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Best Mobile RV Repair Apps and Services: Complete Guide 2024
General Easy 15 min research 154 👍 1

Best Mobile RV Repair Apps and Services: Complete Guide 2024

Since my RV broke down I'm standing in the app store staring at dozens of mobile repair services with no clue which one actually works. This made me realize how valuable a comprehensive resource for mobile RV repair services would be.

Are there apps, websites, or forums that maintain an up-to-date list of mobile RV repair, tire repair, and towing services across the country? I'm interested in hearing about recommendations from experienced RV owners who have used these services and can vouch for their reliability and responsiveness.

What strategies do other RV travelers use to find quick, trustworthy mobile repair services when they're stuck in an unfamiliar area? …more
How to Travel with a Winterized RV: Complete Cold Weather Guide
Plumbing Easy N/A 82 👍

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
Diesel vs Gas Class A Motorhome for Family of 6: Expert Advice
Engine Medium 2-3 months research and shopping 77 👍

Diesel vs Gas Class A Motorhome for Family of 6: Expert Advice

Three months of research comparing diesel pushers versus gas Class A motorhomes for our family of 6 has left us more confused than ever!

Here's what's driving me crazy - diesel pushers from around 2010-2012 seem like the budget sweet spot, with their quieter engine placement at the rear and more comfortable ride. But we had a devastating mold problem in our last house that affected everyone's health, and I'm terrified of buying an older RV that might have hidden moisture issues.

The newer gas Class A units (2015 and up) seem like they'd be safer from a mold standpoint, but I worry we're sacrificing ride quality and long-term reliability. Since we don't already own a heavy-duty truck, a motorhome seems more practical than a 5th wheel. With four kids, comfort matters, but their health matters more.

Am I overthinking this, or should the mold risk really be the deciding factor here? I just need someone to tell me straight - which way would you go? …more
How to Find Emergency Diesel RV Repair Shops During Breakdown
Engine Easy Research during breakdown 72 👍

How to Find Emergency Diesel RV Repair Shops During Breakdown

Nobody believes my wife when she tells people our diesel pusher started billowing black smoke right when that fan belt snapped on Interstate 10, 40 miles from Houston. I know truckers deal with this all the time, so there's gotta be some go-to resources or apps they use to locate repair shops when they break down on the road. What's the smartest approach to quickly find diesel mechanics who can handle an RV when you're stranded? I'm talking about real-world tools and methods that actually work when you're in a jam, like I was where I could barely find anyone close to work on my vehicle. …more
Complete RV Interior Rebuild Guide: Mold Removal & Tips
General Hard 6-12 months 70 👍

Complete RV Interior Rebuild Guide: Mold Removal & Tips

According to what I spotted this morning, my 2001 Fleetwood Discovery has black patches creeping up the walls that definitely weren't there yesterday after three years of full-timing. Planning total interior demolition - walls, ceilings, floors, cabinets, everything except the fridge.

Detailed rebuild plan includes:
- 2" 7.7 R Foam Insulation
- White subway porcelain flooring with epoxy grout
- White plastic ceiling sheeting
- Dark stained pine shiplap walls
- Custom cabinets
- Furniture from Seats4less (U-shaped dinette), Amazon (queen sofa bed), Home Depot (loft bunk)
- Madico mirror finish security film on windows
- Comprehensive mold treatment before rebuilding

Never tackled anything this extensive before. What are the most critical structural and safety considerations I need to prioritize during this complete rebuild? Want to make sure I don't compromise anything important while upgrading everything. …more
Adding Ball Valve to 2008 Fleetwood Terra Heater Line - Safe?
Ac Refrigeration Medium 1-2 hours 68 👍

Adding Ball Valve to 2008 Fleetwood Terra Heater Line - Safe?

I turned off my RV's cooling system and grabbed my wrench — ready to install a ball valve on my 2008 Fleetwood Terra's heater line but need safety confirmation first. I've been battling what I suspect is a faulty electric heater valve that may not be closing completely when I switch to A/C mode.

The electric valve is expensive to replace and located in an incredibly awkward spot that's driving me crazy to access. I've tried everything - heat detectors, feeling around the lines, you name it - but I still can't definitively tell if it's actually sealing off hot coolant flow when the A/C is running.

