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DIY RV Basement Door Paint Repair: Complete Guide & Cost Analysis
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
Fleetwood Excursion Tire Upgrade Guide: 255 to 275 Width Conversion
Engine Medium 1 hour research 110 👍

Fleetwood Excursion Tire Upgrade Guide: 255 to 275 Width Conversion

After upgrading my 2015 Fleetwood Excursion M-35B from 255 to 275 width tires, it started getting sketchy handling on highway turns. The current 255/70R22.5 tires are wearing out and I'd love to go wider with 275/70R22.5 for better stability, but I keep getting conflicting advice from different tire shops.

Some say it's fine, others warn about clearance issues and potential problems. I really need to know what specific measurements I should check before making this change. What wheel width do I need? How do I verify there's enough steering clearance? I don't want to buy expensive tires only to find out they don't fit properly or aren't safe for my RV's load requirements. …more
Atwood AFMD35 Furnace Playing Peek-a-Boo - How to Clean Flame Sensor & Fix Short Cycling
Propane Medium 30-60 minutes 95 👍 1

Atwood AFMD35 Furnace Playing Peek-a-Boo - How to Clean Flame Sensor & Fix Short Cycling

Staring at my Atwood AFMD35 manual that claims it should stay running once lit, but mine keeps shutting off every few minutes like it's playing peek-a-boo. It fires up beautifully for about 5-10 seconds, gets my hopes up that I won't freeze tonight, then promptly shuts off like it's having second thoughts about this whole "heating the RV" thing.

I've ruled out the sail switch and high temp limit since it actually lights (small victories in RV life, right?). I'm pretty sure the flame sensor is the culprit here, but I've never cleaned one before. How do I clean this mysterious little part, and what's the best way to access it on this model? Because apparently my furnace thinks playing hard-to-get is charming! …more
How to Replace Your RV Door Awning Motor Cap: Step-by-Step Guide
Exterior Easy 15 minutes 94 👍

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
RVLock Atlas Keyless Entry Installation Guide - Quick 15-Minute RV Door Fix
Appliances Easy 10-15 minutes 88 👍

RVLock Atlas Keyless Entry Installation Guide - Quick 15-Minute RV Door Fix

Between the metallic grinding when I turn the key and the ominous clicking from inside my 2016 Bounder's door mechanism, I'm ready to upgrade to an RVLock Atlas keyless system. It's specifically designed for RV doors and seems to be the only keyless lock that fits my model. The installation was incredibly quick - it took just ten minutes and required only a small Phillips screwdriver and a jeweller's screwdriver to press the reset button during programming. The Atlas comes with a QR code linking to a helpful how-to video. Just be aware it's a significant investment at $299. While pricey, the straightforward installation makes it appealing for a DIY RV owner. …more
5000 lb RV Hitch Rating Explained: Weight Limits, Tongue Weight & Safety Guide
General Easy N/A 87 👍

5000 lb RV Hitch Rating Explained: Weight Limits, Tongue Weight & Safety Guide

According to my old Class C setup this same hitch rating confusion was easily solved with basic math — but towing a Jeep behind this Class A motorhome has me worried about weight limits and legal liability. After checking the Jeep website, I noticed that most Jeep models weigh over 5100 lbs, which seems to exceed typical 5000 lb hitch ratings. Could this potentially expose RV owners to liability if something goes wrong during towing? I want to understand the weight implications and safety considerations before hooking up a vehicle. Does this mean most Jeep owners towing with a gasser Class A might be inadvertently exceeding safe towing limits? …more

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How to Stop RV Refrigerator Shelves from Sliding While Driving - Easy
Ac Refrigeration Easy 30-45 minutes 86 👍

How to Stop RV Refrigerator Shelves from Sliding While Driving - Easy

My RV dealer insists I need to replace my entire 2025 Cedar Creek 360RL refrigerator just because the shelves slide during travel, but that seems like overkill. Even with an empty fridge, the glass shelves keep moving forward and end up pressed against the doors whenever we're driving. I'm concerned this could lead to broken glass or damage to the door seals.

I'm hesitant to try any fixes that might make the shelves permanently stuck or difficult to remove for cleaning. What are some safe, proven methods to secure refrigerator shelves during travel while still allowing easy removal when needed? I don't want to make the problem worse or void any warranties on this new RV. …more
Onan 4KY Generator Starts Then Dies: Oil Pressure Sensor Troubleshooting Guide
Engine Medium 30-60 minutes 80 👍

Onan 4KY Generator Starts Then Dies: Oil Pressure Sensor Troubleshooting Guide

About to sound like a total newbie here, but why does my 2018 Winnebago Spirit's Onan 4KY-26100R generator start perfectly then instantly die when I release the start switch? I suspect it's the oil pressure sensor based on what I've read, but want to confirm this diagnosis before ordering parts. Oil level appears normal. I've tried locating the oil sensor near the oil filler tube on the crankcase, but it's difficult to see or reach. Is there a way to test if the oil pressure sensor is actually the problem? Can I bypass it temporarily to verify that's the issue? …more
How to Fix Parasitic Battery Drain in 2006 Damon Challenger RV: Complete Troubleshooting Guide
Solar Batteries Medium 2-4 hours 77 👍

How to Fix Parasitic Battery Drain in 2006 Damon Challenger RV: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

I found three different "experts" telling me three different causes for my 2006 Damon Challenger's parasitic battery drain - neighbor blames the converter, dealer says bad fuse, YouTube points to inverter. I've traced it to the instrument cluster fuse, and Thor doesn't have schematics for this model due to its age.

