Results for "interior modifications"

General Medium 4-8 hours 116 👍 0

How to Reduce RV Interior Noise: Complete Sound Dampening Guide for Motorhomes

Despite having a 2021 Coachmen Mirada, looking at my sound meter right now and there's 69 decibels of highway noise blasting through the cabin. My target is to achieve approximately 65 decibels for better communication with passengers.

I need a systematic approach to interior noise reduction. What are the most effective sound dampening materials and techniques for motorhomes? Specifically, I'm looking for solutions that address engine noise transmission, road noise, and any rattling components that contribute to the overall sound level.

What realistic noise reduction can I expect from proper sound deadening implementation, and what are the key areas to focus on for maximum impact? …more

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Appliances Medium 2-4 hours 112 👍 0

RV Water Heater Not Hot Enough: Fix Lukewarm Water Issues

Looked forward to our two-week cross-country trip starting tomorrow until I discovered my RV water heater that used to produce scalding hot water now barely gets lukewarm. Both the electric and gas functions appear to be working - I can hear the gas igniting and see the electric indicator light - but the water temperature just won't get hot enough for a decent shower.

I've been dealing with this for weeks now and it's driving me crazy. The water gets warm, but nowhere near the hot temperatures I used to get. Is this a common problem with RV water heaters? What are the most likely culprits when you're getting lukewarm water instead of hot? I really need to figure out what's causing this and how to fix it before my next camping trip. …more

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Ac Refrigeration Medium 4-6 hours 107 👍 0

RV 3-Way to 12V Compressor Fridge Replacement: Cut Power Use 80%

Three weeks into owning this RV and the previous owner left me with a power-hungry Norcold 3-way absorption fridge that's absolutely demolishing my 600AH battery bank daily.

I keep hearing people rave about switching to 12V compressor fridges like the Dometic DMC4101, claiming they'll solve all my power woes. But here's the thing - everyone says "it uses way less power" but nobody gives me actual numbers! I need the cold hard facts: exactly how much power will I save making this switch? Will it really make that big of a difference, or am I just trading one expensive problem for another?

Please tell me someone has real-world experience with the power consumption difference between these fridge types! …more

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Best RV Sewer Hoses & Kits

4.6 (31,500 reviews)

Engine Medium 4-8 hours 104 👍 0

Fix Wasteful RV Kitchen Cabinets - Thick Bottom Boards

After hearing my RV dealer call these thick kitchen cabinet bottom boards "industry standard" while my mechanic buddy insists they're just wasteful space-stealers, I'm completely confused. I've been doing a complete remodel to maximize storage space, but I'm shocked at the poorly designed layout.

The cabinet bottom board is a ridiculous 2 inches thick - that's eating up 10% of my entire cabinet height! Even worse, the drawer cabinet only has about 4 inches of usable space on each side because of how the PEX water lines are routed. It's like they just threw those lines in there without any thought to space efficiency.

I keep hearing about how amazing modern RVs are, but this is just terrible design. Is there any way to actually fix these issues? Can I modify the cabinet bottoms to be thinner and reroute those PEX lines properly? I really need to reclaim this wasted space but I'm not sure where to start or if it's even possible to address both problems. …more

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Appliances Medium 3-4 hours 103 👍 0

Installing a Rear Camera on Your Fifth Wheel RV: Complete Guide

I spent way too much time backing into spots blind, so I grabbed my tools and I'm ready to install a rear camera system on my fifth wheel myself — just need to know the best place to start. I keep hearing horror stories about people drilling holes in the wrong spots or having wiring issues that cause leaks or electrical problems.

I'm torn between wireless and wired systems - which is actually safer to install? And I'm terrified about where to mount the camera without damaging my RV's structure or creating water intrusion issues. Should it go at the top center or would a corner placement be less risky?

I've been looking at brands like Furrion, Haloview, and Rear View Safety, but I need to know which ones are most reliable and forgiving for a cautious DIYer. Most importantly, how do I run cables safely without creating new holes that could leak? Are there existing entry points I should use instead?

(Note: Can you share details about your current fifth wheel and any existing camera/monitoring setup?) …more

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Electrical Medium 2-4 hours 101 👍 0

RV Dash AC Blower Motor Not Working? Check These Hidden Fuses First

Last week I'm trying to decide between shelling out hundreds for an RV tech or tackling this myself after my F53 chassis motorhome's dash A/C blower motor completely died. I've checked all the obvious fuses in the main fuse panels, but nothing seems blown.

I discovered something crucial that might help others: Fleetwood added a hidden 25 amp fuse wire-tied above the emergency brake, not shown in standard Ford chassis diagrams. In my case, this was the culprit. As a temporary fix, I even ran a wire directly from my lighter plug with a switch to get some air movement.

I'm wondering if other RV owners might have similar hidden electrical components that aren't in standard chassis wiring documentation? Before taking it to a shop, I recommend carefully checking behind panels and tracing wires, especially looking near the dashboard area above the emergency brake for manufacturer-specific fuses. …more

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Chassis Hard Research and planning phase 96 👍 0

Ford F53 Godzilla V8 Suspension Problems: Fixes & Upgrades for Class A Motorhomes

Halfway through my first long trip, this bone-rattling vibration and unsettling sway started plaguing my newer Class A motorhome with the Ford F53 Godzilla V8 chassis. Coming from a 26' travel trailer and a history with brands like LazyDaze, I'm trying to understand the current RV landscape. I saw a Baystar 2023 model where the owner spent around $35,000 on suspension upgrades after just 12,000 miles.

