Results for "buying guide"

Solar Batteries Medium 4-6 hours for inverter replacement 250 👍 1

RV Inverter Guide: Modified vs Pure Sine Wave - Safe Power

My multimeter's out and I'm ready to tackle this RV electrical mess myself — pretty sure the inverter's the culprit but need to know where to start. I have a 2000 Winnebago Ultimate Advantage with four deep cycle house batteries and recently installed a Xantrex 758 inverter to replace my old Freedom 15 unit. The first time I tried using the inverter power while unplugged from shore power, something very strange happened - a hair dryer in the bathroom started running by itself and wouldn't shut off when I tried the switch. I had to unplug it, and the handle was warm. The hair dryer appears to be ruined now.

When I bought the Xantrex 758, I paid around $725 for what I thought was a good unit, but I'm now learning there's a difference between modified sine wave and pure sine wave inverters. I wasn't aware of this distinction when I made the purchase, and it turns out the 758 is a modified sine wave unit. I've since heard that modern electronics, especially things like residential refrigerators, computers, and sensitive electronic components, can be damaged by modified sine wave power.

I'm really concerned about potentially damaging my new residential refrigerator, stereo system, and computer equipment. Should I be worried about using this modified sine wave inverter with modern RV electronics? Is the hair dryer incident a sign that I need to upgrade to a pure sine wave unit, or are there other factors that could have caused this problem? I'm trying to understand if my current setup is putting my expensive electronics at risk. …more

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Exterior Medium 3-4 days (includes curing time) 236 👍 1

DIY RV Basement Door Paint Repair: Complete Guide & Cost Analysis

Despite protecting my RV all winter, those brutal summer months have absolutely destroyed the paint on my four basement doors and rear wheel area across 2' x 20', leaving me staring at a $5,000-6,500 shop estimate versus DIY with my compressor. I've never done automotive paint work before. Could I really achieve decent results for under $500 like I keep reading online? I'm concerned about proper paint matching, whether I'll damage the surface during prep, and if I choose the wrong spray gun or technique.

Has anyone successfully tackled RV exterior panel paint repair as a DIY project? I need reassurance that this is actually doable without professional training, and guidance on the complete process from start to finish. …more

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Exterior Medium 2-3 hours 161 👍 1

How to Replace RV Slide Topper Fabric: Complete DIY Guide 2024

I pulled into three different campsites this month and my torn slide topper is eating through my gear faster than I can replace it. I've never done anything like this before and I'm worried I might damage the whole mechanism or make things worse.

Can I actually replace just the fabric portion safely, or should I bite the bullet and have the entire assembly replaced by a professional? I'm also concerned about costs - I'm hoping this won't break the bank. If it is something I can do myself, how difficult is it really? I don't want to get in over my head and end up with a bigger problem than I started with.

Can you help me understand the best approach for my specific situation? …more

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Product Ranking 8 compared

Best RV Surge Protectors

4.6 (14,200 reviews)

Exterior Easy 15 minutes 94 👍 0

How to Replace Your RV Door Awning Motor Cap: Step-by-Step Guide

I tried getting answers about my RV sideswipe damage but my insurance adjuster says it's totaled, three body shops say fixable, and forums are completely split. The coward took off at the highway exit before I could get his plates. Damage is to the bay doors and right front corner cap area - looks pretty ugly but the RV is still drivable. Police never showed up despite multiple calls over 4 hours of waiting. Already filed with insurance and sent photos, but I'm wondering what I should be looking for beyond the obvious visible damage. This is my first accident in 8 years of RVing and I'm stressed about hidden issues I might miss. Any advice on what to inspect or document before the adjuster comes out? …more

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Electrical Easy 10 min read 93 👍 0

Motorhome vs Toy Hauler Electrical Systems: Complete Comparison Guide

Walked into three dealerships with my $40k budget and they're all pushing different electrical setups — can't afford to buy wrong between motorhome vs toy hauler power systems. Currently I have a 2020 F350 diesel SRW with a Reflection 29rs toy hauler, and I'm comparing a Grand Design Lineage 31ZW Super C motorhome versus a Momentum 381MS toy hauler.

