Results for "cold climate"

Exterior Medium 2-4 hours 90 👍 0

RV Window Seal Leaking: Complete Repair Guide & Solutions

Opened up my RV window seals yesterday thinking I fixed the leak, but water's still dripping through during today's downpour — what did I miss? The rubber seals around the frames are obviously shot, all cracked and dried out looking.

I'm torn between two approaches here: should I take the time to completely remove the old seals and put in new butyl tape/rubber sealing, or can I just run some caulk over the existing stuff and call it good? Looking for the best long-term fix that'll actually keep me dry! …more

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Ac Refrigeration Easy Varies 85 👍 0

How to Stop RV Windshield Condensation: Complete Prevention Guide

Between running my AC constantly or relying on fans and ventilation to stop windshield condensation in my 31-foot Class A during Naples' brutal 89% humidity. Experiencing persistent exterior windshield condensation at 5:15 AM, while side windows and rear bedroom window remain clear. Recently modified ventilation by closing all four interior AC roof vents to test temperature regulation effects.

Condensation appears as moderate moisture accumulation on windshield exterior surface, with minimal condensation on some side windows. This occurs during typical Florida morning conditions with significant temperature differential between nighttime glass surface and ambient air humidity levels.

Require systematic approach to eliminate both interior and exterior condensation formation. What are the most effective methods to prevent windshield fogging through humidity control, ventilation management, and thermal barriers? Need technical solutions that address root causes rather than temporary fixes. …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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Product Ranking 8 compared

Best RV Water Heaters

4.4 (6,800 reviews)

Engine Medium 2-4 hours diagnosis 81 👍 0

RV Engine Stalling & Transmission Issues - Diagnosis Help

Replaced multiple parts but I'm still standing in the auto parts store aisle staring at diagnostic tools with no clue which one I actually need for my RV's stalling and transmission issues. When I'm cruising and let off the gas, sometimes the RPMs drop like a rock, other times they just hang there until I slow down more. That's weird enough, but here's the real kicker - every now and then the whole engine just dies on me when I'm rolling up to a stop sign or red light. Maybe happens twice in 600 miles or so, so it's not constant but definitely not normal either.

I'm wondering if these two issues are connected somehow? Like could whatever's causing the stalling also be messing with how the transmission acts when I let off the throttle? Really hoping someone has seen this combo before because I'm in Germany and finding RV-specific help is tough.

I'm looking for any insights from folks who might know what could cause this - hoping to get to the bottom of this before it becomes a bigger problem! …more

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Engine Easy 1 hour to weigh and calculate 80 👍 0

How to Find the Correct Tire Pressure for Goodyear Fuel Max RSA RV Tires

Before, my old Class C worked fine with the dealer's generic tire pressure chart — but these new Goodyear Fuel Max RSA 245/70R19.5 load range H tires on my 2008 Winnebago Sightseer 29R are completely different. My loaded RV weighs 6,020 lbs on the front axle and 11,220 lbs on the rear axle based on my most recent scale weights.

I'm concerned that 100 PSI might be too high since my previous Goodyear G670RV tires ran fine at 85-90 PSI, and the handling feels different now, especially when towing. I want to make sure I'm running the correct tire pressure based on my actual axle weights rather than just using maximum ratings or generic guidelines. What's the proper way to determine the right inflation pressure for these Fuel Max RSA tires given my specific load conditions? …more

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Ac Refrigeration Easy 30 minutes 80 👍 0

Dometic CF80 Drain Foam Replacement: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Woke up to check out my new place's Dometic CF80 basement refrigerator/freezer and discovered what looks like deteriorated foam filter stuff in the bottom drain compartment. The foam material shows significant contamination and degradation.

I need to understand the specific function of this foam component within the CF80's drainage system. Is this foam element critical for proper unit operation, and what are the consequences of operating without it? Additionally, what is the recommended replacement schedule for this component, and how do I determine when replacement is necessary versus simple cleaning? …more

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Plumbing Medium 2-3 hours 79 👍 0

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

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Plumbing Medium 1-2 hours 78 👍 0

Thetford Aurora Toilet Replacement Guide: Best RV Toilet Upgrades 2024

The minor drip from my Thetford Aurora toilet seals started last month but now it's turned into a constant leak requiring daily maintenance. After one seal replacement, the failure recurred within four months of operation, indicating a potential systemic issue with this model's design.

I'm evaluating replacement options and need technical guidance on reliable alternatives. Budget considerations are important, but I require a unit that can withstand continuous use without recurring maintenance issues. Preference is for ceramic bowl construction over plastic alternatives for durability and performance characteristics.

