Popular New Guides Product Guides Tools Checklists My Rig

Results for "electric awning"

783+ Q&A Updated Weekly Free
RV Storage on Gravel: Preventing Weed and Moisture Issues
General Medium 1-2 days for initial setup 220 👍 1

RV Storage on Gravel: Preventing Weed and Moisture Issues

Nobody warned me that buying a house with RV storage meant inheriting the previous owner's 13-year-old weedy, muddy gravel disaster. While considering this location's storage options, I want to mitigate potential issues with weed growth and moisture retention under the RV.

I'm seeking advice on effective strategies for storing on a gravel surface that shows significant weed penetration and moisture retention. Initial ideas include pre-treatment herbicide application and installing a protective barrier, but I want input from experienced RV owners.

My primary concerns are preventing undercarriage damage and managing moisture/vegetation growth. I plan to spray weed killer beforehand and potentially lay down a weed barrier, pending facility approval. What techniques or materials do you recommend to protect my RV during storage? …more
RV Slide Out Water Leak Repair: Complete Guide to Finding & Fixing Leaks in Your RV
Slideouts Medium 2-3 hours 108 👍

RV Slide Out Water Leak Repair: Complete Guide to Finding & Fixing Leaks in Your RV

Replaced my slide out seals last month but water still keeps pouring in every time it rains — am I missing something obvious here?

I've heard it could be the weatherstripping or seals, but I'm not sure how to inspect them properly or what other things might cause leaks. Could someone walk me through a systematic approach to find and fix slide out water leaks? I'd really appreciate guidance on what to check first and how to go about diagnosing the problem.

While the seals look okay visually, something clearly isn't sealing right when it rains. …more
How to Fix RV Slide Out Topper Awning Problems: Common Issues and Solutions for Smooth Operation
General Medium Varies by issue 101 👍

How to Fix RV Slide Out Topper Awning Problems: Common Issues and Solutions for Smooth Operation

Before buying our first RV, I never even knew slide topper awnings existed, and now ours is acting up and I'm completely lost. We're having all three slide toppers professionally replaced next week, but I'm honestly worried we'll end up with the same problems all over again if they're not installed properly.

I've been reading horror stories about misaligned toppers, wrong spring tension, and fabric bunching up during slide operation. Since this is costing us a pretty penny, I really need to know what specific things I should insist the installer check and test before they leave. What are the critical adjustments that need to be made during installation to prevent these common topper problems from happening again? …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
Winnebago Ekko Solar Battery Setup: Complete Boondocking Power Guide 2
Solar Batteries Easy N/A - planning 93 👍

Winnebago Ekko Solar Battery Setup: Complete Boondocking Power Guide 2

Looked at our 2022 Winnebago Ekko's dual 320 Amp Hour Lithionics batteries and 450-watt solar setup after my wife mentioned it wasn't optimized for boondocking, and now I'm completely obsessing over our power management. Planning extended boondocking trips to music festivals and remote locations.

I'm particularly interested in understanding how feasible it is to run the roof AC while driving using solar panels and batteries, and ensuring enough power remains when I arrive at my destination. What's the best strategy for maximizing battery life and solar charging efficiency during extended off-grid stays? …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

Still stuck on this repair?

Get a personalized answer from a verified RV mechanic. Describe your issue and get step-by-step help.

Chat with an RV Mechanic
27708 RV owners helped · Avg response under 5 min
Carefree HD Awning Stabilizer Review: Box Awning Install
Exterior Medium 45 minutes 87 👍

Carefree HD Awning Stabilizer Review: Box Awning Install

Between the wind gusts hitting camp right now, I can see my box awning doing this wild flapping dance that's making me nervous. The Carefree HD Awning Stabilizer appears to be designed specifically for this application, but I need technical assessment of its actual performance characteristics.

Primary concerns are bounce reduction effectiveness, compatibility across different box awning manufacturers, and installation complexity for self-service repair. Wind stability is the critical performance metric - current setup shows significant sway at wind speeds above 10-15 mph.

