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RV Water Pump Losing Prime: Troubleshooting & Winterization
Plumbing Medium 2-4 hours 446 👍 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
RV Inverter Guide: Modified vs Pure Sine Wave - Safe Power
Solar Batteries Medium 4-6 hours for inverter replacement 249 👍 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
RV Rubber Roof Bubbling? How to Repair EPDM Separation
Exterior Medium 2-4 hours 167 👍

RV Rubber Roof Bubbling? How to Repair EPDM Separation

After 8 years of faithful service, my RV's EPDM rubber roof is starting to bubble with the membrane separating underneath — should I repair or replace? I'm concerned that if I don't address this soon, water could get in and cause major damage.

But I'm also nervous about trying to fix it myself. What if I make it worse by cutting into the roof or using the wrong products? Is this something that can actually be repaired, or am I looking at a full roof replacement? I'd really appreciate some guidance on whether this is a DIY-friendly repair and what the basic process involves. …more
RV Propane Regulator Freezing Up? Common Causes & Easy Fixes
Propane Easy 30 minutes 128 👍

RV Propane Regulator Freezing Up? Common Causes & Easy Fixes

About the third time this season my propane system is acting up during cold weather prep and I'm done trying to figure this out on my own. When temperatures drop, I notice my propane regulator develops frost on it and the gas flow seems to slow down or stop completely. This makes me nervous - is this actually normal behavior or do I have a serious problem?

I'm worried about running my furnace and other propane appliances when this happens. Should I be concerned about safety? And if this freezing is normal, what's the safest way to prevent it from happening? I don't want to do anything that might make the situation worse or create a hazardous condition. …more
How to Fix RV Window Separated from Crank Mechanism - Step-by-Step Repair Guide
Exterior Medium 30 min work plus 24-48 hour cure 100 👍

How to Fix RV Window Separated from Crank Mechanism - Step-by-Step Repair Guide

Pulled open my 2015 Fleetwood Expedition 40X kitchen sink window only to find it completely separated from the metal crank arm mechanism - now debating between calling a mobile RV tech or tackling this DIY. During my last camping trip, I noticed the window was loose and flapping around in the wind, which was both annoying and concerning. When I got back and examined it more closely, I can see that the bond between the glass and the crank mechanism has failed entirely.

I know I need to reattach it with some kind of adhesive, but I'm overwhelmed by all the different options out there. I've seen mentions of products like 3M Windo-Weld and various Sikaflex formulations (like 221, 255, 291), but I'm not sure which one is specifically designed for this type of repair. I also want to make sure I do this right the first time since it's such an exposed area that takes a beating from weather and road vibration.

What's the best adhesive for rebonding a frameless glass window to its crank mechanism, and what's the proper process to ensure it holds up long-term? I want to make sure I clean the surfaces properly and give it adequate curing time before I start operating the window again. …more
How to Fix RV Transfer Switch Not Detecting External Generator - Complete Troubleshooting Guide
Engine Hard 4-8 hours 98 👍

How to Fix RV Transfer Switch Not Detecting External Generator - Complete Troubleshooting Guide

The automatic transfer switch on my 1999 American Eagle detects shore power and onboard diesel genset fine, but won't recognize my external portable generator — can I fix this for under $50? The generator runs fine and produces power, but the transfer switch doesn't trigger to use it.

What causes this issue and what are my options to get the ATS to work with an external generator? …more

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RV Tank Sensor Removal Guide: Gray & Black Water Tank Sensors (Step-by-Step Process)
Plumbing Medium 1-2 hours 95 👍

RV Tank Sensor Removal Guide: Gray & Black Water Tank Sensors (Step-by-Step Process)

Somewhere between throwing $150 at new RV tank sensors and just ripping out these faulty gray and black water sensors completely, I'm wondering which route makes more sense? Was looking at changing my gray/black water tank sensors, but when I crawled under there, this is what I found. What kind of sensors are these and how do you remove them? I'd really appreciate some specific advice about the sensor type and removal technique. …more
Can You Run an RV Dryer on 30 Amp Shore Power? Complete Guide
Appliances Easy 10 minutes research 93 👍

Can You Run an RV Dryer on 30 Amp Shore Power? Complete Guide

Already dealing with my 2019 Forest River's 4-year-old dryer constantly tripping the breaker — should I repair it or just replace with something more 30-amp friendly? We have a 2024 Tiffin Open Road and I'm not sure if I can use the dryer when we're plugged into a 30 amp hookup at campgrounds.

I've heard mixed things about whether dryers work on 30 amp service or if you need 50 amp. Some people say it depends on the dryer type? I'm honestly not even sure how to tell what voltage our dryer is or what that means for power requirements. Any guidance would be really appreciated! …more
How to Remove and Replace Cracked Factory Protective Film on RV Front Cap
General Medium 4-8 hours 92 👍

How to Remove and Replace Cracked Factory Protective Film on RV Front Cap

Staring at my newly purchased older Newmar motorhome with factory protective plastic coating cracked and peeling everywhere on the front cap. The coating has been on there for years and is now showing significant cracking, peeling, and deterioration that's making the RV look pretty rough. I understand this was a common factory option to protect the paint from road debris and bug damage, but it's clearly past its useful life.