What are the most reliable Thetford toilet models for Aurora replacement, and how do budget options like the Aqua Magic series compare to mid-range and premium models in terms of long-term reliability and seal performance? …more

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Plumbing Easy 30 minutes each use 77 👍 0

Why RV Water Smells Bad After Storage: Quick Fix Guide

Pulled the RV out of winter storage and the water smells like rotten eggs the second I turn on any faucet. Hot and cold both reek. Sanitized the tank with bleach before storage but clearly something went wrong over the winter. Need this fixed before our first trip next weekend. …more

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Engine Easy 15 minutes 76 👍 0

Ford E450 RV Unused Engine Bay Plugs: Complete Identification Guide

Three different Ford techs want $400 for replacing this massive electrical connector in my 2017 E450 engine bay, but it looks completely unused to me. It's our chassis for a 2018 Sunseeker 2430S-CD, and this thing has been bugging me for months now - it's just sitting there unused with no obvious purpose.

I've been all through the manuals and can't find any reference to it. The RV runs great and I don't think we're missing any functionality, but seeing this big plug just hanging there makes me worried we didn't get something we paid for or that there's supposed to be some optional equipment connected.

Has anyone else dealt with these mystery connectors on Ford E450 chassis? I really need to know what this was intended for before I drive myself crazy thinking about it! …more

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Ac Refrigeration Easy 2-4 hours for DIY 76 👍 0

How to Cool Hot RV Window Frames: 7 Proven Heat Reduction Solutions

Three months into owning my first RV and I'm completely lost on why these black aluminum window frames are hitting 129°F in just 90° weather. I'm pretty sure I could get a nice sear on a steak if I tried.

I'm looking for the most effective ways to tame these heat magnets before they turn my RV into a mobile sauna. I've heard about exterior reflective covers, interior solutions with Reflectix, and I'm wondering what actually works best. Should I be blocking the sun before it hits the frames, or can interior covers do the trick? And how the heck do you attach exterior covers without them flying off down the highway like aluminum kites?

Any battle-tested solutions from fellow victims of the great window frame heat conspiracy would be much appreciated! …more

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Best RV Leveling Blocks & Jacks

4.6 (9,800 reviews)

Solar Batteries Easy 30 minutes 70 👍 0

How to Properly Store RV Lithium Batteries During Wisconsin Winters: Cold Weather Care Guide

After storing my RV in freezing Wisconsin temps all winter, I just realized our Florida trip starts next month and my lithium batteries got zero cold weather prep! Got my RV winterized, but completely spaced on what to do with my lithium batteries during Wisconsin's lovely sub-zero season.

I know lithium batteries are supposedly the bee's knees compared to lead-acid, but I'm pretty sure letting them freeze solid in my garage isn't part of their charm. Should I be storing them somewhere warmer? What about charge levels - do I top them off or run them down? And please tell me I don't have to babysit them all winter long!

Could use some advice specific to RV lithium battery storage, since I didn't mention the specific battery type or RV details in my original post. …more

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General Easy N/A 69 👍 0

Forest River Georgetown GT3 Class A Motorhome: Complete Owner's Guide

Called a tow truck after that torrential rain last weekend left my Forest River Georgetown GT3's emergency brake on the left wheel completely stuck and won't disengage. I'm looking for advice on diagnosing and resolving this specific brake problem. Has anyone dealt with a similar emergency brake malfunction on this model? …more

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General Easy 30 minutes install 69 👍 0

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

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Engine Easy 30 minutes 66 👍 0

RV Power Steering Fluid Leak: Why It Stops & How to Fix Overfull Reservoir

Already driving myself crazy — my RV's power steering fluid only leaks when it hits 80+ degrees but works perfectly in cooler weather. A few months back, I noticed my power steering reservoir was doing its best impression of a leaky faucet - not enough to actually drip on the ground (because that would be too obvious), just enough seepage around the hose connection to make me paranoid.

Being the procrastination champion that I am, I figured I'd deal with it 'later' and just made sure I had extra fluid on hand. Well, 'later' finally arrived, and now I'm scratching my head because the leak has completely vanished! Poof! Gone! Like it never happened. But here's the kicker - when I actually checked the fluid level for the first time in three years, it's overfull by a decent margin.

So what gives? Did my RV just perform some kind of self-healing miracle, or is there actually a logical explanation for why a power steering leak would start and then mysteriously stop on its own? And more importantly, could that overfull reservoir be connected to this whole disappearing act? …more

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