Looking for factual analysis of this stabilizer's capabilities on box awning configurations, particularly regarding installation requirements and real-world wind resistance improvements. …more
How to Disable Girard GG1000 Awning Motion Sensor
Exterior Easy 5 minutes 81 👍

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
RV Electric Awning Won't Retract Fully: Fix Bunching and Alignment Issues with Easy Steps
Exterior Medium 45 minutes 81 👍

RV Electric Awning Won't Retract Fully: Fix Bunching and Alignment Issues with Easy Steps

Woke up to my electric awning stuck 2 feet short of fully retracting, now I'm standing in the RV parts store staring at motors and alignment tools with zero clue which one I need. During the retraction process, I've observed the fabric bunching up significantly on one side while the opposite side appears to retract normally.

The motor continues to run when this occurs, suggesting it's not a power issue. I suspect this may be related to fabric tension irregularities or potential misalignment in the awning arm mechanism, but I need to confirm the root cause and understand the proper correction procedure.

What are the most likely causes of this partial retraction with uneven fabric bunching, and what systematic troubleshooting steps should I follow to resolve this issue? …more
Ford E-450 Class C RV Chassis Service in South Florida - Complete Dealer Guide
Engine Easy 2-4 hours 80 👍

Ford E-450 Class C RV Chassis Service in South Florida - Complete Dealer Guide

Need chassis service on my Ford E-450 Class C in South Florida and the regular Ford dealers keep turning me away because of the RV body. Called four dealerships and none of them want to touch it. Looking for a shop that actually works on RV chassis down here. …more
RV AC Not Cooling Properly? Complete Troubleshooting & Repair Guide
Ac Refrigeration Medium 2-3 hours 75 👍

RV AC Not Cooling Properly? Complete Troubleshooting & Repair Guide

Standing here after replacing my RV's AC compressor yesterday but it's still barely blowing cold air — did I mess something up? My dual AC setup absolutely crushes it when it's blazing hot outside - we're talking 95+ degree days and it'll knock the temp down a solid 15 degrees no problem. But now that the weather's cooled off to like 70-75 degrees, the darn things can't even keep up with the outdoor temperature. Set the thermostat to 69, outside temp is 69, and I'm still sitting at 75+ inside the rig.

I actually tested it yesterday - turned off the AC completely, opened windows and ran exhaust fans, and got better cooling than with the AC running! Now I'm doing this weird combo of AC plus open windows just to stay comfortable. What gives? Why would my AC units lose their mojo when the weather gets easier on them? Is this some kind of airflow issue or what? …more
RV Extended Warranty Renewal: Best Options for Seniors
Ac Refrigeration Medium Research and quotes: 2-3 weeks 74 👍

RV Extended Warranty Renewal: Best Options for Seniors

Spent seven years thinking I understood my RV warranty until American Guardian's 50,000-mile coverage expired and I realized I'm completely lost about what comes next. Initial premium: $10,700. Claims history: 4 successful claims totaling $6,913 in payouts, including complete Dometic Penguin 2 AC/HP unit replacement. All maintenance performed per manufacturer specifications.

At 75 years old with uncertain travel duration remaining, evaluating renewal options versus self-insurance strategy. Current consideration set includes AGWS renewal, Good Sam extended service plans, and Warrantech coverage. Recent major components replaced: 6 AGM house batteries (April 2023), 6 Michelin tires with retro-bands (August 2023), dual chassis batteries (fall 2024).

Given positive claims ratio (64.6% recovery) and disciplined maintenance approach, what would be the optimal warranty strategy moving forward? Should I prioritize renewal with proven provider, explore alternative coverage options, or transition to self-insurance given age demographics and asset condition? …more
When to Buy a Used Class A Diesel Motorhome: Best Times for Deals
General Easy N/A 70 👍

When to Buy a Used Class A Diesel Motorhome: Best Times for Deals

Pulled into three dealerships expecting to find a decent used Class A diesel motorhome within budget, but they're all quoting me $20K+ over what I can afford. When during the year do dealers typically have the best deals and inventory turnover?

Also curious about when to avoid shopping due to high demand and higher prices. Any insights on seasonal buying patterns would be helpful. …more
Robert, RV Mechanic
Ask an RV Mechanic Avg reply < 5 min

My Rig Settings

Hi, I'm Hank!
Need help setting up? I can walk you through it
Rig Info
Give it a name you'll recognize
Power & Electrical
Climate Control
Water System
Refrigerator Type
Leveling System
Convenience & Features
Sync across devices