Results for "holding tank"

Plumbing Medium 2-3 hours 127 👍 0

RV Black Tank Not Holding Full Capacity: 7 Common Causes and DIY Repair Solutions

Somewhere between embarrassed and desperate, I have to ask this probably dumb question: why does my RV's black tank act full when it should hold way more? We have a 40-gallon black tank, but when I try to fill it with water for cleaning, it starts overflowing through the vent pipe at only 23 gallons. I'm afraid there might be something seriously wrong with the installation or that I could damage the system.

A professional cleaning service said the tank was completely clean with no blockages, so I'm confused about why it won't hold its full capacity. The water is definitely coming out the vent pipe, so I assume that means the vent isn't blocked? I'm hesitant to keep trying things without understanding what's actually causing this - could this be a safety issue or sign of improper installation? What should I be looking for to diagnose this safely? …more

Read answer

Plumbing Medium 1-2 hours 95 👍 0

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

Read answer

Plumbing Medium 45 minutes 93 👍 0

RV Water Pump Pulsing & Cycling Issues: 7 Causes + DIY Solutions

Noticed my RV water pump keeps pulsing and cycling on its own even when no faucets are running - is this dangerous with kids around? The water pump keeps turning on and off rapidly - like every few seconds - even when I don't have any faucets or anything running. It's doing this pulsing thing constantly.

I've heard someone mention something about an accumulator tank, but I'm not really sure what that is or how to check it. Could there be other things causing this too? I'd really appreciate some guidance on what might be wrong and where I should start looking. This is all pretty overwhelming as a beginner! …more

Read answer

Product Ranking 8 compared

Best RV Awnings & Accessories

4.5 (7,600 reviews)

Engine Easy 15-20 minutes to inspect/change 83 👍 0

E450 V10 Air Filter: How Often to Change on Dusty Roads

Every Saturday I'm planning to tackle my Ford E450 V10's air filter after months of dusty backroad camping — what maintenance schedule should I actually follow? The owner's manual suggests changing the air filter every 30,000 miles, but that seems like a really long interval to me.

I do a fair amount of camping on dusty dirt roads - probably covering about 8-16 miles per month on these conditions to reach remote campsites. I'm worried that all that dust might mean I need to change the filter more frequently than what Ford recommends.

Should I be following a different maintenance schedule given these dusty conditions? And is there anything I should be doing between filter changes to keep things running smoothly? I want to make sure I'm taking proper care of this engine but don't want to over-maintain either. …more

Read answer

Engine Medium 3-4 hours 82 👍 0

1999 Pace Arrow F53 Fuel Pump Replacement - Expert Advice

According to my troubleshooting so far, I've replaced the fuel filter, cleaned the fuel lines, checked all the connections, and even swapped relays — but my 1999 Pace Arrow F53 still won't get fuel to the engine. The original fuel pump has been operational for 27 years, exposed to gasoline storage conditions throughout this period.

Given the extended service life and potential for roadside failure, I'm evaluating whether proactive fuel pump replacement represents sound maintenance strategy. Seeking technical assessment on replacement timing and expected performance outcomes with quality aftermarket units from established suppliers.

What are the documented results from similar preventive fuel pump replacements on this chassis configuration? Is the investment in preemptive replacement justified based on reliability data? …more

Read answer

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

Read answer

Engine Medium 1-2 hours 81 👍 0

1990 Tioga E-350 Won't Start: Complete DIY Troubleshooting Guide

Turned the key in our "new" 1990 Fleetwood Tioga E-350 and my wife immediately said "that's not starting, honey" — now I'm completely stumped. The engine turns over like it wants to start but just won't fire up. I've already replaced the fuel pump inside the tank, but I'm wondering if another pump might need replacement. I don't want to just start throwing parts at it. What's the best systematic approach to figure out why my Tioga won't start? Are there common failure points I should check first on these older E-350 based motorhomes? …more

Read answer

Plumbing Medium 1-2 hours 78 👍 0

Thetford Aurora Toilet Replacement Guide: Best RV Toilet Upgrades 2024

The minor drip from my Thetford Aurora toilet seals started last month but now it's turned into a constant leak requiring daily maintenance. After one seal replacement, the failure recurred within four months of operation, indicating a potential systemic issue with this model's design.

I'm evaluating replacement options and need technical guidance on reliable alternatives. Budget considerations are important, but I require a unit that can withstand continuous use without recurring maintenance issues. Preference is for ceramic bowl construction over plastic alternatives for durability and performance characteristics.