The toy hauler I'm considering comes with serious electrical upgrades - 2 heated 400Ah lithium batteries with internal BMS, dual 3,000kVA inverters, four 300W bifacial solar panels, dual 50A solar controllers, and 60A DC-DC truck charging. Currently, to transport my side-by-side (SxS), I need two trucks and two trailers, which is inefficient.

I'm weighing pros and cons like overall length (truck and toy hauler would be about 60', MH and 20' cargo trailer would be about 57'), maintenance costs of keeping two diesel trucks, and transportation flexibility. I also have an F150 that could potentially serve as a toad vehicle.

What experiences can others share about transitioning between these RV types, especially considering power management and transportation logistics? …more

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Exterior Medium 2-4 hours with soak time 92 👍 0

How to Fix a Seized RV Side Mirror - Complete Repair Guide

Already picked up this 2002 Georgie Boy motorhome and I've never dealt with a seized side mirror adjustment mechanism before — the ball joint and set screws won't budge at all. I've been wrestling with this for weeks now and I'm getting nowhere!

Before I give up and start looking at replacements, is there any way to free up seized mirror adjustments? I'm also wondering about the electrical connections - if I do need to remove the mirror (it's held on with 3 screws), how do I safely disconnect those electric cables that run to the dash controls? I really don't want to damage the wiring harness on top of everything else. …more

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Engine Medium 2 hours 90 👍 0

Onan 5500 Generator Tune-Up Guide: Best Aftermarket Parts & Filters 20

Before my last camping trip when I tried to order replacement parts, I discovered that finding genuine OEM components for my Onan 5500 generator has become nearly impossible. The Cummins website has been showing most tune-up components as out of stock for months now, and when I do find supposedly "official" Onan oil filters online, many retailers are substituting generic filters that may not meet the same specifications.

I've been researching alternatives and I'm particularly concerned about getting the right oil filter and spark plugs. For the oil filter, I've seen conflicting information about whether aftermarket options like Wix filters are truly compatible - some sources mention the 57398 but I've read mixed reviews about fitment issues. For spark plugs, my current ones are NGK BPR4EY, and I've heard the NGK 3432 might be equivalent, but I want to make sure before ordering.

I'm also planning to stick with zinc-containing oil like Rotella T6 15w40 since I know air-cooled engines need the extra protection, but I'd love confirmation that I'm on the right track with quality aftermarket parts that won't compromise my generator's performance. What specific part numbers and brands would you recommend for a reliable tune-up when OEM parts aren't available? …more

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General Easy N/A - research 84 👍 0

Best Used Motorhome Dealers in Texas: Complete Buyer's Guide 2024

This Saturday I'm hitting up used motorhome dealers across Texas — what should I prep to avoid getting burned by sketchy salespeople? There's gotta be some solid places around here that actually care about their reputation, right?

I'm open to checking out dealers in neighboring states like Arizona, Oklahoma, or Louisiana too if they're worth the drive. Just need to know how to separate the good ones from the fly-by-night operations. What's the best way to research dealers and make sure I'm not walking into a disaster? Any specific resources or red flags I should know about before I start shopping? …more

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Engine Easy N/A - informational 79 👍 0

Complete Luxury Motorhome Buying Guide for Retirement Full-Time RV Living & Travel

My husband just casually mentioned we're about to drop our entire retirement nest egg on a luxury motorhome when neither of us knows anything about RVs.

I keep hearing different brand names thrown around but honestly have no clue which ones give you the most bang for your buck in that mid-range luxury space. Also wondering if I should buy new or let someone else take the depreciation hit? And what features should I absolutely not compromise on for full-time living?

Just want to make sure I'm not learning expensive lessons after I hand over the cash! …more

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Engine Easy N/A - informational 78 👍 0

2001 Triple E Diesel Pusher Buying Guide: Critical Inspection Tips & Red Flags

Standing next to my neighbor's flawless 2001 Triple E Signature diesel pusher makes the concerning issues on this one I'm considering buying even more obvious. Never owned a diesel coach before, only gas units. At 24 years old, what are the critical inspection points I should focus on? Should I be concerned about the age, or is Triple E known for quality construction that holds up over time? …more

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Slideouts Medium 2-4 hours 77 👍 0

HWH Leveling System Control Panel Repair: DIY Fix Guide & Replacement

Finally, after all that rain last week, my 18-year-old RV's HWH leveling system control panel started acting up with these frustrating intermittent problems. The front and back jack controls are acting erratic - sometimes they work perfectly, other times they're completely unresponsive or behave unpredictably. The side leveling controls seem to function normally most of the time. This has become a real safety and convenience issue, especially when I need to retract the jacks to leave a campsite and can't rely on the controls working properly.

