Results for "electrical comparison"

General Medium Varies by issue 101 👍 0

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

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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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Electrical Medium 30-60 minutes 85 👍 0

Surge Guard 40250-RVC vs 40350-RVC Transfer Switch: Complete Comparison Guide

This 8-year-old transfer switch is getting sluggish during power transfers — worth repairing or should I just upgrade to a newer Surge Guard model? I currently have a Surge Guard 40250-RVC in my 2013 motorhome, but I'm having trouble finding that exact model for replacement. All I can seem to find available is the 40350-RVC model.

My current unit has started making a buzzing sound when connected to shore power. Everything still seems to work fine, but I've heard this might indicate the contacts are starting to fail. I'd rather replace it before it completely goes out and leaves me without power.

Can anyone tell me if the 40250-RVC and 40350-RVC are interchangeable? And should I be concerned about the buzzing, or is there anything I can check before replacing the whole unit? …more

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Product Ranking 8 compared

Best RV Water Heaters

4.4 (6,800 reviews)

Ac Refrigeration Hard 4-8 hours 84 👍 0

N3150 RV Refrigerator Replacement: NovaKool R4500 vs Norcold N3141 Comparison Guide

Standing in my 2016 Itasca Navion 24G, I discovered the previous owner left me with a completely shot Norcold N3150 refrigerator. The fridge is struggling big time in hot weather, with temperature swings up to 50-60F, and I'm tired of playing refrigerator roulette every trip. I'm running 200W of solar and 2 Golf Cart 6V batteries, and I do a lot of driving through Southern California deserts where temperatures hit 110F.

Been doing some research and keep seeing two main options - the NovaKool RFU6406D with dual compressors, or sticking with absorption and going with something like the Norcold N2175. I'm particularly interested in a setup that'll keep things cold when it's scorching outside and provide reliable cooling performance.

What's the real-world difference between these two approaches, and which one's gonna give me better performance in those extreme desert heat situations? …more

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Ac Refrigeration Hard 4-6 hours (professional installation) 82 👍 0

Norcold 1201LRIM Dutch Aire Conversion Guide: 12V vs 120V Power Options Explained

Already three fire hazard warnings this season from my Norcold 1201LRIM in my 2003 Winnebago Brave 34D and I'm done playing roulette with this recall nightmare. After 22 years, the absorption cooling system is showing signs of corrosion and I'm concerned about continued operation even with safety devices like Fridge Defend.

I've been researching Dutch Aire conversion options to save my existing refrigerator box, and I'm torn between their 120VAC conversion kit and their 12VDC conversion kit. Both options would allow me to keep the same interior space my wife loves while eliminating the problematic absorption system, but I need to understand the practical differences between these two power options.

My RV has both shore power capability and a decent house battery setup, but I'm not sure which conversion would be more reliable and efficient for our typical camping style. What are the key considerations between choosing the 120VAC versus 12VDC Dutch Aire conversion for the Norcold 1201 series, especially regarding power consumption, electrical system requirements, and overall performance? …more

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Ac Refrigeration Medium 1-2 hours 81 👍 0

Coleman RV AC Remote Sensor Wrong Resistance: Troubleshooting Guide

Our 2013 Phaeton's Coleman AC remote sensor is throwing wrong resistance readings and I've got my multimeter ready to fix this myself — just need the correct values to check against. The remote temp sensor in my living area started reading 99°F constantly, so I checked the resistance and found it was only 9kohms while the working sensor reads 90kohms at 82°F.

I ordered the replacement part 8330-3101 (which supposedly replaces my old 8330-309), but I'm worried because the new sensor ALSO measures 9kohms right out of the package - exactly like my "bad" one. I've tested both thermostats and they work fine when I swap the sensor leads.

I'm hesitant to install this new sensor since the resistance seems wrong. Could I damage my thermostat or AC system if there's a compatibility issue? Should I be measuring resistance differently, or is there a wiring problem I'm missing? I don't want to make things worse by installing the wrong part. …more

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General Easy Research and comparison 80 👍 0

Tiffin Allegro Bus vs Newmar: Complete Owner's Comparison Guide 2024

Finally decided to stop watching YouTube comparisons between Tiffin Allegro Bus and Newmar coaches since every reviewer contradicts each other and I'm more confused than ever. I've been researching for months and keep going in circles. Currently own a 2019 Tiffin Allegro Bus 40ip and absolutely love it, but we're looking to upgrade to a 45-footer and suddenly questioning everything.

Everyone says both Tiffin and Newmar are top-tier quality, but I need to understand the real differences. What makes each brand stand out? Is Tiffin's customer service really that much better, or is it just hype? Are Newmar's interiors actually more luxurious, or is that just marketing?