Here's my question: Can I safely install a simple manual ball valve in the heater line before the existing electric valve? I'm hoping this would let me manually shut off coolant flow to the heater core when using A/C, essentially doing the job the electric valve should be doing. Will this cause any problems with the cooling system or damage anything? I just need to know if this is a safe solution before I start cutting into lines. …more

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How to Safely Add Extra Seats to Your RV for Grandchildren - Complete
General Hard 6-8 hours 67 👍

How to Safely Add Extra Seats to Your RV for Grandchildren - Complete

Opened a $2,000 quote for professional RV seating installation to accommodate grandchildren and wondering if I can safely install Honda Odyssey middle row seats myself instead.

My specific modification involves elevating the right seat 12 inches and the left seat 6 inches, with horizontal offset to prevent interference during movement. My primary concerns are proper mounting procedures and safety compliance.

What's the correct method to securely attach minivan seats to an RV floor structure? I understand my custom elevation may create unique mounting challenges, and I want to ensure proper seatbelt integration at each position.

I need technical guidance on mounting hardware specifications and structural attachment points to ensure this modification meets safety standards. …more
Used Motorhome Buying: Newer Basic vs Older Loaded Model
General Medium 2-3 hours 62 👍 1

Used Motorhome Buying: Newer Basic vs Older Loaded Model

Pulled up dozens of used motorhome listings and I'm staring at this massive price gap between newer basic models and older fully-loaded ones. I'm concerned about making the right choice for our family's safety and comfort. We have around $275,000 to spend and I'm torn between two options: a newer 3-year-old 40-foot coach that's in nice condition, or an older 6-year-old 44-foot model that's loaded with features. Both seem well-maintained, but I want to make sure we choose the safest, most reliable option for our family adventures. What factors should guide our decision? …more
Mobile CAT Diesel Engine Repair Service in North Carolina - RV Technical Solutions
Engine Easy Research and scheduling 58 👍

Mobile CAT Diesel Engine Repair Service in North Carolina - RV Technical Solutions

Apparently my 2001 Fleetwood Discovery has a failing CAT 330 diesel engine, transmission issues, AND electrical problems all hitting at once. Had battery failure and explosion, replaced batteries. Engine runs smooth but CEL still flashing. Code shows SID 253 FMI 2 - voltage/calibration memory related.

Local tech says needs CAT ET software to clear codes. Need mobile CAT technician in eastern North Carolina area. Is this safe to drive or should I wait for service? Any dealer recommendations for mobile CAT service? …more
Diesel vs Gas Class A Under 40ft: Which Is More Reliable?
Chassis Medium 2-3 hours research 51 👍

Diesel vs Gas Class A Under 40ft: Which Is More Reliable?

Turned green with envy watching my neighbor's 38ft diesel Class A run flawlessly for five years while I'm still paralyzed choosing between gas or diesel for cross-country trips. We need something under 40 feet with bunk beds for the kids, plus I want to tow our SUV behind it. Most of the diesel coaches I'm seeing are these massive 42+ foot rigs that cost way more than my $100k budget. I keep hearing diesels are more reliable for long trips, but I'm wondering if that's just marketing hype. Are there real advantages to diesel in a smaller coach, or would I be better off with a gas unit that fits my size and budget requirements better? …more
Chinese Fire Extinguishers for RVs: Scam or Legitimate?
General Easy 2-3 hours 48 👍

Chinese Fire Extinguishers for RVs: Scam or Legitimate?

Since shopping for RV fire extinguishers, I'm getting contradictory expert advice, seeing sketchy Amazon reviews on cheap Chinese models, AND can't figure out what's actually safe. They're mostly from Chinese manufacturers with names I can't pronounce, and they cost a fraction of what the established tube systems like BlazeCut cost. The problem is, every "review" I read sounds exactly the same - like they were written by bots, not real people who actually tested them. I'm tempted by the low price, but I'm worried I'd just be wasting money on something that won't work when I need it most. Has anyone actually used these things in a real fire situation, or should I stick with the proven but expensive options? …more
Best Super C Motorhome Roadside Assistance & Tire Services
General Easy 30 minutes 43 👍

Best Super C Motorhome Roadside Assistance & Tire Services

About to leave for a cross-country trip in our Super C motorhome next week and I just realized I have no idea what roadside assistance actually covers for tire blowouts. My wife and I just picked up our first Super C - a 2022 Jayco Seneca - and we're trying to figure out the best services to have in place before we hit the road. We've owned travel trailers for years, but this motorhome thing is completely different territory for us. I'm particularly concerned about tire issues since we're dealing with much heavier weights and commercial-grade tires now. What roadside assistance programs actually work well for Super Cs, and are there tire services that specialize in these bigger rigs? I'd rather spend a bit more upfront for quality service than get stuck somewhere remote with subpar help. Any recommendations from experienced Super C owners would be greatly appreciated! …more
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