I decided to contact HWH directly through their support form. To my surprise, they called me back the same afternoon and offered to repair the panel. For just a little over $100 (mostly labor), they fixed the controller, replaced the Lexan cover, and made sure all micro switches were working properly before shipping it back. This was far more cost-effective than purchasing a new panel, which I'd seen priced between $400-800.

I wanted to share this positive experience, as I know many RV owners struggle with component repairs and customer support. In my case, HWH truly came through and provided an excellent solution to my leveling control panel issues. …more

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Product Ranking 8 compared

Best RV Solar Panel Kits

4.5 (12,700 reviews)

Plumbing Easy 15 minutes to install 76 👍 0

5 Best RV Sewer Hose Replacements for Presto-Fit Users (2024 Guide)

Noticed my Presto-Fit sewer hose replacement keeps disconnecting at the worst possible moments even though I installed it last week. After 20 blissful years with my trusty Presto-Fit sewer hose, it finally gave up the ghost. Of course, now that I need a replacement, they're nowhere to be found. It's like losing your favorite pair of underwear – you never realize how good you had it until it's gone!

I keep seeing names like Camco RhinoFLEX, Valterra Dominator, and Lippert Waste Master thrown around, but honestly, I'm drowning in options and contradictory reviews. Some people swear by thick-wall hoses, others talk about cam-lock vs bayonet fittings, and don't even get me started on the cold-weather flexibility debate.

What are the real top alternatives for us displaced Presto-Fit refugees? I need something reliable that won't leave me literally knee-deep in regret during my next dump station adventure! …more

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Engine Medium 1 hour inspection 72 👍 0

Used Onan 4000 Generator Buying Guide: Essential Inspection Checklist for RV Owners

Spent an hour inspecting this Craigslist Onan 4000 from Villa Rica and it's doing something bizarre — everything looks perfect but won't even attempt to turn over. I'm seeing prices ranging from $500 to $3000+ and want to understand what's a fair price. The original link was https://atlanta.craigslist.org/wat/rvs/d/villa-rica-onan-cummins-generator/7895531063.html.

What should I be looking for when I go check one out? Don't want to buy someone else's headache but also don't want to pass on a good deal because I'm being too picky. Any red flags I should watch out for? …more

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Ac Refrigeration Hard N/A for diagnosis 72 👍 0

Norcold 1210 Not Cooling with No Error Codes: Troubleshooting Guide

Looked at my Norcold 1210 refrigerator in my Grand Design 303RLS this morning — it's running perfectly normal but everything inside stays warm with zero error codes. Everything seems to work - the control panel responds, lights come on, and it even fires up on propane - but there's absolutely no cooling happening. Temperature reading shows 43°F and climbing.

What's making me nervous is that there are no error codes or alarms at all. I've checked the fuse and it's good, the little black box's red light is not on, and the fans aren't running. Usually when something breaks, you get some kind of warning, right? I'm worried I might be missing something obvious or that continuing to run it could cause more damage. Is this pointing to a specific type of failure, and am I safe to keep troubleshooting or should I stop using it immediately? …more

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Engine Medium 45 minutes 71 👍 0

Ford 460 RV Engine Belt Replacement: Complete Guide + Part Numbers

Somewhere between my 95.5-inch tape measure reading and every Ford 460 RV forum claiming 1996 serpentine belts should be 93.7 inches, I'm completely lost. Multiple parts suppliers have provided conflicting information, and I've encountered issues with incorrect belt lengths and routing specifications from various manufacturers.

What are the verified part numbers for the serpentine belt on this specific engine configuration? I need reliable cross-references that will ensure proper fit and operation without the trial-and-error approach that's been problematic with generic part lookups. …more

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