Results for "family-rv"

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

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Chassis Medium 2-3 hours 92 👍 0

1997 Ford F53 Motorhome Chassis Brake Line Routing: Complete Installation Guide

Pulled into the driveway and my husband pointed out that our 1997 Ford F53 motorhome's brake lines look like "spaghetti thrown at a wall" and now I can't unsee it. I'm working on brake lines for my 1997 F53 motorhome chassis, and like a true amateur, I forgot to take a picture before disassembly. Classic mistake, right?

Now I'm staring at this brake line wondering if I've got it routed correctly. It looks awfully cozy with the caliper - maybe too cozy for comfort. I'm pretty sure brake lines aren't supposed to be BFFs with moving parts, but I honestly can't remember the proper routing path from the master cylinder.

What's the correct way to route these lines on an F53 chassis, and how much clearance should I maintain from the caliper and suspension components? I'd rather ask now than explain to my insurance company later why my brakes decided to take an unscheduled vacation! …more

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Plumbing Easy N/A 82 👍 0

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

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Product Ranking 8 compared

Best RV Air Conditioners

4.4 (8,100 reviews)

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 78 👍 0

2001 Triple E Diesel Pusher Buying Guide: Critical Inspection Tips & Red Flags

Standing next to my neighbor's flawless 2001 Triple E Signature diesel pusher makes the concerning issues on this one I'm considering buying even more obvious. Never owned a diesel coach before, only gas units. At 24 years old, what are the critical inspection points I should focus on? Should I be concerned about the age, or is Triple E known for quality construction that holds up over time? …more

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Engine Medium 2-3 months research and shopping 77 👍 0

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

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Exterior Medium 2-3 hours with help 74 👍 0

Fix Detached RV Awning Arm After Storm - Removal Guide

Finally discovered my RV awning arm completely detached and hanging loose after yesterday's storm - is this dangerous with kids running around the campsite? The rear arm completely detached during high winds and the whole thing partially deployed while I was driving. I managed to push it back in and tape it down temporarily, but it won't latch properly and keeps wanting to roll back out.

I've tried everything I can think of from ground level, but I can't reach high enough to see what's actually broken up there. The arm just won't stay in position no matter what I do. I'm worried about driving home with it like this - it could deploy again or cause damage to the RV.

I have help coming with ladders tomorrow, but I need to know my options. Is this something that can be secured well enough for travel, or am I looking at having to remove the entire awning assembly? I really need to get this resolved so I can get home safely! …more

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Propane Easy 15-30 minutes 73 👍 0

No Propane to RV Appliances - Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Tried everything the manual suggests for no propane flow issues, but even with my tank valve wide open I'm still not getting any gas to my RV appliances. I just filled up my propane tank (because apparently I'm the genius who let it run completely empty), and now I'm sitting here like a caveman with no stove, no hot water, and definitely no s'mores tonight. The tank gauge says it's full, but absolutely ZERO propane is making it to any of my appliances.

I'm looking for a leak detector that seems to be missing, and the user manual shows it as #7 in the lineup. I think it should be between the regulator and supply line, but I can't seem to locate it. I checked around the typical areas but didn't spot anything that looked like it might be the shutoff valve.

I'm pretty sure I didn't suddenly develop superpowers that make propane disappear, so there's got to be something simple I'm missing. Is there some kind of safety shutoff that kicks in when tanks go empty? Or did my regulator decide to go on strike? I feel like I'm one step away from rubbing two sticks together to make coffee. Help a fellow RVer out before I completely lose what's left of my camping dignity! …more

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Engine Easy Research during breakdown 72 👍 0

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

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General Hard 6-12 months 71 👍 0

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

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Ac Refrigeration Medium 1-2 hours 69 👍 0

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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Product Ranking 8 compared

Best RV Sewer Hoses & Kits

4.6 (31,500 reviews)

General Hard 6-8 hours 68 👍 0

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

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Engine Easy N/A 66 👍 0

Emergency Driving with RV Tire Covers On: What to Do & Safety Essentials

According to my experience, my motorhome tire covers only cause emergency driving issues when it's above 85 degrees outside — they stay put fine in cooler weather. I'm worried about what would happen if I forget to remove them before driving, especially in an emergency situation where I might need to leave quickly.

Would driving with the tire covers still on damage my tires or wheels? I'm hoping they would just tear off harmlessly, but I honestly don't know and don't want to risk expensive tire damage. Any advice on what actually happens and whether it's safe to drive if I absolutely had to? …more

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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

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General Medium 4-8 hours 60 👍 0

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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