Sounds awesome on paper, but I keep hearing people say you still need to dump a ton of money into suspension upgrades to make these things handle decently on the highway. Did Ford actually improve the suspension setup when they introduced the Godzilla engine, or are we dealing with the same basic chassis design that's been around forever? I'm talking about 30+ foot Class A rigs here - seems crazy that a $200k motorhome would need immediate aftermarket work to drive safely.

Anyone know if the Godzilla F53 combo actually fixed the handling problems or if it's just more power on the same wobbly platform? …more

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Appliances Easy 10 minutes research 93 👍 0

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

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General Easy 30 minutes per piece 93 👍 0

How to Replace RV Wall Art: 7 Lightweight Decor Ideas for Travel

Opened up my motorhome and I'm staring at this hideous generic wall art — but before I start ripping it down, would that void my interior warranty? Since I'm only using it for 20-30 days a year, I'm wondering about the best approach to personalizing my space. I've noticed these factory pictures are pretty standard across RVs, but I'm curious how others handle this.

I'm worried about damaging walls or creating safety hazards while driving. The current pieces seem attached with velcro or screws, but I'm not sure how to remove them properly. More importantly, I want to understand weight limits and what materials are safe for RV walls. When I tried hanging a regular glass-framed photo last month, it rattled terribly going down the highway - clearly not the right approach!

Have other RV owners, especially those who are full-timers or occasional campers, replaced their standard artwork? What's the best way to remove existing mounted pieces and replace them with lightweight alternatives that won't become projectiles when traveling? …more

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Appliances Easy 10-15 minutes 86 👍 0

RVLock Atlas Keyless Entry Installation Guide - Quick 15-Minute RV Door Fix

Between the metallic grinding when I turn the key and the ominous clicking from inside my 2016 Bounder's door mechanism, I'm ready to upgrade to an RVLock Atlas keyless system. It's specifically designed for RV doors and seems to be the only keyless lock that fits my model. The installation was incredibly quick - it took just ten minutes and required only a small Phillips screwdriver and a jeweller's screwdriver to press the reset button during programming. The Atlas comes with a QR code linking to a helpful how-to video. Just be aware it's a significant investment at $299. While pricey, the straightforward installation makes it appealing for a DIY RV owner. …more

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Ac Refrigeration Easy 30-45 minutes 85 👍 0

How to Stop RV Refrigerator Shelves from Sliding While Driving - Easy

My RV dealer insists I need to replace my entire 2025 Cedar Creek 360RL refrigerator just because the shelves slide during travel, but that seems like overkill. Even with an empty fridge, the glass shelves keep moving forward and end up pressed against the doors whenever we're driving. I'm concerned this could lead to broken glass or damage to the door seals.

I'm hesitant to try any fixes that might make the shelves permanently stuck or difficult to remove for cleaning. What are some safe, proven methods to secure refrigerator shelves during travel while still allowing easy removal when needed? I don't want to make the problem worse or void any warranties on this new RV. …more

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Best RV Surge Protectors

4.6 (14,200 reviews)

Ac Refrigeration Hard 4-8 hours 83 👍 0

Dometic RV Fridge Replacement: Residential vs RV-Specific Options Guide for Smart RVers

Replaced my old Dometic RV fridge but now I'm second-guessing whether I should have gone with a residential unit instead of another 12 cu. ft. residential unit - looking at Frigidaire or Whirlpool models. But I keep seeing terrible reviews for small residential fridges in RVs.

What causes these issues with residential fridges in RV applications? Are there better alternatives that give me residential-style features without the problems? Need to know about power requirements and installation considerations too. …more

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Ac Refrigeration Hard 4-8 hours 83 👍 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 Medium 2-4 hours 82 👍 0

Advent RV Air Conditioner Not Cooling? Complete KoolRV Adapter Fix Guide

Around 6 AM I walked out to my fifth wheel and spotted my Advent air conditioner running but barely pushing any cool air through the vents. I replaced my old Coleman AC with an Advent, mainly due to price, but I'm not getting good cooling during the heat of the day. I've found that opening the slide vents on the ceiling cover helps a bit.

I'm considering using a KoolRV adapter like I had with my previous Coleman, but no adapter currently exists for the Advent. I've noticed the cold air discharge opening is located in the corner instead of the center, which I think is causing air turbulence and restricting duct airflow.

My main concern is whether restricting the airflow too much could cause problems like freezing up or other damage to the AC system. I've also seen that installing these adapters involves removing some kind of dividing wall inside the unit, but I don't understand why that's necessary.

Could someone explain if there are risks to restricting airflow and why that dividing wall needs to be removed? I want to make sure I understand what I'm getting into before I try any modifications. Right now, it's starting to cool down here in the Everglades, but I still want to improve my cooling performance. Thanks for any guidance! …more

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Plumbing Medium 45 minutes 79 👍 0

Newmar Bay Star 3826 Black Tank Vent Pipe Routing: Complete RV Location Guide

This dangerous sewer smell is seeping into my Newmar Bay Star 3826 where my kids are sleeping—could the black tank vent pipe routing be putting my family at risk? I can trace the half bath black tank vent line running through or adjacent to the electrical cabinet area, but I require confirmation of this routing.

The rear bathroom black tank vent pathway is less apparent during my inspection. I need to identify where this vent line routes from the tank connection point up to the roof termination. Understanding both vent pipe locations is critical for proper system maintenance and troubleshooting potential blockage issues. …more

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