I've read every forum post and review I can find, but I really need someone to break down the key differences so I can make a decision and move forward. We're not buying new, looking at newer used models, but this choice is keeping me up at night! …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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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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General Easy Research time 74 👍 0

Class A vs Class C RV: Complete 2024 Buyer's Guide & Size Comparison for Beginners

Staring down the RV lot this Saturday — should I be zeroing in on Class A or Class C models for my first purchase? I'm located in Georgia and looking for a Class A or Class C motorhome in the 28-33 foot range, with specific needs for my situation.

I keep reading that Class A RVs have more space and amenities, which sounds appealing since I want things like a king bed, a 30x36 shower, and room for recliners. But I also hear that Class C motorhomes are easier to drive and get better gas mileage, which might be important since I'm not super confident behind the wheel of a big rig yet.

I'm debating between diesel or gas engines, and whether to look at pre-covid models from established brands like Newmar and Tiffin, or newer options from Entegra and Coachmen. My budget is flexible, but ideally under $100,000.

I'm planning to tow a mid-sized SUV and take both short weekend trips and longer cross-country adventures, and I'll need space to store my recumbent trike. Would really appreciate some guidance on which type would be the better fit for my situation and skill level. Should I prioritize the extra space or the easier driving experience? …more

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Engine Medium 4-6 hours for gear change 72 👍 0

2000 Ford E450 V10 Uphill Power Mods for Mountain Towing

Called three different YouTube tutorials claiming to boost my 2000 Ford E450 V10's uphill towing power, but now my motorhome struggles even worse in the mountains. The unit struggles substantially on extended uphill grades, particularly during Rocky Mountain travel where sustained climbs can last 30+ minutes.

I'm evaluating several modification options to address this performance deficiency: rear differential gear ratio changes, SCT programming modules, K&N high-flow air filtration systems, and catalytic converter removal. I need to understand which modifications will provide measurable uphill towing improvements versus those that offer minimal gains.

What is the relative effectiveness of these power modifications for V10 mountain towing applications? I'm looking for a technical assessment of which upgrades deliver the most significant performance improvements for this specific application. …more

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Best RV Air Conditioners

4.4 (8,100 reviews)

General Easy 15-30 minutes research 71 👍 0

How to Identify Unknown RV Parts: Complete Guide for Used RV Owners

Walked away from the RV dealer after he dismissed these mystery parts in my used diesel pusher as "just junk" but they look too expensive to toss. I'm hoping you can help me identify them - I've actually got a photo (with a can for perspective to show scale). Some look like they might be plumbing related, others could be antenna components, but honestly I have NO clue what most of this stuff is for!

I've been going through everything trying to figure out what belongs where and what might be important vs just junk the previous owner left behind. I'm getting pretty frustrated because I don't want to throw away something critical, but I also don't want to keep a bunch of useless parts cluttering up my storage.

What's the best way to actually identify these mystery RV parts? I feel like I've hit a wall and could really use some direction on how to tackle this systematically. …more

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Engine Easy 1-2 hours installation 70 👍 0

Ford V10 RV Performance Tune Comparison: Banks vs UPFORD vs 5 Star Tuning Options

During my search for a 2012 Fleetwood Bounder 35H and Thor Hurricane 35C with V10 engines, my existing UPFORD tune has become a confusing mess. My current Class C has an UPFORD Ultra tune that I installed about five years ago, and I've been extremely satisfied with the performance improvements - better gear holding, reduced downshifting from 5th to 4th to 3rd, lower RPMs, and significantly less engine noise.

UPFORD offers a transfer service where I can move my existing tune to the new motorhome for a fee, but I'm wondering if I should consider switching to a different tuning company instead. The main alternatives I'm looking at are Banks Power and 5 Star Tuning, since these seem to be the three most popular V10 performance tune options for RV applications.

From a cost-effectiveness standpoint, would it make more sense to transfer my current UPFORD tune to the new Class A, or are there compelling reasons to start fresh with Banks or 5 Star? I want to make sure I'm getting the best possible performance and value, especially since all three companies seemed to offer similar benefits when I originally researched this five years ago. …more

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General Easy 30 minutes install 70 👍 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 Medium Professional installation 69 👍 0

SDI E-Clik Stabilizer Reviews: Real RV Owner Experiences & Performance Guide

The third time this season my F-53 motorhome has been rocking like a boat at campgrounds and I'm done pretending the SDI E-Clik stabilizer system isn't worth investigating. The body roll on highway drives has me white-knuckling the steering wheel, and I'm worried about safety for my family.

I keep seeing mixed information online - some people seem to love it, others say it's just marketing hype. I don't want to throw money at a problem that needs a more serious suspension overhaul, but I also can't afford a complete suspension replacement right now.

Can anyone share honest, real-world experiences with the E-Clik system? Does it actually improve handling enough to notice, or am I setting myself up for disappointment? I need realistic expectations before I commit to this purchase. …more

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