I'm not even sure if it's actually the instrument cluster itself or something connected to it - could it be the transmission temp sensor, engine temp sensor, or other wiring? I really don't want to damage anything expensive or create a safety hazard. What's the safest way to diagnose and fix this without causing more problems? I'd feel much better with a step-by-step approach that won't leave me stranded or worse. …more
RV Electric Steps Won't Lock Extended - Troubleshoot Lock Switch & Control Board Issues
Exterior Medium 1-2 hours 75 👍

RV Electric Steps Won't Lock Extended - Troubleshoot Lock Switch & Control Board Issues

Noticed my 2008 Tiffin Allegro Bay 35 TSB electric steps won't lock extended and keep retracting when I close the door — tackling this Saturday, what should I prep?

I'm concerned this could be a safety issue, and I don't want to start taking things apart without knowing what I'm doing. Could this be the lock switch going bad, or maybe something with the control board? I have a multimeter but I'm nervous about testing electrical components incorrectly. What's the safest way to troubleshoot this problem? …more
50 Amp RV Surge Protector Guide: Best Models, Installation & Protection Tips
Electrical Medium 2-3 hours 74 👍

50 Amp RV Surge Protector Guide: Best Models, Installation & Protection Tips

Turned on the weather this morning and saw another storm system rolling in, which has me panicking since I still don't have a 50 amp surge protector for my RV. I've been looking at units ranging from basic portable models to high-end hardwired systems, particularly needing a 50 amp solution that provides at least 6000 watts of surge protection.

I'm torn between getting a portable unit versus installing a hardwired unit directly into my electrical system. The portable units seem more flexible, but I'm concerned about theft since they'd be hanging outside at campgrounds.

What are the real-world advantages and disadvantages of each approach? Is the protection quality different between hardwired and portable surge protectors, or is it mainly about security and convenience?

I want to make sure I'm getting the best protection without overspending on unnecessary features. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance,
Bill …more
RV Mirror Mounting Screws Rusting: Prevention & Replacement Guide
Exterior Easy 30 minutes 74 👍

RV Mirror Mounting Screws Rusting: Prevention & Replacement Guide

Apparently I'm standing in the hardware store aisle staring at dozens of different screws with no clue which ones will actually replace these rusted-out driver-side mirror mounting screws. The screws are rusty, with one small mounting cap found on the ground, following previous mirror replacements by NIRVC after a semi truck sideswipe and subsequent facility incident.

The mirror assembly mounts directly to a fiberglass sidewall surface, which presents specific torque considerations to avoid stress cracking. What type of replacement screws and installation procedures should I implement to ensure long-term durability and prevent future corrosion issues? I'm particularly concerned about material selection and proper installation techniques for this application. …more
2007 Dyna Max IE250 Air Ride Electrical Manual Location
General Medium 2-3 hours of research/phone calls 70 👍

2007 Dyna Max IE250 Air Ride Electrical Manual Location

According to my bank account, this 2007 Dyna Max IE250 air ride electrical manual hunt is eating through my repair budget faster than I can earn it. I've been dealing with some electrical issues and really need the wiring diagrams and troubleshooting procedures, but I can't seem to find this documentation anywhere online.

I've already tried the usual RV manual sites and even contacted a few local dealers, but nobody seems to have specific electrical documentation for the Dyna Air Ride system that was installed on these units. This is supposedly a premium suspension system, so you'd think the manuals would be easier to track down!

Does anyone know where I can actually get my hands on the electrical manual for this air ride system? I'm willing to pay for it at this point - I just need to get this thing working properly again. …more

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How to Replace RV Ignition Lock Cylinder: Step-by-Step Repair Guide
Engine Medium 1-2 hours 68 👍

How to Replace RV Ignition Lock Cylinder: Step-by-Step Repair Guide

Three times this week my RV ignition has done something bizarre — the key slides in perfectly but refuses to turn at all, like it's completely seized. I've been working on replacing the ignition lock cylinder in my 2003 Hurricane RV after losing my keys, and I think I've made things worse. When I drilled out the old cylinder and pulled it out, some kind of gear mechanism came with it and now I can't get everything aligned properly.

The frustrating part is that I can turn the key and all the dashboard lights come on, but when I try to actually crank the engine, absolutely nothing happens. I've tried realigning the gear multiple times but I'm obviously missing something important. I'm wondering if I need to remove the steering column covers to get better access, or if this is complicated enough that I should just bite the bullet and call a locksmith.

Has anyone dealt with this type of ignition lock cylinder gear failure before? I really need to get this RV running again and I'm hoping there's a straightforward way to replace the whole lock cylinder assembly properly. …more
Class A Sleeper Sofa Replacement Guide - Safe Installation
General Medium 4-8 hours 60 👍

Class A Sleeper Sofa Replacement Guide - Safe Installation

Staring at my Class A's sleeper sofa that started sagging dangerously in the middle last month and now has a completely cracked frame underneath. The RV currently has two separate recliners in the living area, but we'd really like to replace them with a sleeper sofa since we'll need the extra sleeping space. I'm concerned about finding something that's both safe for travel and comfortable enough for our aging backs - we might end up sleeping on it ourselves some nights. What should we look for in terms of mounting systems and comfort features? I want to make sure whatever we install won't become a projectile if we have to brake hard with the family aboard. …more
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