What are the most reliable Thetford toilet models for Aurora replacement, and how do budget options like the Aqua Magic series compare to mid-range and premium models in terms of long-term reliability and seal performance? …more

Read answer

Plumbing Easy 30 minutes assessment 77 👍 0

RV Water Pump Failure - Emergency Roadside Repair Guide

The Trek motorhome's water pump just died at 11 PM in the middle of nowhere — need to figure this out before morning. While returning from Assateague, just north of Smyrna, Delaware, my water pump failed with a cloud of steam, leaving me stranded on the side of the road. Thankfully, Coach-Net, our road service provider, found us a tow to Lube Station and Repair in Smyrna. The Delaware State Police and Smyrna Fire Department were incredibly helpful, checking on us during this stressful situation. We ended up staying the night in the shop's lot and made it home only a day late. Has anyone else experienced something similar and have advice for handling roadside RV emergencies? …more

Read answer

Propane Medium 30 minutes 73 👍 0

Suburban SDN2U Water Heater Won't Stay Lit: Thermocouple Position Fix

Spent hours replacing the thermocouple, cleaning the burner assembly, checking gas connections — but my 2025 Jayco's Suburban SDN2U water heater still won't stay lit. I've heard this is a known problem on 2024-2025 models and that it might need a thermocouple position adjustment to match the working burner.

Before I attempt anything myself, I'm really concerned about making things worse or creating a safety hazard. Should the thermocouple tip be positioned in the outer flame cone like the working burner? I'm also worried about voiding my warranty on this new RV - would this type of adjustment be covered under warranty, and should I document the issue before trying any DIY fix?

I want to make sure I approach this safely and properly. Any guidance on whether this is something I can adjust myself or if I should insist on professional repair would be greatly appreciated. …more

Read answer

Plumbing Easy N/A 72 👍 0

Dometic RV Toilet Parts Diagrams: Complete Guide by Model Number

Halfway through this camping season, my Dometic RV toilet is eating through replacement parts way faster than it should, and I can't figure out which diagrams match my model number. I think I need a new ball seal and possibly a water valve, but I want to make sure I get the right parts for my specific model.

Where can I find official parts diagrams that show all the components? Also, I'm not even sure how to figure out what model toilet I have - is there a way to identify the model number? Any guidance would be really helpful since I don't want to order the wrong parts. …more

Read answer

Product Ranking 8 compared

Best RV Batteries

4.5 (15,400 reviews)

Plumbing Easy 30 minutes 70 👍 0

RV Sewer Hose Without Fittings: Where to Buy Bulk Hose & Replacement Options

I turned on my Class A RV this morning and discovered my 5' Camco Extreme Flex sewer hose is leaking badly everywhere. I've used multiple hoses across 5 different Class A motorhomes, and the Camco Extreme Flex has been the best, but now I'm struggling with a leak I can't seem to fix.

I keep striking out trying to find just the hose portion without fittings since I already have good fittings I can reuse from my existing 5' and 15' hoses. I don't want to go to a thinner hose with steel reinforcing. I'd ideally buy a 20' length and make a new 5' hose, keeping the remainder for future replacements.

I'm concerned - is buying bulk hose even safe for RV waste systems? Are there any reliable sources, or am I taking risks with industrial hose that wasn't meant for this? What are my safest options without having to buy complete kits with fittings I don't need? …more

Read answer

Propane Medium 2-3 hours 70 👍 0

How to Fix Atwood RV Water Heater Safety Sensor: Step-by-Step Repair Guide

Called a repair shop about my 2018 Atwood RV water heater that's 6 years old and constantly throwing safety sensor errors — repair or replace? When I was troubleshooting a non-working 120V element, I discovered that the safety sensors don't seem to be making proper contact with the tank anymore. The foam padding that's supposed to hold them against the tank has completely deteriorated and is bulging out.

This seems like it could be a serious safety issue - aren't those sensors supposed to prevent overheating? I'm scared to use the water heater until I know it's safe. I've found an Atwood XT gas/electric model that seems similar to my current unit, which costs under $100. However, I need to confirm if it has the vent on the upper left corner as you look at it. Can I fix this myself by replacing the foam, or do I need to replace the whole unit? What kind of material should I use if I can repair it? I don't want to make things worse or create a fire hazard. …more

Read answer

General Medium 1-2 hours diagnosis 69 👍 0

RV Air Suspension Rise Time: Normal vs. Problem Signs (Quick Fix Guide)

Walked out to my 2018 Newmar Dutch Star this morning and the air suspension is taking 4-5 minutes to reach ride height on startup. Just wondering if that's normal or if I've got something going on that needs attention?

Not sure if this is just how these systems work or if I should be looking at the compressor or checking for leaks somewhere. What's the typical time frame for air suspension to get up to proper height? …more

Read answer

Engine Easy N/A 68 👍 0

Cummins Engines in RVs: Diesel vs Gas Options and Maintenance Guide

Wondering if I made the right call upgrading to the new 6.7 Cummins gas engine after weeks of research — still feels like I'm missing something important. Imagine if Freightliner built a new chassis using this specific Cummins gas engine. I would think it would be a great option. I don't imagine Ford would willingly use this engine in the F53 chassis. …more

Read answer

Loading more Q&A...

You've seen all 19 Q&A articles!