used the Hieha brand long-term? I'm particularly concerned about accuracy issues and whether the sensors will actually alert me when there's a real problem. Are there better options I should be considering even if they cost more? I'd rather spend extra money upfront than deal with a roadside emergency later. …more
TST TPMS Display Comparison: Color vs Mono Screen Visibility in Sunlight
General Easy N/A - shopping 66 👍

TST TPMS Display Comparison: Color vs Mono Screen Visibility in Sunlight

Tried reading my TST TPMS display yesterday and got hit with unreadable tiny numbers, impossible sun glare, AND zero confidence in what I'm actually seeing.

Right now, my current mono display is getting increasingly difficult to read - I can't tell if it's the display fading or my eyesight changing. I've already tried some DIY fixes like making a custom shade for the display and using tape to enhance the backlight, but it's still not great.

Specifically, I'm concerned about dashboard visibility in sunlight. Does anyone know if the color TST displays are actually more visible than the mono ones in sunny conditions? I'm trying to decide if it's worth spending the extra money for color, or if mono would work just as well. Any advice would be really helpful! …more
Fix TST TPMS Sensor Seal Problems After Battery Change
General Medium 45 minutes 63 👍

Fix TST TPMS Sensor Seal Problems After Battery Change

Staring at my TST TPMS monitor showing zero readings after a battery swap — my old sensors responded perfectly to this fix but this 10-year-old system won't communicate. Once I reinstall them, they won't communicate with the monitor anymore, and worse yet, I can't get any air pressure readings or even add air through the sensors. I'm pretty sure the issue is with those rubber seals on the valve stem side - they look old and cracked. My understanding is that seal needs to both create an airtight connection AND push in the Schrader valve pin to open it up. But these old seals seem too brittle now to grip and activate that valve properly. Before I shell out for all new sensors (ouch!), is there any way I can fix this myself? Maybe replacement seals are available? I'd rather not take this to the dealer if I can avoid it. …more
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