As someone who enjoys DIY projects and wants to restore this coach to better condition, I'm wondering about the feasibility of removing this old protective film myself and either replacing it with something newer or just maintaining the bare paint underneath. What's the proper process for safely removing aged factory protective coating without damaging the underlying paint? Are there modern alternatives I should consider for replacement, and what tools and materials would I need for this type of project? I want to make sure I approach this methodically to get the best results. …more
How to Repair RV Roof Soft Spots: Fix Water-Damaged Wood Step-by-Step Guide
Exterior Hard 4-8 hours 90 👍

How to Repair RV Roof Soft Spots: Fix Water-Damaged Wood Step-by-Step Guide

My RV roof has had this squishy soft spot right next to the roof vent ever since we got hammered by that nasty rainstorm last month. When I step on that area, it feels spongy and I can tell there's water damage underneath the rubber membrane.

I'm pretty sure water has been leaking through the vent area and rotting the plywood underneath, which seems to be about a hand-sized area. I want to cut the rubber membrane back, replace the damaged wood, and then reseal it properly.

Should I be worried about the structural integrity? What type of materials should I use for the replacement wood, and how do I properly reseal everything to prevent this from happening again? I'm thinking of folding back the rubber, replacing the damaged section of wood, and then resealing the membrane over the new wood. …more
How to Fix RV Washer P-Trap Dry Out and Stop Gray Tank Odors
Plumbing Easy 15 minutes 87 👍

How to Fix RV Washer P-Trap Dry Out and Stop Gray Tank Odors

After not using my RV's gray tank for days, my bathroom is still getting blasted with sewer smells that seem to appear out of nowhere. My 2025 Bay Star 2826 came pre-plumbed for a washer/dryer in the bedroom closet, but we decided not to install one. The problem is that horrible sewer smell keeps coming up through the washer drain pipe - it's making that whole area of the RV unbearable.

I know there's a P-trap down there that's supposed to hold water and block those gray tank odors, but since we're not using the washer connection, that trap just dries out completely. Every few weeks those awful smells come back with a vengeance. I've tried pouring water down there a couple times, which helps temporarily, but it just evaporates again.

There has to be a better long-term solution than me crawling under there with a pitcher of water every month, right? What do other RVers do when they have an unused washer hookup that keeps letting sewer gases escape? …more
How to Safely Use Multiple RV Campground Pedestal Outlets: Electrical
Electrical Easy N/A 86 👍

How to Safely Use Multiple RV Campground Pedestal Outlets: Electrical

I looked at my campsite setup and realized I need to safely tap multiple pedestal outlets for my RV without creating an electrical disaster. My toyhauler is plugged into the 50A service, but I'm thinking about also using the 20A outlet on the same pedestal for my residential washer/dryer and an electric tankless water heater.

Specifically, I want to plug in an electric tankless water heater for my toyhauler's setup, but I'm concerned about whether a 20A outlet can even handle that kind of load. Are these outlets on the same breaker as the 50A service? I don't want to trip breakers or worse, cause any damage to the campground's electrical system.

What's actually safe to plug into those extra pedestal outlets when you're already using the main 50A connection? I'm being extra cautious because I've heard horror stories about RV electrical issues. …more
How to Install Norcold N821 Power Board Kit 633292 - Complete RV Repair Guide
Ac Refrigeration Medium 2-3 hours 83 👍

How to Install Norcold N821 Power Board Kit 633292 - Complete RV Repair Guide

Finally replaced the power board on my N821 fridge with Norcold kit 633292 yesterday but something still doesn't seem right. this thing came with zero instructions! Apparently it's some kind of universal kit that works on multiple applications, which sounds great in theory but leaves me scratching my head about the actual wiring.

My fridge is from a 1999 rig with one of the lower serial numbers (the early version), and I'm hearing that makes a difference in how this gets connected. Anyone know how to figure out which wiring configuration I need for this specific setup? Really don't want to fry anything by guessing! …more

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Fix Splendide Washer/Dryer Towels Stuck to Drum Issue
Appliances Easy 30-45 minutes 82 👍

Fix Splendide Washer/Dryer Towels Stuck to Drum Issue

Our new-to-us RV came with a Splendide washer/dryer combo that the previous owner left in terrible shape — it turns towels into matted clumps stuck to the drum. This problem occurs regardless of load size variations - both light and heavy loads produce identical results.

The matted towels require manual separation and often necessitate running additional wash and dry cycles, though this remedial approach yields inconsistent results. The towels appear to compress into solid masses that conform to the drum's curvature.

Seeking technical analysis of potential root causes and systematic troubleshooting procedures to eliminate this operational malfunction. What mechanical or procedural factors contribute to this towel matting behavior, and what specific corrective actions should be implemented? …more
How to Disable Girard GG1000 Awning Motion Sensor
Exterior Easy 5 minutes 80 👍

How to Disable Girard GG1000 Awning Motion Sensor

Spent the weekend camping only to have that piercing beep from my Girard GG1000 awning motion sensor going off constantly in the wind. I have a 2025 Tiffin Wayfarer with a Girard GG1000 awning and I'm trying to install support poles and a sunshade, but this darn motion sensor keeps retracting the awning every time I get near it or try to attach anything.

I've looked through the manual twice and can't find any clear instructions on how to temporarily disable the motion sensor. I know there has to be a way to turn it off so I can actually use my awning accessories without it constantly thinking something's wrong and pulling itself back in.

Does anyone know the exact steps to disable the motion sensor on the GG1000? I just need it off long enough to get my support poles and sunshade attached, then I'd like to turn it back on for normal operation. …more
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